Just Our Thoughts

This chapter was another surprise. I expected recreational activities such as sports and extra curricular activities. Not exactly. Instead she suggests simply walking - getting away from technology and fabricated materials; to get into nature. Getting away will the produce creativity in the individual. The other side of this is creating something different - creating a new or different experience - for those in the family or group to do - to raise spirits or to boost their creativity.

Although somewhat challenging and encouraging I don't see my family implimenting this chapter soon. Sadly, life is in the way. She did provoke thought and consideration. We'll get there.

Okay, this chapter totally surprised me. I actually avoided reading it for a day or two thinking it could never apply to me, nor could it be adequately applied to family life. Well, she did it.

The best way to develop and use the hidden art of drama is through the family read-a-loud. The memories in me that the author was able to invoke surprised me and reinforced her point. I would not say that I have a gift of dramatic voice but I can read a children's story with great enthusiasm that will instill memories and cheer my children.

So we got tired of trying to keep the tomato plants in the garden covered against the frost. We've had about a week of frost or frost warnings and even though the plants and fruit were still doing well, we started to worry about loosing the whole lot of them. Saturday afternoon we clipped all the plants and brought the fruit inside. We had some for supper. You won't get tomatoes like that from the store! They were tasty!

Day - lunch - supper

Monday - macaroni - bacon and egg sandwiches
Tuesday - fruit and veggie platter - roast chicken and potatoes
Wednesday - sandwiches - pork and rice with s & s sauce
Thursday - grilled cheese sandwiches - meatloaf and mashed potatoes
Friday - perogies - lasagne
Saturday - left overs - spaghetti
Sunday - ??????

On Friday the 26th we did our monthly grocery shop so the list for this week is quite short.

burger (for 2 meals)
pork
bacon
buns
fruit
veggies

Today was the last day, at least for a while, that my dh and I will be cleaning our church building. We've been doing this weekly for just about a year now. We've enjoyed being a blessing to our church family in this manner. However, the time has come for us to move on and to prepare to be parents again. There is a big adjustment period when adding a new baby to the family and we will need a few months to get back to normal, or to adjust to the new normal!

While vacuuming the sanctuary tonight I became aware of feeling very selfish for quitting, for wanting to be where I know I'm supposed to be. I guess there is a part of me that feels I need to give back to my church. However, I know that God and my dh want me to be focusing on my family and using what energy I do have to the care and feeding of them. Now is the time for my church to support me, again. I know that they do; that they understand the need and the desire to be at home.

And really I am looking forward to this time. I feel like I've cut activities my family would enjoy because I knew I needed the energy to serve my church. Now, we will be free to do fun things like visiting our church family and ministering in a different way.

I started to cry at the supper table tonight. Overwhelmed and emotional. K wanted to give me a hug. CJ asked, "It's just too much for you, Mom?" Daddy answered that yeah it was. For 6 and 7 these two girls have big hearts and huge understanding. I so appreciate them. Earlier in the evening they had wanted to know why we wouldn't be cleaning the church anymore and I told them that we needed to get to know our new baby and get used to having him/her around. They were pretty excited about that too.

The changing seasons makes this song come to mind.

For more inspiring songs check out:

Our preschool theme this coming week is the eye so I was searching for pictures of eyes to show my homeschooled children. This one is cool!

I have been playing over at MyLiveSignature and created this cool siggy. Why not go make one of your own?

J and I have been supported and loved by the same midwife for 5 of our 6 pregnancies. We love her to pieces!

I remember when she first handed me this list with K's pregnancy. I was sooooo overwhelmed. Why would I need all of this stuff, just to deliver a baby and how was I going to pay for it? What is all this stuff anyway??? Well, now the list is not so daunting. I'm gonna post it here and explain what and why each item is suggested or needed.

Supplies For A Home Birth
Things To Purchase

• at least 12 disposable incontinence under pads (22 in by 30 in) - These are the blue plastic-y things they put under you in the hospital, although sometimes the hospital ones are washable. I've had both.
  
• maxi pads (overnight) or toddle size disposable diapers for mother for first couple of days postpartum. Do not buy Always brand maxi-pads. - Always brand irritates the skin that is already tender from the birth. She said Kotex was a good brand. These are huge and cover from front waist to back waist!!! You won't want to wear them more than the first couple of days!
  
• thermometer
• fresh ginger root - this is for a hot poultice. She uses the crock pot, listed below to warm water and the root together. Then as the head is crowning she applies wash clothes dipped in this and I have never torn!!!
  
• Gatorade (at least 2 liters) - Gotta keep everyone hydrated!!
  
• K-Y Jelly (small tube, unopened) - to listen to the heartbeat of the baby as contractions hit and such
  
• 1 bottle hydrogen peroxide - disinfecting things??? lol
  

Things To Gather
Linens - please note that all linens used for underpads should be light colored.

• 3 old, large bath towels (for baby, any color) - for clean up after birth.
  
• 3 old double size sheets for underpads; folded separately: 36" by 36" finished size (for mother, light color) - These are much nicer to lay on than the plastic. We actually made ours a little different. We took those blankets that are kinda rough and yet fuzzy cut to 36 by 36 doubled and covered with a white sheet. We sewed around the edges. They are great for more than just after the birth; we've used them for night potty training, for sickies, for "the time of the month", etc. They protect the matress quite well.
  
• 3-4 hand towels (for midwife)
• plenty of old wash clothes; or several extra hand towels or old cloth diapers (for mother, light color)
• 2-3 large, flat flannel sheets or cotton blankets (for mother, any color)
• 3-4 bath towels for using after bathing following the birth (any color) - All of the above are simply for wash up and clean up and keeping warm. Whatever is needed.
  

These need to be washed in hot water (with bleach, optional) and dried in a very hot dryer or hung outside in the bright sunshine. Wash six old pillowcases with the load. Once everything is clean and dry, place the items according to type into the pillowcases. Label each package and place the packages into a clean plastic bag. Most of these items will be washed after the birth, but they should be old things that could be thrown away.

Clothing

• clean panties, overnight maxi pads, and nursing nightgown for mother; bra if you wish - or whatever clothes mother will be comfortable in after delivery
  
• clothing for baby, a diaper, and a receiving blanket or two - just to clothe the baby
  
• pack a separate bag for mom and babe (3 weeks before your due date) in the even of transfer to hospital

Other Essential Items

• heavy plastic sheet for the bed and extra heavy plastic for floor; duct tape - gotta keep the mess contained!
  
• 1 flat cake pan (9by13) for the placenta; 2 ice cream buckets with lids - something to put the placenta in for examination; to make sure it's all there.
  
• crock pot or large soup pot - mentioned above
  
• large garbage pail with 3-4 bags handy - to help contain the mess
  
• laundry basket - to help contain the mess
• squeeze bottle - for rinsing bottom after birth, as wiping can be painful
  

Extras

• pillows with old pillowcases - for comfort during labor
  
• baby powder or oil for massage
• straws that bend - it's hard to drink from a cup when in labor!!!
  
• ice chips or popsicles made ahead of time from a favorite juice or herbal tea - I've never done this. Just drank the Gatorade or pop from below.
  
• flat ginger ale with sugar; snacks and juice
• hot water bottle or heating pad - this is nice to have. I might see if I can get a heating pad from a secondhand store, or just use wheat bags (homemade Magic Bags).
  
• extension cords. - incase outlets aren't handy.
  

Making The Bed
First put on the sheets for resting after the birth. Have the top sheet and fresh pillowcases handy but not on the bed. Next, securely cover entire mattress with heavy plastic. Finally, place on the bed an old fitted sheet that could be thrown away if needed. Remove your best blankets, but have other blankets handy for the bed during the birth. - I have never given birth on the bed while birthing at home, but I guess it could happen this time.

Well, we are doing okay with collecting things as I know I have most somewhere here in the house. It is just a matter of collecting them all into one place. I'd like to have this done by the middle of October.

Last weekend my dh and his fire chief spent the night on the roof of a local restaurant! Without foamies. The chief had a tent, but J was under the stars. Needless to say they didn't get a very good sleep! The purpose: to raise money for the local fire services.

Well, I thought, great! I had a good night's sleep. Little W woke happy and we played together before anyone else woke. I got up, did my morning routine including starting coffee. And then my whole world went to pot. I was suddenly angry! Why? Little things! Children having to be told over and over again to do the same chores they do every single morning. I found water in my white sugar storage! A lot of water!!! No one could find the comb to comb hair! Why can't the put it away when they are done??? So my dh left for work with the house in turmoil, starting his day off on the wrong foot too! I hate doing that to him.

Now how do I settle down? I've talked with the kids about how they need to obey and do their work without complaint. We've talked about how much it helps me (8 months pregnant) when they do what they've been asked. Discipline has been applied. Scolding have been given. I'm still angry! I don't want the whole day ruined over kitty litter!!! How pathetic is that.

And so we move on - more cleaning, getting supper in the crockpot, schooling. First, let's find some calming music. Hugs all around. Sigh. We can do this!

I loved this chapter. I do write better than I speak. I love to journal and have gotten away from doing so. Just recently I have begun to pick up my pen a little more often. I used to write poetry and stories. When J and I were dating (a long distance relationship) I wrote to him almost daily. I wanted him to know me, to know about my day and what I was feeling, learning and experiencing.

I've never had a desire to be published though, I always wrote because I loved to do it. I wrote to communicate with others. I wrote to process thoughts. When I quit writing, I think that I quit processing to the same depth. This chapter just reinforced in me that I need to pick up my pen again. Mrs. Schaeffer suggests writing to spouses, parents, siblings, children and even to God. I can see this happening more often in the near future.

I found this chapter really challenging. I am not gifted in this are. I do not enjoy making food. I love serving it; it's the preparation and cooking of it that I find hard. The author gave many great suggestions and places to start but I found her statements overwhelming and oppressive; her words made me feel guilty for not doing more. I know that is not her intention but rather my current life situation is what has caused my negative feelings. I see all her points and agree; I'm just not there. At this point I eat and serve food because we need the nutrients to survive and because I crave specific items.

My friend, GK, showed me how easy of a concept this is to fulfill. When I serve a tuna sandwich, you get bread, butter and tuna mixed with mayo. When GK serves you a tuna sandwich the bread gets toasted; the tuna is not only mixed with mayo but also with green onion, salt and pepper, lettuce, tomato or cucumber if you want. Food is art a lot of times in the home of my friend. Here, in my home, food is a necessity.

One thing I did pull from this chapter is kind of a random thought, but relevant just the same:

And then this scripture comes to mind:

I loved this chapter. Such an easy concept to execute. Flowers add so much color and joy to a room or a table. It doesn't have to be much. I went out after reading this chapter and wandered around my yard. I was able to gather a small handful of flowers for our dining room table. A vase of flowers, even just one flower makes a house of furniture more of a home.

Things to add to or use instead of flowers:

• grasses
• pretty wood
• a toy or two
• table clothes
• gourds
• sand
• candles
• candies
• vegetables from the garden
• shells
• mirrors
• moss
• stones

A centerpiece including flowers and anything from the list, or others you can think of, shows thought, care and love for those that come to your table and your home. These flower arrangements are a drawing card to calm in the busy crazy world. It symbolizes a sinmpler time and seems to "center" a family, giving them a chance to communicate over food.

The author goes on to talk about children and how they appreciate beauty as much as adults, and how those sick or in pain need that special attention too. And even those who live alone need that little bit of beauty in their lives and need to do so for themselves!

"You may feel I am giving the 'Hidden Art' of flower arrangement too large a significance but I feel that the 'caring' for others in the family, whatever that 'family' consists of, can be expressed over and over again in ways which bring a very warm chain of memories, through transforming an ordinary meal-table into a place of surprise and beauty." page 107

This "art" is so wonderful because it is so simple and so uncostly. A leaf, a twig, an ivy, a potted plant. Anyone, no matter their situation in life can add a little beauty to their table or home.

She ends this chapter with the following:

"I must add one more sentence to this chapter: please try something in this area today. The only way to start, is to start." page 111

I really enjoyed this chapter. It kinda spurred me on a little. I know the season is half over, but the planing that my man and I have done is so wonderful. Next year I hope to do more.

The author says and I agree that it is not natural for man to be away from nature as much as we are. God created us to be workers in the field, not to sit at machines all day. A little bit of tending to plant life will go a long way to relieving some of the stress some of us feel.

It doesn't have to be big. We live in a retirement town of sorts. When I walk the streets with my children I am amazed at how many homes have flowerbeds, pots and gardens. I think that when life slows down for the retired or semi-retired they have more time for and are happy doing gardening and flowers. But I think we need to find the time before we retire to do just a little bit.

Starting on page 90, she tells the story of their first "garden" on their balcony. They grew morning glories. I want to grow morning glories now! I'd love to see them grow and develop.

The last part of the chapter talks about how often the Bible uses examples of gardening, planting, sowing, etc in explaining and teaching. Those things can be well taught in our lives today through hands on gardening and planting.

Okay, I kinda let this book sit un-read for a while. I don't know that it got overwhelming but seemed to tough on areas I didn't figure I was interested in. I'm not an interior decorator by any means and didn't want to read the chapter. But I did and found that she doesn't suggest what I thought she was going to suggest! I should have just trusted that she was going to be level headed and practical about it all.

"I would put under the heading of 'Interior Decoration' anything we do with the place where we are living for any length of time at all. Here, wherever, it is, is your spot. This place should be expressing something of yourself. It should be communicating something of you to your visitors, but it should also satisfy something within you. You should feel 'at home' here, because you have made it home with something of yourself." (page 66)

I never thought about how our homes, no matter where we live or in what we live, are an expression of who we are. My house does not really express who I am. It expresses someone that I don't like! I want to change it! I need to. I'm not a cluttered disorganized person with piles of stuff everywhere. I don't like who I've become. I don't like the story of me that my house tells. The little things she suggests are so simple, and will make a world of difference.

I have fallen into the trap of saying to myself, "When the house is renovated, I'll make it the way I really want it to be. Right now it doesn't matter because it's going to change soon anyway." I'm not really fooling myself. I know it's could be years before my kitchen is on the main level. And many months before I have a real bedroom. So, why do I try? Why not just make what I've got a home, an expression of me and of my DH?

She goes on in the chapter to talk about what I call "making something from nothing" or "one man's junk is another man's treasure". We have a friend who does this and his wife, bless her, has embraced it. He comes home with all sorts of things that she doesn't figure they'll ever have a use for and he turns it into something wonderful for their home! She has started to even ask him if he found "any finds" when he gets home from work or from wherever he's been. It's an adventure for her too now.

She touches on a number of other things including having a few things that move with us from house to house, as a continuity; being single and decorating; and helping others who are not able to, to decorate their homes.

A very simple-to-implement chapter.

"In the process (of playing music) something else will happen - the freedom to express yourself in a medium that is yours will develop, and so will your personality. It will not be just a matter of your musical contribution making you more interesting to have around, but you will yourself be a more interesting person." (page 38, 39)

We play a tonne of music in our home. Something is always playing. From learning songs to country to a variety of Christian genres, there is always background noise. I'd like to see more expression on our parts, but I think that will come with time. I used to play the piano, not really well, but I think at about a grade 5 level. I loved doing it. Because we don't have a piano, I don't take the time to do it when I am around a piano. I need to do this more. I have the opportunity to bless others at a local senior's home once a month and we haven't done so in a long time. What a great experience for my children too. We need to start that again. I'm tired of being a boring person.

"I would define 'Hidden Art' as the art which is found in the 'minor' areas of life. By 'minor' I mean what is involved in the 'everyday' of anyone's life, rather than his career or profession." (page 31)

"the fact that you are a Christian should show in some practical area of a growing creativity and sensitivity to beauty, rather than in a gradual drying up of creativity, and a blindness to ugliness." (page 33)

The second quote hit me really hard! I have been stifling my creativity. I don't do anything any more. I used to write poetry and journal entries. I've kinda started it up again with my blog, but not nearly to where it was before I got married. I also used to play piano and sing some. Not that I was good at it, but I enjoyed it. I seem to have lost myself and my talents in my day to day drudgery. Sewing is another I could work on. I think my hospitality goals are part of reviving this too. Baking. When I think about it, there are lots of things I used to do. I look forward to reading the rest of the book.

I started The Hidden Art of Homemaking this morning. So far I am loving it and I've only read the first chapter. I've decided to do a chapter by chapter review of the book to encourage others to read this book, to engrain the information into my mind and heart and to share my thoughts and comments along the way. Feel free to join me if you can get your hands on a copy, although I can't tell you what kind of a schedule I plan to keep. You'll just have to bear with me as I'm a busy mom of four. Leave your comments and points of view, even if you don't read along. I like getting insight from many sources.

And with that, here is:

Chapter One - The First Artist

"For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The Lord, The God of hosts, is his name." Amos 4:13

"Think of the mobiles of God, the Artist, brought forth by the wind that He created. The wind, blowing in the trees, swaying the grass, bending a field of wheat as a ballet, rising again, bending again. The spray of the ocean, wild waves against rocks bringing forth a curve of spray, a mobile of spray. Light through spray, like thousands of diamonds blowing on invisible threads! The movement of the birth trees' delicate branches and sensitive leaves twinkling and twisting, fluttering in a breeze; or clouds drifting slowly across a clear sky or scudding in swift movements as shapes change - God's mobiles." (page 18-19)

The above paragraph is just one small example of the thought provoking writing found in this book. Mrs. Edith Schaeffer has done a wonderful job of reminding her readers to really look at nature and see nature as God's masterpiece, His artwork. God didn't just create the world but He created people too. We are beautiful artwork, created by a loving Artist. She also talks about God's light shows and His marvelous use of color in the mountains and hills.

"Every single one of us has been spoiled by sin. But as we look back over history and see artists, musicians and creative people in various fields, we can recognize the 'image of God'." (page 28)

The author goes on to talk about how humans are created in the image of God. Now God is perfect and we have a sinful nature through the fall of man. However, there is a fragment of God's perfection left. Because God is creative, man also has some creativity but some people have more creativity than others. God has given different people different "leftovers" of His perfection. I know this description I have given doesn't do the author's explanation justice. You'll have to go read the book for yourself!

In closing the chapter Mrs. Schaeffer goes on to say that Christians should be some of the most creative people out there because as we grow in our relationship with our own creator, God, we will be more like Him. He is the first and the best creator that ever was and ever will be.

Monday - Bacon and Egg Sandwiches
Tuesday - Sweet and Sour Meatballs and Rice
Wednesday - Spaghetti and Sauce
Thursday - Beef Stew
Friday - all day in the city; so not sure.
Saturday - (I forget, doing this from memory as my sheet is on the table and I'm too lazy to get up and get it)
Sunday - Didn't plan anything. We'll see how it goes.

Draw, Write, Now! Books 1, 2, 3

The girls have been working on book one. They like the drawing part but are not so keen of all the writing involved. We usually pick one or two sentences.

ACSI Mathematics 1 & 2

When K and I started with the review pages in Grade One we realized that she should maybe start there this summer and move on to Grade Two later in the year. So I have to order a new Grade One book for CJ. K is on Chapter 3 or 4 right now.

Canada, My Country

Haven't looked at this much, but have rave reviews! We'll get into it eventually.

Canada-opoly

Played this almost daily for a week straight.

Bug-opoly

Did receive this in the last couple of weeks. We played it once or twice. The girls like it a lot but we haven't got into reading the backs of the cards where the extra information about bugs is "kept".

Penpal letters

These are the biggest hit! They love to receive the mail at the post office and writing letters isn't too much of a chore. We print off pretty paper and use cool pens and stickers. This time the plan is to put some little gifts in for the girls we are writing to because my girls received some "treats" at the Wellness Fair.

Various Unit Studies

Working on a Bee Unit but haven't done much with it. We'll get back to it probably next week.

Lapbooking

Copywork, as needed (using penpal letters for most of their writing stuff)

Using copywork sheets with our Bible lessons so they get practice writing what we are learning.

Internet and computer programs / games

I grounded them from the computer for the time being! They made a HUGE mess of my desk one day!

UB David + I'll B Jonathan (Mailbox Club type program)

This only comes in the mail every so often and we haven't been good about getting it back to them for grading. But when it comes in the girls are eager to read everything in the package.

BOB Books for learning to read

We took a break from these books but K has asked to get back into them just this morning.

All About Spelling

Haven't even looked at this yet. We are too busy with everything else.

How To Teach Science

They are asking to learn more about the periodic table again. We only ever did Hydrogen but we'll get into that too. I found a new cool site with YouTube videos that explain the elements in greater detail. I can't wait to get into them. They look very well done.

Come Sit By Me

This is mainly for the younger ones but K likes to listen to a story too. I don't know that I'll do all or any of the activities but it gives us a good list of books to check out and read and talk about.

1. If we don't follow the morning routine, the afternoon is even more unproductive than the morning was.
2. K learns best in the afternoon, so we have to work around that.
3. The computer is a HUGE time waster, but an amazing tool! BALANCE!
4. I believe W is an auditory learner! Loves, loves, loves music and rhythm.
5. Less really is more.
6. I miss my family; don't really realize that until I find out they are coming for visit and I get sooooo excited.
7. If my kids were grown, I'd join the volunteer fire dept. with my DH; I love it as much as he does.
8. I'm weird and I'm okay with that.
9. In less than 8 weeks (hopefully), I'm going to have FIVE, yes, 5, children ages 7 and under!
10. There is value in keeping my mouth shut.
11. A lot of times I have something beneficial to share.
12. I like teaching preschool; the older the children get, the harder the organization seems to be.

This is another song linked to our son's life and death. My DH though distraught with pain and grief wrote a piece about how he related to this song. I still cry when I hear it. I love to hear this song sung acapella best. I love to hear the male voices join in harmony. What a beautiful, beautiful song.

I have two other links - one on the history and a blog post that includes the sad ending of Horatio's life. First, here's the song.




Some History
the blog post

For more Then Sings My Soul posts, visit here.

Have a blessed day!

Amber In Norfolk (Flickr)

I love a yellow kitchen! I found this searching for kitchens. I am starting to think about the renovations of my kitchen, not that they are coming soon, but thinking just the same.

For more Exposed, go to Munchkinheads.

Like the changes I've made. I think I'm getting into this a little more. Still continue to visit me over at Just Our Thoughts on homeschoolblogger.com