"I'm not gonna lie!"

Yesterday I searched for a book about telling the truth. I was looking for something that could get the point across to my three-year-old son, Creed. The only thing I came up with was an inspired kids Little Critter book by Mercer Mayer, "It's True!" He seemed to like it and we did go over it again tonight. I realized that I had a set of books about character that my mother gave me and my sister when we were younger. I searched eagerly hoping to find one about truth and found one about lying - bingo! "Let's Talk About Lying," by Joy Berry, hit a grand slam tonight. Before we read the books about lying and telling the truth I said, "I'm going to pray for you OK Creed?" "OK," he said. I prayed that God would give him a discerning spirit to know right from wrong at a young age. I prayed that he would always choose the right path according to God, our Father. "In Jesus Name, Amen," I said, and he said, "Amen." As I read the story to Creed we talked about how he told me a lie when … and that he must always tell me the truth. God wants us to tell us the truth I explained. "How could you have done that differently," I asked. He looked at me waiting for the right answer. "You must always tell the truth," I said, "I need to be able to trust you. After you tell a lie you must try to make it right." "Do you know how to make it right," I asked? Again, he was waiting. "You admit that you lied and tell the truth. Then you say you're sorry," I said. With a contrite heart Creed said, "I'm sorry Mama." "I forgive you Creed. I love you," I said, "We need to be careful not to lie." I know this is a lesson that will need to be addressed more than once, but at least we've laid the ground work.

He was sitting on the potty when I called to him, "Did you poop?" "I'm not gonna lie," he responded. Yep. I'm glad it's sinking into his precious little mind. I went to a local book store and a lady asked if she could help. I told her I was looking for a book on telling the truth or about lying and she was looking for a DVD, which she didn't find. We were headed out the door when she said, "that's normal you know." (lying) I nodded, smiling and walked out. Yes, I know it's normal because we were all born into sin, but that doesn't make it right. It's our responsibility to help our children navigate until they're old enough to discern right from wrong themselves. She was trying to be encouraging, I know for sure.

"I Spy on the Farm," by Edward Gibbs, is a beautifully illustrated book with spy holes to discover some noisy animals in a take on the classic game, "I Spy With My Little Eye." The back of the book has a circular cutout where children can hold up spying with their little eye. Our book for the week is Old McDonald and this was a great addition. We're still one Creation Day 6, but have moved onto farm animals.

Today I watched the movie , "The Impossible," starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor. The movie is based on a true story of one family's experience of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. I remember seeing it on TV and couldn't even wrap my head around what that must have been like. Even seeing this movie, I cried and the lyrics, break my heart for what breaks yours, from the song, "Hosanna," by Hillsong, kept playing over and over again in my head and heart. Watching the horror and sheer pain made me feel grateful for every single thing we have and realize just how much we really have … and don't need. Compared to many remote places in the world we live like kings. Having a roof over our head qualifies us. Having food in our refrigerator, let alone electricity. I've always had a heart for missions. It's a dream that one day we can go on a mission as a whole family, at least Creed and I. Counting my blessings.

Yesterday I watched the movie, "Grace Unplugged," starring AJ Michalka, Kevin Pollak, James Denton and Shawnee Smith. It's a Christian movie about a Christian teen, who's also a phenomenal singer, that rebels against her father after getting a music break of a lifetime, which puts her faith to the test. I cried reliving the rebellious youth I had with my own parents. The older I get the sorrier I am, especially when I think about my child's future. The enemy loves to remind us of our past, but we must remind him of his future. It's in the theater now, go while you still can!

P.S. if you know any good books or DVDs for preschoolers about lying and telling the truth please leave a comment.

Creation Day 4, Sun, Moon and Stars

Creation Day 4

This afternoon we spent some time making popcorn and cutting bunnies out of pancakes. Creed is enthusiastic about everything - it's contagious, and I love it! We made another page for our Creation Book to go along with Creation Day 4. We had made a starry night with star stickers along with a crescent moon, but after finding our star hole punch Creed practiced punching stars. I brought out a yellow piece of paper but he said we needed blue. It turns out it looks a lot better with blue stars. We made another crescent moon, a little more festive this time, with white, yellow and blue.

I came across a DVD at the library, "BJ's Teddy Bear Club & Bible Stories Vol. 1-2," a series for children ages 1-5 on TBN. Volumes one and two feature the story of creation as well as Noah and the Ark. The program introduces children to colors, letters, numbers and stories from the Bible. Creed and I both enjoyed it. The Creation episode is really detailed in a child-friendly way. Please leave a comment if you know any preschool friendly Creation DVDs.

A is for Apple Crisp

Our leader suggested reading the verse prior

 and the verse after and it's really helped my

understanding.

This morning I started reading the portion of the notes again in the BSF International weekly lesson. It generally takes me anywhere from one-three days to complete it. I read and re-read, look up definitions, read some cross references and of course, there's the stop and start of daily life going on around us. In the lesson we read from childhood Jesus obeyed God's command to meditate on the Scriptures. Jesus learned Scripture in the same way anyone does - through hard work and devotion to God. His mind was so saturated with the Old Testament that most of His words were directly based on it. Can you imagine that from age 12? In a place where no television resides, (my biggest distraction I hate to admit), I'm sure there were other things that could have deterred his focus. I looked up the scripture that went along with this, also the definition of meditate. At this point He had my full attention, "like a tree planted by a stream of water." I'm getting rooted. The latin meaning for meditate is measure. To meditate is to think deeply, focus ones mind for a period of time, plan mentally ... consider. The most meditating I've ever done in the past is reciting a verse over and over in my mind when I couldn't sleep, Psalms 4:8 "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone oh Lord, make me dwell in safety." I wonder what it would feel like to do this from the age of 12, day and day and night after night. I mean really meditate. Furthermore, Jesus knew that following God's will involved believing His purpose would be fulfilled because of absolute faith in His promises and by His power alone … the power was by His spirit only. John 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Notice it says commanded, not wavering belief. I'm telling myself don't wonder if he's going to be there - it's concrete, a fact. Do not be afraid because He said so. Do not be discouraged because He said so. If He's given me His spirit he surely is with me wherever I go. To find a Bible Study Fellowship in your area search: https://www.bsfinternational.org   

Creed practicing his kitchen skills with a Curious Chef nylon knife very
kid friendly. This knife resembles a smaller version of a lettuce knife.  

Alpha-Bakery Children's Cookbook published by General Mills.

This afternoon Creed and I started our Saturday cooking class with the children's cookbook, "AlphaBakery," published by General Mills. The recipes are based on the alphabet and we started with A is for Apple Crisp. Creed helped cut the apples into small chunks with a Curious Chef nylon knife, and measured the ingredients for the crumble topping. We substituted an all-purpose gluten-free flour for regular flour and earth balance for the butter. It turned out really yummy. I was surprised that it wasn't sweeter and Creed ate a couple of bites before deciding he really didn't care for it. He loves to help me make pancakes and anything else he can get into in the kitchen. Usually when he helps prepare it, he eats it. Not today. I'm hoping to inspire a love of cooking just like Mama and Daddy. To learn more about kid friendly kitchen products by the Curious Chef look here: http://www.curiouschef.com. The only product we've tried is the kid-friendly knife, which Creed is able to work pretty well. When we cook together I pull out a set I put together in coordinating colors from the Dollar Tree.

Listening skills ...

Latest edition of Creed's artwork doubling as Christmas wrapping paper.

Learning middle and last name. I asked Creed if he knew he had three names. He looked at me questioningly. I understand why we have a first name and a last name, but not the middle. You rarely ever hear anyone's middle name, unless their famous or in trouble! Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sarah Jessica Parker. Some others are known by only their first names like Mama, Daddy . . . Madonna, Oprah or the ultimate … Jesus. When anyone speaks any of those names their known without question. Some people are known by their last name, Hitler, Obama. 

Here's some interesting facts. Do you know who Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra is? Here's a hint. She's played opposite of some pretty famous actors in well-known films. Still don't know? Meg Ryan. How about Caryn Johnson? Her stage name was concocted from her ability to fart a lot. Not enough big a hint? Whoopi Goldberg. Here's an obvious name change. Albert Brooks aka Albert Einstein. OK One more - just for fun. Edda Kathleen van Heemstra Hepburn-Ruston. That tongue-twister is Audrey Hepburn. 

From the mid-1600s middle names weren't common. It wasn't until well after the American Revolution. Only three of the first 17 presidents of the United States carried middle names. By 1900 nearly every child born had a middle name. With increased population density and the size of extended families the possibility of multiple persons carry the same first and last names became common as well as problematic. So began the custom. Nowadays we're not only known by our name but we've also been enlisted a number. So if perchance we've got a duplicate or a multitude of duplicates, our social security number distinguishes us from the others.

Jonah and the Whale, illustrated pages from "My First Bible Stories," by Katherine Sully.

Weather or not you've got a middle name makes no difference in your individuality. You are unique and created specifically by the Creator, not just another number. Let's look at another interesting fact about name changes. It isn't a new trend. This started long ago in the biblical era, but it wasn't for vanity purposes. Name changes had a meaning. Name changes by God also meant life changes. Abram (meaning high father) was changed to Abraham (father of many nations). Jesus changed Simon's (meaning God has heard) to Peter (meaning rock). OK here's the coolest fact: Revelation 2:17 says if you are in Christ, he's given you a new name, too, written on a white stone. Very exciting news. 

 

Noah's Ark, illustrated pages from, "My First Bible Stories," by Katherine  Sully.

Conversation from the Itty Bitty Household:

Daddy: "Creed what happened?"

Creed: "I'm in time out. The beeper go off. I get down."

Daddy: "What did you do?"

Creed: "The kitty cat. I pull her tail."

Daddy: "Why did you pull her tail?"

Creed: silent

Daddy: "Do you not know why you pulled her tail?"

Creed: "Look. I got a lizard. Do you love me daddy?"

Daddy: "Yes, I love you. Why do you need to be nice to the kitty?"

Creed: "Look. I've got a thorn see?"

Daddy: "What are you going to do if you hurt your kitty? You'll feel bad?"

Creed: "Yea."

Mama: "We don't hurt her because we love her. What if I pulled your tail?"

Creed: "I don't have a tail!" 

(we all laugh)

Mama: "OK. What if I pulled your toe?"

Creed: "I don't like it."

Daddy: "What's your middle name?"

Creed: "Nokie."

Daddy: What's your name?"

Creed: "Creed."

Daddy: "Creed what? . . . Alexander?"

Creed: "Look. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten toes. Now let me count your fingers. (counts them) Let me count your knee, one two.

Children's bible by Katherine Sully.

We're obviously working on our listening skills. We started the morning watching Veggie Tales Larry Learns to Listen, followed by both Your Baby Can Read DVDs. Before nap time we worked on our Apple Tree Book and were done for the day. I find that not much happens after nap time, right now anyway. We spend more time together as a family then. Usually Creed gets up with the rooster and we're up and running for the day until we hit the snooze button during nap time. 

Page four, Apple Tree Book.

I wanted to share a toddler friendly, very detailed children's bible "My First Bible Stories," by Katherine Sully. Six stories come to life and both Creed and I are captivated by the beautiful illustrations. Usually a lot of the story is left out in baby and toddler bibles. The attention to detail is incredible. Definitely worth the read. 

Resource links: http://voices.yahoo.com/why-did-god-change-names-some-people-the-6906376.html; 

http://askville.amazon.com/middle-names/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=7545792; http://thoughtcatalog.com/2013/55-celebrities-whose-real-names-will-surprise-you/

 

"Hurry Mama, before the Lion gets out!"

Night before last the Draconid meteor shower was scheduled to sweep across the United States just after sunset. The name comes from the way the meteors appear to emanate from the northern constellation Draco the Dragon, which sits just above the Little Dipper in the night sky. We waited until 8:30 p.m. and saw nothing and went out again at 9 p.m., Creed poised steady on Daddy's shoulders peering at the night sky. We watched eagerly looking for signs of something spectacular. Creed and Daddy saw a shooting star at the same time and Creed said, "Look, a shooting star!" That was the one and only one seen. We started singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, when Creed burst into the ABC song. He's never sang independently before and it was a joy to hear. We clapped in enthusiasm after the sporadic performance.

Bon Appetit, Tiger
Meatball perfection

Shape recognition
using color of the week

Yesterday Creed was ready to get to work first thing in the morning. We started off with shape recognition, using the color of the week, green, building a docile turtle, adding grass to practice our scissor skills. Again, practicing our scissor skills we created a vibrant tiger, in conjunction with Creation Day 6, animals. He decided the tiger looked hungry and added meatballs to the picture. The curriculum introduces animals for three weeks including zoo animals, farm animals and pets. Then comes creation of man. We had fun banter creating the zoo full of animals. Creed, telling me where the fences must go so the animals wouldn't get out. "Hurry, Mama, before the lion gets out," he would say! We played a game with color and shape recognition flipping through Disney's Mickey the Mouse learning cards and moved onto the Usborne Sticker Book, learning numbers. Next we spelled out the words on the Your Baby Can Read Flashcards. I wasn't sure how he would do with the ABC Dot-to-Dot, but it turned out well. Before I knew it, we had blown through 75% of this weeks curriculum. He didn't want to stop so I just rolled with it. Taking a break for lunch we watched, "Your Baby Can Read" and "Goodnight Gorilla" on DVD. After nap time we headed to a nearby park looking for our shape of the week, square, and color of the week, green. We found many squares on walkway into the park. I forgot how much fun it is to climb the rope netting. I followed Creed across some balance circles that had rope going through the middle and was really impressed. I was struggling to stay on it myself. So much fun! We tried Jason's Deli for the first time and all of us enjoyed it. Great food and great price. Being gluten and lactose intolerant, I was able to eat there with no problems. It's a relief to find eateries where I can go so there's some normalcy.

Usborne Sticker Book fun

Creation Day 6, Animals

Today we both attended the BSF International church classes. Next week the preschool classes will be worshipping with the adults and I can't wait to see how Creed does! Afterwards we met Daddy at the waters edge on the lake, so we could feed the ducks. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed a nice lunch on the pier. The change in the air delightful! We're certainly enjoying fall so far.

Because He said so ... that's why!

Yesterday I was thinking about the verses, Matthew 6:33, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you," and Luke 11:9, "Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened unto you." When I thought on these, I heard God ask me, "Are you really seeking me?" I heard him say, "You were seeking a husband. You were seeking a child." This really struck a nerve because I was seeking those. I was all in and my heart was after them both. I don't remember the last time I was seeking God with the same earnest. I'm on a road to absolute trust. He's rebuilding the foundation. Father knows what's in my heart. I've been keeping my husband and child in my heart instead of laying them at the foot of the cross, trusting Jesus. "Why would I take the child away that I gave you?" he asked, "Why would I take the husband I placed in your life? Trust in me … completely." I have no idea why trusting God completely meant (to me) him taking "my most prized possessions," away from me. They are not my possessions. They are both sons of God. (Luke 12:34 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - deeply convicted). I was missing the order, His order.

This past Sunday, our pastor mentioned people who stand on the edge of the road holding a sign that says, "Will work for food." I have great compassion for the least of these. I couldn't stop picturing Jesus standing there holding that very . . . same . . . sign. How would I react then? The truth says some have entertained angels unaware. (Hebrews 13:2) I speculate a lot of people have been set before my eyes as a test, yet an opportunity to show God's love. 

My mind wanders in and out of service. My "design" is restless for a reason. Eternity has been set in my heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11). I thought about how alone I've felt in the lobby of our church. Instead of feeling lost and out of place, I've decided to start moving through that feeling instead of focusing on it. I will start seeking a face that looks as lost as I feel and "find" them. I wanted to smoke this morning and God pointed me to my promise. "Every time your tempted," he said, "remember your promise as a sacrifice to me." Creed had a lot of tummy issues when he was born. He was almost always spitting up simultaneously through his mouth and nose gasping for air. I was worried constantly. I prayed to God promising I would never take another drink or smoke another cigarette if he would save my son. There were times when he couldn't breathe at all … truly the most terrifying moment I've ever had. I'd like to say I've forgotten that promise now and again, but that would be inaccurate. I've blatantly disregarded it at times. Those words can never be unspoken. I not only remember, but it's what keeps me at the foot of the cross from time to time. He is my strength and gives me grace to move through many situations unscathed! I remember how I felt after I would smoke. The enemy would get me to do it and then berate me for giving in every time. I literally felt it physically. I craved it. I was addicted. I loved it and hated it at the same time and now walk in freedom. 

This morning I was pondering on my first portion. Was I giving God my first portion? Was I giving God my first portion of the day … my first portion of income? Or was I giving him the leftovers, if there was any left over at the end of the day. By giving God my first portion of today, I was able to hide verses in my heart. I had the grace to speak in a soft tone and did not overreact. For a little over a week I've put into motion, the Duggars' tradition of reading Proverbs everyday according to the day of the month. Today's portion stayed with me. Proverbs 7: 2-3 " … Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart." It's pretty cool that there are 31, one for each day of the month!

It was three weeks ago I started the Bible Study Fellowship. I finished reading over the notes for this weeks lesson and love that I still find it interesting instead of mundane. I love that God promised to put His spirit within those who believe Him. He gave me a new heart and a new spirit. With His spirit in me, he moves me to follow his decrees and be careful to keep his laws. His spirit enables us to repent and gives us the desire to obey Him. I want to obey Him. With his truth I'm gaining knowledge little by little.

Trust . . . and Obey.

Because He said so … that's why!

I'm looking forward to this week's Day 6 Creation. (God makes the animals) There's some pretty fun days ahead! Finally a new color, green. Our book of the week is, "Goodnight Gorilla," by Peggy Rathmann. We're lucky enough to have it in book and DVD form. We really enjoy watching books come to life on screen. Scholastic has a large assortment available and one can usually rent them from your local library. 

  

Romans 8:28

Illness couldn't have struck at a better time for homeschool since last week was merely review of the prior three weeks. We did some art projects but mostly piled up on the rocker or couch watching Tom and Jerry while eating popsicles. Creed still has a cough now and then, but no longer sounds like a baby seal, which makes mama's heart super happy.

colors of the week, red and blue

fine motor skill practice

This morning we started exercising Creed's fine motor skills, cutting paper into pieces for our rainbow art project, that also doubles as using this week's colors blue and red. He opted for red mostly, which he identifies as his favorite color. While three and four-year-olds have the skills needed to snip and cut, scissor skills aren't fully developed until around age six. Tearing paper improves the ability to use both hands in a coordinated manner, also part of our curriculum this week. Using a hole punch on index cards with a handheld puncher strengthens hand muscles and improves bilateral skills. We will be practicing this using a star puncher to make our stars for Day 4 Creation, catch-up, from last week.

Day 5 Creation Project
Fish of the Sea/Birds of the Air

"Let the waters be filled with living creatures, and let birds fly through the skies." So God made creatures of every kind that live in the sea and every winged bird that soars above. And God saw that it was good and He blessed them. And so ended the fifth day of God's marvelous creation. Again, using our fine motor skills, Creed practiced stamping the sea creatures onto Day 5 Creation Project. We also added some birds. He got a little over zealous and decided to stamp his hands onto the paper taped to the coffee table, but this was more than acceptable as it's all part of our "strewing experiment" (from The Artful Parent book by Jean Van'T Hul) but more commonly known as, this year's Christmas paper. Presents will be wrapped with custom created works of art as the year goes by. 

Easy Change Artwork Frame
holds up to 50 pieces of art

Since we're started homeschool we're collecting various works of art every single week. Now the question is, "What do we do with them?" I can't possibly throw them away. At the end of the year I'll collect them all together and store them as, "Creed's Art Work, Age 3." However, until then, I've found a pretty clever way of displaying them using Easy Change Artwork Frames from ABC Distributing. They're available in 8.5x11 and 9x12. What makes these unique is the storage space inside the frame. After it's been displayed and the next work of art is ready to go in, simply slide it into the pocket, along with the rest of the beauties! The compartment holds up to 50 more pictures. The frame is made of wood and one of the most common sense features is it's not glass, it's plexiglass. So much more safer if it fell, in case inquiring toddlers find their way to the frame. The door is also held snug by a magnet. Both are under $10. I haven't found any cheaper than this. Find them here: http://www.abcdistributing.com/For-the-Home/Decorative-Accents/Wall%2BArt/Easy-Change-Artwork-Frames/prod121045.jmp?navAction=jump&fm=search.

Five Little Speckled Frogs googly eyes placement

Our book of the week is "Five Little Speckled Frogs," illustrated by Nikki Smith. After printing the frogs we cut them out on construction paper and Creed glued goggly eyes on them. Next we pasted them on felt. Creed has a very small felt board, along with the one I made on the wall, that we can use interacting with the story during story time. Fun, fun!

This week has already been trying. Last week was a struggle. I know that we are going to thrown curve ball after curve ball during our life as a family and that must mean we're doing something right. I know we're on the right path spiritually and our faith has been tested in so many ways recently. Having faith, after all, I think, is choosing to believe no mater what. Believing anyway. Doing anyway. Living anyway. "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26. I have prayed for several days, standing on Romans 8:28, "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I also believe that there is a "season for everything, and a time for every purpose under heaven," Ecclesiastes 3:1. How exciting is not knowing what's going to happen? It's also terribly terrifying at times, but wouldn't it spoil the surprise of God's goodness of what's yet to come?!   

"A Love That Multiples"

This week I finished, "A Love That Multiplies, by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar. I found a bounty of priceless information, especially about homeschool. I looked at their resource list in the back and went online to http://store.iblp.org/categories/CH/ to order the character cards, character booklets on obedience and truthfulness (I picked what I thought we needed right now), as well as, seven basic needs of a husband booklet, from The Institute in Basic Life Principles online store. It was all surprisingly affordable. The first reason they decided to homeschool was to fulfill the teaching of Deuteronomy 6:5-7, "teaching your children to love God with all of their heart, soul and might, talking with them with they sit in the house, walk by the way, lie down and rise up."

The book was a great inspiration to me, not just for homeschool, but for my marriage, furthermore raising our child and possibly children to come. As a stay-at-home-mother I deeply related to the poem, "Continue On," by Roy Lessin, that Michelle lists as encouragement to other women. The excerpt most touching was, "… she heard the still, small voice of her Heavenly Father speak to her heart: You are a wife and mother because this is what I have called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye, but I notice. Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward. Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence on him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through your love. Your children are precious to me. Even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise for Me. What you invest in them is an offering to Me. …" How profound, "Your husband cannot be the man I called him to be without your support." Well, when you put it that way . . .