So I figured that Jacob had already discovered all the fun uses of scissors. After cutting his shirt into shreds with them (and receiving a spanking or two)and after cutting mommies important papers with them (and receiving a spanking or two) AND after trying to cut my wood dining room table (and receiving a spanking or two), I would have thought he had run dry on ideas for his scissors (no that his bottom could take any more of his clever ideas) . OH how wrong I was.....
Jacob managed to give his, not even one inch long hair, a trim
Fortunately for Jacob, mommy thought this was just too funny to spank over, so he just got his picture taken.
A new thing with scissors
Is Jesus real or plastic?
Is Jesus real to us? What does our life show?
This video asks that question of a man, but since I am a women,I wanted to ask some questions of women? Is He real or is He plastic?
Do we say to ourselves, "I know that show is kinda raunchy, but it is SOOOOO FUNNY!" ( 3 "I will set before eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me." (psalm 101:3)
or how about "I would love to teach my kids about God and stuff, but seriously, I am so tired at the end of the day its the last thing on my mind, besides isn't that the churches job?" (Deuteronomy 4:9 (New International Version)9 "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." ALSO Deuteronomy 11:19 (New International Version)19 "Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.")
Or even "I know the bible says to be kind and gentle, and submit and stuff, but seriously, He could not have meant that for me, I mean, I'm not in one of those Mormon cults or something, I like to express my opinion."
( 1"Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands.."1 Peter 3 emphasis mine)
workboxes!!!
OK so all of you who read this who are NOT homeschoolers, let me just bore you for a second and talk about something that has revolutionized my homeschool day. Workboxes are all the talk on every homeschool blog out there. It was the invention of a homeschool mom who was trying to solve some of the problems that arise in a typical homeschool day. Things like "when will we be done?" or "how many more subjects till art?" (interject whining voice). I deal with this issue and the other issue that this solves and that is bouncing back between two or more kids, trying to help them with their work. So the workbox idea is simple, get cubbies or shelves and buy 11 or 12 small bins or boxes and label them 1-12 or by picture depending on what you prefer. The child starts at the top and works their way down. I have tweaked this system to work for me since I am too cheap and broke to buy the book on how to do it the way the lady intended, however, just having the basic idea is working for me. I use clear organizational drawers I got from Walmart. I am new at this so I am sure that my system will get better and better. OH and by the way, I have learned kids love to know what to expect. Now my kids know exactly how many subjects are left until we are done, and they also look forward to seeing what is In the drawers since I will change it up a lot. Ireland is so excited that we will be having art again! Here are some pictures of some things in Ireland's drawers (boxes, whatever).
(p.s. if you notice a sticky note on the books, they say "Do with Mom", those are the subject's we do together)
So as you can see, its very basic,yet amazing in the way that it motivates the kids, and ME for that matter. I was going to put some pictures of Jacob's drawers but my computer is acting funky and not letting me put more pictures, so I will do another post with his.
long time no write
Wow, I can't believe how long its been since I have a had a minute to write on this. Things have been crazy busy, but they have also been GREAT so I am not complaining. I had a wonderful time in California visiting my family. I always love seeing them, but it was especially nice seeing my new nephews. They are so adorable and I love them so much more than they will ever know. But it's been a whirlwind ever since I got back home. Unpacking, organizing, laundry, work work work. Did I mention our hotel gave me and my daughter LICE!!! Totally sucks. Its completely gone now, but that was a horrible experience to say the least. Other than that, I have been really excited about planning this new school year, and watching my husband grow into the most amazing man of God I have seen. As far as schooling goes, we are trying all new stuff this year, so I am thrilled to see what is in store for us. On top of that, little Jacob will now be joining me and Ireland in the "school room". He is such a big boy and loves to let his sissy teach him what she knows (which she is more than happy to do). He is already starting to read words on his own and we haven't ever really started a curriculum yet! He has done some letters workbooks and watched the "leap frog letter factory" video a thousand times, but he just has a knack for it I guess. He is a very eager learner and should make an excellent student for me.
About me bragging on my hubby being awesome, well I just can't help it. It is so like God to answer our prayers in the coolest ways. I have been praying for Jake for a long time to be the spiritual leader in our house, to love God, spend more time with the kids, hold his temper with me and a million other wishes I desired to see fulfilled in my husband. What does God do when I pray these things? HE TELL'S ME I need to change. What in the world is that all about?!?! I don't need to change, I rock! He is lucky to have me! Right? right? No answer. God then whispers in to my heart....
"Valerie......have a gentle and quiet spirit......be still and let him alone". WHAT???? There is nothing gentle or Quiet about me Lord. And why should I leave him alone? I hold this family together!
"No Valerie, I DO"
OK yes Lord, I know you do BUT
"No Buts Valerie, Be STILL"
Fine. I will shut up
"Good"
So I shut up. And you know what? The most amazing thing happened......My quiet, hold everything in, husband started talking to me. He wouldn't shut up, he just kept talking and talking and sharing and sharing. Who was this man? So I did what God asked, I shut up and listened. I didn't tell him all the thoughts in my head that said, "well actually Jake...." or "I don't think you have thought that through"
Or my personal favorite thing I like to spew on him "Well in my opinion..."
Nope I just kept Quiet and listened. Then he started searching God more and reading the bible more, and praying more, and it was an amazing thing to watch. Then one day this week I sat back and realized we hadn't fought in at least a week.
Was my behavior THAT much of a problem?
"That's what I have been telling you Valerie all along"
ohhhhh, thanks Lord. I'm sorry Lord. I should have listened a long time ago.
The Lord is awesome, my husband good, my kids are being shepherded. What more could a girl ask for?
