Scenes from a weekend - a whirlwind of an adventure

We began our long weekend adventure with a trip up to Disney World - Fort Wilderness Campground is a wonderful place for families to relax and enjoy nature together - and have a bit of Disney fun too! 

We were fortunate enough to be included in a group trip with my sweet nephew and his scout group, so we got to catch up with family as well as meet their friends. 

We enjoyed swimming and exploring the Disney resort grounds as well as sitting around the camp fire at night. You can't go wrong with smores. Our homeschool friend Rowyn joined us for the Spring Break adventure. Next stop - LegoLand!

Little geography lesson . . . . . Legoland FL is awesome! 

Homeschool day discounts are even better - check it out here. 

Then we stormed Tampa Bay for a little extra science fun on Tues at MOSI (science center)
where we explored the new NASA exhibit - the kids checked out what life is like on the International space station and even completed tasks just like an astronaut.

We also headed to spend a few hours at the Florida Aquarium (we love) 

Looks like we must have spent a fortune huh? Well, don't you know me at all? That's just not the way we roll. Find out exactly what I spent on our extra long (5 day) Spring Break weekend of fun on Thursday when I post for Frugal Family. Come and link up your own frugal ideas for travel, homeschool, raising kids, food and anything the family can benefit from and save money!

Enjoy your week - I'm resting up now in between AdventureZ!

Monday for Moms - Heartily, as to the Lord

Colossians 3:23 

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men"

This past week, we had some sweet friends visit from Chicago. Hyacynth @Undercover Mother

It was the 2nd year they have been able to visit us while they were down this way and we were happy to continue our new tradition. This time her sweet husband was able to join us and mine even took the day off (a rare treat for us). I love it when a plan comes together. 

One of the things we got a kick out of while they were here is that her oldest and our middle boy "took" to each other and their very boyish play style. They even had to take their toy guns to the beach with us, and you'd have thought they were landing at Normandy. They crouched and crawled around, sneaking up on an enemy - only they could see. 

They put their whole hearts into it. They were sold out to the idea that they were little soldiers. Anyone looking on, would immediately know and understand who they were and what they were up to, without a word of explanation. They didn't waste any time worrying about what others might think. They jumped in with both feet, into the thick of their imaginary battle. 

It made us smile to see our little boys playing so well. It was a wonderful example of "little boys being boys". They had no script, yet they knew just what to do - heartily sold out to being soldiers. 

What if we were to put our whole hearts into everything we do just like these little boys? What if we were concerned only with what God thought and didn't worry about what men thought?

I want to serve God in that way. I want to give Him my all in everything I do. Heartily!

Right now that may mean "scrubbing toilets - as to the Lord" or "teaching homeschool - as to the Lord" and "cooking dinner - as to the Lord". Moms make a difference in this way. We are teaching our children how to live. 

It is my desire to show them how to live life "heartily, as to the Lord." 

Colossians 3:23 "Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" 

*This is our bible verse for the week - the boys will write it out in their spiral bible notebooks and we will say it out loud every day - in our homeschool, driving down the road, taking a walk - until they can say it on their own. It is one of the ways we are teaching them God's Word and one of the ways they will learn to live heartily for Him. 

#1000 Gifts and beyond 

sold out little soldiers -special friends- time at the beach - time with Daddy -learning scripture reminders to live heartily for the Lord - opportunity to share - lessons from my children-play time- Monday night bible study on the island - fellowship 

Linking with: Bigger Picture Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days   Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  

Bigger picture - Set your mind

Again 

I'd do it again, you know. I'd go through the same hurt, the fear, of stepping out into the unknown. I'd hang on tight to my faith and brave the new waters of homeschooling . . . 
again to offer my children what I know they need. 

If I had the choice to make over, I'd know exactly what to do. I'd just smile and wave goodbye to the ideals  to which so many cling. 

We live in a small community of people who are close in a familial way. Island life will do that to you. Some thought I'd lost my mind - going against the grain as I left traditional school behind. 

It hasn't been perfectly easy. Some of it has been flat out difficult! We've had our ups and downs. Many things I've tried and failed to do - but the learning curve is fantastic when I lean on the Omniscient One. He really does know all. 

Every day brings it's own challenges. Each day we do our best to overcome them. And each day He is there to guide us through. Each day He brings joy and has the victory in our successes. 

Nestled in among the hard days, are the blessings. They are many. Cuddles during the middle of the day, accomplishment shining proudly across a freckled face, jokes that only family gets. The chance to focus on the little things, and teach my children to do the same -Time to study the fingerprints of our Creator as we look closely at nature - these are lessons I'd not give up. 

Facing the challenges is a matter of setting my mind on things above so that His will may be accomplished, so that I don't miss the hidden blessings! 

I wouldn't trade this time for anything. We can't ever get it back - so, even with the hard parts - I'd make the decision to stay at home and teach my three rambunctious boys . . . 

AGAIN and AGAIN! 

They grow so fast! This was 3 years ago December- 

Linking with: 5 min friday   and                     

Word of the year . . . . .

I'm not exactly making any New Year's resolutions - but I certainly have a vision for what 2013 is 'to hold for me and my family this year. I want to dream BIG and be BOLD! 

Hebrews 4:16

 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

In planning my "word of the year" I listed many things that are of importance to me. 

A few of them are listed below: 

     Create - I want to use my God given creativity in the way He intended in all areas of my life

     Embark - I will move forward with plans I've made 

     Explore - life, love, nature. . . I want to face each day with a spirit of adventure 

     Simplify - I want to cut out the excess - be frugal - declutter and catch up on the little details 

     Yield - to God's will utterly and completely in my life 

     Expect - good things . . . knowing God wants to bless us. 

It's going to be a great year - full of gratitude and joy as I approach each new goal BOLDLY! 

Philippians 4:6 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

In reflecting on these goals and dreams for the fresh new year, I am struck with a profound sense of thankfulness that I am able to go directly to the Creator of the universe with my concerns. He cares not only about our needs but also our desires. 

The deeper grasp I have on that, the simpler things are for me. I want desperately for my desires - to be His and visa versa. It's a deepening of relationship, an understanding that I am better off chasing after - only the things He has for me. Nothing else matters. 

I will BOLDLY seek Him. 

how about you? do you have a word for the year? 

#1000 Gifts and counting . . . . I can boldly go before the throne, He cares to hear from me, the ability/opportunity to teach this to my children, honest friends, children getting well, medicine when they are sick, husband who helps, opportunity to share, God's provisions in a big way, His grace encouraging me along-helping me to do better- more - nudging me to love boldly. 

 linking with:      Bigger Picture Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday  
 Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts  Thankful Thurs   Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  workinprogress

     

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Our Christmas this year was spent quietly at home. My parents weren't able to come as they were, like us, down with the flu. Although, being sick isn't our idea of the perfect way to spend any day - much less Christmas - it turned out to be a lovely celebration and sweet family time. 

As the new year approaches, we are finally kicking this terrible illness. Although our camping plans are out of the question for New Years Eve - cold temperatures and getting over the flu doesn't go so well together - we will enjoy another (fairly) quiet evening celebrating together. 

As 2013 draws near I'm thankful for this down time to reflect on the past, to enjoy the memories each special Christmas ornament on our tree represents, like the tiny sea shells we've gathered at our favorite family beach spot, and the sand dollars we've collected. I smile at the memory of finding shells on our honeymoon in Costa Rica, and then turning them into icicles with our firstborn son when he was a toddler. 

That toddler is now 11 years old and we've added 2 more boys to the family. Each year we add some kind of new ornaments to the tree - salt dough ornaments the boys paint themselves, this year the small nests to which we added the eggs and birds to represent the time we spend together exploring creation. The years fly by all too quickly, our boys are growing up fast, and I know it won't be long before I'm looking at the tree ornaments and remembering the time when they were "only" 11,  7 and 8 years old. 

I've been praying for the families in Newport. I cannot imagine how different, and heartbreaking their Christmas was from ours. Praying for them reminds me to be thankful for every moment, even when we are sick or struggling. My main focus for the new year is to savor each day, to savor  the moments that make up the day.

 I want to remember the bigger picture by focusing on the little things - teaching our children to honor the time God has given us by appreciating the time we have together. 

I'm thankful for what we have, thankful for the time to enjoy it. Teaching the boys to appreciate God's blessings, to find the gifts in the little things - is one of the most important lessons we can share with them. We have to be "in the moment" to do that, prepared to look closely and soak in the details. 

Every moment in our lives quickly becomes a memory. I want to work harder to be truly present in those moments. I cannot slow the passing of time, or keep my boys young, but I can savor each moment along the way and celebrate each day with them - celebrate the little things which make up the bigger picture. 

As we are physically recovering from our illness, our celebration of the New Year will include family time - playing with the new basket ball goal, cooking some special treats, and taking a walk in the Myakka Forest, soaking up a bit of sunshine as we discuss what goals the boys have in mind for 2013. Later - there will be sparklers - and we have a tradition of watching the ball drop, unlike the one at midnight, ours drops about 6 p.m. and looks a little something like this: 

Happy New Year Y'all - Savor the moment! 

#1000 Gifts and counting: 

*the little moments *special ornaments gathered over the years *hot chocolate *family traditions *sunset *camera to capture the moment *family favorite foods *games we love *health returning *quiet time of reflection 

Linking with: SoliDeGloria  Bigger Picture Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows -
Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word    Thursday Quick Tip

Bigger picture- Wonder

start 

Thanksgiving was a whirlwind of activity 

there were pies to be baked and biscuits to make 

but mostly 

there were six little boys running around. 

The noise level was . . . as expected 

but we had extra time to play 

We enjoyed cousin time at the beach 

and as the Christmas music played in our little beach town 

we danced down the sidewalk to the playground 

All giggles and smiles 

with shouts of "watch me" and "look at this" 

They gazed in wonder at whatever they found. 

Even a rock became a treasure for sure! 

This special time served as a 

reminder to look at the world through their eyes

to wonder aloud at what we may find, 

for their childhood is fleeting, 

Their perspective is pure - we must look with wonder 

and the world around - and dance down the sidewalk 

in the middle of town. 

stop. 

*disclosure - the rhyming is by accident - maybe just a little silliness lingering from our fun time 
I realize I am a dork - I. just. can't. stop. myself.  It was fun!  

Linking with Bigger Picture Moments and 5 Min Friday 

3 wild boys and a quiet heart - bigger picture moments - 5 minute friday

Quiet 

somebody yells - then comes a crashing sound and another holler as 3 wild boys go running by

life is a whirlwind of noise and activity 

loud

crazy 

wild 

boys 

are at the center of my universe these days 

my life is anything BUT quiet 

yet I cannot complain 

there was a day - when I walked this beach - and prayed for them 

beginning at the age of 7- I asked  God to send me a family of my own - complete with a loving husband 

I asked Him to let me live near my favorite beach with my family - it's the life I thought I wanted 

storms of life blew me from place to place but I always came back to my beach 

and I always prayed the same prayer

life is a whirlwind of noise and activity 

loud 

crazy 

wild

boys

are at the center of my universe these days

my life is anything BUT quiet 

and it's exactly what I wanted 

I'm so thankful that even through life's storms - God answers prayer 

although my life is loud and crazy -

who knew one sweet husband and 3 wild boys could bring my heart such quiet? 

linking with 5 min Friday and Bigger Picture Moments  1000 gifts Give Thanks Challenge 

Thanking God today for- 

*loud crazy boys 

*sandy feet 

*sandy floors 

*quiet moments - few and far between 

*remembering my prayers 

*faithful Father 

*my beach and what it represents to me 

*outside time with the boys 

*family time 

*perfect weather - even the storms 

Bigger picture moments - 5 Minute Friday - Roots of candlebrush grace

Colossians 2:6-7

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 

rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, 

just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Roots of grace

start.
Boldly they reach towards the heavens 

these fiery candlebrush stems of gold 

Built up and established 

they do not waiver but stay strong throughout the storm

Even in times of drought the tall narrow stems 

remain steadfast - deeply rooted - steady - true 

Against brilliant contrasts of gold 

The bright sky paints a backdrop of blue

Such beauty before me - I stand amazed

quietly contemplating - deep in thought 

Colorful petals - soft and fine with stems holding unseen power

remind me once again how

the fingerprints of God remain on every flower 

Remind me once again to reach boldly towards heaven

firmly rooted, built up in Him

Established in the faith  

Walking in Him - wrapped full in His grace

Abounding in thanksgiving 

As my roots run deep 

stop. 

#1000 Gifts
*sunshine and fresh air 
*homeschool outdoors 
*His grace even in the form of a flower
*sharing His fingerprints with my boys
*friends to bake with 
*park days 
*the chance to grow my boys - deep roots in Him 
*God's Word never fails 
*my roots - childhood spent hiding His Word in my heart 

5 Minute Friday with Gypsy Mama

Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring
#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  
   Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  Fresh Brew

31 days of Homeschool Encouragement - on the bad days

You plan, you prepare, you spend time on your knees - and still - when you begin your homeschool day - your sweet wonderful little children turn into grueling monsters.

No matter how you plan, no matter how you prepare, even when you've prayed with and for your children - you will have bad days.


Sometimes you may even have very bad, no good, terrible days.

What's a Mama to do when she's tried absolutely everything - and she's still dealing with less than cooperative or even defiant children?

Set herself a calm resolve. Calm and Resolve are the key words.

“[A Calm Resolve to Wait for the Salvation of God] To the Chief Musician.To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation.” Psalm 62:1

If God, who created the universe, and breathed life into the dust - God, who took down the enemies of David - God, who used a young shepherd boy and 5 little stones to defeat Goliath . . . .
surely He can handle your little ones.

The enemies of David were not defeated in a day, week, or even a month. But, David cried out to the God of the universe - with a heart that believed. He was willing to wait for God's answer - and for God's timing. He didn't stop petitioning God for his needs, but along with those cries - was a faith and a willingness to wait on the Lord.

- free printable pdf -

Are you struggling daily to check off a "homeschool list" for your children? I'm not suggesting that you throw in the towel - or stop trying to school your kids until God shows up. I'm simply saying that if you petition Him as David did, with a willing heart - He will indeed show up.
Are you waiting on God with your homeschool and your home life?

Our God is faithful - I'm so grateful today that He is!

If you are struggling in this way - please be sure to read This Post about changing the atmosphere in your home and homeschool with God's Word.

Please let me know if you find these reminders and information useful or if there is something else you are looking for. I am happy to share what God has led us through (some pretty big challenges) and how He continues to carry us through each day.

 - visit others participating in 31 days series from The Nester here -
- other posts of encouragement for your homeschool here-

linking with: Bigger Picture Moments

  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days      From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls  Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word   Thursday Quick Tip                             Works-4-Me  Fresh Brew  top10tues 

A royal welcome Daahling - tribute to my Eleanor

Welcome 

*start 




It began simply enough, with a swim in the pool and an invitation to dinner. 
She was a gracious host, this woman, with the time worn face and proper accent. 

Conversation flowed between us, the 19 year old girl and the woman who was then 79 
After dinner, she invited me to stay. The guestroom, she said, held a bed to which I was welcome. I was fascinated by this woman who had lived a thousand lives and known the famous people I'd only watched in movies. I decided to stay. 

She placed a fresh cut flower in a vase to welcome me and to brighten my room.
I noticed she had taken the time to turn down my bed.
The simple things really do make one feel welcomed. 

I was greeted the next morning with freshly squeezed orange juice - fruit she'd picked herself from the tree in the yard. Toasted English muffins, with orange marmalade were her favorite, she revealed with a smile, and the only thing better than having fresh orange juice - in her opinion - was when it contained Moet' & Chandon. 
"We must get some later on Daahling," she'd added.
There was an unmistakable gleam of mischief in her eyes, this one. 

It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, between the woman who had entertained royalty - and the girl she treated as such. I worked as her companion from that day. Little did I know, the impact this spunky woman would have on my life. 

We became family, my Eleanor and I. For the next 12 years we shared our lives. 
She often pointed out that we were "growing up together". We traveled to Paris where showed me a big wide world. We enjoyed the simple, and the not so simple things in life. Midnight swims, Parisian cafe's, sunset in the evening, fresh squeezed orange juice, holidays, and birthdays - we enjoyed all of life's celebrations together over the years. 

She welcomed me into her home with a simple flower in a vase and fresh squeezed orange juice. With her zeal for life and her mischievous spark - she simply stole my heart.

At 91 years old, she died in my arms - where she was always welcomed. 

In her last moments, though she could no longer speak, she managed to flirt with the pastor who came to her bedside. She batted her beautiful eyelashes, and smiled that special smile. It was later, I discovered she'd lied to the man about her age . . . . . . .   

and that - Daahling - was my Eleanor. 
                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                  *stop 


Linking with:

                        

1000 Gifts: 

fresh squeezed orange juice  - orange marmalade - sharing stories of my life with my boys and with you - old memories that bring a smile - midnight swims - sandy toes - remembering the simple things - welcoming friends - twinkling eyes - fresh cut flowers 

5 minute Friday - Bigger Picture - Wide

Wide 
start 

I look before me at the wide stretch of beach and breathe it in deep 
these are the moments which quiet my soul 

I open my mouth wide to lift up a song 
 the expanse of beach reminds me of the one I sang as a girl 

"Deep and Wide"  
deep and wide - there's a fountain flowing deep and wide 

It speaks of the love of the Father - His love flows like a fountain 
deep and wide.  We cannot comprehend the depths  or the width of His love for us. 
It knows no boundaries. 
It knows no end. 

To love like Christ is my quest. 
I ask for His help as I fall so miserably short. 
He brushes me off, smiles and holds me tight. 
He reminds me softly - it isn't my love that's needed - but simply His love through me. 

Deep Wide Unending Love 

stop

click for printable pdf - Bible memory verse 

I'm off to teach the boys the song of the day - Deep and Wide! 

Here is a YouTube video you can share with your littles - be sure to read them the Bible verse to go along with it so they will relate the song to the love of Christ
 (deep and wide, big and strong, tall and thin - like a tree) -

My gifts this week: 

quiet time 

a new Bible study with sweet friends both old and new 

frogs in the house (yes)

Sunday School songs from childhood and sharing them with my boys

field trip planning with homeschool friends 

online community of sisterhood 

laughter and giggles with little boys 

Taco night

salt air cool breeze 

getting healthier - moving my body more - thank you Lord! 

linking with: 5 Min Friday   Bigger Picture
Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring
#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  
Soli Deo Gloria From My Mountain View Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows -
Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word