The Good Stuff 2013: Day 12

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

The Geek and I recently attended a Bible study at our church that encouraged us to meet nightly for a "family huddle" ---  a time connect and grow as a family.  We decided it sounded like a great idea and have been coming together every night at bedtime to share the high and low points of our day with each other.  We also read a Bible story and talk about how it applies to our lives.

The little chicklets love it just as we thought they would.  We hoped Boy Wonder would participate too, but he is a teenager, so we had a little dash of doubt.  We have been pleasantly surprised.  There has been no resistance at all.  He hasn't always had a lot to share and we've respected his silence, praying that someday he would open up more.  Tonight we were witness to something that nearly brought tears of joy to our eyes.

We were rushed to call a quick family huddle so the littles could get to bed at a decent hour.  The Geek was about to nix the reading for the night.  Highs and lows were shared and he was about to  head right to bedtime prayers.  All of a sudden Boy Wonder grabs the Bible story book and asks if he could read this evening.  "Of course," we said.  He smiled and began to read.  He didn't just read though --- he told a story.  He used different voices for each character, he asked questions to ensure the story was being comprehended and he shared his own knowledge.  

Sometimes I wonder if what I do is making a difference in my kiddos lives.  I long to see if the things I am teaching them are being remembered or just going in one ear and out the other.  Tonight I was blessed to see that they are listening and watching.  I was rewarded for my patience and can only imagine what I will get to see in the days, months and years to come.

the good stuff --- having a front row seat to my son's faith in action

The Good Stuff 2013: Day 11

Silently, like thoughts that come and go, the snowflakes fall, each one a gem.

William Hamilton Gibson

Today was a much better day than yesterday.  Oh the weather outside was frightful, but that just made the fire in the fireplace all the more delightful.  The cold moods most of the farmhouse's occupants had yesterday were definitely warmer too.  Laughter replaced angry words and smiles took the place of frowns.  

I had to venture out in the cold November rain to grocery shop.  This task is not a favorite of mine and the poor weather made it even less inviting.  Thanks to my quest to make an extra effort to look for the good stuff this month, I mustered up a somewhat positive attitude and saw the time away as a chance to enjoy an hour of mostly uninterrupted thought.  To my delight, I was blessed when the rain changed to softly falling snow as I made my way back home from my errand.  

the good stuff ... watching the first snowflakes of the season fall 

while sitting inside by a warm fire

The Good Stuff 2013: Day 10

Today the littles and I made the trek home from our weekend adventure.  Egos were still bruised due to not doing as well as hoped in competition.  Tempers flared as the long car ride home added to the tension.  By the time we pulled into the driveway we were all a bit testy.  Sadly the day came to a close with harsh words being spoken by all.  

Bedtime prayers included pleas for forgiveness and help in taming our tongues.  Tentative steps towards meeting halfway have been made by all and I am sure complete forgiveness from one another will come with a new day. Goodnight hugs and kisses were the first step in helping hurting hearts begin to heal.

the good stuff --- feeling loved even when you are unlovable

The Good Stuff 2013: Day 9

If you cannot see the bright side of life ... Polish the dull side.

Christina Dodd

I could look at today and be disappointed.  None of my chicklets brought home trophies at the poultry show.  Oh they came close. All three of them being called back for tiebreakers in the age groups for poultry showmanship, but neither they nor their birds are bringing home any metal this trip. 

Yep, it might be easy to feel a bit down in the dumps, but I think the Little Prince has the right idea.   

"Check out my ribbon, Mama! " he squealed with delight.  It may have just been a "participant" ribbon, but to him it signified something to celebrate. Right on little man!

the good stuff ... celebrating the bright side of things

The Good Stuff 2013: Day 8

Travel, in the younger sort, is part of education; in the elder, a part of experience. 

Francis Bacon, Sr.

The littles and I are on a bit of an adventure.  We have gone on a road trip to a poultry show out of  state.  All three of them will be showing off their poultry knowledge at a national competition.  The Geek couldn't take time off work, so I am doing this parenting gig solo.  My mom thinks I am courageous to trek with the chicklets alone, but I disagree.  I have experience at this sort of thing and while crazy might better describe it, I don't think I am all that courageous.  I am just a Mama Hen seeking out teachable moments for my kiddos and trips like this are full of 'em!

Here's a look at Boy Wonder when he started showing chickens.  He's grown so much as a result of his participation in both 4H and other poultry shows.  Too many trophies and ribbons to count line shelves in his bedroom.  The Munchkin has quite a few of her own now and the Little Prince is hoping to earn some honors this weekend too.

the good stuff --- teachable moments along the way

The Good Stuff 2013: Day 7

Even before Christmas has said Hello, it's saying 'Buy Buy'.

Robert Paul

The holiday season has begun.  At least that is what retailers want us to believe.  Decorations are on store shelves.  The mailbox is filling with holiday catalogs.  One of our local radio stations has even begun to play only Christmas music, can you believe it?  I mean we just went trick or treating last week people!

We need to just slow down. Stop rushing things.  Get through Turkey Day and then pour on the Christmas spirit.  It's way too early for all the holiday hoopla.

I might make an exception for the occasional Christmas carol.  In fact I tend to like Christmas music so much, I have been known to listen to it all year long.  It make me smile:). But even I draw the line for Christmas music 24/7 before the Thanksgiving turkey is even being digested!

the good stuff --- singing Christmas carols with your  littles
even if it's rushing things a bit

The Good Stuff 2013: Day 6

“Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.” 

Roger Lewin

Today was another fun filled day with the chicklets.  We all piled into the family truckster for a day of adventure.  The Munchkin took an orienteering class at a local nature center.  Learning to use the compass was a bit tough at first, but she didn't give up.  it wasn't long until I saw  "the lightbulb go on" and she soon was orienteering like she had been doing it for years.  It is times like this that make me especially glad we chose to homeschool.  Having a front row seat to these special moments of discovery are priceless.

the good stuff --- being there for my little's "Aha!" Moments