red blue red blue red....real life learning.

Yesterday, Elijah and I decided to play cars. We carefully lined them up -- creating a perfect traffic jam -- and then destroyed it only to start again.

Then Elijah decided we needed to park all the cars.

As we began to create our rows we also created patterns. Well, actually, I started the pattern theme, but quickly Elijah caught on -- and loved it.

Red car, blue car, find another blue car, then a red.

How about gold yellow, momma?

Green car, silver car, find a green.

We laughed and explored and ended up parking all the cars.

And Elijah learned about patterns.

Sure, I could have pulled out a book and explained it to him. That would have worked, and honestly, some day we'll do that. But, today, he learned through life -- organically -- and loved it. His little body would race around the room searching for the next color car he needed.

It was fun. For both of us.

Sometimes we think we need the next educational toy, or manipulative, or workbook when we have what we need in the toy box {yes, the cars were still sorted} upstairs. Play, play, play with them. Let them lead. And sometimes you can add a bit of learning to the fun.

When he went to bed the cars were still out in the perfect lines.

Play cars to-morrow, momma? Again?

I think I might.

when the plans shift

I am not good at readjusting well. I like my routine -- I like my memories. And when things shift it's easy to sit in them and let that dampen the entire day or week.

The Suburban died -- you know, the big truck where almost my entire family fits and where we can cram loads of beach goodies and fishing poles and towels and stuff in it with a canoe slapped on top and a trailer behind.  And we leave in a couple days for vacation.

{last summer}

Initially, I wanted to just get mad and lament and sing the "why me and woe is me" song. And I did. A little bit. Then after I stepped back {and reread my purple petunias post} I was reminded that even with  the dead truck -- although incredibly inconvenient -- we are still going on a vacation. Maybe we're needing to borrow a vehicle -- and yet, that too, is a blessing -- that we have a friend willing to let our family of nine pile in it for a week trek up to the lake.Very brave, I might add.

{mustache man last summer on the boat}

Then this week, Elijah -- mustache man --, has been sick. With really vague symptoms. Sleeping a great deal, fevers, and strange pains. My mothering radar has been on overload for the last six months since Samuel has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Todd had to remind me that kids just get sick and most of the time it's just sick. But, as days pass and it's only him under the weather and the vacation departure date creeps closer I feel that nervous anxiety.

Truth? We can still do vacation even if he's under-the-weather. There are doctors up in the beautiful north country of Minnesota. I can still mother and accomplish all I have to do. And all those to-do's -- the packing and laundry and sorting and organizing and cleaning -- are actually blessings. I just need to keep my mind aware of it as I race from thing to thing to thing to thing.

Remember the blessings, Rachel, remember the blessings.

So that leaves me sitting here this morning with a choice. I could easily complain about everything we have not fitting or being frustrated about the truck or worrying about Elijah or I could rejoice in the gifts that abound. In Samuel running around. That we are blessed with a vacation. That I have family -- extended family -- that vacations with us that I love to be around.

Sometimes having the plans shift helps regain gratitude.

And this morning, I am resting in grateful.

{the beautiful Kabekona Bay in Northern Minnesota at sunset}

to elijah. again.

{yesterday he was busy}

Dear Elijah,

You are my sixth child. You're the child that we were told we could never have after Daddy was diagnosed with cancer. You surprised us all back then so should you stop surprising us now with your tremendous determination?

You are busy. You keep me on my toes every single day. Even though you're not quite four you already seem to be four. And as you like to tell me, "I'm big." How could I ever forget?

You bring tremendous joy to this household. You are funny, funny, funny. The Lord must have known we all needed to laugh. A lot. Thanks, Elijah, for providing the humor at just the right time. Even if it might just be that hand-drawn mustache that you added to your adorable face. {this is my fave picture even though it's blurry}

You are an amazing big brother to Samuel.

So why am I writing you again? I just needed to be reminded about how amazing you are -- sometimes all I see is the work. The cleaning up. The busy and loudness. And I forget to see all the amazing qualities of you. I'm sorry.

You are more important than the Chex cereal spilled all over the family room floor, or the line drawn on the wall by the stairs {and yes, I know it was a railroad track}, or the half-eaten pieces of fruit that you put back, or the fact that I see you running around outside with your pants on backward {cause you're trying}, or the boxes of sorted toys that you dumped out because you wanted the boxes, or muddy little footprints across the floor.

I love those things actually.

Life would be boring without them.

Elijah, you are loved.

Wait.

Elijah, you are extremely like-crazy mega loved.

~mom

***

who would you write your letter to today?

seeing the purple petunias

Elijah and I sat on the front porch. The weather was cooler than a typical June day, and yet despite the heavy clouds and bursts of wind we were comfortable. He rested on my lap, his soon to be four year old head nestled into my shoulder.

We just sat.

I asked him what he was thinking about and after glancing around the porch he quickly replied  -- about purple flowers, momma. There was a huge pot of deep purple petunias sitting by the entry.  Anything else, Elijah? I asked. He  sighed, and looked around again and simply said -- oh, and about God, momma.

I told him thinking about God was a really good thing and he quickly told me he knew that.

We sat there -- him thinking about purple flowers and God -- and me wondering about life and summer and words. I was mulling over how we define stresses -- I hear it so much -- I'm stressed about this or stressed about that -- and yet, for myself, I wonder if what I'm calling stress should really be called stress.

You know, like getting stressed because I have to do the dishes. Or clean. Or run the kids to ballet. Or mow the lawn. Or plan homeschool curriculum. Or write a post by a deadline. Or get the car washed. Or take those pictures. Or fold the laundry I'm behind on.

I think I might have been calling blessings stresses. And not seeing the beauty of the purple petunias right in front of my face.  If I had been Elijah I probably would have said -- I see weeds in the flower garden -- completely missing the beauty of the petunias right in front of me.  Sigh.

I'm convicted to think before I refer to items as stress. I remember years ago, when we lived in San Diego {and yes, we moved back to the snowy land of Minnesota} being in a Bible Study with some lovely and wonderful ladies. I was this young mother, and we were going through financial stress -- real hardship -- and we were 2000+ miles from friends and family. After I poured my heart out in a prayer request the next lady was up to share. I can still remember sitting there, with my tear-stained face, as she proceeded to lament about how stressed she was in prepping for her trip to Paris in two weeks, and how she needed so much prayer.

Only seeing the weeds.

It stuck with me. That realization of keeping one's eyes open and not allowing the blessings in life to become the stresses in life. And to be really really careful about what I ask for in a time of prayer requests.

Oh, to be like Elijah. To see the world for all it's beauty. To be content to rest on a patio chair on a June afternoon and think about purple flowers and God.

Let me learn from him.

And see the purple petunias first.

{I've linked with what is on your heart.}

the very sweet things

In the midst of the weekend, and a birthday celebration, and ballet rehearsal I noticed some very sweet things. They're the moments of joy shown to me by the ones I love. Little things, perhaps, and yet the most beautiful.

1} In the summer one of our traditions is to have strawberry shortcake for dinner. Just that. Nothing else. Every year as the kick off to summer I'll make shortcake -- with heaps of strawberries {and sometimes raspberries and blackberries} piled high with hand whipped cream. Hannah published a beautiful photo journal of our kick-off to summer shortcake *here* including this most yummy looking photo. Of course, this was a very sweet thing.

2} This year I had to make gluten free shortcake. I used the gluten free Bisquick recipe {for convenience}, and it was good, but not amazing. I'm going to be searching for a more "almost tastes like it has gluten in it" recipe. Ideas?

3} Samuel loved the strawberries. He'd stand in the kitchen, look up at me with those puppy-eyes, and say, "mo-oh" -- he kind of sounds like he's from Boston when he says it.  How could I say no?

4} My Chloe is so creative. She found this app for her ipod touch that lets you make old silent movies -- and then adds the piano music. All weekend she's been choreographing various movies. And finding props. Including this old table top {it used to have tiles in it} to use as a mock tv screen.  I'm going to have to beg her to let me show you one  -- I just love them.  :)

5} And speaking of Chloe -- I was using her ipod touch {which I'm known to do -- love the Scrabble App and Words with Friends} and hit the google search and saw a gluten free search still up. That she did. For me. For something she was going to make as a surprise.  How sweet is that?

6} I was trying out Hannah's new lens on Friday and Elijah told me he wanted to be "part of da pitch-ure, momma."  Remember -- he's three. For his "photo shoot" he decided to run from the fence, hang from the swing, and to just sit and stare.  Too cute. And sweet.

7} And of course, I should end the post with a picture of my birthday girl on her birthday. I absolutely love this picture of Hannah and Samuel -- my oldest and youngest. The bond between my children is priceless.

Have your own miscellany?  link up with my dear friend Carissa and do share.



Hope your Monday is fabulous! And speaking of fabulous -- remember -- I'm looking for some gluten-free fabulous and sweet shortcake ideas. And remember to enter my give-away {thanks to blogher and gatorade} for the $100 giftcard to Dick's Sporting Goods. {The giveaway button is on my sidebar.} I want one of you to win it! :)

~rachel

the crumbs can stay

I saw the kitchen needing work. There were breakfast dishes piled high in the sink, and a floor needing to be swept and mopped, and counters sprinkled with cereal crumbs and smears of jelly. It was late. Our morning jobs -- which should be done before nine -- hadn't even been started.

I felt myself getting annoyed.

Didn't the chores come first? I could feel the aggravation rising as I walked through my half done and not so spotless kitchen.  I was ready to get everyone working on what I thought needed to be done.

Until I saw this.


The dirty counter didn't matter -- in fact, it seemed awfully petty all of a sudden.  So what that we're a bit behind schedule. That didn't matter.

The relationships matter.

The bonds between a 13 year old and her 3 year old brother make life impressions.

Those daily duties? Yeah, they'll get done, in time. And you know what? That kitchen will get messy again -- within the day. But, today, at this moment in the morning, I'm glad -- I'm grateful -- that my sweet Chloe chose to say "no" to the work and "yes" to her brother. That matters.

Humbled. Again.

Taught by my own.

my letter to my elijah

Dear Elijah,

I've written myself a letter before reminding me what I need to remember, but today, I need to write a letter to you. You are three and a half. And busy. And discovering your will. And still in everything amazingly wonderful.

And it's too easy to go through the day not really seeing WHO you are and how awesome you are. {and so awesome that I am ending with a verb}  Even though you try to fence with a fork -- which we don't do, and say things that you think are funny -- but really are not, and that sometimes when you are supposed to go to bed I look to see you standing at the top of the stairs -- which you know you're not to do.

Even as I write this I hear you at the table, your sweet little voice chattering away as you banter with your brothers, and I start to smile at the lovely variable you add to our family.

Elijah, you remind me to slow down and savor the day. Like yesterday when you had - just a couple books - to read. Even though your couple was close to a dozen. I'm so grateful that I decided to stop my busy work and sit with you on our old faded couch and read and listen to you. Even though we only read two of the books a dozen times.

You bless me.

I am a better mother because of you.

I have more patience, more creativity, and more laughter.

Forgive me for those days when I am just looking at me and my agenda. I lost sight of the joy and wonder that you bring to our lives. Yes, water splashing is amazing, and chalk on the carpet could be beautiful, and trying to go outside at any opportune moments is the sign of a true adventurer. We just need to figure out how to channel your unbelievable energy. And that curiosity.

Or find me some more coffee.

But no matter what -- I love you.

And today I am grateful for you. I am so blessed to have you as a son.

{and please don't play with the milk in your cereal bowl}

Love,

Mom

*****

who would you write a letter to today?

take them with you. seriously. it's worth it.

I have a tradition that I've started with my kids. Every Saturday morning is grocery day -- first to Costco, then Trader Joes (added since Samuel was diagnosed with Celiac Disease), and then Target. Actually, let me back-track, first we head to ballet to drop off those older girls. And then, on with the errands.

It's easier and faster to go by myself.
It's quieter.
It's relaxing -- really.

But I don't go alone.
Nope.

I take one of my fabulous kids with me. We kind of rotate through them and one gets to hang out with me at the store.  And, despite the extra work it is so worth it.

This week I took Elijah, my three year old with -- and here is what he said.

1} We're going on a grand adventure!  Those are Elijah's words to me as we drove at 70mph down the freeway to Costco. His little face, eager and excited about the adventure he was about to embark on.  How I was reminded that to him, my three year old, life is an adventure -- and I shouldn't forget that for myself.

2} This is terrible.  These were Elijah's words as he stepped outside the car into the absolutely freezing wind-whipped Saturday.  And he was right.  It was so cold -- way too cold for mid-March.  Somehow hearing him express disgust over that sub-zero windchill made it a little bit better.

3} I found them! I found them! I found them! Words expressed as Elijah found the blueberries in Costco's big walk-in refrigerator.  Then I saw the price --$7.99.  For blueberries.  Then I saw his face. Grinning. Excited. His little legs jumping up and down.  Those blueberries? In my cart. With one happy boy -- and grinning people all around.

4} Sisters will be so happy.  As soon as the blueberries hit the cart Elijah told me that now sisters would be happy because he got blueberries. That $7.99 pricetag just vanished.

5} How 'bout I push the cart for you? And by that I mean the little cart at Trader Joes. And that's just what Elijah did. We were slow. Very, very, very slow. But, Elijah learned to steer, to say, "'scuse me," to back up, and to unload his cart. And he was so happy.  Could I have just made him walk by me? Yep. But, not today, not on his day. So we took a bit longer. And that's okay.

6} Don't forget Sammy's suckers!!!  And those would be the $2.99 gluten free suckers at Trader Joes. Which, by the way are all gone now. Completely. All 29 suckers. And I think that Elijah ate 21 of them -- while I was on the ballet run to pick up Hannah and Chloe.  As dad did some work Elijah sat, oh so quietly, in the kitchen, carefully peeling plastic wrap off of those suckers and chewing them down.  Oh well. They were natural.  :) At least Samuel got one -- I hope.

Now, today, two days later Elijah still talks about his adventure.  The trip that took at least 45 minutes longer, but those 45 minutes were full of wonder, and joy, and laughter, and adventure.  It's worth it, my friends.  Those little ones that we are blessed with can teach us so much.  If only we are willing to listen, to give time, and to remember that they are only young once.  Time is fleeting.  Grab onto it -- and let them push that cart!

Have a blessed Monday!

where am i walking? and learning? and waiting?

Caleb
1} I've been asked to speak at 3 different events.  The intriguing part was I was asked within 2 different days all events unrelated. I am very very very humbled.  It's not about me.  It's about God -- my love for Him -- and the calling I think He's placed on my heart.

2} I love to share my story.  In fact, I have a heart for women -- for freedom from the labels and chains that society places on us.  And labels that we put on ourselves. So often our day is clouded by our past.  We don't move freely forward, we're looking down and worrying and fretful and often with a sense of overwhelm and hopelessness. Our footing is based on the world's timeline.We remember where we failed, or didn't measure up, or the mistakes made, and so on.  All that is baggage that we're dragging around with us.  Truth is?  We don't have to. Every single day, we can drop that baggage at the feet of Jesus. Learn from it if we need to.  Carry it with us? No. 

3} It's interesting how the Lord works.  For years I've felt called to speak, to share my heart openly, and yet have felt the Lord say I was to wait, and that it was on his time.  And I waited.  I spoke a couple times here and there, but I rested in waiting.

4}Reminds me of this song I love by Vineyard -- where are my eyes? Are they looking up?

  If you say go I will go,

 If you say wait I will wait,

 I you say step out on the water

 and they say it can't be done 

We'll fix our eyes on you and we will come.

5} Parenting requires work. And focus.  And laughter.  Well, thankfully, our children provide us with those moments of laughter, don't they?  Just yesterday my Elijah was so cute.  Here's our conversation after church:

Me - Elijah what did you learn in Sunday School?

Elijah - (big inhale) About God.

Me - Oh, that's great! Tell me more about what you learned about God.

Elijah - (even bigger inhale)  About the Bible

Me - Great! And what about the Bible did you learn?

Elijah - (even bigger inhale than before) Um....About God?

that's my Elijah

6} He's got the basics down.  I've got to give him credit there.  I think we could have gone back and forth on that one for a bit.  But, here's the deal. Elijah is three.  I believe it is critical to talk with him about church, and God, and what he learned right now.  Not wait till he's older.  But now.  Even though it went in a loop.  I want him to know that I value him and his relationship with the Lord.

7} And, by the way, Elijah learned about the Magi.  I am THANKFUL for the sheets sent home with my little ones.  If you teach little kids -- send home info sheets. Or a coloring page.  Or, if you don't, talk with the parents.  :)

8} My friend, Lynnette - from Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground, wrote an interesting article on parenting priorities that was influenced by an article in the Wall Street Journal titled "Why Chinese Mothers are Superior."  Lynnette does a beautiful job unpacking the article -- worth reading -- and articulating her goal as a mother.  Click HERE to read and be blessed by her words of wisdom.

9} Finally, for all of you who are curious how my early rising is going -- today I woke at 5:49 am.  Samuel woke up, and I put him back to bed, and stayed awake.  Victory!  For all of you who are joining me in trying to rise earlier, how are you doing?  Any tricks for me? Besides the cup of freshly brewed Caribou Coffee that is half gone sitting in front of me?

***************************

Link up with Carissa and her fabulous Miscellany Monday Meme.  And read a post Carissa wrote about parenting as well.  Just scroll back to her post previous to this week's Miscellany.  It's another excellent perspective.  Oh, yeah, and she's a doing a give-away for a $50 gift card to Lisa Leonard's jewelery.  Just thought I'd throw that out there....;)

Even though I'm hoping to win.

does syrup have sugar in it?

I have waited all year to write this Miscellany Monday post.  Seriously.  I knew I could only write it during December. It's still random, but inspired by one of my favorite movies. So bear with me.  Please.

So with that introduction I present to you my-

Buddy the Elf Quotes ~ Miscellany Monday

1) Sounds like somebody needs to sing a Christmas Carol.  Ahhh--Christmas carols. I'm a stickler for the classics. Give me some Bing Crosby or Silent Night and I'm content. I am just not a huge fan of chipmunks singing or new remastered renditions. Or really, really, really cheesy versions of carols played in elevators, gas stations or Old Navy.

2) I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite. If there's a joke going on, or a secret to tell, or a no-smiling contest -- I lose. I cannot stop grinning. Maybe I'm just a gal who looks at life as good, or the glass is half-full, but seriously, do not ever bet on me to win any contest that involves no smiling. And, if I ever come to talk to you about some news and I'm grinning -- you know it's good. :)

hee hee hee

okay this isn't a smile pic -- but doesn't it make you smile?

that's my eli two summers ago

(and yes, I was pregnant with Samuel -- he was born  8 weeks later)

3) The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Thinking back to number one -- and songs -- our family sings. All the time. We've got songs for each of the kids, silly ones, sweet ones, and more. We'll just randomly break into song. Sigh....

4) I'm a cotton-headed ninny-muggins. Well, I'm not really. Well, sometimes I am like that, yet I've never used those words to describe myself. Does this count?  Thinking back to the when I put the lights up I do cotton-headed ninny-muggin type things.  Like when I thought it was funny to throw all the lights up in my tree and call it done. :)

am I done?

5) You did it! Congratulations! World's best cup of coffee! Now, all you faithful readers will know that I love coffee. So it's probably not coming as ANY surprise that I would love this quote? I'm not terribly particular about coffee, but I can tell you that a good solid mug with fresh brewed coffee and great company makes any morning!

just had to put my coffee pic up again. :)

6) Buddy the Elf! What's your favorite color?Did you know that there's a day modeled after this quote? I'm a fan of Buddy the Elf on Facebook. No, really, I am.  Anyways, I found out about this day where you answer the phone stating that quote. Did I do it? Nope. I forgot.

Speaking of facebook -- for those of you on facebook I've got a Networked Blog page for finding joy so you can join that and get updates. I've also been toying with making a page just for finding joy. Have any of you done that? Opinions?

7) Then YES! We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup. Oh, my Christmas cookies. Christmas bark. Christmas treats. They are my fave. However, I haven't made any cookies yet. Which is probably good since I would eat them all and have to remake them right before Christmas. Ha ha ha. My favorite cookie? A homemade gingerbread with royal icing. My grandmother made these. The dough has to sit in the freezer for 2weeks until you roll it out. They are divine. How about you? Favorite cookie?

these are the cookies

8) You're young, you're so young...You know my papa, he didn't make master tinker till he was 490 Had to end with it....I have no comments....I just love the quote!  However, I'm sure I could find something deep and pertinent in this quote. :)

*********

Thanks for enduring with me today and my silly need to use Buddy the Elf quotes to write my miscellany. Sometimes I get these ideas in my head (ask my kids) and have to run with them.....

Thanks for all the comments on my previous post and for checking out 5Minutes For Faith!

Link up to join the miscellany randomness!

dreams and a quick note

Elijah staring at the Christmas lights

oh little one

sweet babe of mine

with dreams so big

what goes on 

in your little mind

what do you dream?

remember

little boy of mine

to always hope

to always love

to always believe

 to always dream

****************

We're healing over here in cold (and potentially snowy -- we're in a winter storm warning) Minnesota.  My little Elijah and Brennan are struggling the most, but I'm praying that by the end of the day they'll be on the mend.  I was so blessed by all of your prayers and kind comments.  You had some great suggestions!  And I am sorry that I haven't got back to many of the comments yet -- specifically for Lovely Photo Wednesday -- it's just been a different schedule with the sickies.

****************

Sorry for my short little rambling post.  I only had a couple minutes this morning -- we're going to a hoedown, we've got that winter storm, I've still got some sick ones, my coffee is brewing, and of course, there's ballet in the evening.  A busy, but blessed day.

 And thank goodness it's Friday. :)

the domino effect

It's one of those days.

Last night, my Chloe felt awful before bed.  Gracie was already sick.

This morning my family fell like dominoes -- Hannah, Brennan, Caleb, Elijah, Chloe, Samuel, and myself.  We're coughing like there is no tomorrow.  The only one that feels okay, be it slightly?  Grace and my husband, Todd.

Sigh.

This is one of the reasons I don't like winter.  But, I'm not going to grumble anymore.  Nope.  Instead I'm going to list some beautiful benefits of dealing with a sick family.  Not that I ever want them sick, mind you, but if I looked only at everyone being sick, and feeling sick myself, I would end up in overwhelm.

So therefore, I give you some silver lining moments from this bout of illness.
 Twenty reasons to be exact. :)

1) I get many more hugs.
2) I get many more "I love you, Mom's"
3) There isn't any racing around our main level.
4) The fighting level drops drastically.
5) Many books get read.  (and yes, more television viewing...I've got to be real, right?)
6) I get a nap. Maybe.
7) It is not a vomit sickness.
8) It is not a vomit sickness.  (I had to type that twice.  I am SO grateful to have dodged that bullet)
9) My house stays clean.
10) We all realize how much we love each other.
11) We all realize how great it is to feel well.
12) I get to blog at 8:30 in the morning versus 5:30 in the morning or 11 pm at night.
13) Now, I get to go down in my family room, snuggle under a blanket with Eli and watch Curious George.
14) We learn about science when we discuss the benefits of a fever.
15) I finally can use the massive amount of Kleenex tissues that I bought at Costco
16) It is not vomit sickness.  I know, I know, I know.  Just had to mention it one more time.
17) The amount of running around I do in the Suburban will drop down to nothing.
18) We'll save gas money.  And food money -- since we're only eating chicken noodle soup
19) It only seems to last several days and Samuel's has NOT developed into croup.
20) Hopefully tomorrow we'll feel better - then I'll write a new list -- a list of health!

extra snuggle time

Do you have any "getting through the sick time tips" to share?  If so, please do.  I'd love to know.  Feel free to list your silver lining moments as well.  So often it's perspective, isn't it?

Blessings and health on your day!