Friday, February 19, 2010

Our First Arrow

I have to offer praise for another answered prayer. Our Abigail thrives on structure and an unchanging environment. So, she was VERY nervous about her first day as a mother's helper. There were tears and she would've backed out, if I would've allowed her. I told her she had to go the first time and then after that it would be her choice, whether to go back. Well, she did fine and is willing to go back again. Mrs. L said Abigail was such a blessing with her gift of cleaning. This may sound like a little thing but it was a big step for Abigail. Thank you Lord!!!

It is such a tender time, as we shot our arrows out on little missions, working up to the day they will daily be in the world ministering . There will only be more and more of these opportunities, as the kids grow. I know that prayer is key to helping them have the strength and courage to fly straight.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Doings

I have to keep telling myself that I don't have to have something "important" to say to blog. This blog is to help me keep a little journal (of which this is the only one I have) of our activities, for memory's sake, and to help keep in touch with family. So, on that note, Sunday afternoon we visited a young family with 6 children, under the age of 8. The purpose of the visit was to see if each family felt comfortable with each other, so that Abigail could start being a Mother's helper for them. They are a very dear family and we are planning on moving ahead with the plan. This is going to be very stretching for Abby, since new folks and new places are challenging to her. I became a mother's helper at about Abby's age and it was a huge blessing to me. It's funny that though we had lots of babies at once, my children have had very little exposure to babies. Abigail was only 5 when Karrigan was born, so she remembers it and she helped with little jobs, but they were all little at the same time and so they don't know know how to care for babies.
Last night was Family Fun Night for our local homeschool community. We had a really nice turnout. The children enjoyed shooting some baskets and trying out some volleyball. Steve surprised us by showing up unexpected, as it wasn't planned for him to be able to come. A great surprise! Dear Steve has been putting in some very long hours lately. On Monday, he got up at 3:30 am to take his mom and step dad to the airport, then worked and didn't get home until after 9:00 pm. He worked a normal day yesterday and got up at 3:00 am this morning to work on a restaurant, while it was closed and he will work a full day today. Yes, I'm telling him what a hard worker he is and fussing lovingly over him, worried about his health.
We head out to our local library every Thursday or Friday to take advantage of their high speed internet and foreign language software. The kids are working on Spanish I. We love Jerri for being so patient for us, while we've ironed out our routine for this. I've been like a crazy woman for awhile, trying to help everyone at once on their computer. We must sign out 6 computers, 1 for the Spanish and 5 for the kid's internet, I then have to shuffle them through. I kid does Spanish on the study computer, while the others do an assigned internet activity. When kid 1 finishes Spanish, we switch out and on and on it goes, while 3 of them are asking for help at the same time and I'm reminding them they're in the library and MUST whisper. We're finally getting this down pat and they can finish their school work in record time on library day, anticipating the fun games they get to play while there.
There's a little snapshot of our life recently.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Abigail Rose

Abigail turned 13 on Sunday. Abby and Silas, only 13 months apart, have been best friends since Silas learned to crawl. At times they were partners in crime. Silas, an aspiring writer, asked me if he could type up a card for her. This is what he wrote to his sister:


Dear Abigail ,
You are a blessing, and a sister, friend, helper and commander. It is an honor to be the brother of such a magnificent girl. I wish you much love and joy.
From your generously loved brother,
Silas.

Not ever having had brothers and sisters, it is amazing to me as I watch the realtionships between my children.