Our Family Circus

Our reading list for May: Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis      The story of a young woman who gave up the "American Dream" that she was well on her way of receiving to answer the call of Christ to the orphans and poor in Uganda.   *Warning* your heart will be changed.   I read the book and now 9 year old Dolly is sleeping with it as she reads through it.   I wonder if the next "Katie Davis" is not sleeping across the hall. Before I Was Born by Carolyn Nystrom      I borrowed this book from our Pregnancy Care Center to help us to communicate God's design for sex.  Other books in the series are:   The Story of Me (ages 3-5.)   What's the Big Deal?  Why God Cares About Sex (ages 8-11.)   Facing the Facts: The Truth About Sex and You (ages 11-14.)   This book is #2 in the series. It came with some giggles, pictures, and conversation. ...

My sister said I was no good at sharing.   The older I get, the more I see.....she is right! Yes Kim, I said you are right!!!   Seven years ago or so, tomorrow would have been the day that I looked forward to all year but not now, I kinda dread it.   You see for this homeschool mama living in an area rich in playmates, public school gets out tomorrow and I am gonna have to share! Thankfully the children have one more subject to complete which gives me a few minutes that I can still hog them to myself.   But as the knocks on the door begin, that time will go faster and faster as they are motivated to finally finish their school work. I really like where we live.   I adore those sweeties who knock on the door and am so thankful they are close by and have precious families.....I am just not a big fan of sharing my BFFs.   You may borrow anything from our kitchen, you can HAVE the television and clothes from the cl...

When I began this lonely blog, we had 3 young children.   I have been a bit quiet and that is because our Family Circus has added a couple of rings so to speak. Two summers ago, a young man came to visit us.   He was 15 then.   Well, he never left.   He has size 13 feet and is tall, dark and handsome.  To work with teenagers is not the same as living with one.   We have learned lots and I am thankful that My Dear is on my team and we are of like mind when it comes to parenting.  It has been a journey of mountains and valleys and continues. Over Mother's Day weekend, I realized how blessed that we are that God would entrust us with any children especially one who's heart is battered.  It keeps us on our knees before The Throne reminding us that we NEED Him!   Next month, we will have had my beautiful 22 year old niece living with us for a year.   One night, we were laughing toge...

Today, the younger children and I attended an African Children's Concert by a group called Watoto from Uganda.  After the event, our 5 year old walked toward the CDs, small enough to squeeze between people and snatched one to check it out.   There were 2 available and she chose the one with the cover she liked best.   It just so happened to be $5 more than the other.   I looked at the songs and asked her to please get the other one because there was a song on it they had sang that I liked.   She looked at me said, "No, I don't want to get that one."   I of course asked why and she said, "because that song made you cry." TRUE!   So I tried to explain to her that we need God to break our hearts.  TRIED! As you can imagine....we left with the expensive CD and a child who promised to pay me back for it when we got home....*making a mental note to ask about that in the morning. We got home and began her school ...

This morning a young woman hopped around the church and shared with me that she was singing a solo.   I aked her in what part of the service because I did not want to miss it! As this middle schooler stepped toward the microphone and sang about our incredible God, my eyes began to fill with tears. You see two years ago, this little lady came  to our AWANA club via the bus ministry.   One night she got very upset with the directions that were given to her and I had to  literally use safe physical managment techniques to contain her.   She is my height and could probably flatten me.   My friend, Tom, stood close by making his presense known as he allowed me to work through this struggle with her.   It left me mentally, emotionally, and physically whipped!  BUT, for some crazy reason,  she continued to come to AWANA.   I sought her out each week in attempt to mend my relationship with he...

I am the middle sister.   I have an older sister and a younger brother.   Because I am the "little sister" my wardrobe, for the most part, was prewashed- to say the least!     One day, I asked my sister if I could wear her nightgown.   She replied no.   I informed her, that was okay because soon she would out grow it and it would be all mine!   My sister said, "Oh NO It Won't!"   AND as usual, my sister's determination won out.   I NEVER owned the nightgown.   She kept it hidden away from me until I was too grown to fit in it or even want it.   BUT THEN.....   a blue eyed, blond middle sister won her over and cleaning out at home, she loaded a trash bag of goodies for my house.   So, Kim, this picture is for you!             Nana, nana, boo, boo, I HAVE THE NIGHT GOWN!!!

I used to try to blog once a week and now I am trying for once a month.   I know it appears as if nothing is going on but it is just the opposite! My sweet niece moved in with us, yes, we are a full mini van! We celebrated a year of Tall, Dark, and Handsome being with us. Billy celebrated his 11th birthday. My Dear began a redo on our rotted deck. Got to visit with my dad and Miracle Mama. We started school using Tapestry of Grace and Easy Grammar with good ole Abeka math. We added Miss B. to the mix of school- she is so fun! I resigned from my part time job to continue doing some of it for free!   Only Jesus would call someone to do that! AWANA began! Billy was hospitalized with pneumonia. Miss B. and Dolly attended a Teddy Bear Tea Party Billy earned his green belt in karate ( a week after his hospitalization!) Attended my High School class reunion.   FUN! and we ate, slept, laughed, cried, prayed, praised, loved, and di...