I'm Gonna Watch You...

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As I am making my bed this morning, I hear the sweet little voice of my 20 month old say, 

"Whatchudoingmommy?" 

"Making my bed," I reply. 

"Okay." she says, "I'mgonnawatchyoumommy!" 

Not long after I hear,

"Canihelpyoumommy?" 

This comment is followed up by the hurling of pillows onto the yet unmade bed.

Just like that...complete sentences all in one long word. "Whatcha doing, Mommy?", "I'm gonna watch you, Mommy".  "Can I help you, Mommy?" My little ladies say those phrases often. They are highly curious...always wanting to know what I am doing & why I am doing it. Just now as I type this, Sweet 'N Sassy is hovering over my shoulder asking countless questions as to my mission & motive at the moment. "Whatchudoingmommy?" Most typically, as in the aforementioned scenario, the followup response is "I'mgonnawatchyoumommy!' And then they do...watch me that is. Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing...folding clothes, doing dishes, scrubbing toilets, writing a post (you get it) there's usually one or more of my gaggle of girls right by my side. They observe. They comment. They even critique. At the wise old age of 3 & 4, they are certain they know how to do (whatever it is I'm doing) better...and they let me know it. Very often their interest & curiousity transitions from an observance to a desire to join in. "Canihelpyoumommy?" They want to help...sometimes their help is truly an aid & other times is the creation of yet more work. 

Intitially this adoration & curiousity were flattering...and then when the critiquing began, it was humorous (& a little annoying)...and now that they not only watch but they help, well that's a source of pride (& frustration). Oh yes, these 3 questions, while often yielding an ego boost to Moi, equally as often result in a convicting humility. 

Here are a couple of examples: 

1.One day my Goldilocks takes me by the hand & pulls me into the laundry room. With extreme pride she points to pile of folded laundry. My mother's heart melted into a pool at her feet! Unprompted my sweet girl did me a service...This was one of those ego-boost-pride moments!

2. Passing by the playroom I overhear that same sweet girl hollering (yes, hollering) this,"What in the Sam Hill do you think you're doing?!" This statement was followed by the sound of her sister screaming. I don't know what caused the scream...I don't want to. Hearing my trademark anger-inspired catch phrase (in my own tone of voice no less) was eye opening...This was one of those convictingly humiliating moments!

It hasn't taken too many years of parenting to realize that parenthood seems to be as much about my growth as it is theirs. There are times when I want to holler (yes, holler) back at them, "Nunya!" (None of your business), "Quit watching me!", & perhaps most often, "I don't need your help!" 

 *Candidate for Mom-Of-The-Year Award right here!*  

That's just the truth though...the  honest-to-goodness way I feel. It's exhausting having someone oogling you, criticizing you, & 'helping' you all the time...all the time. So cry a river & join me at the Pity Party, alright? All these thoughts ran through my brain as I straightened sheets, folded blankets, & plumped pillows...the same pillows hurled at me (before I was ready) by my precocious girl...the same pillows I'd chastised her for 'helping' me with. As I turned to leave the room I noticed something was odd...it took me a moment to put my finger on it, but then it hit me like a ton of bricks...Belles 'N Whistles was gone. After my harsh (& unwarranted) response, she'd left the room. Who would want to watch or help a mean mommy? 

My little outburst got my wheels turning, & I got to thnking about my girls & about the church (us, the body of believers in Jesus Christ). It occurred to me that my little sad scenario was a precise picture of my purpose here on this earth. My job is to be a model for this gaggle of girls to emulate. They are supposed to want to know what I am doing and why. They are supposed to watch me. They are supposed to help me...And I need to be for sure & for certain that I'm doing the right thing...that I'm worth watching...that I embrace their help. Because if I'm not, I'll turn around one day & they'll be gone...just like Belles was this morning. I can grumble all I like about how annoying that role of leader is, but it's my job nonetheless. I can be indifferent to my impact upon the girls...lackadaisical in my rolemodeling, but the truth is that my gaggle will grow up one day wanting to be just like their momma or as different as possible. 

Friends, the truth is that this same scenario plays out for the church. We, believers, are commissioned by Jesus himself to be disciples & to make disciples. Essentially He has told others to ask, "Whatchudoing?"...He has given them a desire to say, "I'mgonnawatchyou."...and hopefully some will ask, "Canihelpyou?" One of the greatest hindrances to the growth of the Kingdom (unbelievers believing) is the hypocrisy of the church (us). We are sick & tired of being questioned, observed, & criticized...we get asked tough questions, & we want to holler back, "Nunya!"...and sometimes we do. 

*Candidate for Christian-of-the-Year Award right here!*

We experience convicting moments of humility, but rather than acknowledging our fault, we get angry at the observers for pointing it out. Even worse, we are simply content with ourselves: we go to church, we join a biblestudy, we pray before bed, & even work in a little "quiet time"...but we rarely make a bold stand for Jesus. We then look around us and wonder why people aren't stnading in line to join us...why they've left the room. We can grumble about it all we like...about how annoying the role of Christian is, but it's our job nonetheless. We can be indifferent to our impact on the world...lackadaisical in our rolemodeling, but the truth is that those around us will one day want to be just like us or to be as different as possible. 

We are meant to be disciples of Jesus...to follow as closely in his footsteps as possible...and we are called to help others become disciples as well. This is our purpose. It's time to quit grumbling about the duty...or perhaps worse, quit being indifferent to it, & to get to work. Before I close, I want to acknowledge that our observers watch us for 1 of 3 reasons:

1. They are brothers & sisters in Christ & are looking for someone to share the journey with.

2. They are sensitive believers & are being drawn to Jesus...they are watching us to see if they want it.

3. They are hostile unbelievers just itching for a reason to cry 'hypocrite' & do disclaim Jesus because of our poor example.

Friends, regardless of Why they watch, the important thing is that they Do. We cannot worry about the motive of the observer, but only about our own example. We should model Jesus regardless. Who we are & what we do should be unwavering & unflappable. That example should not hinge on who the aundience might be or why they are watching. We are to be disciples of Jesus & to create more disciples of Him (not ourselves). 

Many a times have I knelt down & apologized to my gaggle...today was another of those times. I am compelled to be the kind of woman that I want them to one day become...I am equally as compelled to be the kind of disciple that is worthy of observance. I no longer want to grumble about my responsibilities as a mother...as a disciple...I no longer want to be indifferent of my impact. I am enegized & eager to embrace my duties & to be worthy of the call. I refuse to yield to the urge to holler (yes, holler) "Nunya" & instead long to say, "Come & See for Yourself!" I want my life to bear fruit...I want to know that He used me to add citizens to His kingdom. I want to make a difference, to be the change!

So I ask you today,

 'Whatchudoing" with your life...your faith?

I tell you today,

"I'mgonnawatchyou" because I love you & you inspire me to do more...to be more.

I ask you, 

"Canihelpyou?" make your journey easier...share the burden...carry the load?

We're in this together, brothers & sisters! It's time to get busy!

From Day Dreams to Contemplations: Mid Year Reflection

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Back when my children were just day dreams & prayers, I knew that I was called to homeschool them. The moment I discovered our firstborn was growing within me, I ordered countless magazines full of curriculum. When our house was built, I imagined the layout & design of my future schoolroom...now 4 years later those dreams have become reality.  A couple of weeks ago, Goldilocks & I wrapped up our very first semester of school...albeit it's merely preschool, but it's school nonetheless! As we get back into the swing of things, I wanted to take some time to contemplate the year thus far...to reflect on what's working...and what is not.

I knew going into this venture that I had a rather Pie-In-The-Sky expectation so I did my best to prepare for the moment when the wind left my sails...but the truth is that didn't happen. We have had some rough days...rough days...days when lessons were taught at a shout because Belles 'N Whistles was wailing...days when 1 hour worth of work took 3. There were moments when all of us were reduced to tears...moments when counting to 10 was more about regaining composure than the act of learning. Oh yes, there were some rough days, but honestly rough though they were, I wouldn't trade them. Those days kept me humble, & those daydream emended me of why we were doing this homeschool thing...my girls need ME. The vast majority of the days spent in our little schoolroom were filled to the brim with blessings. I never ceased to be amazed that regardless of how rough our rough days were they always seems to end on a good note. Whether on the brink of tear or tantrum, we always ended our school day with prayers of thanksgiving, & I can honestly say that by the time we put the books away the foul mood had usually faded away.  I do not want to paint a false portrait of this lifestyle...it is most certainly not without its challenges, but truly the rewards far outweigh & overshadow any obstacle that we've encountered.  As with every other aspect of life there are moments of extreme polarity that have you wanting to rip your hair out one minute & then crying tears of joy the next. For my own benefit I want to honestly evaluate the successes & shortcomings, the challenges, & the changes that need to be made to improve our experience.

Successes:
*Academically:
1. At mid year, Goldilocks has already met the anticipated benchmarks for the entire year.
2. I have begun incorporating kindergarten level skills.
3. I LOVE our Memoria Press curriculum...no bells & whistles, no fluff....good, worth while, & meaty material!
*Spiritually:
1. By beginning & ending the days with prayer, Goldilocks is developing an understanding of prayer as communication with Abba.
2. Our 'Virtue of the Week' defines characteristics of Jesus & challenges us to emulate them. Goldilocks is gleaning much from this time...and I am constantly convicted by how inadequate I am.
3. Our education is focused not in intellectual development but discipleship...I feel like that is vital with the world we live in.
*Personally:
1. This truly has ben the dream of my life...despite my shortcomings, I am having the opportunity to live my dream.
2. I've watched our familial bond deepen and grow as we've begun maneuvering through this lifestyle
3. I've been reminded how much I truly love to teach, & to put that 40k college education to use!

Shortcomings:
*Academically:
1. Goldilocks loves to learn new things, but I've been surprised by her lack of desire to 'practice' previously content.
2. I need to find the balance between learning a lot & learning a little excellently.
3. When Goldilocks is unmotivated, I get frustrated...I need her lack of motivation to inspire me to try new tactics.
*Spiritually:
1. I've struggled to maintain my personal quiet time...it needs to be a top priority but often falls to the wayside.
2. My ladies ask tough questions, & I've been disappointed in my preparedness to answer them! I need to draw near to Him so that I am ready to find the answers to those questions.
3. Daily need to remind myself that it's not so much what I say as what I do...I can teach my daughter to be disciples all I want, but the best chance for that to occur is by being one myself!
*Personally:
1. Goldilocks' effort, motivation, & focus are directly hinged to mine...if I'm off then so is she...and I'm off more than I'd like to be.
2. I've struggled with viewing Sweet 'N Sassy's & Belles 'N Whistles interest & involvement as an interference rather than an opportunity.
3. My OCD & preoccupation with order often distract me & make me a cranky momma.

Challenges: 
1. Occupying & involving my little ladies
2. Prioritizing our school day
3. Maintaining my personal effort, focus, & motivation
4. Not becoming lax in routine or schedule
5. Not getting caught up in trying to be Super Woman.

Changes: 
1. I am going to make it a point to intentionally engage the littles in the learning.
2. Our days flow best when we stick to the schedule & routine...our roughest days occurred on those in which  we deviated.
3. Move to a year round school year (6weeks on, 1 week off) at the end of this current one.
4.  Work on making our shortcomings into successes by my year end review.
5. Savor each & every day of my incredibly blessed life!

In 16 weeks I've gone from day dreams to contemplations...we've come a long way & have a long way to go! want to end my mid year reflection with a reminder to myself of my true agenda....Be a disciple of Jesus & make disciples of Him...I cannot do the later if I have neglected the former. If at the end of my life all that I have accomplished is raise 3 girls who serve The Lord then that is enough for me!

First Day of School!

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Last week I wrote about my anticipation for the beginning of this era in our lives. It has been entirely surreal to stand on the brink of a dream becoming reality, but today we did more than peer over the edge of that abyss...today we took the leap! Monday, September 9, 2013 was Goldilocks first day of preschool, & the first day of my new career as homeschooling mama. 

Traditions are a big deal to me...they are a big deal to my Darlings...so I knew early on that I wanted to establish a few back-to-school rituals. 

Our First Annual Back-To-School-Homeschool Traditions:

1. Dedication of the Schoolroom/School Year:

The day before the Lone Ranger & I moved into our home, my Grammie came to pray over our home & dedicate it to The Lord. Through the last 5 years, Abba has specifically acted upon my Grammie's prayers...and we have been utterly blessed and humbled to see His faithfulness. We want to always begin our homeschooling years in the same way, knowing that they are His...that these girls are His. Last night the Lone Ranger did just that & dedicated our room and year to Him!

2. A Big Deal Breakfast:

Breakfast is pretty casual around our house. The girls and the Lone Ranger generally do not want to eat right away upon waking up so I have a shelf in the pantry that has breakfast food on it & everyone typically just grabs what they want when they are ready to eat it....all that said sitting down to breakfast as a family is something special...so tradition #2 is simply starting the day off right.

 

3. New Pajamas for the First Day:

I borrowed this idea from another homeschooling mom. Let's face it one of the coolest perks of homeschooling is that we can stay in our PJ's all day if we want....so why not celebrate that with some new ones! I know that as the girls get older they will notice that most other children 'go' to school, &I know that questions will come as to why they do not 'go'...as I explain those reasons, I want to embrace the differences and freedoms that homeschooling provides, & this fun little tradition will be one way of doing that. 

4. Family Fun Night:

When Goldilocks was just a baby, once a month the Lone Ranger & I began taking her out for dinner & a little fun with the goal of teaching our kiddos proper etiquette in public & also just for bonding purposes...we call this Family Fun Night.  The evening of our first day of school, we will have one of these Family Fun Nights. This tradition is mostly selfish on my part, & becomes a bigger deal once all 3 Darlings are doing school and it requires a greater portion of the day...it'll allow me to not worry about having to fix supper that night, which certainly sounds appealing! This will also provide a fun unwinding time and a chance to fill The Lone Ranger in on our day.

Now on to our first day...it was more than I dreamed of. I know that not all days will run this smoothly...I know that many will be very trying...but today was good...more than good, it was wonderful! We started with our Morning Meeting: Prayer Jar, Virtue of the Week, Calendar Time & Prayer.

Goldilocks drew a name out of our family prayer jar & we prayed over that person....

This, my friends, was the most amazingly incredible moment of the day. Goldilocks looked up and saw that her Daddy had left her a special note & hung up his favorite picture of the two of them. She teared up & I bawled for a full 5 minutes over this precious thoughtful act. My husband will never fully know how much this meant to me...how much I needed this affirmation of his support and encouragement....I fell in love with him all over again.

 

Once I'd regained composure,we finished our Morning Meeting.

I knew that having the other Darlings around would be a challenge, but I wasn't quite prepared for the blessing that it would also be. Belles 'N Whistles literally cheered for Goldilocks when she wrote her name for the first time...and again I cried...seems to be a theme today.

First attempts at writing her name...

I always love seeing my girls play together, but seeing them work together was another blessing entirely. Sweet 'N Sassy & Belles 'N Whistles wanted to be just like their big sister, and so they had to 'write' as well...

We were so anxious to get started this morning that we began school at 7:45 and ended up being done by 9:15...the girls figured they'd earned a snack and I couldn't agree more!

Day 1 is in the books, & it was a good one. This year will have countless highs and lows, & each will draw us nearer to one another & to Abba...but I'm filled to overflowing with gratefulness at the beginning...