Walks With My Kids

For the past year or two we've been getting together in the morning for our Bible time.  A few weeks ago we started taking a walk once a week instead of the Calvary Chapel Curriculum that we use, and I love.  

Some of the kids scooter or rip-stick and others walk.  We usually take our not-so-well-trained Golden Retriever, Darby.  

Everyone loves it. 

It's almost the end of a school year and I think we sort of need to do it, I mean look at them...don't they look rambunctious?!

Right after Bible class today.

Yesterday was indeed a "happy Mother's Day."  Why?  Because the kids knew it was Mother's Day and they all had something for me. It's not that I want them to give me things, but I was so happy/thankful that they wanted to do something for me.  It truly was the thought that "counted".  I'd give my left arm or leg, or whatever, for them. 

Here is a handwritten note, a Vera Bradley bag, Godiva chocolate bag, hand made earrings and a painting that I got for Mother's Day!  All of them are my favorite things.  

I tell them that they are my Mother's Day gift and I mean it.  Thanks!  I love you!

Have you started anything new at the end of your school year this year?  Have you ever gone on walks with your kids during school?
  

Linked up with  Better Mom Monday.

Happy Mother's Day!

“How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers.”

― Mother Teresa

 For moms of many.... (Author Unknown)

An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard.

I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of.

He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep. An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.

The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour.

This continued off and on for several weeks.

Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: 'I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.'

The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar: 'He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3 - he's trying to catch up on his sleep..

Can I come with him tomorrow?'

One last personal story.  

One evening I called a friend of mine who also has six children.  After talking to her for more than a few minutes I asked her how it is that she hadn't been interrupted yet, and better yet, why is it so quiet on her end of the phone.  I could almost hear her smiling as she told me that she was sitting in her van reading the newpaper.  What?  Why in the van?  She said that when she came home with her kids a little while ago, she stayed in the van when they all got out.  She said eventually they would find her, but until then she had some "free time." 

  Ever done anything like the dog or my friend?!  Leave your comment here!

Small Group Ministry- Retreat this Weekend

This is my 3rd weekend away from home, staying in a hotel.  Someone is making my beds and bringing clean towels as I'm typing this....ahhhh...   The entire weekend cost less than one night at an inexpensive hotel and it includes ALL meals for ALL eight of us.  Immediately when I heard that I told Steve we should go, and then, at some point,  I asked him what the retreat was for.

Back to Small Group Ministry.  Our family is attending this weekend retreat at a beautiful conference center for Officer Christian Fellowship members/leaders. 

Here's  a blurb from the Officer Christian Fellowship about page on their website:

"OCF desires to serve those who serve their country. We have resources available to help military members and their families grow together in their relationship with God and others."

It is a unique and exciting experience to be in a roomful of military or retired military officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force....and everyone is playing nice too.   There is at least one graduate from each of the military academies.  

In the next room there are people taking great care of our kids while we learn about the OCF organization, and there was plenty of time off to swim, exercise, blog, etc., today.

Tonight I interviewed a former Air Force Special Operations C-130 pilot with my kids.  He spent 30 years in the Air Force and my kids and I got to hear some great war, and peace time, stories.  Most of them were probably true!   I took some notes, and if I can get it together I'm going to rewrite the notes and post his story.  He asked if this was part of their school.  Yes.  Do they extra time off?  No.  

He did end up giving them an assignment... should I tell you now or make you wait until I write up the interview?   I'll tell you this, he said they need to read a particular book (no it wasn't the Bible, but I'm sure he would say that one too).  I'll let you know soon.

Are there any books you think kids should read before graduating from high school?  I'd love you to leave me a comment.

My First Toastmaster's Speech Today

I actually like speaking in public.  I had jobs in the Army where I got paid to speak in public and I loved it.  Steve joined Toastmasters a month or so ago.  It meets every other week for an hour at lunch time.  Normally I don't plan to do anything but school and medical appointments during the day, but out of sheer jealousy that he gets to do what he wants when he wants, kinda, I decided to go too.  After all, it's up my alley. 

So, I started going too.  I joined at my second meeting and gave my first speech today.  The Toastmasters plan begins with 10 speeches that are spelled out in the member book (you can also check out the requirements by googling Toastmasters speeches). 

The first speech is called the "Ice Breaker".  The speaker has 4-6 minutes to introduce himself/herself to the group.  Then an evaluator gives feedback in front of the entire group about the speaker's presentation.  I must say, the intention is to build the speaker up and never to tear down so there is no need to fear the evaluation.  And, one of the members gave great advice today.  He said to treat the evaluations like a duck.  Take what you find useful and let the rest roll off your back.  Bingo.  I think that's applicable to other things in life as well.

What was the most difficult part?  Not giving it, not practicing it, but writing it.  Ugh.  I've given many speeches before, but how does one decide how to introduce herself to a group in a mere 4-6 minutes?  

There is a saying that there are three kinds of speeches:  the one you planned to give, the one you gave and the one you wish you gave!

If you would like to read what I said (~very eloquently~) continue reading to see the entire speech. 

Spending Time with Family is Special for a Military Family

Levi

It rained in San Antonio today.  We went out to play in the puddles twice! 

Levi and Sophia

This past weekend was bitter-sweet.  On Friday I flew to Boston to say goodbye to my aunt.  She was married to my mother's brother who is only 14 years older than me.  The summer that I graduated from college, I lived with and worked for them.  Not only did they put up with me, but they treated me amazingly well.  It was a great summer.  

I lived near them a few years later when I was in the Army and stationed in the area, so we spent time together often.   She left my uncle and my two cousins, one is a freshman in college and one graduated from college last year and is in graduate school.  

Almost of our family was there...my mom, aunts, uncles and cousins which was exciting since, as a large military family, we don't get to go "home" often.  I have a wonderful family and I love to visit them.  They know me and they still talk to me and ask how and what I'm doing!

My mom and her baby brothers.  We still call them "the adults." 

My cousins, still called "the kids" although two will turn 50 next year.  (Not sayin' which two.)

Driving around that area north of Boston, I was fascinated with the beauty there.  The clapboard houses (I just pointed out that particular type of house to my kids as we were studying the Revolutionary Time Period in the US), the winding roads, beaches, sailboats.  I decided it is my favorite place in the United States.  Ouch- and I've lived in San Fransisco and Monterey, CA!

A fresh "Lob-stah" Roll.

Center piece arrangement from the gathering of friends and family.