Home made

My blog about body wash got "pinned" about a year ago. I get comments on it all the time. The sad thing is, I haven't made it, that recipe, in over two years. Actually, probably more then that. And Andy made the last batch of the more recent recipe we used. So people ask all these questions... and I can't remember. I try. Really I do. Lots of other commenters have amazing advice to add also. So I pass that along. But in all actuality, I am a failure.
 So I have this desperate need to offer something useful. The sad thing is, it isn't even mine. The recipe belongs to Autumn. Or at least the original. See...

 I jotted it down in a hurry on the back of a piece of paper. Actually, ironically, on the paper that has the recipe for the wet laundry detergent I use to make. Strange, isn't it?

Very basic materials. 

Mix them together. 

Store in a really, really old Tupperware. One that you never plan to use for food again, so it doesn't matter if it tastes like soap. (perhaps one with a busted lid?)

I case you can't read my hand writing:

(and if you can read my handwriting, I am impressed)

2c grated soap

1c Borax

1c Washing soda

Can add 1c Oxiclean if you want.

(I do)

Use 2-3 Tbsp per load

But it seems that my child has skin that will react to ANYTHING! 

So, Fels-Naptha is out. 

 Could we wash clothes with Ivory? 

 It works for us. 

Obviously, the Ivory detergent doesn't look all pretty and yellow like the container in the picture. I forgot to take a picture of it. Sorry.

How it actually works is:

Canaan and Zion's clothes are washed in the Ivory detergent. Nothing else. Occasionally some Shout or Resolve before hand. They are boys, and they are rough on clothes, but I think that their clothes hold up quite well. And I buy at least half their stuff used! You definitely have to pre-treat grease though. 

 I must admit that I like some scent. I use the Fels-Naptha for Andy and I, and then a nice big cup full of Snuggle. 

Laundry is cheap. And easy. And does a wonderful job.

Unlike the body wash, I actually make this one on a regular basis!

Whew, I feel better, writing something that I actually do. I can answer questions about this one. Although, I can't think of how there could be any. 

Except perhaps if Autumn will be mad at me for sharing her recipe! 

Blessings, 

Guilt relieved

The problem with not writing for a while is that at first you have more to say then you can catch up on. So you are overwhelmed, and let sleep win.
 Then, more events happen, and now guilt starts building... not only have you not shared these beautiful moments, you haven't written at all.
 Guilt.

 Yes, the whole point of this blogging thing is supposed to be for self-expression, sharing a bit of life and a few deep thoughts.
 But suddenly, time has escaped, life has continued in all of it's frantic busy-ness and guilt, foolish guilt, is sitting there mocking you.

 Deep breath.

 So we will simply skim the missed events. I'm not allowed to post pictures of my niece anyway. Her second birthday party was fabulous. The end.

 Soccer season is off with a bang. Practice four nights a week - 2 for Canaan, 2 for Zion, and both have a game every Saturday. More on that later.

 We started homeschool co-op. Thursdays are packed full, but an absolute blast!

 And I realized this week that I am definitely NOT a homeschooler. I'm just not cut out for it.

 Shocked silence from the masses. (see how I fool myself into thinking that someone is actually reading this!)

 You see - we tried sitting at the table and doing book work for the first few weeks this year. And I'm not going to say that every minute was atrocious. I am sure we will pull the text books out again at some point and time. And we are still going to have a verse of the week to memorize (definitely), and practice handwriting with (if we want to). Some spelling words for Canaan (perhaps).

 But I want my children to want to learn. When we come in at night covered in mosquito bites I want them to ask, "Why do mosquito's bite?"... and that be the first thing we look up the next day. So we discover that only females suck your blood, the swelling and itching are an allergic reaction to her saliva, and they help pollinate, just like bees. And that leads to a lesson on exoskeletons, which leads to vertebrae, which leads to digestion. Simply because Zion wanted to know why Mosquito bites itch.  

 I love it when Canaan writes something down on a post-it note and sticks it on the fridge, just to remind us to google soon.

 I love it when we sit together and read portions of four books in a row about China, just to see what we can find out.  

 I am, without a doubt, an unschooler. Poor Andy.

 Now, onto a much bigger concern in my life.
 I keep reading about Dyslexia. Articles. Backgrounds. Signs.
 And soooo many of them point to Zion. Terrifying.
 But I found a blog that was so very encouraging that it made me cry. Truly. I think it helped, also, in the acceptance that it is okay for me to be me. To let my kids be themselves. To know that we don't have to conform to some rigid way of thinking, some scheduled way of life, in order to "help" Zion. Zion will be ready when it is time. And in the meantime, I will teach him the things he is ready to learn. He just isn't ready for reading. And I have to stop pushing him. It frustrates him. It frustrates me. It accomplishes nothing.
 So we will wait.
 Still practice letters and sounds, and maybe see how a few sight words go. Read to him over and over and over, everything we can find that will hold his attention. And be patient.

 Today we read about mosquitos. Talked about the difference between an insect and an arachnid. After looking at pictures of exoskeletons Zion had a blast talking about his spine and how it went all the way to his "bum"... "giggle giggle".
 We dumped out several boxes of noodles and built all sorts of things after reading about tension and compression (and the three little pigs houses).

 We went down the street and bought some local produce. (and stopped at the dollar tree for the glue to hold our noodle towers together.) Made apple waffles for lunch. Canaan read almost half of Stuart Little, just for fun. He read almost half of "The Magic Schoolbus inside a Hurricane" out loud to Zion.

 And I sorted through some old pictures I found in a box. See.

Kelsey and I

Burlington, IN

Halloween, 1986

 The Sharp cousins

Marietta, GA

Easter, 1989

 The Binkley cousins

Geist, IN

Christmas, 1992?

 My sisters and I (and Zion)

For the life of me, I cannot figure out where we are...

Somewhere in GA I would assume!

October? 2005

I love finding old pictures. Especially the ones already on a disk, just waiting to be uploaded!

I hope your last few weeks have been as full of fun, and discovery, as mine have been. Or maybe not. It has been slightly stressful! 

Blessings, 

Starving!

 I had a moment today when I thought perhaps I didn't want to be a homeschool mom any more.
 At least, not to a stubborn red-headed six year old.

 At 11:30 he told me he was starving. Since he hadn't finished his breakfast until 8:30 I knew he wasn't going to die. I told him when he finished his handwriting we would have lunch.
 All he had to write was the date and the verse of the week:
 Monday, August 27, 2012  "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. Acts 16:31"

 It was printed for him. All he had to do was write it below, to practice his letters.

 But for some reason, some small voice in the back of his head declared "Don't do it."

 I told him that he couldn't eat until it was finished.

 He wrote "Mon".

 Canaan and I ate lunch.

 He got up and wondered around the room.

 I fussed at him to get back in his seat.

 We had a staring contest, in which I insisted that I really was the boss, and that he was not going to eat until he did was he was told. Even if he was "Starving".

 I called his dad and left a voice-mail.

 He finished "Monday"

 I called my mom and nearly cried.

 He wrote "Aug"

 It was now 1:30...

 2 hours!!

 He hadn't eaten. He hadn't gotten any other school done. I was so frustrated with him that I had gotten very little done with Canaan.

 My mom had my dad call and encourage him, but first she encouraged me.

 You see, I was so busy being frustrated with him, insisting that he obey, feeling like he was defying me...  I had forgotten to take the time to sit and listen to him.

 Perhaps that first 15 minutes really was simply rebellion. But when I sat with him I discovered that he was upset because his M was crooked. And he felt he had started on the wrong line, and now his u was not the right shape.

  He let his frustration compound until he wasn't in control of his emotions anymore.

 We erased the whole thing and started again.

 A clean slate.

 Working together we had it done in less then 10 minutes.

 He wasn't the only one who learned a lesson today.

 I was reminded that we all have moments of stubbornness. We all need a clean slate sometimes. And when we are willing to listen to the guide who desires to help us the work is so much easier.

 Why is it that my children end up teaching me just as much as I teach them?

 As last week's verse said, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23 We are well aware of that one.

And next week? We are working on the letter C. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Eph 6:1

 We'll take that one on when it comes!

 For now, that power struggle has me exhausted. Time for bed!

 Blessings,

End of the season

We have had a busy summer season of T-ball. Lots of time on the road, but what fun!

 Zion had never played ball, of any sort really, so this was very needed so that I could feel less like a failure as a mother.

These pictures were taken over the course of the "season", so they come from lots of angles, but you can see the fun!

 Ready to play

 Look at that beautiful hit! 

And he's off...

Waiting patiently for the ball to come his way. 

Canaan took this picture with his camera. Didn't he do a fabulous job?!

 I love this picture because you can see Andy coaching 3rd in the background. Sometimes at this age they need reminded to move on. That was supposed to be Andy's job. However, he introduced himself to each child, learned their names, and soon they really enjoyed him. By the end of the season they would be out there chatting with him at 3rd and we would have to yell from the dugout, reminding him to send them on home. So funny!

 I am pretty proud of this picture. A full half of them looking, and (mostly) smiling, at the SAME TIME. This took work!

 I love this picture of little brother from down the street running the bases during "warm up".

He was a riot to add to the dugout. 

You see...

 one adorable mommy friend...

 and a very full dugout...

made for a very busy set of mommies! 

What fun we had!

 All done...

We didn't have a super turn-out for the end of season pizza party

 but the ones we did have 

 were very proud

of their awesome medals!

I hope your summer is winding down nicely. 

We certainly finished with a last hurray!

I love being a mom. 

Blessings, 

Does it exist?

 So many words, so little time.

 The school day is calling, and the children can't focus without direct interaction, but this verse has stood out to me two days in a row.

 "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Phil 4:8

 There is lots out there that isn't. And sometimes we have to take hold of it and "deal with it". But it doesn't have to be our focus. Seek the good my friends. Seek and ye shall find...

Blessings, 

Accountability

This post is to preach at myself. Honestly.

 But for some reason I can't let it go, so perhaps writing it out, and knowing that you are holding me accountable will make me.

 God clearly told us to forgive. In fact, when Peter asked him if he should forgive seven time Jesus told, "not seven, but seventy-seven times". Which I actually think means as many times as it takes.

 So, telling someone that you forgive them - or perhaps forgiving them in your heart because they never even knew they upset you - that should be natural for a Christian. Over and over again.

 But sometimes it's not easy.

 Andy has not been careful with his words lately. Honestly just stupid stuff. But over and over until I have felt like a failure. In everything.

 Canaan has noticed, of course. Because he notices everything. He brought me the comics on Sunday - pointing out one in specific he thought I would like. It truly was slightly ironic in it's timing.

 And little reminders, like the comics, or some other not well planned words have kept me either angry or hurt for almost a week now.

 But yesterday I did a lot of praying about it. I remembered that...

1) I am not perfect either (surprise!)
2) He is going to say stupid things over and over (and over) for the rest of time. And I am always going to love him. So I need to just get over it.
3) I can't say that I forgive him, and then not truly do it. That is lying.

Psalm 19:14 says "May the words of my mouth (Andy) and the meditations of my heart (me) be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

 They are both held equally. Me thinking grumpy thoughts was not cool.

 And then today's Bible reading said, "He who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11
 I am pretty sure I have been exalting myself by being the "hurt party". Because, of course, I have never hurt his feelings, right?!

 But, I suppose what helped the most last night was Andy putting on some old cheesy '80's music and "singing" to me. He loves me too.

 Those words, although perhaps the worst sounding of them all, were also the most beautiful.

 I can promise you that words will continue to be spoken in this household. So, as long as there are words there will be some that praise, some that heal, some that excite, some that promise and sadly, some that hurt.

 That is just the way of words.

 What matters now is "the meditations of my heart". I'm feeling positive right now. What is it about confession that brings healing to the soul?

 God speaks through Isaiah saying, "So is the word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (55:11)

 We can only attempt to mimic Him. May our words always serve, and accomplish what He desires.
 And when they don't, let's remember that He forgives. "I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemes of men will be forgiven them." Mark 3:28

 So, here I go. School to teach. T-ball to make it to. Toilet's to clean. And somewhere along the way, supper to cook. So I suppose I need more then just the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart. I need every movement of my hands also seeking to please Him too!

 Please, keep me accountable.

 May your day - full of words, thoughts, activities (and perhaps toilets?)- be pleasing unto Him too!

Blessings, 

A donkey's back

This morning I was reading the book of Joshua. Now, it is well known for the story of Jericho. Walk around the walls. Play the trumpets. Watch the walls come down. And, because mercy is one of my gifts, I always like to remind people about the saving of Rahab. Key point to the story, as she is part of the family line to King David.

 But I am getting off track. Once you get past the story of Jericho, there is very little in there that is exciting. Lots and lots of it is names. A record book of which tribes got which parts of the promised land. And I must admit that I sort of skim it. The names of towns sort of blur together in my head.

 But a few little side notes stuck out.

 Caleb, Joshua's right-hand man had been given a prime area. Some of it however was still overrun with the enemy. So he promised in marriage his daughter, Acsah, to the man who could conquer that area. Othniel won, and Caleb gave him not only Acsah, but some land also. Good deal, right? I suppose so if you lived back then.

 But here is the part I found interesting. Acsah, Caleb's daughter, wasn't satisfied. She had a husband, and some fields, but she wanted more. So she went to her father. It says that "when she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, 'What can I do for you'?"

 I am sure Caleb loved his daughter. He made a man prove himself worthy before she married him. I am sure they kept in touch. But he didn't ask what she needed until she got off her donkey.

 How often do we expect God to give us what we need, what we want even when we should be satisfied, when we won't even get off our donkey? Unlike Caleb, God does know our every thought. He is aware of what we think we need. He is aware of what we actually need. And He will take care of us.

 But sometimes if we will get off our donkey, (and perhaps onto our knees?) we might be able to more clearly hear Him say "What can I do for you, my dearest child?"

 Acsah says "Do me a special favor"... and Caleb grants her wish.

 God doesn't always give us our wishes, or the "special favors" we ask for. Because sometimes it is not the right time, yet.

One of my best friends recently had to be told no, over and over again. And it was confusing. But she realized that God sometimes, like Abraham with his only son, asks us to lay it all out there and be willing to sacrifice everything.

 I don't know where you are. Maybe you are forgetting to get off your donkey. Maybe you are in the middle of so much sacrifice that you can't figure out how God can fix it.

But let me leave you with Joshua 21:45 "Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled."

 He had promised them the land. They moved in with joy. They had to fight for it, and obey Him sometimes in scary situations, but every promise was fulfilled.

 Every one.

 Anyone know what Acsah's request was? Springs of water.

 Not a bad request, really. I, for one, am always glad to have some springs of living water flowing through me.

Blessings, 

Only in America

I was without internet, again, for over a week.

 I truly don't know what to think. Last summer it was the location. Or at least we could blame it on the location- bottom of a hill, new subdivision, lots of construction still going on. But, just in case, we went with a different company when we moved here.
 This summer, it is simply annoying. It eventually required a repairman coming out, which Andy had to fight to get for free, and it was water in the satellite dish.
 Sigh.

 But, I still wrote, even when I couldn't post. So, even though it is 11pm and I have a weeks worth of other people's blogs to read, here are a few thoughts I had during the last week:


We had “eat whatever was leftover” night not too long ago.

 There were some tortillas. A little chili. And joy, joy, at the back of the fridge a pack of brats that had been hiding.

 Only in America can you have a chili brat tortilla.

 I think sometimes we don't appreciate enough the convergence of, like food, the beliefs, societies, and histories that creates America.

 I am one, whom some call a snob I suppose, who can trace my family line back to well before the revolutionary war on both sides – with some Native American mixed in according to some - but so far back that I wonder if that is more family folklore then fact.

 Andy's great-grandparents came here from the Ukraine, with their children, to make a better life. Andy's grandfather, the youngest of the crew, was the first in their family to be born on American soil.

 His other three grandparents have residence here that goes back longer – (much longer!) with almost definite relation to the Creek tribe.

 But here is the thing: my children are not 1/8 Ukranian. They are not some small portion Native American. They are not the British that my dad's dad has traced his “original bloodline” to.

 They are American. Citizens of the United States of America. Part of the most amazing, beautiful mixture of culture imaginable.

 I will have to admit that portions of this country's thinking are not to my liking. I really think that Jesus is the only way to salvation, and true life. Lots of people disagree with me. I really think that people should share what they have willingly, not have it taken by force. Lots of people disagree with me. (on both the taking by force, and the being willing to share) I really believe that when God told Adam and Eve to take care of this earth He meant it. And just because they got kicked out of the garden doesn't mean we are supposed to be uncaring about the rest of creation. Lots of people disagree with me... or at least don't take the time to care.

 But this country is different then any other. That old nickname, “The melting pot”... I really want it to live up to that!

 So, Chili Brat Tortilla's? They make me happy.

Chow down!

Blessings, 

Quote of a quote

 I made some time to browse through pinterest today. I truly think this was only my second or third time since we have lived here. Eventually I will have more time, right? 

 Anyway. one link I discovered led to a list: 51 books that every Christian should read. 

 And then lots of comments others had about that list. (Which I liked at least as much as the list itself)

 As it is well known, I like to read. But I usually read fiction. Light things to take me away from reality. So I wasn't sure I even wanted to read the list itself. 

 But, as always, reading has something to offer. Always. 

 Pretty much the only things on the list I have previously read are the "classics". I have loved old words always. The fact that they have continued to be "good", 100 years later, well, I think God was speaking through them. 

 I actually get highly annoyed with the people getting filthy rich from writing books about serving Jesus. They better be doing good stuff with that money. I certainly have a hard time giving anyone $20-$40 so I can read their opinion about theology, or salvation, or grace or even how to treat my neighbor. But that doesn't mean there aren't good words out there. I just need to find them at a yard sale! 

 While reading through the comments I came upon a suggestion of a book they believed should be on the list:  Now and Again by Frederick Buechner  They said one of their favorite quotes from it was:

“Words–especially religious words, words that have to do with the depth of things–get tired and stale the way people do. Find new words or put old words together in combinations that make them heard as new, make you yourself new, and make you understand in new ways.” 

 I fell in love immediately. 

 That book wasn't on the list. I know nothing about it except that quote. And it certainly doesn't sound like "light reading". But I think I may have to add it to my stack. 

 A book about words. Who can resist that? 

Blessings, 

Rocking the boat

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Prov. 16:9

 Fear, and Faith even in the midst of it, have been a theme in my life lately.

 I am not sure why, because I am not consciously afraid of anything specific right now. At least, nothing new.

 But I do have several friends who are in situations that could cause fear in their lives. I think I have a tendency to take on the emotions of the people I love. Occasionally that makes me wish I loved fewer people... but only for a minute or two!

 A few nights ago I read Luke 8, a portion of which has the story of Jesus and His disciples crossing the sea of Galilee. Jesus falls asleep and a huge storm rolls in. While His disciples stress themselves out, He sleeps peacefully. Finally, when they can take it no longer, they remember to ask Him for help. He calms the storm and while they are busy looking at each other in shock He simply asks, "What happened to your faith?"

Sometimes it seems like He is down in the bottom of the boat for a really long time. Sometimes, when it finally does calm, the storm only calms for a moment. But He is always in the boat. And the storm is always in His hand.

 After reading Luke 8, then discussing it with Andy the next night, what story should appear in the children't Bible for C and Z's bedtime on the 3rd night?

 You guessed it!

 Obviously I am supposed to be learning something.

 So, I will do my best to have faith, even in the moments that seem very filled with rain. When the boat rocks, and waves roll, and the clouds are gray and ugly, I will make it my goal to never hear, "Where is your faith?"

 Perhaps the most important thing I can remember is to remember. Remember that He is in the boat. Remember that He wants me to "wake Him up" (ie: ask for His help). Remember that He can control absolutely anything. 'nuff said.

So, the storms are blowing. All around me. For many people that I love. All I can do is stand in the rain, hold on tight and together we will have faith.  He is letting it rain. And it makes me hurt for them. So much. But I know, they know, we know, that He is in the boat and in control.

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

 I am sure you have storms too. Hold on tight.

 I recently bought "The Voice" New Testament. We won't talk about philosophy and proper translation, I just want to share a verse written in it's translation.

 "He consoles us as we endure the pain and hardship of life so that we may draw from His comfort and share it with others in their own struggles." 2 Cor 1:4

 He consoles. I draw from His comfort. I help others in their own struggles.

 Hang on tight. Ask for help. Don't give up.

 And send me an E-mail. Praying for others seems to be what God has called me to right now.

Many Blessings, 

Independence Day

 We spent the 4th just down the hill. 17 people, hanging out in the sun.  Ten under 10. Seven, ummm, over 10. It was a blast!

Fun in the water...

 Silly Mr. Andy. What goes around...

 Comes around!

Fun with art...

A beautiful butterfly- and it even matched her swimsuit!

Fireworks!!!

Can I see mom?

Wiggly worm sat still long enough for a star.

Pirates!

Patriotic Pals

Little zebra wasn't sure how she felt.

Some beautiful faces...

Sexy Faces (mine, all mine!)

Fishy Faces...

 Silly Faces...

Curious faces...

Sharing Faces...

Focused faces...

carefully watching some fireworks!