Just a Daisy in the Meadow

It felt good to start school today . . . It’s nice having a school room though it felt a bit full with five children and a teacher in there . . . Lynne napped quite a bit of the time . . .

Japheth is in second. Jeremiah – first, Loraine is learning how to read and starting math, Wayne is coloring and matching things and Jaden plays legos and wanders about and is in the long process of being potty trained.

Lynne’s school consists of learning to sit still during devotions, and story time, not bat at the book I’m reading, and having “blanket time” (Where she has to stay on the blanket and play with the one toy I give her, the goal being that she will stay put, whenever I put her on it)

And my job is to stay cool, calm and collected in the midst of a whirlwind of activities . . .

I’d appreciate your prayers . . . if you can take the time to remember me in that way . . .

I had to chuckle yesterday when my four year old daughter informed me that my “Lion Flower” had opened up . . . Ah, yes, the Tiger Lily . . .

My cousin-in-law gave me this one and it’s starting to open up also . . . Anybody know it’s name? . . .

And our budding singer . . . Jaden’s been talking alot more these days, adding lots of words to his vocabulary.  We were traveling down a dirt road to pick up some firewood when Jaden commented about the road “It’s kinda bumpy. it’s kinda bumpy, it’s kinda bumpy . . .” Japheth was praising him on his learning how to say things when Jeremiah the five year old chimed in saying “And Lynne’s been learning how to sing!” . . .  Yeah, I guess maybe you’d think that if you’re five . . .  listening to that tired little baby\girl singsong her cooing noises as she rides along in the van . . . Lynne’s learning how to sing

At times I feel helpless to keep “the frustrated, angry tone” out of my voice and I have problems keeping the volume soft . . . I am finding that it’s God . . . it’s THROUGH God, that I CAN DO all things . . .

“Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies . . .”

It’s God . . . God who puts this “crown” of loving words, loving firm\soft words . . .  as I relate to my children in the daily grind of chores and duties, joys and sorrows . . .  He crowns me . . . Oh, it is joy . . .

Oh, so fun to go biking again! . . . Believe me it has been several years since I went . . . Now we plan to make it a family favorite.  I biked alone (only one on my bicycle) . . . my dear hubby had FOUR!    One on his back,

two in the front of the buggy,

and one in back . . .  They all absolutely loved it! This buggy was a five dollar garage sale find.

Saturday I was introduced to this neat discussion board called A Page in the Life of a Mom . . .

“It is said that you praise until you worship and you worship until the glory falls” – Sylvia Gunter (Prayer Portions)

Ah . . . I am so enjoying my freedom these days – you have to understand, I am not pregnant – which in other words means that I am not “dead” tired all the time!  I am able to “do” so much more (growing a baby is doing, but a different kind of doing)  . . .  I actually feel like just maybe I can function by a schedule, I don’t mind blanket training or keeping up after the children while they are doing their chores, I am up and about getting my things done and lovin’ it . . . I feel “capable” (clear throat) of hauling all the children to town to get groceries, go to the fair and see all the animals

Boris the II was voted best by our crew . . . I preferred the horses though

. . .and ride the toy tractors

Farmer Boy

. . . and tour the commercial building where Papa has his booth set up this year (this is the first year where you don’t have to stay set up on Sunday, so we gave it a try)

I even took them all with me to get my labwork done this time . . . I had them all sit in a row on the floor while the nurse drew my blood . . . It worked fairly well . . . then for a treat we went over to tour the little church house close by – alas it was still locked – but we enjoyed the lawn and flowers

Church just let out . . .

We could stop and take pictures(like the very first one in this post), cause we were not absolutely desperate to get home for naps (uh, yeah, naps take up lots of time ) or feedings etc.   Take a look at this vine . . .  I love it!  Maybe someday . . .

Anyway just all this to say that life seems much more beautiful and lovely when one is enjoying good health and energy . . . I thank the Lord for this gift . . . this beauty . . . this time of “refreshment” . . .

We’ve been praying about moving . . .

And in keeping with tradition ,  and in preparation for the future . . .

We are taking down this deck (and the house next month) for lumber.  I’m enjoying this working together project, and the children are all excited of course, getting to use hammers for “real”!

And wouldn’t you know . . . that very first evening . . . the beginning of our work of this kind . . . we had a shower of rain . . . and a rainbow!!!   . . .  Rainbows have that feeling of awe . . . of blessing . . . of God’s hand . . . of His closeness . . .

This is one of the best things . . . I love hearing the words of praise and petition being uttered from their little lips . . .a sweet incense . . .

“Let my prayer be set before You as incense;

The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” – Psalm 141:2

I’m going through “Prayer Portions” again by Sylvia Gunter.  Ever hear of it or read it?  She describes it as an instruction manual on prayer.  I highly recommend it . . . It has been a tremendous resource for me.  Here’s her web site  www.thefathersbusiness.com