10. We have out of control children. My husband and I have worked very hard at developing good behavior in our children. It is very important to us that we not be that "obnoxious big family". We discipline with explanation and affirmation. What do I mean by that? We always want our children to understand why they are being disciplined and for the consequence of their behavior to be clear (in age-appropriate language) and logical (fitting of the "crime"). We also want them to understand that we still love them. That our love for them is not conditional. Don't get me wrong. We get mad. Sometimes really mad. But no matter how angry or disappointed or even hurt we are, they are still our child and we cannot love them less.
In public, our children know that the rules are still the same. They still try to test us, but the rules of good behavior apply everywhere and despite my mood. This can get exhausting! When you're tired and want to say, "Because I said so. Now go to bed." Oh...that would be so much easier! At least for the moment. But when the same thing happens the next night, it doesn't seem like it's a very good method.
We get a lot of compliments at restaurants. I am not trying to be snobby. You'd be surprised how many people stare at you when 9 of you sit down to a meal, especially at a pizza buffet! Our children ask to leave the table, use fairly good manners (haha) and clean up after themselves. Even at a restaurant where someone else cleans the table. We stack our plates and clean up the floor. We even wipe the table if we are messy. Why? We believe that our witness to our faith is as much in the everyday things as in sharing about who Jesus is.
9. We have no self-control. People think we don't know how we got all these children. They have no problem commenting on our lack of control. One gentleman even suggested that my husband needed to sleep at the pastor's house. With a mischievous grin, I informed him that my husband was a pastor! The look on his face was priceless! We don't have seven children because we are not informed or self-controlled. My husband and I are both college-educated. We've taken at least one Biology class. We have seven children because we are blessed beyond measure with the joy and responsibility of raising young men and women who love God and desire to make a difference in their world.
8. We are overwhelmed and unhappy. There's a difference between busy and overwhelmed. We are busy. I think I would be extremely bored if I wasn't at least a little busy. We love being with our children. They are a complete blast! They make us laugh. They make us think. I love to see each one progress through development in their own style. Our lives do not revolve around them, which can be exhausting, but we include them in our lives. Early on in our parenting (we've only been parenting 13 years) we heard a great illustration. If your child is in the center of the family and the parents circle around them, you won't be able to reach around them as your family grows. If they are a part of the circle, the family can expand without loosing touch.
7. We can never go on vacation. We do go on vacations. Not to Hawaii or Europe. Our family really enjoys the simple trips. We don't camp, but we love state parks. Every winter we stay at a local state park. They have a 2 for 1 special during the off season and now have a family suite with bunk beds and 2 queen beds. We have cultivated some special memories and traditions there as well as a few other select destinations. It's not about the place. It's about the time spent together.
6. We can never go out to eat. As I mentioned earlier, we do go out to eat. We do tend to go places that don't require a tip. There are some special occasions when we budget for those kinds of restaurants. Because we don't eat out often, our children seem to appreciate it more when they do. There was a time when we had a little more disposable income and went out more often. Now that we don't go as often, I notice that they are discerning where they choose and are more grateful to go at all. Even Taco Bell is exciting!
5. We cannot give each child enough of our attention. We can't give each child our attention whenever they want it, that's true. Don't stop reading! If we did that, no one would get a complete sentence in. They learn to be patient and wait their turn because they know they will get the chance to express themselves. Not always easy in the heat of a sibling argument, but they can learn to wait.
4. We cannot give them everything they want. No we can't. What parent could or should? Just spend one Saturday morning watching cartoons with your children or go through the toy aisles. They want everything they see! I have yet to encounter a child who says, "I really don't need anything for my birthday/Christmas/any occasion." My children are definitely blessed with things to play with. Sometimes I have to remind them of the toys they have after they have been playing with pieces of wood (scraps from the house remodel make into great houses and games) or boxes (forts or Nerf gun war obstacles). I love to see the look on their faces when they get that one special thing they were hoping for. Better than a car full of presents to bring home from Christmas.
3. We cannot possibly afford this many children. Who can? My mother said to me, "Don't wait to have children until you can afford them. You never will." There's always something else you could be doing with your money. I find it a challenge to see how cheaply I can get things. I am not an "extreme couponer" or one of those people who doesn't spend any money for months at a time. It's like modern-day hunting and gathering for me. I love to come home and share with my husband the great deals we found that day. That is, if my children don't tell him first!
2. We should not bring more children into an already over-populated world. Check out the stats on Canada. They are not replacing themselves. Schools are closing because there are not enough students. Who's going to pay for their "free healthcare" when there are less people paying taxes? We are not trying to make up for the decreasing population in Canada, but I do think people just assume we are over-populated as a planet. We are doing are best to raise a generation of men and women who care for others and the planet God gave them.
1. We are crazy. Yep. We are. But not in the "have-them-committed-to-the-institution" sort of way. At least not yet. :)
*Disclaimer: I am in no way implying that you have to have a big family to raise a great one. I .can only speak from my experience of being from and now having a larger family. I realize that God calls everyone to their own family: 1 child, 10 children, no children. Regardless, I believe it is His plan for us to love, nurture and mentor a generation that loves Him with all their heart, soul and mind! My hope is that you find this post at least mildly entertaining and interesting.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Boy Time
I am always looking for things to do with my boys. Just me and them. With the girls it's easy. They are happy to paint nails or dress up or go to a local coffee shop and talk. Boys want adventure! They want to build something. They want to destroy something. They would really like to set something on fire!
For years, I have resisted gun play. They were initially not allowed to have any toy guns. I would even search out water squirters that looked like sharks or dolphins instead of guns. Then came the Nerf gun phenomenon. Those were allowable because they didn't look real and only had foam bullets. A few Christmases later, I found myself purchasing 2 Red Rider BB guns. I totally caved!
You have to understand that neither my husband nor I grew up in a family that hunted or even had guns for protection. But now we live in an area where there is a lot of opportunity to hunt. Most of the families we spend time with own guns, usually for hunting.
So I decided that I needed to understand how to use the BB guns, all about their safety and function. Our oldest son and I were doing some target practice and I discovered something. I really like to shoot things! Well, I like to shoot cans at least. It was a great time with my boys (our younger son joined in too). They loved learning a new skill. Of course, within minutes, they had created a competition as well.
It was really fun. I didn't necessarily want to play with guns. I had tons of things to do inside and could have easily occupied myself. But it was so worth it. Not just because it was fun. Mostly because of the memories it gave my boys. I want them to remember me as a mom who engaged in the activities that they were interested in. Don't get me wrong, they are happy to eat the goodies I make during my times in the kitchen. They just reallly appreciate the times spent learning about their interests, knowing them better.
For years, I have resisted gun play. They were initially not allowed to have any toy guns. I would even search out water squirters that looked like sharks or dolphins instead of guns. Then came the Nerf gun phenomenon. Those were allowable because they didn't look real and only had foam bullets. A few Christmases later, I found myself purchasing 2 Red Rider BB guns. I totally caved!
 |
| Taking time to aim. |
 |
| Shooting cans gives immediate feedback. |
It was really fun. I didn't necessarily want to play with guns. I had tons of things to do inside and could have easily occupied myself. But it was so worth it. Not just because it was fun. Mostly because of the memories it gave my boys. I want them to remember me as a mom who engaged in the activities that they were interested in. Don't get me wrong, they are happy to eat the goodies I make during my times in the kitchen. They just reallly appreciate the times spent learning about their interests, knowing them better.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Organizing Art Supplies
As a Homeschool mom, I am constantly frustrated that my children can never put their supplies away in the right boxes. We have ample storage containers that are often empty. No one seems to be able to find a pencil. Crayons are always disappearing...probably in the same place as baby socks and earrings! I am also a Speech-Language Pathologist who works primarily with Autistic and non-verbal children. I tell you that so you will understand my preoccupation with pictures. Autistic children can understand things so much better with pictures and children who cannot communicate with words or signs do very well with picture symbols. I will post more on this later. My hope is to have this blog much more organized very soon so that you can search by topic (I am still a newbie at blogging!).
So why haven't I put my mad visual support skills to use at home? Maybe because I use it so much at work, that I am burnt out (not likely). Or maybe I separate my home from work because we are blessed to have children who are all developing normally. Whatever the reason, I have overcome it and have implemented visuals to help my children remember where to put their supplies. Our children range in age from 21 months to nearly 13 years old. All of our children are equally bad at putting things away! Also, I have noticed that labeling with words doesn't work well, even for the ones who can read. Maybe it doesn't catch their attention as well as the color photos.
My idea is this...put a picture of each category of supplies on each container. Markers. Pens and pencils. Crayons. Glue, tape, and scissors. Simple, right? Then why did it take me so long to do it? The million dollar question!
Here's how I did it:
1. Find images on Google Images. When you find one you like, click on the largest image available. The resolution is best when you copy the largest image. You can quickly copy the photo by left-clicking and choosing "copy" from the menu (I would be happy to provide a more detailed explanation for the less computer-savvy among us). Don't worry too much about the picture. I get a little finicky sometimes and end up wasting time when the perfect picture is not that important. It will not inhibit my children's ability to put away their crayons if it's not exactly like our crayons or if it has a very light watermark on it.
2. Paste the picture onto a document of some kind. I was able to put multiple pictures on a page because I didn't need very large pictures to fit on the supply boxes. Save a tree...one piece of printer paper at a time! I prefer to print in color because younger children are better able to make the connection between the 2D picture and the equivalent 3D school supply. This is especially true of the visual learner, especially individuals with Autism.
3. Cut out the pictures and adhere them to the boxes. My boxes are plastic, so glue or decoupage would not work. I happened to have some clear packaging tape on hand since we were preparing to move. This has worked really well.
4. Organize the supplies according to the picture labels. This is my favorite part! I love the feeling that I get when I look in the school supplies area and see it so organized. I just don't like doing it every week or so!
It has been over a month and one move later and it is still working! I almost can't believe it. They are not perfect, but when they forget, it is so much easier for them to put the supplies away in the correct place. Success!
*To parents of, friends to, or professionals who work with individuals with disabilities: I plan on posting ideas for using visual supports, social stories, and other communication helps. If you have a specific need, please let me know. I would love use the knowledge I have in this venue.
So why haven't I put my mad visual support skills to use at home? Maybe because I use it so much at work, that I am burnt out (not likely). Or maybe I separate my home from work because we are blessed to have children who are all developing normally. Whatever the reason, I have overcome it and have implemented visuals to help my children remember where to put their supplies. Our children range in age from 21 months to nearly 13 years old. All of our children are equally bad at putting things away! Also, I have noticed that labeling with words doesn't work well, even for the ones who can read. Maybe it doesn't catch their attention as well as the color photos.
My idea is this...put a picture of each category of supplies on each container. Markers. Pens and pencils. Crayons. Glue, tape, and scissors. Simple, right? Then why did it take me so long to do it? The million dollar question!
Here's how I did it:
1. Find images on Google Images. When you find one you like, click on the largest image available. The resolution is best when you copy the largest image. You can quickly copy the photo by left-clicking and choosing "copy" from the menu (I would be happy to provide a more detailed explanation for the less computer-savvy among us). Don't worry too much about the picture. I get a little finicky sometimes and end up wasting time when the perfect picture is not that important. It will not inhibit my children's ability to put away their crayons if it's not exactly like our crayons or if it has a very light watermark on it.
2. Paste the picture onto a document of some kind. I was able to put multiple pictures on a page because I didn't need very large pictures to fit on the supply boxes. Save a tree...one piece of printer paper at a time! I prefer to print in color because younger children are better able to make the connection between the 2D picture and the equivalent 3D school supply. This is especially true of the visual learner, especially individuals with Autism.
3. Cut out the pictures and adhere them to the boxes. My boxes are plastic, so glue or decoupage would not work. I happened to have some clear packaging tape on hand since we were preparing to move. This has worked really well.
4. Organize the supplies according to the picture labels. This is my favorite part! I love the feeling that I get when I look in the school supplies area and see it so organized. I just don't like doing it every week or so!
It has been over a month and one move later and it is still working! I almost can't believe it. They are not perfect, but when they forget, it is so much easier for them to put the supplies away in the correct place. Success!
*To parents of, friends to, or professionals who work with individuals with disabilities: I plan on posting ideas for using visual supports, social stories, and other communication helps. If you have a specific need, please let me know. I would love use the knowledge I have in this venue.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Homemade Fruit Rollups/Leather
On my journey toward healthier eating, I have become somewhat obsessed with reading labels. I am especially upset each time I read the label to a product which claims to be "all natural" yet contains High Fructose Corn Syrup as one of the main ingredients. Just because it is made from corn, doesn't make it good for you. Now, I know, "sugar is sugar", but HFCS is in almost everything that is pre-packaged. Here is an article that might be worth your time if you're not convinced: http://drhyman.com/blog/conditions/5-reasons-high-fructose-corn-syrup-will-kill-you/. The title is a little dramatic, granted, but the information is interesting just the same.
The point here is that sugar is the main ingredient in many, many foods. I was reading a fruit snacks box which claimed to be all natural, but listed HFCS as one of the natural foods included.
Makes me angry that they are marketing these products to families, moms like me trying to buy healthy snacks for their children. This product actually has Corn Syrup and Sugar. When you do find a product that doesn't contain added sugars, it can be very pricey. So...I try to make my own fruit rollups or fruit leather with my dehydrator.
First, I need to tell you that they have been field-tested extensively! My own 7 kids and husband love them. We have shared them with our friends, with rave reviews. Some of our friends eat similarly to us and some eat a typical American, pre-packaged diet. Regardless of their taste for snacks, they all really liked them.
Here is the process:
1. Purchase or make applesauce with little/no added sugar. I also like to use applesauce with other fruits mixed in like strawberries or peaches (sometimes Aldi carries these specialty sauces). These mixed applesauces require some blending because they are chunky.
2. My dehydrator came with special sheets that keep the applesauce from dripping through the tray.
3. Pour the applesauce of your choice onto the tray.
4. Spread it around as evenly as you can. This will keep the thin parts from becoming too dry while you are trying to dehydrate the thicker parts.
5. Read your dehydrator settings for the temperature and duration for drying fruit. *In my experience, the mixed sauces take longer to dehydrate as they tend to be thicker. I have found that turning the sheet upside down part-way through the process (when no longer liquid) will help the sauce to dry out faster.
6. After the fruit is done, peel it off of the sheet, cut into snack-size pieces and cover them. I have tried to wrap them in plastic wrap to mimic the store-bought kind, but plastic wrap is not my friend! I can never get it to work for me. So, I have found that an airtight container (plastic or glass) keeps them fresh, though they tend to stick together a bit. Putting wax or parchment paper between the layers of fruit helps with this.
7. My owner's manual for the dehydrator says to refrigerate them. I have never done this for a couple of reasons. One, they go fast at our house! Two, I have found some that had gotten shoved back in the cabinet for a while that were just fine whether they were wrapped in plastic wrap or in a container. Use your own judgement here.
Hope you enjoy these as much as we do. Here's to making small, but important, steps to better health!
The point here is that sugar is the main ingredient in many, many foods. I was reading a fruit snacks box which claimed to be all natural, but listed HFCS as one of the natural foods included.
Ingredients:
Fruit Juice from Concentrate (Apple, Grape), Corn Syrup, Sugar, Applesauce, Gelatin, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Acerola Extract, Mineral Oil (Adds a Trivial Amount of Fat), Carnauba Wax. Gluten free.
Fruit Juice from Concentrate (Apple, Grape), Corn Syrup, Sugar, Applesauce, Gelatin, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Acerola Extract, Mineral Oil (Adds a Trivial Amount of Fat), Carnauba Wax. Gluten free.
First, I need to tell you that they have been field-tested extensively! My own 7 kids and husband love them. We have shared them with our friends, with rave reviews. Some of our friends eat similarly to us and some eat a typical American, pre-packaged diet. Regardless of their taste for snacks, they all really liked them.
Here is the process:
1. Purchase or make applesauce with little/no added sugar. I also like to use applesauce with other fruits mixed in like strawberries or peaches (sometimes Aldi carries these specialty sauces). These mixed applesauces require some blending because they are chunky.
2. My dehydrator came with special sheets that keep the applesauce from dripping through the tray.
3. Pour the applesauce of your choice onto the tray.
4. Spread it around as evenly as you can. This will keep the thin parts from becoming too dry while you are trying to dehydrate the thicker parts.
5. Read your dehydrator settings for the temperature and duration for drying fruit. *In my experience, the mixed sauces take longer to dehydrate as they tend to be thicker. I have found that turning the sheet upside down part-way through the process (when no longer liquid) will help the sauce to dry out faster.
6. After the fruit is done, peel it off of the sheet, cut into snack-size pieces and cover them. I have tried to wrap them in plastic wrap to mimic the store-bought kind, but plastic wrap is not my friend! I can never get it to work for me. So, I have found that an airtight container (plastic or glass) keeps them fresh, though they tend to stick together a bit. Putting wax or parchment paper between the layers of fruit helps with this.
7. My owner's manual for the dehydrator says to refrigerate them. I have never done this for a couple of reasons. One, they go fast at our house! Two, I have found some that had gotten shoved back in the cabinet for a while that were just fine whether they were wrapped in plastic wrap or in a container. Use your own judgement here.
Hope you enjoy these as much as we do. Here's to making small, but important, steps to better health!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
10 Things I Love About Summer
It may seem a little late for some, but as we head into Fall, I can't help reminiscing about how great our summer was. So...I have compiled a list of the 10 Things I Love About Summer.
10. Staying at the cottage. We are blessed to have inherited this beautiful place to spend the summer. We love to be here and to share it with others.
9. Our kids living in their swimsuits. They even try to sleep in them!
8. Having to remind the kids to put on shoes when we leave the cottage. I have forgotten a few times myself!
7. Sleeping on a screened-in porch every night. The weather is perfect, even when it rains. It's so peaceful to hear the rain as it hits the roof.
6. Watching our children learn new skills on the water. This summer they joined the local ski club and participated multiple ski shows. 4 out of 7 of them were in the club this summer. Next year, we are hoping to add another daughter to the club. The kids and I are lobbying for my husband to join as well!
5. Watching our children cheer each other on when they are practicing on the water. I especially love that our 5 year old (who doesn't ski yet) is giving the others directions!
4. Seeing the kids get so excited to see that their parents can still ski and wakeboard. Who says you can't pick it up again? I have been pregnant or with a tiny baby for several summers.
3. The doors are open to the cottage all day. We have redone all the floors so they are waterproof and easy to clean.
2. Laying on the hammocks. We picked up 2 new ones this summer during our mission trip to Ecuador. I love the beautiful colors and how the styles remind us of all our new friends.
1. Sunday afternoon naps to the sounds of the lake. I love listening to the boats flying by, tubes full of screaming children, birds chattering, ducks quacking, the sounds of swans wings beating against the lake, the tour boat captain as he relays the history of our lake, and the waves as they lap against the island.
As sad as it is to say goodbye to these wonderful experiences, I know we will be back next summer!
So, bring on the gold leaves, sweaters and bonfires!!
10. Staying at the cottage. We are blessed to have inherited this beautiful place to spend the summer. We love to be here and to share it with others.
9. Our kids living in their swimsuits. They even try to sleep in them!
8. Having to remind the kids to put on shoes when we leave the cottage. I have forgotten a few times myself!
7. Sleeping on a screened-in porch every night. The weather is perfect, even when it rains. It's so peaceful to hear the rain as it hits the roof.
6. Watching our children learn new skills on the water. This summer they joined the local ski club and participated multiple ski shows. 4 out of 7 of them were in the club this summer. Next year, we are hoping to add another daughter to the club. The kids and I are lobbying for my husband to join as well!
5. Watching our children cheer each other on when they are practicing on the water. I especially love that our 5 year old (who doesn't ski yet) is giving the others directions!
4. Seeing the kids get so excited to see that their parents can still ski and wakeboard. Who says you can't pick it up again? I have been pregnant or with a tiny baby for several summers.
3. The doors are open to the cottage all day. We have redone all the floors so they are waterproof and easy to clean.
2. Laying on the hammocks. We picked up 2 new ones this summer during our mission trip to Ecuador. I love the beautiful colors and how the styles remind us of all our new friends.
(this is actually from last summer, but isn't she cute?!)
1. Sunday afternoon naps to the sounds of the lake. I love listening to the boats flying by, tubes full of screaming children, birds chattering, ducks quacking, the sounds of swans wings beating against the lake, the tour boat captain as he relays the history of our lake, and the waves as they lap against the island.
As sad as it is to say goodbye to these wonderful experiences, I know we will be back next summer!
So, bring on the gold leaves, sweaters and bonfires!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)