Stop and think for a moment: What does Halloween celebrate? Many people would reply commercialism. Others are probably still scratching their heads. If you look at the history of the holiday, it is a pagan holiday. While our reasons for not celebrating Halloween can be tied to both of those explanations, it is not the core reason why we have chosen as a family not to indulge in a very "worldy" holiday.
Four years ago, we decided to stop celebrating Halloween. Brian and I had grown up in families where the holiday was partaken just as most American families do. We wore costumes as children and went trick or treating. We harbored large stashes of candy and went to scary houses. When we had kids of our own, we continued with the tradition without stopping to really think if it was something that would benefit our children. And so, one year when I was trying to make costumes and beat the rush for a store bought one, I paused to analyze that very question. Why do we celebrate Halloween? I could think of no good reason other than it was what we had always done. And being my anal self, I made a list of pros and cons. Surprisingly, there were more cons than pros!
So, here are some of the reasons we have decided to spend time together as a family rather than celebrate Halloween (in no particular order):
1) It is rude and greedy. Before you get your panties in a bunch, just hear me out. It teaches our children bad manners. What other time would demanding something from someone at their house or threatening them with a prank be acceptable? Yes, everyone does it that one night. But does it make it right? I did not want to be counterproductive to the values I was teaching my children the other 364 days of the year. Nor did I want to indulge their naturally greedy natures by telling them that collecting loads of candy was okay because it was Halloween. They already have everything they need. I want my children to be content with what they have and not constantly striving to get more ____________(you can fill in the blank.) I have had some argue that it helps them use their good manners because they have to take turns getting candy and they say "please" and "thank you." I guess that makes it okay to rob a bank as long as you wait in line and ask nicely for the money. Oh, yeah, don't forget to say "thank you" as you run to the getaway car. ;-)
2) It isn't healthy. Loads of sugar and fat. Need I say more?
3)It doesn't glorify God. As many of you know, I am a Christian. Glorifying God is very important to our family. This holiday can go against many of the things God has laid out for us to follow (see greed, above) and it allows fear into our hearts and minds. How many people watch scary movies or go to "haunted" houses for the thrill? God tells us to guard our hearts from things that will make us susceptible to Satan. Allowing fears into our hearts and minds that were not there before creates a weakness in us. It opens another door for Satan to enter. Many see it as harmless, but my job as a mother is to protect my children and to make them feel secure. Am I doing my job if I encourage these fears to take root in their lives? The world is a scary enough place without creating fear for the fun of it.
4) It takes away from family time. Confusing, I know, since many people associate Halloween with family time, but how much quality family time are you spending together when you are out trick or treating? Not much. Our family has taken this holiday and reserved it for some real quality time. When we lived in Kentucky, we would gather at my mom's house for a family game night. We would eat chili and play different board games together. This year, we will not be able to spend time at my mom's house, but we are planning on eating a nice meal together and then spending a few hours either playing games or going to see a kid-friendly movie.
Halloween isn't something that we celebrate anymore, but that doesn't mean we are against those who do. When we decided to not celebrate, I gave all my Halloween decorations to a good friend who loves the holiday. This year, we served at a community Halloween festival for young kids with our church. (God works everywhere. Even Halloween events.) Everyone has their reasons to celebrate or not, and I know that we are in the minority. These are our reasons and we do not push them on others. Each family must make their own decisions on what they celebrate as a family and why.
Though...I would like to print this to pass out to all the adults who look at me like I am a monster when I calmly tell them that we do not celebrate Halloween. I must be terrifying in their eyes. ;-D
So, Happy last day of October! I hope it is a safe and happy one... whatever you do!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
The Oakwood Update
Okay, I started this blog to keep everyone apprised of how our move and transition to Oakwood was going. I know that some of my posts have not been about that but rather little tidbits going on in my life or things that God has laid on my heart to share. So, I just wanted to let everyone know how things are going in the neighborhood and perhaps in the family altogether.
Oakwood football: Brian has been coaching Oakwood football at the middle school level. The position was open at the right time and since it is within walking distance, he applied. He enjoys it, though it is more frustrating than working with those in high school (yeah, I was surprised to hear that too.) He introduced me to a few of his players the other day. They aren't exactly what you would call the "football type." But Brian said they may not be big but they were the "Mean Seventeen." I had to laugh when one of the boys said, "Yeah, but we aren't mean." So...I guess that means they are just seventeen of them. Either way, he is enjoying the season and he is getting paid for it. I am glad as well. I cannot imagine a season when he isn't coaching and the thought of him not getting to this fall kinda made me sad. Plus, the middle school season isn't as intense or as long as high school, which is perfect since we are busy preparing for the upcoming arrival of baby #5.
So, baby #5: In case you haven't heard, we are expecting our 5th child in December. A baby boy this time! I have created a website to keep everyone posted on what is happening in that area of our family growth. Check it out here: Gaskin Baby #5 website We have been preparing by switching around bedrooms and collecting much needed and appreciated hand me downs from friends and family. Thanks so much to everyone who has blessed us with a gift for our new baby boy!
Settling in: I am happy to say that I only have about 6 more boxes to unpack! Yeah! Finally! As we were switching the girls' bedrooms around (Tierney and Lena now share a room while Maebry and our new baby will share the other) I finally unpacked the remaining boxes of girls' stuff. The girls were super stoked about seeing toys they hadn't played with since last December. Maebry would squeal every time I opened a new box. It was very exciting for them....and a bit overwhelming for me. I have decided we will be making a healthy donation to the Goodwill in the next few weeks. BTW, Isaac is relieved that he will not be sharing his bedroom even though this baby is a boy.
My list of to-do projects around the house are being slowly whittled down and I find joy in marking each one off my list. I have finally decided on what to do with the dining room but probably won't tackle that project until next spring. We are also selling various items on Craigslist now (it is so easy to use!) and getting rid of the excess furniture we have.
Oakwood-- the neighborhood: Oakwood has started to grow on us. It is hard to be too disgruntled when there are so many amenities available.We relaxed at the pool over the summer. I scored over 70 new books at the community wide book swap. Isaac is still taking guitar lessons, Lena is signed up for another ballet class, and Tierney will be playing basketball in the local rec league. Isaac has signed up for basketball in the neighboring community of Kettering where the league is bigger. The neighbors have settled down (or perhaps we just deal with them better) since school has resumed. The changing leaves have turned the area into a very picturesque place to reside. We went to the Fall Festival this past weekend and enjoyed a hayride, face painting, games, bouncy houses, pumpkin painting, doughnut eating contest, and the playground. It was all FREE! (Taxpayer "free," of course.) Oakwood may have a "snobbish" reputation, but for the most part, the people we have met are very friendly.
Girl Scouts: Our troop started meeting in August, and under my new leadership have an organized and productive time. The girls have commented on how they enjoy the new format better than last year (when chaos reigned) and now have a big part in planning what they do at each meeting. The only issue we are having is parent support. I have been left alone with the girls at two meetings now and that is unacceptable. I sent out a parent rotation list for volunteers to sign up to help. Only three parents have said they would help. If the issue of support continues, I will be resigning as leader. Not only is it against Girl Scout policy that I be alone with a bunch of girls, but it is also unsafe. If there was an emergency, it would create a dilemma of getting help, etc. I am enjoying spending time with the troop so hopefully this issue can be resolved.
Homeschooling: We started our homeschool year in August. It has been going great despite the fact that we are slightly behind schedule. I have been more flexible with our schedule though, and we have gone on more field trips and outings this year. It is only October and we have gone on 4 field trips! Of course, I am an overachiever so what we do accomplish will still be about triple what they would get in public school.
We have also enrolled in a co-op. The kids love it and have made many new friends. Isaac's classes are speech, finances, chemistry, and computer programming. Tierney is taking P.E., Devotionals, Art Appreciation & Science (I teach of few of these.) Lena is in a pre-school class and is always excited to attend. Maebry is in a toddler class and brings home many craft projects too. I have really savored the chance to get to know other moms in the group and truly appreciate the parent enrichment portions that are provided when we aren't teaching. We get brunch and a speaker comes in to uplift us in God's Word and encourage us with practical advice for homeschooling issues. I feel that we all have grown in a positive way since we joined this group! And, having 4 kids seems to be the norm! In fact, the majority of families there have 4-5 children each. That is a considerable number since there are 56 families! Beware: Homeschoolers shall inherit the earth! (Or rejoice, as the case may be!)
Church: I saved the most exciting part for last! Renovation Church is why we moved to Ohio. Yes, it was God's command, but this inspiring church was the reason. Many people think of church as a building. We can take that out of the equation here, though. We do not own a building. We do not have a permanent place, really. Every Sunday the curtains, the stage, the instruments, the lights, the sound equipment all go up. Gymnastic equipment is removed to do so and is cleared from other rooms where the nursery and kids rooms are set up. We are not attached to a building. There is no building fund. We do not pay anyone to come in and set this up. Set up and tear down afterwards is done by our family. When I say "our family," I am not talking about the 6 members of the Gaskin clan (though 3-4 help the process) but of the family of brothers and sisters in Christ that make up Renovation Church. We are in this together. We serve together and do so joyfully. In fact, we make it look so fun that many visitors join in (though we never expect them to!) That is what you get with Renovation. You get a family. We hang out with each other, take care of each others needs, watch each others kids, and support one another (more so than many biologically connected families.) I have been lectured on putting my church family before my blood family before, but let me tell you, my church family is my blood family. We are connected by the blood of Christ and that bond is for all eternity. I love my biological family, don't get me wrong, but it is only an earthly tie. My bond with my church family (and my other fellow Christians throughout the world) is a much stronger link. We can never be separated. Not even by death! We are in this together forever and have the same purpose-- to bring God glory!
Renovation Church has been reaching out to the community in many ways. We have been serving the needs of those around us and are planning to serve global needs as well with a trip to Haiti in the spring. Every month brings several new ways to serve and connect with those who need love and Jesus in our lives. It has been a very encouraging year, seeing people saved! Learning and growing together with our small groups, mens groups, and ladies groups has only tightened the bond that our family has. In the current series, we are taking this relationship to a whole new level! Covenant Community delves into how we are "Bound to Christ, United to One Another." I encourage everyone to check out the podcasts !
As you can see, we have been busy but blessed. God has opened my eyes to reveal the opportunities to serve and love in this new area we now call home. Thanks for reading along as we undertake this journey! Stay tuned for more posts!
Oakwood football: Brian has been coaching Oakwood football at the middle school level. The position was open at the right time and since it is within walking distance, he applied. He enjoys it, though it is more frustrating than working with those in high school (yeah, I was surprised to hear that too.) He introduced me to a few of his players the other day. They aren't exactly what you would call the "football type." But Brian said they may not be big but they were the "Mean Seventeen." I had to laugh when one of the boys said, "Yeah, but we aren't mean." So...I guess that means they are just seventeen of them. Either way, he is enjoying the season and he is getting paid for it. I am glad as well. I cannot imagine a season when he isn't coaching and the thought of him not getting to this fall kinda made me sad. Plus, the middle school season isn't as intense or as long as high school, which is perfect since we are busy preparing for the upcoming arrival of baby #5.
So, baby #5: In case you haven't heard, we are expecting our 5th child in December. A baby boy this time! I have created a website to keep everyone posted on what is happening in that area of our family growth. Check it out here: Gaskin Baby #5 website We have been preparing by switching around bedrooms and collecting much needed and appreciated hand me downs from friends and family. Thanks so much to everyone who has blessed us with a gift for our new baby boy!
Settling in: I am happy to say that I only have about 6 more boxes to unpack! Yeah! Finally! As we were switching the girls' bedrooms around (Tierney and Lena now share a room while Maebry and our new baby will share the other) I finally unpacked the remaining boxes of girls' stuff. The girls were super stoked about seeing toys they hadn't played with since last December. Maebry would squeal every time I opened a new box. It was very exciting for them....and a bit overwhelming for me. I have decided we will be making a healthy donation to the Goodwill in the next few weeks. BTW, Isaac is relieved that he will not be sharing his bedroom even though this baby is a boy.
My list of to-do projects around the house are being slowly whittled down and I find joy in marking each one off my list. I have finally decided on what to do with the dining room but probably won't tackle that project until next spring. We are also selling various items on Craigslist now (it is so easy to use!) and getting rid of the excess furniture we have.
Oakwood-- the neighborhood: Oakwood has started to grow on us. It is hard to be too disgruntled when there are so many amenities available.We relaxed at the pool over the summer. I scored over 70 new books at the community wide book swap. Isaac is still taking guitar lessons, Lena is signed up for another ballet class, and Tierney will be playing basketball in the local rec league. Isaac has signed up for basketball in the neighboring community of Kettering where the league is bigger. The neighbors have settled down (or perhaps we just deal with them better) since school has resumed. The changing leaves have turned the area into a very picturesque place to reside. We went to the Fall Festival this past weekend and enjoyed a hayride, face painting, games, bouncy houses, pumpkin painting, doughnut eating contest, and the playground. It was all FREE! (Taxpayer "free," of course.) Oakwood may have a "snobbish" reputation, but for the most part, the people we have met are very friendly.
Girl Scouts: Our troop started meeting in August, and under my new leadership have an organized and productive time. The girls have commented on how they enjoy the new format better than last year (when chaos reigned) and now have a big part in planning what they do at each meeting. The only issue we are having is parent support. I have been left alone with the girls at two meetings now and that is unacceptable. I sent out a parent rotation list for volunteers to sign up to help. Only three parents have said they would help. If the issue of support continues, I will be resigning as leader. Not only is it against Girl Scout policy that I be alone with a bunch of girls, but it is also unsafe. If there was an emergency, it would create a dilemma of getting help, etc. I am enjoying spending time with the troop so hopefully this issue can be resolved.
Homeschooling: We started our homeschool year in August. It has been going great despite the fact that we are slightly behind schedule. I have been more flexible with our schedule though, and we have gone on more field trips and outings this year. It is only October and we have gone on 4 field trips! Of course, I am an overachiever so what we do accomplish will still be about triple what they would get in public school.
We have also enrolled in a co-op. The kids love it and have made many new friends. Isaac's classes are speech, finances, chemistry, and computer programming. Tierney is taking P.E., Devotionals, Art Appreciation & Science (I teach of few of these.) Lena is in a pre-school class and is always excited to attend. Maebry is in a toddler class and brings home many craft projects too. I have really savored the chance to get to know other moms in the group and truly appreciate the parent enrichment portions that are provided when we aren't teaching. We get brunch and a speaker comes in to uplift us in God's Word and encourage us with practical advice for homeschooling issues. I feel that we all have grown in a positive way since we joined this group! And, having 4 kids seems to be the norm! In fact, the majority of families there have 4-5 children each. That is a considerable number since there are 56 families! Beware: Homeschoolers shall inherit the earth! (Or rejoice, as the case may be!)
Church: I saved the most exciting part for last! Renovation Church is why we moved to Ohio. Yes, it was God's command, but this inspiring church was the reason. Many people think of church as a building. We can take that out of the equation here, though. We do not own a building. We do not have a permanent place, really. Every Sunday the curtains, the stage, the instruments, the lights, the sound equipment all go up. Gymnastic equipment is removed to do so and is cleared from other rooms where the nursery and kids rooms are set up. We are not attached to a building. There is no building fund. We do not pay anyone to come in and set this up. Set up and tear down afterwards is done by our family. When I say "our family," I am not talking about the 6 members of the Gaskin clan (though 3-4 help the process) but of the family of brothers and sisters in Christ that make up Renovation Church. We are in this together. We serve together and do so joyfully. In fact, we make it look so fun that many visitors join in (though we never expect them to!) That is what you get with Renovation. You get a family. We hang out with each other, take care of each others needs, watch each others kids, and support one another (more so than many biologically connected families.) I have been lectured on putting my church family before my blood family before, but let me tell you, my church family is my blood family. We are connected by the blood of Christ and that bond is for all eternity. I love my biological family, don't get me wrong, but it is only an earthly tie. My bond with my church family (and my other fellow Christians throughout the world) is a much stronger link. We can never be separated. Not even by death! We are in this together forever and have the same purpose-- to bring God glory!
Renovation Church has been reaching out to the community in many ways. We have been serving the needs of those around us and are planning to serve global needs as well with a trip to Haiti in the spring. Every month brings several new ways to serve and connect with those who need love and Jesus in our lives. It has been a very encouraging year, seeing people saved! Learning and growing together with our small groups, mens groups, and ladies groups has only tightened the bond that our family has. In the current series, we are taking this relationship to a whole new level! Covenant Community delves into how we are "Bound to Christ, United to One Another." I encourage everyone to check out the podcasts !
As you can see, we have been busy but blessed. God has opened my eyes to reveal the opportunities to serve and love in this new area we now call home. Thanks for reading along as we undertake this journey! Stay tuned for more posts!
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