12.31.2013

Real thing



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"Don't let this picture fool you. These two boys don't often get along, but today we've had relative peace and it feels so good. Battleship and lunch at home. And no fist fights or tears. I'll take it. #hopefor2014"
(taken at home with the hooligans)



4.24.2013

getting artsy

Before I forget, I want to share some of the beautiful art my kids have created lately. Although they do lots of art here at home, these are some from school. And yes, I know that this is not an equitable post and that G and H each have two contributions. However, 2nd graders don't bring home quite as much as much as the younger ones...that is my excuse. Maybe someday I'll post an excellent spelling test or something...?

As you can see, Parker had some Picasso inspiration...

Griffin's self-portrait

And his chicken thingy...

Hollyn's dinosaur!

And finally, this cute T-Rex with ginormous orange teeth.

They are my favorite artists.





4.19.2013

On another note...

Life of Amy
This is some of my most favorite music of all time. A couple of my friends have recently gifted me their "life soundtrack" & some of those tracks have become favorites, for sure! So I've gotten started on.my own list of favorites. Just click on the "life of Amy" link. Here we go!


4.17.2013

Why we choose public school for our kids

I've been thinking about a post like this for a couple of years, actually. I wasn't sure quite how to word it all and how to come across passionate but not proud and preachy. But recently, a friend wrote to ask me about how I felt about public school and it gave me an opportunity to articulate my feelings in a personal way. It was actually so good for me to write out how I feel...quite affirming, really. So here is part of my response. Please know that that this is not meant to be anti-anything...just my heart.


So, it is funny you ask about this public school thing because I am so passionate about it that I often fear that I am going to give people an earful and say too much! So please keep that in mind:) I think it is because I grew up in the land of education and was around public educators all of my life, but public schooling our kids was a very intentional choice for us. I am around a ton of parents who choose other options for good reasons and I certainly don't think I have it figured out, but I can tell you why WE chose public school...just can't tell you what to do!

First, as a Christian, I can't think of a more natural way to live a missional life in our community than to have our kids in the local schools and be actively involved as parents. I realize that many parents drop their kids off at school and don't feel the need to get involved, but I try to be a very familiar face at school. I love seeing my kids at school, but I also love being around the other kids in the community. It gives me a chance to get to know other parents and the teachers...to have an opportunity to talk with people who are not just like me. I think we're called to it, but I also enjoy it!
Second, I love teachers and think the majority of them go into it for the right reasons. Of course, there are bad apples, but I love that my kids are being taught by well-trained educators. They simply offer my kids more than what I could give them in a teacher. We live in a fantastic school district, which certainly makes this decision easier, but we moved here intentionally because of the schools. I do realize that teachers can have opportunity to teach values that are different than ours, but honestly, I don't think we give our kids enough credit sometimes. We still should be the most influential adults in their lives and our kids know what they've learned and seen since birth. I remember having teachers in school that held different beliefs than my parents, but I was well aware of that. I think it was more of a faith-building experience than anything because I knew we were different for a good reason. Granted, our oldest is just in 2nd grade and we've had minimal issues come up, but I value the ongoing conversation we get to have about being Christ-followers and different because of it.
And finally, we desire our kids to be relevant in our culture and have relationships with kids and families much different than our own. This is a really delicate balance and we wrestle with it sometimes. I really value having other parents in our circle of friends who are trying to also figure it all out along the way. It is a work in progress, exposing my need for Jesus and his guidance, my trust...ALL OF THE TIME. Like any parents, we want to protect our children from everything harmful. But I don't know anyone who has grown and matured without struggle. I would love to avoid the BIG struggles that often occur in middle school/ high school, but we have no guarantees. My hope is that our kids are faced with just enough challenges early on and to work through them together in order to lay the groundwork for the days ahead. For us, having our kids in public school is a great opportunity for this kind of thing to happen.
And here is one last thing...and I know I've probably said too much already! Aaaahhh!!! But we NEED more good families in our public schools. We need more Jesus believing children and parents and people who care deeply about kids--not just our own, but all of them. I am concerned with the number of Christians taking their kids out of public schools. I think it is a dangerous thing for our country.
Ok, I will get off my soap box now:) I told you I was passionate! Shoot. Like I said, half of the people I am around choose to homeschool or private school for very good reasons. Many of them do a very good job and I really respect them. I just think that public school can also be a great option for the Christian parent and, I believe, such a wonderful opportunity!


2.25.2013

Sleepover

It occurred to me that I had never stayed in my sister's home over-night. I was having babies, she was in college/living in far-off places/newly married...blah blah blah. She has stayed with me and we've been together a lot, but for whatever reason, it took until this past week for me to pull the trigger. I decided at the last minute to make a quick trip over to Redmond to visit my sis and her husband and their doggy. I also decided to bring Hollyn with me...which I may or may not regret ;)

It was my first time seeing Kelsey in her Redmond home and I just loved getting a taste of her life there. Now I can actually picture her in her bright, spacious apartment and wooded, quiet street....within walking distance of everything important (Target, Trader Joe's, Panera, Thai food, etc.). We shopped, we ate yummy food, we drank good coffee, stayed up late talking...and kept track of our dueling juveniles! All good!

Love you, Kels and Bryant! Thank you for letting us stay with you! Miss you always. xoxo


1.16.2013

hibernation

Sometimes I wonder if I should have been a bear, allowed to hibernate for the winter. I really do love living in a place with four, distinct seasons. I love the snow. I even love the dry, cold air. It is beyond beautiful. But my goodness, I was just not designed for wintertime. I am cold all of the time. I wear coats indoors. I have the urge to eat and eat and eat--more than usual. And I mean EAT as in GORGE. I don't...because I know better. But the worst part is the fatigue. I believe it is the lack of light, but I fight the urge to lay down on the bare floor for a nap at all hours of the day. And sometimes I do. But it doesn't help. I'm sure I don't even have to explain this, but being tired all of the time affects so many aspects of life. Everything, really. Grrrr!!

I haven't really found anything that works to relieve the fatigue--other than warm sunshine. I mean, I exercise, eat well, get plenty of sleep, etc. One of these days I will stop fighting it and just except that hibernation is the best option. Problem is, I don't have the luxury of choosing hibernation yet--a few people depend on this mama bear. Until then, I have been trying a few things to brighten my home in these dark months. I try to have music playing constantly, light many candles, keep the blinds always open, etc. Lately I've been trying to keep fresh flowers in the house. It reminds me that this season won't last....that spring will come! Does anyone have any other ideas for me??! Please share!

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