Science Lessons

So, what are you studying for science these days? My little ones have discovered the joys of the magnifying glass combined with God's marvelous creation. Rarely a day goes by that I don't see them packing the big ole magnifying glass around to look at spiders, earthworms, flowers, grasshoppers, or caterpillars.In these pictures they are looking at a teeny, tiny green caterpillar. I eventually take pity on the creatures they love and release them to their natural habitat (which doesn't include grimy little fingers or glass jars).

I'm getting a huge kick out of Easton and Kiana trailing along on our nature walks with their own clipboards and pencils to draw what they find. This is such a wonderful time for nature walks, in my opinion. The temperatures are nice, school is new (so I don't feel pressured to 'get things done' which results in me cutting nature walks out of our day as the school year progresses), and there is such a variety of life to discover.



I guess my little ones aren't the only ones to discover the joys of the magnifying glass!

Cuteness Factor

Can it please be time to update pictures of my sweet baby boy? Give me a little bit of credit for trying to exhibit some control, okay? Most of these pictures show him right around seven weeks old. He is out of newborn diapers and clothes now (sniff, sniff), but in good news, the last two nights he has slept 10 pm to 6:30 am.
Tyrell is so alert and observant. I couldn't resist snapping this picture of his eyes on Daddy's face while he read books to Easton and Kiana. He was just sure Daddy was talking to him!
Kiana is still adamant that Tyrell is HER baby. I was holding him and talking nonsense to him the other day, cooing "You're mommy's boy, yes you are, are you mommy's boy?" She was reading books on the other end of the living room, but looked up to tilt her head and say "He's mommy's boy AND he's Kiana's boy." Well, okay then, guess we can share!
So cute in this precious little outfit from my friend, Diane. I just drool over that navy blue against his gorgeous skin.
He loves his mommy, and loves nothing more than to be talked to and given opportunity to kick and coo in response.I still haven't captured a good picture of his smile. Wish I had a better angle here, though, because that smile was outstanding.

The Haves and the Have-Nots

You've either got it or you don't, ya know.

It? That indefinable quality that some possess, while others observe with a mixture of bemusement, amazement, and perhaps just a touch of jealousy.

I don't have it. My three older children don't have it. I'm beginning to think Kiana has it.

From whence comest said quality? Is it about physical attractiveness? Is it charisma or charm? Is it a quality of vulnerability or need? As much as I try to analyze it, I simply can't figure it out.

Some people just seem to inspire others to give to them. Not by asking with words. Others are just somehow compelled to give to them.

For example, when our family recently stopped at Wendy's to get everyone a small Frosty off the Dollar Menu, the cashier spontaneously gave Kiana a toy from a kids' meal. She didn't offer one to Easton, nor has anything like this ever happened with any of the older children. At ballgames the other parents walk her down to the concession stand to buy her a treat, they bring her lollipops and popsicles from their own trip to the concession stand, and they offer her toys and such from their purses.

We saw this phenomenon in high school, too, right? There were the elite few whose friendship was so highly esteemed we literally saw people trying to buy their friendship. Yet I see it past high school as well. Sometimes it's evidenced by the line of people vying to watch your kids so you can have time alone. Other times it's gifts of food, money, clothes or trips. I'll buy your supper if you'll go out with me. I'll bring you an outfit to wear if you'll come to the event with me. I'll buy something from your Pampered Chef party even though I don't have the extra money and don't like the products. Sometimes the "if" is more subtle, but the underlying "if I do this for you, will you please be my friend" still lurks in the shadows.

Sometimes I've observed relationships to have an element of sickness, in which the person who is always helping the other friend seems to have a need to be superior. As long as I am giving to you and helping you, that makes me feel somehow 'better' and 'needed'. The recipient then seems to play the role of continuing incompetence and neediness. . .because I suppose that *would* be easier than doing it yourself, right?

While these are two seemingly opposite types of situations, they still involve that quality some possess which inspires others to give to them. For the have-nots, that would just never work.

I think I'm too independent to play a role in these types of scenarios. I've referenced before the way I was raised in regard to taking care of myself. I've been told before that I just seem to have it all together, that I don't seem to need any help. I examine myself and wonder if that's just pride in my life, for I constantly battle this ugly sin. Certainly pride plays a role in my refusal to 'buy' a friend--like me for who I am or don't, I guess. Yet I don't think it is pride that makes me want to be independent. I don't know for sure, I'm still trying to figure it out. But I do know that no one ever really has it "all together". No one ever stops needing to "get by with a little help from my friends". I guess I feel like this is just understood, and there is no point in going around complaining about my life or my needs. I feel like I'm pretty real and those who take the time to know me are fully aware of my many shortcomings, needs, and weaknesses. (I'm chuckling as I type this--no need to list them, please! smile)

To be absolutely real, there are times I feel a pinch of jealousy for those people who have lots of things given to them. A part of me would love to be gifted with a freezer full of meat instead of saving money every month to buy some of our meat and raising and butchering the rest. I wonder what it would be like to have someone so badly want me to go with them to a Beth Moore conference or a homeschool conference that they offer to pay all the gas and motel costs. It would certainly have been easier to adopt our children if we had people giving us thousands of dollars (not to minimize the supportive hundreds of dollars we WERE blessed with) and sponsoring benefit dinners, garage sales, and donation buttons on their blogs to raise money for the adoption costs. It would simplify my life if people volunteered to teach my children how to play musical instruments (for free) or come and do my laundry.

Yet deep down I know easier is not necessarily better. I know when we work for something, we appreciate it more. I know the growth which comes through persevering is more valuable than free and easy stuff. I know the Bible says if one doesn't work, neither should he eat. And as I read back through the above paragraph, a voice in my gut tells me I wouldn't let someone pay my way to a conference, but would insist on paying my fair share, nor would I allow someone to teach my children music without some sort of payment or trade in return.

So what does this mean as a 'have-not' parent raising a 'have' child? I'm not sure--writing this post was supposed to help me figure this out! I care a great deal about her character, and want her to learn the value of perseverance and hard work and the growth that comes by doing without rather than receiving everything on a silver spoon. Perhaps it comes down to not abusing this quality that prompts others to give to her; perhaps it involves somehow guiding her away from a sense of entitlement; perhaps it involves teaching her to give more than she receives.

Patience Rewarded

Easton has wanted to play soccer for a really long time. Before he was two years old he could dribble a soccer ball across our living room. Part of this, I'm sure, came from having an older brother and sister playing soccer. I've always wondered, at the same time, if part of his interest and ability might be genetic as his birthfather played soccer for years and then coached soccer. I think it will be very interesting to watch and see just how much he really likes it and whether he excels at this sport.

In our town, children can't play soccer until they are four. Easton has patiently watched big brother and sis play, hanging out at the soccer field over and over, waiting for his turn. He has known all summer that "after Destry's birthday" he would be able to play soccer and asked me hundreds of times when that day would arrive. We bought the shoes and the shin guards, and he was ready to go. He wore them every day, asking me when soccer would start. We finally made a paper chain to help him count down the days.

Hurray! The big day finally arrived!! You'll be glad to know that we removed a link each day between naptime and suppertime because soccer practice starts at 6 pm, and that way I didn't have to listen to it all day. So, on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at approximately 5 p.m., Easton removed that last link and sat down to eat supper before his very first soccer practice.He thought he was pretty big stuff out on the soccer field, and listened attentively to his coach.
He might have listened too attentively. . .When he was assigned a position in the scrimmage and told to 'stand right here'. . .well, stand he did!! He wasn't the only one! Oh, it was so precious!
He was very involved, and could only spare me the slightest of glances. He eventually figured out that he could move around and had a great time running and kicking.
While all the kids out there were just as cute as could be, well, I couldn't help but think he was the cutest one on the field! We're going to have an interesting few weeks. He wanted to make another paper chain today so he would know how much longer until his next practice (it's tomorrow night!).

As Summer Ends

Since the summer is pretty well over, I thought I would summarize a few fun events from the month of August.
The pool was great fun this year, and Easton and Kiana had no fear of the water. I outfitted them with life vests and floaties and found I could relax and enjoy it as well.

The kids loved it when mom and dad got in the pool with them, and they were even more thrilled when friends came over to join in on the fun. I don't know how many hours they spent in the pool or on the slip and slide, but it was definitely a hit for the summer. Easton is still adamant that he wants to go swimming, but the pool is in the process of being drained because I know the water's cooler temperature and the wind would result in a cold and whiny wet boy!
How would shoes get so muddy, you ask??
Well, aside from the fact that we had mud all summer long from all the crazy rain, we had a fun night at a local rodeo. Easton was thrilled to play with his good buddy, Zayne, and they ended up two very dirty little boys. We had a lot of fun enjoying the rodeo and companionship with friends, and then everyone showered when we got home past bedtime.
Easton doesn't look very thrilled here, but he and Kiana love the baby chicks we are raising to eat. We used to get them around Easter and butcher in early June, but it seems that time of year is always so busy with baseball and other activities, so last year we got them in August and butchered in October. That worked out great, so we're doing it that way again this year.
The kids love to hold the baby chicks, and whenever friends come to play they are quickly invited to hold the baby chicks. "Here are the rules," Easton tells them. "Don't step on them because they will die. And make sure you shut the door because Pilchard (the cat) will eat them."

Another rule has recently been added to the list. "Don't get a bunch of chicken feed and dog feed and spread it all over the floor."

Would you like to guess why this rule has been added? (Don't let this innocent face fool you!)
The summer isn't complete without our annual trip to the IOWA STATE FAIR.
Even though we have baby chicks at home, they still capture the children's attention at the Fair (although they didn't quite understand why they couldn't hold them!).
Easton especially loved the baby piglets. I like this setup better than ours at home, where our pigs are in the mud. Hopefully, we'll have some piglets in the next few months for the kids to play with at home.
Briana thought we couldn't go to the IA State Fair without getting a picture of the annual butter cow. I can't help but think of how much butter that is--and how long it would take to make it all!
Easton immediately recognized some of his favorite characters from "Green Eggs and Ham".
The fair is never complete without a quick trip down the big yellow slide! Easton was also thrilled to ride the ski lift, and Kiana has mentioned the roller coaster several times since our trip. She thinks we should go back to the fair to ride it. I don't have the heart to tell her that she'll probably be 15 before she is considered tall enough to ride a roller coaster!!! :)I thought this picture of Kiana feeding goldfish crackers to her little cousin, Mya, was just precious. The funny part is that Mya's mouth was completely full of them already!

We've been blessed with a wonderful summer, and as much as I love the Fall season, I am not quite ready for it this year. But ready or not, here it is!

Cornrow Headband

After the style with partial cornrows, a friend suggested I cornrow the front of Kiana's hair to the side as another option to keep her back curls loose. I'm happy with how this turned out--it's really cute. It took me right at an hour to detangle, cornrow, and decorate with beads.
I love that I get to see those beautiful curls, yet her hair looks styled and the front is back so I can see her pretty little face.

Quit You Like Men

Destry turned 13 this week. I am still a little in shock wondering where time has gone. On the other hand, I have seen amazing growth in my son. I think back to his younger years and times that he was so busy and energetic that I didn't know what to do with him. I think of times it seemed he broke everything he touched, and times his anger got the better of him and he lost control and would even hurt friends. I think of when I despaired of him ever being responsible, industrious, conscientious, or considerate.

Yes, I have definitely seen the Lord working in Destry's life. God has given him a sense of compassion to help and protect. Many have shared with me how he has blessed them by opening doors, carrying things for them, and changing their flat tire. Through the fruit of the Holy Spirit, he is gaining self-control over his emotions. We can count on him to help with things around the farm and know he can take care of a situation when it arises. He is more diligent in his schoolwork, and takes initiative around the house and farm when he sees that something needs done. Instead of getting frustrated and giving up when he encounters a problem, he is gaining the maturity to apply problem-solving techniques. He has grown from being a follower to being a leader.
Alan and I have been noticing these signs of maturity in him, as well as other physical signs of him beginning the journey toward manhood. Alan has long planned to do something to 'call out' his son from childhood into manhood. We don't think this time is about an arbitrary age, nor even just about physical maturity, but other less tangible evidences such as maturity, self-control, responsibility, respect, etc. This is certainly not something everyone has to do, nor should anyone do it just like Alan did with Destry. The time seemed right to us, as his parents, to initiate a rite of passage and indicate to our son that he is leaving childhood and journeying toward manhood. (These rites of passage have been a theme throughout many time periods and cultures. Interestingly, in this age of no such custom, many American boys resist becoming men far into their 20s.) Alan plans to continue this theme at a couple other moments throughout Destry's maturity with more men who care about Destry and can help guide him as he becomes a man.
Alan's theme for this initiation ceremony revolved around a toolbox and several tools. The toolbox represented the Word of God which holds all the tools a man needs throughout his life. Each of the God-fearing men presented a different tool from the box and related it to practical and spiritual applications. For example, a tape measure and square remind a man that he must have a standard throughout his life, and that standard must be the Word of God. Everything in his life must be measured against it. The hammer represented strength--physical, spiritual, and mental. The safety glasses represent the need to protect his eyes and heart.
The men affirmed Destry as they have seen growth in his life. They shared fellowship with him, and discussed what a man is and is not, and shared stories from their lives.
They laid hands of acceptance and unity on him, sending him forth with a purpose to be strong and show himself a man walking in the ways of God (I Kings 2:1-3). They prayed over him, and blessed him. They shared their hearts and committed to be available to him for support, counsel, and a helping hand when he stumbles.
He was blessed by this time of fellowship and counsel, and it seems to me he's walking a little taller since this time which both acknowledged his place at this time in his life and challenged him to be on guard, stand firm in the faith, be a man of courage, be strong, and do everything in love (I Corinthians 16:13-14).
We are so grateful to these men for their love for our son, and for their willingness to walk beside him as he grows in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14