I have 3 weeks to go until I am due to give birth to my fifth child. At this point, most pregnant women are begging their doctors to induce. Or they take the induction in their own hands by drinking castor oil, going on long walks or bumpy drives, or by using the method that got them into the situation in the first place. ;-D
I, however, am not ready for this pregnancy to be over. Surprised?
I am a bit overwhelmed that this pregnancy has gone by so fast! I haven't had the chance to really sit down and think about this new child or the way this little one will fit into our family. There is a moment that every pregnant woman has where they can sit and sigh and imagine themselves cuddling their new arrival. It may happen when shopping for the layette or while putting the tiny onesies and newborn diapers away in the nursery. It may happen when they see that ultrasound photo for the first time or feel the baby move. And while I have done all of the above activities, I have not had this emotional moment.
Why not, you ask? The answer is very simple. I have four other kids. That I homeschool. And a Girl Scout troop (that I get NO help with.) And co-op, church, mission trip planning, outreach planning, cleaning, laundry, cooking, couponing, budgeting, yard work, etc. etc. etc. (input a mental image of Yul Brynner.) Not that I don't enjoy many of these activities but I do not get a break. Most nights I fall into bed exhausted and am already thinking about what is in store for the next day. I feel guilty for not calling my family and friends back in Kentucky often enough. But it really is hard to carry on a real conversation while I have kids running underfoot, the washing machine running in the background and I am struggling to see the stairs as I carry up a laundry basket and balance the phone between my ear and shoulder. Even if I lock myself in the bathroom for a moment of sanity or a business call, there will inevitably be a child crying at the top of their lungs outside the door, one yelling up the laundry chute, and another being suspiciously quiet down in the kitchen (sneaking a cookie...or dumping the brand new box of cereal all over the floor I just cleaned.) That is just normal life in our household. It is never dull or boring. And this is the atmosphere I thrive in. At the end of the day I have accomplished what most people take weeks or months to do. I usually have a clean house and happy children and a project or assignment of some sort completed.
I am productive (and reproductive.) But, the one thing that I often put at the bottom of my to-do list is: ME!
If I make the list at all. I know this is a chronic illness with many mothers. I know I am not a lone soldier in the army of child rearing. And with my past pregnancies, I had that moment to savor the new little one. I had time to think about personality and whether this child would look like me or Brian. I had a moment to tenderly hang baby clothes and to marvel about the creation I held inside my womb. But this time, I have hurriedly painted the nursery, washed the clothes without a thought to the wearer, and went down the get-ready-for-baby checklist methodically. Preparing for baby was just one more thing to fit in the day and check off the list. There were no naps to dream about little hands and feet. Baths were another opportunity to get my reading done and not a relaxing time to daydream about how sweet it would be to embrace a new child. Sad, I know. My practicality can be a disadvantage, for sure.
I cleaned and reorganized my bedroom closet this week (trying to make room for the Christmas presents I have to stash...and, yes, my shopping is done.) When I couldn't reach the top shelf because my belly was in the way I became rather frustrated and wished that I could just detach the bump for the time being and clean! Crazy, I know. I keep trudging along, trying to get things done and prepare. I laugh at the pregnancy books and apps that talk about resting and relaxing in preparation for labor day. I marvel at moms who talk about the naps they took while pregnant (and some have as many kids as I do...think homeschool co-op.) So, while I have been busy with all of these things, I have missed out on one of the most amazing things! I have missed out on the development and growth of my own baby. Pretty impressive since it is inside my own body, huh?
That is why I am not ready for this baby boy to arrive. I haven't had my emotional moment to prepare my heart. I haven't taken a deep breath of the irresistible smell of baby. I haven't given serious thought to what this new little man will have in my life. Yes, there will be more things to add to my to-do list, but I have not given any thought to the incredible joy he will bring. And that, my friends, is why I do not want these last 3 weeks to go by. I want to hit the pause button to absorb this moment of maternity (& most likely my last one.) Instead of three seconds, I want these last weeks to feel like 3 years! I want to note each movement inside my womb. I want to stare at the baby crib and sigh in anticipation of the little one that will soon fill it. And I want to fill out the baby book with a note just for this new member of the Gaskin family.
Labor day will come sooner than I would like, I know. I will get my day of rest then. And I fully plan on focusing intently on that tiny bundle that it brings. A day for just the two of us. Ah! The anticipation!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Why we do not celebrate Halloween
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!
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 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!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Master Mason
Please note: Some of you may have already read this since it was featured last week in reality developer, Lana Vaughan's blog
Building Walls
Building Walls
Many of my acquaintances do not know this, but I am a master mason. I excel at building walls. Brick by brick, stone by stone, I set myself up in a cozy tower of walls, built for one. But being alone surrounded by a staggering height of stones can become claustrophobic. It can be stifling. They are much harder to tear down than to build, yet I continually build them up just to destroy them later.
That is where I am at right now…in the demolition process. I hate tearing down walls. It is a messy and dusty business. Of course, it is my own fault for building them to begin with. That is my one major vice: wall construction. Some of you may understand how easy it is for a wall to go up. For others, I will try to explain.
The evolution of the wall begins where everyone starts-on a foundation. The foundation can be different per person or even per wall. Some are built on sinking sand and tumble sooner than others, or they may be stacked high on a rock solid surface. I am afraid most of mine settle on the rock, a loathsome material I have been carrying around all my life called self-reliance or even selfishness. Yes, there it is, I said it. I admitted it. I am a selfish person. I have this part of me (the hermit part) that enjoys solitude so I shut myself off to the world. I dodge calls, skip replying to emails, and hide from my neighbors. This isn’t just some much needed downtime. My break from society starts as a single snowflake of a missed email and turns into an avalanche of months of not wanting to be around people. It is disgusting, I know. It is a nasty habit that goes against what I stand for as a Christian. It is something I battle on a daily basis. Brick by brick.
The current wall I am tearing down reached a staggering height, acquiring stones and mortar over the span of eight months or more. It began with our abrupt move to Ohio. I frantically scrambled for bricks in a need to protect myself against this sudden change. I had to protect my heart which, as those closest to me know, can be very tender when exposed. I had to secure my need for the familiar which only seemed to be my own self at the time. So as each day passed, I laid another brick on the wall. Another excuse to not talk to my neighbor. Another reason to just say a platitude and move on to those at church or even in my family. Another moment of feeling resentment, being neglectful, and harboring fear. Another day when I slowly turned from seeking God’s word and truth to seek out my own. Foolish, I know.
A few weeks ago I was overwhelmed by a sudden sense of loss and loneliness. I was alone. My only company was the hard, cold stone surrounding my now withered heart. Having blocked out most of the light, what else could my heart do but shrivel up? I was killing myself under the weight of my own protection. I carried around a burdensome weight in my chest. Know the feeling? The despair of experiencing those walls closing in around you? The worst part was that I had put them there. It is a bad habit of mine and I should have recognized the signs immediately and took action to prevent it. But a part of me reasoned that I needed familiarity and comfort in that tumultuous change. So, like a fool, I allowed myself to be cornered.
The most tedious part of any construction job is demolition. The removal of the old, rotten parts is never something to be taken lightly. It involves too many upheavals….and emotions. Cutting away the dead flesh never feels good. So, as I endeavor to break out of the tower for one, I find myself growing weary. The only thing that is keeping me going, keeping me energized is the small light I see at the top of the wall. The light of the Spirit. The light of Christ. He is the only who can tear down these walls. I am willing and He has been ready. The process will be long and will take much effort on my part. My need for air, love, and the light of God will keep me motivated to demolish the brick and mortar from my life. I am praying that I will soon retire from being a master mason.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thank you, ma'am!
Just recently I was at a gathering with friends and some people from out of town. As I was fixing my plate of food, my daughter Lena approached wanting something to drink. I handed her a cup of lemonade and she sweetly replied with, "Thank you, mommy!" One of the young ladies from the visiting group was standing nearby and immediately asked, "You don't make her say 'ma'am'?" I laughed lightly, "No, we tried for a bit but it didn't stick." She frowned and insisted, "You should do so until it does stick."
There were several things going through my mind at the moment but having met a young lady at age 17 or 18 who had such a "black or white" picture of the world already (a sad thing, really) and having that young lady who does not have children give advice on child rearing to a woman that is pregnant with her fifth child...well, I thought it best to keep my mouth shut. Besides, it wasn't my place to lecture but to be welcoming and open.
But now I wish I had said something. At the very least it was an opportunity for this girl to get a perspective different from her own. I know that culturally (as in her case) and sometimes generationally (I know my older siblings had to) that calling your parents by the titles of "sir" or "ma'am" is the appropriate thing to do. But to me, "ma'am" and "sir" are titles I use with people I don't know very well. I don't want to be a stranger to my children. I don't want to be lumped into the same group as the cashier at the grocery or the random lady at the park. I want my children to call me "mom," "mommy," or "mother." Believe me, the title of "mommy" has been hard earned.
I understand the need to be respectful to elders and my children address the neighbor as Mrs. Rachel. I have the rule for the neighborhood kids and the girls in my Girl Scout troop call me Mrs. Tiffany. But I don't want the children of my closest friends calling me that. It is an intimacy level issue. I want to be close enough to my good friends' children that they call me Tiffany or even Tiff. Of course there have been those awkward moments when someone I barely know calls me Tiff. I bristle a little at that since it is a nickname that I prefer only those who know me to use. I try to be gracious at times like that, however, since the strangers who call me Tiff have usually been introduced to me by some of my closest friends and family who have without thinking introduced me by my nickname. I am sure those strangers do not intend to offend but rather think that I prefer to be called by a shortened version of my name. So, I let it slide.
I wanted to tell that young lady, though, that being a parent (especially to small children) is about picking your battles. And having my four year old address me as "ma'am" was not a battle worth engaging. Breaking it down, the girl missed two very crucial points when my daughter said, "Thank you, mommy." 1) She used her manners which unfortunately that is not often the case with most four year olds. Though I must say that my children are very good at expressing their thanks to me and oftentimes after dinner I hear a chorus of "Thank you, mom" coming from my little ones.
2) The young lady missed the crucial point or rather sound of the sweetness in my daughter's voice when she said "mommy." That long "e" sound on the end was not just the drawn out sound of her Kentucky accent but a direct link to my child's love and affection. As many of you mothers out there know (and fathers, too), when your child addresses you in a certain tone it can be a window to their soul. What the young lady failed to grasp, and probably will not grasp until she has babies of her own, is that what I heard in my child's voice and what she heard were two very different things. When Lena said "mommy" in that sweet tone, it was her way of saying, "I love you, mom. Thanks for taking care of me." In one simple sound, she had conveyed to me her love, affection, and appreciation as adeptly as if she had given me a hug and a kiss.
So, sorry young-lady-who-thinks-she-knows-how-to-raise-my-kids-better-than-I, but I will take millons of "Thank you, mommy," over "Thank you, ma'am, " any day!
*** No Southerners were hurt, damaged, or otherwise harmed during the event that inspired the making of this blog post.
There were several things going through my mind at the moment but having met a young lady at age 17 or 18 who had such a "black or white" picture of the world already (a sad thing, really) and having that young lady who does not have children give advice on child rearing to a woman that is pregnant with her fifth child...well, I thought it best to keep my mouth shut. Besides, it wasn't my place to lecture but to be welcoming and open.
But now I wish I had said something. At the very least it was an opportunity for this girl to get a perspective different from her own. I know that culturally (as in her case) and sometimes generationally (I know my older siblings had to) that calling your parents by the titles of "sir" or "ma'am" is the appropriate thing to do. But to me, "ma'am" and "sir" are titles I use with people I don't know very well. I don't want to be a stranger to my children. I don't want to be lumped into the same group as the cashier at the grocery or the random lady at the park. I want my children to call me "mom," "mommy," or "mother." Believe me, the title of "mommy" has been hard earned.
I understand the need to be respectful to elders and my children address the neighbor as Mrs. Rachel. I have the rule for the neighborhood kids and the girls in my Girl Scout troop call me Mrs. Tiffany. But I don't want the children of my closest friends calling me that. It is an intimacy level issue. I want to be close enough to my good friends' children that they call me Tiffany or even Tiff. Of course there have been those awkward moments when someone I barely know calls me Tiff. I bristle a little at that since it is a nickname that I prefer only those who know me to use. I try to be gracious at times like that, however, since the strangers who call me Tiff have usually been introduced to me by some of my closest friends and family who have without thinking introduced me by my nickname. I am sure those strangers do not intend to offend but rather think that I prefer to be called by a shortened version of my name. So, I let it slide.
I wanted to tell that young lady, though, that being a parent (especially to small children) is about picking your battles. And having my four year old address me as "ma'am" was not a battle worth engaging. Breaking it down, the girl missed two very crucial points when my daughter said, "Thank you, mommy." 1) She used her manners which unfortunately that is not often the case with most four year olds. Though I must say that my children are very good at expressing their thanks to me and oftentimes after dinner I hear a chorus of "Thank you, mom" coming from my little ones.
2) The young lady missed the crucial point or rather sound of the sweetness in my daughter's voice when she said "mommy." That long "e" sound on the end was not just the drawn out sound of her Kentucky accent but a direct link to my child's love and affection. As many of you mothers out there know (and fathers, too), when your child addresses you in a certain tone it can be a window to their soul. What the young lady failed to grasp, and probably will not grasp until she has babies of her own, is that what I heard in my child's voice and what she heard were two very different things. When Lena said "mommy" in that sweet tone, it was her way of saying, "I love you, mom. Thanks for taking care of me." In one simple sound, she had conveyed to me her love, affection, and appreciation as adeptly as if she had given me a hug and a kiss.
So, sorry young-lady-who-thinks-she-knows-how-to-raise-my-kids-better-than-I, but I will take millons of "Thank you, mommy," over "Thank you, ma'am, " any day!
*** No Southerners were hurt, damaged, or otherwise harmed during the event that inspired the making of this blog post.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Shame on me
I have been sick lately (so please excuse my long absence from posting) and haven't been able to accomplish those things around the house that need to be done. I can be a perfectionist at times, so still having so many boxes to unpack is driving me up a wall. Plus, I have a couple of rooms to paint and finish decorating. A part of me just wants to finally be settled. My internal laments have been working overtime since I can be sick for a couple of days at a time, putting me behind on all my regular chores not to mention the finishing projects of moving into a new house.
Two days ago, I sat down to watch a documentary with my son. He is studying Weather at the moment so he has been watching many tornado, hurricane, and flood videos. On that particular day, we were watching Frontline, an episode that followed an old man who was returning home after Hurricane Katrina. Here is the link, in case you would like to watch: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/katrina/ The story was a sad one of course, because though I have seen some inspiring stories, I haven't seen any from Katrina that aren't sad. This one focused on 82 year old Herbert Gettridge, who had lived in New Orleans his entire life and had returned home after Hurricane Katrina to rebuild his home for his wife's return. I was simply amazed by the strength of this 82 year old man. He was rebuilding his home by himself! Without water. Without electricity. Without neighbors. Without government assistance. There were a few non-profit organizations and churches that came to help him from time to time, but for the most part, he was on his own. His determination was admirable. His persistence, doubly so.
His story touched my heart. His story was one that reverberated with me because it was one I had heard before...one from generations past. Grandparents who had built a house with their own two hands and would do anything to keep it. It wasn't just wood boards and bricks. It wasn't just a place to store their belongings. It was a home. A place full of family and memories and as much a part of them as their name and face. A story that I would love to be my own. A place that my heart secretly longs for and that I struggle to create for my own children. I could see myself in Herbert Gettridge and his struggles, and I could see those of my ancestors. My heart ached for his devastation, triumphed for over his achievements, and grieved for his loss when he brought his wife home to a place she could not recognize.
Afterwards, all I could think of was: "Shame on me!" Here I am in my house with walls, a roof, floors, running water, and electricity....and I am complaining over not getting a room painted. Or because I haven't enough bookcases for all of my books! I have too much stuff and not enough storage. Or I have storage but nothing stored in it! My worries seem very small in comparison to those who have lost their entire homes, their belongings, their families, and....their memories. In the last few months, a wave of natural disasters have occurred across this country in the form of tornadoes and floods. And across the world, with earthquakes and tsunamis. In my comfort, I cannot see their loss as I should. Shame on me!
Two days ago, I sat down to watch a documentary with my son. He is studying Weather at the moment so he has been watching many tornado, hurricane, and flood videos. On that particular day, we were watching Frontline, an episode that followed an old man who was returning home after Hurricane Katrina. Here is the link, in case you would like to watch: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/katrina/ The story was a sad one of course, because though I have seen some inspiring stories, I haven't seen any from Katrina that aren't sad. This one focused on 82 year old Herbert Gettridge, who had lived in New Orleans his entire life and had returned home after Hurricane Katrina to rebuild his home for his wife's return. I was simply amazed by the strength of this 82 year old man. He was rebuilding his home by himself! Without water. Without electricity. Without neighbors. Without government assistance. There were a few non-profit organizations and churches that came to help him from time to time, but for the most part, he was on his own. His determination was admirable. His persistence, doubly so.
His story touched my heart. His story was one that reverberated with me because it was one I had heard before...one from generations past. Grandparents who had built a house with their own two hands and would do anything to keep it. It wasn't just wood boards and bricks. It wasn't just a place to store their belongings. It was a home. A place full of family and memories and as much a part of them as their name and face. A story that I would love to be my own. A place that my heart secretly longs for and that I struggle to create for my own children. I could see myself in Herbert Gettridge and his struggles, and I could see those of my ancestors. My heart ached for his devastation, triumphed for over his achievements, and grieved for his loss when he brought his wife home to a place she could not recognize.
Afterwards, all I could think of was: "Shame on me!" Here I am in my house with walls, a roof, floors, running water, and electricity....and I am complaining over not getting a room painted. Or because I haven't enough bookcases for all of my books! I have too much stuff and not enough storage. Or I have storage but nothing stored in it! My worries seem very small in comparison to those who have lost their entire homes, their belongings, their families, and....their memories. In the last few months, a wave of natural disasters have occurred across this country in the form of tornadoes and floods. And across the world, with earthquakes and tsunamis. In my comfort, I cannot see their loss as I should. Shame on me!
Friday, April 15, 2011
First Shift
Last Thursday, I had some unexpected but very, very, welcome news. Brian sent me a text message saying that he was starting first shift on Monday. I was thrilled! It is exactly what I had been praying for (and the Girl Scout leaders, see previous post). He was moving from second shift to first shift and we would be able to spend our evenings together.
This news is pretty big to our household. At Brian's previous job (in KY), Brian had to work 7 years to make it to first shift. It only took 4 months here. It is something I have been praying over since he took the job. I hate second shift. It is the time of day when everything exciting happens. All of the kids extracurricular activities are during the second shift hours. The whole day is just thrown off, really. Before, it seemed like we had less time to spend together as a family since everything had to be rushed into the morning hours. Homeschooling was dragging a bit too since we didn't start our schoolwork until after Brian left for work. Kids are much better at concentrating when they work in the morning hours rather than the afternoon when the neighborhood kids are outside playing and wanting them to join in.
Another answered prayer, of course! First shift was pretty vital to our family's harmony. Several years ago, I worked second shift and Brian worked third shift. The result was a near divorce and tearing apart of the family! Many people survive on odd shifts, but I knew the only way we would was to lean on God. He carried us through this time.
Our schedule is returning to normal. And even though Brian had to drop his classes at college because the news of first shift came too late to add new ones, he will be able to coach football in the fall if a position should become available. I am sure it will. Football and Brian are like attracting magnets. Come fall, I fully plan on being in the stands of some high school football game, cheering on a new team!
This news is pretty big to our household. At Brian's previous job (in KY), Brian had to work 7 years to make it to first shift. It only took 4 months here. It is something I have been praying over since he took the job. I hate second shift. It is the time of day when everything exciting happens. All of the kids extracurricular activities are during the second shift hours. The whole day is just thrown off, really. Before, it seemed like we had less time to spend together as a family since everything had to be rushed into the morning hours. Homeschooling was dragging a bit too since we didn't start our schoolwork until after Brian left for work. Kids are much better at concentrating when they work in the morning hours rather than the afternoon when the neighborhood kids are outside playing and wanting them to join in.
Another answered prayer, of course! First shift was pretty vital to our family's harmony. Several years ago, I worked second shift and Brian worked third shift. The result was a near divorce and tearing apart of the family! Many people survive on odd shifts, but I knew the only way we would was to lean on God. He carried us through this time.
Our schedule is returning to normal. And even though Brian had to drop his classes at college because the news of first shift came too late to add new ones, he will be able to coach football in the fall if a position should become available. I am sure it will. Football and Brian are like attracting magnets. Come fall, I fully plan on being in the stands of some high school football game, cheering on a new team!
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