I lend a hand at a homeschool co-op on Thursdays. I just love those children and the parents. I think we have some of the greatest children and parents in our group.
Today, I was helping out a bit. Around 9AM, I went to the rest room. (I only tell you this because it is part of the story!) To my horror (yes, horror!) one of the girls had not flushed her business down the toilet. She had used excess toilet paper and had left a "skid mark" on the toilet seat. How she did that, I do not know, but I digress.... I called over the administrator, and let her know what was happening. The administrator was more disgusted than I was. I cleaned up the mess. We decided to talk to the kids. We split the kids. She took the girls; I took the boys.
I had a roomful of study hall boys ages 4 to 14. I started off using correct terms explaining the proper bathroom manners, but by the end I was using words and phrases like "pooh" and "pee pee" and "bum". The four year olds got it. The 12 to 14 year olds could hardly contain their laughter. So there was my four letter word of the day "pooh."
Now that we are on the subject of pooh, I must tell you about a funny read. We received one of the best books about pooh (toilet droppings, not the bear!) as a white elephant gift over the holidays. (Yes, we have strange friends, but we sure do love 'em.) My parents and Aunt Barbara are currently reading the book. The day Aunt Barbara borrowed the book, she called every hour or so just to laugh to me over the phone. Daddy is reading it now, and is captivated. The title of the book is "What is Your Poo Telling You?" Educational, yet somehow it doesn't seem educational. It is a fun read and I was told it was purchased at Spencer Gifts.
Living and Learning,
Beth
Friday, January 18, 2008
I Miss You
There are a couple of phrases in the English language that stir our emotions.
I Miss You. Don't you feel so appreciated and cared for when someone says, "I miss you!" Those words are a drink of cool water on a parched throat. When someone says these words to you do you realize they are speaking volumes about your relationship? Your friend enjoys you! She likes the intimate times of sharing, praying, laughing and simply hanging out. She misses your wit, your spunk, and yes, even those prickly spots. She likes you and wants to be a part of your life. What joy! What a privilege to have a friend who likes you so well!
I love you. What emotion those words carry! When our spouse says that to us, we know they are talking about that special, deep love that only man and woman can share. When we say this to our children, we are speaking of that bond of parent-child that the Lord in his wisdom blessed us with knowing. When our friends love us, we experience yet another feeling of love. Loving someone is a gift of yourself and your heart. Whether it is your spouse, a child, or a friend. You have given a part of yourself to that person. You are different for loving someone and that person is different from having your love. Can you imagine how much more your Father in heaven loves you?
Have you told someone you love them or miss them today? I hope there is someone in your life for whom you care so deeply. Know that whatever your circumstances, the Lord loves you and misses you today!
Living and Learning,
Beth
I Miss You. Don't you feel so appreciated and cared for when someone says, "I miss you!" Those words are a drink of cool water on a parched throat. When someone says these words to you do you realize they are speaking volumes about your relationship? Your friend enjoys you! She likes the intimate times of sharing, praying, laughing and simply hanging out. She misses your wit, your spunk, and yes, even those prickly spots. She likes you and wants to be a part of your life. What joy! What a privilege to have a friend who likes you so well!
I love you. What emotion those words carry! When our spouse says that to us, we know they are talking about that special, deep love that only man and woman can share. When we say this to our children, we are speaking of that bond of parent-child that the Lord in his wisdom blessed us with knowing. When our friends love us, we experience yet another feeling of love. Loving someone is a gift of yourself and your heart. Whether it is your spouse, a child, or a friend. You have given a part of yourself to that person. You are different for loving someone and that person is different from having your love. Can you imagine how much more your Father in heaven loves you?
Have you told someone you love them or miss them today? I hope there is someone in your life for whom you care so deeply. Know that whatever your circumstances, the Lord loves you and misses you today!
Living and Learning,
Beth
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Advice from John
Here are some proverbs, advice, and observations from John. Check back here as I will add more observations as warranted.
1. Girls can't stay mad at boys who are handsome.
2. You should not run right after drinking soda pop because then you won't feel so good.
3. Never eat cheese that isn't cold because it tastes like spiders, and believe me you don't want to have spiders in your mouth.
4. Never, ever, ever play video games too much. It justs makes your eyes hurt and blink and blink.
5. When my hair stays standing up, it is like a star fish. You see, a star fish gets caught in nets. The starfish doesn't mean to do it; it just happens. My hair doesn't mean to stand up; it just happens.
1. Girls can't stay mad at boys who are handsome.
2. You should not run right after drinking soda pop because then you won't feel so good.
3. Never eat cheese that isn't cold because it tastes like spiders, and believe me you don't want to have spiders in your mouth.
4. Never, ever, ever play video games too much. It justs makes your eyes hurt and blink and blink.
5. When my hair stays standing up, it is like a star fish. You see, a star fish gets caught in nets. The starfish doesn't mean to do it; it just happens. My hair doesn't mean to stand up; it just happens.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Year In Review: Family 2007
One year consists of only 365 days. Here it is in the waning days of December 2007, and I am reflecting on the last year. How has the events of this year changed me?
My Parents - This year I saw how fragile life is. My father underwent a serious and unexpected surgery. There were unforeseen complications, but he survived and is a stronger, healthier man. In those moments of uncertainty and waiting, my Mother was right at his side, ever faithful to Daddy. There were sweet, sweet moments between the two of them as Daddy recovered. I have since not only cherished every minute I can spend with them, but also have more keenly focused on my own love, Charlie.
Aunt Barbara - We all love Aunt Barbara. The children called her "The Spoiler" because she treats them to different things all the time. She is a bundle of energy. She has loads of friends all over the eastern USA. She treats her friends well. She is thoughtful and concerned about them, and they, likewise, care about her. Over the last couple of years I have become better selecting my friends. I have friends that want to pursue a friendship with me, and I want to pursue a friendship with them. It isn't one-sided or draining on either part. Sure, when one of them is in crisis, the rest of us lift them up in prayer and serve them in practical ways. When my father was hospitalized, four of my dear friends stepped up to the plate. Two of the friends sat with me in the hospital until Daddy was out of surgery. One of my dear friends took my children to the nearby wildlife sanctuary for a day out to relieve the stress on the day of surgery. Another friend didn't ask if she could bring a meal, she just called and said she was bringing dinner to my family the day of surgery. Amazing friends! Gifts of the Lord!
Charlie's Sister, Susan - Susan's husband is shipping out overseas. He is going to serve his country. He is leaving behind Susan and their four boys. Susan takes things one at a time. I think that's what I get from Susan. She doesn't think about what might happen or what could happen, she just lives through the moment, dealing with the issues of the day. One thing at a time....first steps first....What an amazing philosophy try to follow!
The Children - All of them are changing and growing so fast. Time is slipping by. I learn patience with others from my children. They are wonderfully patient and generous with me. They extend grace when I make mistakes, and they are quick to forgive Charlie and me and one another. I certainly learn from them.
Living and Learning,
Beth
My Parents - This year I saw how fragile life is. My father underwent a serious and unexpected surgery. There were unforeseen complications, but he survived and is a stronger, healthier man. In those moments of uncertainty and waiting, my Mother was right at his side, ever faithful to Daddy. There were sweet, sweet moments between the two of them as Daddy recovered. I have since not only cherished every minute I can spend with them, but also have more keenly focused on my own love, Charlie.
Aunt Barbara - We all love Aunt Barbara. The children called her "The Spoiler" because she treats them to different things all the time. She is a bundle of energy. She has loads of friends all over the eastern USA. She treats her friends well. She is thoughtful and concerned about them, and they, likewise, care about her. Over the last couple of years I have become better selecting my friends. I have friends that want to pursue a friendship with me, and I want to pursue a friendship with them. It isn't one-sided or draining on either part. Sure, when one of them is in crisis, the rest of us lift them up in prayer and serve them in practical ways. When my father was hospitalized, four of my dear friends stepped up to the plate. Two of the friends sat with me in the hospital until Daddy was out of surgery. One of my dear friends took my children to the nearby wildlife sanctuary for a day out to relieve the stress on the day of surgery. Another friend didn't ask if she could bring a meal, she just called and said she was bringing dinner to my family the day of surgery. Amazing friends! Gifts of the Lord!
Charlie's Sister, Susan - Susan's husband is shipping out overseas. He is going to serve his country. He is leaving behind Susan and their four boys. Susan takes things one at a time. I think that's what I get from Susan. She doesn't think about what might happen or what could happen, she just lives through the moment, dealing with the issues of the day. One thing at a time....first steps first....What an amazing philosophy try to follow!
The Children - All of them are changing and growing so fast. Time is slipping by. I learn patience with others from my children. They are wonderfully patient and generous with me. They extend grace when I make mistakes, and they are quick to forgive Charlie and me and one another. I certainly learn from them.
Living and Learning,
Beth
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Dry Knees
I've had a bad case of dry skin lately, and a bigger case of reality check. Parenting children has both of those effects on me. As Dr Dobson's book says, "Parenting Isn't for Cowards".
I think parents are the most amazing people in the world. You take this little bundle of joy and nurture it to the best of your ability for 20 years, only to turn it lose on the world. Along the way there certainly are wonderful times....learning to walk, family vacations, singing around the piano, tag in the back yard, science projects and art projects, Christmas morning.
However, being a parent also means doing the tough things....discipline, correcting, guiding. We aren't raising a blob of jello, you know! This child has thoughts, emotions, feelings, ideas and is full of sin, just like the rest of us. Shocking, I know!
The Lord entrusts us to this blessed part of His creations. We are to raise them in the training and admonition of the Lord. If that isn't a humbling thought, I don't know what is. This is why I have dry knees. I know I am in need of His help and care raising these children. It is He who sustains me, guides my steps, and want me to look to Him for care. That is why I have dry skin on my knees. I often find myself on my knees asking for His direction in raising these children.
God is good. I am glad I can bring my parenting issues to Him.
living and learning,
Beth
I think parents are the most amazing people in the world. You take this little bundle of joy and nurture it to the best of your ability for 20 years, only to turn it lose on the world. Along the way there certainly are wonderful times....learning to walk, family vacations, singing around the piano, tag in the back yard, science projects and art projects, Christmas morning.
However, being a parent also means doing the tough things....discipline, correcting, guiding. We aren't raising a blob of jello, you know! This child has thoughts, emotions, feelings, ideas and is full of sin, just like the rest of us. Shocking, I know!
The Lord entrusts us to this blessed part of His creations. We are to raise them in the training and admonition of the Lord. If that isn't a humbling thought, I don't know what is. This is why I have dry knees. I know I am in need of His help and care raising these children. It is He who sustains me, guides my steps, and want me to look to Him for care. That is why I have dry skin on my knees. I often find myself on my knees asking for His direction in raising these children.
God is good. I am glad I can bring my parenting issues to Him.
living and learning,
Beth
Thursday, October 4, 2007
You May Know I am Early for My Period, But I Know When You Have to Pee
Mary and I are good friends. She is just a fun gal to hang with. We both have children approximately the same age who all play well together. We have similar interests and both love the Lord. Our husbands get along well, and both families pursue similar passions.
Because of this closeness, Mary knows alot about me, and I know alot about her. A couple of weeks ago, I wasn't feeling too well. I couldn't figure out what was going on until my period started the next day. I told Mary, and her response was, "Hey, you are early!" Didn't I say we know each other well?
This week, we had an occasion to celebrate. We met up in the middle of the day with all of our kids and went to the dollar theatre. Pirates of the Caribbean 3 was showing, and our scallywags were anxious to see the movie, popcorn and all.
The movie complex was empty save one, maybe two other patrons. Nonetheless, we stood in front of the popcorn counter to get popcorn and drinks for the shipmates. I made eye-contact with the gentleman and inquired about prices. Our conversation went something like this.
Beth: So it is $10.50 for two drinks and a large bag of popcorn?
Gentleman Behind the Counter (GBC): Yes, but I think we have coupons for free coke from Papa John's pizza to go with that. Let me look in this drawer.... (groans)
Beth: Are you OK?
GBC: Yes, well no. I don't feel so well. (rubbing tummy)
Beth: I'm sorry. What's wrong?
GBC: Well, I had a stomach virus yesterday, but I don't think I'm over it.What can I get you?
Beth: (noticing his greenish skin tone and not much liking the fact he would have his hands near my popcorn and on my soda lid....I turn to Mary and say...) I'm sorry Mary, I think I have to pee. Don't you have to go to?
Mary: (staring, still in shock over man with virus working the food at the movies, nods and says..) Yeah, me, too.
Mary and I rounded up the kids, who were wondering about their popcorn, and had them wait outside the restroom while we ducked inside. We both busted out laughing as the restroom door closed. We laughed and laughed until we nearly cried. Finally, we gathered ourselves together and marched out to our waiting children.
Once seated in the theatre, my youngest asked for a booster seat. She doesn't really need one, but she asked so nicely and does enjoy sitting in one. I went to retrieve the booster seat. I could see the popcorn counter from the place they keep the boosters. I glanced over, chuckling at what had happened minutes earlier at the counter. Just as I looked over, I saw GBC sneeze standing beside the open popcorn popper without covering his mouth. YUCK! I think we made the right call about the popcorn!
So while Mary may know when I am due for my period, I know when she needs to pee!
Living and Learning,
Beth
Because of this closeness, Mary knows alot about me, and I know alot about her. A couple of weeks ago, I wasn't feeling too well. I couldn't figure out what was going on until my period started the next day. I told Mary, and her response was, "Hey, you are early!" Didn't I say we know each other well?
This week, we had an occasion to celebrate. We met up in the middle of the day with all of our kids and went to the dollar theatre. Pirates of the Caribbean 3 was showing, and our scallywags were anxious to see the movie, popcorn and all.
The movie complex was empty save one, maybe two other patrons. Nonetheless, we stood in front of the popcorn counter to get popcorn and drinks for the shipmates. I made eye-contact with the gentleman and inquired about prices. Our conversation went something like this.
Beth: So it is $10.50 for two drinks and a large bag of popcorn?
Gentleman Behind the Counter (GBC): Yes, but I think we have coupons for free coke from Papa John's pizza to go with that. Let me look in this drawer....
Beth: Are you OK?
GBC: Yes, well no. I don't feel so well. (rubbing tummy)
Beth: I'm sorry. What's wrong?
GBC: Well, I had a stomach virus yesterday, but I don't think I'm over it.
Beth: (noticing his greenish skin tone and not much liking the fact he would have his hands near my popcorn and on my soda lid....I turn to Mary and say...) I'm sorry Mary, I think I have to pee. Don't you have to go to?
Mary: (staring, still in shock over man with virus working the food at the movies, nods and says..) Yeah, me, too.
Mary and I rounded up the kids, who were wondering about their popcorn, and had them wait outside the restroom while we ducked inside. We both busted out laughing as the restroom door closed. We laughed and laughed until we nearly cried. Finally, we gathered ourselves together and marched out to our waiting children.
Once seated in the theatre, my youngest asked for a booster seat. She doesn't really need one, but she asked so nicely and does enjoy sitting in one. I went to retrieve the booster seat. I could see the popcorn counter from the place they keep the boosters. I glanced over, chuckling at what had happened minutes earlier at the counter. Just as I looked over, I saw GBC sneeze standing beside the open popcorn popper without covering his mouth. YUCK! I think we made the right call about the popcorn!
So while Mary may know when I am due for my period, I know when she needs to pee!
Living and Learning,
Beth
How to Turn on a TV
We like TV at my house. Charlie likes to catch ball scores on ESPN as he has breakfast before work. Andy and I watch the news as we work in the kitchen fixing breakfast for the rest of the family. Joshua likes to catch Ninja Warrior. John and Grace like to watch their shows in the afternoon. We don't watch loads of TV, but like phones, we like our TVs to be convenient.
There is the "kids" TV in the basement. It is 19 years old and "color - challenged". It isn't a black and white TV, just an old TV that has run out of color. It is only on in the evenings and some weekend afternoons. There just isn't time for much more than that.
The very, very small TV in our bedroom is officially the "sick" TV. Because we have several children, we use this to help quarantine an ill child. I fix up a cot in the master bedroom, and ill child has a private bedroom and bathroom for all the sick things sick children do. The benefit to this arrangement is that Charlie can fall asleep to the Astros losing to someone. (Its a bad, sad year for our team, the Astros)
TV #3 is in the living area upstairs. It is a good size, 35 or 36 inches. We love to watch movies together. Sunday evenings we pop in an episode of The Waltons or Gilligan's Island and enjoy pizza with the kids.
TV #4 is my favorite TV. It is in the kitchen. I listen to FOX news as I cook. Sometimes I flip over to Home and Garden channel, and that's good too. It is just nice to have "someone" in the kitchen with me who isn't saying, "Mom....Mom....."
TV #4, also a very small TV, has had a sad, sad life. The remote control was left on a burner and someone melted it into a weird shape before it was removed from the hot range. More recently, someone broke off or poked in the on/off switch. Now I had issues!!
I don't know about your house, but remote controls are ALWAYS walking out of the room at my house. It drives me crazy! This means that I must use one of my precious fingers to touch the on/off switch. Now that the on/off switch is missing, I have to have the remote to turn on and off the TV.
Last week I decided to put away the kitchen TV until further notice. That lasted 3 days. It was hard to start my mornings with out Steve, Brian, and Allison. I made room for the TV on the kitchen desk, the place of honor, plugged it in and looked for the remote. You guessed it...missing. I looked at that little hole, and remembered John had stuck his skinny little finger in that tiny hole and turned on the TV. (I, of course, corrected him and told him about electricity and the dangers of poking around with bare fingers in plugged in appliances.) Knowing (1) that it would be dangerous to stick my finger in that hole and (2) my finger would not fit in the hole, I reached for a skewer......You know, a metal kabob skewer..What was I thinking?? I carefully poked the skewer in the hole....there was a flash of light, some smoke, and I might have briefly heard angels singing. POW! I fixed that TV for good. I guess I am lucky, I could have fried myself.
Within an hour I had the old TV ready to go out to the curb and was back from Walmart with the new TV...I wonder if Charlie will notice the new TV in the kitchen? Maybe he'll just think I bought a new remote?!?
living and learning
Beth
There is the "kids" TV in the basement. It is 19 years old and "color - challenged". It isn't a black and white TV, just an old TV that has run out of color. It is only on in the evenings and some weekend afternoons. There just isn't time for much more than that.
The very, very small TV in our bedroom is officially the "sick" TV. Because we have several children, we use this to help quarantine an ill child. I fix up a cot in the master bedroom, and ill child has a private bedroom and bathroom for all the sick things sick children do. The benefit to this arrangement is that Charlie can fall asleep to the Astros losing to someone. (Its a bad, sad year for our team, the Astros)
TV #3 is in the living area upstairs. It is a good size, 35 or 36 inches. We love to watch movies together. Sunday evenings we pop in an episode of The Waltons or Gilligan's Island and enjoy pizza with the kids.
TV #4 is my favorite TV. It is in the kitchen. I listen to FOX news as I cook. Sometimes I flip over to Home and Garden channel, and that's good too. It is just nice to have "someone" in the kitchen with me who isn't saying, "Mom....Mom....."
TV #4, also a very small TV, has had a sad, sad life. The remote control was left on a burner and someone melted it into a weird shape before it was removed from the hot range. More recently, someone broke off or poked in the on/off switch. Now I had issues!!
I don't know about your house, but remote controls are ALWAYS walking out of the room at my house. It drives me crazy! This means that I must use one of my precious fingers to touch the on/off switch. Now that the on/off switch is missing, I have to have the remote to turn on and off the TV.
Last week I decided to put away the kitchen TV until further notice. That lasted 3 days. It was hard to start my mornings with out Steve, Brian, and Allison. I made room for the TV on the kitchen desk, the place of honor, plugged it in and looked for the remote. You guessed it...missing. I looked at that little hole, and remembered John had stuck his skinny little finger in that tiny hole and turned on the TV. (I, of course, corrected him and told him about electricity and the dangers of poking around with bare fingers in plugged in appliances.) Knowing (1) that it would be dangerous to stick my finger in that hole and (2) my finger would not fit in the hole, I reached for a skewer......You know, a metal kabob skewer..What was I thinking?? I carefully poked the skewer in the hole....there was a flash of light, some smoke, and I might have briefly heard angels singing. POW! I fixed that TV for good. I guess I am lucky, I could have fried myself.
Within an hour I had the old TV ready to go out to the curb and was back from Walmart with the new TV...I wonder if Charlie will notice the new TV in the kitchen? Maybe he'll just think I bought a new remote?!?
living and learning
Beth
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