How to Make a Request~Reader Mail Part 2

Reader Tania at In the Dovecote sent the following question.  The response is very long and involved so I have divided it into a series of post over the next few days.

On an unrelated note... how/when do you start training your children? 


I'm asking because, today I was reading to Bella and she wanted to eat the book (from the library) I said 'no' and held it out of her grasp, and she started to fuss a bit. Now, I don't know if she was fussing because of that or b/c she was tired (it was almost nap time). We want to be firm and train our children right from the start, but on the other hand I don't want to go overboard and be super strict and harsh. 


Eg. the other week we were at the corner store and a mother comes in with her little boy, about 3. She says 'We are just returning the movie and leaving.' He runs over to the candy and starts to say he wants some. She says 'No, come here.' He doesn't obey. Mom stands at the door for a while waiting. Boy starts to whine. Mom walks over to him and says 'no you can't have candy. Let's go.' Boy picks up a candy and runs to the door, saying he wants it. Mom says no, he starts on a temper tantrum. Mom says she is not going to get out her wallet just to pay for a 5 cent candy. Kid continues to whine. She says 'Do you really want me to take out my wallet just to pay for that candy.' He says yes. Finally mom gives a big sigh, hands the cashier .5 as she says 'He just HAS to have that candy!' and the child walks out all happy he got his way. 


My thoughts: Mother should have gone over to the the boy and taken him out of the store the moment he ran over to the candy. Even IF he had a temper tantrum. But my idea is that if he had been trained correctly in the first place, he wouldn't have bothered trying to have a 'temper tantrum'. 


What do you think? Sorry if you've already written a post about this, please just direct me to it. Thanks :o) 


Hugs, 


Tania 


Hello, again.  As we continue our discussion on when and how to begin child training, let's again review the situation described in Tania's letter above.  There are so many important training factors to consider in this situation.

Training your children on the proper way to make a request

A sweet please, not whining and not begging, and a clearly stated request is the only acceptable way to ask anything of anyone. End of story.  Beyond the training period there are no second chances.  If a child does not ask right the first time they will receive a no.  "Mama, may I please have a piece of candy?"  That is the way it must sound.  If the child fails to ask this way, Mother may respond by saying, "No, you did not ask properly."  Mother should then demonstrate the way she would like the request to be stated and end the discussion with an encouraging hug and, "Next time be sure to ask properly so I can consider saying, 'Yes.' "

Be careful to consider the request before responding

As moms we can get busy and distracted and respond before we have really weighed the question. Many times we say "no" when "yes" would have been acceptable or "yes" when really "no" should have been the answer simply because we don't stop to consider the question. There are so many times I must say, "no".  I like to look for opportunities when I can say "yes".  It is nice to be the fun guy once in a while.  Let's save "no" for when it is truly necessary.  

It is important, except under extreme situations, not to make a habit of changing our answer once given.  It confuses our children and gets them into the habit of thinking if they persist we will give a different answer.  This can inadvertently set them up for whining and begging.  Both bad habits we don't want to train into our children.  

I don't mean to say we should be permissive. Not at all. Consider this example. Sammy has asked for a piece of candy. Now, as a general rule, we do not allow our children to eat candy. It just isn't good for them.  We also have a lot of allergies and kids wearing braces.   Therefore, typically, the answer would be "no".   Now, if I don't stop to think about the situation I would just spit out "no" and go on. However, perhaps, Sam hasn't had a treat in a long while and he has been particularly helpful with my errands that day. None of the children wearing braces are along on this trip and the treat he asked for does not have chocolate or nuts in it so we needn't worry about his allergies. Why not say "yes" this once, reward him for asking politely and feel like a hero when I hear his sweet, "Thank you, Mama!"

Likewise, sometimes we say "yes" automatically when the answer should have been "no" or we should have gotten some more information before answering.  Consider this.  Before I took him to town, Samuel went to the bank with Pa.  I must ask another question.  "Samuel, did you have a lollipop at the bank today?"  Samuel would say, "Yes, he did."  And then I would reply, "That is probably enough treats for today, then."  Samuel, will then politely say, "You are right, Mama.  Thank you for thinking about it."  We go on about our shopping.

Now, I think practice is so important here.  Role play this through at home.  Then when you get to the store your child will already know what to expect.  This application is useful for just about any situation in which your child will make a request of you.

A child must be taught the right way to respond 

Again, role playing is so useful here.  A child must be taught to accept "no" as cheerfully as he accepts "yes".

I like to do something like this.  Have a handful of treats, say jelly beans.  Have the child request one using the acceptable way to make a request.  "Mama, may I please have a jelly bean."  First, Mama responds with, "Yes, thank you for asking the proper way."  Give child a jelly bean.  Child will respond with the proper, "Thank you, Mama."  And while she eats it up you will discuss how the Bible tells us sweet words are like an honeycomb.  And when we ask properly we receive a reward.  I like to include some discussion about the immediate reward, a jelly bean.  And long lasting rewards, knowing how to treat people right and being known as one with a sweet spirit.  And the eternal rewards, "If we ask Jesus for a request that is in His will, He will give it to us."

Next, is to teach the proper response to "No".  This time let the child know you will respond "No" and what response you will expect.  "Thank you for your consideration, Mama."  or "Thank you for thinking about it."  or whatever response you would like to hear from your child to acknowledge that she is cheerfully accepting your answer.  Make sure the child repeats the response to you before you begin so you are certain she knows the proper response.

Then have her again make the proper request.  You respond, "No" or "Not right now"  or some other simple negative response.  It is important not to give an explanation at this time because you do not want to train your child to believe they should expect an explanation from you.  Your "no" should be all they need to hear.  At this time, if the child does not respond offer a gentle reminder by whispering the practiced response in her ear and asking her to repeat it.  Do this over and over until the child firmly has it down.

At the end of these sessions, I like to reward the child with a jelly bean for their obedience and well learned response.

Now, let's look at the example you gave and see how the situation could have played out differently.

#1 If this child had practiced previously, this would have been a non issue.

#2 If the  mother made a habit of saying what she meant and meaning what she said, it would have also been a non-issue.  However, that is clearly not the case.

When to Start Training~Reader Mail Part 1

Reader, Tania at In the Dovecote, sent the following question.  The response is very long and involved so I have divided it into a series of post over the next seven days.

"On an unrelated note... how/when do you start training your children? 


I'm asking because, today I was reading to Bella and she wanted to eat the book (from the library) I said 'no' and held it out of her grasp, and she started to fuss a bit. Now, I don't know if she was fussing because of that or b/c she was tired (it was almost nap time). We want to be firm and train our children right from the start, but on the other hand I don't want to go overboard and be super strict and harsh. 


Eg. the other week we were at the corner store and a mother comes in with her little boy, about 3. She says 'We are just returning the movie and leaving.' He runs over to the candy and starts to say he wants some. She says 'No, come here.' He doesn't obey. Mom stands at the door for a while waiting. Boy starts to whine. Mom walks over to him and says 'no you can't have candy. Let's go.' Boy picks up a candy and runs to the door, saying he wants it. Mom says no, he starts on a temper tantrum. Mom says she is not going to get out her wallet just to pay for a 5 cent candy. Kid continues to whine. She says 'Do you really want me to take out my wallet just to pay for that candy.' He says yes. Finally mom gives a big sigh, hands the cashier .5 as she says 'He just HAS to have that candy!' and the child walks out all happy he got his way. 


My thoughts: Mother should have gone over to the the boy and taken him out of the store the moment he ran over to the candy. Even IF he had a temper tantrum. But my idea is that if he had been trained correctly in the first place, he wouldn't have bothered trying to have a 'temper tantrum'. 


What do you think? Sorry if you've already written a post about this, please just direct me to it. Thanks :o) 


Hugs, 


Tania 


Dear Tania,

The short answer is this.  Whether you do it intentionally or by your lack of purpose, your child is being trained from the moment she is born.  Everything you do and everything your child observes and every response you give to your child is training her, for better or worse.  It is far better to decide what you want from your child and who you want her to be, and then set on a path to develop it from day one.

In raising my children, I have found what is trained by age two or three (in the realm of obedience, respect and right responses) is what you will have until your child is grown.  Not that you can't start later, but it is a lot harder and your child will have to fight that sin nature the rest of their life.  You are right to want to nip your Bella's whining in the bud immediately.  The longer such a behavior continues the more of a bad habit it becomes and the harder it will be to break later.

Dealing with your child's bad behavior immediately is an act of kindness and mercy, not a sign of harshness or intolerance or stifling to their development, as some would have you to believe.  What can be squelched with a simple reminder at 9 months old will require a long drawn out fit and training session to undo later.  (Note the preschooler in the market.)  Furthermore, once a child knows the right way to behave and the right way to respond, he can enjoy the freedom of exploring his world around him in safety and abandon without infringing on the rights of the rest of the world.  It is a win-win situation if there ever was one.

I so love this question! Because I see situations like this all the time.  I drive my family nuts because I won't think twice before saying to the mom, "You aren't going to let him have it are you?" Or sometimes I will direct my comment, in an intentionally loud "whisper" to whichever of my family members might be standing nearby... but really speaking to the mom, of course.  "She should take that child out of here and not let him have anything." or "Well, if she hadn't given in to him in the past he wouldn't be throwing a fit now."

You are so absolutely right! No matter what, that child should have been removed from the store and not gotten what he wanted. And on the second count you are also right. The child threw the fit because he had success with getting his way by throwing a fit in the past.

I can, with absolute certainty, say my children never throw fits for me. And why? Because they know it won't work. Likewise to whining, begging or pouting. They know that anything besides asking politely and accepting "no" as sweetly as they would accept "yes" will not only fail to be met with reward but will instead be greeted with punishment.  End of story.

This was not always the case.  With our Kaitlin I had no idea how to train a child.  I lived on the advice of pop culture and others who had no idea how to train a child according to God's word.  And it showed.  While she was a smart, articulate, creative and a personable child, if things did not go her way, Kaitlin was a terror and all the world knew it.  

After I gave my life to the Lord, I realized if He gave us instructions for everything else, there must be instructions for child rearing as well.  He indeed has included much for the parent who wishes to learn in the Bible.  The book of Proverbs alone is filled with useful information on this topic.

When we started attending our church we were blessed to be surrounded by many very large home school families.  I was impressed by the kind, thoughtful, and obedient spirit which surrounded many of these children.  I began asking questions, studying their families and seeking out resources to learn how it was God wanted my children to be raised.

Above all I was determined to not repeat the mistakes I had made with KK.  Despite what the world will tell you, well trained children are not a fluke, a stroke of luck or simply a blessing bestowed upon certain people and denied others.  It is the result of careful, diligent and dedicated hard work.

And it is something anyone can accomplish, if they will but apply themselves.  It is not for the weak  of heart.  So brace yourself, seek the Lord for strength and gear up for a fun ride.

Stop back tomorrow for the continuation of this series.

Pegged

Scott Adams has got the Wachters pegged on this one.  We've even been known to have the neighbor's to do list on our white board.  Don't believe me?  Read about it over here.    

 Anyone else addicted to the white board?  I find people can't resist it.  Just about everyone who comes to our house has to give in and put something there.  What would you scribble on the Wachters' board?

Duckies

The girls made this video last August when they were babysitting for girls' night.  Somehow, I keep thinking I need to get it up here and I keep forgetting.  Here it is at last.  Remember what I said about them having to much time on their hands?  Here's hoping you enjoy a few giggles this morning.

Angel

The kids spent last Saturday making this video.  I laughed and got a little teary when they previewed it for us last night.  I keep telling them, they have way too  much free time on their hands.  ☺  Enjoy!

Come To Worship

No church home to visit today?  Stuck at home sick?  Wondering what it is those Christians do, anyway?  Join us in worship via live stream.  Follow the steps to check it out.

Sunday March 11, 2012

10:30 AM

5:00 PM

1.  Go here and click on the Live Stream tab.
3.  Click on the play arrow in the middle of the video box.  They usually have the live streaming up a few minutes before service starts.  If it isn't up when you open the page click on the arrow in a few more minutes.
4.  You can click the 4 arrows in the bottom right hand corner of the viewing window to make the picture full screen.  To return to the viewing box size, tap your computers ESCAPE key.

If you would like to learn more about VBC you can visit our website here and Facebook page here.

I'd love for you to leave a comment and let me know that you were here today.  Leave your questions and contact info and I will get back to you.  Or, as always, if you prefer a private discussion, click my email button on the side bar.

Mexican Hotdish

I found this recipe in a Joanne Fluke novel a number of years ago.  We love Mexican food and this quickly became one of our regulars.  When I took it to fellowship last Sunday I got many requests for it.  I figured if I was writing it up anyway, I might as well put it here.

4 ounces green chilies
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded jack cheese
28 ounces diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 ounces olives, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cups uncooked rice (see notes between *)
2 packages taco seasoning (or substitute home made taco seasoning)
3 cups cooked chicken, cubed or substitute beans if you want to make this a vegetarian dish
14.5 ounces broth or stock
1/2 cup butter
Fritos
2 cups (8 ounces) Mexican cheese blend
jalapenos, hot sauce and sour cream for garnish

Spray a 6 quart pan.  Mix all ingredients in pan except butter, Fritos, Mexican cheese and garnish.  Cut butter into cubes and dot over top.  Cover with heavy duty foil or two layers of regular foil.  The recipe calls for cooking it in the oven for 90 minutes. * I substitute brown rice for the white rice* and I find it takes about 3 hours in the oven instead.

When all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, remove foil and sprinkle with Fritos and then the Mexican cheese.  Return to oven until cheese is melted.

We pass jalapenos, hot sauce and sour cream at the table.

On Sunday I needed a way to keep it warm until the fellowship following the evening service so I made it in the crock-pot.  I was worried about how it would come out and I was going to be away at church all morning and unable to keep an eye on it.  *I decided to substitute instant rice for the brown rice to be sure it would cook in time and because I wasn't sure if it would require more liquid.*  It worked just fine.  I let it cook on high for about two hours while we were dressing for church and then turned it down to low and let it cook for another five hours or so.  On a day when I can be home to keep an eye on it, I want to do it in the crock pot again using the brown rice and see how long it takes and how much additional liquid is needed.  Brown rice is so much more nutritious and we much prefer the flavor to white rice. I carried the cheese and Fritos with me and when we got to church I removed the lid sprinkle the cheese on top, covered it with Fritos and let it simmer without the lid until the meeting was over.  That was about two hours.  It probably wouldn't require that much time, especially if you sprinkled the cheese on, put the lid back on for a few minutes and then added the Fritos just before serving.  I needed to have it completely ready to go at the end of the preaching and this worked just great.  I had extra Fritos on the side for the bottom of the pot.

Taco Seasoning

I got this recipe in a cooking class years ago.  I think it is more flavorful than the packets you buy in the grocery store.  I like it because I can control the salt.  Those envelopes seem to be mostly sodium.  It is definitely cheaper than buying the premixed stuff and it takes just a minute to make.  I like to make a large batch and keep it in a spice container from Sam's club.  We like spicy food so I go a little heavier with the warmer spices.  You can certainly adjust to your family's taste.  I omit the salt all together.  We don't miss it at all.  This is great for all kinds of dishes... soups, casseroles and of course anything Mexican.  Use your imagination. The recipe is the equivalent of one package of taco seasoning which is enough to season 1 pound of meat or beans.  If you make a large batch simply use 5 tablespoons to equal one package of taco seasoning.  Use more or less to suit your taste.

For one batch:

2 teaspoons dry minced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon oregano

Mix all ingredients well.

For  a large batch:
10 Tablespoons dry minced onion
5 Tablespoons salt
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 1/2 tablespoons garlic
2 1/2 tablespoons cumin
5 T. chili powder
2 1/2 Tablespoons red pepper
1 Tablespoon oregano

Romans 14:19

All my life, it has been my desire to make the lives of those I encounter a little brighter.  That's who I am. When I meet a person I put on my biggest smile and hope they will be smiling wider when we part.  This is what we are commanded to do as Christians.  To be the light.  Truthfully, it is a self serving practice, too.  When I brighten someone's day, it makes me feel good.  It makes my heart more joyful and, no matter how dark my day has been, it seems a little brighter, if I have brought some happiness to someone else.

That's who I am.

As a child of God, I do not understand a lot of what happens in this world.  But, I know that it is the way of the world under the influence of Satan.  That's just what it is.

But what I understand even less, are Christians who strive to tear each other down, cause trouble and bring heartache to other people.

I mean really, what do you have to gain by saying something just to stir up trouble, make an argument or hurt someone else?

When I was growing up, I tended to shy away from relationships with girls because this seems to be a trait more prevalent in women.  As a an adult woman, what surprised me was seeing there are people who call themselves Christians and yet behave in this same way as the lost.

My grandmother always said if you didn't have something nice to say then don't say anything.  To some degree there was truth in that.  But I don't whole heartily agree with that statement.

Because there are times when, as Christians, parents, mothers wives and friends, we must say things that aren't very nice to say.  We are, in fact, commanded to do so when we see someone walking in contrast to the word of God.  I am not talking about picking a fight over some preference or nit picky thing.  I mean when you know of someone who is doing something detrimental to their walk or testimony.  I am talking about when someone asks for advice and you have to give an answer they won't like because it is what the word of God says.

This happens to me quite often.  People talk to me.  That is a job the Lord has given to me.  People share their hearts and ask for advice and seek answers to questions.  Rarely does a day pass that someone doesn't email or text or call or pull me aside to confide in me or ask counsel on one topic or another.

Some days, I don't really like this responsibility.  I take everything to heart and feel the pain of those who speak with me.  I mull it over and pray about it as earnestly as if it were my own issue.  That's who I am.  That's how the Lord made me.  So, while some days it seems overwhelming, mostly I am grateful for this place the Lord has given me.

But unfortunately, that means I must often say things that aren't nice.  In fact, the Bible tells us we must do so, therefor it would be a sin to not speak up when the Lord has commanded.  But you know it is often the messenger who is killed.  Most of the time people are grateful that I will speak the truth to them and I am blessed when I do by seeing lives changed by Him.  However, the idea that I must be responsible for saying something that might bring someone pain, makes my heart ache.  The old parenting cliche, "This is going to hurt me more than you," really applies here.  I truly have become physically ill at the idea of speaking when I know the message will not be received well.  Yet, in obedience, I ask the Lord for strength and for Him to put the words in my mouth.

So, I am left to wonder, why do people say things just to be nasty?  Why do people say things just to pick a fight?  What kind of person gets pleasure from saying or doing something just to hurt another person?  And I am not talking about the world here.  Sadly, I see Christians who seem to delight in swinging out at people just as much as the world does.  I am speaking to my Christian sisters here.

Do you think before you speak?  Do you ever wonder if what you are saying is in any way edifying or exhorting someone or bringing glory to the Lord Jesus?  Or are you just speaking to your own means?  To prove you are right? Or, worse yet, to prove someone else is wrong?

Oh, I have seen this done in many ways.  Sometimes in outright spite.  Sometimes more subtly.  But the worst is the Christian that does it supposedly in the name of righteousness and then throws around a lot of scripture to try and justify their actions.

When my children do something they know will hurt someone or speaks in an unkind way or does something they know will start a fight I remind them that it is Satan who drives their motivation.  When we bring discouragement to another person simply for our own benefit Satan is doing his dance of joy.  And when that person is a Christian he is even more pleased.  What could be greater than two Christians being taken out of service, one by their desire to do wrong and the other because of the heartache it inflicts on them?  The Lord said it this way when Peter was more concerned about his will than the will of God,

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.  Matthew 16:23

Who is it you want to serve with your words and actions?

As a lost girl, I couldn't understand this sort of behavior from other children and as a grown woman I understand it even less.  In my experience, this kind of action is often rooted in jealousy, anger, conviction or guilt.  All selfish, self-centered and self-serving attitudes.

Dear Christian, it is time to put aside your bitterness and turn your eyes to Jesus, the work He has put us here for and the needs in the world that have to be met.

Every day there husbands beating their wives.  Children being molested.  Men losing their jobs.  Families going hungry.  People hurting.  Lives falling apart.  If that doesn't convince you to put aside your own petty will and do something, how about this?

While you are sitting there thinking of ways to hurt others, people are dying and going to hell!

Get over it!  Get off it!  Get on with it!

There is something more important than you, your preferences and your little wants, likes and dislikes.  

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."  Romans 14:19

Our family has always worked, as a unit and as individuals to live our lives in every way possible to exhort and edify others.  We strive to make our home a place of encouragement and refreshment for those who live here and those who enter here.  For those who may be confused over those terms, the Noah Webster 1828 dictionary defines them in the following way.

Edify:  To instruct and improve the mind in knowledge generally,and particularly in moral and religious knowledge, in faith and holiness.
Exhort:  1. To incite by words or advice; to animate or urge by arguments to a good deed or to any laudable conduct or course of action.  2. To advise; to warn; to caution.  3. To incite or stimulate to exertion.

We truly try, in every step, word and deed to do only what will bring glory and honor the the Lord Jesus Christ.  Our words and actions may not always be taken in such a way, but they are always intended as so.

And, that belief extends to this blog.  I have always worked to say things, even if they were things hard to hear, in the most loving way and with the readers greatest interest in mind and heart.  When I say things that may not be pleasing, I pray about it and I ask the Lord to give me His words.  And I make it a point NEVER in my life to say something that may upset someone unless it is prayerfully considered, and will improve the life and/or spiritual walk of the reader.

Sadly, I do not always receive the same courtesy.  Someone our family knows has waged war on our family for more than a year now.  This person calls herself a Christian and calls herself our friend.  We have, at her request, not made contact with her, although she continues to stalk us with hateful letters and emails.  It even has gone so far as receiving hateful correspondence from one of her children.  Quite frankly, we have been beside ourselves as to how we should deal with it.  We prayerfully considered it and felt the best way was to ignore it and she would eventually realize there was nothing to be had by it.  Letters were thrown away and emails were deleted.

Then last week she came to this blog and began leaving argumentative comments.  That same old sick feeling hit me.  We know this person is not well.  No person in their right mind would behave this way. Yet, it is a difficult thing to constantly be attacked, especially on your own turf.  Especially, when you are trying to do the will of the Lord.  Especially, when I give so much of myself to this blog, not for  me, but for the exhortation and edification of the 2 or 3 hundred people who stop here each day.

Especially, when this blog has become a place where people are giving themselves over to the Lord.  Lives are being changed.  Families are being strengthened.  Marriages are growing.  People are walking closer with the Lord.  That is something I have asked the Lord time and again to use my life for.  And this is the venue He has chosen to do it in.

I was hurt.  My family was again hurt.  And we were a little scared.  What will stop a person who goes to such lengths to hurt someone else?  And why Lord?  For some time the Lord has been leading me to a new ministry and I had, just days before, surrendered my heart to it.  Allen and I have also been praying over another ministry we feel called to.  Why then Lord would you allow us to be kicked down?

But then it came back to me more clearly than ever.

Get thee behind me, Satan!

This is Satan trying to discourage us and distract us and keep us from focusing on what God has in store for us.  Have you ever noticed the people who are the most miserable must work to make others miserable?  That, too, is the work of Satan.

I quickly asked the Lord, what is it you want me to do?  How do I deal with this one more time?  The very next morning I woke up and sat down to do my Bible study.  My text came from Ohio with the memory verse for the day.  Romans 14:19.

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Okay, Lord.   I see your point.  I will continue to live my life speaking the words and carrying out the actions that edify and exhort the lost, the brethren and my Savoir.  

You might have noticed that I have turned on comment moderation.  I will not allow Satan to distract from God's work here by creating a battle ground.  I love to hear what you say, even when it may not agree with my opinion.  However, comments left with the intent of  being ugly or argumentative will instantly be deleted.  End of story.  This is a place to build up, not tear down.  This is a place to encourage not discourage.   This is a place for betterment no bitterness.  I hope you feel the same way.

But if you don't, we still have free choice and that includes the choice to not visit Art's Chili Pepper.

Prayerfully yours,

Kat

Whirlwind

The last few days have been a whirlwind of activity.  We are all exhausted.  But a good exhausted... like when you worked in the yard all day and are completely worn out.  You know what I mean?  This morning as we woke to yet another beautiful spring like morning we were all amazed to realize it was only Thursday when it seems like it should be next Monday.

The week in review... in which Brianna and Emma Rose practiced a duet  

 Sam and Elisabeth make snow... don't worry they vacuumed it up, too.

 Carmella practiced sitting up on her own.  I still like to put a pillow behind her in case she tips over.  Her favorite past time is still chewing on things.

 Charlotte got married.  In honor of dear reader, Ashley, who married her darling Jacob last Saturday.

 Carmella and Elisabeth played dress up with the hats.

 And Winnie had some solidarity with her bears.

 The kids competed and completed World Spelling Day, World Math Day and World Science Day

 I took another picture of Carmella sleeping... because she is just too cute not to.

 Aedan and Nathaniel finally mastered tying their own neckties.

 Carmella learned to crawl.  

 But only in reverse.  And, no, I don't typically leave her laying around naked.  I undressed her to give her a bath and set her on the rug while I fixed the water.  I came back to find her scooting her little self around.

 o

 Not to be shown up by the kids, Allen stayed up until 1 am to finish the World Spelling and World Math competition.

 Ellie tied ribbons in my hair and told me I was snow white.  Lovely, eh?

 An exhausted Carmella fell asleep on Pa's shoulder in church.

 Our Pastor's wife made 15 ice cream pies in all sorts of decadent flavors.

These three girlies

 And these three fellows helped eat them.

 Elisabeth took a picture of my two gentlemen and I

 We enjoyed some incredible preaching and beautiful fellowship with Dr. and Mrs. Hudson

My boys found a new hero

 And Sam had a nice little chit chat with an old buddy

 The crocuses in Gussies garden bloomed

 Carmella and I enjoyed sitting outside on a 70 degree afternoon

We found fabric for the girls' Easter dresses

 and fabric to make curtains for their bedroom

 The boys made a tree out of twigs and packing tape

And as you know, we celebrated a very special time with our church family.

If that wasn't all enough, my dear long time friend and little sister in the Lord wowed us all with the news of an engagement to a fellow in our church.

And that just seems like the tip of the ice berg.  Now I am off to read a bedtime story and take a good long soak.

What have you been up to this week?