The Minich Family Blog: Every Family Has A Story...Welcome To Ours
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Hacked
My friend Hevel's server was hacked and his blog deleted. I deleted it from my side bar to protect anybody just in case. Hoping that he gets his blog back soon.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Alli's Day in the Kitchen
For lunch she made salads and gluten free pizza.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Cooking with Sarah
Sarah completed her science project by cooking breakfast for the family. :)
She is such a sweet heart.
Oh my goodness she is growing up! Sarah made pancakes, eggs and bacon for breakfast.
(Mama couldn't have any. :( but I KNOW It was wonderful. :)
She is such a sweet heart.
(Mama couldn't have any. :( but I KNOW It was wonderful. :)
The Art Of Discipline part 3 Correction
In the third part of writing about discipline, I wanted to talk about correction. EVERY child, no matter how wonderful needs to be corrected. And I have never met a child who WANTS to be corrected. But those teaching moments are the job of every parent to carry out in order for our children to understand right from wrong, make good judgments and be safe.
Correction can serve as a healer, or a destroyer, depending upon HOW you go about correction.
This a.m. in our morning study, we read 2nd Samuel chapter 12. This is the chapter where the the Prophet Nathan confronts David about his sin.
He begins by telling a story. An analogy. David can CLEARLY see the analogy and makes a right judgement. Nathan then says, "You are that man!" And David's heart sinks at the weight of those words. HE REPENTS.
With our children, many times during a time of correction, we can take them into our arms and tell them analogies that fit what we are trying to correct. If they don't make the connection, you can help them by saying, "in the same way, this is what I want you to understand about....."
"Can you tell me what you did that was not ok?"
( for children who are prone to anger fits, this talk would have to wait until they were calm)
All the correction that takes place can be done with tenderness and kindness, yet with a clear direction and seriousness needed to weigh heavy on one's heart. Not just our children's hearts, but our hearts too. As the keepers and protectors of our homes, it is a serious matter how we conduct ourselves towards our children, and how we instruct them in truth.
I believe that this is an area where most parents struggle, by either not wanting the conflict and letting things go uncorrected, or by going overboard and crushing our children's spirits.
I cannot emphasize enough the use of a video camera so that you can watch YOURSELF and how you sound to your children. It a greatly beneficial tool!
I have used it regularly with Miss Alli. She is used to it now. She knows that I will not keep the video after watching it unless I feel it is necessary to go back to. She also knows that I am using it so I can keep checks on MYSELF, not just her.
The video camera is a great tool for our children too, because if they are prone to trying to finagle out of something by changing the subject or pulling a Bill Clinton, "I didn't sleep with THAT woman".....
(sorry)
You can go over it and they can see first hand what they are doing.
Our goal is to pass along SELF DISCIPLINE to our children. When I go to the grocery store, I expect those who choose to stay home to behave the exact same way they would if I were in the room. A child who has self discipline will not suddenly decide to watch TV or use the computer or run through the house in a manner they know they shouldn't.
They will be responsible citizens of their family.
Passing this along to them IS an Art. Being careful and thoughtful in how we speak to them during a time of correction can bring about a wonderful and caring relationship built upon acceptance, trust and love.
The Art of Discipline part 1
The Art of Discipline part 2
Correction can serve as a healer, or a destroyer, depending upon HOW you go about correction.
This a.m. in our morning study, we read 2nd Samuel chapter 12. This is the chapter where the the Prophet Nathan confronts David about his sin.
He begins by telling a story. An analogy. David can CLEARLY see the analogy and makes a right judgement. Nathan then says, "You are that man!" And David's heart sinks at the weight of those words. HE REPENTS.
With our children, many times during a time of correction, we can take them into our arms and tell them analogies that fit what we are trying to correct. If they don't make the connection, you can help them by saying, "in the same way, this is what I want you to understand about....."
"Can you tell me what you did that was not ok?"
( for children who are prone to anger fits, this talk would have to wait until they were calm)
All the correction that takes place can be done with tenderness and kindness, yet with a clear direction and seriousness needed to weigh heavy on one's heart. Not just our children's hearts, but our hearts too. As the keepers and protectors of our homes, it is a serious matter how we conduct ourselves towards our children, and how we instruct them in truth.
I believe that this is an area where most parents struggle, by either not wanting the conflict and letting things go uncorrected, or by going overboard and crushing our children's spirits.
I cannot emphasize enough the use of a video camera so that you can watch YOURSELF and how you sound to your children. It a greatly beneficial tool!
I have used it regularly with Miss Alli. She is used to it now. She knows that I will not keep the video after watching it unless I feel it is necessary to go back to. She also knows that I am using it so I can keep checks on MYSELF, not just her.
The video camera is a great tool for our children too, because if they are prone to trying to finagle out of something by changing the subject or pulling a Bill Clinton, "I didn't sleep with THAT woman".....
(sorry)
You can go over it and they can see first hand what they are doing.
Our goal is to pass along SELF DISCIPLINE to our children. When I go to the grocery store, I expect those who choose to stay home to behave the exact same way they would if I were in the room. A child who has self discipline will not suddenly decide to watch TV or use the computer or run through the house in a manner they know they shouldn't.
They will be responsible citizens of their family.
Passing this along to them IS an Art. Being careful and thoughtful in how we speak to them during a time of correction can bring about a wonderful and caring relationship built upon acceptance, trust and love.
The Art of Discipline part 1
The Art of Discipline part 2
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
An Alli Math Funny
Alli was doing a simple review sheet just to keep her up on her facts. The instructions were : Add 8 to each of the following numbers.
9, 19, 26,42, 34 27 etc.
She added it all right:
98,198,268,428,348,278...... LOL
9, 19, 26,42, 34 27 etc.
She added it all right:
98,198,268,428,348,278...... LOL
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Startled!
You would think after all these years I be used to extra legs laying around. I guess not.
Erika left her legs in the van, after we got home from the hospital. She didn't have them on because she is testing out her new legs for a week.
So today, I got into the van and while waiting at a light, I glanced down to get something from my purse and saw feet right behind my seat.....and for a split second, I was really startled! LOL
They are now in the closet where they belong!
My van needs a bath!
Erika left her legs in the van, after we got home from the hospital. She didn't have them on because she is testing out her new legs for a week.
So today, I got into the van and while waiting at a light, I glanced down to get something from my purse and saw feet right behind my seat.....and for a split second, I was really startled! LOL
They are now in the closet where they belong!
The "Live It" Plan
I wrote here about my latest Dr. appt. and what I need to do to make changes that are lasting.
I actually started my "Live it", 4 days before my appt.
After doing a little research on arthritis, I have found that eating "night shades" is a no-no.
I had heard this before, but wasn't aware of how many foods were actual night shades.
So now, besides being gluten and dairy free, I am also going to need to be night shade free, which means, no more tomatoes, potatoes or peppers. I need to check if that means all peppers or just a few different types. I thought this would be really hard because I adore peppers and onions sauteed and put over rice.
Last week I had tomato sauce, and juiced bell peppers, but non this week. I thought it would be hard, but so far, it isn't.
Juicing is fun. I just don't like the cleanup part, however the chickens LOVE it. :)
Does anybody use the pulp from juicing to make into something else?
I wonder if it can be made into pesto?
Last night I was experimenting because Spaghetti was on the menu. I have never tried pesto before.
But I figured I have nothing to lose and need to try some new things!
To my delight, it was delicious!!!! Even Mike liked it and he is cautious about trying new things.
I was scouring recipes over the internet and many call for cheese. I just left the cheese out.
I came up with a really good pesto by using
1/2 bunch fresh basil, 1/4 cup walnuts, 1 TLB of freshly minced garlic, 1/4 small zucchini shredded, kelp granules, 1-2 TLB olive oil and a little water to thin it out.
I put it in the blender and it came out wonderful! I used it over my rice noodles for my spaghetti and everybody else tasted it and liked it. :)
AND, it is GOOD for you. :)
The next thing to eliminate or GREATLY reduce is corn. I don't believe there is any corn available that has not been Genetically Modified.
After just a few days of no night shades, and a week and a couple of weeks of juicing, my arthritis is starting to calm down. Now that COULD be coincidence, but I am wondering if it is. I was in so much pain I could barely do the treadmill. Today, I walked over a mile in 16 minutes and I didn't have pain.
I feel better and am hoping that when I go back to the Dr. my cholesterol levels will be back in the normal range and I will have better and continued range of motion.
I actually started my "Live it", 4 days before my appt.
After doing a little research on arthritis, I have found that eating "night shades" is a no-no.
I had heard this before, but wasn't aware of how many foods were actual night shades.
So now, besides being gluten and dairy free, I am also going to need to be night shade free, which means, no more tomatoes, potatoes or peppers. I need to check if that means all peppers or just a few different types. I thought this would be really hard because I adore peppers and onions sauteed and put over rice.
Last week I had tomato sauce, and juiced bell peppers, but non this week. I thought it would be hard, but so far, it isn't.
Juicing is fun. I just don't like the cleanup part, however the chickens LOVE it. :)
Does anybody use the pulp from juicing to make into something else?
I wonder if it can be made into pesto?
Last night I was experimenting because Spaghetti was on the menu. I have never tried pesto before.
But I figured I have nothing to lose and need to try some new things!
To my delight, it was delicious!!!! Even Mike liked it and he is cautious about trying new things.
I was scouring recipes over the internet and many call for cheese. I just left the cheese out.
I came up with a really good pesto by using
1/2 bunch fresh basil, 1/4 cup walnuts, 1 TLB of freshly minced garlic, 1/4 small zucchini shredded, kelp granules, 1-2 TLB olive oil and a little water to thin it out.
I put it in the blender and it came out wonderful! I used it over my rice noodles for my spaghetti and everybody else tasted it and liked it. :)
AND, it is GOOD for you. :)
The next thing to eliminate or GREATLY reduce is corn. I don't believe there is any corn available that has not been Genetically Modified.
After just a few days of no night shades, and a week and a couple of weeks of juicing, my arthritis is starting to calm down. Now that COULD be coincidence, but I am wondering if it is. I was in so much pain I could barely do the treadmill. Today, I walked over a mile in 16 minutes and I didn't have pain.
I feel better and am hoping that when I go back to the Dr. my cholesterol levels will be back in the normal range and I will have better and continued range of motion.
Monday, September 17, 2012
THE ART OF DISCIPLINE part 2: Role Play
Yesterday, I wrote part one of this series. I want to cover several areas of discipline and what it looks like in our home.
Today, I want to write to you about ROLE PLAY. I have written numerous articles on the importance of role play. In the search engine, I came up with several, but not the one I was looking for! LOL (Sometimes I think those search engines just don't work very well.... any ideas on that?)
Role play is engaging for our children. We have been doing role play for many years, not as much with our boys, though we did do it some.... but CERTAINLY we have done it for the girls since Anna came home almost 9, yes NINE years ago! (coming up in December)
When I ask somebody to do something, or see that they are really not understanding what I am saying, we try role play. This has worked VERY well for all of the girls. I need to do it MORE with Miss Alli.
When the other girls were smaller, I introduced them to role play just by playing in the van on a drive.
They would pretend to turn the channel on the radio, and I was the radio. So every time they turned the channel, I had to sing a different song, speak in Spanish or give the news. If they turned it UP, I had to be LOUD... If they turned it down, I had to whisper.... They LOVED this game!
Role play does not have to be hard. It can be quick and simple. "When we put the glass in the sink, we do it this way." That is modeling. Role play however goes a step further.
"This is how you put the glass in the sink and show them what you are talking about by pretending to be them. MAKE IT FUNNY OR FUN. Then, have them be YOU and MODEL to YOU how to put a glass in the sink.
This example can pretty much go for ANYTHING you are trying to teach them.
For instruction in respect, it can be a little more complicated. Having the children by you and you be the children can always be funny and instructional. There is nothing more funny than to see daddy or mommy pretend to have a tantrum, or say things that are often said by a certain family member.
Be careful not to be mocking. But be real.
This opens the eyes of our children who really don't see things the same way.
Miss Alli has benefitted from this NUMEROUS times over the last 18 plus months, as her sisters did when they were first home.
I remember having to teach Anna and Sarah how to be compassionate through role play. If sister is hurt, you always ask, "Are you ok?" ( we pretended for one to be hurt and the other caring and then switched places) They learned to come and get mommy if somebody was laying out in the drive way bleeding. :)
For Miss Alli, she has had to learn through role play, verbal instruction. Her voice can sometimes sound demanding or rude and she doesn't like it. She forgets, so role play has really helped her.
At first she would say, "I don't sound like that!" And I would have to say, "Ummm, yes you do! And I know you don't want to!"
Practicing walking calmly down the hall, practicing putting dishes in the dish washer, practicing asking questions with the correct tone or complaining with the correct tone can DISCIIPLINE our children to be respectful, kind, and gentle.
Miss Alli's verses for this week is Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath! :) And, Philippians 4:13-" I can do ALL things Through Christ who strengthens me."
I can role play with her about speaking gently vs. harshly and it makes the verse REAL for her.
Role play can also be used in learning chores. This week, each of our girls are taking over mother's role in the kitchen. I am offering LIMITED help. :)
They are having fun being "Queen of the Kitchen".
Tonight was Erika's turn. By the End of the week they will have all had a day in the Kitchen. I hope this helps them not only learn cooking, but how much work it is to prepare healthy meals for a family.
Here is Erika, busy at work! :)
Today, I want to write to you about ROLE PLAY. I have written numerous articles on the importance of role play. In the search engine, I came up with several, but not the one I was looking for! LOL (Sometimes I think those search engines just don't work very well.... any ideas on that?)
Role play is engaging for our children. We have been doing role play for many years, not as much with our boys, though we did do it some.... but CERTAINLY we have done it for the girls since Anna came home almost 9, yes NINE years ago! (coming up in December)
When I ask somebody to do something, or see that they are really not understanding what I am saying, we try role play. This has worked VERY well for all of the girls. I need to do it MORE with Miss Alli.
When the other girls were smaller, I introduced them to role play just by playing in the van on a drive.
They would pretend to turn the channel on the radio, and I was the radio. So every time they turned the channel, I had to sing a different song, speak in Spanish or give the news. If they turned it UP, I had to be LOUD... If they turned it down, I had to whisper.... They LOVED this game!
Role play does not have to be hard. It can be quick and simple. "When we put the glass in the sink, we do it this way." That is modeling. Role play however goes a step further.
"This is how you put the glass in the sink and show them what you are talking about by pretending to be them. MAKE IT FUNNY OR FUN. Then, have them be YOU and MODEL to YOU how to put a glass in the sink.
This example can pretty much go for ANYTHING you are trying to teach them.
For instruction in respect, it can be a little more complicated. Having the children by you and you be the children can always be funny and instructional. There is nothing more funny than to see daddy or mommy pretend to have a tantrum, or say things that are often said by a certain family member.
Be careful not to be mocking. But be real.
This opens the eyes of our children who really don't see things the same way.
Miss Alli has benefitted from this NUMEROUS times over the last 18 plus months, as her sisters did when they were first home.
I remember having to teach Anna and Sarah how to be compassionate through role play. If sister is hurt, you always ask, "Are you ok?" ( we pretended for one to be hurt and the other caring and then switched places) They learned to come and get mommy if somebody was laying out in the drive way bleeding. :)
For Miss Alli, she has had to learn through role play, verbal instruction. Her voice can sometimes sound demanding or rude and she doesn't like it. She forgets, so role play has really helped her.
At first she would say, "I don't sound like that!" And I would have to say, "Ummm, yes you do! And I know you don't want to!"
Practicing walking calmly down the hall, practicing putting dishes in the dish washer, practicing asking questions with the correct tone or complaining with the correct tone can DISCIIPLINE our children to be respectful, kind, and gentle.
Miss Alli's verses for this week is Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath! :) And, Philippians 4:13-" I can do ALL things Through Christ who strengthens me."
I can role play with her about speaking gently vs. harshly and it makes the verse REAL for her.
Role play can also be used in learning chores. This week, each of our girls are taking over mother's role in the kitchen. I am offering LIMITED help. :)
They are having fun being "Queen of the Kitchen".
Tonight was Erika's turn. By the End of the week they will have all had a day in the Kitchen. I hope this helps them not only learn cooking, but how much work it is to prepare healthy meals for a family.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
THE ART OF DISCIPLINE Part 1
Anna works very hard with Bella using BCLC. :) She has learned well!
Teaching our children, instructing , discipling and encouraging them are all part of the Art of Discipline.
As Parents, it is THE biggest thing we will do to influence the next generation. We are the gatekeepers of the future! It is a HUGE responsibility to bring up our little ones to be productive, well adjusted people.
And, NOT ONE CHILD comes with an instruction booklet attached. NOT ONE!
Working through the maze of books available on the market, and techniques offered for every situation can be dizzying and confusing!
One book says "Don't give an inch or they'll take a mile!" This kind of book is big on high control! Another one says, "Why do you insist on bedtimes and curfews?" It is the opposite of high external control.
Then there are the books for those who want to raise their children in the Lord that are MISGUIDED nonsense and make parents feel FULL OF FEAR and CONDEMNATION because they put a child's salvation in the hands of the parent, where it NEVER CAN BE; because Salvation is of the Lord! These books say "Do it this way or you are not obeying God."
I have read numerous books and have found that each kind of book has something to offer. But RARELY do you find help in dealing with extreme situations, adoption issues that are outside of the realm of "norm" (or are they?) or post trauma issues.The one book, that I trust the VERY most is my Bible. It is after all, God's word. :)
I have found more loving instruction on patience and kindness in reading the word than in any book I have ever read.
God DEMONSTRATED HIS love towards us in sending His son. Jesus Christ was the PERFECT REPRESENTATION of God. He "tutored" us and showed us what a loving life should look like. He was full of compassion! He had all the emotions that we do. EVERY ONE, including Anger. But HE did not sin.
He carefully walked his disciples towards life, instructing them all along the way. And in 3 years... THREE.... He influenced the world for eternity. Whether you believe Jesus is the Son of God or not,
He has influenced generations for over 2,000 years!
That is pretty incredible for a man who's ministry only lasted 3 years!
So how did Jesus instruct the disciples? He told them stories, and talked with them as they walked along the way. He spent many, MANY patient hours teaching them by talking to them and then by SHOWING them and demonstrating His love in very tangible ways.
If we carefully look into the way Jesus Christ "brought up" the disciples to maturity, there is much we can glean for our own lives and style of parenting.
I believe that Jesus MODELED what He wanted us to be like. He didn't just say, "You must do this!" He showed them what obedience and love looked like through EXAMPLE.
That folks, is what WE as parents are called to do! It is a MISSION, and it is not easy!
So HOW can we teach our kids and reflect to them love, kindness, patience, diligence, joy, peacefulness, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, self control?
WE MODEL IT!ARE WE EXPECTING SOMETHING FROM OUR CHILDREN THAT WE ARE NOT MODELING TO THEM? ARE WE EXPECTING KINDNESS AND PATIENCE WHEN WE ARE IMPATIENT AND UNKIND? Are we expecting them to keep rooms clean when our own room is a mess? (three fingers pointing back at me) :)
It is a HIGH Calling to raise our children and model to them right behavior and lifestyle. And it is one that we will all fail at from time to time, because we are not perfected creatures.
But when we do fail, we can repent, apologize and get back on track.
And we should NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER give up! NEVER EVER! EVER; not on ourselves and not on our children. :)
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Can Anybody Say High Cholesterol??
UGH.... something new to worry about.
Doc wants me on a vegetarian diet. Let's just say that I used to be and my cholesterol was fine. I have been eating meat and eggs and now.... after 5 years not being a vegetarian, it is HIGH..... The ratio is within norm, but frankly, heart issues plagued my father until he died at MY AGE! YIKES!
Soooo, here is to my new Gluten Free AND Vegetarian lifestyle. Yippee.
I actually started making some changes about 2 weeks ago and have been juicing vegetables and drinking them for breakfast. I guess I'll be doing MORE of that.
Started back with exercising again too. Because of arthritis I just haven't felt like it for awhile, but honestly, once I got going and putting it into a routine, I feel better.
Hopefully, I can get this cholesterol level down to an acceptable level soon.
Doc wants me on a vegetarian diet. Let's just say that I used to be and my cholesterol was fine. I have been eating meat and eggs and now.... after 5 years not being a vegetarian, it is HIGH..... The ratio is within norm, but frankly, heart issues plagued my father until he died at MY AGE! YIKES!
Soooo, here is to my new Gluten Free AND Vegetarian lifestyle. Yippee.
I actually started making some changes about 2 weeks ago and have been juicing vegetables and drinking them for breakfast. I guess I'll be doing MORE of that.
Started back with exercising again too. Because of arthritis I just haven't felt like it for awhile, but honestly, once I got going and putting it into a routine, I feel better.
Hopefully, I can get this cholesterol level down to an acceptable level soon.
When I Blow It
I pray and brainstorm.....
I think I have gotten too relaxed around here and have not been vigilant are careful in keeping up schedules, written and unwritten. I also noticed some certain little girl who does not do well with that kind of a lifestyle.
Soooo, my vacation from being relaxed and go with the flow is over. Done.... GONE.....
WHY? Because I have seen somebody slipping back into old behaviors and last night I blew it by getting angry with her. Yep, me, the hypocrite who says not to get angry and be patient. :/
One of the great things about having RELATIONSHIP is that we can talk afterwards. And talk we did. I apologized to her and she apologized to me; then we pinky promised to start over in a new way.
I am so thankful that she has come so far that we CAN make errors in judgment and it wind up being ok, without her climbing up a tree or questioning our love. :)
I never thought of seeing success through my own failures! LOL
So, we had a family meeting (dad and mom first) and then the girls and it is settled. We are going back to written schedules that are tangable and spell out each expectation for the day.
Our days will be more structured and our sweety that needs it most will know what to expect.
Sooo, my relaxed lifestyle, go with the flow experiment is over.
But it is what is best. :)
I think I have gotten too relaxed around here and have not been vigilant are careful in keeping up schedules, written and unwritten. I also noticed some certain little girl who does not do well with that kind of a lifestyle.
Soooo, my vacation from being relaxed and go with the flow is over. Done.... GONE.....
WHY? Because I have seen somebody slipping back into old behaviors and last night I blew it by getting angry with her. Yep, me, the hypocrite who says not to get angry and be patient. :/
One of the great things about having RELATIONSHIP is that we can talk afterwards. And talk we did. I apologized to her and she apologized to me; then we pinky promised to start over in a new way.
I am so thankful that she has come so far that we CAN make errors in judgment and it wind up being ok, without her climbing up a tree or questioning our love. :)
I never thought of seeing success through my own failures! LOL
So, we had a family meeting (dad and mom first) and then the girls and it is settled. We are going back to written schedules that are tangable and spell out each expectation for the day.
Our days will be more structured and our sweety that needs it most will know what to expect.
Sooo, my relaxed lifestyle, go with the flow experiment is over.
But it is what is best. :)
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Orphanage Talk
This morning after Language Arts we were transitioning to another subject. Sarah stepped behind me and started to massage my head.... Ahh that felt sooo good!
Then Erika said, "I used to get candy for massaging the orphanage ladies' heads"..... "I put one of them to sleep!"
Then Alli said, "Our worker had us pick out all her gray hairs because she didn't want any." "It was really gross!"
LOL....
The things I learn in school!
Then Erika said, "I used to get candy for massaging the orphanage ladies' heads"..... "I put one of them to sleep!"
Then Alli said, "Our worker had us pick out all her gray hairs because she didn't want any." "It was really gross!"
LOL....
The things I learn in school!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
A September Funny
Miss Alli was abit overwhelmed with her science project. We are studying NUTRITION. Part of our assignment was to copy the food pyramid from 4 different countries. She likes art, so this was no problem.
The problem came when I asked the girls to write a menu for ONE DAY..."breakfast, lunch and dinner" and to have it go by the pyramid guidelines that they picked!
Oh My! Miss Alli was very upset. I think mostly, she didn't fully understand what she was supposed to do.
So in trying to help her, she said, "You just don't know how hard this is!"
My reply was, "Of course I do!"
Her reply.... "I really don't think so! I'd like to see YOU make a menu and cook dinner for a family!"
ROFL......
I didn't need to say anything else.... she looked at my astonishment and said, "Sorry Mama". :)
The problem came when I asked the girls to write a menu for ONE DAY..."breakfast, lunch and dinner" and to have it go by the pyramid guidelines that they picked!
Oh My! Miss Alli was very upset. I think mostly, she didn't fully understand what she was supposed to do.
So in trying to help her, she said, "You just don't know how hard this is!"
My reply was, "Of course I do!"
Her reply.... "I really don't think so! I'd like to see YOU make a menu and cook dinner for a family!"
ROFL......
I didn't need to say anything else.... she looked at my astonishment and said, "Sorry Mama". :)
Monday, September 10, 2012
Saturday, September 8, 2012
THE EGGS HAVE ARRIVED!!!!
We knew we were close to getting eggs because our 2 roosters have started to crow. Young roosters are so funny. They have that "teenage boy" sort of sound to their crow. :)
No more buying those awful tasteless eggs at the grocery store! No more paying premium price for an organic egg that doesn't taste any different than the cheap ones.
The funny part is.... I broke down yesterday and bought eggs. We went without for almost a week because I was just SURE they were going to lay!
This is my omelette cooking.... :) We learned in science last week that eggs contain all 9 essential amino acids!
Thank you Lord for our fresh eggs and for chickens willing to let us have them!
Friday, September 7, 2012
The Special Time....
I witnessed something about 2 months ago that has been on my mind but I could not put it into words until tonight.....
I took Alli out for a "special time" and part of that time was stopping at Taco Bueno and the Art Store.
While we were at Taco Bueno, TRYING to mind our own business, we witnessed a scene I shall not soon forget.
There were 3 women. 2 had small children under 4. One was an older woman, my age, that I might assume was the younger women's mother, or a mentor.
They were QUITE LOUD in their conversation and we could not help but see and hear their overt antics.
The children, 3 of them were rather ill behaved. The little boy, I would guess was around 3. The little girl was around 2 and the baby was MAYBE 8 months old at the most.....
The 3 women talked amongst each other and ZERO attention was payed to the children except to THREATEN them with a SPOON! In fact, EACH of those women had a LARGE WOODEN SPOON! They had them laying on the table and in diaper bags.....
The little boy crawled under the table and they threatened him with a SPOON! Then the little girl was yelling and she was threatened with a spoon....
The thing that was so DISTURBING was that the women were "laughing" about it, as if it was FUNNY! It was rather creepy!
They went on to describe a brother who had a LARGE paddle with holes drilled in it, because spanking was supposed to hurt!
Alli and I looked at each other after that comment and she whispered to me, "I'd rather live in an orphanage than live with THAT woman!"
For a kid who has lived in an orphanage, that was saying A LOT!
We quietly talked about normal kid behavior and how certain situations could be managed without
the threat of spankings....
I was so proud of Alli, who TOTALLY understood.
The next scenario still makes me sad. The little boy was asked, "Do you have to go to the bathroom?"
He replied no. His mother insisted he did and off they went. She took that LARGE WOODEN SPOON and tucked it into her trousers as the older lady and other woman laughed..... I felt like crying. When they came from the bathroom, the little boy had been crying. :(
I don't know what happened in that bathroom but my heart hurt for that little boy.
They came back and by then, the baby was hungry.
The one mother began to feed the baby his bottle. One lady said, "He is WAY too old for you to be feeding him! He needs to feed himself! He is MANIPULATING YOU!
REALLY???????
The other mother immediately, Like a ROBOT, I might add, put the bottle in front of the baby and he shrieked with frustration.... He tried to get it, but didn't have the skills. The mother THREATENED him with the spoon..... "Do I need to SPANK YOU?"
I felt ILL. I also had this vision of walking over to their table and telling them I worked for social services..... but that wouldn't have been true. I thought about talking to them but knew it wouldn't have been received. I would have been dismissed as a liberal nut.
Several things went through my mind and honestly, I didn't know what to do!
I had not witnessed them actually HURT any of the kids physically....but I knew that was most likely
what was happening.
It is an AWFUL feeling to watch such IGNORANCE.
A couple of days ago, I talked to a friend who is truly worried about somebody SHE knows that is also under the delusion that the only way to discipline children is punitive. She is PROUD of that "control".
My friend's heart was HURTING and she is fasting about what to say. Yet, she did not feel worthy to talk to her friend because she was not a perfect parent herself.
NONE of us are perfect parents. NOT ONE OF US..... Sometimes I think the unrealistic expectation of perfection keeps us from rightly speaking truth.
The truth is, I believe in both of these situations, the people have intentions that are "good".
They WANT their children to do well. They are hopelessly MISINFORMED that corporal punishment is NECESSARY to achieve success, when the truth is, that it is just NOT TRUE!
They have misconstrued some PROVERBS and taken scripture totally OUT OF CONTEXT!
And I would BET... they have read "To Train Up A Child" by the Pearls.
Somehow, they think that "GOD" has "spanked" them... which is ABSURD!
Corporal punishment may wind up having "IMMEDIATE RESULTS" based upon FEAR!!!
That does NOT build relationship.
GOD is EVER PATIENT, EVER LOVING, SLOW TO ANGER and ABOUNDING IN GREAT LOVE....
God does NOT spank us! SORRY! It just IS NOT TRUE!
FIRST TIME OBEDIENCE is JUST NOT IN SCRIPTURE!!!! Look at ANY ONE OF the Patriarchs in Scripture..... it just is NOT there!
God has ALWAYS been long suffering and patient in regards to mankind.
As Alli and I drove home from our special time, even though it was distracted by women who would have caused EXTREME TRAUMA in Alli's life, she talked about how thankful she was that she was NOT in that situation.
God wants us to have RELATIONSHIP with our children, as HE has relationship with US!
We are HIS children! Our relationship is RICH and based upon LOVE!
I would be very sad if my children's obedience was based upon "fear" and not "relationship".
I do NOT want them to obey because they FEAR me!
I want them to obey out of Love! I also want them to obey out of their love for Christ.
I am still saddened by what I saw. I can only hope that these women will come to a true knowledge of TRUTH that LOVE is the answer and not some misconstrued need for "control".
I am still creeped out that anybody who would spank a child would also be "joyful" about it!
Alli's response to all this gave me great hope for her future that she TRULY understands LOVE. :)
I just feel badly for those little ones who are being subjected to such ignorant cruelty in the name of Christ!
I took Alli out for a "special time" and part of that time was stopping at Taco Bueno and the Art Store.
While we were at Taco Bueno, TRYING to mind our own business, we witnessed a scene I shall not soon forget.
There were 3 women. 2 had small children under 4. One was an older woman, my age, that I might assume was the younger women's mother, or a mentor.
They were QUITE LOUD in their conversation and we could not help but see and hear their overt antics.
The children, 3 of them were rather ill behaved. The little boy, I would guess was around 3. The little girl was around 2 and the baby was MAYBE 8 months old at the most.....
The 3 women talked amongst each other and ZERO attention was payed to the children except to THREATEN them with a SPOON! In fact, EACH of those women had a LARGE WOODEN SPOON! They had them laying on the table and in diaper bags.....
The little boy crawled under the table and they threatened him with a SPOON! Then the little girl was yelling and she was threatened with a spoon....
The thing that was so DISTURBING was that the women were "laughing" about it, as if it was FUNNY! It was rather creepy!
They went on to describe a brother who had a LARGE paddle with holes drilled in it, because spanking was supposed to hurt!
Alli and I looked at each other after that comment and she whispered to me, "I'd rather live in an orphanage than live with THAT woman!"
For a kid who has lived in an orphanage, that was saying A LOT!
We quietly talked about normal kid behavior and how certain situations could be managed without
the threat of spankings....
I was so proud of Alli, who TOTALLY understood.
The next scenario still makes me sad. The little boy was asked, "Do you have to go to the bathroom?"
He replied no. His mother insisted he did and off they went. She took that LARGE WOODEN SPOON and tucked it into her trousers as the older lady and other woman laughed..... I felt like crying. When they came from the bathroom, the little boy had been crying. :(
I don't know what happened in that bathroom but my heart hurt for that little boy.
They came back and by then, the baby was hungry.
The one mother began to feed the baby his bottle. One lady said, "He is WAY too old for you to be feeding him! He needs to feed himself! He is MANIPULATING YOU!
REALLY???????
The other mother immediately, Like a ROBOT, I might add, put the bottle in front of the baby and he shrieked with frustration.... He tried to get it, but didn't have the skills. The mother THREATENED him with the spoon..... "Do I need to SPANK YOU?"
I felt ILL. I also had this vision of walking over to their table and telling them I worked for social services..... but that wouldn't have been true. I thought about talking to them but knew it wouldn't have been received. I would have been dismissed as a liberal nut.
Several things went through my mind and honestly, I didn't know what to do!
I had not witnessed them actually HURT any of the kids physically....but I knew that was most likely
what was happening.
It is an AWFUL feeling to watch such IGNORANCE.
A couple of days ago, I talked to a friend who is truly worried about somebody SHE knows that is also under the delusion that the only way to discipline children is punitive. She is PROUD of that "control".
My friend's heart was HURTING and she is fasting about what to say. Yet, she did not feel worthy to talk to her friend because she was not a perfect parent herself.
NONE of us are perfect parents. NOT ONE OF US..... Sometimes I think the unrealistic expectation of perfection keeps us from rightly speaking truth.
The truth is, I believe in both of these situations, the people have intentions that are "good".
They WANT their children to do well. They are hopelessly MISINFORMED that corporal punishment is NECESSARY to achieve success, when the truth is, that it is just NOT TRUE!
They have misconstrued some PROVERBS and taken scripture totally OUT OF CONTEXT!
And I would BET... they have read "To Train Up A Child" by the Pearls.
Somehow, they think that "GOD" has "spanked" them... which is ABSURD!
Corporal punishment may wind up having "IMMEDIATE RESULTS" based upon FEAR!!!
That does NOT build relationship.
GOD is EVER PATIENT, EVER LOVING, SLOW TO ANGER and ABOUNDING IN GREAT LOVE....
God does NOT spank us! SORRY! It just IS NOT TRUE!
FIRST TIME OBEDIENCE is JUST NOT IN SCRIPTURE!!!! Look at ANY ONE OF the Patriarchs in Scripture..... it just is NOT there!
God has ALWAYS been long suffering and patient in regards to mankind.
As Alli and I drove home from our special time, even though it was distracted by women who would have caused EXTREME TRAUMA in Alli's life, she talked about how thankful she was that she was NOT in that situation.
God wants us to have RELATIONSHIP with our children, as HE has relationship with US!
We are HIS children! Our relationship is RICH and based upon LOVE!
I would be very sad if my children's obedience was based upon "fear" and not "relationship".
I do NOT want them to obey because they FEAR me!
I want them to obey out of Love! I also want them to obey out of their love for Christ.
I am still saddened by what I saw. I can only hope that these women will come to a true knowledge of TRUTH that LOVE is the answer and not some misconstrued need for "control".
I am still creeped out that anybody who would spank a child would also be "joyful" about it!
Alli's response to all this gave me great hope for her future that she TRULY understands LOVE. :)
I just feel badly for those little ones who are being subjected to such ignorant cruelty in the name of Christ!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Anna the Teacher
Today, Erika and Sarah had to go back to Scottish Rite for appointments. Anna and Alli stayed home with daddy and I gave instruction for them to do certain subjects while we were gone.
Anna was a really great teacher! She helped Alli with her spelling and Language Arts and they both read and did history. They finished before we got back, so Anna took it upon herself to give Miss Alli another Assignment! Wow..... And the surprising thing is, Alli "played school" and did the extra assignment!
She had to interview daddy about how we met and got married..... She then had to write a report on it. LOL
So here is the report... As far as the facts??? Ummm... not quite..... misinformation comes to mind. :)
"In 1984 dad became a christian. The church was Calvary Chapel, Dallas. Mom and dad met together there. And they got to know each other from church and from sharing the gospel withutter other people.
My brothers and mom went out with our dad and played baseball and dad threw the ball to mom and mom hit the ball hard and it hit dad in the head and he was mad. After everybody got to know each other well, my brothers got together with mom and told mom "we want you to date Mr. Mike". And mom said, "we do not date."
Mom and dad knew each other less than six months before they got married in their house."
LOL.... and there you have it. Our lives according to Miss Alli!
Anna was a really great teacher! She helped Alli with her spelling and Language Arts and they both read and did history. They finished before we got back, so Anna took it upon herself to give Miss Alli another Assignment! Wow..... And the surprising thing is, Alli "played school" and did the extra assignment!
She had to interview daddy about how we met and got married..... She then had to write a report on it. LOL
So here is the report... As far as the facts??? Ummm... not quite..... misinformation comes to mind. :)
"In 1984 dad became a christian. The church was Calvary Chapel, Dallas. Mom and dad met together there. And they got to know each other from church and from sharing the gospel with
My brothers and mom went out with our dad and played baseball and dad threw the ball to mom and mom hit the ball hard and it hit dad in the head and he was mad. After everybody got to know each other well, my brothers got together with mom and told mom "we want you to date Mr. Mike". And mom said, "we do not date."
Mom and dad knew each other less than six months before they got married in their house."
LOL.... and there you have it. Our lives according to Miss Alli!
Monday, September 3, 2012
Playing Spoons
Ilse is always a joy! She is getting so big!!! And she smiles at her ya-ya in the most adoring way!
Em's.
Tim playing Spoons
Sarah
spoons..... :)
Sarah shuffling cards
Showing off those hands
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