My young men showing initiative!

We were blessed this weekend by the boys
Proverbs 8:32-33
"Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it."
The boys are learning and growing by leaps and bounds and it is beautiful to see.
Thomas mowed the entire front yart while Ethan helped his dad cut limbs and sweep up.  What a blessing it was for Van to have that extra help. 
Today they had their first lemonade stand and sold 41 cups of Lemonade.   What a blessing to see them beginning to understand the value of hard work.

Learning Consistancy at our house

We recently spent 2 weeks with a zero tolerance policy.  Zero tolerance for not doing chores without being reminded.  Remembering chores had become very inconsistant at best and I was beginning to sound like a parrot.  I've not been a parrot since.  I always think I'm being consistant, but consistancy is the absolutlely hardest concept to follow and to instill in another human.  Now that everyone is remembering their particular chores, we are trying to follow through with some positive reinforcment without letting ourselves fall back into inconsistancy. 

"Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances" Elizabeth Elliot

I'm a blessed woman, I know this.  I have a mighty Savior, a loving husband, 3 wonderful children.  I live in a great country in a remarkable time in history.  I know these things, but sometimes all the todo in my life gets the better of me.  I've been reading Elizabeth Elliot lately and trying to refocus my thinking.  She has a wonderful book titled "Keep a Quiet Heart" that has been a real blessing.  Each section I read seems to speak directly to me and the exciting part is; she ties scripture in so beautifully that it is almost a mini Bible Study each night.  Oddly, this isn't what I sat down to write, but out it came.  I guess it was what I needed to say tonight.

Do You Forgive Me?

I think I need to learn this phrase in several languages just to break up the monotony. 
The last couple of days have found this phrase on my lips numerous times and I can't decide if it is a good thing or a bad thing.  Obviously it is a good thing to ask forgiveness for offenses, but the problem here is that I keep having the offenses.
Maybe I'm having no more than usual, just more sensitive to them lately.
I will press on, just wanted to share my struggles.

Blessing to their mother

Sorry it has been so quiet on this blog of late, but I've been a bit under the weather since June 29th.  I had fever for about 11 days and I've been slowly regaining my strength.

During those days of being ill, I was blessed to see how the training of our children is progressing.  There were times of taking advantage of the sick mom, but most were times of peace and calm reigning here.

The children did their chores willingly, pitching in to help where I could not.  Becca cooked dinner more than once and allowed her brothers to assist her in the kitchen.  Laundry was washed and folded, the dishwasher was unloaded and loaded, the beds were made.  The house ran very smoothly even with a sick mom.  I'm not saying they don't need me; I think they are glad to have me functioning again, but it is nice to know that the years of training are showing such wonderful fruit.

I love caring for my family and am delighted to be able to perform my duties again.  What a blessing it is to a mother to know her family is willing to pitch in when needed.

In saying all this, I can't forget Van.  My wonderful husband has done so much to aid in my recovery.  Cooking meals, cleaning kitchens, grocery shopping and running the children and me hear there and yonder; this while doing all his normal duties of bringing home the bacon.  Thank you Van, for taking care of me.

an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking

Epiphany

I have realized something about boys.  I think this realization has been growing in me for some time, so maybe it can't be called an epiphany, but it all came together today.  So I'll share.
Boys escalate any given situation. 
First they are satisfied with rolling a ball, then it ESCALATES to bouncing a ball, then it ESCALATES to throwing a ball, then bouncing and throwing, then rolling, bouncing and throwing...I think you get the picture. 
I could see this escalation taking on some real negative forms as they grow.  Something to be aware of; I suppose.

Home Sweet Home

Our excellent travelers have blessed us again.  They are way better travelers that I am, I fall asleep, have to stop for the bathroom, complain that I'm hungry.  They just read and look out the window.  Who's children are they anyway?  Must be Van's children.  Glad to be home, now to the mounds of laundry and the list for the grocery.