Camp Crisp

Camp Crisp 2012 has officially started today!  For the past week we have been compiling lists of jobs, writing ideas, and research ideas for the kids to keep their bodies and brains active this summer.  Amidst the pool days, park days, and beach days we will have many days at home when boredom WILL set in.  This is our family attempt at staying busy and having fun all at the same time.

Here are the kids charts for the next 4 weeks.  Each time they complete an activity, they will put that letter in the day it was done.  For each activity they complete they get $.25.  We plan on teaching them about saving and tithing through this too.

Here are the 6 activities that they can complete each day.  Read, Write, Physical Activity, Practice, Home, and Extra.  We have extensive lists of suggestions for Writing, Jobs around the house, and research ideas as an Extra activity.

Hopefully, this will be the first of many blogs recording our Camp Crisp adventure.  Here we go!

A Prayer for my Kids

One sings with passion while the other stands emitting an energy of annoyance.  One in my arms while the other wiggles from seat to seat.  One stands, trying to follow the crowd, all the while fighting the true desire to sit and draw pictures.

I stand, sing, raise my hands, close my eyes, always keeping an eye on the five wiggly worms around me.  I glance around at the joy and praise coming from others.  I look down at my five, wondering, "What are they thinking?  What did I think when I was a child?  Why is this one so angry?  Why is that one NOT singing?  Is the passion going to last?"

I stop.

I pray.  

I sing.  

I pray some more.

Oh Lord, these souls that are here, let them not be lost.  These words, may they penetrate these hearts.  May they have 10,000 Reasons to sing Your praise.  May they praise You, What a Savior.  May they have their Happy Day, when Jesus washed their sins away.  May they run into the arms of Jesus and may He always be enough.

Gideon is a Gymnast

Check out my little gymnast. 

Gideon has been working on solidifying his headstand.  For the first couple of days he would fall over soon after putting his legs up.  But because of his consistent practice he can now stand on his head for a long amount of time.

I think he's pretty awesome.

Fearfully and Wonderfully

These two girls are different.

 Different and so wonderful.

This girl is a ballerina.  She likes to have a say in what she is wearing, and if she could, would wear a skirt or dress everyday.  She loves her long hair and to have it styled.  She is sensitive, a peacemaker, and a cuddle bug.  She loves having lots of friends around to play with and sees the best in everyone.  This girl, when going on a date with her daddy, asked me to brush her (very knotty) hair and to put it in a side ponytail.  This girl wanted to change her earrings to the "hoops" for her date.  

This girl is fearfully and wonderfully made.

This girl is sure of who she is.  This girl doesn't care what she's wearing, as long as it's comfortable.  This girl likes to wear jeans everyday, even on Sunday (good thing her mom does too!).  This girl doesn't care what she looks like, she's confident in who she is.  Dirt on her face?  Who cares!  Hair a mess?  Who cares?  This girl is loyal.  Her closest friends are important and treasured in her heart.  This girl joyfully cares for all her younger siblings and cousins.  This girl, when going on a date with her daddy, refused a hair brushing and style.  This girl didn't change a thing about her appearance, and she was HAPPY.  

This girl is fearfully and wonderfully made.

I love your differences.  I love who God made each of you.  I love you, my girls.

My Job

I love my job.  I know who I work for.  My boss give chance after chance, never threatening to fire me.  When the work place is a mess, I am not put down.  When my attitude is selfish, I am gently reminded of my necessity to serve.  When I don't see eye to eye with my co-worker, there is confrontation, correction and reconciliation.  When I'm frustrated with my subordinates, my boss listens and fills in the gaps, coming to my rescue when I need Him most.  When I feel like I'm failing at my job, my boss exudes abounding grace.  My boss is ever patient and true.

In light of all that my boss has done for me, how can I give any less to my co-worker and subordinates?

I may not bring home a paycheck for my work, but feel blessed beyond what I deserve to be able to do what I do.  The hearts and lives of the future generation are in my care.

As I work each day, I pray that in my successes and failures, my children will see our Savior.  I know my work is not in vain and cannot be done in my own strength.  May the seeds I sow reap a harvest that enables generations to see our great God, serve Him, and believe in His saving grace.

Gushing

I'm having these new feelings.  I have this strong desire to be around and gush over my newest niece and nephew.  Don't get me wrong, I've always been excited about all my nieces and nephews but this time is different.

Not because they are twins.

Not because they live a couple blocks away.

 And for almost a week I've been wondering where this "gushing" is coming from.

I finally figured it out tonight as I sat, winding down from my day.

I don't have a baby anymore.

I get a lump in my throat thinking about that.  I said this week that I don't need to have anymore babies, because my sisters are still having babies and will give me my baby fix.

I said it, now I FEEL it.

Declan love.

Knox and Parker baby fix.

Mr. R.

He walked from his car, scowling.  His eyes could pierce right though you.  Other than his coming and going to work, I didn't see him.  He was never outside playing with the family.

For 23 years he was intimidating, scary, unapproachable.

He shuffles down the block smoking his cigarettes, flipping his lighter.  He comments on the weather.  Asks about Josh's job.  Compliments our choice to homeschool.  Complains about the township.  Asks about our straw garden, my opinion on children's toys, and home improvement projects.

All this with a smile on his face.  I'm confused.

For the past 2 years, Mr. R. has baffled me.  He has been just the break this tired mama needs some days.  Some days the break comes in the form of a photo taking lesson.  Other days the break is him letting my 5 monkeys play in his backyard for 30 minutes or talking to them as he takes his walks around the neighborhood.

On Garrett's birthday he brought a card down for him with 5 dollars in it.  He calls Garrett, Roadrunner.  I like it.  It's all too appropriate.

I don't know what changed him.  Maybe it was retirement.  Maybe it was a couple of gorgeous granddaughters.

Whatever it is, Mr. R. is proof that you don't have to get grouchier with age and that you're never too old to change.  Just a couple of good things to remember.

Garrett is 8

Garrett,

Today you turn 8.

Can you stop growing?  I don't want you to be taller than me, and that will be happening sooner than you think.

Your loyalty and unconditional love of others is inspiring.  You are always meeting new people, no one is above you.

You love to read the Bible, something daddy and I haven't pushed on you, but something you enjoy doing all on your own.  You often call me over to read a verse or two that has spoken to you.  You often want to share your readings with your class at church, this is such a blessing.  Daddy and I continue to pray that you will always have a desire to know God more.

You are a math WIZ!  You're brain just gets it, something my brain doesn't do.  I am daily blown away at how easily math comes to you.  I am excited to see where this takes you!

You are the best hugger I know.  This is another way that you make people feel important.  A smile and a hug go a long way in this world.

People are drawn to you buddy.  Babies, toddlers, kids your own age, kids older than you, teenagers, adults.  You are endearing, funny, and genuine.

Happy Birthday Garrett.  I am blessed to be your mom.

Math Class

There are times when I wonder what craziness got into us and made us choose homeschooling for our family.  There are days when I am one phone call away from enrolling them in school.  There many, many times when I beat myself up because I feel that I am failing them as their educator.  Are they learning what they need to be learning to keep up with their peers?  Are they learning as quickly as their peers?  There are MANY days like this.  

This morning is different.  This morning is a wonderful reminder of the benefits of homeschooling.  As I sat, drinking my coffee, Gideon ran over to me with a hand full of toys and said, "Mom, watch!"  He then took two of the toys in his hand and began counting, "2, 4, 6!  I can count by twos!!"  A smile is plastered to my face and I don't think it can get any bigger, until I look just beyond Gideon to find Garrett grinning from ear to ear.  When I catch his eye he says, "I taught him to count by twos."  I'm not sure who was the proudest of the three of us. . .

Math Class

Today's Lesson - Counting by 2's.

Dress code - Shirtless.  

Gentleness vs. Wrath

You know the old proverb, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up dissension."? It takes on a whole new meaning when you are a parent.  Frustration, annoyance, and anger can all bring out words and tones that stir up wrath and dissension rather than gentleness and guidance. 

As a mom who home schools, babysits, and has a toddler and a preschooler running around, I can often be found in a state of exasperation.  My voice gest louder and louder with every infraction.  I am so over my sinful self.  

In an effort to hold myself accountable and teach my children a better way to communicate, I have come up with this idea.  Every time I "lose" it (all you moms know what I'm talking about), I have to stop (Immediately!) and go write the verse in our notebook.  Every time a child speaks with harshness and frustration, they too must go to the notebook and claim the truth through writing.  

We've only been doing it for a day and a half now, but it's really been great.  Not great in the sense that I've stopped flying off the handle (hey, we're all al work in progress!), but great in the sense that it does curb my tirade.  I have actually stopped my harsh speak in the middle of it and gone to the notebook to write the verse.  The kids have also taken to it well.  A few of them have been honest about times that I didn't hear the offense and come to me to confess and do their writing.

Here is the first page of our writing exercise.  In one day, this page was marked by every member of the house who can write.  

As you can see, I am the first 5 offenses! 

 

What do you do to stop yourself from losing control in a frustrating situation?  Please share your ideas!!

Many Hands, Many Feet.

I recently posted this picture on Facebook, with the caption, 

"Many hands.  Full hearts.  We are blessed."

I do not deny the sentiment of that.  We ARE SO blessed with our children.  But do you know what all those hands also have?

Wait for it. . .

Two feet!

This is the collection from 2 days of shoes from my beautiful cherubs.  They can usually be found, under the kitchen table, inside the back door, mismatched all over the living room and periodically in their rightful home, a shoe bin in the kids' room.

What other things go with all these shoes?  

Do you know?  Can you guess?

That's right, SOCKS!

 This is the sock collection after one week of laundry is done.  I ask you, how is one woman suppose to keep up with all these socks?  I am convinced the washing machine, couch, and beds eat socks.  How can I compete with that?

This is a picture of the same group of socks from above, laid out and matched up for putting away.  MANY are missing their match.  Some, I'm sure, are tucked away in the clothes drawers waiting for their partner.  Other's have succumbed to the life of singleness.

It is flip flop weather yet?

Confession

My oldest and youngest.

Olivia and Nora

I was caught off guard.

Sucker punched.

I really thought the day would never come,

When I would want another baby.

No, this is not an announcement.

This is a confession.

P.S. - Hopefully, this is also the start of me blogging again.  I miss it.

What's different

Normally when I have a toddler this age. . .

I look like this.

But SHE is that age. . .

And I look like this! 

No, this post isn't about what I look like!  It's really about what I don't have growing inside of me.  We are about to enter a brand new season.  One in which we have never entered before.  Soon we will have a 2 year old and NO new born baby.  I have to say, I'm not sad about this new season.  I can get my "baby" fix via my sisters who are all still makin' babies.  Thanks Ange, Corrie and Cheryl! 

There are moments when I look at Nora and think, "She's going to need to be potty trained in the next year, then there will be no more diapers in the house."  Part of that does make me sad but the other part of me is happy to have the extra 20 dollars a week for groceries. 

I love that our whole family can take bike rides together.  That we can go to the beach for the day without a stroller.  I don't need to worry about a baby monitor when I'm outside.  I don't have to plan my day around feedings.  And many, many more things.

I will miss the new baby smell.  The soothing, only mommy can do.  Falling asleep on the couch after a feeding.  The first eye contact, smile and giggle.

Ahhh, but I am so happy we are entering a new phase of life.  One that is unfamiliar and exciting.  One that, I know, will bring new memories, experiences and opportunities.

Blessed

Sometimes I look around at the dinner table and I wonder how we got to this?  When did we have five kids?  These are the days I feel blessed beyond what I deserve.  I am thankful for 5 times the laughs, 5 times the I love yous, 5 times the hugs.  Children are a blessing from the Lord.  They teach me more and more about my need for the Savior and the weaknesses that He saves me from.

Crazy dinner time.  

Nora expressing her displeasure with being told no.

Nora cheesing for the camera.  As her personality emerges, we are finding that we have a "mini Josh" on our hands.  The most like daddy, in personality, of all the kids.

Esther lives up to her namesake, "A Star".  She is 100% girl.  She wears dresses everyday.  Here she is painting her nails, an almost daily occurrence.

Gideon at 3 1/2, loves to get himself dressed (here his shirt is backwards), ride his bike, and play ball.

Garrett has always done these mosaic drawings.  As he gets older, they get more detailed and creative.  I'm excited to see where this passion takes him.  This one was for dad and mom (although, you can't see my name b/c it's written in pencil.  I guess I was an afterthought.).

The kids have been listening to the Narnia books on CD at night before bed.  They are currently on the final book, The Last Battle.  Here Olivia drew the 4 children from the stories and Aslan.  

The latest on school, life and the kids

School for us is almost out.  6 weeks and counting - and I can't tell you how excited I am about it!  As I sit here nose, fingers and toes ice cold, I am dreaming of summer.

Beach days.

Pool days.

Hours and hours outside.

Grilling out every night.

Bike rides, roller blades, swings and slides.

New this year, will be hours spent at the baseball field, cheering on Garrett.

The kids are just as antsy for summer as I am.  At dinner every night Gideon prays this prayer:
"Dear Jesus, help us love each other and that we can go to the beach.  Amen."

Here's the latest pictures of the kids.  Growing up so fast and so beautifully.  I thank God for them everyday.

Here's Gideon ready for the beach (and a fight). 

Garrett - such a great kid.  We are really excited to enjoy baseball with him this season. 

Nora, loving Garrett's helmet.  She does the greatest "daddy dance" when Josh gets home.  Her love for him melts my heart. 

Olivia with her cousin, Avery.  Olivia is great with the littler girls.  She loves to read and play with them. 

My little princess, Esther.  Everyday she needs to know if she's going to be able to play outside, because it dictates whether she gets to wear a skirt or not.  As girly as she is, she is BY FAR the dirtiest kid at the end of the day!!  

Garrett turns 7

Intensity, passion, extreme.  These are the words that describe you Garrett.  You certainly took his time coming into the world 7 years ago.  3 days late and 2 hours of pushing, our 8 lb. 9 oz. baby boy was born.  You have forever changed the way I love.  Your affection and intense desire to love deeply and and as hard as you can drives me to love in ways that stretch what I am comfortable doing.

You are the first person to greet strangers, high five buddies, and hug/hang on all available family members.  You are learning how to be a friend.  How to love people before yourself.  And are quick to remind me when I need to pray about MY attitude.  Thank you bud.

You initiate school on your own. You love math and anything that has to do with numbers.  You work hard to get things done but also like to get it done quickly.  Sometimes that's not a good combination but most of the time that means you get school done first!!

You are becoming a better reader and are not discouraged when you come up to a word you don't know.  You show perseverance in phonics and spelling.  A great attribute.

You are my best running buddy.  You love to ride your bike along with me while I run.  You don't like when I go across the bridge, you think it's going to fall.  You've been asking me lately if you can run too.  I know you think you're fast enough, but right now the bike will have to do.  Thanks for talking to me and just keeping me company.

 I love you dude.

Two years

Things change.

Things stay the same.

The themes of the last two years.

February 18th marked our two year anniversary of moving to New Jersey.  Honestly, I still don't know what's going on.  I have no idea where God is taking us - what the next step is - or when change is going to come.

Here's what I do know.  As frustrating as it is to be in a hold pattern for the last two years, I believe that God's future plan for us is better than the immediate gratification of what I think we need.  I have faith that this journey is to get us ready for God's perfect plan, not Jess's.  I am challenged daily to sit and wait.  I want to wait as faithfully and patiently as Joseph.  I mean, come on, he was given a clear vision of what his future would look like.  Yet as his life twisted and turned in ways that seemed to not move in line with what he knew, he didn't falter.  He didn't get angry when he was sold as a slave.  He didn't ask "why?"  every day he was in prison after being falsely accused.  He didn't pray for his future, telling God how to get him there.  He didn't wonder.  He didn't break.

Here's the other thing I know.  We are healing.  Our family at Sovereign Grace Church has been the most amazing support, encouragement, and life line we could have asked for.  We are being challenged to see our sin.  We are growing in care for others.  We are growing in our love for the God who controls everything.  Challenged to take that love out.  Share it.  Live it.  For real.

I know that without moving here I would have never home schooled the kids.  I know that for our family this is the best option for us.  I know that I am being stretched and my relationships with my kids are growing deeper because of our choice to home school.  I am so grateful to get to stay home and influence their lives 24/7.  A lot of days it's exhausting.  By 6pm, I'm done.  I am learning to put aside my desires and  wants, not just for the day, but in every minute.  Because, sometimes, that's what it takes to get through the minute.

Finally, this is what I know.  Ultimately, I know nothing.  Things can change in the blink of an eye.  This is a hard place for me to be.  I am being stretched in what and who I put my trust in.  I am walking blind along a path that is dark.  But I hold onto hope (this is my light), knowing that He who began a good work in me, is faithful to complete it.

Shine on.

Just a bunch of fun pictures of the kids

Here are pictures from the last month.  Enjoy.

Esther and Olivia can often be found doing photo shoots.  Yes, this is Esther, on top of a dresser, laying on a pillow, posing like a model.  Hilarious!

Gideon in front of the tree.  Photo by Olivia.

Nora with her cousin, Finn.  She loves him.

Nora and Esther.  Again, the ears were a prop of the photo shoot.  Photo by Olivia.

Olivia and Esther in the middle of a photo shoot.  Photo by Garrett.

This picture was taken by Garrett, while I was in the kitchen.  It actually annoys me, because it's one of the best pictures of the kids I've seen to date.  And it was organized by Liv and taken by Garrett.  Amazing what they can get accomplished when they work together.

Garrett's turn for a picture, because he wasn't in the last one.

More posing.  Photo by Garrett.

I love this picture!  Photo by Esther.

Sisters

Big brother, little sister love.

Self-portrait

Nora and Gid "playing" the DS's.

Nora and her cousin, Joshua.

Esther and her partner in crime  best cousin, Avery.

Garrett reading to Nora.  I love these moments.

Gideon and Nora. Another sweet moment.

After we took down the tree, Esther found the tree skirt and thought it was a perfect spin-a-round skirt.  And she was right!

Sleeping sardines with the Crisp kids.

Nora, really into the dancing.

The 3 olders watching TV on our bed.  Right before I took this, Garrett was playing with Esther's hair.  Again, with the sweet moments.

Gideon enjoying the snow.

Nora eating the snow.