Thankful for Sons

In the month since I have last posted, I have experienced many things for which I am very thankful. Instead of doing one long post, I will split them up into several little ones. Who am I kidding? Make that several wordy ones! :)

This post is for my little Harry boy. He is not so little any more! He just celebrated his 5th birthday. He always has, and continues to be a source of joy, life and happiness in our home. Hannah and I have had several opportunities to be home alone together, and though we enjoy the time with each other, we both ALWAYS end up expressing how much we miss Harry. He brings the elements of surprise and laughter into our lives every day!

I have seen such growth and maturity in him this past year. He is growing and developing in his sense of compassion for others. It is so fun to listen to him pray. Last night during our family devotion time, he prayed for a woman he saw while we were running errands a week ago. He asked God to help her because, "she has crossed eyes, and I don't think she has any children, and she looked lonely." It was humorous at the time, but really touching to me later. He remembered her, even though I didn't mention her and he was worried that she might be lonely during this Christmas season. Such a sweet and tender heart.

He is so smart and loves to learn. He has an eagerness to understand. He is rarely satisfied with the pat answer of "just because" and wants to know how things work. He wants to understand deep concepts as well, and is always ready to talk about what is on his little heart. I LOVE that, and hope that we can continue to want to talk to and understand each other as he grows older.

He is funny and curious. The other day he told me, and I quote, "Mommy, remember that time we were at Sam's and I stuck my finger in that carton of cream and it spilled all over the floor and you had to get someone to help clean it up? Well, sometimes children be curious and that's why they sometimes do naughty things." Well said, Harry. That about sums up my entire childhood, and is a pretty good foreshadowing of what is to come in his.

I could go on an on about things I adore about my son. But I can't think about him without thinking about another Son. Knowing the love that I have for Harry, though I am flawed and far from perfect, causes me to stand in awe of the love that the Father has for his only Son. When I look at Harry, I know that I would give anything to protect him, to save him. At times I am overcome by the love the Father has FOR US, that He would send into this world his only, beloved, perfectly obedient, precious Son.

I always cry when we sing "Silent Night" on Christmas Eve. Even though the night is joyous and wonderful and we sing about everything being "calm and bright", I can't help but imagine what was going on in Heaven the night Jesus was born. The Father, watching the Son that He loves, being born into a world that that would not understand him, that would mistreat him, ridicule him, and would ultimately nail him to a cross, naked, alone, and forsaken. That first Christmas had to be one mixed with joy and sorrow. But our Father was willing--willing to sacrifice the one thing He loved more than anything else. Willing to feel the pain that would pierce His own heart too, as He watched His precious Son become a man of sorrows. Willing to hear his only boy cry out to him as he hung dying on a cross of shame, knowing that if He saved him, He would lose all of us. Willing, because His love is so great, it is incomprehensible. I can't wait to get to Heaven, to begin the joy of knowing that Love face to face.

So, happy birthday, my son, Harry. And Happy Birthday, to the Risen Son, who has fought the fight against sin and death, and has been the Conquering Hero, the Son of Promise! His birth is one worth celebrating! May every son born to us look and live just like Him!

Family Night

I have very fond memories of Friday nights from my childhood. My family (for many, many years) had a weekly "family night". We all stayed home and ate pizza, watched movies or played card/board games together. At one point in time, we spent Friday nights eating popcorn and listening to my dad read aloud the Little House on the Prairie book series. These were such fun evenings. Unfortunately, they grew less and less frequent as we got older and wanted to spend the weekend nights out with friends.

Ken and I have started the "Friday Night Family Night" tradition with our own little munchkins. Usually we just head over to the library on Friday afternoon and pick out a movie and then have a "picnic" while we watch movies and eat pizza. Occasionally, we try to mix it up a little and go somewhere for family night. During the warm summer months, we rode our bikes to our downtown and walked around window shopping and eating ice cream. Now that it is colder, we are having to mix it up a little. Recently we played putt putt and got hot chocolate together. On a side note, Harry always gets a least one "hole in one" every time we play. Seriously.

Our family time feels rare, with Ken traveling a lot for work. These times together are precious. I hate to think that one day our kids might be too cool to hang out with us. Maybe then we'll become those annoying parents who chaperone every event their kids go to. :) In all seriousness, we hope these Friday nights are helping to build the foundation for communication and mutually satisfying relationships with our children. That's is our prayer.

Voting Day

Hannah's school was out today for voting day, and as Harry's school was still meeting, we had the whole morning to ourselves. We decided to go to Bob Evans to get her free birthday meal (yes, I know we're about 4 months late on that). Hannah was so cute. Right before we went into the restaurant, she asked if we could pretend it was her birthday while we ate. I said, "Sure!", since we were technically celebrating her birthday. She got so tickled when the waiter brought her free pumpkin bread (for her birthday), and everyone kept wishing her a happy birthday and asking how old she was. It was fun to watch her. We had a great time together, talking about school and dolls, and the upcoming holidays.

It was so nice to take a breather and look across the table and remember what is really important. My daughter has truly been one of God's greatest blessings to me. She is tangible evidence that God is a loving Father who gives the greatest, most needful gifts.

Halloween Extravaganza!!!

We celebrated Halloween at our house for 6 days!

On Tuesday night, we held our first annual pumpkin carving contest--boys vs. girls. Ken and Harry created Pierre, a fierce pumpkin who's main purpose in his short life was to scare away naughty squirrels. Hannah and I carved Violet, a fancy young she-pumpkin who sported a saucy birthmark on her cheek and purple accessories.

On Thursday, Harry dressed up as Darth Vader for his school's annual Halloween parade. He wouldn't stop long enough in the procession for me to get a good picture. That night, we headed over to our friend's neighborhood to trick or treat with her family and several of our friends. Hannah was Ariel--complete with bright red wig.

Hannah's school parade and party were on Friday. Her class paraded around the school and the adjoining neighborhood. Then we had a party in her room with games, snacks and plenty of dancing! She also recited a Halloween poem with a few of her classmates. It was so fun seeing her in her element with her friends. She has such a fun and wonderful teacher and lots of sweet kids in her room.

On Saturday we went to a neighborhood Halloween party. We've been in our house for 3 1/2 years, and that was the first time we met several of our neighbors. Only problem with meeting people at a costume party--it's a little harder to recognize them later on. I'm pretty bad with names anyways, so I guess it doesn't matter that much!

By the way, Harry did have the coolest Darth Vader mask, but it didn't make it into any of the pictures. I think it was not all that comfortable to wear. You'll just have to see him in person sometime to get the full effect of Lord Vader.

Missing Something?

Someone lost her first tooth! She put it under her pillow last night, and found that the tooth fairy left her some coins for her savings fund (she is saving up for an American Girl doll). Looks like it will be a lucrative month for Hannah when it comes to teeth--she has two more loose teeth that are ready to fall out!

ABC's and Compassion 101

Harry has finished his second week of pre-K and is really enjoying it. I was a little nervous about putting him in for 4 mornings a week. I got some kick back from him last year for his two mornings a week of school, so I was afraid that would happen again (times 2). SO FAR, I have only had to encourage him to have a good attitude one morning these last two weeks. He seems to really be blossoming under the higher expectations and learning load of this pre-K program. His classroom is really focused on kindergarten readiness (Ohio has a long list of things kids are encouraged to know before entering kindergarten), so they do a fair amount of school work each day. His writing has greatly improved--I can almost read his name! Each week they focus on a letter and he comes home every day full of new information.

One thing that really encourages my heart is seeing him grow in empathy and compassion for others. I've seen him try to reach out to others that feel shy or lonely--one boy in particular in his classroom. Along those lines, I've also seen him show empathy and kindness to Hannah when she has come home after a rough day at school. She has a couple of mean girls in her classroom and she has a tendency to be sensitive to the way they treat her--the apple didn't fall far from the tree with this girl! :) I pointed out to Harry that she was having a little bit of a hard time at school and his immediate reaction was to run to her and say, "Hannah, I'm sad that you are sad and I want to give you hugs and kisses. Will you come and play with me?". He's not subtle, but he sure is sweet.

It is these little glimpses that help settle my heart in the path that we are following. I had a hard time in junior high with my first experience of public school. I felt like the odd man out a lot and experienced a fair amount of teasing (although I think almost everyone does in middle school). Hannah had a hard week at school last week. There is one girl (we'll call her "F") who is "popular" and the ring leader of the "mean girls" and she is choosing to be unkind to my little Hannah. This is so hard to navigate through--hard for me to guide Hannah in kindness when I just want to go to school and kick some first grader butt. Last week I was ready to pull her out and start homeschooling. I had to keep reminding myself that we PRAYED about this for FOREVER and this is where we feel like God has led us to be. There will be sacrifices as we walk in obedience. I have to fight against my mama bear mentality and realize that my responsibility is to teach her how to deal with unkindness, not protect her from ever experiencing it. We talked a lot about persisting in love towards "F" while also seeking out other friends who might need some kindness themselves.

I saw two things happen in Hannah's and my heart this week. First, I saw God soften my heart towards "F". I volunteered in Hannah's room (which I will start doing on a regular basis) and saw some things that made my heart move towards compassion. "F" is from a lower income family and has some insecurities herself--she seemed to really need attention from all of the adults in the room, almost seemed to crave it, which makes me wonder how much she gets at home. The second movement towards compassion that I saw was in Hannah, and it looked very different from what I thought it would look like. Hannah was finally included in "F"'s "group", but noticed that she then turned on another child, calling her "stupid" and telling her that she was not aloud to play with them. Hannah, who is my timid child, stood up for this other girl, telling "F" that it was wrong of her to speak in this way. Hannah then left the group (that she has been wanting to be a part of since the beginning of school) and asked the ousted little girl to play with her. All of this growth would not have happened if I had intervened and separated them, like I was tempted to do. Hannah now sees for herself that this is a group that she does not want to be a part of and these are not girls she wants to emulate.

God's way is always the best way. I'm going to have to come back and read this post the next time I need to attend Compassion 101. I can trust the Teacher to always know what is best and to guide and direct us on the path that He has laid out for us to walk. It will not always be an easy road to follow, but it is guaranteed to make us more like Christ--which is the definition of true happiness.

Send me over a piece of that corn...

New year, fresh starts

Hannah had "bear week" for the first week of school. She brought a bear she has had since she was a baby and dressed it in an outfit that she wore when she was about 4 months old.

This dude is even creepier in person! Harry really wanted his picture taken with him, but Hannah wasn't too sure. Harry kept saying, "I've seen you on my tv!"

I don't know why, but I always feel more geared up to overhaul our lives in the Fall than I do in January, when the rest of the world is making their resolutions. Looking back over last school year, there were several things I wanted to change. I want to plan ahead more, use my time more wisely, and spend more quality time with my kids.

One thing Hannah and I have been practicing is organizing our time better. Last year our mornings were all in a rush, and usually resulted in crying on both sides! :) One thing I learned about her: she likes to take her time and feels most confident when she is doing things on her own, at her own pace. Last year, I forced her to do things on my schedule, at my pace. I'm not saying that this is all bad--I do believe that children should fit into the life and rhythm of the family, as set out by the parents. However, I also believe in "remembering their frame", and working with them in the way that God has made them. So...Hannah packs her own lunch the night before and lays out her clothes. This way, as soon as she wakes up, she gets herself dressed. After breakfast all she then needs to do is brush her teeth and hair and grab her backpack (which I check every day for homework/notes as soon as she gets home from school). I know this sounds like something I should have figured out pretty quickly last year, but I'm a slow learner. Needless to say, with this new routine our mornings have been peaceful and enjoyable! Harry starts pre-K next week, so I'm hoping to get him on the same schedule as well.

Last week went very well. Hannah really likes her new teacher. She is extremely sweet and patient with the kids--a perfect match for my tender hearted girl! At home, I've been enjoying my one on one time with Harry. It further seals in my heart and mind how much I want to use his preschool time to get my work done, so I can be free to just enjoy him when he gets home. He is one who really blossoms with one on one attention. I've been brainstorming on some fun things we could do together this year. I know my days with him are numbered and I want to use them well.

We ended last week with a trip to our downtown area for one of our monthly "festivals". One thing I love about being in the public school system is the feeling of connection with our community. It's fun to sense that we really are a part of this town, and that we truly care for its people. I am praying that God will work through us to grow His Kingdom in our little corner of His world.

Little Soccer Girl

Hannah starts soccer in a few weeks. She is so excited and really enjoys practicing with her fellow team members. They started practicing this week. She is doing well for having never played before! I think her favorite part is all the new gear--shorts, socks, shin guards and her first pair of cleats. She has worn her soccer socks since she and Ken got them on Monday (I have had to make sure that they are washed and ready for the next day). I bought her a second pair today, so I wouldn't have to do so much wash! It's fun to see her so excited about trying something new. She is our timid child, so I'm very proud of her for putting herself out there. Our other child, who is not so timid, has been asking us constantly when it will be his turn to play soccer. He will start his baseball class in the fall, but I guess that seems a little too far away for him. :) He insisted on getting some "baseball" pants when we were picking out shorts for Hannah. They look HUGE on him, but he is very proud of them. :) It is gearing up to be an active fall for our little family!

Chicago

Every once in a while (like once or twice a year), the kids and I go along with Ken on one of his business trips. We went with him to Chicago a couple of weeks ago. We had so much fun! We drove up on a Monday afternoon. The next day we all had breakfast together, which was such a treat (at home, Ken is already working by the time the kids and I eat breakfast). While daddy worked, H & H swam in the pool--although Harry liked the hot tub much better. I had to limit his time or he would stay in until his cheeks were red! After getting cleaned up, we walked around the downtown area (we were in a suburb a little north of downtown Chicago), and ate lunch, window shopped, and played with the trains at Barnes and Noble. Daddy came back from doing his work and we went to see a movie, walked to lake Michigan (just a few blocks), and got some Chicago style pizza. The next morning we ate some of the most fantastic pancakes/french toast I've ever eaten and headed back home.

It was a quick trip, but well worth it. What I loved most was spending time with my kids and not being distracted by cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. I could actually talk to them! They are getting to the age where they enjoy interacting with me and each other. I love their little personalities, and to hear the way that they process life and think through things. It was such a blessing to my heart--like balm on a wound. We've had a crazy and somewhat sad summer, and the Lord knew I needed some sweet time with the three people I love the most. It was a good break, and a good reminder of what is important in life--what is lasting. I am so easily distracted by the "to do" list around me that I often forget what God has called me to do--to love and serve my husband and children, and to teach my children to love and serve their Heavenly Father. I will always have floors to clean and laundry to wash and toilets to scrub, but I will not always have these precious souls living under my roof. These children are my legacy, my offering to God--they are the work of my hands.

"So teach us to number our days, so that we may get a heart of wisdom...Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" Psalm 90:12, 17

Farewell, sweet friends...

We said goodbye to our sweet friends, the Robsons, on Saturday. They are now on faculty at African Bible College in Malawi. Our loss is definitely ABC's gain! I will miss my sweet friend, Jessica. She has been my best friend and sister since we moved here 3 years ago. She has helped me in more ways than I can express here on this measly little blog. I can honestly say that I am a better person from her influence on my life. Our friendship has been one of God's sweetest gifts to me.

Harry is losing his best friend too. He and JJ call each other their "brothers". When we were putting him down last night, Harry cried because he misses his friend. They have known each other since they were 18 months old--they met in the nursery on our first Sunday at Walnut Creek. JJ and Georgia have been a blessing to our family--practically members of it!

We will miss them, but we know that God is going to do great things in and through them as they minister to the students and faculty of ABC and to the people of Lilongwe. If you are interested in reading about the work they are doing, you can keep up with them by following their blog: Robsons in Malawi.

We love you, Robson family! You are in our thoughts and prayers and we look forward to seeing you soon.