More broccoli please

That was Caroline and Luke at dinner tonight. They each ate several servings!

Boat ride

Off on an adventure!

On a family evening boat ride. The kids had a great time till Dukie cut his foot. ....and then there is me, hanging on for dear life. Water scares me.

Just for fun

I don't usually do these things, but this looked kind of fun!
Ladies, how well do you know your husband?
Copy, paste, and fill in the answer. Then tag him to grade your answer. 

1. He is sitting in front of the TV, what is on?
With me? Whatever Netflix show we are watching.
With the kids? Little Bear.
By himself? Something to do with guns, shooting, hunting.
2. What dressing does he eat on his salad?
Ranch, Italian, Blue Cheese, Ceasar....he's not picky.
3. Name a food he hates?
Brussel sprouts.
4. You go out to eat and have a drink, what would he order?
Beer
5. Favorite kind of music?
To sing? Psalms :-)
On the radio? Probably country.
6. What is his nickname for you?
I don't really have one, sometimes sweetheart.
7. What is something he could collect?
Guns
8. What would he eat every day if he could?
Cheese
9. What is his favorite kind of cereal?
Probably my peanut butter granola.
10. What would he never wear?
A bow tie.
11. What is his favorite sports team?
Not really into sports, probably the Badgers.
12. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?
Get stressed about things.
13. You bake him a cake for his birthday, what kind is it?
Spice with cream cheese icing.
14. Favorite sport?
Shooting.
15. What could he spend all day doing?
Hunting.

John Cunnington As close to 100% as one could get. Sports team is the only iffy thing cuz I don't have one.

Unlike · Reply · 1 · August 27 at 4:51pm

Stefanie Cunnington But on the rare occasion you watch a few minutes of a game it is the Badgers, and you're generally pleased when you tell me they are winning.

Like · Reply · August 27 at 4:52pm

Cat

Caroline holding her "Psalter" and singing her favorite, Psalm 117, at family worship. Can you see her friend Cat sitting next to her? Neither can I, so don't feel bad. I am told he is a boy, is brown, and has four paws. Apparently he also likes to carry on conversation during prayer, but a stop was put to that, lol.

New Bible story book

So this came in the mail yesterday and I'm really excited about reading through it with the kids as part of our daily routine. I realize some (or most) of it will be over their heads, but then again so is the Bible and we wouldn't not read that to them. I think the key for now is to make it a priority, and part of their everyday lives and Lord willing, as they grow older they will understand more and more. And most importantly, we must pray for the Lord's blessing on all the seeds that are being sown. Best of all, no pictures of Jesus included!

Key chain

John gave me this fun "just because" gift of the Aldi key chain today. I love Aldi and I love this :-)
And I have all kinds of fun things on my key chain because I'm cool that way, haha. The flip flop was another fun "just because" thing from John. The bottle opener was a joke ring at our wedding rehearsal, I got the pink knife and Tiny Humans ones just cause I liked them :-). I might have used the knife once or twice. ....maybe. Lol.
Also, the more stuff on your key chain, the less likely they are to get lost in your purse. True story.

Little and Big things

Yes, if you make a child feel small, stupid, and wrong enough times they will eventually just shut up.

And for the record, treating adults this way does not exactly build healthy relationships. If someone wants to talk to you, please hear them, don't make them feel stupid, or that they aren't worth your time. If someone comes to you with a concern, even if you think it is no big deal, it is to them, so don't tell them "I don't have time for your drama," and cut them off. I pray I never hurt my children that way.

Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children

I came across this post I wrote five years ago on my old blog and this subject is still very close to my heart though I am still trying to figure just what it looks like in our home.....We have family worship every evening where John reads from the Bible. The family has memorized several Psalms in family worship, and the kids are progressing.  in their catechism. Plus they attend church every week (well not Hunter, but hopefully down the road that will change). So I don't have complains about those things, but am trying to figure out what exactly a Bible time with Mom should be like. I know I will be far more likely to stick with it if we have a plan and routine :-). Since John already reads from the Bible, what I really want is to spend some time each day going through a good Bible story book (without pictures of Jesus). Let's face, going through the whole Bible is going to take a LONG time, and I want them becoming familiar with Bible stories, how they chronologically fit together, etc. Another thought I've had is to at least sometimes print out coloring pages for the story we read for them to color. So I've ordered this book, and my plan is to choose a time where we can sit and read a story every day. I'm going to start a Teach Them Diligently tag on this blog to update how this is going, and new ideas, changes I've made etc. May the Lord bless all the seeds that are being sown.

Teaching children may seem like a funny thing for someone who has no children to blog about.....Yet those of you who know me know that I love them and hope and pray someday the Lord will give me some of my own. In the meantime for most of my life He's put me in places where I'm surrounded by them. I was blessed to grow up as the oldest in a large family, then been able to spend time staying with and/or helping different families, so have thought and learned a lot about how I would like to raise my own children someday......Though I have to tell you that I've given my friends some good laughs when I say things like "there will be no battery run or noise making toys in my house." I know, "never say never," but it doesn't hurt to dream:-). In all seriousness though I was blessed and encouraged by a conversation recently where I was reminded that though I'm not raising children of my own I'm helping in a covenant home and in a small way contributing to the building up of God's kingdom through my work and involvement in these children's lives.....that the Lord will bless that. I know in my head that is true, but it's nice to be reminded and encouraged sometimes!

One thing that I was introduced to in the past couple years was a mom reading the Bible with her children and praying with them. Sounds so simple, maybe not always easy, but something I look forward to doing in my own home someday. Children need to know their parents love the Lord, and depend on Him daily for grace. In my home I was familiar with the father leading in family worship (and that could be a whole 'nother post, which is equally important to me, it's just that today mother's responsibilities are on my mind), so I decided to read up on what God's word, (and Matthew Henry) said about mothers teaching their children. I shared some of what I found below though most of it applies to fathers and mothers.

"The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him."

  Proverbs 31:1

It is the duty of mothers, as well as fathers, to teach their children what is good, that they may do it, and what is evil, that they may avoid it; when they are young and tender they are most under the mother's eye, and she has then an opportunity of moulding and fashioning their minds well, which she ought not to let slip.Those that have grown up to maturity should often call to mind, and make mention of, the good instructions they received when they were children, for their own admonition, the edification of others, and the honour of those who were the guides of their youth."

"...I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also."

2 Timothy 1:4b-5

Observe, The entail of religion descended upon Timothy by the mother's side; he had a good mother, and a good grandmother: they believed, though his father did not. It is a comfortable thing when children imitate the faith and holiness of their godly parents, and tread in their steps...It was the matter of Paul's thanksgiving that Timothy inherited the faith of his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois, and ought to be ours whenever we see the like; we should rejoice wherever we see the grace of God.

"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother."

Proverbs 1:8

He takes it for granted that parents will, with all the wisdom they have, instruct their children, and, with all the authority they have, give law to them for their good.

"My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee."

Proverbs 6:20-22

We must receive it as our father's commandment and the law of our mother, It is God's commandment and his law. But,

(1.) Our parents directed us to it, put it into our hands, trained us up in the knowledge and observance of it, its original and obligation being most sacred. We believe indeed, not for their saying, for we have tried it ourselves and find it to be of God; but we were beholden to them for recommending it to us, and see all the reason in the world to continue in the things we have learned, knowing of whom we have learned them. 

(2.) The cautions, counsels, and commands which our parents gave us agree with the word of God, and therefore we must hold them fast. Children, when they are grown up, must remember the law of a good mother, as well as thecommandment of a good father.

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." 

Deuteronomy 6:5

"Those that love the Lord God themselves should do what they can to engage the affections of their children to him, and so to preserve the entail of religion in their families from being cut off. Thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children; frequently repeat these things to them, try all ways of instilling them into their minds, and making them pierce into their hearts; as, in whetting a knife, it is turned first on this side, then on that. "Be careful and exact in teaching thy children; and aim, as by whetting, to sharpen them, and put an edge upon them. Teach them to thy children, not only those of thy own body","but all those that are anyway under thy care and tuition."

 Last of all ending with this thought on Proverbs 31:

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed."

"Her children grow up in her place, and they call her blessed. They give her their good word, they are themselves a commendation to her, and they are ready to give great commendations of her; they pray for her, and bless God that they had such a good mother."

Before I end this post I'd like to say to any readers who may be teenagers, or single with time on their hands, that helping out a family with younger children may be something you would like to consider. I'd venture to guess most churches have families that would love the help, and that you will be blessed and learn a lot through the experience. I've done this the past couple years and am sure I will be a better mom for it someday - not to mention the joys of being included in family life if you are on your own! And there are you have my random thoughts for the day....hope everyone's day is good!

Introverted

So every Sunday after church we let the kids play in the nursery for a few minutes before heading home. I took to this picture to document that it really happened, but right there is my daughter QUIETLY AND HAPPILY PLAYING BY HERSELF. Do you have any idea how often I beg her to do that at home, "But I want you ,Mama! I need somebody to play with me!) And Hunter is the same way (though at 11 years old he manifests it in slightly different ways, haha) so I have little hope of her changing.
Seriously I think as an introvert this is the hardest part of parenting for me. For my sanity I really need some down time that is quiet every day. Otherwise I end up exhausted, stressed and crabby. True story. For now I am thankful little ones require lots of sleep, and I plan to implement a quiet time every afternoon once they are past naps. Also John and I might have to get creative, but I am determined for our marriage's sake, and my sanity, that we make time every evening for US. At this season of life that is relatively easy.
The other thing I do much better if I can get up earlier than the kids and have a cup or two of coffee, and read a chapter in my Bible.
So there you have it, how this introverted mom makes things work and tries to keep the household reasonably happy :-)

21 months old

A big boy!

Reading "splash."

Another one, Mama?

Yay for a child that is finally old enough to understand, "If you sit and smile nicely, I'll give you a treat!"

And here are a few details of  Luke's life at 21 months.

Every word Duke says is preceded by the word, "Ahhh," It's kind of hilarious! He's been doing that for months

Duke loves airplanes, every time he hears an engine he has to search the sky for an airplane.

Overall Duke is  good eater, but he would much rather eat bites off of John's plate than the food I fix for him. He even eats things like onions, peppers, mustard, etc that John offers him.

Luke hates messes and anything out of order and will get very stressed and outspoken about it. The hay field that hasn't been baled yet is "a mess," the neighbor leaving a garage door open, "a mess, Daddy fix it?" If his hands or feet get dirty they are, "gicky," and he will fuss about it till I clean him up. Ironically toy messes he makes don't bother him at all.

Duke is very into frogs right now and loves to go search the pond for them. He loves to pretend to be a frog and bounce around saying, "Ribbit, ribbit!"

Dukie still loves cows and knows where the field of cows is along the highway. He announces it to us very loudly every time we drive past, haha. Speaking of animals, he know a lot of animals by name, and can make most of their noises.

Luke can point out all his body parts now, but I haven't noticed him recognizing and naming colors yet.

He LOVES chock chock, aka chocolate, grapes, tangerines, melted cheese, ranch dressing, and any kind of dessert.

He also LOVES to be rocked and snuggled, Every night after I get him ready for bed he asks to "guggle." How in the world could I say no to that?!

Duke's favorite treasure that he always sleeps with is a plastic egg, lol. His second favorite treasure is probably his snack cup that he gets on the way home from church. If you ever bring up church, "Snack? Snack?" Priorities.....haha

Luke can answer the first three children's catechism questions - when he chooses to.

When reminded to say thank you, Luke always replies with, "Thankum." He's very efficient and combines please and thank you.

And finally, Luke loves to come up to us and say, "Ahhh hug. Ahhh kiss," then give the hug and kiss. It's very sweet.

2 crazies

This was candid while stuffing diapers.

These were the best of my attempts at a posed pic!

And this was my selfie attempt, lol.

Baby's third birthday

Three years ago today Caroline got a very special package in the mail from Aunt Cindy. Baby and Caroline have been inseparable for years now, and it's obvious she has endured some tough love. Let's hope she survives many more years!

Mama had to get creative to come up with a last minute birthday cake for Baby. A mini Reeses PB cup with a birthday candle, haha. But Caroline was pleased and that's all that mattered.

I love Coffee

Dear Plexus sellers,
Please stop using, "you will never need your morning coffee again" as a selling point. I'm not interested in a life that doesn't include starting the day with my coffee and Bible. It's one of my favorite parts of the day, right up there with nap time :-).
Off to enjoy my coffee, thanks for ignoring my messy hair and lack of make up.
Sincerely,
A happy coffee addict :-)

Hunter's birthday

Making Hunter's birthday dessert, a caramel chocolate pie.

Hunter's birthday. He's posing by Grandma's strawberry trifle, then a close up of Hunter's chocolate caramel pie, and the not so patient little brother waiting for cake to be served. Luke was quite confused as to why we bothered to cook and eat dinner when we could just eat cake. "Duke, shall we just have cake for dinner on your birthday?"
" Yeaaahhh!"

Hunter and Grandma's birthday party! I just might get in trouble for posting these pictures of them serenading each other with the happy birthday song, haha. I think they had a good time :-)

This is the way, walk ye in it

When you go to someone for counsel and discover they have gone through a very similar set of kind of crazy circumstances and you can see the Lord's providence in directing you to the place you are now........it is a comforting reminder to me of the Lord's guidance and providence in our lives.

 "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ."

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Father of the fatherless

I've always loved these verses and they came true for me. I was solitary, and now am in a family of 5 that I love very much. God is good.

 "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains...."

Psalm 68:5-6

Father of the fatherless

I've always loved these verses and they came true for me. I was solitary, and now am in a family of 5 that I love very much. God is good.

 "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains...."

Psalm 68:5-6

Water fun

Migraine update

Sadly my daily migraine medication seems to have stopped working and this month is the worst I have been since April when I had to go to the emergency room twice. I'm on day 6 of a migraine now :-(. Thankfully I have pain killers that make me able to function. I'm in the worst shape when I wake up in the morning and the pain is so bad I can hardly move. Just the constant pain and taking lots of drugs is leaving me exhausted. Unfortunately I think I need to call the doctor and start working on a new treatment plan. I'm so thankful for medicine, and doctors, and that I have insurance, but all the options and trying to figure this all out and what to do is seriously overwhelming for me. I just want someone to tell me what to do! And I want it to work! LOL. Sigh.

Apparently migraine time of the month is here. Either that or the storms/weather changes have given me a headache.
Caroline, "But Mama, I don't take pills when I'm happy."
Me, " Not happy. It's a headache, honey."
At least I'm not acting crabby if she thinks I'm happy, haha

So thankful that John offered to bring home pizza since I had a migraine. It was nice not having to worry about dinner and have something all the kids love! Whoever invented "pizza in a box," aka Little Ceasers was a genius, it makes an awesome fast emergency meal that is relatively cheap.

Dear Little Bear

Dear Little Bear,
Thank you for calming down my crabby children and giving me a few quiet minutes to wash dishes, and fold clothes. 
Sincerely,
A Tired Mama

A prayer

"O merciful God, be Thou unto me

A strong Tower of defense,

I humbly entreat Thee.

Give me grace to await Thy leisure,

And patiently to bear What Thou doest unto me;

Nothing doubting or mistrusting

Thy goodness towards me;

For Thou knowest what is good for me

Better than I do.

Therefore do with me in all things

What Thou wilt;

Only arm me, I beseech Thee,

With Thine armor,

That I may stand fast;

Above all things taking to me

The shield of faith;

Praying always that I may

Refer myself wholly to Thy will,

Abiding Thy pleasure, and comforting myself

In those troubles which it shall please Thee

To send me, seeing such troubles are

Profitable for me; and I am

Assuredly persuaded that all Thou doest

Cannot but be well; and unto Thee

Be all honor and glory. 

Amen."

Lady Jane Grey

Remember

"And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee....."


 "Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God...."


"But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God...."


"Remember the LORD..."


"Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold."


"I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old."


"If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth..."


"Remember the word that I said unto you..."


"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast..."

(verses from Deuteronomy 8, Nehemiah 4, Job 36, Psalms 77,137, John 15, and Revelation 3)

"....Our memories need this help.....that we may 'remember the way which the Lord our God has led us in the wilderness.'"

Matthew Henry

Thoughts

Jeremiah 35 was my Bible reading this morning on the plan John and I are reading through. I don't know how many times I've read the chapter, but today was the first time I really took notice of what it had say. The Lord punished people for obeying their father instead of obeying him. Years ago when my conscience bothered me about things I would convince myself I was ok because I was obeying God's command to obey my parents.
Now I understand that I love and honor my parents best by obeying God and honoring Him. I love my husband and children best by loving God first.
And just for the record I am not advocating rebellious behavior. All situations are different, but a choice to disobey your authority and follow God should be done with much prayer, and hopefully godly counsel.

Another thing on my mind that I am thankful for. This probably sounds silly, but I was afraid that by going to a church that was less reformed in practice that I would not be fed. I was completely wrong in that fear, nothing is further from the truth and we have been fed, encouraged, and helped very much by the preaching we have sat under. And I also wondered if we would be able to find a church with good pastoral care who would even have shepherding visits. It's no exaggeration for me to say that the best pastoral care I have received has been where we worship now. 

"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."

Psalm 107:8-9