"There's a Mouse About the House"

Do you ever wonder if you knew what you were supposed to do when you grow up, when we were under the age of five? Recently as I was reading to Creed from a set my mother purchased for me and my younger sister on manners, the "Let's Talk About," series, and noticed how I cataloged the book series. Additional slips of paper where patrons would check out books were taped to the inside cover. Remember those? Remember thumbing through the card catalog? I remember the first time my mother took me to a really big library, where everything was electronically filed on the computer. I've always loved the endless rows of books and possibilities that lied within the covers of each book. A world where anything and everything was possible. It's always been something magical to me. I love the quiet. I like seeing patrons sitting around reading studiously. It's a happy place for me. If I had to do it all over again, I'd be a librarian. Perhaps that's why "You've Got Mail," is one of my favorite, if not my absolute favorite movie. I dream of owning my own children's bookstore. 

Our imagination is a powerful thing. I see how Creed acts out everything and wonder if it's not just play, but a way of understanding his world preluding even to a profession he will have later in life.. Lately he's been playing doctor. I ordered a stethoscope last year, but it didn't work. He still enjoys playing with it, but it's not the same. He doesn't know the difference yet, however I imagine the day when he hears an actual heartbeat with a working stethoscope. I've been looking on amazon and found a set that has a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. I also found a doctor's bag. When Wal-Mart was having their Black Friday special I picked up the Fisher Price doctor's set, which also promised a working stethoscope. Sadly it doesn't work either, and the ear pieces really hurt. 

His interest goes back and forth everyday, exploring the possibilities of play and imagination. He enjoys acting out David and Goliath, he plays the troll under the bridge of the "Billy Goat's Gruff," and gives mama and daddy an examination every time he brings out his doctor's kit. I'm enjoying watching him grow and explore. I'm enjoying listening to him go on and on about his newest discovery. I love watching him learn new things. I'm grateful to be along for his journey and still give thanks to God for our "rainbow baby."

We started today with a lace and trace puzzle by Scholastic. After or before the pieces of train are laced they may then be joined to form a long train with many cars. Also, another grand treasure we found at Goodwill for 49 cents, this activity builds concentration and fine motor skills. Although the box indicates that puzzle activities develop logic and problem-solving skills, it's just another level of fun waiting to be discovered by a curious three-year-old. After Creed lost interest we moved to the Usborne sticker books and ended with the math game we played yesterday. Before nap time Creed happily and most eagerly followed the "mouse about the house," from the book, "There's A Mouse About The House," by Richard Fowler. The little mouse travels to the kitchen, pantry, and upstairs and down looking for food. The mouse rests inside a small clear pouch on the front cover waiting to be slid in and out of slots through the house. What a delight it was to witness his face light up and experience the joy of learning and discovering new things. Before I even knew about Usborne, I was fortunate enough to come across several unused sticker books at Goodwill that easily slid into our homeschool curriculum.

I started a new book, "The Sacred Marriage," by Gary Thomas, joining in a study hosted by a wonderful lady. While, I've only read the first chapter, I can already tell that this book will provide some great insight into my marriage. The first words of wisdom poses the question, "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?" "Far from being a compromise, in one sense, marriage might be the toughest ministry we could undertake. The state of marriage is one that requires more virtue and constancy than any other." - Words of wisdom striking intrigue by Francis de Sales, a Christian writer. "Mature love, the kind demanded of a good marriage, must stretch." I like that. I understand that concept more now, after 12 years of marriage than day one. I'll grow into even more understanding as my marriage matures in Christ. I looked online and found another book by the same author, "Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls." The description reads that parenting is a school for spiritual formation and our children are our teachers. The journey of caring for, rearing, training, and loving our children will profoundly alter us forever. It states that Sacred Parenting is not a "how-to" book that teaches you ways to discipline your kids or help them achieve their full potential. Instead of discussing how parents can change their kids, Sacred Parenting turns the tables and demonstrates how God uses our kids to change US. The description explains how you'll be encouraged by stories from parents handling challenges and difficulties and how their children transformed their relationship with God. And at last, Sacred Parenting affirms the spiritual value of being a parent, showing readers the holy potential of a parent-child relationship. Well, sign me up! Yes, I can't wait to read this book. I always thought that while I worried over Creed's safety in the womb, the worry would finally be over once he made it safely into the world. I know all of you seasoned parents are laughing along with me. Little did I know, this would only be the beginning.