Mom-to-Mom Questions

Once again I am feeling like quite a failure. I wish I could be a good mother who leads with gentleness and a good wife who serves and excites her husband, all for the Lord’s honor and pleasure. But, I cannot seem to accomplish all things at home, at church, and be a godly joyful mother (my most important job right now)!

I am longing for the wisdom of other mothers who love God, love their families, and love to serve His people in the church. If you read this blog sometime and have any insight to any or all of these questions, do share!! And please pray for our family and for me, too!

How do you discipline your children? For what actions do your children receive correction?

Do you use scripture during correction and discipline? What verses? How do you use it? (Out loud? In prayer? During the act of discipline or after during explanation?)

Do you spank? In what context and how do you go about using spanking?

Do you use other methods of correction and discipline? In what context and how do you go about using these methods? Details, please!

How important is it that your children take turns and share toys? Do you verbally facilitate this process or do you let them sort of figure it out (and allow some scuffling and battling)?

Do your children play with or without you? Or do they insist that you play with them or near them? For about how many hours or minutes at a time do your children play independently? What kinds of toys or activities engage them?

Do your children watch TV or play video/computer games? Which shows or games? How many minutes or hours per day?

Do you do daily quiet time with God? How long? When? What do you read?

Do you memorize scripture? How much? How do you get it to “stick”? Which verses?

Do you serve at your church? What do you do? For how many hours per day or per week?

Do you journal or write notes or write lists? About what? For what reason?

How often do you clean your shower & toilet, sweep or vacuum the floors, mop the kitchen, do laundry? How long does it take?

Do you exercise? How often? Where do you do this? Do you get a babysitter or wait for your husband to care for the kids in the evening?

Do you date your husband? Do you have conversations daily that encourage each other and even admonish each other in the Lord?

Do you cook home-made meals? About how many meals per day or week do you all eat together? How many hours would you estimate you spend in each day preparing and cleaning up after your meals?

Our Trip to Minnesota

We arrived home last week from our 3 week journey to and around Minnesota. We enjoyed our family time so much. The boys loved playing with Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Mark and Aunt Tracy. They went swimming with Uncle Mark. Aunty Tracy even showed them the tractor she uses at work (she's so cool)! We went fishing and played with cousins at Lake Vermilion, visited the Como Zoo, and the boys were able to play outside every day. It was nice to have a yard and a basement to send Nathaniel to play in. Both boys celebrated a birthday party in MN, too.

Though it was a difficult and long plane ride, everything went safely. All our luggage and passports and customs details went smoothly. Thanks for your prayers concerning this.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

On August 12, our little Josiah turned ONE!

He's quite the character these days. He "runs" on all 4s. He laughs at Nathaniel and argues with him sometimes, too. He likes to quack and bark. And he loves to eat.

Happy Birthday funny fellow! We love you Josiah!

What We've Been Up To...

Summer has been quite lovely here in Germany. We've enjoyed lots of time outdoors. There is a playground right in back of our apartment, so we get there most every day. Josiah loves to swing and to dig in the sand, while Nathaniel loves to run and jump like a "crazy aminal" and dig in the sand as well. There are lots of other playgrounds, sandy areas, a zip-line, and a swimming pool nearby. Also, we purchased a bike trailer and have taken several rides. The boys don't even fuss too much in close quarters! Josiah usually falls asleep when the thing gets rolling, though, so that keeps things peaceful.

I wish I had a garden, that would make my summer even better. I love flowers and vegetables! I have about 10 pots on our balcony of various sizes with flowers, lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs. I look forward to a juicy ripe tomato one of these days.

We enjoyed both Father's Day and Independence Day with a picnic. On our army base they shoot off a fantastic display of fireworks. Nathaniel had been looking forward to the (big, loud, bright) fireworks for several days, and was thrilled when the 4th of July finally came! We also traveled to Hamburg for a weekend in June, to Rothenburg to enjoy my cousin's band and choir concerts, and spent a lot of time working at our church as we prepare to move to a new building.

Tomorrow I turn 32 - it is certain to be the longest birthday I will have ever had. Tomorrow the boys and I fly to MN. So we leave here in the morning, travel all day, and arrive only "a couple hours later" in MN so the birthday excitement - and exhaustion - can continue! That should be an adventure! Tom will meet us later on. If you read this blog entry anytime on Tuesday, please pray for a safe and peaceful journey. I have never flown with the little boys all by myself. I have lots of snacks, books, and crafty activities packed.

In answer to my last posting, God is certainly guiding us. He has been working on our hearts and minds a lot lately. I have been challenged to live more generously, and be a more gracious homemaker and hospitable host. Little children at home are no excuse for not living an abundant Spirit-led life!

These pictures are from our many outdoor adventures over the last several weeks. The boys are growing and it is awesome to watch them have fun with each other. Enjoy!

Missions & Our Prayer Request

Recently Tom and I have been convicted of our need to give more generously. We listened to this sermon series, for more vision and better understanding of God's words on generosity. We have been immensely blessed by other families who share their homes and meals with us, who encourage us, and so on. God has financially blessed us right now. I just don't where to begin. I don't if there is a "right amount" to give.

We are also wondering, praying, pondering, struggling with a calling to short term (long term?????) mission work. Tom has been asked to go on a trip to India next year and we both consider work in Africa to be of great interest. But when? Should we take the kids? Are they too little? Too vulnerable to illness? These are my mother-worries. Maybe you friends have pondered these things, too. Will you pray for us? For clarity? For the Words of God and the People of God to reveal His will to us? And if YOU are one of those people to whom God has given wisdom concerning financial things or experience with family missions - please share your wisdom with us.

I came across this interesting video on a friend's blog. I like the images, they stick with me and resonate with my experiences in Africa (everyone is indeed joyful). I have not yet decided where and to whom to give generously, but this is one idea.

Camping

This last weekend (Memorial Day holiday for Americans) we went camping in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland. It was lovely. The boys enjoyed sleeping in the tent and it went surprisingly well. We went to the same campground last year, and it was good to be back. It is also fun to check the pictures from last year. Life has changed drastically for us! But God remains constant, and so do the mountains - big, awesome, unmovable.

Italy with Uncle Mark

A couple weeks ago Uncle Mark, Miss Krystal, and Mr. Jared came to visit. We took them to Italy. We all had a marvelous and fast 5 days together. It was warm and sunny the entire time. Uncle Mark and Miss Krystal read stories with the little guys in the "way-back-seat", Mr. Jared fed Josiah his baby food and entertained, and all the back-seat members played Jenga in the Van. We drove through the Alps, we saw the "leaning tower" in Pisa, rode bikes on the city wall of Lucca, swam in the beautiful Mediterranean, ate pizza and seafood. The boys loved all the extra attention, Tom and I loved the backseat assistance, as well as the young-man-backs to haul the kids on our hikes. We love Uncle Mark - he's cool. We love Uncle Mark's friends, too! Bella Italia is, well, beautiful!

Play Me a Song, Nathaniel

Nathaniel discovered a new music interest - the harmonica. Check out his musical debut right here!!

Mother's Day Dedication

Yesterday was Mother's Day. It was a busy Sunday for us, like usual. Tom and I have both been singing on the praise team at church the last several weeks, which I enjoy, but it makes for busy Sundays! The boys gave me a cute little photo album - it amazing to see in one little book how they grow and change in the blink of an eye. How precious and beautiful they are!! I really wanted a nap for Mother's Day, but that didn't happen...oh well =) I did enjoy a nice dinner out with my boys and got a free glass of sparkling wine just for being a Mom! (It was Mutter's Tag in Germany, as well.)

Yesterday was also a significant day in our commitment to parenting. We had an opportunity to dedicate our boys and ourselves to the Lord in the presence of our church body. Mary and Joseph dedicated their son, Jesus (Luke 2:22), Hannah dedicated her son, Samuel (1 Samuel 1:22-24), and many dedications of tools, animals, tabernacles, and temples were made for the Lord's use throughout the Old Testament. I am so glad we had such an opportunity. I think it is great reminder for the whole church body that we are responsible to pray for others and their families.

We have a lot of interesting travels coming up in the next month, so I probably won't be blogging for awhile...then there will be a big rush when we get home from all our fun! But, here's a couple recent photos of our cuties.

Little Smarty Pants

Josiah is amazing me these days. He's suddenly so excitable and communicative! He can sign "more", wave hello and good-bye, clap his hands, and even (consistently) makes a sound somewhat like "hey" every time someone says hi and waves at him. All of these skills he acquired in the last week. I'm not exaggerating! He really wants to move and go places, but he cannot do it yet. He wiggles and squirms and rolls a little, but not far. I am glad to wait for mobility, since I know that makes Mamma's life more difficult! He will be 8 months on Sunday. Just for the curious...he's 27 inches and 18 pounds.

Salzburg

This last weekend we spent in Salzburg, Austria. It was a marvelous spring weekend. The hills were indeed alive! Salzburg is a beautiful city tucked around the Salzach River valley in the Alps. This is where Mozart was born and raised and composed many a tune. This is also where the Von Trapp family from the "Sound of Music" lived and the movie was filmed. There are many lovely castles, palaces, gardens, and a nice zoo. We spent lots of time outdoors. We stayed with a very kind Christian couple who "grandparented" our kiddos with hugs and toys and grandmotherly advice. We attended church with them at their church on Sunday (it was our first time to attend a worship service and Nat attended Sunday school in German). The boys were so good and Tom and I enjoyed time to walk and talk and take in our surroundings. We rode the train up and down the mountain side, saw and toured the Hohensalzburg fortress, the Mirabell Palace Gardens, the Hellbrunn palace gardens, the water fountain park, and checked out the local zoo. We also peaked inside Mozart's residence, but it was closed for tours when we were there.

Enjoy our photo slide show of Salzburg! If it does not play automatically when you open up our blogsite you may need to click on the "microphone" icon to make the slide show and music begin.

Multitasking Moms

Every week I have the wonderful privilege and challenge to lead other women in a study of the book of Luke. If I am ever on your mind on Thursday, perhaps the Lord is telling you to pray for our bible study. I'd love it if you would pray for me and with me! Also, I had a great opportunity to share a short message with the ladies at a baby shower last weekend at our church. Here it is. I hope this is a help and encouragement to my other mom friends as well.

“Multitasking Mama”

Have you ever…

Talked on the phone, made dinner, and jiggled a baby on your hip at the same time?

Nursed a baby while helping an older child in the bathtub?

Taken your shower with another child or 2 in the tub for their bath?

Practiced spelling words or math facts with your child while you were driving?

Read a book to your child while you were waiting in line or for an appointment somewhere?

We can see from God’s word that He has made us to function on many levels and do so successfully and with His blessing. Here are a few verses to direct our attention to God’s daily "multitask" plans for our lives.

Dt. 6: 4-9 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Eph. 5:15-17 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Prov. 21:5 Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.

Col. 3:12-17 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

These verses give me instruction to teach the word of God while walking, sitting, when you get up in the morning and when you lie down at night. We are to practice many different disciplines such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, forgiveness, and patience. God gave us each 24 hours in each day, and He does want us to sleep, so His instructions are not impossible!

Here’s a few of my suggestions and some from other pastors and teachers.
1) Act out or sign bible verses and sing bible verse songs (you can do this with your kids while you walk, make dinner, or clean house) Here's a sign language dictionary.
2) Learn bible verses in a rhythm… Nathaniel likes to chant and clap. We often swing on the playground while rhythmically reciting verses, or say each word as we climb up and down our flights of stairs in our apartment.
3) Look for opportunities to teach your kids about God’s attributes, for example- the grocery store can be a place to learn about God’s creativity, God’s care for us, or our responsibility for stewardship of our money.
4) Use discipline as a time to show and explain to your children about God’s righteous standard and our failures to meet up to His standards. Then love them, hug them, pray with them, and explain Christ’s mercy and in doing so you will have shown and explained the good news of the gospel. If your kids disobey like mine does, you will have multiple opportunities to do this every day!
5) Listen to scripture from a CD or audio download, which you can do especially while you drive, cook, exercise, or do housework:
www.peasantprincess.com (great sermon series on marriage, can download to listen on your computer or MP3 player)
www.marshillchurch.org (many great sermons come from this church, I liked the series on Proverbs)
www.gnpcb.org/esv/browse (listen to any portion of the ESV bible either from your computer or download as MP3)
www.audiotreasure.com/indexKJV.htm (listen to any portion of the KJV bible on the computer or download as MP3)
www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ (listen to different sermons, seminars, etc. all with deep, biblical theology)
christianaudio.com/free_download.php (free book to download as an MP3 each month)

John Piper says it well when he speaks of one of the main purposes of the family:

"A parent ought to have in mind from the beginning: the way I hold this child, and the way I spank this child, and the way I affirm this child and the way I demand things from the child; should be telling them who God is and showing them who God is and giving them a feel for who God is; both in His sweet and tender side and in His tough and powerful and just and wrathful side. A child ought to see right through mom and dad eventually to God."

I encourage you to fill your lives, your days, with intentional work for the Lord. It’s not a matter of cramming many little details into a chaotic day. Pray for and seek out ways to fill your one spiritual plate with delicious, satisfying, and divine nourishment for your soul and your children’s souls.

One caution, though, be careful not to multi-task in a way that is illegal!
Feeding and Driving February 27, 2009 KETTERING, Ohio -- A Dayton mother is facing charges for breast feeding her daughter while driving her other children to school. Ms.C was pulled over by Kettering police Thursday while taking her other children to school. Police say C could have injured her child and others because she was breast feeding and talking on the cell phone while driving the vehicle. C was issued citations for child endangering and violating the child restraint law. C told News Center 7 Friday, "If my child's hungry, I'm going to feed it." C said she will take the advice of the officers into consideration, but she may breast feed her baby while driving in the future if she feels that it is necessary. She could face up to 180 days in jail and fines for the child endangering citation.

Josiah

After a couple Nathaniel updates, I am sure all the grandmas and aunties are looking for some Josiah cute photos! So here they are - cuter than ever! He sits up so tall and loves to see the world from that point of view. He is NOT into naps at all these days, but at least he's a happy "little camper."

And Now It's Time for Silly Songs with Nathaniel...

Nathaniel has become quite the singer lately. I have enjoyed his renditions of many familiar tunes. He hears them in a different way sometimes. For instance, one of his favorite little ditties these days is the theme song from Veggie Tales. He sings, "If you like to waltz with potatoes up and down the row dew smile..." He sings the alphabet about 50 times a day. It is his favorite song! L-M-N-O-P sounds like "Elmo P" every time! Some of his other current favorites are Itsy Bitsy Spider, I Will Make You Fishers of Men, and Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Enjoy our videos of Nathaniel in concert!

The Potty-Train

Well, we've finally arrived at the momentous day...week...month. However long it really takes. Nathaniel is potty-training. He's doing great, though! He is very inspired and eager to wear his Lightning McQueen underwear and receive a little John Deere tractor gummy for each success (the gifts are from Grandma Jan). Who wouldn't be motivated by such excitement?

Boys' Rooms

Last week I finally had a couple hours to myself to work on the boys' rooms decor. I bought items, paints, canvas, etc. quite some time ago and it has just been waiting for me to work at it.
I painted 3 animal paintings for Josiah's room, which match the "Africa" type decor I planned for his room. I love how they turned out! I am so excited about the bright happy room he has now!
I ordered photos of cars, trucks, planes, trains, boats, etc. for Nathaniel's room. Many of the photos have family members in them. There are also a couple pictures Nat painted and I framed. His room is transportation themed and he loves it!