Hurry Up & Wait...A Mother's Conflicted Heart

I hope you can muddle your way through this long post – perhaps you have some good advice for me, or can relate to where I am at this stage of motherhood.  Either way, I hope you leave this blog with a hopeful, happy heart!

Today was a very interesting home school day.  Katherine and I are only two days away from completing a world history study of ancient times through the rise of the European Renaissance.  It has been – by far – her favorite subject again this year.  And I have (re-) learned SO MUCH!  It has been wonderful to work through this curriculum together, and I LOVE watching her continued love of history grow into a real passion. 

Our history study is wrapping up with the discovery of the Americas and Queen Elizabeth’s desire to beat Spain in the race to colonize North America.  For those of you who know Katherine, early American history has been her passion since first grade (thank you American Girl and the Felicity series).  Kat has always been intrigued by the “lost colony” of Roanoke, and this event is where we are ending our studies. 

So, today, Katherine spent about three hours doing her own research (in her pajamas) on what could have happened to these first English settlers.  (Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of home school so that she can do these kinds of spontaneous things!)  The girl took notes and has her own personal opinion about what happened.  She whipped out maps, encyclopedias, world atlases, and watched goo-gobs of videos on archeological digs of the Outer Banks. 

So, what’s all of this about hurry up and wait?

Well, this line of inquiry led Katherine onto the subject of attending her dream college – The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.  On the cusp of starting junior high, she’s already beginning to focus on her high school courses and making the grades to get into William and Mary.  While as a “teacher”, this excites me beyond belief, but as a mother, I want to turn back the clock to where we played in her Little Tykes playhouse and took care of her babydolls.

Don’t get me wrong:  I don’t want to hold back my daughter – MY ONLY CHILD.  J  I’m REALLY excited that she has the desire, motivation and determination to go for what she wants.  I’m excited for her to grow up, go away to college, to learn new things, experience life on her own, and to find her way in the world.  I know that God has GREAT things in store for my girl, and I know that He will help her make good choices and lead her to make a positive difference for this world.  I totally trust Him, and her.

But the reality is:  I am SO not ready for all of that awesomeness.  And to see how quickly it is approaching makes me feel faint.  And how excited she is about it.

I don’t think I will ever be ready. 

However, as her teacher my job is to help her reach her academic goals by helping her make tough academic choices, challenging her, reinforcing concepts in areas where she is weak, encouraging her to power through the harder courses.  As her parent, I have to support her goals and encourage her dreams – even if that means she moves far away to go to college.  (Hold on, the room has started to spin!)

She was excited today to learn that William and Mary has a Chi Alpha ministry (a Pentecostal ministry funded by the Assemblies of God).  This might have been a deal breaker for her because she has recently considered a few Christian colleges.

This revelation further cements my belief that God has some really big plans for Katherine.

And lastly, the big bonus for Katherine is that William and Mary has a Division 1 women’s swim team.  If she continues to make the time cuts she’s been making, she may have a shot of both an academic and a swim scholarship. 

All of these things have stirred up in both of us the excitement of growing up and of what is to come.  Today I’ve had to face the fact that there are lots of things that need to come together over the next few years and we have to HURRY to start planning for those things NOW.  Decisions about high school seemed so far away, but the reality is that it is only 2 years away and those decisions will affect her collegiate dreams.

All I want to do is WAIT – that way she can’t grow up on me, right…?

Blessings to you,

Swimming for Her Savior

For a few months now, our daughter Katherine has been telling me that she has been praying and asking God to show her how to use her competitive swimming to glorify Him.  It has really started weighing on her heart that she has to make choices between church and swimming.  At the tender age of eleven, she is already starting to see how quickly the world gets in the way of leading a Christ-centered life. 

Seriously.  This kid of mine has such a mature relationship with the Lord – probably more mature than my own relationship with Him.  It’s the one blessing for which I am most grateful!

 As many of you know, Katherine is a competitive swimmer for a USA swim team.  She does well at her sport and has advanced more rapidly than we could have ever guessed was possible.  She swims her heart out whether at practice or in a race, and she absolutely loves every single minute she’s in the water.  She is dedicated, focused and determined to do her absolute best – and a truly loyal teammate.  She’s at it five days a week, two solid hours or more each of those days.  And 8am practice every Saturday morning.  Then there’s the summer 5am practices and two-a-days.  Very committed.

As much as she loves swimming, she loves the Lord more.  Way more.  And it has been a struggle for her to balance her church life with swimming.  She misses out on Wednesday night fellowship in order to attend practice.  She misses church at least one Sunday morning each month to compete in meets.  It has not been easy for her to make these choices.  God has blessed her with a talent, and she knows in her heart that He wants her to use her talent to reach others for Him. 

But she’s been waiting on a word from Him.  And waiting.  And waiting.

Until now.

Inspired by a few news articles and a photo of Tim Tebow’s eye black {quarterback, Denver Broncos}, Katherine is now determined to spread the gospel in much the same way:  instead of eye black {just wouldn’t look right on a swimmer J}, Katherine will have scripture written across her back at every meet she attends.  As she walks the pool deck, stands at the blocks, or is warming up between events, hundreds of people of all ages will be able to see where her heart truly lies. 

While her method may not trigger the 93 million Google hits for a particular scripture as did Tim Tebow’s, it is a way for her to possibly reach many others and share God’s word.  And maybe even lead an unsaved soul to Christ. 

At her meet this weekend, Katherine said several people asked her about the scripture on her back.  One was an adult that was timing at the blocks, the others were all kids aged 9-14. 

Katherine told us that she will continue to pray about how she can use swimming to honor the Lord.  She is prepared to do more, and wholeheartedly knows she can.

And why not?  After all, “nothing is impossible with God.”

Blessings to one and all,

Happy Family

Hello, sweet friends!

While Katherine worked on her chemistry today, I goofed off on my computer.  I love this phrase, and believe it with all my heart.  I’m not a graphic designer {duh – it shows!}, but I figured there had to be a way I could create a digital piece of art I could share with others.  Enjoy!

Blessings always,

Season's Greetings!

Happy Holidays!

Okay, I know it seems a little bit early to start with the holiday cheer, but the way the last few years have flown by, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before I know it.  Last Christmas snuck up on me and had me in a state of  shock, panic and total exhaustion.  I am determined for that NOT to happen again!

I want to be able to live in the moment

this holiday season.

I look forward to spending another Thanksgiving with my family in the hill country, a tradition we have carried for all eleven years of Katherine’s life {and a few before she came along!}.  I love this special time with the people who have my heart,  just hanging out and spending time together.

This Christmas I am going to focus more on celebrating the greatest gift ever given – the humble birth of my Savior, Jesus. 

For the last few years, our family has watched The Nativity Story on Christmas Eve,  and I always enjoy reading the book The Handmaid and The Carpenter  by Elizabeth Berg.  

This year I will add The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare {one of my all time favorite books} as a story to read with Katherine. 

But before I can relax, I will make my list

and check it twice – then be done with it!

I am already starting to gather supplies for what will be the homemade presents I will be giving this year.  Here is a sneak peek of a few projects in the works:

I am also starting to put together my list of baking supplies that I will need for those special treats I will give to my friends and neighbors – it is just one way I can let them know how much they mean to me and how grateful I am to have them in my life.  Of course, my little helper elf has always enjoyed delivering the Christmas goodies, so she, too, will have to plan her delivery route ahead of time.

Are you already planning for your Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays?  Do you have any special traditions during the holidays?  I’d love for you to share them with me here on the blog so others may be inspired to start a tradition, too.

Blessings,

A Blessing from the Back Seat

I was attempting to organize my photos on Picasa today when I came across this sweet picture of me and my hubby holding hands while driving to church this past spring. 

I think it was Easter Sunday, and the camera was in the back seat with Katherine.  I asked her why she took the photo and she said, "Because it makes me happy to see you and Daddy hold hands.  It makes me feel safe." 

I'm glad our daughter enjoys the view from the back seat.  May we all be so content.

Be blessed!

Today's Fabulous Finds: L*O*V*E Letter Photo Art: Free Prints!

What a week! 

u   Dad fell down, but thankfully didn’t break his crown – just banged himself up pretty good. 

v    The washing machine started to emit an acrid burning rubber     smell, but Super Hubby managed to dismantle the       beast and it’s as good as new.

I love it when the Lord has my back!

You know how much I love my family {and my cherished friends}, and how much I love special projects celebrating those meaningful relationships. I found this sweet and original piece on one of the blogs I follow. While I definitely love the artwork and the talent behind the project, what I appreciate even more is the meaning that it has for Janet and her family.

Follow the link to read about this special little project celebrating a love of family.  Let me know if you create a little masterpiece of your own!

 Today's Fabulous Finds: L*O*V*E Letter Photo Art: Free Prints!: "I've seen letter photo art around for awhile now, but for some reason I suddenly became very interested in it this week and just had to tr..."



Blessings,

Is It Hot In Here...?

So, last night Doug and I hired our first babysitter in ages and attended a Valentine themed dinner theater at our church.  Before the show began there were messages from all of the husbands to their wives scrolling on a screen at the front of the sanctuary.  When Doug's message to me came up, the audience was treated to a good belly laugh.  Doug's message read:

Jill, 

I love you with all of my heart and all of my soul.

Doug

PS:  Is it hot in here or is it just you?

To see those words up there {even that last part!} made me so thankful that I have the perfect man for me.  After all of these years -- the better part of two decades -- he still loves me enough to put it out there for all to see.  What a dear, sweet man.  And for the record, that post script was a line he fed me years ago on our way home from a movie date!  Ha!

An added treat was a surprise of {more} dessert at The Chocolate Bar!  We had never been there and made up for lost time with a piece of the Any Day's a Holiday cake that was literally 12" high and about three inches wide!  Check out this bad boy!

At The Chocolate Bar, any day is a holiday. That's why we developed this fabulous cake with four layers of alternating heavenly chocolate cake and moist, yellow cake; all held together with a traditional rich and chocolaty, "melt in your mouth", ice box frosting. Makes any day worth celebrating

We finished off the night with an emergency call from home -- our oldest dog {sweet Daisy Mae} was having a seizure and could we please come home quickly?  We made it home from the Rice Village area out to the 'burbs in record time.  The awesome Lauren had everything under control and Daisy was in recovery mode. 

Thankfully, everything ended well and the sitter, dogs, and daughter were happy campers by night's end.

It may not have been the perfect date night, but it was perfect for me.  It's my blessed life, and I'm rollin' with it!

I wish everyone a very happy Valentine's Day!

The Best Things In Life...

After an awesome weekend with my precious family {and friends}, I made this sign in in honor of them.

Believe it or not, it started out as a shiny cardboard cake board and a leftover piece of muslin.  I got the idea to use our printer to print directly on the fabric from an awesome craft blogger -- Stephanie Lynn over at Under the Table and Dreaming.

I think my little project turned out almost as good as my happy weekend with my family!

Blessings to you! 

Heartthumpers in the Kitchen

So, I'm in the kitchen this morning trying to pull together Sunday breakfast when my sweet hubby walked in.  Without a word, he leaned up against the counter and pulled me into one of his bear hugs {Doug gives the best bear hugs.  Seriously -- if you haven't received one of Doug's bear hugs, you should go ask him for one!}. 

God knew what He was doing when He put the two of us together because we fit just like puzzle pieces:  my 5'3" frame fits perfectly into his 6'1" bear hug.  My head rests right in the center of his chest, allowing me to listen to the deep and solid beat of his heart.  Listening to my hubby's heartthumpers gives me such comfort and peace.  A lovely, lovely way to start the day.

Amazingly, the day has gotten even better!

My heartthumper offered to be the science teacher today and is doing an awesome job working with Katherine on two science units.  She is loving having a break from me teaching her, and having a scientist for a Daddy makes for waaay more fun science lessons.  Seriously, today's instruction has incorporated slinkys, a painted shoe box, a light stick and a penguin pen. Doug seems to be enjoying his teaching role, too.  I think he gets a big kick out of seeing her learn and understand a new concept he has taught her.  And I get some warm heartthumpers of my own watching the two loves of my life snuggled and working together.

God is so good.  I am truly grateful for this day! 

May your days be blessed!

Thursday's Child

I love Thursdays.  No, really.  I LOVE Thursdays.  No swim practice.  No appointments.  PJ's all day long.  Ahhhh.  I am Thursday's child.  {And yes, I know that the Thursday's Child of the nursery rhyme has nothing to do with staying in your pj's all day...}

Thursdays will become a bit more exciting in a few weeks, though.  Katherine and her homeschool buddies Hannah and Ella will once again be enrolled at the University of Houston's Children's Art Program.  And that means that Colleen and I get to have MOM TIME and eat at one of our favorite lunchtime haunts while the girlies are studying, learning and creating!  Those Thursdays are so worth getting out of my pj's!

But as for this Thursday, I'm grateful for this time to relax, take it easy with our lessons and just enjoy the day. 

Here's to your special day -- be blessed!

Love is in the Air!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and I am rather looking forward -- for the first time -- to celebrating the Hallmark holiday.

Usually Valentine's Day is rather hectic and bit stressful, especially when the holiday falls on a school day -- the parties, the candy, the sugar high and subsequent sugar cRaSh.  There's lots of anxiety for husbands and boyfriends, wives and girlfriends to find the perfect romantic gift. 



Heart Bouquet
made from old book
pages and jute



This year, our family started celebrating Valentine's day just after the new year.  I mean, why should February 14 be the big day for celebrating how much you love someone?  Don't we love all year long?  And do chocolates on that day mean more than a small token of niceness on a random day during the year?  I think not.





Burlap Wrapped Candles
with handmade book page
flower and button



So, we started by doing things the old fashioned way -- handmade trinkets from the heart.  For each other and for our friends and family.  Lots of little signs of love sprinkled all over the house.  Love notes tucked under pillows, in lunches, the fridge, on the shower door, in swim bags, school books and even a few will turn up in someone's shoes.  Watch out -- you may be next...

 

Katherine and I are also hosting a small get together with three other sets of homeschool families to celebrate, share time together and enjoy some down time.  We are REALLY looking forward to this and have planned lots of yummy treats and a few fun games.

Handmade
 Felt {Heart} Wreath

I hope that you are able to start your Valentine's celebrations early this year and try to share the love all year long!

Blessings to you!



Stamped Linen



 

Coffee Beans & Twigs Tree
Passes the Hannah S. test of

"soooo cute" decor -- and

it smells yummy, too!





Paper hearts
made from old book pages

Blessings for Our Table

My life just keeps getting better and better.  I don't know why some women have a such an issue with growing older.  For me, I find that every day brings something joyful to my life.  Maybe it's quiet time with my hubby that I didn't think we'd get.  Maybe I get all of the laundry done before the weekend.  Maybe Katherine and I have a stellar homeschool day.  Or maybe, just maybe, I find a little treasure I didn't know I was looking for...

That's what I found at Sweet Tea & Linen.  I found a lovely, hand-crafted table runner for my dining room table, and the talented and gracious Carolyn whose hands created my treasure. 

Okay, I know it's a table runner, people.  But our dining table is the only table in our home.  It's where we sit as a family for breakfast and dinner every single day.  It's where prayers are said.  It is where we visit with beloved friends and family.  It is where we discuss our days, our dreams and our dilemmas.  It's where we create craft projects and take spelling tests.  It's where we share our highs and lows.  It's where we are family. 

We spend LOTS of time at our one and only table, so I wanted special linens to grace our special family space.  I wanted linens that I could pass down to Katherine and she could pass down to her children.  Kind of like Grandmother's old lace tablecloth that you bring out at Thanksgiving and Christmas, ya know?  Something that has meaning and evokes memories of good times and a happy, loving family.

So, if you're in the mood and want to wax poetic about your own special family treasures that bring you joy at the memory, leave me a comment.  If you are interested in finding something new and lovely to become your family treasure, head on over to Sweet Tea & Linen's shop on Etsy.com.  You can find Carolyn and her Sweet Tea & Linen treasures at http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetteaandlinen.  Enjoy!

It WAS a Great Day!

The Great Day Houston set

The benefits of homeschooling have paid off already this week. The nice weather has allowed us to spend time outdoors in the middle of the day -- a picnic lunch on the lawn and climbing a tree in the cul-de-sac were GREAT breaktime activities that we both loved. Katherine was also invited to participate in the Houston Symphony's "Petting Zoo" during a live filming of Great Day Houston. She and a new homeschool friend, Zachary, were the only two children that participated, but I think they both had a very cool experience -- both with experimenting with various instruments, and getting a behind the scenes look at how a television show is directed and produced.



And we could not have been invited to a better show -- it's focus was on the international and cultural diversity of Houston. We were able to watch dance demonstrations by Indian dancers and a beautiful flamenco dancer with her talented guitarist accompanying her. Did you know that in flamenco dancing, the guitarist follows the dancers movements, not the otherway around? Normally, dance is choreographed to the music, but in the flamenco style, the musician watches the dancer and follows her movements and plays accordingly. I never knew that!

There were members of the Chinese-American community wearing traditional and Chinese inspired dress, plus female members of the Indian-American community wearing gorgeous saris. Oh, and they were doing a "Tailgating 101" segment with the Texans cheerleaders. Doug refused to get in the photo, but you know he really wanted to!

Oh, and there was a Harley biker club, and Blues Brothers impersonaters, too! 

So, on a day that would have been fairly ordinary, our family was blessed to have been invited to experience the extraordinary! If it were not for the invitation passed along from a friend, we would not have had such a wonderful opportunity. Thank you for blessing us, Nora Bernal and Suzanne Badger! We had a GREAT time! 

Katherine, Debra Duncan (host), Zachary

To see Kat's appearance on Great Day Houston
click:

http://www.khou.com/great-day/gdh_082710_seg4-101653708.html