January 30, 2014

I called my Grandma today.  It is a joy to speak with her.  Every time I talk with her she tells me how much she loves me, and that she prays for our family everyday.  I know that she does.  I'm certain that my simple 10 minute call to her made her day, as it did mine.  I'm always glad I called her.  It is never a waste of time.  I need to call her more.

January 29, 2014

Anna is reading proficiently.  Yea!  We went to the library today and got her stocked with some Amelia Bedelia, and Henry and Mudge.  Watching your child take off with reading is one of the highlights of life.

Lydia visited the orthodontist today for step 2 towards getting her expander and braces.  Next Wednesday is the big day.  She has been very brave, and actually excited about the prospect.  I took her out to Red Robin for lunch today because I feel bad.  She doesn't know what's coming.  It seems like we are entering big kid world with braces on the horizon.  

I informed Cora that she will be doing kindergarten next year.  She looked a little shocked.  

Today was a good food day.  For breakfast we had pancake sausage muffins.  Madeline and I worked on a double batch last night, to put in the freezer and eat for today.  They are a big hit!  The recipe is from the Heavenly Homemakers blog.  Lunch was Red Robin.  For supper we had stromboli.  This is the second time I've made this, and it is officially in the supper rotation now.  I use frozen bread dough from HyVee.  Let it thaw and rise through the day.  Then roll it out.  On half put pepperoni, sliced ham, whatever other leftover meat you have such as ground pork or beef, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.  Fold the other half over so it makes an enclosed sandwich.  Bake.  Everyone loves it, and that is cause for celebration.  

January 28, 2014

Service is a topic that rattles around in my head quite frequently.  I often wonder what we can do as a family to serve others, bringing the love of Christ to the world.  I have come to the realization that my primary service is to my family, which is no small calling even if it seems to be limited inside the walls of our home.  In a world that screams to "do more" I believe that where we are at right now cries out for a "no."  This is difficult for me, a doer.  While we have grand dreams for serving more at some point in life, I am assured that our family is using our gifts in beneficial ways right now.  We are raising little souls for His glory, opening up our home and oven in hospitality, and providing opportunities for further education with other homeschoolers.

Today we did have a unique opportunity to serve as a family.  A friend and her family toured a homeless shelter here in town a while back.  As they were driving home and talking about what they witnessed, one of her children asked if the kids at the shelter get a birthday cake on their birthday.  (Hmm... innocent question but telling in what is important to a child.)  She said she didn't know, but would find out.  That started the ball rolling for their birthday cake ministry.  She gets a list of all the kids at the shelter for the coming month, with their gender and birthdate listed.  Then her family bakes and decorates a cake to deliver to the mission on said birthday.  This has turned in to quite an undertaking and kept them very busy.  She asked a couple more families if they'd be interested in helping out when they need backup.  Yes, we would!  We contributed our second cake today.  Madeline loves to bake, so she baked up the cake, whipped up some frosting, and we all decorated.  Include a birthday card with an encouraging message, and we have hopefully helped make someone who is going through a hard time day's a little brighter.  

January 27, 2014

The girls' personalities really come out when practicing piano.

Madeline practices what she is suppose to, without needing much reminding.  When I show her how to practice something or instruct her to play it five times perfectly, you can pretty much guarantee she will do it.  She is a responsible, perfectionist first born.

Lydia usually has either tears or a big smile when practicing.  She usually needs reminding to practice the hard stuff.  These are common Lydia practicing comments:  "I"ll never be able to play this."  "This song was not made for me."  Then she may hide under the piano bench, crying.  The thing about Lydia is that academic or musical tasks really are not that difficult for her.  If she just applies herself a little bit, she gets it.  Then when she does get it, everything is great.  She is an emotional, dramatic, really high or really low girl.  

Anna mostly gets mad if she can't play something.  She doesn't cry, just yells.  She loves the recitals, and relishes her turn to march up in front of everyone and show her stuff.  She is our social, give me some attention, middle child with a temper.  

I love each of those girls for their individuality.  It makes life fun.  

January 26, 2014

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.  Serve the Lord with gladness:  come before his presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord he is God:  it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:  be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

***Psalm 100

Serve the Lord with gladness!
How do I serve the Lord in these days?  By serving my husband and children, the precious souls the Lord has entrusted to my care.  How do I serve them?  Making delicious food, laundering their clothes, reading to them, teaching them, giving hugs and kisses, providing a listening ear, setting an atmosphere of calm through a clean house.  With gladness!