Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
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While sitting at the lunch table...

T (age 4): I just don't know how the babies come out.
K (age 6): I know. (giggles erupt)
T: Where?
K: Do you really want to know where?
T: Yes.
K: Out of here. (points to the correct area)
T: From your parts? (our term in this house)
K: Yes. (giggle giggle)
T: How?
(Oh my...
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D's (2 years old) new word as of Tuesday January 20th...OOOOHHHH BAAAAA MAAAAHHHH.
(which he says with a hilariously drawn out sort of growl)
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D puts his hands out and into his sisters' hands while saying, "Rosies, Rosies". He loves to play Ring around the Rosey with them.
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D just adores his sisters. The other day it was just him and Daddy playing cars. D did something with his cars and without thinking said, "Look Kay-ee; Look Tricia". Then he looked up and realized they weren't around and said, "Look Daddy".
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Your Turn:

Pomp and Circumstance

I don't talk politics a whole lot. Because I think it is a pretty good practice to keep your mouth closed when you don't really know a whole lot about the topic.

But I know what I know and I know what I think. And today, I am going to venture into that political field, ever so slightly.

I admit that I didn't vote for Barack Obama, but as a citizen of this country I will support and pray for our current leader even though many of our views are different. I don't mean I'll support all of his decisions, but I will support him as our nation's leader.

So I watched the inauguration with my children, mainly because it was such a historical moment for our country. And it was amazing and fun to witness. I have never watched an inauguration (see...I am not into politics), but witnessed most of this one from 9 AM until after noon. I even flipped the TV back on that night to watch some of the festivities for our new first family that evening.

It was absolutely enjoyable. I have to admit that I got caught up in the pomp and circumstance of the evening as well and celebrated this momentous occasion along with the rest of our nation.

But inauguration day has passed and I am reminded this week of a reason my heart sighs deeply for our nation in these next 4 years.

This past week the March for Life took place in Washington DC. While President Obama was invited to address the group, he did not. His past record and statements make it clear to me that he is pro-choice and does not intend to protect the sanctity of unborn human life.

In fact, this same week he began using our tax dollars (even in light of economic struggle) to begin paying for abortions in foreign countries again, something President Bush had put an end to. Another act, The Freedom of Choice Act in particular saddens me because President Obama stated that he would sign it if it should pass through Congress.

My heart cries for the voices of the unborn children who do not have a leader in our country who will fight for their life. Instead, many of them will be allowed to suffer an early death at the hands of their own mothers.

During this pregnancy I have seen ultrasounds at 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks for various reasons. I have seen that life growing in my body and can't imagine anyone denying the existence of its precious soul. I have watched my baby wiggle his/her fingers, put his/her hand behind his/her head, and I have seen that tiny heartbeat assuring me that this little LIFE is growing.

(The picture here happens to be a baby at 20 weeks, which is 1 week older than the baby growing in my womb)
I know the economy is on the minds of most Americans as our main challenge at this time, but this week my heart was saddened as I thought about these unborn babies. Decisions are being made in this presidency which will result in the deaths of more and more of our nation's children.

I know that there is someone who knows intimately each of these unborn children. He knows what their purposes were and what the plan was for their lives. Many Americans may not think a life was lost, but God knows each and every life that was lost and I have no doubt He weeps for them as well.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." Jeremiah 1:5

You do begin to wonder what these unborn children had been set apart for that they will never become.

And the winner is...

The Random Number Generator picked Number 10....

Kim said...
Definitely interested after the impact Breathe made on how I order my life!

Kim, email me your address and your book will be on its way! Thanks everyone for your comments. And Kim, enjoy your book!

Why Blog?

I was reading a Readers Digest article at the doctor's office. It was an article about writing a memoir. One paragraph summed up exactly how I feel about blogging...

"Writing about your life is also about coming to a fresh understanding of it at an age when you probably think you know yourself pretty well. Novelist Setphen King has said, "I write to find out what I think." He means that until you set an experience down on paper, until you ponder the perfect words to describe it, you can't fully appreciate or understand it. Threading related experiences together, you see a pattern in the quilt of your existence. It's about creating a legacy that doesn't have dollar signs in front of it but has far greater residual value for family and friends."

While I am not at an age that I think I know myself well, blogging has truly helped me know myself in a way I have not in the past. Even though most of the time I am just babbling about life in this house, there are times I truly pause to process through a thought or an experience. It is in those moments that I see me. I see my perceptions, my feelings, and my inadequacies.

And in these moments, I grow as a person.

Like Stephen King, it is in blogging that often I find out what I think.

Not an Ordinary Moment

On Monday, I had a cold. With a horrible cough. And I sounded like a frog when I talked. It was horrible. BUT that was the day that I had arranged to meet Jolanthe from No Ordinary Moments and there was NO WAY I would miss it! Afterall, it was just a cold.

So, I headed out to meet Jolanthe, who now thinks I talk like a frog.

But it is all good. Cause I don't care about pretentious stuff like that. Mostly...

Anyway we met at 10 AM for a post-breakfast snack and by 5 PM, I think Panera thought we were moving in.

Jolanthe arrived with her basket of goodies for me!


Yes, homeschool mommies like to talk homeschool.

But that isn't where the conversation ended. After touring her awesome curriculum from this year, we chatted about kids, life, and blogging. It was great fun!


Our other blogging friend (and Jolanthe's IRL friend) Christen was hoping to make it but wasn't able to swing it. Her water cup was left sitting there, completely untouched. But we talked about her...

It was all good things girl, I promise!

Anyway, it was great meeting you in person Jolanthe. I'll have to call you next week so you can verify that I don't always sound like a frog!

Can't wait till next time. When Christen can come too!

Meet Keri Wyatt Kent

Keri Wyatt Kent is a gifted writer. I have read two of her books and both have been challenging and well as encouraging.

On Saturday, I shared my thoughts on her latest release, Rest. Today she is "here" to answer a few of my questions about her book. A free copy of her book will be sent to one lucky commenter, so be sure to comment by Friday at midnight. The winner will be announced on Saturday.

Before we "hear" from Keri, I'd like to share a few quotes from her book:

"In practicing Sabbath, we rest because God rested. We imitate God and, in so doing, realize we are not God. But also we rest from accumulating, from striving after greater prosperity. In so doing, we cultivate contentment. We have time to remember what we have is a gift from God. We live on grace on Sabbath, not by working of our hands.... "(page 87)

Keri has a wonderful way of encouraging readers to begin their journey toward Sabbath Simplicity slowly, prayerfully, and with small changes. She tells a mom of two small children...

"...to let go of the "ought to" list in her head that says how Sabbath should be practiced and to start the journey with small steps" (page 109)

She makes practical suggestions to this mom of little ones, such as making bedtime Saturday night early to begin her Sabbath well rested. She also suggested asking her husband to pitch in with specific duties with the children during the day that normally she covers. This way she experiences a little more rest. She continues with more practical suggestions that moms could adopt for their own households.

And now, here are some thoughts from Keri about Sabbath Simplicity.

Mary: When confronted with someone focused on legalism in their thoughts on the Sabbath, what specific scripture passages or thoughts do you share with them?

Keri: I ask them to look at how Jesus lived—not just isolated verses, but the whole of his life and teachings. He kept Sabbath, but in a new way, with great freedom. He invites us into that freedom. He said, follow me. He said, the Sabbath is made for people, not people for the Sabbath. It’s a gift.

Jesus got into trouble with the legalists of his day for the way he practiced Sabbath. He spoke against legalism, again and again. He was not saying we should work on Sabbath, but that we should restore relationships and community on Sabbath. The whole first chapter of my book, which is available on-line is about what Jesus taught about Sabbath. It includes a lot of Scripture references. But you can prove almost any point by proof-texting, and so we have to look at the whole of Scripture.

Mary: What positive changes have you seen in your family relationships, your walk with God, and your other relationships that you think are directly related to your lifestyle of Sabbath simplicity?

Keri: Sabbath requires us to set boundaries, to say no to our normal daily tasks so we can say yes to loving God and loving others. Practicing setting boundaries has improved my marriage in a lot of ways. It’s created an atmosphere of greater respect between my husband and I.

My kids are 12 and 14, and they’ve come to love Sundays because I’m available to them. I turn off the computer and spend time with them. That’s strengthened our bond.

I’ve learned to trust God, that he will help me get all my work done in six days, so I can focus on him on the seventh. You don’t lose that Sabbath time, you don’t fall behind. You become more efficient the other six days. Sabbath provides perspective on what you really should be doing. I think we’re often busy because we’re doing things that we’re not really called to do, that we don’t need to do—or that we ought to delegate. This comes back to boundaries. One change in my family that has helped us keep Sabbath is shifting the household chores from being just my responsibility to being shared between the four of us.

It is not necessarily a day when we just sit around. We might be active, but focused on the six aspects of Sabbath I write about: resting, reconnecting, revising, pausing, playing and praying. It varies from week to week.

Our Sabbath starts Saturday evening. Some weeks, we’ll have friends over to enjoy a meal and just hang out on Saturday night. That builds relationships.

Mary: What have been some of the difficult obstacles you have faced as you seek to glorify God in your Sabbath worship and rest? How did you handle them?

Keri: I share a lot of this in the book. One issue was sports—particularly soccer. For us, a Sabbath Simplicity lifestyle means each child can do just one sport at a time. But still, we’d sometimes end up with soccer games or even tournaments for my daughter on Sunday. We had to let go of having perfect Sabbaths, and figure out how we could include activity on Sabbath but still not be hurried. We sometimes go to games, but we don’t try to run errands or get a bunch of other tasks done. I also was convicted about how I behave on the sidelines of the game. God challenged me to take a restful approach as a spectator, to tone down my overly-enthusiastic cheering (yelling) so that soccer became recreational and fun, rather than stressful, for my daughter.

My husband is a realtor, so some Sundays, he’s working. I decided that I would rest on Sundays but not legislate it for anyone else in the house.


If our attempts to keep Sabbath didn’t turn out as well as we’d hoped, we didn’t give up. We kept practicing it, and over the years, it became a more comfortable and life-giving practice for our family.

Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity is available at bookstores everywhere, and on-line. Click here to purchase it from amazon.com or christianbooks.com.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
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I stayed at a hotel this weekend with my daughters. This is a RARE treat for them. The last time they had an overnight in a hotel was about 4 years ago, so they have no memory of it. They were so excited!

When we walked in the room, they began to look around and T (age 4) exclaimed, "Look there are TWO beds in here!" They began to pretend it was their "house".

Then they realized Grandma and Poppy were right next door. The excitement over the adjoining door was hilarious! They began to call each other and invite one another over to the other room. It was adorable!

When we got home, they told their dad about the room...

K (age6): ...and there were two ways to get to Grandma and Poppy's room. You could go outside and go in with the key OR you could just go through the wall!
Dad: There was a hole in the wall?
K: No. There was a door!
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Your Turn:

Wisdom

*Due to some unforeseen circumstances, the interview with Keri Wyatt Kent regarding her book, Rest, has been postponed until Wednesday. Come back then to hear from Keri and have a chance to win a free copy of her new book.

Recently I have been thinking about wisdom. As a mom of three kids with another one on the way, there are days that it is proven time and time again that I have completely lost my mind.

It's true. Ask the people around me. I forget things that just happened. I lose track of phone messages, mail, and appointments. I can't find things and then I realize that I am holding them.

Yet I am expected to run our house, cook meals, keep things neat and organized, AND raise my children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

It's an overwhelming feeling and there are situations that truly drive me to my knees in prayer regularly. In fact, recently I struggled over and over in a situation with my oldest daughter. We were having some issues with her lack of respect and I felt like I was at the end of my rope.

Where is wisdom to be found? Clearly it is not found within me. I prove that regularly. Yet I desire to make wise decisions when disciplining my children.

Thankfully a dear friend (who is always willing to share the wisdom God gives her) reminded me that in James 1:5 we are told, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

Let me tell you that I have been praying daily for God to generously POUR wisdom into my mind that will be reflected in my life , my choices, and my speech.

My actions may regularly prove that my brain cells are being depleted, but I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who is willing to generously give wisdom without finding fault.

Praise God and to Him be all of the glory for the wisdom He provides!

Rest by Keri Wyatt Kent

*Monday's post will include an interview with the author and one copy of her lastest book will be given away. Details below and on Monday.

The book, Breathe by Keri Wyatt Kent, was a book changed the way I looked at so many situations and circumstances in my life.

My husband will be the first to tell you that this book made a huge difference in my life and in the atmosphere of our household. I truly learned to breathe and make space for God in the midst of my life as well as in the lives of my kids.

Two chapters that impacted me deeply were her chapters on Sabbath keeping. I wrote about them in a previous post. I was extremely excited when I learned from Keri that she had a new book coming out focusing on Sabbath keeping. Her new book, Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity, was equally as thought provoking and encouraging.

In her latest book, Keri focuses on the practice of Sabbath keeping by looking at resting, reconnecting, revising, pausing, playing and praying. Her book is challenging while at the same time, encouraging.

Her book takes a completely non-legalistic approach to the practice of Sabbath keeping, emphasizing the Sabbath keeping isn't about rules and regulations. In fact, she freely admits the challenges various seasons of life have presented. Whether it was balancing teenagers playing sports or a husband working in real estate, she has continued to seek Sabbath rest for herself and in turn, her family. Her book assured me that even a tired mommy of three little ones (like myself) could find a way to practice Sabbath keeping and relieve myself from errands, laundry, and chores for a day in order to reconnect with God and my family.

I highly recommend this book! The GREAT news is that on Monday, June 19th, Keri will "be here" via an interview. She answer a few questions I sent her about Sabbath keeping based on this book and ONE LUCKY COMMENTOR will receive a free copy of her new book, Rest!

See you Monday!

Baby Update - 16 week mid wife visit

Dear Baby,

I was looking forward to my 16 week mid-wife visit to hear that reassuring sound of your little heart beating. At 12 weeks, the midwife couldn't find your heartbeat, but it had been seen on a recent ultrasound so we didn't worry much about that. After all, it was early.

The office was running behind so I had 40 minutes to sit in the waiting room. Thankfully, I had a babysitter and had brought my bible, so that was all good! I am almost finished Romans to complete my goal of reading through the entire bible, so their lateness allowed me some uninterrupted time to spend in God's Word.

Soon enough it was my turn!

Turns out, the midwife couldn't find your heartbeat again at 16 weeks. Which was a bit concerning. But I kept reminding myself that I had felt you move recently. I kept assuring myself it was fine. Of course, it helped that I had just finished reading three chapters in Romans and there is nothing like a good dose of Paul's message of God's sovereignty in Romans to keep your mind focused and at peace.

Then she came back in the room to let me know that they were going to send me over for an "emergency ultrasound" right away.

The term "emergency ultrasound" doesn't do much to stabilize a pregnant woman's hormones. But I smiled and kept it together in that "I am sure everything is fine" sort of way.

Cause I was convincing myself it was. And I was praying. Praying for you and praying for peace.

I quickly called my mom (the babysitter that morning) and made it through a quick conversation to let her know I'd be a little longer and tell her what was up. Then I sent this exact text message to your father:

Couldn't find heartbeat. Going for emergency ultrasound. Can't call or I'll get upset. I'll call after and let you know.

Then I played Word Warp on the phone to distract my mind for 10 minutes as I waited. (It was a long 10 minutes for your daddy as he waited as well!)

Soon it was my turn for a quick ultrasound, which showed you up and kicking with 100% certainty! You moved your little mouth at us and wiggled your hand. Your heartbeat was beating quite clearly.

And I was reassured. That you were okay.

And know without a doubt I love you so very deeply already.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
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We happened upon a Hall.mark store that was going out of buisness. Every card in the store was 80% off!!! While I was shopping, K (age 6) was reading the cards out loud...

K (age 6): Just to say I think of you. I love you more than anyone.
T (age 4): That's not true. God loves us the most.
(AMEN sista'
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T (age 4): The thumb on my toe hurts.
Mom: The thumb?
T: Yeah, the big toe.
(this girl keeps me in stiches)
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Your Turn:

Bring on the chocolate...

And the chocolate ice cream with peanut butter swirl...

And the salt and vinegar chips...

And a cranberry orange scone...

And a big thick milkshake...

At least until I have to be "just back to regular" again.

Quick Take Two

One day I'll have more time to type something other than these quick takes.

I was packing the girls overnight bag for their sleepover at Grandma's house tonight and K (age 6) yelled from the other room, "Remember to pack my bible!"

Will do girlfriend!

Quick Take

These days, the villain in most of their pretend play is named, "Caiaphas".

A few nights ago, it cracked me up when I walked passed the bathroom and heard the two girls (ages 6 and 4) playing. They had their rescue heros in the tub with them. Apparently they were all attacking Caiaphas.
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Today, they sit here playing with cars and The Rescue Hero station and I just heard,

"Caiaphas's plans are being carried out"

"Take this to the high priest"

I believe the dump truck is the high priest.

Wordless Wednesday: YUM!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

*We must begin this week with a HUGE thank you to Jolanthe at No Ordinary Moments. She created our lovely new graphic and button. She politely suggested that maybe it was time for a new one and disgusied her hint as an offer to create it! (the perfect kind of helpful hint!)

We no longer have to view autumn looking footsies in the hay. We officially have a winter TTT graphic. Feel free to swipe it for your TTT!

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
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D's (23 months) word: Kiss-miss lights
Real Word: Christmas lights
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K (age 6): That's not a short cut. That's a hard cut!
(the passage was blocked...so indeed it was hard)
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T (age 4): My ear has a headache.
(after a trip to the doctor's...nothing was wrong. But her phrase was cute!)
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D (23 months): Darn it.
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And K (age 6), in a moment of frustration, busted out with, "Golly Stinkin' Day!"
(um....wonder where she got that?)
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Your Turn:

Kick It Kid!

Dear Baby at 15 weeks,

I woke up from my nap today and rolled over to look at the ceiling a moment, trying to wake up.

Apparently you were awake because I felt you move. CLEARLY. Without a doubt.

I was so excited. I froze and waited and waited for you to move again. But you didn't.

Maybe you were just rolling over and trying to wake up too.

Love you,
Mommy

Checkmate

I taught my daughter Chess today. She is 6 and has been asking to learn how to play, which was great because I love Chess.

It's a little strange to play when you are completely in control of the game. I could calculate her every move. I had to evaluate her choices with her as well as explain each of mine.

She had a great time, so we played again later that day for a second round.

Once again, I was calculating every move out loud for her.

Until she took my bishop and I DIDN'T see it coming.

Huh?

Then she put me in check, but she didn't declare it. It was a good chance to explain the rule to her, then we went back to playing.

In about three more moves, she declared, "CHECK".

Huh? I didn't see that coming again! Clearly she got the rule down.

Although I won in the end, I have a feeling I am going to be up against a formidable opponent in the future!