Laugh Jar

A year or so ago I started collecting funny things that my kids had said.  I just wrote them on an index card with their name, the date and the context and dropped them in our designated Laugh Jar.  Tonight, December 31st, we had a little tea time to chat about 2007.  Scott and I read aloud the cards to celebrate 2007 in a fun way.  

A couple examples:

"Mommy, just the tippers," Kalen said.  He said this after I told him and Julian they could put their fingertips into the pancake batter to taste.

"I got me some pumpers," Kalen exclaimed as he put some balls in his shirt and pointed at my chest.  

"I know why they give you popsicles when you have a baby.  Because you cry a lot and they give you them to make you more happy," Madelyn said.  She said this just last March as we talked about Brayden's birth and his first birthday coming soon.

Julian said, "Something stinks.  I think it is my socks."  

Sometime soon I will put those little sayings in a photo album kept just for this.  I read about this idea in a magazine a couple of years ago.  It is easy and I think it will be a sweet tradition for our family. 

Morehead Planetarium

With money that we received as gifts at Christmas time, Scott purchased us a membership at the Planetarium right on UNC's campus.  

We went ahead and took in a show on Saturday about the Solar System.  Scott took Madelyn and Julian back again today for a Magic Tree House Space Mission and a Science lab with Q & A.  

I had never been to a Planetarium before.  The big machine behind my family up there is called the Zeiss Model VI Star Projector.  It casts tons of stars and other things upon the star theatre dome up above.  It really is a wonderful thing.  The kids loved it.  Brayden clapped several times and said, "Wow."  

Thanks to our families that gave us funds to be able to visit such a neat place.  

Click on Morehead Planetarium if you want to check it out.  

Article to Read

Scott found an interesting article that I thought I would pass along.  Just tap into Scott's blog to read it.  It is entitled The Problem With Christmas.

Christmas Moments

Christmas 2007

It is amazing how quickly time passes.  I was just getting use to listening to my Christmas music all day.  Today is December the 27th and we are quickly losing what is left of 2007.

Our Christmas was very nice.  It was unusual for our little family to stay close to home for most of the holiday.  We had a lot of family come to us this year, it was different and enjoyable. Having family celebrate here meant a lot of cleaning and cooking, but I had a great helper and the food turned out great.  

The Morrison family shared some special time together last Saturday.  We had so much fun eating pancakes, singing carols & other songs, listening to the Jesus's birth story, opening gifts, eating some more, playing and going out to eat later that evening.  We shared so many sweet moments that day.  

The Kirby side of the family gathered together here on Christmas Eve.  It was another day of fun with gift giving, soup and pie eating, playing and chatting.  Never a dull moment.

I shared previously about our Christmas Eve service.  So glad we were in Durham to have that. Christmas morning was really special here at home.  At one point, Scott said, "I don't know when I've been more excited about Christmas."  He then referred to having four kids on Christmas morning to experience the day with.  It was a precious day.  We tried to be better about not buying so much for the kids this year.  We got them each three gifts and you know what?  They didn't even notice they had less.  

Yesterday, we headed to King to visit with my mom's side of the family.  She had cooked up so many vegan treats for us and a big salad and pot of soup.  Her home smelled wonderfully.  We enjoyed relaxing there and letting the kids play all around us during meals, playtime and gift giving.  Of course, I loved the time spent just being with my family.  

Fun was had by all.  Now, we are just putting our home back in order and trying to enjoy being home with Scott before he returns to a full schedule in January.

Stay Close

Be near me, Lord Jesus

I ask Thee to stay 

Close by me forever

And love me I pray 

Bless all the dear children

In thy tender care

And fit us for heaven 

To live with Thee there 

*This is my favorite verse of any hymn that I know.  It is such a sweet prayer within the song Away in a Manger, composed by William Kirkpatrick in 1895.  The author of this beautiful and classic Christmas hymn, is still unknown.  

As we have enjoyed a morning of Christmas fun together, just the six of us, I have had these lyrics in my mind throughout.  I will share photos and stories soon of our family celebrating Christmas.

Moving

On this Christmas Eve, I sit here by the laundry that I have been folding, as It's A Wonderful Life is airing on our television. Scott is making us a special tofu scramble treat and all of our children are all tucked away, most likely dreaming of baby Jesus and the mysterious arrival of Santa.

Earlier this evening we attended our Christmas Eve Candlelight service. As we entered the doors we were greeted and asked to be a part of the Advent candle lighting and scripture reading. We were delighted to be a part of the service in this way. It was an emotional feeling as we stood from our pew and walked together, all six of us, to the front of the church to light the candles. What a feeling of unity as we stood before this group of people, as a family, leading them through this ritual.

With each passing day, I am impacted by many things that come my way, mostly through motherhood and marriage. Few things have moved me more than glancing over beside me tonight to see our first born son holding a candle in the dark room that we were sitting in. His face lit up as he sang the words to Silent Night. It made me instantly tear up. His posture and obvious delight were breathtaking. I leaned over and told Julian something that I overheard Scott say to Madelyn, "The candle is giving light, just as Christ is the light of the world." He leaned over with a grin and said, "I know, Mom."

Merry Christmas, again and again. Enjoy the Light.

Love To You

Our Anniversary

Nine years ago today Scott and I were married. We have hardly been apart since our first date in November of 1996. We hardly believe it sometimes that we have it this good. To find someone that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is "the one" on the first date is . . . amazing.

We have grown so much with each day. I don't think either of us would say that we know each other completely. That is the mysterious and exciting part of marriage. I believe when couples stop studying their spouse it leads to trouble. Scott and I have a lot yet to learn about one another. It is a challenge and we are determined to love one another through the twists and turns of life. We have had our share of tough moments, but we push through with hope and a vision for what we want out of our relationship and this life.

God is good. He continues to teach both of us about servanthood, being trustworthy, being lovely and meeting one another's needs.

We thought about what we wanted to do on our anniversary and we decided to take the kids to the museum to experience it with Scott. Scott had never been. We were so excited to show him the entire place. We went out to our favorite pizza joint, Mellow Mushroom, afterwards. Can you tell we like to be with our kids? Now, we have some time alone. So, tah tah!!

Wheels

Today, we went to our homeschooling group's Christmas party at Wheels. This is a roller skating place in Durham. I was so relieved when Scott told me he would go with us. I can juggle many things, but three beginner skaters and a one year old, hmm.

The kids did wonderfully. Julian got quite discouraged at times. We were very happy to see that he and the other two persevered. They fell quite a bit, but we tried to encourage them to laugh and keep trying. Scott demonstrated quite a bit of skill and strength as he would catch and hold several children at one time. I would put Brady on my hip and off we would go.

Madelyn is already asking about going back. We just might do that. It was great family time. I am all about some family time!

Raw Lunch

The other day I decided to do a super healthy lunch. I didn't prep the kids for it at all. They came parading into the dining room where I had several dishes of different fruits and veggies laid out. I also had pita bread cut in triangles and some homemade hummus. We have had lunches like this before, but the kid's response to it has not always been positive.

It was music to my ears when Madelyn, Julian and Kalen were oohing and aaaahing as they came to the table. They loved it! It just goes to show that I have to keep exposing the kids to the good things in life, over and over until they are in agreement with me.

I have the hummus recipe here. It was passed on by my dear friend, Katie Gasaway.

Edamane Hummus
_______________________

1 1/2 c frozen shelled edamane beans
4 t extra virgin olive oil
1/2 t salt
1/2 t ground cumin
1/4 t ground coriander
2 garlic cloves (X 2 if jarred)
1/2 c fresh flat-leafed parsley
3 T tahini
3 T water
3 T lemon juice

Put everything in food processor or blinder (beans still frozen). Pulse until smooth.

Time Is of the Essence

Now is the time to get things done . . .
wade in the water,
sit in the sun,
squish my toes
in the mud by the door,
explore the world with a boy just four.

Now is the time to study books,
flowers,
snails,
how a cloud looks;
to ponder "up,"
where God sleeps nights,
why mosquitoes take such big bites.
To sew and clean,
paint the hall
that soft new green
to make new drapes,
refinish the floor-
Later on . . . when he's not just four.

~Irene Foster

TV Poll

Thank you to all who voted! It doesn't surprise me that 60% of the 23 that voted like watching the television with moderation. Those 17% of you that were super honest about not wanting to live without it, how bold of you! The other 17% that despise it and hardly ever watch it, I can speculate the many reasons why you despise it. To my voter that doesn't have one, I can only imagine how creative and productive you must be.

Our family does have a television. We only have basic cable and Tivo the shows we want to watch. We don't allow our children or ourselves to be entertained by advertisements/commercials. Gotta love Tivo. We are purposeful about what we watch and believe that it is a treat, but not a necessity. We don't surf. I'll say it again, we are purposeful about what we watch.

Our family really likes to watch movies together. Scott and I watched one last night and the kids are actually having movie night tonight (even though it is usually on Thursday nights). Maybe I can share a post later on the movies that we allow them to watch or their favorites.

I don't think parking my kids in front of the TV is a good think to do several times throughout the day. Nor do I think that having the television on all of the waking hours of the day benefits anyone. We allow the children to watch one thing, 30 minute show, in the morning and one in the afternoon as well. The afternoon show may be a little bit longer at times if it is a nature show, from PBS or Netflix, that the kids are really into.

So, that is that. You may not have wanted to know all that, but there it is. I have been asked several times how much TV our family watches. I do not think it should be a taboo topic at all.

Just Life

But what a life it is!
I am posting some pictures of a little of this and that from the past week. Our life is so full. We have been on a big bike ride and had a little picnic outside in 78 degree weather singing Winter Wonderland, we have made homemade chocolate chip cookies, we have explored at the museum, we have had family music time, and enjoyed some sweet time with Scott home a little more. I could share a lot more ups and downs of our week, but here is a little of our favorite moments. Enjoy!
















Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars.
~Henry Van Dyke

A Cheerleader

I was a cheerleader in grade school. I have always loved the act of spurring others on. I love the whole spirit of joy and love that is wrapped up in building confidence in other people.

I am learning every day how important it is to be a cheerleader and give praise in my home. My husband needs me to be his biggest cheerleader, as well as my children. I get so caught up in the daily tasks, homeschooling and disciplining and forget to verbally tell my kids and hubby how crazy I am about them and praise them for all the things I notice in them.

I know how good it feels and how life giving it is to receive words of praise from my husband, my mom, my friends, my in-laws and others in my life. It truly lights up my life. We all need it. Each of us needs to know that we are thought of, appreciated, noticed, and loved.

I remember reading a list from my book, Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids, by Sharon Jaynes, and I wanted to pass along some cheery things to say when encouraging those we love.

Cheers You Should Know
__________________________

* Good Job!
* I'm so glad you're my son (daughter).
* I like you.
* I love you.
* That was really great!
* You played that song beautifully.
* You're a great friend.
* You'll make a wonderful wife (husband) some day.
* Thanks for cleaning your room.
* You're so strong!
* I can always count on you.
* I trust you.
* You're God's special gift to me.
* You light up my day.
* I missed having you around today.
* You're such a good helper.
* I am proud of you!
* Way to go! I knew you could do it!
* God made a masterpiece when He made you.
* You're such a treasure.
* You're one of God's greatest gifts to me.
* I'm behind you.
* I'm praying for you.
* That was so responsible.
* You're a joy.
* That was so creative.
* Hurray for you!
* Thank you.

Our Weekend

The unusually warmer temperatures threw us for a loop this weekend. We enjoyed it though. We have been in the 60's and should be in the 70's tomorrow. The kids and I went to a park in Durham, close to Duke, on Saturday after Grayson left. Scott had been working most of the day on his final paper for the fall semester. It was gorgeous at the park. We played and played and then went and met Scott at the coffee shop where he was writing. This hot spot actually had vegan ice cream. We were so excited. All the kids hovered around Scott to get spoonfuls of this sweet treat. Ninth Street is a happening place to be in Durham. We walked up and down the street and did a little Christmas shopping.

Today was busy with going and coming from church. This morning we were introduced to our new church congregation as members. (I wanted to somehow get a picture of this, but didn't want to be tacky) We are now members of Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church. It feels really good to be a part of something really meaningful, here in Durham. I have met so many genuine people at this church. I am looking forward to giving and loving on the people there. Tonight, we attended a neat service at church where we just sang our favorite Christmas Carols by request. Then afterwords, we walked over to the fellowship hall for cookies and cocoa. Again, nice to be a part of something. I am adding Blacknall's website to my favorite sites on my blog.