Quiet House

I feel a bit awkward blogging after four months off!  But, here I am again; we are all alive and well.  Today the dog and I are alone in the house. The kids are with their grandparents for the whole week so Kevin and I can tackle some of our many house projects and have a little break.

So far I've actually found it hard to relax.  My brain keeps saying, "This is your chance.  You'd better get some projects knocked off your list or it may be MONTHS before you can pick that paintbrush up again!"  I'm hoping to work this morning and then take a break this afternoon to meet a friend for coffee.

This has already been a much-needed time of not only work, but of time with Kevin and time for me to refocus and reflect.  Kevin and I have gotten through the first few chapters of Tim Keller's The Meaning of Marriage, which is the best book on marriage I have ever read--and I've read quite a few! I highly recommend reading it with your spouse.

Here are some pictures of the family, and I think I can find a 'before' and 'in process' picture of the bathroom.  I love looking at before and after pics!

So, I'm back.  I'm going to try to begin blogging again, with a modest goal of once a week.  I'm off now to find my paint clothes and brush!

***Still working on those before and after photos, but here are some of the kids from last month.

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Funny Photos and Books

The books aren't funny, just the photos.  That title is quite unclear, actually...

Here are some pictures I took of the kids on our last day of school:

Look how cute

and intelligent

and normal my children are!

On our last day of school, we ended up having a closely divided vote concerning what fun thing to do.  Roller skating was what some wanted, and the olders wanted to roam around, go out to eat, and go to the park and library.  So I promised the three roller skating voters that we would do that soon, when I can secure a sitter for Eli, and we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon running around to places the kids requested.  

Right now I am reading several very interesting books.  Not counting Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?...

What He Must Be...if he wants to marry my daughter by Voddie Baucham

I'm only about a third of the way through this book, and much of it seems to be written to fathers, but it's been good stuff to think about.  Though marriage is years away for any of our children, I picked up this book to help me think through what kinds of things to cultivate in our boys to help them be prepared to marry someday.  I always enjoy Voddie Baucham, even if I don't agree with him on everything.  He spoke at our area homeschool conference several years ago and Kevin and I both came away with lots to discuss and with lots to challenge us.

When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert

Two thirds of the way through this one, and I can tell I will need to read it again.  It's designed to be used in a small group setting, and I think that would be a valuable way to use this book, as discussion would be helpful.  I have learned so much and have realized that I have many faulty assumptions about poor people and what they need.  The thing I appreciate most about this book is the humble tone that the authors take.  They really emphasize taking time to understand the complex factors affecting the poor, instead of rushing in as superiors with all the answers.  I think every Christian should read this book!

Wild Swans:  Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

A friend from church loaned me this one.  He has a great interest in China and Chinese history, as he well should, being married to a Chinese woman!  This is a fascinating true account of three generations of Chinese women and their accounts of life in China from the 1920s to present.  I am admittedly quite ignorant about Chinese history and Mao's "Cultural Revolution", and I have learned so much already from this book.  This is not written from a Christian perspective, but it is fascinating to see how Communism denies the reality of human nature and it denies the way God created us to function and live in society.  

I have lofty reading goals for this month, and am going to avoid watching t.v. if I can help it.  Don't you feel like there are so many good books to read, and not ever enough time?  

Writing Prompts and a Very Good Book

I am so tired right now, so I think I'll write guided by the photos. :) I am hardly ever on the computer these days, and often think of things to share--something funny that happened, something the Lord is teaching me, a good book I've read--but I don't make the time to sit down and get it on the blog. I am happy these days, but so tired! I am trying to figure out what needs to happen to help me have more balance. Perhaps this is just the pace that life will be for a while, and if so, I know the Lord will help me. My brain is always so full; swirling with school plans and projects and to-do lists and recipes and spiritual concerns and prayers. I am waiting on the Lord to show me if something needs to change--but, on with the photos...

This little precious guy is seven months, and still our most favorite little toy ever.  :)  He is such a blessing and joy.

Keely and Noah were heading to their first day of Challenge.  They were both so excited and are loving their classes, tutor, and friends.  Freshman and seventh-grader....really?

Rowie is my little fashionista.  She's a reader and an artist and makes the funniest faces ever.

Sam is pretty much over hanging out in training pants all day every day.  He has turned the potty-training corner, YAY, and now requests pants or shorts with pockets so he can stash his stuff there.

I've begun the wallpaper removal project and am approaching it slowly.  I will only work on it when the mood strikes.  Somehow I feel better just seeing that the project is started, even though it actually looks worse now.

We had fun with our friends the W.'s last Friday.  They have a fun house in the country and just about a friend for everyone, including Mommy!  :)  It was a beautiful day, and we all had a great time.

Before I sign off for the night, I have to tell you about a book I read last week.  It was amazing.  So interesting, heartbreaking, inspiring, and convicting.  I keep thinking about it.  The Lord has used it to show me my lack of compassion for others.  If you can in any way get your hands on this book, do it.  Praise God that He works on us, he works all around us, and He allows us to gain encouragement and growth from others' stories!


Blessings to you, and thanks for stopping by my neglected little blog!

note: If the link above doesn't work for you, the book I am referring to is called The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield.

What We're Doing Today...

I can assure you that this won't be a very exciting post. ...That sounded a bit 'Eyeore', didn't it?! I keep thinking of things I'd like to share here, things I'm reading, how God is working, funny things that happen from day to day, but I just simply am having a hard time finding the time to get on the computer and blog. I'm not ready to give it up, though; I've been blogging here for about six years! It's a kind of journal of our lives, and though neglected at times, I think I'll keep 'er running. 

Keely is nearing her fourteenth birthday. I never thought, fourteen years ago, that my baby would turn into this lovely young woman...that was an eternity away! Keely is a writer and reader, and spends much of her time doing that. School is pretty light for her this summer; just Algebra and reviewing a little of her Challenge A work every day. I am hoping she will invest some time in cooking, sewing, outside time, etc. Saturday I took her and one of her friends to a wooded area so they could practice their photography skills. Fun to see what they did! 

Noah is looking forward to his twelfth birthday tomorrow. We'll delare a national (or at least household) holiday and take the day off of school. Noah is maturing so much and really growing right before my eyes. He's still that wonderful mix of little boy/young man, though; he loves his Legos and loves to be silly, but on the other hand has taken over the mowing and weed-eating for Kevin. He's a fun kid, and I am so thankful for him! 

 Lily is every the little Mama. She's often at my heels asking what she can do to help. She is funny and hyper and is a joy. She's currently painting an old birdhouse she found in the back yard. The girl LOVES animals, too. 

Rowan is getting ready to celebrate her eighth birthday this month, too. She is excited because this means that she will begin to get allowance (we give them 50 cents per year of their age, per week, til they turn thriteen, when there are often more opportunities to earn money on their own). She is becoming a great and hungry reader, and school seems to come easily to her. She is learning to laugh at herself and grow into the loving 'big sister' role. Rowan is a sweetie, and I see the Lord working in her life, softening her heart. Right now she's in her room reading Betsy and Tacey go Up the Hill. 

 Joe is such a boy. Kevin and I say that to each other a lot. He is constantly in motion, constantly dirty or sweaty, and often in lala land when I tell him something. He has an adorable smile, though, and you know he isn't malicious in his disobedience....he's just such a boy. :) He makes me laugh...when he's not making my temperature rise. :) 

 Annesley is independent, affectionate, and funny. She and Joseph are into 'playing house' together in the basement, where they've erected 'houses'. Annes also loves loves to eat. She's also learning to 'pull her weight' and help out...some. It's so easy to ask the older kids to do stuff and not Annes, but I know I am probably cultivating laziness in her! Need to work with her more on that... 

Sam. Ah, Sam. What can I say? Into something every minute of the day it seems, and often it ain't good. Kevin and I are kept on our toes by this little guy, and realizing that we have got to be more consistent, though that's a huge job as he disobeys so much! He is so much fun, though, and though this is a challenging season, it's also delightful in many ways, too. (Watching him conquer his fear of the trampoline and jump around with his little legs....seeing him 'pretend' play in his cozy coupe in the backyard...funny boy!)

Elijah is growing, and smiling and charming us all. Love love that little baby. Savoring every minute with him, or trying to at least! 

Kevin has been struggling with health issues these past few months. The Lord is growing us both, though, and teaching us to depend on Him. Please pray for Kevin's healing if you think of him, and pray that I will be a supportive (not overwhelmed and resentful) wife to him. 

I just finished reading Sarah's Key, and it was good. Lots of crying involved. I have several books on my nightstand that I picked up at our local homeschool conference a few weeks ago. Loving the Little Years is one I have finished but plan on re-reading and discussing with Kevin. Seems like the longer I'm a Mom, the more I realize how much I don't know and don't do right! I'm not despairing, though, but am going to keep working and keep trusting in the Lord. He's the One my children need to ultimately look to for example, for perfection, for salvation. I also bought Give Them Grace, which I can already tell is going to be extremely convicting. Also hope to read that with Kevin. In all our free time, of course. :)  Blessings to you today!  I must go run an errand so I can make a certain birthday boy's cake...

Boxes and Books

About a week ago, we spent a fun afternoon with friends. Big Sam shows little Sam his lizard.

I can't believe that real, official spring has arrived! I kept waiting for winter to come, which never seemed to happen, and now, here we are: trees blooming and grass greening and mild rains watering everything. I love it!

Our move has been pushed back a week from this Saturday to next. I'm ready...I think! I can say confidently that I am ready to banish the sight of brown boxes and tape from my sight, but between here and there, there's much work to be done. I'm not stressing about it though. We have lots of able little bodies around here and about a week and a half yet to get it all together. We've decided that even though we are moving to another rental house, we are going to adopt a 'settled' mindset, and really unpack all those boxed in storage, and live like we're staying for a while. The kids are so excited about seeing all their books and toys and dress-up clothes that have been in storage for over a year. I'm excited about getting all my serving and cookware out. And who knows? We may actually be there for more than a year. We'll just have to see how it all works out...




I have to tell you about a couple of books I've read recently/am reading now. The first is by Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, and it was a quick, light, funny read. She tells the story of how she met and married her husband and all the changes that happened in her life. Not too deep, not any big life lessons here, but I recommend this book because of what I took away from it: it made me think about Kevin and I and our dating days and what life was like in the beginning. Sans kids. It made me remember and appreciate why I fell in love with him, and it made me want to give him a big smooch. Plus, it made me laugh out loud a few times. So, get a copy and curl up; it's a fun break from 'heavy' books.

The next book is so wonderful, and I am gleaning so much encouragement from it! I'm not quite finished with it because a) I'm taking my time and trying to soak it all in, and b) I only read it when I'm not too tired and can really focus on what I'm reading. So, you understand why it's taking a while, right? :) I do feel as though I'm coming out of the fog of the first weeks of life with a newborn, but still, Elijah only sleeps for four to five hours at a time at night...sometimes less. Anyway, back to the book.



I keep reading things I want to share here because they are so true and profound. And let me just say that I know your time is precious. I rarely read long blog posts for that reason. But this is good stuff, and I think you'll find it worth your attention and contemplation.

...I'll tell you about a problem I had responding in godliness when Phil, my husband, came home early from work and interrupted my writing. I'll admit that I was irritated that I had to stop doing what I was intent on. I didn't yell at him or throw my laptop across the room, but I'm sure he knew that I was unhappy that he had interrupted my train of thought. My problem with Phil's early arrival was, at its core, a problem of unbelief. It was a faith problem, because at that moment I simply refused to believe that God loved me and that he was lovingly ruling over my life. I doubted that being interrupted was a good he had planned. I failed to believe that he is kind, wise, and powerful. My primary sin was that I failed to believe that God is good and that his plans for my life are good, too.

In addition, in my unbelief I was taking pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thess. 2:12). I cherished the thought of living life without God interrupting me or messing about in my affairs. I know that none of us would just come right out and shout, "Stop meddling!" at the Lord, but we frequently say it to those God has placed in our path. "I wish you'd just stay out of my way. I have to get this done!"

In taking such pleasure in unrighteousness, I prove myself not only unbelieving but also an idolater. It's not that trying to get my work done is sinful in itself. No, I believe that God has called me to accomplish this task. It becomes sinful when thoughts of an uninterrupted, self-determined day captivate my soul, when accomplishing my goals means more to me than grateful obedience. My plan has become my god; I am an idolater. I worship my idea of a successful day, my right to decree how its every moment will go.

-Because He Loves Me, pp 128-129, emphasis mine

Wow. Are you saying 'ouch' like I did? Especially that part about allowing thoughts of a self-determined to 'captivate my soul'. I read that and thought immediately about a picture I saw in a magazine the other day. It was a stunning photograph of a woman and her husband sitting together in their rustic gazebo (which he built) in the middle of a scenic wood. The woman had a beautiful shawl over her shoulders and a glass of wine in her hand. She looked so...rested! I don't particularly like wine, and I don't forsee Kevin building us a gazebo, but something about that picture made me discontent. Perhaps I'd changed one too many poopy diapers and had to mediate one too many arguments that day, but I wanted to be that woman in the magazine! For a few minutes I wanted to trade what God has given me for something else. I briefly made an idol of that 'other life'. What a needed reminder to rest in the goodness of God as He brings 'interruptions' and works the circumstances of our lives for our ultimate good (Rom. 8:28).

Ah, there's so much more good stuff in this book. Thanks again, Lora, for putting a copy in my hands. Hope you all have a blessed day, and I hope you all meditate on the truth above with me: God is good, and his plans for my life are good, too.

Unbroken

Can I just say, quickly, as I really shouldn't be on the computer but tackling the 294 things I need to be doing, that this book had the most wonderful ending? I was almost crying with joy at the unexpected turn of events. I'm not going to give it away, but if you're looking for a good read (though graphic in parts, so be warned), I'd recommend this.

Let's Try This Again...

Ahhh. We have emerged from the virus relay here at the Dennis home. Everyone took the baton except hardy little Rowan. We're hoping that we are finished with it!

1. Lily and Rowan were able to take a trip to West Virginia last week with my parents, and they had a great time. It was their first 'big girl' thing to do by themselves, I think. I was pleasantly surprised that they seemed to get along swimmingly, as those two can sometimes clash. (If you know us in real life, you are snickering right now at that understatement!) I missed them, and I love the spice that each child's personality adds to our family. It was strange to set the table for seven instead of nine. Glad they're home.

2. I'm reading a very moving book right now: Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand. It's a bit graphic in parts, but fascinating as well. Fitting for (around) Veteran's Day. War is so ugly, and I hope my sons never have to partake in one.

3. I can hardly believe that I have only about nine weeks to go in this pregnancy! This is the first time that I actually feel that it's gone fast. I'm enjoying all the kicking and elbowing and tap dancing on my bladder, and imagining who this little one will be. We have our names, for a boy and a girl. All I'll say is that they both start with an 'E'. And, I picked up a pack of newborn diapers the other day. I couldn't wait to get home to pull one out and marvel at how little it was! The girls all oohed and ahhhed and squealed with me, which made it even more fun. :)

4. This weekend Kevin and I were able to attend a marriage conference at our church. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Ever heard of nouthetic counseling? I hadn't either until a couple of years ago. I am so delighted and excited to know that there is a movement made up of Christian counselors who reject the worldly psychology that conflicts with God's word. Over the years I've heard several Christian women talk about how they need more than a 'couple of Bible verses thrown at them' to really deal with problems. This attitude has always grieved me because either we believe that God's Word is powerful, active, and sufficient, or we don't. Not everything is a 'disorder'. Sometimes--often--it's just called sin.

5. Oops. I stepped onto my soapbox! I was going to link to the sessions we heard about marriage by Dr. George Scipione. He's very entertaining and lively to listen to, as well as full of good solid wisdom straight from the Bible. Aww, rats. They aren't on Sermon Audio yet! Here's a link to his other stuff, though. I'll check back later and update when the conference is loaded.

6. Kevin just put a Ron Paul bumper sticker on our van. I'm not sold on all of his opinions, but I do think he makes the most sense. He's so un-politician-y. I feel queasy when some of the other slick guys talk. Blech. Substance, please? I'm dying for substance after 3 years of President Obama.

7. We're still renting our friends' house, and occasionally showing it for them. We keep an eye on the listings, too, and occasionally go check out a property. So far, we haven't found the right place. Several factors will have to converge (price, enough property, not too far from church/Kevin's work, house that will fit us and not need too much major work), so we are trusting the Lord to show us when and where to go. We aren't discontent, but are very much looking forward to a quiet place in the country, with a few chickens, dogs, and cats. :)

Say 'hi' if you have a minute! I love to hear from you!

Monday Update....October Already?

We had a normal Monday: Our morning was spent at our Classical Conversations community (And Keely spent her whole day there since her jr. high classes last 'til three), then we braved Walmart, made it home, and cleaned out the van--I could take the trashiness no more. Between school, and chores, and dinner, and dealing with training issues with children small and big (the children and the issues!), I am ready to crash. It's been a while since I sat down to blog, though, so I'll share some pictures interspersed with what (little) I have to say. :)

On Saturday afternoon we enjoyed a beautiful day at a new friends' house. The kids enjoyed the rare treat of horseback riding. Annes was very concerned that she get the purple helmet. Such a girly-girl!

During our CC class' oral presentation time, Noah introduced the newest, ah, member of our family: Eugene the rat. I acknowledge Eugene from afar, and we get along fine that way.

I bought this little power-wheels toy for $7 at a garage sale, thinking batteries were affordable. Not so. However, Samuel spends a lot of time sitting on/climbing on/hitting it with a hammer, so it was a well-spent $7 after all.

These are some pictures from our trip to the cider mill. It was a gorgeous day and we enjoyed watching the process and eating cider donuts with our hot cups of cider. Above, the kids watch the apples getting washed before they're processed.

On Saturday, Kevin and I watched a very interesting movie: The Conspirator. I had no idea there were other assassination attempts on the night Lincoln was shot, and had never heard about the notorious trial that followed the roundup of the conspirators. It seems like I'm amazed a lot lately at how much I don't know.

Speaking of learning new things, I am reading a really great book right now: Total Truth, by Nancy Pearcey. Pearcey systematically examines the causes of our compartmentalized Christianity, beginning with the ancient philosophers' ideas through modern day thought. There have been some chapters that have been a bit slower and required more concentration, but parts of the book are really riveting. I just finished reading the chapters about the First and Second Great Awakenings, and how those movements have shaped the modern church (for good and bad). Really fascinating stuff.

Well, friends, my eyelids are beginning to droop, and I need to go elevate these tired pregnancy feet. Blessings, and have a happy week!

Seven Things

1. I've been reading a lot lately, and have pretty much eliminated t.v. from my evenings altogether. Not that we usually watch much. A tivo'd episode of Shark Tank or Jeopardy, or sometimes, if I'm alone, America's Next Top Model. Don't be too disappointed in me...it's my guilty pleasure. Anyway, I've recently read To Kill a Mockingbird (for the first time) and am almost through Jane Eyre (also never read that one--can you believe it?) I wanted to preview To Kill because Keely will be reading it soon, and I knew it had some mature themes. What a great book. We'll definitely be discussing it together as she reads it, though. And Jane Eyre ranks right up there with my favorite Jane Austen books.

2. Over Sunday lunch, Kevin always has the kids take turns telling us all what they learned in their SS classes. Last Lord's Day, Rowan was telling us about Jezebel, and after she finished with "...she was a really bad lady" Joseph chimed in, "Yeah, but she sure had a pretty name!" We were cracking up.

3. Sam and Joseph and I went to visit a little friend in the hospital today. She's Joe's age and had surgery yesterday, that praise God, went very well. I'm always reminded to hug my littles and thank the Lord for their health when I see all the sick children and weary-looking parents at the children's hospital.

4. Due to my 'advanced maternal age' --I'll be 35 when the baby is born-- a 'level 2' sonogram was ordered for me this time around. It was Monday, and basically the only difference I could tell was that it was performed by a doctor instead of a sonographer. Everything looked healthy and we had the pleasure of seeing our beautiful little one again. We didn't yield to the temptation to 'find out' and turned our heads away when the doc was looking in the area of the baby's business. It will be fun to be surprised!

5. Speaking of 'advanced maternal age'....I am experiencing 'advanced maternal weight gain'. I can't believe I'm going public with this, but I have gained 15 pounds already! And the baby weight 6 ounces! Shame on me. I'm trying to get it under control.

6. Last weekend we took the kids to the county fair and carnival. Since we are on a budget, they were only allowed to ride a couple of rides each, but it was really fun to watch their faces from below--especially Row and Lily on the ferris wheel. You'd have thought it was the gut-wrenching tornado of death the way they were screaming! The older kids rode things that you couldn't pay me to get on. I'm actually really happy that they inherited their Dad's fearlessness instead of my boring-ness.

7. I'm so thankful for the friendships of other godly women. This truly is a gift. I've recently sought advice and council from one friend in particular, and have been blessed by her faithful and honest words, love and prayers for me. I aspire to be that kind of friend.

Blessings to you all, and say 'hi' if you have a minute to spare!

Spring Stuff

We've finally felt spring coming on here over the past few days. The kids are getting their winter-white selves out into the beautiful sunshine!



We've been plugging on with school. We are finished with our regular Classical Conversations meetings for this year, but still have our end-of-year picnic to look forward to! We hope to break the middle of May until July 1. I have some fun (and necessary) projects in mind for that time.

When Kevin and I were away for our anniversary, I read this little book (which I snagged at Goodwill for 50 cents!). It was such a wonderful and timely encouragement to me. I love authors--and homeschool moms--who are 'real'. I decided to get back to checklists after the author's encouragement to not "inflict [my] children with constant questions." This system is working out nicely. I just copy down the kids independent work into my own record book each day. For those interested, I laminated the paper, and wrote the kids assignments with a wet-erase marker. The kids mark it daily with a dry-erase.

Now that we've moved, we are very close to this one-room-schoolhouse that's adjacent to a museum. The kids and I had a field trip planned last Friday that we had to skip, so this was a nice spur-of-the-moment little consolation field trip. And, it was free.





This shrub, whatever it is, was the only thing blooming in the school yard. We were all drawn to it. Gorgeous!

Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before Him, all the earth!
Psalm 96:9 ESV