We fear so deeply what we think other people see in us, so we talk in order to straighten out thier understanding. ... One of the fruits of silence is the freedom to let our justification rest entirely with God.
- Richard Foster
from Celebration of Discipline
Doesn't it feel good when someone asks you what your favorite ______ is? I mean, it really feels like they want to know you. They are 'into' you. Often, when I am at a loss for conversation starters with my kids, I will ask them what their favorite _____ is.
I decided I am going to put my favorites out there, for anyone who is interested. This is a new challenge for anyone wanting to know themselves a little better. What are your favorites???
Anna's Favorites:
Color~ Yellow
Shape~ Oval
Smell~ Popcorn
Snack~ Cereal
Person~ Scott
Musical Artist~ Alison Kraus or Nora Jones
Getaway~ Folly Beach
Memory~ My honeymoon and the births of my children
Word~ Sunshine
Board Game~ Cranium
Card game~ UNO
Drink~ Coffee with soymilk
Food~ Pancakes
Dessert~ Anything Vegan!
Animal~ monkeys or kittens
TV Shows~ Oprah, ER, American Idol, Andy Griffith Show, and LOST
Household Item~ Baskets
Thing to do~ spend time with Scott and the kids
Book of the Bible~ Proverbs
Fruit~ Banana
I had it all planned out. I had the canvas bags, my shopping list, my pocketbook with keys, and a big ol' smile. I was ready to take my kids to the grocery store.
We finished a yummy homemade lunch and we were off. Kalen surprised me and buckled himself in and was ready to go. Weather was gorgeous. What a successful mommy day.
As we approached our grocery store, I (as I always do) prepped the kids for what is expected for our time within the store. I also told Kalen that I would be putting Brayden in the backpack and he would ride in the front of the cart. This is the best way, for now, I can keep everyone somewhat controlled in as we shop. He was not bothered at that moment and said, "okay". We walked into the store and I wiped off the cart. Then, I told Kalen he needed to come here because he was going to ride in the cart. Well, he proceeded to whine, then fuss, then stomp some, then . . . oh yes, screaming while crying he said, "no". Whew. This was not a nice moment. My other children were just in silence watching their brother lose total control. What was I to do? It was not fading. He wasn't giving up the fight. I decided to step on out with my children, so we could better deal with the situation. So, now all of the outside world around us was able to witness a real shining moment for my three year old Kalen.
I thought about just canning it all and putting them all in the van and going home. I really didn't know if he would stop wailing. Oh, and my one year old was starting to fuss because his bigger brother was.
Well, to all my readers that do not have four children, it is a huge effort to get everything ready for such an event. Yes, grocery shopping with my children is an event. I didn't want to have to do it all over this afternoon or tomorrow. We needed groceries, I had a list, by golly . . . I was going SHOPPING!!!!
I informed my son that we were going to continue shopping and that was that. Of course, I had been and continued to tell him his behavior was totally inappropriate and his DADDY would help me to deal with this and give consequences. He had calmed down enough so I could enter the store again. We had given all shoppers and employees a real show.
I did get everything on my list. He did stop crying, that is until later I informed him it was naptime. Whew. Tantrums are no fun. It is a true test and challenge for me to love the current unlovable. As my heart was in my throat and my anger was apparent, I actually was able to see the tiny little boy that was there before me that the Lord had gifted to me. I thought I had the entire experience planned out and it would be a 'perfect' day out. Little did I know the curve ball that would be thrown to me. Ahhh . . . the adventures of parenting.
My good friend, Elizabeth, was married on Saturday. We were attached at the hip in high school. She was married to Clay, another friend from high school. It was a beautiful outside wedding in Pilot Mtn. Mom kept the kids for Scott and I. It was nice to have the evening to ourselves.
Sunday, I was able to see several special mothers in my life. We spent some time with Mom, Grandma and my mother-in-law. It was a full and special day for me. It was so sweet being surrounded by my four children all day. I am so thankful to be a mother. However hard it is at times, I would not trade this role for anything.
Hooray! I am 29 years young today!! Scott left me a little note this morning that said he wanted my day to be full of sweetness and sunshine. I can truly say that I have experienced just that.
More than anything, I wanted the sun to shine today and to be able to take the kids out somewhere and enjoy nature. I decided to take them to one of my favorite places here in the mountains. We took a little 15 minute drive to Bass Lake. It was gorgeous today. We were all overwhelmed by the beauty and life that surrounded us.
A lot of times when we take nature walks the kids take their clip boards and sketch somethings they see that they observed in nature. I caught a picture of Madelyn sketching. She looked so amazing there within the scene I was looking at. Julian and Kalen had their clip boards, too. Charlotte Mason would be proud. I really want them to love nature and be good observers of it.
We watched geese, picked flowers, picked up sticks, walked, talked and threw rocks in a little stream. It was just heavenly.
I am thankful today for the life that surrounds me. I am grateful for my cup that runs over every day with countless blessings. God has grown me and changed me. He is still molding me and making me (daily) into who he wants me to be. I hope to never be content with who I am. Not only do I hope to grow to a very old age, I pray that those years will be full of change, growth and beauty.
Lord,
Thank you for life. Thank you for how you have grown me up. Thank you for not giving up on me. You have been patient and showed me your unfailing love time and time again. Thank you for Scott, the love of my life. Thank you that he is a man that adores me and cherishes me. Thank you for four amazing and healthy children. Children that are joyful and appreciate life and beauty. Thank you for family that supports me and for friends that lift me higher than I could ever reach. Thank you for a home to homeschool in. Thank you for that sacred freedom that you give me each day. I am nothing without you, Lord. Amen.
I enjoy watching Scott with our children. He has a way with them. He is fun loving, gentle, caring, devoted, creative, and silly with each of them. He is careful about when he chooses to discipline them. He knows when to be firm and when to let things go. He is patient and forbearing. He is a protector and positive presence. His children adore him.
From the moment Scott arrives. All eyes are on him. Everyone wants to talk to him, touch him, and listen to him. Just to be near him is what we all have been waiting for all day long.
These observations make me think of our relationship with our heavenly Father. I know that God desires the best for us. He is gentle, creative, and loving. God delights in us. He likes watching us grow and laugh. He is patient when we do wrong and knows how to draw us to himself. I want to follow my children's example and crave being with my Father.
A year ago yesterday we shared the birth of our fourth child, Brayden, with so many family members. This is not uncommon for us. With every birth, every close member of our family has packed bags and headed for Boone to celebrate a new little life. These family members all care about sharing life together. They all have special roles they play out in our family and we are so grateful for the many ways they all love us.
We invited our extended family up again yesterday to celebrate our four growing children. They all have birthdays relatively close together, so we just decided to haveone big party this year, with all that is going on in our lives this Spring. It is so refreshing to be in the presence of our parents and siblings and have them be truly interested in sharing life together with a deep love and devotion. I am growing each year, each day, each moment and learning how blessed I am to have such an amazing and unique family. Thank you, Lord, for a family that I can celebrate life's greatest moments with.
Might I add that my dad and stepmom, Sally traveled all the way from Kentucky to be with us. They recently moved out there because of Dad's new job. We were so excited for them to be here.
We all just hung out here yesterday. We ate a lot, let the kids open presents, looked at pictures of our new house, chatted, had cake and shared lots of laughs with one another. I know our children were just tickled to have all their closest loved ones in the same house all celebrating with them.
On a sad note, we realized that this would probably be the last time our family would travel up here for a birthday party, or at all to see us. Sniff, sniff. We sure glad we have all the memories.
Our little Brayden Kenneth turned one yesterday. What a joy he is! We are so very thankful for his little life.
We are so in love with his dimple smile, his brown hair and brown eyes and his silly scrunched up nose face. He is unique, calm and peaceful, and a sweet little soul. He loves his elephant, Ellie and those two fingers he uses to comfort himself.
We all love him so much. His birthday was full of love and time spent with family.
This week Julian has been tested each morning at a local school. We found out a few months ago that homeschooled children must be tested once every year. It has been interesting for all of us. We are not used to getting up, rushing through breakfast, and everyone fully clothed and out the door by 7:30 or 7:45am.
Julian has done well so far. The experience has been good for him, I think. I was very skeptical about sending him off each morning this week to a group of teachers and students that I do not know. I was, however, comforted by his two best homeschooling buddies being tested as well. By day three, today, I was comfortable with the whole process.
Only two more days of testing and I see how this lifestyle could be desirable. Everyone has to get up and get out of the house in the morning. Everyone is strapped in for several minutes on the way to the school. Child is enthusiastic. Get to drop the child off and then continue with the rest of the agenda for the day~ minus the child.
I have been able to taste what it would be like to take our Julian off to school each morning. I was scared at first but now I am feeling better. He is doing great and has a wonderful attitude about going and being with friends. However, his presence at home is missed. Usually, every morning Julian does his chores and then reads to Kalen and Madelyn while I put Brayden down for a nap. He has been unable to do this with his siblings. We then all have table time together and pray together. We have prayed without JJ. Julian then continues on with his homeschool work. Later on, Madelyn and Julian always play cards and have a snack together when the boys are going down for a nap. This is their special time. This week, Julian has not made time for that. I guess from all that has occurred in the morning with testing and being with the boys, he is worn out and not interested.
One of the main reasons that I want to homeschool my kids is I want to be with them. I want to experience as much of their little lives with them as possible. I like having Julian home. I do not like the hurried life. We are a family that is thriving in this homeschooling environment. I am so thankful that this is not an ordinary week.
I am posting a picture of a normal moment from the Morrison home.
Madelyn's ballet studio had picture day yesterday. She only has one more lesson next week. Grandpa and Nana have paid for her to be involved in dance since last August. Loyally, Madelyn has gone weekly to practice her moves. She is the most graceful young dancer in the house. She has had a super attitude the whole year.
Way to go Madelyn!
~ She is pictured second on the bottom row ~
