Another Lesson I Learned From My Child

Motherhood can be so humbling...especially when it's your children who keep teaching YOU things. 

I'm a homeschool mom.  I spend my days with my two boys.  I teach them reading, writing, arithmetic, etc.  But we also talk a lot about character and Biblical truth. 

Recently our family fell in love with a foster child.  He spent weekends bonding with us.  We all enjoyed him so much and it felt so perfect, a great match in every way.  We thought he would soon come to live with us, that he would become our son/brother. 

Then, as the termination of parental rights hearing neared, after the child had already spent several months in foster care, some distant relatives who had never met him and live in another state came forward.  They decided they wanted to be considered as the primary adoptive family.  In our state (Iowa), relatives to the fourth degree of kinship (!!!) receive preference over foster/adoptive families.

I've found myself irritated at "the system" and the laws in our great state of Iowa.

I've found myself frustrated that caring DHS workers can't make decisions that seem to be in the child's best interest, like turning away distant relatives who don't even know a child and live all the way across the country, because of laws that don't make sense and seem to even frustrate them.  Have we lost all common sense?

I've found myself so angry that this precious little one will remain in foster care much longer than necessary, remaining in limbo and unable to get settled into his forever family, because of relatives who don't seem to be thinking of what is best for him.  If they pass their home study process months from now, he will be drug off across the country with complete strangers, having everyone and everything he knows disappear from his life, and without any transition into his new home.  Perhaps they think he's too young to remember.  They're probably right, but he won't forget the feelings associated with such loss and change.  It's unfortunate that they don't mind putting him through this when it could be avoided.  He's a real person with real feelings.  We have developed a relationship with his foster family and would continue his contact with them, the only family he's ever really known.  It's a great loss for them too.  It just doesn't seem right! 

My heart has been breaking over the loss of this little one!  I've prayed.  I've cried.  I've consoled my two little boys many times as they mourn this "little brother".  I've asked God "Why?" many times...with no real answer.  I've asked for strength, wisdom and peace for everyone involved.  I've tried to remain faithful and faith-filled, trusting the One in control of all things.

Last night our 7 year old, Andrew, brought up this little one in conversation again.  We both agreed, we miss him.  I asked him, "Have you been praying about it?"  He quickly said, "Not really."  My heart cried out, "Have I taught you nothing?!"  Then, I calmly asked, "Why not?"  And here it is...the moment when it felt like a 2x4 across my head...

He said, "Well, I believe God is doing His best.  We already prayed about it and I don't think I have to just keep on asking.  He's doing His best, Mom."

"Oh, yes, Andrew, you're right!  We need to thank God that He's working."

When we prayed together before bedtime I thanked God for the lesson I received from Him through my son.  For the reminder that He is doing His best...just as we asked Him to.  Oh, to have the faith of a child!

I remembered a quote from author and speaker, Susie Larson, "God's will for you is your best-case scenario."

I don't understand why.  I'm still frustrated with "the system".  But, ultimately, God is in control.  I can choose to trust that He's looking out for our best interest, and the best interest of this darling child.  I will keep praying that God's will, will be done and that we and others involved will cooperate with Him.  I will thank Him for hearing and answering our prayers.  I will praise Him for giving us His BEST.    

Thanks for the reminder, Andrew!  You are part of God's best-case scenario for me.    :)

Andrew with the pumpkin he carved for me this fall :)

“And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.  Pray, then, in this way: Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."  Matthew 6:7-13

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

 

For the word of the Lord holds true,
    and we can trust everything he does.
He loves whatever is just and good;
    the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.

Psalm 33:4-5

Random Rachel Returns

What do I write about.  Which thing? 

I've been stepping back...simplifying...allowing the refining. 

I've felt pressured to write (I mean, this blog is just sitting here...) and yet, I don't. 

Do I write about the things He's been showing me?  The way He's been chipping away at my character.  The way He's been renewing and restoring things lost...and giving what perhaps never was.  Understanding.  Change.  Newfound joy.

Do I write about the foster care classes?   The stuff we're learning.  The way God is opening my eyes and heart even more to just why He's called us to this.  The class content is absolutely fascinating and educational.  Not sure what I expected, but the classes are better than I thought they would be. 

Do I write about the licensing process and the preparation to care for a foster child?  It's quite a process.  Many steps, a lot of paperwork, home studies and preparation necessary.  Sometimes it seems taxing, then I remember the goal.  It's worth it!

Do I write about one of our classes?  About Managing behaviors? Assessing strengths and needs?  Maybe about gains and losses?

Do I write about our loss?  It was 2  years ago that we lost our baby Faith to miscarriage; our third miscarriage.  Two years!!  Wow.  We've grieved.  We've questioned.  We've processed.  We've accepted God's promises to be true.  He has a good plan for us and we can trust Him, even when we don't understand.  As we move ahead, we see more clearly how He has worked in it.  How He has grown us; prepared us; lead us.  In joyful anticipation we look forward to seeing what He will do next, in His timing and in His way. 

Do I write about our two precious little boys?  They're constantly changing, growing, learning, bringing joy to our lives and home.  What about my 3 year old asking me what breasts are for!  :)  Or his little sweetness telling me daily, "You're the best mom!  I'll never forget about you."  Melts my heart!  Or what about my 7 year old who's suddenly a big boy; changing, growing increasingly independent and pulling away from mommy in some ways.  He's a little man.  Time is passing.

And I realize more and more and more the need to be here, to be fully present.  I can't be attached to a computer screen or my iPhone.  I can't be running around to numerous commitments.  I could miss it.  I don't mean just missing them growing or missing my chance.  Even worse, I could miss their hearts.  THIS is my call: to love God and others, starting at home with my husband and sons.  To spread the gospel, starting here.

To spend time just being with them (and their daddy), modeling, loving, nurturing relationships...

maybe even get a BONUS ride in the wagon every once in a while.  :)

Do I write about the disconnect between what our culture (as a whole) says is important and how we actually live?  How are we, especially we Christians, living out what we say we believe?  We say our mission field begins at home and yet it seems to me that the people in our homes often tend to get the worst of us rather than the best; as if everyone else "out there" is more important.  This is the true test of love...in the every day. 

Or do I write a Random Rachel post to just say...I can't write that much here?  I guess so.  That's what I'm doing.  I'm saying I just can't write that much right now.  At least not here.  Not now.  It's just not the time.  Today is the day to Simplify...as He leads me/us to the next place of promise.  I know it's a good place to be.

What would you write about?  What is God showing you? 

Philippians 2:1-11

 

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? ² Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

⁵ You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

⁶ Though he was God,^[a]
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
⁷ Instead, he gave up his divine privileges^[b];
    he took the humble position of a slave^[c]
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,^[d]
8     he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

⁹ Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

FUN DAY Monday Returns!! Thanksgiving Tree.

At the beginning of November last year I saw this fun idea posted on someone's Facebook page (not sure).  Because I always love to find ways to incorporate lessons on gratitude along with some crafty fun into our daily lives I loved the idea right away.  I took the picture of the tree in my head and drew it out on poster board. Then, we taped it together and Andrew (then 5 1/2) colored it in with markers.  We found some leaf shape templates online, printed them out, traced them onto orange, green and yellow construction paper and cut them out. We had so much fun doing this together while Noah (then 2 1/2) napped.  Although it doesn't look quite as "fancy" and "perfect" as the picture that probably came from Pinterest, Andrew thought it was "the coolest thing ever!"  And thanked me repeatedly for making it with him.

This is what it looked like when we we began

Okay, so real trees don't have leaves of more than one shape.  I explained that to Andrew.  But he thought it looked pretty with two different shapes and said, "It's our tree, can't we have it any way we want it?"  Now how could I argue with that?!  Sure we could.  And we did!

Our Pursuit of Thankfulness Began...

Every day, as a family, we removed one leaf.  Each of us told something we were thankful for that day, trying to never repeat the same thing all month.  I wrote it on the leaf and put it on the ground beneath the tree.  Then, we would pray, thanking God for those blessings.

This is what we had at the end.

It was such a great reminder each day to be thankful...and of just how many blessings we enjoy!  And it was fun hearing what others in the family thought of, even our (then) 2 1/2 year old!  As the days accumulated, we had to get more creative because all the "typical" stuff had already been said.  It made us "dig a little deeper".  On Thanksgiving Day we re-read all of the leaves.  It was a special time.  Memories were made and seeds of gratefulness planted.  THANKFUL we took the time to do this together.

This year I hope to make a big paper turkey, adding our thanks to each feather.  But that's for another FUN DAY Monday post.

Remember it's the simplest things that mean the most to our children.  Mostly it's about taking time to do the fun stuff.  When we incorporate life lessons and Biblical values into the fun, memories are made and the lessons often stick better...in their hearts and ours.

"O give thanks to the LORD...for He is good!" 

Psalm 107:1

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Feel free to use this idea in your house...and share the idea with your friends.

Will He Be the Last?

Today I'm joining the Five Minute Friday link up with the prompt "Last".  I will write for 5 minutes flat with not editing.  :)

Last...

I look at his sweet, 3 year old face and I wonder, "Will he be the last?"  My Noah.  He is my little one.  The one others say looks like me.  The affectionate, compassionate, tender-hearted, very expressive little one.  He melts my heart and makes me smile.

My oldest has his own special traits. Andrew is hard working, deep thinking, inquisitive, daring and a detail oriented leader (even at 6).  He loves quality time with mom (which I love too!).  But, his ability to freely and sincerely offer words of encouragement is one of the things I love about him most.




Both of them incredibly bright, talkative and full of energy.  Each of them a unique and special individual.

I wonder what our three babies in Heaven would have been like blended into our family.

Sometimes with a bit of sadness I wonder, "Will he be the last?"  I'm open to what God has for us.  Another child or not.  Another pregnancy, adoption or foster care.  Something else?  Still, I grieve what could have been.  What I thought was a perfect plan.

As I cuddle my two growing babies, both last and first, I praise God for what He's given and I cherish them.  Trusting that He gives what's best.  Knowing I'm never His last priority, rather His first choice.  So I surrender my ideas, in faith believing His plan is the perfect one...even when I don't understand all of it.  Even when I have no idea what that plan will look like in the days ahead.

Today as I wonder about my future as a mom, I, one more time, but probably not for the last time, lift up my hands and let go to the One I trust. Whether Noah is my last child or not, I anxiously anticipate what God has for me next.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11


Check out what others had to say about this topic by clicking on the link below:

Teachable Moments ~ Learning Together

He was stomping his feet, head back, crying at full octane when I picked him up and headed out the door of the chiropractor's office.  People staring and one lady giving me advice.  Ugh!

I asked myself, "What happened?"  The first two times I took my boys to the chiropractor with me they sat so nice, they played in the little corner of toys provided for them as the doctor adjusted me.  They didn't argue.  They weren't loud.  I was so proud of them.  But today was a new day.  A frustrating day.  An embarrassing one.

It is times like these when I hear the words of friends with grown children, "These are the best days of your life" play in the back of my head.  And, although I'm certain that these days when our children are little is a time to cherish, I'm equally as certain that there are a few details my friends have forgotten over time.  Ha! :-)

Noah was still wailing when we got outside.  There, on the sidewalk, we had a talk about how his (and big brother's) behavior was unacceptable and the consequences of such actions (in 3 year old terms, of course).  He calmed down.

By the time we crossed the street and headed into the grocery store he was fine.  In fact, he and his brother were as good as gold as I shopped.  We picked up just a few items and headed to the counter.  The cashier commented on their cute, blond curls and asked if my "good little boys" could have a sucker.  They politely said, "Thank you" for their free treat as we headed out the door as the cashier commented on their manners.

Oh my!  In mere minutes I went from looking like an incompetent mom to a grand one.

A few years ago, when my oldest was the youngest one's age, I would have been mortified when such a breakdown (like the one in the chiropractor) took place.  I would have felt terrible about my mothering skills and the behavior of my child.  In turn, I would have patted myself on the back when my child behaved well.  Those things did cross my mind, but this day I refused to let my mind and feelings go there.  Yes, I was embarrassed in the chiropractor's office (who wouldn't be, right?) and I was pleased when they "got it right" in the grocery store.  But I have learned, even though it's not easy, that I have to separate my identity not only from my child's behavior, but from what other people think of me...and even what they think of my children.

I know the truth.  I know that I love my sons and am trying to teach them rightly.  I know that my boys aren't bad boys.  I know they're just learning and it's my job to teach them.  Much like I'm leaning and it's God's job to teach me.  I know that God loves imperfect me and my imperfect kids.  He sees it all.  He knows our hearts.  And He's the One that we answer to.    

I also know that I love my kids too much to let behavior like that go.  So I ceased the teachable moment and chalked it up to experience, for my sons and myself.  And I thanked God for opportunities like this to see how He is teaching and growing us.

What I learned came in handy a week later when my little boy was running through the grocery store, just seconds after I told him not to, and knocked over a display of hot sauce...only feet away from the owner of the store.  Sigh.  It's an ongoing process, friends.

Now I'm praying they will behave the next time we go to the chiropractor! ;)  If not, I know God will remind us of this lesson or teach all of us a new one.

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."  

Proverbs 22:6

(What a comfort to know this Truth!)

Look at those sweet, little, dirty faces!
Thankful we are learning together!

Today I am joining Jill Savage for the Third Thursday Blog Hop.  Okay, so it's Friday.  Better late than never, right?!  ;-)

Click on the link below to check out what others had to say about today's topic,

"No More Perfect Kids".

Listen to Me!

He takes my face in his chubby toddler hands, turns my head toward his and says in frustration, "Mommy, you not listening to me!"  As he presses his button nose against mine, his big, blue eyes widely peering into mine, I suddenly realize all I've been missing.  I heard him, I did.  But my mind was all awhirl with my own agenda, the to-do-list, the responsibilities of a mom, wife and leader.  He worked so hard to get my attention.   Yet, my eyes were fixed elsewhere, my mind even further away.  I was distracted by the every day stuff of life.

Guilt sets in because I know, I know, these days are fleeting.  These days of childhood craziness, piles of laundry, dirty faces (and everything else) and "Mommy, look!" every three minutes will pass too quickly.  I know he and his big brother are growing, changing.  In a blink they will be ready to set out into the world as adolescents, then teenagers, then men, not boys.  These are precious times, meant to be lived fully.

I want to listen.  I do.  But so much is vying for my time, my attention, my affection.

I remind myself to stop!  To listen.  To really listen.  Not only to the chubby cheeked boy with my face in his hands, but to all of those I love, especially to the One who probably wishes He could sometimes grab me like my three year old does!   You know the One who always listens to me.  He could say, "Listen to Me!  Fix your eyes on Me.  You're so distracted by the every day stuff of life."

Today I will take the time to be still, to quiet my mind and listen.  Really listen.  How about you?

Lis-ten (lis-uh-n): verb
1. to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear.
2. to pay attention; heed; obey.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.  John 10:27

Today I'm joining Lisa-Jo Baker for 5 Minute Friday.  This is when I "just write without worrying if it's just right or not. For five minutes flat, without editing, tweaking or self-critiquing".  Today's word is Listen.  Follow the link below to see what others had to say about this...or to join in on the writing fun.

Toilet Paper Tube Puppets: FUN DAY MONDAY

Welcome to:

A while back my oldest little boy (6) expressed an interest in making some homemade puppets.  I did a little search on Pinterest and found some easy-peasy, very cute toilet paper tube puppet templates on Making Learning Fun.com.  

My little farm boy decided to make the Cowboy and Cowgirl puppets.  We printed out the templates.  He colored them, cut them out and glued them onto toilet paper tubes (Note: I keep toilet paper tubes handy at all times because they're good for all kinds of crafts.  My boys even pretend they're telescopes and binoculars).

He then made a "puppet theater" out of an old cardboard box (with a little help from me).

He and little brother (3) had so much fun putting on shows for us.  

It was quite amazing the stories they would come up with and act out for us.  Good for their imaginations! And it definitely brought lots of laughter for all of us!

Remember, kids don't have to be entertained every minute of the day.  Actually, I believe it's the simplest things that help expand their minds and their imaginations...even letting them entertain you with a simple puppet show.  :)

Until next time, have a FUN DAY with your family!

Train up a child in the way he should go,

And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

To check out previous Fun Day Monday posts click here.

Every Detail

Last Friday my oldest little guy (6) and I planned a day of yard sale going fun! Not only do we share a love of bargain shopping, I knew we would enjoy some one on one mommy and son time.  In a local small town they have an annual citywide sale.  This year it consisted of 137 yard sales...all in one small town (sorry had to repeat that)!  Perfect for us bargain scroungers.  :)

There were two things on Andrew's list of "must finds".  1. A bigger wagon  2. A bigger bike (he has outgrown the 10" one he bought last summer).

We got to town.  We went to a few sales.  We found nothing.  Not one thing.

We went to one more yard sale.  There was a wagon...just the kind he wanted!!  Just as we reached the end of the driveway another person pulled off the tag and paid for it.  Ugh!

We were a bit discouraged.  Andrew picked up some egg cartons out of a "freebie" box.  He said, "Well, at least now we can't say we didn't find anything." :)

Andrew said he needed to go to the bathroom.  So we trecked across town to the nearest bathroom that didn't have a long line (Note: All those ladies in one town = a long line at every gas station bathroom!!).

When we got back in the vehicle Andrew said in a discouraged and somewhat doubtful tone, "Mom, I really hoped we'd find a bike and a wagon today."  I'm not always so good, but this time I got it right and recognized a teachable moment.  I said, "Andrew, it just may not be God's will for you to find those things today.  Then again, it might be.  If we don't find them today, it's because God has something better for you somewhere else for another day.  But let's just pray about it."

So, right there in the vehicle, as we were driving down the street (on the opposite side of town from where we were before) I said a simple prayer (eyes open of course!).  I said something like, "Dear Lord, you know Andrew would really like to find a wagon and a bigger bike today.  Will you just guide our way, show us where to go to find what you want us to find.  If we don't find a wagon or a bike today we will know it's okay because it just wasn't your will for us today and that something else will work out later.  But just guide us the way you want us to go.  And we will give you the glory either way.  In Jesus name, Amen."

I drove one block.  I could have turned right or left.  I went straight.  Another 1/2 block.  There was an orangey red 12" boys bike!  I said, "Andrew!  Look!"  He said, "Let's hurry up and get over there before someone else gets it!"  :)

We parked.  Ran up to the yard sale.  Looked at the bike.  It was marked FIVE DOLLARS!  I seriously went up to the man running the sale and said, "What does this tag say?"  He said with a smile, "I believe it says five dollars."  I said with a smile, "I believe we'll take it."  :)  Andrew pulled out his own $10 bill, handed it to the man and was thrilled to get change back.

Andrew pushed (it had flat tires so he couldn't ride it quite yet) his "new" five dollar bike to the van , skipping and smiling the whole way!  I exclaimed, "Andrew, God answered our prayer!  Not only did he give you a bike, He gave you a bike for only five dollars!!  God is soooo good!!"  Andrew beamed!

We saw several other bikes as we continued to yard sale that day, but not another one for five dollars!

There are people who believe God isn't interested in these "little" details of our lives (note: it wasn't so little to Andrew).  There are even people who think we shouldn't "bother" God with such minute details of our days when there are others who's needs are so much greater than ours.  I believe those people are so wrong.  We humans tend to think from such human perspective.

I believe it delights God when we pray about everything and anything that's important to us.  Philippians 4:6 tells us to "Don't worry about anything.  Pray about everything."  I believe that means just what it says.  Everything.

He is NOT a God of limited power or ability!  

There's no way we can exhaust His resources!  

He is not limited in how many prayers He can hear or ones He can answer.  

HE   IS  GOD  !!  

His ways are so above and beyond our ways.  

He most certainly does care for His creation, His children, His beloved ones...us.

The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Psalm 37:23

I believe every detail means every detail!

He worked out the details...from a bathroom break that took us to the opposite side of town...to praying...to choosing to go straight rather than left or right...to this bike only being five bucks!  He knows all the details.

That day I knew God answered our prayer, that He directed our path to just the right bike for Andrew.  And he knew it too!  We prayed a prayer of thanksgiving together.  I could see faith rising up (even more) in my little boy as He saw how God answered our prayed.   Truly, it wasn't as much about a bike as it was about God showing His faithfulness to us, especially my growing 6 year old.  Neither of us will ever forget!

Throughout the rest of the day (as I became anxious about this or that) my Andrew reminded me two or three times, "Mom, God has a plan!"  Yes, He does, little buddy.  Yes. He. Does.  :)

Thank you again, dear LORD, for revealing your glory, power, loving care and attention to detail to us, even in the midst of such an ordinary, yard sale going day.  May Andrew and I (and those we tell this story to) always remember to pray about everything!  You are so good and simply amazing, Lord!  We give YOU glory!  In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

"You don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it.  And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are wrong - you want only what will give you pleasure."  James 4-2b, 3

We replaced a pedal and pumped up the tires.  Then Andrew broke in his "new" bike and got it dirty!

Maybe someday, we will find a bigger wagon.  Maybe not.  We're okay either way knowing God has a plan.  :)

Never be afraid to ask God for what you want.  

He cares.  He hears.  He answers.

Just remember to accept how He answers (what He gives you),

believing He has your BEST in mind!

Homemade Bubbles in a bowl and a Straw ~ FUN DAY Monday!

Welcome to:

On Mondays I share about fun things we do here in Beranville.  Then, later in the week, I try to share another more "serious" post about what God's been teaching me lately.  It's wonderful to see God at work in both the fun and the serious stuff of life...and most of the time those two intermingle in my world.  Probably yours too.

 

You know, you don't have to spend a lot or give your kids fancy gadgets or toys for them to have fun.  It's usually the simplest things that get them excited, prompts them to use their imagination and helps them to not only pass a lot of time, but to experiment and learn in the process.  Simply letting kids be kids isn't so complicated.

What I'm sharing today is one of those simple things:

Homemade Bubble (recipe coming up) in a bowl and add a straw.  It's that simple!

Let the fun begin!

First, big brother had to show little brother how it was done.

Really proud of his BIG bubble!

Little brother quickly got the hang of it...

Giggles in the midst of bubbles... 

Oopsie!  He sucked in a little of the bubble solution...

and had to wipe his mouth.  More giggles!

 

Big brother asked to make a "car wash".  I filled a spray bottle with water and he added a tractor toy.

 

Little brother added one of his Little People.  Shower!

The addition of water made even more bubbles!!

It was a little messy, but easy to clean up!

 

Little brother even gave himself a beard.

Ho Ho Ho! :) 

 

 

They had a lot of fun!

 

Easy Homemade Bubbles

(that aren't watered down and actually work!!)

2 1/2 C Water

1/2 C Light Corn Syrup

Mix. Microwave for 4 minutes.

Gently mix in 1/2 C Dawn Dish Liquid

 



I love it that my children find such joy in the simplest of things.  And that I do too, because of them.  They're never in a hurry.  They giggle without regard.  They never pass up an opportunity to explore and have fun!  I have a lot to learn from them.  Oh, to be more like a child! 

 

"Being in a hurry. Getting to the next thing without fully entering the thing in front of me. I cannot think of a single advantage I've ever gained from being in a hurry. But a thousand broken and missed things, tens of thousands, lie in the wake of all the rushing.... Through all that haste I thought I was making up time. It turns out I was throwing it away.”   ― Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

 

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FUN DAY MONDAY: Elmo Birthday Party!

Welcome to:

Hard to believe another week has passed...and it's Fun Day Monday again.  Of course, it's also hard to believe that 3 years have passed since the birth of our second little man, Noah, was born.  This past weekend we celebrated his 3rd Birthday in true 3 year old style...with an Elmo Birthday party. 

I'm an amateur cake decorator (obviously), but I had a lot of fun making this Elmo cake for my sweetie pie.  Just 2 round (gluten free chocolate) cakes, homemade red frosting that I tried to make look "furry", a little homemade orange frosting for the nose (used a tablespoon to pile it on), a tube of black frosting for the mouth and eyes and 2 large marshmallows that I flattened down for the eyes.  Simple, yet fun. 



My little guy loved it...and wanted to kiss Elmo!  :)
P.S. His big brother was excited as him.

All ready for his BIG 3rd Birthday party!



He liked being sung to!

He worked hard to blow out his 3 candle!

Surprised when everyone clapped for him! :)

Time to lick the frosting off the candle! :)

  My,oh my, how time flies!  It doesn't seem that long ago that we brought home this precious bundle.  Then again, it's hard to remember what we ever did without him.  Noah has added so much to our family.  He is sweet, thoughtful, loving, smart, full of life, huggable, cuddly and simply lovable!!  We are sooooo very thankful God chose to bless us (over and over) with Noah!

"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth."  Psalm 127:3-4

 

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Have you checked out my other blog?  If you're interested in health, do it yourself personal care products, healthy food recipes, etc...you might want to check out Health In Beranville :)

 

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Check out past Fun Day Monday posts here.

Fun Day Monday: Peppermint Play Dough PLUS Vinegar and Baking Soda Pies

 Well, it's another Fun Day Monday!

 

On Monday's from now on I hope to share about something fun that we've recently done here in Beranville.  Later in the week I hope to share other insights on what God's showing me in the everyday stuff of life.  Here's what I shared on Thursday last week, about a lesson I learned about my Father through my son.  "Be Still, My Child!"

 

God teaches me just as much through the fun stuff of our days, as He does the serious ones.  So I consider these times just as important.  :)

 

First let's talk about Homemade Play Dough. You know, there are ump-teen different play dough/playdoh recipes out there, foks!  You can google it.  Everyone's recipe is "the best".  If your kiddo has gluten issues, you can find flourless.  I've tried different ones.

I prefer the no cook method...just add hot water.

 

Here's the latest recipe I tried:

 

Play Dough

2 Cups All-Purpose Flour

1 Cup Salt

4 Tbsp Cream of Tarter

2 Tbsp Cooking Oil

2 Cups Boiling water

 

For Peppermint Play Dough I added:

A few drops of food coloring (we used red) and a

Few drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

 

My oldest stirring

Mix first 4 ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Pour in boiling water.  Add food coloring and peppermint oil.  Stir until mixed.  Let cool

 

PLAY! :) 

 

Note: Don't eat.  This play dough smells so good (just like a candy cane) that my littlest guy decided to take a big taste.  His reaction was priceless! 

"Yuck!" Spit. Spit. Spit.  :)

  

I gave the boys all kinds of "accessories" including wiggly eyes, nuts and washers, stones and pipe cleaners. Simple sensory fun!  :)

 

They made Monsters!

He told me I should "take a picture and put it online" so others can
learn how to create like he does.  Ha!  :)
 

"Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."

Isaiah 64:8

 

Don't forget to store your homemade Peppermint Play Dough in an airtight container (we use Gallon Ziploc bags). 

 

Another fun thing we did this week was this:

Just look at the smiles on their faces!

I saw a similar idea and thought my boys would love it.  Sure enough, they did!

I switched it up a bit to fit our needs.  Such a simple thing really...but very neat.  It was fun and even educational as we learned what happens when baking soda and vinegar mix.  Note: This could double as a science lesson.

 

Vinegar and Baking Soda Pies

Here's what you need for 2 children

1 Box of Baking Soda (the cheapest stuff works just fine!)

2 Pie Pans

4 Small Cups filled with Vinegar

Food coloring

2 Medicine Droppers

 

I divided the box of baking soda between the two pie pans (one for each boy).  Filled 4 small cups (ramekins in our case) with vinegar and added food coloring to each one (in our case, red, yellow, green and blue).  Gave each of them a medicine dropper to suck up the colored vinegar and drop in the pans of baking soda.  This fizzes...E-V-E-R-Y single time.  Pretty cool!

 

 

After a while the baking soda started getting rather "gunking".  But it still fizzed every time they added vinegar to it.  And they still found it fascinating...and fun.

 

I just love their creativity and zest for trying new things!

At the end they thought it was fun to pour what was left in the cups into the pie pan. It fizzed like crazy. 

Yep, it was a little on the messy side.  But it cleaned up easily.

 

I watch my boys and the way they find joy in the simplest things. Oh, to be more like them!

 

I have everything in the world to celebrate!

 

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."  Psalm 16:11

 

What kind of activities do/did your kids love?  We're always looking for new ideas.