Little Boys and Puddles...

"Hey! Now there's a puddle!"
 

What is it about little boys and puddles?  No offense to little girls out there, I'm sure they are somewhat attracted to them, but I believe puddles call out to little boys!  As most of you know, we live on a farm with five boys, and with this farm comes a lot of mud ~ and I mean a lot!  I remember when Kyle was just about Evan's age (5) and we were at a friends house.  It was raining and then cleared up... they lived on a farm too ~ with mud. We were washing dishes and there were our two little boys holding hands playing ring around the rosie... in a puddle. Yes it was absolutely adorable and I grabbed my camera and took several black and white photos that now adorn a very cute scrapbook page in Kyles album. It was too cute... even after we hosed em' off and gave warm baths.  Little boys...

Yes Ethan & Ryan have had their mud puddle events as well and many happy memories have been made in puddles... Evan and Aaron are in the making of these memories now too. I don't really mind, after all they are boys and they like mud and dirt... and puddles.  What amazes me though is how they can stand to be so wet and dirty... I haven't figured that one out yet... not even after five boys!  What are memories that you have with your children? What are the memories they are making right now?  I often talk about memory making... I think it because I like to journal and scrap book... all memory things.  I love the idea that they can go back into their scrapbooks and 'see' the memories. 

I love my children so much and I realize they will have many memories... I wish I could say just happy ones, but we are only human.  The good come with the sad... As a mom I wish I could protect them from every hurt that could ever happen to them... keep them under my wings and shelter them from the storms that will come in life.  I wish I never had to try and explain why something isn't good for them... that they would just trust and obey...

Trust and obey... I need to set the example of trusting and obeying my Father... showing that in everything I have put my desires before the Lord and sought His guidance in every decision that needs to be made... Oh to be able to do that faithfully... through my example I pray for each of them...

Until next time,
Jean




     

Rocking my little boy...

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord." Psalms 127:3

I was rocking Aaron this morning and just cuddling with him. He'd been whiny and just wanted to be held... so up in my arms with blankie we went to mamma's rocking chair... and of course all was well then.  He fell asleep in short order and I told Taylor I didn't think he was feeling very well, after all he had just had the stomach flu a few days before... Taylor laughed and told me I was just making excuses for him! "Well," I thought... "maybe I am."  

Aaron is just two and he is still so sweet and innocent... but he is also very manipulating, as most children are.  It doesn't take long for a new born child to realize that when he cries or screams he/she gets attention... whether it be food, a clean diaper or simply to be held and rocked, they know how to get what they want. As our children grow older into toddler-hood they are still in the process of being trained by parents or training their parents. Either way, some training is going on! Younger children definitely know how to hold onto a parents heart strings and woo with their sweet  smiles or sorrowful tears.

What happens when the child is in control though? I would say much frustration and exasperation are more often felt over the child then feelings of peaceful joy. Children are a job and one not to be taken lightly. We as Christian parents need to prayerfully seek the Lords leading and wisdom in this challenging role.  As many of you know our family you know we are in most stages of the 'parenting game', and challenged we are.  It is difficult to know when to scold and when to overlook... when to punish and when to understand... But God is with us when we seek Him and His wisdom.  We need to remember that these children are not really our own... they are His, loaned to us for a short time... a time to raise them for Him... to train them for His glory.

"Brighten your day and lighten your way and lessen your cares with daily prayers.  Quiet your mind and leave tension behind and find inspiration in hushed meditation."  Helen Steiner Rice.

Until next time,
Jean



   

Seeds Planted

"If my faith, my belief, my confidence are in myself, then they cannot at the same time be resting in God!"  Tozer

What a statement by wise Tozer of old... what a statement to get a mind stimulated in thinking where our faith does rest... in my own imagined strength or in His perfect, unfailing strength...

The other day Taylor was going to get fuel in the truck... it was on fumes... but that is besides the point because I truly do believe that all things happen for a reason... both good and bad.  Well, she calls me to tell me that the truck started to sputter and she was still several miles from the closest gas station and so she prayed that God would just let her get to the gas station... suddenly the truck stopped sputtering and drove smoothly.  She made it to the station with no problems... on the wings of prayer. 

He always hears, especially those cries from His young children... the ones that He is trying to build that trust in... the babes that are still drinking milk... I was so blessed by this... another seed sprouted.

This feeling... when one of your children finds the faith... it's such a joy, an over whelming joy... It's in the keeping of it though... This is the building stage~ faith, trust and belief.  God want's it for each of us... He wants to show us that no matter what, He is there waiting with open arms to carry us through.  "Hold on," He says. "I will never leave nor forsake thee..."  What a precious promise that needs to be instilled in their young, tender hearts... How do we grow this precious seed in them when we fail so often and so hard sometimes?  That is my question in life... how?

By example He says... by example through humility and confession of our wrongs and mistakes... by the seeking of forgiveness and always giving forgiveness, whether sought after or not... by loving unconditionally... to apply all these things in our daily life is a challenge, but it can be done...
In His strength...

Until next time,
Jean

     

Deep Roots...

" Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17

I was reading about the Sequoia trees of California this morning in one of my daily devotions... It went on to describe that these massive, towering trees have a very shallow root system that sprawl out rather then go down deep.  It also described how you will not see a lone Sequoia tree because it would be blown done in great winds, but rather they grow in clusters and the trees root's intertwine giving the entire group support...it was fascinating to think how God, not evolution, has designed all this.

As I read on the analogy was to compare each individual Christian standing alone as apposed to being within a group of believers... especially in times of trial's.  I pondered this for awhile and thought how thankful I am to be a part of the church body that the Lord has brought us too... The best way to describe the feeling is if you can imagine yourself standing within a circle with all your brethren facing you, hands held tightly that nothing may get to you... kind of like a sheep fold... When the storms of life are there we don't have to stand alone to face the raging winds, but we are protected and cared for by those that the Lord has given us.  It is such a comforting feeling to know that you are cared for by so many.  But it doesn't stop there... sometimes it is us in the circle of held hands protecting another brother or sister in the Lord. We are there one for another as Christ so designed it to be.

This is also the way the family unit should be... holding each other up in times of struggle, not tearing one another down.  I have mentioned at other times I am an only child, but I see the bonds that our six children have... I see the closeness that they share. I understand that there will be times of disagreement between them which there are now, but my heart prays that as they grow older they can become closer, leaning on one another, lending the helping hand and not criticizing but allowing each other to have their differences... agreeing to disagree, yet loving.  We are all created differently yet we are together to give Him glory in all we do...

Our roots like the Sequoia's need to be shallow and outstretched to all around us... yet we must have a deep tap root which can only be in Jesus... then we can stand in the days of trouble...

"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Corinthians 1:4

Until next time,
Jean

What a beautiful day

"This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.." Psalms 118:24
What a beautiful day... I love summer!  Honestly though I can't believe we are already to coming to the end of June... where does the time go?  Soon we will be looking at the beautiful colors that Autumn will bring and then for me the dreaded snow of winter.  But let's not focus on that... I am in my summer and I am happy to be here.
There are a lot of things to get us down in the dumps... but there is so much more if we only take the time to look that will bring joy into every day... Right now I hear the birds chirping away... saying 'good morning' to all who will listen... the sun is shining... the sky is blue... there is a gentle breeze that is making  the tops of all the plants flutter about... and then there is the quiet all around... a simple quiet that allows my thoughts to focus on higher things... thoughts of all I have to be thankful for...
A cheery thought...
"You are never alone... there's truly nothing we need know if we have faith wherever we go.  God will be there to help us bear our disappointments, pain, and care, for He is our Shepherd, our Father, our Guide.  You're never alone with the Lord at your side."   Helen Steiner Rice
Until next time,
Jean

Swinging my little boy...

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is His reward." Psalms 127:3

Swinging my little boy...

What a beautiful day... the sun was shining, church was wonderful and we had a delightful afternoon of fellowship and food at a dear friends home... what more could we ask for?  The boys played hide 'n' seek through the woods, volley ball with an imaginary net while the girls sang songs and went for walks along the woodland paths... life is good.

I laid Aaron down for the night and then I strolled outside to watch the boys play ball... Evan was 'wandering'... he asked me to swing him... so he climbed on the tree swing and I pushed him... he loves to be pushed... we laughed and told each other how much we loved each other...'all the way to the stars & the moon mom!'... children can bring so much joy to our lives.  Soon it was time for him to go to bed... that didn't go over so 'sweetly' shall I say, he still wanted to swing, but mother knows best so off to bed we went... we talked about how he played today with his little friends and showed them his tree house... how he hunted for bears... 'are you afraid of bears mom?' ... 'yes, but I am sure you will protect me...' 'of course I would mom'... Then he went on to pray for our neighbor lady so she would quit smoking because she is nice and she always gives him cookies.  He is four and a half and so very adorable to this mommy...  I wish I could hold onto these moments forever... I wish I could always protect them... I wish I could always help them make the right decisions...

Until next time,
Jean

Tender Moments

"God often visits us, but most often times we are not home."  unknown

Last night I was going up to bed and I thought I was the only one still awake, but as I was walking down the hall to our bedroom I hear... "Mom...".  "What is it Ryan", I ask... Well it was raining very hard and had been since Thursday night with very little break.  Yesterday was off and on all day, but we got a lot of rain.  Ryan wanted to know if it was going to flood... so sweet and innocent.  You see, he is not the middle child but he is the middle boy... he is ten years old... the older boys are 13 & 12 and the little boys are just abut two and 4 1/2... so he really is at the in between age... not old enough for that and way too big for that. I will say though he is a wonderful babysitter for the little boy's when I need help and his big brothers always want him too play ball or hockey, what ever it may be with them... so he's not just left out.  But last night, the little boy in him was talking loudly to this mother heart... I went to him and asked him what God said about sending floods... he very wisely said that God promised not to flood the 'whole' earth again... smart boy! Anyway I asked him then, if God did send a flood would He look over us?  and of course he said, 'yes'.  I consoled his tender heart as best I could and told him to try to go to sleep... he did then. 

As I went to bed then I pondered this moment and I thought about how faithful our Heavenly father is, and when ever I am afraid or worried how He always lead's me to scripture to reassure me, or sends a poem through a friend... and sometimes I hear Him whisper quietly in my heart.... 'Fear not my child, I am with thee....'   My hearts prayer is that my heart and my childrens will always be open to hear that still small voice...

Until next time,
Jean

Winning Their Hearts...Having Their Love

"Mother is the heartbeat in the home; and without her, there seems to be no heart throb." Leroy Brownlow, from Flowers For Mother

Being a mother is one of the most fulfilling things in my life.  I love my children more than words could ever describe... more than they will ever understand until, Lord willing, they have a precious child of their own.  At times I don't feel worthy of the title, but I keep pressing on with that faith that someday it will all be worth it... line upon line... precept upon precept... so the saying goes.

Today Ethan and I planted two new climbing rose bushes.  The one is yellow and I told him that the color yellow is for friendship in the world of roses... I told him I want this to be his rose from me because he is my friend and I love him... he looked at me and said, 'thanks'.  That may not sound like much to you, but believe me that was a thousand words for Ethan.  You see he is my 'still water's run deep' child... not to mention his first choice of activities is not gardening!  He is so very sweet and loving... yes he can be a stinker just like any other child, but his soul is so deep.  I long to 'train him in the way he should go so when he is old he will not depart from it'...

Training is the hard part with children; consistency, loving discipline, tender words, occasional stern looks, gentle touch... oh for wisdom.  Most of you know we have six children and each one of them is so unique and different in their own ways.  There are obvious similarities among some of them in the way of looks and temperaments... but they each have their own likes and dis-likes, favorite foods, hobbies and the list goes on.  It can be a challenge to know how to deal with each one and their own special 'needs'...

As a mother, mom and mommy my days are filled with loving and caring for each of these blessings... I couldn't ask for more.

Until next time,
Jean

God wants us to believe...

When we talk to our spouse, children, friends or complete strangers we want what we say to be believed.  As Christians, lying is not an option, although telling the truth is not always easy.  I believe that there is never a time to tell a lie... before I was a Christian this was not so.  My children would be shocked~ I hope~ if they thought I lied about something.  I believe that the relationship I have with my friends who are not professing Christian's would also be shocked as well as disappointed in me if they felt that I had not told the truth in a matter... in my heart I would never want to offend anyone by lying.

What about 'little white lies' as some are often called... well if you are planning a surprise birthday party for your best friend, spouse or child and they directly ask you I think you can re-word things still as not to tell a lie.  What about misleading people to believe something that isn't true?  Again, what is the motive behind your answer?  A lie is a lie I am afraid.

We want people to believe our words... we want to be trusted... this is our human nature.  Well God want's us to believe too... He wants us to believe in Him and His son Jesus... He wants us to let others see His work in our lives.  As I mentioned earlier, before I was a Christian I didn't think twice about lying... now, thankfully it is different.  I want people to see His good work in my life and believe in Him because they can see His love in me...

Life can be a challenge and telling the truth can be sometimes as well, but the rewards of honesty are by far greater....

Until next time...
Jean
    

I love to see them smile....

"My child, nothing could replace the loving smile upon your face." author unknown

The last couple weeks we have been dealing with some ailments, and we have had some grumpy people... My sweet little Evan & Aaron have runny noses, sore throats and a deep cough... I hate to see them sick, it just breaks my mommy heart! Aaron just looks at me with his big blue eyes, not being able to figure out why his noes is so stuffed up, and then Evan, so little with such a big cough... his eyes plead with me to make it all better as I rock him... if only I could I would take it all upon myself for them... oh the love of a mother.

We have six children whose ages range from eighteen years old down to 21 months... we are a busy home stead in many stages of the 'training game' to say the least. As a parent a smile is so much more pleasant to look at & to give, than a frown... although we must occasionally frown on some of our children's behaviors, we cannot turn the other way and disregard... Yes the little ones may be sad for a moment, but in the long run they will be a much happier person, not to mention our greater joy! Children are people too and they have their good and bad days, just as we parents do. Children are so very needy... they need our love along with our chastisement... they need a hug along with an occasional stern word... they need to know security in their home... they need food & shelter... they need to know we pray for them... they need to know the Lord through father and mother.

When we have those grumpy days right along with the good days, our children need to see our faith in Him... that we turn to Him in all things... that we trust Him with everything... they need to see us on our knees... Only then will they be able to have a faith that grows, a trust that is deeply rooted and a personal relationship with Him.

"I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk with the Lord..."
Until next time,
Jean
     

Our nest...

Yesterday Evan, Aaron and I spent some 'quality' time on the couch watching three blue jays and a beautiful male cardinal eating at the bird feeders in the front garden... then suddenly we saw a large hawk swoop down and land in the field right beside the garden... there was a big black crow who was seemingly very angry darting at it... then another and then yet another and another... I don't know where they came from all of a sudden. The neighbors across the road have very dense woods filled with enormous pine trees, which is where the crows like to nest.  The hawk just stood in the field hoping around a bit as the crows darted and swooped down at it... after several minutes of this the hawk took flight... so gracefully and quickly, then darted away.  I told the boys I am sure the hawk probably stole one of the crows babies right out of a nest... Evan was quite dismayed by this thought... after all he is only four and in his young mind he was imaging someone taking him out of 'our nest' and how awful that would be... To say the least Aaron was very intrigued with the whole affair, but quickly wanted to get back at his toys on the floor.  Evan being a little 'deeper' wanted to still watch the blue jays and cardinal.  I explained to him that that is the way it is in nature, survival of the fittest.  I did reassure him that he was fine and so was our 'nest'...

Our nest... what a sweet thought, especially to a little child... one who needs security, tenderness and love.  I love our nest and the peacefulness of it... I love living in the country and the quietness of life all around... but I do truly enjoy the break of silence when the boys are tearing around the yard playing cowboy and Indian... racing down the dirt road in their go-cart... laughing in the tree tops ~ literally...  the crack of the bat... but not the glass window :-) ~ yeah, there's been that too... then there's been some other noises coming from mom... well such is life with a family of five boys and an oldest daughter who likes to be a tom boy sometimes...

My hearts prayer is that while we are here on this earth, that 'our nest' will make memories for our children... ones of joy, laughter and happiness amid the normal everyday stuff of life...
Until next time,
Jean
    

Today and Everyday...

Life on the farm holds it's challenges... but the joys that come with this life are far beyond words. We hold part of nature around us... we can hear the breeze as it lights softly through the trees lifting and teasing the leaves... the whizzing of the humming birds wings as he chases his female in and around the front porch.  Life is so good and is filled with such an incredible amount of fullness.

As each day draws longer, the sun seems warmer on my cheek, the air has that smell that only can be had in the earliest of spring... when the spring peepers in the pond start their song each evening... the bats swoop over head to gobble up all those pesky mosquito... pulling over wintered onions, oh that earthy goodness!

I love my life on the farm...  I love the sky at night when all you can see is the apparently never ending stream of stars... then suddenly there is a falling star... quick make a wish...knowing and never doubting that God is in Heaven and that everything is all right...

I love watching my children climb trees, roll in the grass, chase butterflies, dig in the dirt, play sword fighting with branches, hear the crack of the ball when it hits the bat.  I love that my children can hear all the sounds without the distraction of traffic, television, radio and the like.  I love that they play and make believe... that they make snow forts and snow men... that they know the good morning song of the robin and the dee-dee of the little chickadee and the caw of the blue jay.... I love that my children can be children...

Until Next Time,
Jean

A Hard Day's Work...

I love working with my children.  The boys are hard workers, tilling, hoeing, weeding, planting, hauling wheel barrows of straw from the barn for me to mulch the beds.  I love my children, they bring a joy to my heart that only a mother can know...

Yesterday we planted another row of asparagus and a new patch of raspberries... how exciting to me. We mulched the grapes and one of the asparagus rows... Ryan and Evan picked up weeds to dump and Ethan tilled away... it was a good day! 

Taylor was with the youth yesterday in Chicago at The Museum of Science and Industry.  They were going to go into the coal mines... she was nervous... I don't blame her, you couldn't pay me to go into that thing... claustrophobia... no way!  I told her to use me as an excuse and say that I told her she wasn't allowed to go in... (I did try that) she is eighteen now, but I told her that she can always use me for an excuse whenever she doesn't want to do something.  I don't care if any of her friends like me or not... it is her that I care about.  It's not that I am  worried about her friends trying to get her to do bad things or her doing them... I just want her to know that my only concern is for her well being because I love her so much...

Isn't that what we as parents need to be for our children... their advocates right?  After all no one will ever love your child as much as you do... they will never know the depth of that love unless they have a child of their own.

But wait, there is One...  Have you ever thought about the depth of that love... I often think about God's love for me and the depth of His love... giving His only son to die such a horrible death as the cross... for me... what love, what unsearchable love the Father has bestowed upon me...  and you.

Until next time,
Jean

Live, Love, Laugh...

"But the greatest of these is love..." Photo by Jean Smith

This is one of my daughter Taylor's favorite sayings... I have thought about this common everyday phrase and did some deep soul searching with the words and how to apply them to my life from a Christian perspective.

Live...  my life for Christ and Christ alone...
Love... the sinner as Christ loved me...
Laugh... with a song on my heart...

Live... everyday to glorify God, in deed, thought and word...
Love... to show kindness in all Christian sincerity...
Laugh... because it feels so nice...

Live... for the well being of others and not myself...
Love... that person when they are most unlovable...
Laugh...to bring others joy...

Live... to bring happiness everyday to those in my life...
Love... in the deepest of turmoil and woe...
Laugh... when all you want to do is cry...

Live... to be a light set upon a hill...
Love... my enemies as myself...
Laugh... to bring a smile to a weary soul...

Live... in a way that will exemplify that I am a woman after God's own heart...
Love... God with all my mind, heart and soul...
Laugh... to show the joy of the Lord in my life...

Live... for my husbands best...
Love... with an unconditional spirit...
Laugh... because we are best friends...

Live... so my children can rise up and call me blessed...
Love... as to set an example of Christs love...
Laugh... with them...

just some reflections...
Until next time,
Jean







     

Quality vs. Quantity...

"Take a 'vacation' from television for a week and see what happens.  Set out some long-forgotten table games, craft materials, family photo albums and favorite story books where they'll be easily spotted."  Taken from "A Dad After God's Own Heart", by Paul Lewis

Quality family time is so important to the well being of our relationships within the family structure.

We use to have what our family called Friday Family Fun Night where we would play games, go to the lake for a picnic, play restaurant or whatever else one of us might want to do.  Sometimes we would let one of the children pick while other times Neil or I would choose an activity.  Now that we do farmers markets on Saturdays year round, we don't get to do this any longer.  Our older children still talk about those fun times.  Ethan happened to mention it last evening while getting ready for market which got me thinking... during the school year we try to do things on Sundays, but don't do it as faithfully as we did FFFN.  Summer time is much easier simply because there is no school in the morning. We will often do fun things like go to Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford Museum on Mondays, go to the zoo or go out to the lake... things aren't quite as busy on Monday as the weekends which makes it much nicer in my opinion.

Although it doesn't always have to be an event... Time spent together as a family doing the simplest activity like reading a family story... sitting by a campfire staring at the stars... playing "eye spy"... playing scrabble or chess,or even putting puzzles  together.  These things will create the memories that will last a life time. It will also help settle a positive habit for our children for their families, Lord willing they have one. 

This week go for walk or a bike ride as a family... take a drive up North... go get an ice cream cone and just talk... our children in this day and age of technology need us as parents to guild the way back to simpler times... enjoy each other.

Until next time,
Jean
    

Home

"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home..." J.H. Payne

Home is where the heart is... home is a place that should be a relief from the cares of the world... the noise and the hussell and bussell of life...  home is where we create memories, whether good or bad... home is important.  When our children get home from school and it's been a hard day, do they feel the warmth and understanding of mother, is there a nice treat, is there peace for their weary soul?  When our spouse comes home from a day where things just didn't go as planned, are there inviting arms with a hug and 'it's gonna be OK?' Home should be the place where each family member comes and can relax after a tiring day. 

This is the ideal setting...  but we live in a real world where  there and ups and downs to each family members life.  We try to be pleasant and cherry, but we've got a splitting head ache and life wasn't fair today.  Such is life, as I always say...

How do I deal with the head ache and the bad day... do my children hear all the complaints of the trash not being taken out, another broken glass, clothes not picked up, the list goes on and on... do I make excuses for my behavior or use their behavior for an excuse? I am sure most of us can say that both these setting's take place in our home's.  We would be liars to say otherwise... but back on yesterdays note on apologies.  When we have those bad days and don't react like we should or want to, a simple "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be grumpy" goes a long way, especially with children. When we can admit we were wrong and not make excuses for our behavior or theirs for that matter, they will see us set that example, they will learn to apologize and accept responsibility for their own actions as well. When our children come to us we too need to be there with a willing and open heart to their 'I'm sorry's'... such is LOVE!

Until next time,
Jean
    

Thankful

"Everyone needs someone to be thankful for, and each day of life we are aware of this more.  For the joy of enjoying and the fullness of living are found only in hearts that are filled with thanksgiving." Helen Steiner Rice

I am so thankful for so many things... my husband, children, church, friends and even the roof over my head.  Life is filled with so many happy moments that if we can just focus on those things, life would be a much grander place to dwell.  It is a choice though, be gloomy or be happy! As I always try to tell my children, your day will be what you make of it.  You have a choice in allowing others to brighten it or darken it.  We also need to take into consideration how we affect someone else day... it really isn't all about 'me'.  Do we look at our self and ask, 'Did what I say or do make that person sad or happy?' 

Just awhile back I needed to go and make something right with a lady that I was not very nice to.  I felt very bad for my reaction to something she did that upset me.  I made the choice to respond poorly, no one made me.  Praise God that He did not allow me to go on with a clear conscience, and He did not give me peace over the incident.  I did then go back to her an apologize for my behavior and asked her to forgive me.  She graciously did and I was very thankful for that. 

"He chastens those He loves..." I am so thankful for that.  I am also so thankful for the shed blood of Jesus and the forgiveness that it provides.

Until next time,
Jean

    

To Be A Mother

"There's no job more noble on this earth, than to care for those whom we've given birth."

"Mommmmmm, he won't give me my toy!!!"  "Mommmmm he hit me!!!"  "Mommmmm, she's teasing me!!!!" And so goes the life of mommmmmm!  Well it's not always that bad is it?  There are the times when we hear, "Mom, know how much I love you?"... "Mom, thanks for getting me that piece of fabric".... "Man mom, this is so good... what is it?" 

Mother's resume would read quite elaborately; we are professional's in many areas. To name a few~ doctor and nurse at the same time, counselor in every field of life, sometimes a coach~ but I usually hand that job over to dad, seamstress~ that job usually gets handed over to Taylor, chef, organizer & planner, home decorator, gardener, I leave the lawn care up to fellows in the house, and of course teacher. 

I believe first and foremost we are teachers. Our children learn how to do most things in life from mother.  The first and most impressionable years for most young children are in the arms of mother.  This is where they learn to share, to be nice, get dressed and tie shoes, ABC's & 1,2,3's, colors, shapes and animals... all in the lap of mother.  There is a saying though, "More is caught then taught."  This is the challenge I feel as mother most often in my duties.  Sometimes I am grumpy and not always as nice as I truly want to be... sometimes I get frustrated more quickly than I would like to... sometimes I am just having a bad day and don't feel all that nice... what am I teaching them then?  I realize no one is perfect and we all have those bad days, but love must shine forward. These little people need to know we tried and that they are unconditionally loved, not only when they are good, but even when they are not so good.  Our Heavenly Fathers grace and forgiveness shines on us and we as parents must let that love shine through onto our children.  May the Lord give us grace to carry on and love them to Him...

Until next time,
Jean
    
     

Mothering

"Every true mother realizes at times that her children are only loaned to her- sent from God- and the attributes of her body and mind are being used by Power for a Purpose.  The thought tends to refine the heart of its dross, obliterate pride and make her feel the sacredness of her office.  All good men everywhere recognize the holiness of motherhood- the miracle by which the race survives." Elbert Hubbbarb

At times being a mother is terribly difficult.  When training is necessary for the good of the child, yet the mother heart longs to simply hold and make everything alright for them.  Learning life's lessons are surely a trial and a difficult part of life, but also a part that will hopefully build the character they will need to make the right choices as adulthood comes. Life is filled with choices.... some choices are by far more weighing and life influencing than others.  It is such a trial for me with allowing my older children to try their wings... to let them fly away a bit and trust them to make good decisions... youth is so exciting and the senses become so enlightened.  As parents we do all we can to try to protect them from making the same mistakes we have made... we try to ensure they don't experience the pains of those mistakes because we love them so much...

But then where is my faith and my trust that God really is in control?  I know He has promised that, '..train them up in the way they should go, and they will not depart from it..."  I must believe and trust.

Until next time,
Jean

Everything begins at home because home is where the heart is...

This is a pretty deep statement when you think about it.  Home is where, shall we say we are ourselves most openly.  Home should be a haven of rest where each member can come and let go of the cares of the day and simply relax and be happy. Our family consists of eight people, so to say the least, haven of rest our home is always not! Lots of noise in the way of laughter and yes crying and whining too... banging and thumping... running and chasing~ remember now five of the eight people are boys <smile>...yes I hate to admit their is even occasional yelling and heated battles that arise ever so often... it is a home where emotions fly~ remember two of the eight are females <smile>...

What do I want our children to eventually leave the nest and remember?  I am sure they will say there were both the good & the bad with the happy & the sad.  But I want them to remember dad's spooky stories & s'mores around the camp fires under the star lite night... skating on the neighbor's pond... picnic's at the lake on Sunday afternoon's... making home made pretzel's and ice cream... playing pitch & catch in the front yard... climbing the big maple tree in the back yard while dad was grilling... mom reading stories with such enthusiasm... mountain pie suppers at a friends house... camping in the U.P. and fishing...

happy times need to start at home...

Until next time,
Jean