Ebeth's 4 and no more

It is the time of year that I loathe and love all wrapped together. I LOVE the break from driving to school, the early rush schedule and the after school activities too. I am excited about the creative things I plan for the children that invade my home yet when they do they make me..well tired. Lunch is pretty much like all summer, frustrating and busy. The rest of the day is filled with group time and work for me. I rarely sit for a moment to just be but instead find the day flying by. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade it really but it funny how no matter how many times you go through something you still forget exactly what being "in it" right now felt like. Ya know when you are pregnant and uncomfortable, or in labor and painful. OR new mom with a baby keeping you up at night, or a nonstop baby who has no ability to understand no OR on and on. We all forget the specifics and remember pieces. The mind is just that forgetful. It isn't possible to hold on to it ...

Aside from the hustle bustle of last week my family (minus hubby who was on duty at Fire Station) watched the movie "How to Train a Dragon". I have to say it was a beautiful written, moralistic action packed fairy tale for boys and girls. I of course had introspection that many kids may not but I think my verbalizing of a bit settled within my oldest son. I likened him to the main character (although it isn't his Dad or I that is let down by his differences). #1 enjoys making predictions like they are taught in school with regards to literature. Many people think he is attempting to spoil the plot and get angry. I understand this concept, kindly inquire what he is doing and confirm, then explain why his siblings are rude to his remarks. A knowing nod and back to the movie. Hopefully a seed that will stay planted in good soil. A bit after that I mentioned how he is similar because often kids at school and even some grownups assume by face value his worth through statu...

Christmas day is typically filled with family, cold weather and possibly when we are really lucky fluffy white snow too. This year was one of those special ones. We were greeted with falling beautiful, glittery white flakes at break of day. Well the opening of my eyes anyway. Hubby went in to his 2nd job to plow the glorious surprise away from the roads for travelers. In my home I received breakfast (cereal) in bed, and watched Miracle on 34th street too. The youngest 3 headed to G-ma and G's for breakfast leaving the house eery quiet except the rumblings of tanks and explosions from the computer in the classroom. #1 couldn't be removed from it if I tried. Eventually I drug myself out of bed to hide and pretend nap while wrapping presents, etc. Hubby arrived back home in time to watch Marmaduke with G-ma and G, enjoying popcorn and hot cocoa. We didn't make it out to look at the lights and vote on the best house. Another day before the year is over we will do it. Tradition...

My heart desires so many things. Yet the world is not perfect, or an easy path to all that we want. Trust in the LORD and do good;Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalm 37:3-5 That verse doesn't mean if I have faith God will do what I want,but in my faith God will change my heart to mirror his. I want to take my kids to Disney next year. #4 LOVES Mickey Mouse, #2 is still interested enough in Princess', #3 is still young enough to let his inner little boy out, and #1 in the last bit of innocent place because the world is robbing it from him.  I want to get my husband the truck he had when we first got married and has never had since because of the life I wanted to lead. (kids right away, finishing school etc). I need a new/newer very reliable family vehicle in the coming year as well. All these things are at...

 When you live a life of lukewarmness you cannot leave a legacy of integrity.  You cannot pass on what you do not have.  You teach what you know but impart what you are. OK you just skimmed, glazed and blanked over those statements. Go back and read each one making sure to pause in between. Yes, I will know you didn't do it because you will have nothing to say at the end. Try it again....AGAIN for real....PLEASE! Now, it is no secret to those that have listened to my heart, I eat/sleep and breath how my actions impact those around me specifically the 4 lives I am accountable. Up until today I was under the misguided idea that I had to accomplish something tangible with my hands in order to be a worthwhile member of God's kingdom. Well, that and teach my children about the true meaning of our time on this earth. Acts of service is definitely one of my stronger love languages so in that way I make a small difference. But there is nothing a ...

I am a passionate person if you haven't already noticed that is:) Words and music are my lifeline and in that pictures are what assist in my storytelling. My scrapbooks are priceless memories that I would run back in a fire to retrieve FOR SURE! Working in the emergency service field/having a husband who is a firefighter causes you to think through what would I do in a fire kind of situations. Taking out the fact that I most certaintly would get my children to safety foremost, my scrapbooks, memory cards and the like would be next. They are all in one spot easily accesible to an outside door and multiple windows. Yep, thought out the escape plan that well. I normally go for a weekend away where I spend approx 6pm Friday night through 2 or 3pm Sunday doing nothing but cropping. We are talking 5 hours sleep maybe 6, 3 breaks for meals which lasts no more than 30 minutes and a shower, or work out squeezed in there too. I get one years worth of work done, as in my albums are complete...

The day after Thanksgiving as tradition the kids and hubby put up the tree. I turned on Christmas music, and plopped myself down on the couch to enjoy the scenery. Yep you heard me or rather read that right. I do not participate in the tree trimming festivities but as a spectator. I Deck the halls or really the house and everyone else gets the tree. I do not care about the organization, or the horrendous effort putting lights on the tree provides. The kids are more than THRILLED to negotiate which ornaments they each get to hang, this year #4 added a few of her own. That is except the pink My Little Pony horse which she felt was better suited in her hands. We all wore the Santa hats which feel brand new even though they are well used. As the plastic tubs were closed back up I was swept up in the fun and took several pictures with the kids under the tree. Torturing hubby by setting the timer for him and I in the picture too was WELL worth the aggravation. I am pretty sure it was payback...

Tonight my kids said some interesting things: #1 informed me no one in his class believes in Santa. I said it is a choice. Then I asked him if they get presents from Santa. He didn't know but wasn't going to ask either. Social consequences are a BIG issue for him. It clearly is uncool to believe. I asked him how he felt and he said he believes. But I sense the uncertainty. Part of me wanted to be real with him, to explain the magic in the belief system of it all. But then part of my was unsure where it would go from there. Could he really handle the magnitude of such information in relation to his siblings? In that moment between the 2 of us, the other 2 big kids happily singing etc in the back seat I think he was ready. But once home I am not completely sure. He said he knows it isn't me because the handwriting is not the same. Whew! Good thing I know how to differentiate:) #2 debated and determined that I in fact was born in 1987. Woohoo to her thinking I am 23, althoug...

My dear faraway friend has come and gone once again. This round of her time in my home was unlike the others. We had opportunity to relax and enjoy each other's company without children/husband each day. Many times that doesn't happen at all during her stay so absolutely unique, and an excellent reminder of how and why we remain such close friends. It is also ironic because my other favorite family guest typically is here during this same time frame. This year she will be joining us at the end of the month. I do hope she is prepared for the chaos that marks 7 children in my home for winter break:) Since being married I have been able to open my home to many guests, whether it be for a day or for several nights too. I enjoy almost all parts of such hospitality (well except the cooking, but since my kids must be fed another person makes no matter) and would have never guessed that God blessed me with such gifting. Cause let's be real folks I get crabby too, lol. I feel so v...

I love prayer time with my kiddos. Thank you Daughters of Grace Dance for inspiring me to stop praying with my kids individually but as a family. I set up the ground rules that each should pray something for themselves and something for someone else. From there I let it come from the heart. Most nights it is sweet and simple. I learn a lot about where their minds are from what they choose. #1 tends to pray about himself getting frustrated or other students who bother him/pick on him at school. #2 often prays more holistic style such as all the people who are in the hospital unless there is someone sick or hurt in her class. #3 chooses family or friends. He made Daddy's heart melt when he prayed for MaMa in heaven, and has done so several times. Tonight #3 prayed for our faraway friend Amy. He has been doing this since at least her last trip here but possibly before then. Typically he or #4 will ask where she is again and I will say Montana. Then they will pray for her to have fun ...