Wouldn't you know that it would happen on the very LAST batch of butter crunch? Emma (11) was helping me to spread the hot toffee onto the cookie sheets when her knuckles grazed the 310 F mixture. I knew from experience that she would have a second degree burn and I acted quickly to minimize the damage. As she ran cool water over her hand, I began to prepare cotton balls drenched in Witch Hazel.
Growing up, we always had an aloe plant in the kitchen to help treat burns. Just rip off a spiny leaf and squeeze the gooey liquid onto the burn. It has wonderful healing properties for the skin, but I never felt that it helped deal with the PAIN. That's why Witch Hazel is my remedy of choice for the immediate effects of the burn, and aloe can come in later to do it's job once the pain is gone.
So back to Emma. I placed the cotton balls dripping with Witch Hazel onto her fingers and taped them on with medical tape. I had her sit down for a minute while I finished the butter crunch. But, in my nervousness at seeing my child injured, I kept asking her, "How are you doing? Are you feeling any pain?" She would reply with a confused expression, "I don't know why you are so worried, it doesn't hurt." I knew what she didn't, that as soon as the initial Witch Hazel wore off and needed to be refreshed, she would begin to feel the pain. In fact, that is how you know that it is time to change it out, because when it is fresh, you don't feel the burn. WONDERFUL thing Witch Hazel. So she continued to refresh the cotton balls with Witch Hazel for the next 4-5 hours. By then, she had some lovely blisters on her fingers, and we moved to the aloe/herbal lotion stage.
Not only does Witch Hazel take away the pain of a burn, but it actual works to slow down the damage to the tissue, and speeds the healing process. That is why it is an excellent first responder to the minor burn, and why it has a home in our kitchen.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Gift of Kindness
By now, many of us have spent time with extended family or will be doing so shortly. What is about family that tends to bring out the raw nerves in us? I have seen many families who enjoy participating in the yearly resurrection of past wrongs and childhood mistakes. You know, the kind that make you feel trapped in the cage of the person you once were. You have since strived to put that away and be a new creation, but some families love to remind you of the past...and even chuckle over it. Surely there is room to laugh at ourselves and be light-hearted...but that should be reserved for those funny embarrassing moments that don't openly expose deep character flaws for the group to review.
What to do when those moment occur? Carefully bring out your blue-prints of the enemy's camp and plan your counterattack with skill and precision? You know that you could expose and wound your opponent with ease...but if you are a follower of Jesus, then you know this option is out. You know that to add fuel to the fire will not truly vindicate you or give you the satisfaction you crave. I have found in the past few years that I can choose to give a gift in those moments that will begin the foundation of a new pattern of relating...I can give the gift of "kindness". I can choose to answer softly, lightly, and with the others best interest in my heart.
You know the buttons to push that will grate, but you can step back and make just a tiny bit more effort to find out what pleases that family member, and strive to give them joy. In a special effort to serve them, by bringing them coffee or a blanket to snuggle in. Or in the giant effort to think the best of their actions and words. This takes more strength of character, for the mind is where the battle truly takes place.
I've thought much about these encounters over the years, (some more successful than others) and it has made me me especially careful in our little family to do what I once read in a children's reader, "To move quickly into the light." This simply means that in our house, when someone lies, steal chocolate from a sister, breaks a toy, or is unkind in any way, we deal with the issue quickly, and upon seeing repentance, we move quickly into restoration. We don't continue to bring up past sins to remind our children of their weaknesses. Only on rare occasions is there a need to bring up a past problem....when there is an obvious pattern that needs to be broken, and the bringing up of a past lesson serves as a reminder to move on past that flaw.
This is another gift of kindness that we can give to our children. Children change and grow and build character at a much faster rate than adults. Their ways are more pliable and mold-able. But, if we think in our hearts that little Johnny has trouble with lying, and will not be able to get past that, then rest assured that little Johnny will live up to your expectation! Let us give our children the gift of kindness in our thoughts, giving them opportunity after opportunity to do the right thing. And let our speech, especially in groups, be on focused on the good, and not the weak in their character. Then, your child will know that her heart is safe with you.
What to do when those moment occur? Carefully bring out your blue-prints of the enemy's camp and plan your counterattack with skill and precision? You know that you could expose and wound your opponent with ease...but if you are a follower of Jesus, then you know this option is out. You know that to add fuel to the fire will not truly vindicate you or give you the satisfaction you crave. I have found in the past few years that I can choose to give a gift in those moments that will begin the foundation of a new pattern of relating...I can give the gift of "kindness". I can choose to answer softly, lightly, and with the others best interest in my heart.
You know the buttons to push that will grate, but you can step back and make just a tiny bit more effort to find out what pleases that family member, and strive to give them joy. In a special effort to serve them, by bringing them coffee or a blanket to snuggle in. Or in the giant effort to think the best of their actions and words. This takes more strength of character, for the mind is where the battle truly takes place.
I've thought much about these encounters over the years, (some more successful than others) and it has made me me especially careful in our little family to do what I once read in a children's reader, "To move quickly into the light." This simply means that in our house, when someone lies, steal chocolate from a sister, breaks a toy, or is unkind in any way, we deal with the issue quickly, and upon seeing repentance, we move quickly into restoration. We don't continue to bring up past sins to remind our children of their weaknesses. Only on rare occasions is there a need to bring up a past problem....when there is an obvious pattern that needs to be broken, and the bringing up of a past lesson serves as a reminder to move on past that flaw.
This is another gift of kindness that we can give to our children. Children change and grow and build character at a much faster rate than adults. Their ways are more pliable and mold-able. But, if we think in our hearts that little Johnny has trouble with lying, and will not be able to get past that, then rest assured that little Johnny will live up to your expectation! Let us give our children the gift of kindness in our thoughts, giving them opportunity after opportunity to do the right thing. And let our speech, especially in groups, be on focused on the good, and not the weak in their character. Then, your child will know that her heart is safe with you.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
It's a Wonderful Life
I admit it, I am a "Wonderful Life" kind of gal. We watch it every year together, and I STILL get teary eyed when Harry comes in with a toast to his brother George, "To my brother George, the richest man in town." ~Cue streaming tears down my cheek~
Why does that get me so? Well I've thought about it, and here it is:
George Bailey, a man with big dreams and an adventurous spirit, lived a life of dying to self to benefit others. Sometimes he went down kicking and screaming, and sometimes he died gracefully, but he counted others as better than himself. He sacrificed wealth, a booming career, and travel to love those who needed him to stay in town and care for them. What a noble life! So why did he doubt it was all in vain when things got tough? Couldn't he see what a difference he was making in the lives of those around him?
That's the thing about living like George Bailey, the little daily deaths become routine, and begin to slip by unnoticed to the one dying. It becomes a way of life, and sometimes it can grow wearisome, thankless and the worst of all seemingly insignificant. But you moms out there wouldn't know anything about THAT, now would you? Many of you stay at home types, are sacrificing a second income that would come in mighty handy this time of year...but you counted the cost and chose to invest that time in the lives that need you by being there. Many of you working mothers are dying to self to put food on the table, making sacrifices of sleep and time to make sure those who count on you have the basic needs. No matter what you have chosen, a mother is in the role of dying to self daily, multiple times a day....diapers, dish washers, laundry, reading books, picking up toys, trading out seasonal clothes, taking stock and getting the new needs for the season, helping with homework, or planning the homeschool curriculum, making meals, training character, teaching about the love of Christ...and the list goes on.
There are times when you work all day and feel that no one even noticed what you did, and you feel small, and worthless. Those are the dangerous moments, when you think...what if I had a career and no children? Wouldn't my gifts be better used for society if I wasn't being a maid and a nanny?
I think that is why Harry Bailey's toast gets me so...George isn't the richest man in town because everyone has just brought him the money he needed to pay the bank...NO, he is rich because all those little deaths he died daily, brought forth a harvest of a 100 fold in the lives around him, and made him blessed with friends and family. More than if he had gone off and had a successful career, and made some BIG contribution to society. (at least as notoriety goes)
We may not be given the gift to see life as it would be without us...but we can trust in the scriptures that encourage us to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. When we choose to play a pretend game with our child that makes NO sense what-so-ever, or allow her to help wrap a present, even though it will take twice as long, or get up to make 3 more meals to nourish and build up their little bodies...we are making an eternal investment that will have an exponential impact beyond our comprehension....even if it is never noticed in the papers, or given great awards of accolades.....but then, Jesus came into the world without fanfare, and when he died on the cross it was between two thieves...hardly a claim to fame....but time was split, and eternity bought into our grasp....
...and He is our Great example, our Savior, who died to himself that we might live.
Merry Christmas Dear Ones!
Why does that get me so? Well I've thought about it, and here it is:
George Bailey, a man with big dreams and an adventurous spirit, lived a life of dying to self to benefit others. Sometimes he went down kicking and screaming, and sometimes he died gracefully, but he counted others as better than himself. He sacrificed wealth, a booming career, and travel to love those who needed him to stay in town and care for them. What a noble life! So why did he doubt it was all in vain when things got tough? Couldn't he see what a difference he was making in the lives of those around him?
That's the thing about living like George Bailey, the little daily deaths become routine, and begin to slip by unnoticed to the one dying. It becomes a way of life, and sometimes it can grow wearisome, thankless and the worst of all seemingly insignificant. But you moms out there wouldn't know anything about THAT, now would you? Many of you stay at home types, are sacrificing a second income that would come in mighty handy this time of year...but you counted the cost and chose to invest that time in the lives that need you by being there. Many of you working mothers are dying to self to put food on the table, making sacrifices of sleep and time to make sure those who count on you have the basic needs. No matter what you have chosen, a mother is in the role of dying to self daily, multiple times a day....diapers, dish washers, laundry, reading books, picking up toys, trading out seasonal clothes, taking stock and getting the new needs for the season, helping with homework, or planning the homeschool curriculum, making meals, training character, teaching about the love of Christ...and the list goes on.
There are times when you work all day and feel that no one even noticed what you did, and you feel small, and worthless. Those are the dangerous moments, when you think...what if I had a career and no children? Wouldn't my gifts be better used for society if I wasn't being a maid and a nanny?
I think that is why Harry Bailey's toast gets me so...George isn't the richest man in town because everyone has just brought him the money he needed to pay the bank...NO, he is rich because all those little deaths he died daily, brought forth a harvest of a 100 fold in the lives around him, and made him blessed with friends and family. More than if he had gone off and had a successful career, and made some BIG contribution to society. (at least as notoriety goes)
We may not be given the gift to see life as it would be without us...but we can trust in the scriptures that encourage us to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. When we choose to play a pretend game with our child that makes NO sense what-so-ever, or allow her to help wrap a present, even though it will take twice as long, or get up to make 3 more meals to nourish and build up their little bodies...we are making an eternal investment that will have an exponential impact beyond our comprehension....even if it is never noticed in the papers, or given great awards of accolades.....but then, Jesus came into the world without fanfare, and when he died on the cross it was between two thieves...hardly a claim to fame....but time was split, and eternity bought into our grasp....
...and He is our Great example, our Savior, who died to himself that we might live.
Merry Christmas Dear Ones!
Friday, December 17, 2010
When I Wake Up, Will You Play a Game With Me?
For the past week or so my 3yro has been making a request of me at every bedtime, nap or night. She looks at me and asks, "When I wake up, will you play a game with me?" So sweet, and yet there is something about it that pierces my heart every time she says it. I began to think it through a bit, and I believe I'm starting to understand the root of my uneasiness.
A few years back I had less children, younger children. I made more time to play games with them, sit and read picture books with them, color with them. But now, I seem to be caught up in a whirlwind of activity. Homeschooling has progressed past the early elementary years for some of my girls, and I have seemed to progress with them. But Caroline is still 3 years old. She still needs color time, reading time, playful pretend time. I'm so thankful that she is the kind of girl to come grab my hand and say, "Come on Mama, let's go ..."
I'm afraid if she wasn't much of a squeaky wheel that she wouldn't get much grease. In my mind, I've moved on past the baby/toddler years. I'm getting into the pre-teen years, as I follow my oldest along. I know that laying the foundation with the oldest makes for a smoother path for the rest, but I have caught myself being less careful about my youngest's training and development. I've been asking the older girls to do a good portion of her care recently. I think this is helpful in their development of skills, but I have to be careful not to use that as an excuse to be lazy either.
So yesterday, I played pretend with her, even though I was cooking and overseeing the homeschool day. I stopped to be her horse and carry her around. Before she went down for a nap, we played a board game together, with the promise of a re-match when she got up. We looked at a picture book, and we tied strings...heart strings. Whenever I find that my training has reached a wall, or an incredibly steep incline, I have to stop and remember to tie some heart strings.
I have noticed over the years that when I really invest time in my child's life, that we grow closer, develop bonds that I like to call "heart strings". (I got this from Michael and Debi Pearl and the No Greater Joy ministry.) It goes without saying, that the more strings attached, the stronger the bond between us. When that bond is strong, it can withstand the strain of discipline and character training more gracefully than when there are few strings to keep hearts close.
So today, I hope I remember to take time in the midst of MY busy-ness to tie those strings... (right now, as I type, the 3 yro is the first up and on my lap, helping me push the keys...it takes longer, but at least we are doing it together...and she is learning her alphabet too. :) )
A few years back I had less children, younger children. I made more time to play games with them, sit and read picture books with them, color with them. But now, I seem to be caught up in a whirlwind of activity. Homeschooling has progressed past the early elementary years for some of my girls, and I have seemed to progress with them. But Caroline is still 3 years old. She still needs color time, reading time, playful pretend time. I'm so thankful that she is the kind of girl to come grab my hand and say, "Come on Mama, let's go ..."
I'm afraid if she wasn't much of a squeaky wheel that she wouldn't get much grease. In my mind, I've moved on past the baby/toddler years. I'm getting into the pre-teen years, as I follow my oldest along. I know that laying the foundation with the oldest makes for a smoother path for the rest, but I have caught myself being less careful about my youngest's training and development. I've been asking the older girls to do a good portion of her care recently. I think this is helpful in their development of skills, but I have to be careful not to use that as an excuse to be lazy either.
So yesterday, I played pretend with her, even though I was cooking and overseeing the homeschool day. I stopped to be her horse and carry her around. Before she went down for a nap, we played a board game together, with the promise of a re-match when she got up. We looked at a picture book, and we tied strings...heart strings. Whenever I find that my training has reached a wall, or an incredibly steep incline, I have to stop and remember to tie some heart strings.
I have noticed over the years that when I really invest time in my child's life, that we grow closer, develop bonds that I like to call "heart strings". (I got this from Michael and Debi Pearl and the No Greater Joy ministry.) It goes without saying, that the more strings attached, the stronger the bond between us. When that bond is strong, it can withstand the strain of discipline and character training more gracefully than when there are few strings to keep hearts close.
So today, I hope I remember to take time in the midst of MY busy-ness to tie those strings... (right now, as I type, the 3 yro is the first up and on my lap, helping me push the keys...it takes longer, but at least we are doing it together...and she is learning her alphabet too. :) )
Monday, December 13, 2010
AHH... Quiet Hour....How I LOVE You!
Being organized is a relative thing, so I've come to observe. I used to think that I was pretty organized, at least on a functional level, until I married the SUPREME ORGANIZER. It's funny, because Ryan is not a neat freak, but when it comes down to organizing time or information, he's your man!
I really couldn't function without his amazing abilities. At the beginning of each semester we sit down and have a little "pow-wow" about the "State of the Family." We discuss the things that did and didn't work from the previous semester of schooling, and we take into account the changing needs of each daughter as she progresses into a new phase of responsibility in her education, character, and home skills. We also discuss my sanity level, and what I need to make it through the day.
Well "Mr. Amazing" out did himself this past semester by implementing the "Quiet Hour" into my afternoon...you know the time of day when you feel the energy slipping out of you through your toes. Well by 2pm I'm pretty much done; done with schooling, done with 3 yro (she's down for a nap then ;) ), done with the limit of words I can intake and process in a day. I need re-fueling. I need peace. I need time to reflect, read the Bible, pray, and get creative again. So Ryan scheduled a quiet hour from 2-3pm every day. The girls are allowed to quietly play...NO TALKING! And I get a chance to stop and re-fuel.
It is bliss...and you would think that it would be the one hour of the day I would guard with all my might....but in the last few weeks with all the holiday madness I have totally forgotten to hold QUIET HOUR...AM I insane? When things get the craziest, that 's when I need that hour the MOST! Then why, if it is so precious do I throw it away trying to get more work done? An exhausted work horse can only do so much without rest. Do I really think I can do it all, EVERYDAY, without re-fueling? Apparently so...and THAT may be why I have been so easily flustered and agitated the last few weeks...ya think?
Want to know what's even funnier about all of this? Today Dawson county schools were closed for a dusting of snow (gotta love GA) ...and my teacher husband, now at home, said at lunch..."AND there WILL be a quiet hour...or longer...Mama calls it" I had totally forgotten about Quiet Hour until just then... and a fiendish Grinchy grin came over my face, and I realized what a resource I had all along that I hadn't been using. What other resources am I forgetting to implement into my life? How about you?
AHH....QUIET HOUR....how I've missed you, how I NEED you, how I LOVE YOU!
I really couldn't function without his amazing abilities. At the beginning of each semester we sit down and have a little "pow-wow" about the "State of the Family." We discuss the things that did and didn't work from the previous semester of schooling, and we take into account the changing needs of each daughter as she progresses into a new phase of responsibility in her education, character, and home skills. We also discuss my sanity level, and what I need to make it through the day.
Well "Mr. Amazing" out did himself this past semester by implementing the "Quiet Hour" into my afternoon...you know the time of day when you feel the energy slipping out of you through your toes. Well by 2pm I'm pretty much done; done with schooling, done with 3 yro (she's down for a nap then ;) ), done with the limit of words I can intake and process in a day. I need re-fueling. I need peace. I need time to reflect, read the Bible, pray, and get creative again. So Ryan scheduled a quiet hour from 2-3pm every day. The girls are allowed to quietly play...NO TALKING! And I get a chance to stop and re-fuel.
It is bliss...and you would think that it would be the one hour of the day I would guard with all my might....but in the last few weeks with all the holiday madness I have totally forgotten to hold QUIET HOUR...AM I insane? When things get the craziest, that 's when I need that hour the MOST! Then why, if it is so precious do I throw it away trying to get more work done? An exhausted work horse can only do so much without rest. Do I really think I can do it all, EVERYDAY, without re-fueling? Apparently so...and THAT may be why I have been so easily flustered and agitated the last few weeks...ya think?
Want to know what's even funnier about all of this? Today Dawson county schools were closed for a dusting of snow (gotta love GA) ...and my teacher husband, now at home, said at lunch..."AND there WILL be a quiet hour...or longer...Mama calls it" I had totally forgotten about Quiet Hour until just then... and a fiendish Grinchy grin came over my face, and I realized what a resource I had all along that I hadn't been using. What other resources am I forgetting to implement into my life? How about you?
AHH....QUIET HOUR....how I've missed you, how I NEED you, how I LOVE YOU!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
"THE" Stockings
It's not just the simple beauty of the stockings that makes me so happy when I look at them. It's the love, thought and time with which they were created, and the loaded memories of past Christmases mixed with the hope of Christmases "future" that fill them and delight me every year I pull them out of the decoration box.
This year, I pulled them out to find that a mouse had tried to take some of Ryan's stocking to make a nest. NOT COOL MR. MOUSE! (He had come like the moths to steal and destroy something I hold dear.) The girls ran to me crying, "There's a hole in Papa's stocking!" I was glad to see that it was a small one, easily repaired, and I set down and righted the wrong instantly.
But, the incident made me think..."Who else knows how to make "THE" stockings?" I never took the time to learn. AH! MY EMMA! She is the resident knitter, and she is the one to take on the tradition.
It's tempting as a homeschool mom to feel the pressure to be everything my children need...mother, teacher, friend. I'm with them ALL the time, shouldn't I be able to teach them all they should know? NO! What a burden! What a vanity! What a dis-service to my children!
I am not able to teach my girls everything they need to know, or want to know. I have given up that ideal. However, I am able to find them the teachers who CAN pass on the things I never learned, or at least give them tools they need to find out HOW to learn what they desire to know.
My step-mother has sent the pattern, and will work with Emma when we visit them. The steps have been taken and the tradition will be passed on to a new generation to enjoy.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Homemade Gifts
Several years ago when we were just starting a home studio, we had less than a little money. We decided to make a good many of the gifts that we gave each other and our girls. Here are some of the gifts we made...we STILL get requests from the girls to do more of these:
1. Make a "Mama" or "Papa" tape...We had a tape recorder and we would make a special tape for each child. On it we would sing hymns, and read favorite books, sing counting songs, or alphabet songs, and leave them special messages just from us. This was not only a gift to the child, but a gift to Mama or Papa, too. When the girls were young, I could let them have some time to listen to their special tape. This would encourage their learning, and give me some extra moments to get something done, or spend time schooling an older child. I would like to figure out how to get a new special recording for each girl onto our itouch for them to listen to this year. Maybe I could read them poetry, or older stories, etc.
2. Buttercrunch, or other homemade family goody. Everyone one of our girls requested a bag of homemade buttercrunch for Christmas this year. Sometimes I think that homemade goodies are more fun to get in your stocking because you can't get them in a store. Demand and supply, and the such. ;)
3. Last year I took the, then 5 yro old aside and instead of going to the dollar store to pick out presents for everyone, I helped her make HUGE snowflake shaped iced, sugar cookies from scratch. We wrapped them up carefully and hid them in the freezer. And she brought them out for everyone on Christmas. She was so delighted with her gift...and so was everyone else!
4. A few years ago I took my oldest daughter to the fabric shop and she picked out a yard or two of patterned flannel for each sister and cousin. Everyone got a unique fabric. Then, with a VERY simple pattern, Emma sewed each child a pillow case of her own on the sewing machine. It was a simple, but sweet gift from a 9 yro.
5. Putting together an organizer for your spouse's needs...maybe scripture memory, maybe coupons (Ryan put together a system for my coupons last year), or anything else they need help organizing. It takes more thought than cash, and sometimes that makes it more valuable.
What are some of the homemade gifts that have been a success in your home?
1. Make a "Mama" or "Papa" tape...We had a tape recorder and we would make a special tape for each child. On it we would sing hymns, and read favorite books, sing counting songs, or alphabet songs, and leave them special messages just from us. This was not only a gift to the child, but a gift to Mama or Papa, too. When the girls were young, I could let them have some time to listen to their special tape. This would encourage their learning, and give me some extra moments to get something done, or spend time schooling an older child. I would like to figure out how to get a new special recording for each girl onto our itouch for them to listen to this year. Maybe I could read them poetry, or older stories, etc.
2. Buttercrunch, or other homemade family goody. Everyone one of our girls requested a bag of homemade buttercrunch for Christmas this year. Sometimes I think that homemade goodies are more fun to get in your stocking because you can't get them in a store. Demand and supply, and the such. ;)
3. Last year I took the, then 5 yro old aside and instead of going to the dollar store to pick out presents for everyone, I helped her make HUGE snowflake shaped iced, sugar cookies from scratch. We wrapped them up carefully and hid them in the freezer. And she brought them out for everyone on Christmas. She was so delighted with her gift...and so was everyone else!
4. A few years ago I took my oldest daughter to the fabric shop and she picked out a yard or two of patterned flannel for each sister and cousin. Everyone got a unique fabric. Then, with a VERY simple pattern, Emma sewed each child a pillow case of her own on the sewing machine. It was a simple, but sweet gift from a 9 yro.
5. Putting together an organizer for your spouse's needs...maybe scripture memory, maybe coupons (Ryan put together a system for my coupons last year), or anything else they need help organizing. It takes more thought than cash, and sometimes that makes it more valuable.
What are some of the homemade gifts that have been a success in your home?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)