tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10173977086338836992012-01-27T00:08:46.940-05:00Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.comBlogger1841100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-12717518878432418132010-10-28T20:21:00.002-04:002010-10-28T20:54:03.475-04:00

Sometimes life seems simple and spacious, and I begin a project to fill my leisure hours.Like at the beginning of fall, when summer's crazyness is winding down, and my mind wanders ahead to the dark quiet evenings of winter, and the cozy, restful kind of work that can fill the two hours between the kids' bedtime and my own. This fall I taught myself to knit. Inspired by Amanda Soule at Soulemama

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-29029017322560303892010-10-16T09:33:00.004-04:002010-10-16T10:00:11.490-04:00

308. Sweet niece just my daughter's size, cooing, "Oh, so cute!!" about her little cousin. And sidling up to her with her head tilted lovingly towards her, and directing endearing smiles in her direction all evening.309. Chili and corn muffins and fresh vegetables and pumpkin squares generously baked for us by our sister-in-law's mother310. Experiencing for a few hours the home and town and life

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-26268908894273301842010-09-12T06:02:00.004-04:002010-09-12T06:38:28.418-04:00

Browsing the shelves of a bookstore several months ago on a rare day without the kids, I picked up a deep blue hardcover copy of Peter Pan. My boys had been playing Peter Pan daily since I had let them watch Disney's version, but I had never read the book and wondered if, as in most cases, it was better than the movie. I flipped open to the first chapter....Of course they lived at 14, and until

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-5910208760045325952010-09-09T14:38:00.003-04:002010-10-13T12:22:39.083-04:00

292. the discipline of vigilance to keep the two-year-old out of trouble while homeschooling the oldest293. chilly legs in fall's cool air, and snuggling in soft warm clothes feels good again294. address labels stuck all over little girl legs and skirt and shirt295. gingersnaps296. freshly-vacuumed carpet297. Dare to Discipline... how helpful it is to be reminded about these basic principles298.

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-78293702026156048902010-07-07T16:32:00.002-04:002010-07-07T18:10:05.428-04:00

I knew that I had come to be shown something more of how God works, makingHis strength perfect in weakness, as well as to give some answers topeople eager to ask. God is very merciful to us in continuing to help usto grow, to teach us more of how He works, to give us a growing closeness toHimself and fresh glimpses of reality. Such things are exciting to me, butthey do not come from "nine to

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-16047401893758804702010-06-07T13:07:00.004-04:002010-06-07T13:24:18.736-04:00

I'm pretty sure my five year old boy thinks the book I was reading aloud to his daddy was about different ways to slaughter birds, but it's actually a warm, human, touching story that I fell in love with all over again when I read it as the last of my three-book reading spree, and then again to My Hero because he'd never read it.Atticus, the father in the story, is the kind of man I hope my boys

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-85506474238908936982010-06-01T13:22:00.002-04:002010-06-01T14:02:47.687-04:00

That was the second book of my three-novel reading spree. Here's how I decided to read this one: I checked the Midday Connection Book Club page to see what book we would be reading next. It was a novel I had read in high school English and loved. Excited that I already owned a copy and knowing it was worth rereading after such a long time, I made a mental note. A few days later I went to my

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-42108715158631868232010-05-31T12:40:00.000-04:002010-05-31T12:40:41.436-04:00

I haven't visited this place for...a month. First I went on a reading spree...three fun novels in the matter of a few weeks. And after those were finished...it's (nearly) summer, and summer fills up with a hundred miscellaneous and wonderful activities (that, if you don't watch out, end up crowding out the best life has to offer...have to be so careful not to over commit myself.)Today I intend

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-60673161688112429442010-04-30T14:43:00.003-04:002010-04-30T15:37:18.511-04:00

Every day this week (except Sunday, of course) I have opened my mailbox and seen a package or two sitting inside (or once, perched, balancing, atop the mailbox because my Dad, who usually delivers our mail and always brings the too-big packages directly to my door, was adventuring (and ministering) in the rainforests of Brazil). It's a highlight to any day to open the mailbox and see a package

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-1007212923899571392010-04-20T13:26:00.002-04:002010-04-20T14:58:35.984-04:00

Processed foods are natural foods (mostly corn and soybeans, since those are what our agricultural system is set up (and encouraged through government subsidies) to produce in vast quantities) broken down, separated, and put back together into thousands of different (and far less nutritious, largely because of the lack of variety in the foods we eat, since so much comes from those two kinds of

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-59245827199321049872010-04-13T20:32:00.000-04:002010-04-14T06:49:55.226-04:00

Life is never as simple as following a formula.I held Peanut Butter this morning for a little while, talking to him, keeping him warm in his blanket, enjoying him and filling his love tank.The rest of the morning did not go smoothly. He cried and begged for help with his one daily chore, emptying the silverware from the dishwasher.He begged me to sit and hold him during breakfast. I had already

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-14036577695861762172010-04-12T13:24:00.003-04:002010-04-12T14:00:16.096-04:00

He lost us at church yesterday, my second boy, middle child, the one with loudest cry and strongest passions and most demands. I signed the two boys into their class, even though they begin the service in the auditorium where I am, up front in a cluster of their classmates to sing with us a few songs before they leave for their own stories and activities. Then I headed to the nursery across the

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-46885180764022009542010-04-08T12:19:00.002-04:002010-04-08T12:47:48.535-04:00

Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. Proverbs 19:2 My friends and I have been reading the book of Proverbs for our LTG these last two weeks, and one of my friends laughingly mentioned the verse above in relation to her family's current (and very first) experience with buying and fixing up a house. The same applies to me and my gardening. Although I have to say, of all

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-87282103273517661572010-04-05T21:06:00.003-04:002010-04-30T14:43:44.838-04:00

282. My sister who comes and spends evenings with me (and plays with my kids and helps put away supper dishes)283. My sister who is coming from Chicago on Saturday and bringing my dear little niece284. 70 degree weather day after day at the beginning of April285. Perennials planted last fall that withered and died and now are coming to life again to fill the long dreamed of and carefully planned

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-57308427763520073472010-03-31T13:34:00.005-04:002010-03-31T14:22:30.984-04:00

265. As I fold laundry, Raindrop picks up a washcloth and rubs it across pursed lips as if cleaning her face after mealtime. Then she hands it to me to fold.266. Two girls, one from rural Maine and one from, well, Russia originally, but travelling from her parents' home in Oregon, met in the middle, in booming Chicago, four years forming friendship, studying, attending theater, arranging visits

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-19758486233634047532010-03-29T10:09:00.003-04:002010-03-29T10:15:55.917-04:00

The flu struck yesterday...a stomach virus, to all three little ones.Today is recovery day. We did minimal schooling, and now is time for quiet, stay at home fun. On the agenda: Super Mario Bros. wiiPaddington storiesReading through library booksGames/puzzles We're currently working on the first.

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-22769797933540739492010-03-27T07:14:00.003-04:002010-03-27T07:33:32.527-04:00

When the kitchen island is finally clear of clutter, just my daily journal laying open neatly to remind me of priorities, and the kitchen table is clear and gleaming, peace settles into me, and I realise again how neatness and simplicity improves life for me."I need to focus on that," I tell myself, and determine that each area I leave, I will leave beautiful, tidy, cared for. "That," I explain

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-39693893599723264262010-03-25T13:48:00.004-04:002010-03-25T13:52:00.921-04:00

...because spring is here!And I'm in love with my tiny crocusses...My very first.I think I may plant them in a million new places next fall...

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-12565950794973684442010-03-21T09:06:00.003-04:002010-03-31T13:34:08.017-04:00

248. for bluest ocean249. for wide white beach250. for shallow pools perfect for little non-swimmers251. for warm sun252. for bright flowers in March!253. for little girl walking with her daddy254. for morning breakfast, just My Hero and I, relaxed, quiet, calm...while three noisy ones follow morning adventures with doting grandparents255. for morning coffee256. for pastries drizzled with dulce

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-44532468160093138752010-03-17T09:49:00.003-04:002010-03-17T10:13:38.871-04:00

I can understand taking a tree, sawing it into boards, and using the boards to build a piece of furniture. Or a home. I marvel at a completed room or a well-designed chair, sturdy, comfortable, beautiful.I can wrap my mind around using pulp from trees or plants to make paper. And using papers rainbowed with color to make stationary and greeting cards and scrapbooks of memories. I can linger over

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-1687693758926147132010-03-12T20:17:00.006-05:002010-03-12T21:11:24.104-05:00

We took an outing to the library this evening. I intended it to be a late afternoon trip, but by the time I finished gathering sap and baking the bread and cleaning up the flour and dishes from breadmaking and then getting socks and shoes and sweatshirts (yes, sweatshirts today instead of coats!), we pulled out of the driveway at almost 5:00. And since the library is nearby, we pulled into the

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-17681567222342405362010-03-08T13:55:00.004-05:002010-03-09T06:41:29.726-05:00

After I put the kids to bed Friday evening, I dragged myself to the desk chair and, weary and drained, sluggishly considered a few different ways to spend the last couple of hours of my day. I had watched three extra kids for most of the day, and my energy tank, which is always low by 8:00 PM, was dry. I thought about putting Pride and Prejudice in the DVD player and crocheting for a while... the

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-12344031545461078012010-03-04T05:56:00.004-05:002010-03-04T06:47:09.225-05:00

Chaos built as I cut out the iron-on letters. Three names to spell and center on tote bags before ironing. I was trying to figure out which names we had enough letters for and trying to keep the little girl from chewing or peeling or losing the letters, and trying to keep the older boys from the same. My calm remonstrances turned sharp when the baby girl didn't listen, and frustration mounted

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-79338394182960849692010-03-02T14:31:00.007-05:002010-03-02T16:17:16.495-05:00

231. Visiting sister, adored aunt to my kids, spending an afternoon mingling in our world232. Granny's Tea Buiscuits for breakfast233. Brown bag of oranges handed along with daily newspaper and a kind smile from my grandpa, freshly home from a week in Florida234. Boys, industrius and determined, clearing the deck of snow, an act of compassion for our cat, whose distaste for walking through the

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-6413904393013411652010-03-01T13:11:00.003-05:002010-03-01T13:52:20.648-05:00

Christ, bleeding, agonized and brutalized, dying for unworthy me. My pastor brought us there yesterday, to the side of the hill on that dark afternoon when He suffered intentionally, willingly, and thereby broke death's power and brought freedom to the ones who choose Him, the ones He has chosen.He told us the ugly, unusual story of Hosea and Gomer, the sickening story that weaves a golden

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-76092038576726589992010-02-25T07:41:00.003-05:002010-02-25T07:47:04.649-05:00

If your goal is to clean up after yourself right away instead of leaving a mess for later, but you find yourself slinking off to indulge in some reading after supper instead of first doing the dishes, make sure you're slinking off to a Charlotte Mason book about forming habits. She'll prick you right back to those dishes before the food has time to harden on the plates.

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-27364039383865642982010-02-24T21:23:00.005-05:002010-02-25T07:49:18.067-05:00

First, the hat. She wears it all day long. It coordinates with every outfit. Then this morning she found her favorite striped shirt among the clean laundry. She has no favorite pants, so at one point this morning she wore the hat, the shirt, her favorite pink socks, her favorite pink shoes, and a diaper. Wish I had a picture.I'm sensing a bent towards bright colors.Also towards warm and comfy.

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-88130410753796096842010-02-24T20:59:00.005-05:002010-02-24T21:23:10.448-05:00

"Everybody's wearing jammies except Raindrop. She's wearing 'kin." -Peanut Butter

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-84443051407537508082010-02-23T15:08:00.003-05:002010-02-23T15:18:48.438-05:00

"I dropped my 'poon," Peanut Butter says at the supper table last night."Your poon?" I ask."Nooo. My ththththpoon," he corrects me. I laugh and smile and accept his correction, and he smiles a little bashfully and then switches tactics. "No, I mean poon. It's a poon.""It's a poon?" I query."Yup, it's a poon." When he's not caught off guard, he'd rather insist that his way is right than that

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-59040786084317767812010-02-22T13:36:00.004-05:002010-02-22T20:12:04.156-05:00

210. bed posts211. smooth sheets212. warmth213. sharp pencils214. pink215. upcoming vacation216. smell of leather217. birds chirping so loudly outside they can be heard through closed windows218. crunchy snow219. brown mud220. soft round cheeks221. sweaters222. yarn223. parents-in-law224. shiny black shoes plopped in my lap by friends' daughter during comedy night ("see my shoes?" she whispered)

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-72607652916322416912010-02-20T15:13:00.002-05:002010-02-20T15:25:21.484-05:00

of maple elixer, dripping generously from 15 trees in the woods behind my house. Like Thornton Burgess's Peter Rabit, I run and jump a little on my path between the trees, because it's 45 degrees and feeling like spring. Because buckets, neglected yesterday, brim with clear sweetness today. I thought February was the longest, dreariest month of the year? This year spring touches us early, and

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-56962596569636622102010-02-19T12:58:00.007-05:002010-02-19T14:01:30.539-05:00

If you have ever read Poppleton by Cynthia Rylant (and if you have any children between 3 and 5, you should read it to them, and if you don't have children, you probably have not and never will read it) you will know that "Poppleton went to the library every Monday. Monday was always Poppleton's library day." He's a pig who spends every Monday at the library reading an adventure story.Such a life

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-51949576010931471802010-02-18T13:48:00.019-05:002010-02-22T13:36:36.173-05:00

197. Two friends coming over with their children = a house FULL of sitting, toddling, building, biscuit-munching, hiding, running, make-believing, grinning kids198. Red swing coat on sweet little lady199. Phone message during tea time informing friend the job is hers200. Colored paper, scissors, glue, mailing love to family across the miles.201. Bashful boys at the doctor's office stop playing,

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-24898890781138656392010-02-15T13:50:00.004-05:002010-02-17T07:42:46.562-05:00

"Mom, do you hear Peanut Butter? " Christopher Robin asks me, coming in to use the bathroom as I brush my damp hair and smooth cream on my face in my early morning routine. I do hear Peanut Butter's moaning cry, but I know better than to attend to it until I'm really ready to face him and help him. Ready to start the day. I finish and head to the kids' room."Mama, I want you to 'old me," Peanut

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-10947537791240446152010-02-13T08:02:00.003-05:002010-02-13T08:13:42.727-05:00

they greeted me when I opened the door to their bedroom to let them know they could get up.

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-89702321641881222322010-02-12T06:02:00.003-05:002010-02-12T06:49:00.370-05:00

185. As we know Jesus better his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. II Peter 1:3 Such as thankfulness to transform a grumpy, self-pitying mother and thereby redeem the day before it even starts. Yesterday was a good day, and the glory belongs to Jesus.186. Sap buckets are hung, ready to collect maple nectar as days begin to warm.187. Sweet baby girl's mouth

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-10331529573639685302010-02-11T06:16:00.007-05:002010-02-12T06:49:13.768-05:00

175. Warm chai, ever the drink of comfort.176. Deep purples and turquois of predawn sky.177. I can slow. No pressing agenda forcing me to rush through the day. I can relax, let go of things, refuse to allow stress or bad attitudes to reign in me.178. Jesus. In my weakness you are glorified. If you turn the day into good, all the glory, always, belongs to you.179. Husband long miles away, out of

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-22750868561789590762010-02-10T20:59:00.010-05:002010-02-11T06:45:03.479-05:00

Winter days can be long. Stuck indoors when the cold wind bites soft little cheeks and reddens tender noses. Days made longer when Daddy's days at work get him out of the house before little ones are out of bed, and home again after they're down for the night. No one to interrupt the day with "Daddy's home!!" and a half-hour of romping and growling and laughter and squeals. Evenings can feel

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-32881355953240291092010-01-13T06:35:00.008-05:002010-01-13T09:18:21.726-05:00

161. Christopher Robin's flushed cheeks and eyes wide, concentrating, bright mind learning to scheme as he nears the end of our Spy Alley game, keeps his identity secret, and lands on the winning space. 162. Winter days with nowhere to be, time to fill with imaginations, relaxed hours of play for the three little ones, time to organize and clean and create and read for me.163. Simplicity of

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-63519508841166584112010-01-07T13:51:00.002-05:002010-01-07T14:15:04.014-05:00

"Poverty in youth, when it succeeds, is so far magnificent that it turns thewhole will towards effort, and the whole soul towards aspiration. Povertystrips the material life entirely bare, and makes it hideous; thence ariseinexpressible yearnings towards the ideal life. The rich young man has ahundred brilliant and coarse amusements, racing, hunting, dogs, cigars, gaming,feasting, and the rest;

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-3487425393805140552010-01-04T06:45:00.002-05:002010-01-04T07:25:57.547-05:00

It's not a matter of making up my mind to do something. It's not gritting my teeth and setting my jaw and determining that I will do better. It's not battling fiercely against the selfishness, the laziness, the self justification, the endless pitfalls that foil my attempts to live life well.Success doesn't come from me.Ann's quiet voice reminds me that setting goals and making up my mind to do

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-31760626466461659782009-12-29T06:26:00.003-05:002009-12-29T06:51:23.683-05:00

As Christmas festivities wind down, I gear up for the new year, for these next few months of winter, and I'm full of ambition. I want to continue teaching the boys, and more firmly establish habits of reading scripture at mealtimes and memorizing scripture together. I want to fill our lives with music...from CD's, and learning to play on the piano. I want to read to them...library books and

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-35141135010685229712009-11-06T21:45:00.000-05:002009-11-06T21:46:06.470-05:00

Inspired by reading scripture, understanding Jesus' call to his followers to deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow Him, thatPure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us. James 1:27 NLTand also through the influence of organizations like Advent Conspiracy, World Vision

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-66443835106407473982009-10-27T14:33:00.002-04:002009-10-27T15:51:21.676-04:00

A few days ago I listened to Itay Talgam's talk, Lead like the great conductors. He shows different leadership styles with clips of famous orchestra conductors, explaining differences in their philosophies that influenced how each one directed their symphony. His metaphor of leadership as a symphony conductor resonates with me, especially combined with Ann's metaphor of forming habits to make

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-70785200175056532672009-10-14T06:36:00.004-04:002009-10-15T07:14:14.372-04:00

With the help of the wii fit, purchased at the end of last December, I have lost over 15 pounds. It wasn't the exercise that made the difference...I'd been exercising daily for two years. The wii fit offers a "body test" every day, a daily weigh-in. Suddenly I could see how snacking before bed caused my weight to be higher the very next morning, while going to bed slightly hungry made it go

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-74609814061477852762009-10-10T09:16:00.006-04:002009-10-10T10:32:19.170-04:00

...and cocoa to drink,That is the finest of suppers, I think;When I'm grown up and can have what I please,I think I shall always insist upon these. Christopher Morley

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-76873223372884126002009-10-07T06:30:00.005-04:002009-10-07T07:10:38.654-04:00

151. Sacks of bulbs--dry orbs to bury in the dirt, all the long cold winter anticipating beauty of pink blooms when the snow drips away.152. Twenty minute drive, five of us make a family, to a local orchard--acres of trees laden with apples...fresh donuts, tangy/sweet cider.153. Two hours on Tuesday evenings with talented (can our little town really hold such talent?) musicians banding

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-88447517699241221352009-10-06T06:20:00.002-04:002009-10-06T06:38:16.282-04:00

My Hero was reading George Bernard Shaw quotes last night. One made him laugh out loud, so he read it to me. The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself..."That's Peanut Butter!" I interrupted. It's gratifying to hear put into words something you've never quite been able to describe accurately. Peanut Butter doesn't "

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-71692268005538980952009-10-05T06:11:00.002-04:002009-10-05T06:37:27.620-04:00

I didn't even try, last night, to make any progress with unpacking or cleaning up the debris spewn all over our house since coming home from a nine day vacation to Illinois to visit my in-laws. I was so discouraged with how little progress I'd made in the two days I'd been back, and the enormity of the job just made me feel tired. And I was tired. All my energy was gone and my spirits were

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-5285734142196852322009-07-29T05:30:00.001-04:002009-07-29T05:31:57.661-04:00

It began with a craving to know more deeply...to live more truly."Would you join me and we can be an LTG?" I asked My Hero. He (somewhat reluctantly) agreed. He doesn't throw himself blindly into commitments that might demand too much as I am prone to do. But this one was good. How can it not be good to commit to read large portions of scripture together, to hold each other accountable, to

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-39832072513647079742009-07-22T18:11:00.004-04:002009-07-28T15:32:58.383-04:00

A friend of mine loaned me a cookbook, Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld, that's full of recipes that include lots of pureed veggies (even spinach brownies!) as ingredients...a supremely inoffensive way to serve vegetables that kids might otherwise turn up their nose to. The idea intrigues me, because even though I'm determined to learn to cook veggies the most delicious ways possible,

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-82648402144877001682009-07-16T06:02:00.003-04:002009-07-17T07:08:02.608-04:00

Q is a conference held every year for church leaders interested in finding ways for church to influence culture. The conference invites speakers who know something about culture or who happen to have done something big to influence our world, like Blake Mycoskie with TOMS Shoes, and Catherine Rohr who founded Prison Entrepreneurship Program. In the words of the Q website: "Q is a gathering

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-57877369992750285562009-07-16T05:43:00.002-04:002009-07-16T06:01:28.882-04:00

My Hero downloaded a free audio book a couple of weeks ago from christianaudio.com. The title didn't grab me. Crazy Love. But My Hero listened to it during his long commute to work and back, and he came home and recommended it to me with passion in his voice. I knew it had to be good, because he has shown...mild approval about the last few books I've raved enthusiastically about to him. He

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-37649330805521511642009-07-02T06:19:00.002-04:002009-07-02T07:00:10.291-04:00

In an attempt to cook using only real, whole, unprocessed food, I find myself cooking with a new freedom to experiment, to deviate from recipes and alter them to fit my ingredients. And the surprising part is, so far it has all come out tasting really good. I guess when the ingredients are really good, it's hard to go wrong. Last night I tried out the new Kitchen Aid pasta roller and fettuccine

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-61561659555519382192009-06-30T15:31:00.003-04:002009-06-30T21:18:15.991-04:00

"There is one thing the mother will allow herself to do as interpreter between Nature and the child, but that not oftener than once a week or once a month, and with look and gesture of delight rather than with flow of improving words--she will point out to the child some touch of especial loveliness in colouring or grouping in the landscape or in the heavens. One other thing she will do, but

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-37582404476606249982009-06-27T06:59:00.000-04:002009-06-27T07:00:26.308-04:00

How to Nurture Geniuses

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-47046224945553348232009-06-27T05:57:00.002-04:002009-06-27T06:39:30.660-04:00

"There is only one real powerThat you should long to own: Self-denial!Spend all you have to purchase it.Lust after chains of servanthood--never thrones of pride.For servants, worn by willful drudgery,At last wear diadems.Bridle all desire: For having what you want,Will leave you groveling in wantonness.Feed yourselves with hunger,Then savor all you slowly eat.Thus, self-denial will give you

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-5089697639995372552009-06-26T06:20:00.002-04:002009-06-26T06:57:38.703-04:00

138. A long, hot day after weeks of rain.139. Blistered hands, dirty feet, withering weeds, a happy garden.140. Teabag of spicy chai, steeped in steaming water in a white mug, a little milk and sugar.141. Contest between baby girl and 30 year old mama: pink hairbow in darling fine baby hair just thick enough to hold it again, yanked out continually by chubby baby fists.142. Four year old

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-39054927256646538582009-06-25T06:18:00.002-04:002009-06-25T07:00:46.817-04:00

The peace of three small ones napping was rudely blasted away by the grating wail of two year old Peanut Butter. I sighed helplessly. How do I respond? I knew from experience that the wail meant nothing more than that he was grumpy. I knew that in another minute or two his brother and sister would wake up from the noise. Going in to spank him for indulging in such a selfish outburst would

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-43444180759254532172009-05-19T06:40:00.003-04:002009-05-27T07:12:18.162-04:00

Why is food I love bad for me, "junk food" that rots my teeth and makes me fat, and nutritious food so bland or offensive I have to force myself to eat it? That's a question I wondered all my life. I always chalked it up to "The Fall". Part of the curse that plagues mankind, a result of sin entering the world. Good food tastes bad, bad food tastes good.I'm learning that it's actually not the

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-87103544030615119592009-05-18T06:18:00.004-04:002009-05-18T07:06:33.474-04:00

Saturday morning I visited the farmer's market. I was looking for fresh veggies. My own first homegrown veggies won't be ready for months...even my peas, which I started in April, have weeks to go before they're ready to be picked. But some people who have been at this longer than I have, who devote their...livelihoods?...to growing food, know how to coax their gardens to produce early.I found

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-66311405837755319072009-05-08T06:41:00.004-04:002009-05-08T06:53:33.353-04:00

So I won't go into detail about what My Hero and I spent our evening doing yesterday, but I think it was one of those ordeals that permanently changed us, at least a little.I caught Peanut Butter removing items from our basement freezer a few times, and was severe with him that it was not permissible. I don't often let the boys play in the basement when I'm not down there, for a variety of

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-41549254720244959622009-05-06T08:29:00.005-04:002009-05-06T09:19:46.896-04:00

Baby girl wails and follows me as I help her older brothers make their beds. She pulls herself up using the side rail of the bottom bunk and instead of the usual happy squeals, she cries. I know how she feels, her nose ever producing sticky wet; probably she has the headache I have, too. After a few minutes of spirits eroding, dissolving under the persistent waves of noisy, wordless complaints

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-35547478613085358022009-05-04T06:35:00.004-04:002009-05-04T07:14:01.365-04:00

122. A new friend, warm, open, already beginning to feel like a sister. The longing tug to talk with her again.123. Fine, soft brown hair filling in on baby daughter's head... can it really be so straight? That she might get the straight hair I've always admired on others...124. Uninterrupted night's sleep to combat yesterday's flu-like symptoms. Three kids, all sleeping soundly all night

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-214496525266807482009-04-29T06:23:00.003-04:002009-04-29T07:10:40.527-04:00

Sunday morning Christopher Robin's class went up front to sing a song for all of us during the church service. They did this once before near Christmas, but when they announced to the class what they were planning, Christopher Robin immediately decided he would not participate. He resists new ideas. I bought him new shoes, and he told me he wouldn't wear them. Three days later my mom asked me

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-69511344412152347912009-04-24T06:22:00.002-04:002009-04-24T07:07:05.543-04:00

Mr. Putter and Tabby books are some of my favorite library books to read aloud to Christopher Robin. In Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea we learn how Mr. Putter and Tabby (his old orange cat) got together in the first place. He lived alone in a big house, with no one to share his English muffins with in the morning, or his tea in the afternoon, no one to keep him company while he tended his

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-75010858321589942042009-04-21T06:28:00.002-04:002009-04-21T07:09:33.785-04:00

One of my favorite high school teachers used to say that some of the most profound truths can be found in children's books. This is also true of kid's Saturday morning cartoons.Christopher Robin knows that on Saturday mornings there is a kids' show he's allowed to watch. I don't think he realizes that kids' shows are on the whole morning long, across almost every channel... he just knows there

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-78900778518766113532009-04-16T05:57:00.001-04:002009-04-16T07:15:04.027-04:00

Just what I needed... I battle to fill each day with good things, to achieve the things I've given myself to do. Monday was cleaning day, and while I did three loads of laundry and got it all put away, and made beds and cleaned rooms and accomplished a lot of tasks, my to do list still stretched into the distance at the end of the day, and worse, I felt dissatisfied, empty. Everything I had

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-88105447492871979872009-04-09T14:12:00.002-04:002009-04-10T06:30:52.188-04:00

This morning my soul is weak and hurting. A friend, not a close friend, but a friend, has filed for divorce, and I feel powerless, and I ache for her son, and for her husband, and for her... I have known for over a week now, and it still tears at me every day. How could it get to this point and I didn't have a clue?? It feels like the suicide of a family, and I wonder if I had realized it was

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-77079413455004197432009-04-09T06:23:00.004-04:002009-04-09T06:50:44.793-04:00

All power implies a corresponding responsibility; and the greater the power the greater the responsibility because the greater the danger... One of the fearful things about power is that we connot measure the effect of the abuse of it: if we wantonly hurt other human beings we know that evil will come of it but we cannot foretell the extent of the evil... Because He has told us clearly that to

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-60064054461784277512009-04-08T06:24:00.004-04:002009-04-08T09:07:24.904-04:00

What do I do with the roughly 2 hours to myself when all the kids are in their bedroom having an afternoon rest?For the month of March, I would be out checking the sap, hauling buckets of faintly sweet clear liquid to pour into the simmering pots on my wood stove, and then on the days I gathered more than 5 gallons, all the surplus into two big plastic storage tubs in the back of the minivan to

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-54943621226863690162009-04-02T06:10:00.003-04:002009-04-02T07:13:25.457-04:00

I love love L-O-V-E my new way of life. It's still a lot of work to stay on top of all the little messes that happen every 10 seconds with the kids, but yesterday morning I saw my grandparents walking up our driveway, and I was really disappointed they didn't come inside...they were just coming to borrow the wheelbarrow under our deck. I would've loved to have my clean, orderly grandmother

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-76951732719867296102009-04-01T06:04:00.004-04:002009-04-02T07:13:25.457-04:00

Two mornings ago I introduced the chore chart. Our very first, so the concept was brand new to both boys. Christopher Robin listened with rapt attention and Peanut Butter with a quizzical expression as I explained that as each chore was completed, they could draw an X in the appropriate box, and at the end of the day if all their boxes were X-ed, they would receive a nickel. "So, today is

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-48546271419427904752009-03-30T06:22:00.004-04:002009-04-02T07:13:25.458-04:00

I haven't given up teaching my children habits. Just took a break, I guess. I think I've maintained fairly well the progress I made with Peanut Butter and his tantrums, though we have by no means conquered it, and many days I feel exhausted by the end of the day. He wants control, and some of the things he demands are so unreasonable I don't even want to give him the satisfaction of talking it

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-88052064034815880012009-03-28T06:33:00.002-04:002009-04-02T07:11:36.273-04:00

Inspired by this banana bread post by The Brown Family Blog, I thought I'd post my favorite chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe. And then add an extra bunch of bananas to my grocery shopping list so I can try the world's yummiest banana bread!Zucchini Chip Loaves*3 cups all-purpose flour (though these days I always use white whole wheat flour for everything)2 cups sugar3 tsp. ground cinnamon1

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-77756601830002122582009-03-25T06:09:00.003-04:002009-03-25T06:40:13.013-04:00

Every spring the miracle of plants entrances me. I sprinkle seeds too tiny to pick up one at a time into moist dirt, and just three days later when I check on them I'm shocked to see a scattering of little green sprouts shooting up. How could it have happened so fast? How can something so green and alive come from one of those tiny brown specks?We have one month, maybe two, of spring when the

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-16615303274985919332009-03-23T07:40:00.002-04:002009-04-02T07:14:24.719-04:00

Christopher Robin: *munch* *munch* "Grapefruit makes us live longer."Peanut Butter: "Nigh, grapefruit bakes us lib longer."CR: "But we still want to see Jesus."PB: "Nigh."CR: "But we don't want to see Jonah."PB: "Mm-mmm. Jonah mean guy." (in low, growling voice.)CR: "No. He just didn't listen to God."PB: "Oh."

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-1825078530505011882009-03-23T06:14:00.003-04:002009-03-23T06:58:42.226-04:00

A white screen before me offers nothing for inspiration. In my head are dozens of disjointed thoughts, each one mildly interesting, but leading nowhere. Some days I have to choose among all the posts inside my head, but today I sift through bits of life, parts of my days, and find nothing of substance. WAIT! There is something! Last summer my sister sent me a book for my birthday, The Middle

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-67757095578482402382009-03-21T06:24:00.002-04:002009-03-21T06:50:21.305-04:00

March is maple syrup time, and the rest of life moves over to make room for it. When is the last time I cleaned the bathtub or the fridge? Had energy left at bedtime to keep my eyes open to read a few pages? Reviewed the alphabet with Peanut Butter or read Bob books with Christopher Robin?I look at the crumbs layering the floor of my cupboards and the film of dust on all my light fixtures and

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-6222440441351093712009-03-19T06:06:00.005-04:002009-04-02T07:14:35.567-04:00

"I'll go first, Mom, so you know how to get back," Christopher Robin says boldly as he heads off through the woods in the wrong direction."This way, bud. Follow the trail," I point at the well-packed path of footprints through the snow leading from our basement door, through our backyard garden patch, into the woods to where we're standing now and to every one of our tapped maple trees."Oh, yeah

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-42817683319103058292009-03-18T06:09:00.005-04:002009-03-18T06:36:47.609-04:00

Raindrop met her new 20 day old baby cousin from Chicago yesterday. She studied her for several minutes, and looked at me for reassurance when she cried. But it seemed like a positive experience until I had the privilege of holding my baby niece. Suddenly Raindrop was not okay. I've never really seen her quite as blatantly possessive before. Hints of it when I held her other baby cousin in

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-9205663066641178232009-03-15T05:49:00.003-04:002009-03-15T06:56:23.264-04:00

112. Cauldron of boiling, foaming, swirling maple sap on its way to becoming golden syrup.113. Eleven year old brother, uncle to my kids, keeping watchful eye on the four and two year olds climbing the giant tractor parked beside the garden.114. Brothers, 14 and 11, uncles to my kids, taking up such a big place in my kids' world. "What are you thankful for tonight?" I ask at bedtime. "Uncle

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-9613394337691431192009-03-13T05:50:00.005-04:002009-03-13T13:10:15.839-04:00

Yesterday I achieved a lifelong goal: I made my own maple sugar candy. The kind you buy at gift shops for $5 a maple leaf, the kind that's sugary and explodes with sweet maple flavor as it melts in your mouth. It turned out exactly like that, only mine is not pleasing to look at. I don't have any maple molds, or molds of any kind, so it's spread in the bottom of an 8X8 pan, and it has to be

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-88877854897703011542009-03-11T05:59:00.013-04:002009-04-02T07:12:35.721-04:00

Neil Cole writing about a church his daughter started with a group of high school friends:"After the church had been meeting for several months, I met with these students and we all sang praises to the Lord. I felt the Lord's pleasure. I asked the students what was the biggest church they had ever been to. Living in Southern California there are many options of megachurches, and a number of

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-63739946901441669012009-03-10T05:52:00.004-04:002009-04-02T07:15:15.477-04:00

I've known him for 2 years and 7 months, but I can't seem to get my mind around what makes him tick. If I had to try to peg it down, I'd have to say the most important thing to him is that he gets to make the decision. And yet he's sometimes content to play with Christopher Robin, letting him call all the shots and tell him what to do, and he'll agree with everything Christopher Robin says.He's

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-23797731731240969372009-03-08T06:34:00.002-04:002009-04-02T07:15:55.762-04:00

I have become increasingly frustrated, mostly with myself, by the results of my attempts to train good habits into my kids. Peanut Butter's temper still flares up quickly, though it's easier to quench, and now that I've turned my attention to truthfulness, Christopher Robin and Peanut Butter have both been less truthful than ever. Most discouraging, though, is that the more I focus on trying to

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-45053216638904635982009-03-07T06:22:00.002-05:002009-03-07T06:23:49.623-05:00

My goal for today is to tap maples in the woods behind my house. Maple syrup. Maybe even maple sugar this year. Mmm....

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-66344459349913481692009-03-06T06:17:00.004-05:002009-03-06T06:32:08.439-05:00

"There are always days when I don't feel like singing,There are always days when I don't care at allBut I know the King of all creation reigns completelyOver every moment, great or small"~Long Live the King by Aaron ShustYesterday morning was horrible. I was in a terrible mood, had lots to do and made little progress, and Raindrop refused to go down for her morning nap, throwing off the schedule

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-58118073136305088412009-03-05T06:11:00.002-05:002009-03-05T06:35:04.123-05:00

103. for cheery 4 year old voice conversing with happy baby garbles in the bedroom. for the sweetness of a brother who joins his baby sister in her crib in the mornings and reads books to her until released from the bedroom to be awake for the day.104. for My Hero forging out time from his limited at-home time to lead Financial Peace University.105. for the wisdom passed along to people in

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-85811637101807784832009-03-04T05:52:00.002-05:002009-03-04T06:22:45.653-05:00

16 hours isn't long enough. The end of the day comes before I'm ready for it every day. Simple tasks like folding and putting away laundry sit untouched all morning, all afternoon, all evening until the day is spent and I realize that once again the opportunity to sit down to the pile of clean laundry simply never came. Where does the time go? It's not as if the rest of the house sparkles

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-52529535636203061942009-03-04T05:47:00.001-05:002009-04-02T07:15:24.142-04:00

"B-five-N-G-O,B-five-N-G-O,B-five-N-G-O,And Bingo was his name-o"~Peanut Butter, 2 years old

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-36749448436981376572009-03-03T06:26:00.003-05:002009-04-02T07:12:56.779-04:00

"If punishment were necessarily reformative, and able to cure us all of those 'sins we have a mind to,' why, the world would be a very good world; for no manner of sin escapes its present punishment. The fact is, not that punishment is unnecessary or that it is useless, but that it is inadequate and barely touches our aim; which is, not visitation for the offences, but the correction of that

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-43422346772695320992009-03-02T06:01:00.004-05:002009-04-02T07:05:42.575-04:00

After nine days of being spoiled by Grandma, today begins a week of retraining in the art of living a normal, balanced life that no longer revolves around boys who are four and two. I suppose they will get the bulk of my attention today, but it will not be about entertaining them or showering them with new toys or feeding them more sugar. Welcome to boot camp, boys. Remember life 10 days ago?

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-81728360936247407292009-02-19T06:19:00.003-05:002009-04-02T07:05:42.575-04:00

So, it's a good thing I'm keeping track of my progress with Peanut Butter, because yesterday I felt as though I had taught him nothing. In public. I took my three young ones to the doctor's office for Raindrop's 6 month appointment. It's always a long wait in the waiting room, but there's a play area, and no matter how long we sit waiting, when they call Raindrop's name Christopher Robin

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-27507175764696009642009-02-18T06:20:00.003-05:002009-04-02T07:05:42.576-04:00

We had another episode yesterday at the moms' group at my friends house. Shortly after we arrived, both of my boys began to play with their friend's remote controlled train set. There are at least three different remotes for three separate trains, but of course the track is shared, and there are always conflicts arising from that favorite toy. Peanut Butter's intense desire was focused on

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-8507591786269272662009-02-17T05:48:00.002-05:002009-04-02T07:05:42.576-04:00

Peanut Butter has made improvement in learning to make himself stop howling. It's not his internal sense of honor or desire to do what's right that stops him yet, just fear of the consequence, but it's progress. The more I pay attention the more I see just how often he let go of himself and lost control when something didn't go his way. Charlotte Mason points out that we call someone like that

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-430209551911471672009-02-16T06:25:00.001-05:002009-04-02T07:06:08.151-04:00

Yesterday evening Peanut Butter had a meltdown about getting his pajamas. I stopped it, helped him on with his pajamas as I struggled to keep him from crying, then asked him to explain to me in a calm voice I could understand exactly what the matter was. He told me that he wanted to pick out his pajamas. "Silly Peanut Butter," I said. "If you had asked me nicely to let you pick out your

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-63125589527203349122009-02-14T05:49:00.005-05:002009-04-02T07:06:08.151-04:00

I'm noticing an improvement in Peanut Butter's demeanor. Or maybe it was just a good day yesterday. I know the most important thing is to stay vigilant, or we'll lose any progress we've made by reverting back to the old familiar habits. He still responded with wails several times yesterday, but he also responded with a cheerful, "Okay, Mom," seven or eight times as well. Those were usually

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-34444783297824607692009-02-13T06:28:00.001-05:002009-04-02T07:14:09.083-04:00

Give her an older brother or two.

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017397708633883699.post-91333861451651251382009-02-13T05:55:00.002-05:002009-04-02T07:06:08.151-04:00

Yesterday my focus, resolve, and motivation began to slip. I think chronicling my progress here will be the difference between continuing the project and letting it slowly die. Yesterday I spent the day getting the house ready for a financial class My Hero leads every Thursday evening. It's a few hours worth of work to vacuum, dust, wash the floors, clean the bathroom, make cookies, set up

Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.com0