Embracing Children

From http://www.xanga.com/homekeepingheart:

What do we say when we find out that some one is expecting a baby? Well, you might say, it depends? Well let me say right off that this someone is married. Does that help you? Now it seems that if the person is married, then we would be rejoicing in that new life. Right? Well, not necessarily. I am going to make some generalizations here, but I am only sharing what I have witnessed in my own life. If the couple has been married at least 2 years, preferably 3, and if this is their first child, then most everyone is excited. Well, if they are having financial problems then maybe some hold back from rejoicing. But for the most part, most people are glad to hear that a married couple who has waited a sufficient amount of time are starting a family. How about the next child? Well, it seems again that if the couple has waited the right amount of time, maybe 3 years, then again most everyone is glad to hear that the next child is on the way. Now, I am truly going to get controversial. What about a 3rd child? Whew! Well that is different. But, if the first 2 children are the same sex, then most people will go along with trying for that 3rd in hopes that the couple finally has that boy (or girl). But, after three, then you are standing on shaky ground. Have you ever thought about the message we are sending as Christians when we scorn life that God has created? Scorn life, you say. I would never do that. Well, I have heard it done over and over in my life, and sometimes I wonder whether Christians really think about what they are saying. For example, suppose the couple is expecting their first child only 10 months after marriage. What comment do we hear then? Well I can tell you what I heard (because that happened to us), and it was "Was this PLANNED??" The clear message is that no one would ever plan to have a child so soon after marriage. Or, how about this? Suppose the 2nd (or 3rd) child is due before the previous baby's first birthday. That is not really accepted now days either, unless of course you make it clear to everyone that this was an "oops" baby. Then people might forgive you and feel sorry for you. By the time you are expecting the 5th, or 6th, or scandalously the 10th, then many in the church either think that you are off your rocker, don't know what causes babies, are a saint, or are so rich that you can buy everything all these children want. We need to be so careful about accepting the world's view of children. On one hand, we are taking a stand against abortion, as well we should. Then on the other hand, we are being critical of married couples who are having children, if they don't do it according to society's standard of 2, maybe 3 children, appropriately spaced of course. I want to tell you about a 25 year old woman. This woman has been married for 5 years, and she just found out that she is expecting, her fourth. She already has a 4 year old, a 2 year old, and her youngest just turned 1 in September. Now tell me, would most Christians rejoice at the news of another life. Oh friends, I fear that they would not. But I know this woman, very well as a matter of fact. She is my beloved niece, who we raised as our own daughter. And let me tell you, she is rejoicing. The reality of another blessing from God, another life to embrace, another person to raise to love and serve God, another plate at their table, another baby to hold, more memories to treasure, all of these things and more cause Jennifer to behold the awesome blessing of being entrusted with another person to raise for Him. She is not thinking at all how she will buy designer jeans for all those kids, how she will be able to give them all their own room, how she will drive them to all of their lessons when they get older, or how they will pay for college. She knows that whatever God plans for each child, then He will provide. She doesn't have to be able to figure out all the details of this child's life right now; all she needs to do is know is that this child is from God. I don't want to sound holier than thou because I have 6 children. Oh no, that is not my point at all. Your family size is a something that is between you and God. But, each one of us need to examine our attitude, and before God make sure that we are not accepting the world's view instead of God's. I can testify to you, there is great peace in looking around your table and knowing that exactly who God wanted is sitting there. Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. Psalms 127:3-5Why would I turn down a blessing or a reward?

Wow--exactly my thoughts! People act so awful about a sweet baby to hold. Is there anything sweeter than a new baby? Especially to Godly parents who will raise them right? Especially to loving parents who will discipline and train them correctly with love and patience?

Ready to have my baby back!

My gracious, I still have a sick baby. I feel like we have Motrined and Tylenoled him to death as he has had fever since Sunday. Surely, he's bound to get better soon?! He still has fever, lots of snots, and he is very fussy at times. Either his ear is hurting or his head, or he could just be aching all over. During times like these, I think of that verse that says that in the times of persecution, ppl will be saved only because the days will be shortened. Thank goodness, time flies by, even while we are sick. I don't know if we could bear it if it didn't. This morning, Evan sat in his walker while I finally washed my nasty, greased-up head and he played for a little while. He has these huge black circles under his eyes, though. He has really been sick.

Last night Mom took the older children so I would'nt have to handle them plus a sick baby. My dear husband is away at a Prophecy Conference, so I don't have his help. He would've stayed if I had asked him, but he's been wanting to go to this for at least 2 years. I'm so glad he got to go and I hope he has a wonderful time! Anyway, baby went to sleep about 6 and slep until 10 so I got in some good reading time. I did a little housework, but my mom had been there already to clean. It was awesome. I got a new book from Amazon yesterday called, Family-Driven Faith and it is wonderful!! I can't sing its praises enough. One of those books you want to shout "Amen" while reading. It talks about how parents have idols for their children (sports, good grades, college, etc) and never emphasize God as much. 80% of college students are walking away from their faith. Isn't that astounding! Of course the books talks about marriage and even about homeschooling. I can't wait to read that part! The book is by Voddie Baucham, Jr.

Well, hello weekend. The weekends aren't as appealing without my dear better half, but I'm going to try to enjoy my children this weekend. Hope Evan gets better this weekend. Still praying the others will escape the flu this time! :)

The Verdict is In

Mommy instinct kicked in this morning and I knew my baby was really sick. So at the last moment, I decided to take him to his first ever dr. appt. He had a 102.6 temp when I got him there and snotting everywhere. The verdict? Left- ear infection and flu! My poor baby. There isn't anything they can do for the flu since it has passed the 48 hr. window, but keep fluids in him and his fever down. I really think he has had a headache with this flu because he has grabbed at his head several times. He did while crying the other morning. I'll bet his ear is/has been hurting also. The dr. gave him a prescription for antibiotics and an antihistamine, but Dr. Mom is going to treat him first. Since I now know he has an ear infection, I will treat it with Dr. Wally's Ear Oil. It has garlic in it which is a natural antibiotic. I will try to lighten up on my dairy products which thicken and produce mucus. Sure wish I could have enough milk so he wouldn't have to drink milk-based formula. Well, I pray the worst is over for my sweet baby! BTW he was 19 pounds! Way to grow! I'm almost positive that Emory was heavier at this point.

Okay, I got in a mile yesterday before the kids got tired of our rinky dink park. I was so proud of that mile! I may just do trampoline today since it is church night, which I don't guess I'll be getting Evan out again.

So far today I've had 2 pcs Valentines chocolate (bad), a baked potato and green beans, a pack of candy coated peanuts. I only have half of my water in, so I've got to drink, drink, drink this afternoon. Gotta take my vits when I get home. Gotta take my echinacea too.

This afternoon, I will, make beds, sweep floor, clean 5 mins in kids' room, 15 mins in project room, and wash any dishes. I don't know what supper plans are. Mother-in-law??? :o) I have got to get groceries tomorrow night or Friday night. I have nothing for a nice, healthy meal! Last night was bacon sandwiches. I don't like having those kind of meals, but dear husband was away, so it was fine.

Lots of Health to all!

I Survived to tell it all

Thursday night, I really saw a change in my symptoms. I started getting my strength back and I even got the kids to bed without passing out. I went back to work Friday, but I wasn't jumping up and down in my teacher's chair, that's for sure. I coughed all weekend and it's into the week and I'm still coughing. This time, pretty productive.

Dear Husband has been sick with something. I don't think he has the full-blown flu because he's still doing things (he's not that much of a he-man..lol), but he's definitely got some sort of interesting bug.

Poor Evan. He's been hit hard with something. I can't neccessarily ask him his symptoms and get a reply, but he did have fever all day Sunday and some Monday. I pray he's better today. I don't like seeing my little one so sick. He cried for about an hour yesterday morning.

So far, my oldest two have been fine. Not even a sniffle. Please, please let it continue. I'm so ready to be over it all. I hope the flu never visits me again. I can't complain too badly. Once in twelve years isn't too badly.

I hope to implement some sort of winter combat next year at least. I will have to work on my plan. I hope to start washing my hands more thorough and frequently. I will continue taking my SuperMom tablets, Juice Plus morning and afternoon, and maybe start adding some regular teas to my diet: Elderberry and Echinacea. I have some Echinacea capsules on my desk I can take regularly. For the kids, more hand-washing. Before meals and after bathroom. I don't do this with Erin because I take her to the bathroom, but I can still wash her hands as preventative and mine also.

On the diet front, I want to be more aware of what I put in my mouth. Did you know that ONE soda and ONE candy bar will suppress your immune system for up to 6 hours?? So, yep, everything you come in contact with during that 6 hour period, you will catch. I'm not a soda kind of gal (drink one per 3 or 4 wks probably), but I do love me some chocolate. I think if I'm more concious of what I eat, then I will make better choices.

Exercise. That is something I'm just not doing at all. I really don't mind it if I will take the time to do it. I can take the kids to the park and let them play while I walk. I can just walk until they get tired. Anything is better than nothing. If I don't get to the park, go to the church gym. They can find something to play with there.

So, for this week, here's what I'll do:

1. Bring Oatmeal for breakfast (as oppose to heavy breakfast foods served at cafeteria)
2. Make the best decision with the Lunch menu.
3. Take ALL my vitamins and supplements.
4. Drink tea at least once daily.
5. Some form of exercise once daily.
6. Make the best food choices in my snacking.
7. Get plenty of water in.

I'll let you know how I do. I'm going to try. try. try.

I also meant to post that we were out of water from Thursday until Monday. A pipe, about 24 feet into the ground, rusted and broke and we had no water. Yesterday we got hooked up to the city water and I love it! Lots of pressure. I washed 5 'loads' of dishes last night and I was more than happy to do it! Thank you God for water!

This evening's chores: Walk (going to do this first thing so I will get it done), makes beds, wash husband's and my clothes, supper plans (nothing heavy--hubby out of town), spend 15 minutes in my project zone (guest bedroom), kid's baths, story (still reading "Farmer Boy"), bed, tidy house, bath, read Bible and other book, spend time with husband, and bed!

Sure helps to lay it all out, eh? :)

Work Ethic

Helping Dad

Evan, before haircut

First time in highchair

Updates, continued

Well, I have a new update for me: I have the FLU! Yes, you read that right. Mom, the invincible one! I had no symptoms during the day on Monday. Monday evening, I started having this dry cough and scratchy throat. By late Monday night, the fever started and the aches. By Tuesday morning, I knew I had the full blown flu! I remember the symptoms well from when I had it in 1996. Yesterday was bad. I alternated between burning up and freezing. My temps were around 102-103. This morning around 3am, my fever broke. I woke up to pump and the sheets, my clothes, my hair, and my skin was soaked. I haven't had much fever since (maybe 99) but I am so.incredibly.weak. I can't stand past 5 minutes and I start feeling dizzy or like I might pass out. I was going to try to go to school tomorrow (I'm not getting paid for my time out, b/c I used up my days when Evan was born), but I am so weak, I don't think I can make it. I guess it's all the fighting my body is doing to get well? It is an epidemic around here, but I guess I thought I surely wouldn't get it. :) So far, noone else has come down with it in my immediate family (FIL just got over it). Mom kept the kids all day yesterday and last night and today. She said Evan did really well being away from me during the night. I'm so glad. I was worried because he likes to nurse all night long. I miss him and have something to tell you in my Evan update! Well, I guess I'm on the mend, slowly but surely. At least I got to finish the book I have been reading so slowly. I am about to place an order on Amazon for my next reading! :)

Evan: Well, the most exciting news is that yesterday morning, he said, "Mama"! Just as plain as day! He continued to do it throughout the morning as well. I walked in the bedroom and he stuck up his head and said, "mama"! I was sooo excited. I have been working with him on it for the past few weeks, while changing him, etc. I checked Erin's baby book and her first word was at the end of 7 months. Evan just turned 6 months! Another talk-a-holic! :) He is so cute--I've got to get another picture on here. I may do that when I finish blogging. He got his second haircut on Saturday. He looks so growny! He still isn't crawling or pulling up, but I think it is b/c I hold him all the time!

Erin: She is still such a joy to be around. She is so good with saying "please" (pwease), "thank you", and "Excuse me". I can't credit myself for teaching her good manners, I guess my mom worked with her on that. She still has her stubborn moments, but she is in the ripe stage of learning good vs. evil. She still likes to be Ms. Helper (when SHE thinks of the idea). :)

Emory: He is learning some work ethic with Daddy. He is a good boy most of the time. They get a bean in a jar for good behavior so everything he does that he thinks is being good, he will say, do I get a bean? LOL I'll try to post a pic of him helping Daddy gather wood.

Daddy: He is still awesome. Been taking care of me during my sickess. Making me teas, bringing me vitamins, etc. He tickles me how he is so germ concious though. He will wash his hands for 5 minutes after touching something I've touched. He is careful to distance himself from me. I am so not germ concious. I don't even make the kids wash their hands before meals! Isn't that horrible? I guess that is one thing I view as taking up time and being petty. I guess I can try to do better!

In general: Well, I'm not sure what I'm going to speak on next women's meeting, but I am going to order some books to give away as prizes. Probably Created to Be His Helpmeet and Passionate Housewives Desperate for God. I may even order some Raising Godly Tomatoes books (Did you know they had a book out, Kugoi?) to give away to parents of smaller children. Anyway, be prayerful of me about that meeting and also about my getting my priorities in order (like last post).

I txted my sister yesterday morning and told her I had the flu. Well, guess what? She came down with it too! On the same day as I did. Same symptoms. Everything. She lives 6 hrs. away! Isn't that crazy! I guess we are still bonded more than we know. I love my sister like crazy! I regret the days I let lapse when I don't talk to her.

My SIL (AMY) and her family have been down for a couple of weeks. We have enjoyed having them close by. She came and took care of me some yesterday, jeopardizing her pregnancy by exposing herself to the flu. I really appreciated that. I pray she doesn't get it. We had a blast on Saturday taking our kids to the park. They had a great time playing together. We Adults had a good time too. My husband went along as well. I was so glad to have him there for the extra help!! :)

My dryer has quit working. I'm having to dry everything on the clothesline or the rails of my back porch ramp. That would normally be ok, but we have had sucky weather times 1000, so my clothes won't dry as well. Yesterday, it was 70 degrees, wind blowing, perfect for drying clothes. I woke up at 3:50 pm with it storming, tornado warnings out, etc. I had to go out in the yard in my flu-induced state, and pick up clothes all over the yard. Well, by this morning, the clothes hanging on the line on my back porch were damp and cold (and had previously already dried before the storm). UGH. Mama took some clothes with her last night to wash and dry. Bless her. This weather is awful. We have had more tornado warnings this year than ever! I am so scared of tornados, I think that is tops on my list. I see the destruction they cause and really there's not much you can do if you are in the path of one (if you don't have a storm shelter). I'm starting to beg my husband to build us one. I got out yesterday with the sirens going off and rode up to my MIL's house. I couldn't stand the thought of being by myself during a tornado. Mom had to get the kids in the closet at her house as well (20 miles away). I'm thankful we were spared from one. WEll, the outcome of the story is that here we are less than 24 hours from the tornado warnings and it is 35 degrees! LOL Crazy weather!

Feeling as weak as ever...gotta go lie down!! :)

Various Updates...to be continued

Hard to get back when you are gone away for so long. The only good part is that you get an update post from me! :)

Me: Sorry to put myself first, but I can get me over with more quickly! I'm just chomping at the bit to finish up this school year! I'm not hating my job, I'm just so ready to be home, I have these wonderful ideas and aspirations to implement when I do get 'home' that I can't wait to get started. I already have a schedule! I'm such a dork! What else is going on? Well, I spoke at our ladies meeting on "Evaluating our Priorities and Duties as Women" and it went well. I think I tried to cram too much into one meeting, though. They asked me to speak next month also and if I had known that, I would've shortened it to be able to stress more impt points. I used a lot of what Candy has to say in her E-book in www.keeping thehome.com and changed it up as I felt led. I needed it so badly, myself because I KNOW my priorities aren't in order right now! During the week it is 1. Work 2. Children 3. Husband 4. God. I'm just going to be transparent here. I let my ladies know the message was for me as well. The reason my children are before my husband is because a=being so young, they have so many needs right now. If we went by just on my 'list' my husband is first. He is my favorite person and he is an adult. Yes! Adult interaction is wonderful. LOL Work is first because it keeps me away 8 hrs from my family. I have nothing but shame for God being last. The first step in recovery is Admittance so that's what I'm doing now. LOL The second step is Believe and I believe I can do better. The 3rd step is Commit to a plan and the last step is Do!!! I so realize how impt God is and how impt it is for Him to be first (which is what I spoke about as well). I need Him so despereately for me to be what I need to be for priorities 2-4. Anyway....how are your priorities lining up?

I'll have to do more updates tomorrow. Time to get ready to go home. Home, what a lovely word! *Sorry for all the misspelled words...pumping while typing