Mended: Thoughts on Fear, Love and Leaps of Faith

You may cry, you may laugh but you will surely relate. "Mended: Thoughts on Fear, Love and Leaps of Faith," by Anna White, is a collection of essays inspired by the Japanese art of beautiful repair. 

Kintsugi is based on the idea that broken things can be repaired, and once that process is complete they are even more beautiful than before. 

Follow the author, Anna White, as she takes us along on her inspiring journey, one that is beautifully broken, like us all. I don't know anyone who's not broken in some way. We can recognize the author's brokenness through our own. Feeling the pain of this earthly life, walking in flesh and bones, where our bodies limit us. This deep feeling, this angst tortuous need for something more was created by the Savior, written in our hearts - we are not at home. Home lies in the heights of heaven. This longing will never be satisfied until we meet our maker. Through transparency we see the words comes off the page as real and familiar, like a kindred spirit. And then - the work circles around again into a brand new limitless light. If this is truth - let it be brutally honest. The only unbroken soul was Jesus Christ. This is true. Yet he broke his to save all of this broken … beauty, his creation as he saw us and loved us, the ultimate love story. Does she write what we are all thinking? If our voices were one would they be hers? If we were all female, in which the only perspective I can draw from - I dare to say its true. I think we have all felt foreboding joy as the author so carefully discusses. If there ever was a name for it, it would be called "the enemy." The one who comes to steal in the night and whispers intrusive thoughts of despair and unholiness.

There is something truly poetic in the "staying" the author mentions. I want to find this place she describes as as a thin place where God hovers. I want us all to find it. Perhaps … it's within our hearts. White states, "I am a writer," then asks if she can truly state it. I answer, a resounding yes. She may say that as much as she may say she is also an artist. Clearly she is - though White needs no label as she is enough, exactly the way she was created. 

Readers: You want to be on this journey. You've gone through it yourself and may even recognize yourself reflected within the pages of this book, as each chapter flows seamlessly from one page to the next. The authors one intention this year: Continue. In a reference to Stephen King she writes his only job was to not break the chain (writing every day) and the only advice she offers readers is pick a small thing and carry it on. Let it change your life. 

The "monkey mind" she speaks of reminds me of our devided selves, trying to break away from our sinful unwanted nature to be what we are called to be. The "monkey mind" is a tangled layer in itself. Some many things compete for our attention. For instance, we can't simply go grocery shopping without interference. Even if we've made a list, there is aisle after aisle of confusion, with too many choices. We've got some many distractions in this earthly life, no wonder it's so heavy.

As the words washed over my mind I thought, "Have you taken a page from my diary? Have you been reading it all along?" I found comfort in this book. I found sisterhood and womanhood and invite you to also. "I was wrong," White writes, "He (God) was showing me the light so on the worst days I could remember that the sun was still out there and that somehow, eventually, I would feel its warmth again." 

This collection of essays focuses on the struggle of living with anxiety and depression, and how to also live with grace and faith in the midst of darkness. It is raw and honest, and does not provide any easy answer or gloss over the pain. It is a narrative of struggle, but also of prayer, of hope, and of rescue. View the author talking about the book in a short video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T22frgtigoI To download a kindle edition for $2.99 visit: http://www.amazon.com/Mended-Thoughts-Fear-Leaps-Faith-ebook/dp/B00IWDXYPK/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394902839&sr=1-5&keywords=mended To obtain your own copy for $10.70, (I will never fall out of love with the written word. I love going back and forth writing notes in the margins and highlighting areas I know I'll need again) visit: http://www.amazon.com/Mended-Thoughts-Life-Leaps-Faith/dp/1496150147/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394903444&sr=1-6&keywords=mended

About the author: Anna White is an author, artist, and recovering perfectionist. She has a M.A. in Psychology, and understands the struggles of fear, anxiety and faith through personal experience. She and her husband Ryan, live in Louisiana with their two children. She's emotionally attached to her art supplies and loves making old things new. Connect with Anna online at www.2dayichoose.com or on Twitter @annawhiteartist.

Other works include, "Soul Rest: Retreating to the Heart of Life," pre-release available April 20 for 99 cents; "Decoding Etsy SEO: How to Get Your Shop Seen by the People the People Who Want to Buy Your Products," also 99 cents, and "You are Irreplaceable. You are Loved. You Matter. Heart Affirmations for my Sisters in the Dark," which is completely free! Visit Anna White's page on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Anna-White/e/B007P7BEQK/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1394904941&sr=1-2-ent

"I've been broken. I know what it's like to feel shame at my weakness, to starve myself to be worthy, and to want to sleep forever. If I had to guess, I'd say you might be a bit broken too. But being broken is not the worst thing. We can be mended. Our cracks can become beautiful. We can be even better than new." - Anna White

"April showers mama"

Root-Vue Farm Garden Laboratory

Did you know that the American badger is a pretty clever hunter? First, the badger hears it (a ground squirrel) then follows his nose to creep toward the opening of the squirrel's den. The badger has an important skill he uses as his next move. As he gets closer to the entrance, he circles around and finds some of the exit holes that the squirrel has created. The badger cleverly fills the escape routes with dirt or rocks and then moves to the entrance. In and instant the badger is plowing his way toward the squirrel with perhaps the most powerful hunting tool - its claws. - From Creation Illustrated, in nature, in scripture, in living Winter 2014 Vol. 20, No. 4 magazine.  To find out more about Creation Illustrated go here: http://www.creationillustrated.com

The badger is often referred to in literature for the creature's composure and wisdom. Isn't it interesting how unique everything is. From human, to animal, to bug, to plants, etc. It's all so intricate. The maker is amazing! The badger can dig three times faster than three humans with shovels! In less than a minute a badger can have a hole dug for hiding, big enough to turn around and face his attacker! Unless a badger is bitten on the nose, it seems to be immune to the snake's fatal poison, which still affects them but not like humans. This is the last I'll say about the badger, though it's really interesting … at least to me: This shield that the badger uses to resist the poison of the snake illustrates how we should use our own shield of faith to resist the venomous lies of the world. Romans 12:2 clearly states that we are not to be "conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - pretty great magazine, and I'm only on page eight. For a free issue go here: https://subscribe.pcspublink.com/sub/subscribeformtrial2.aspx?t=JWB203&p=CRTE

Flower press and scissor skills

Filling our spring garden.

Planting seeds.

Creed and I started our first crops of the season last week. As we rounded up winter's reading list, we've moved on to looking for books on spring. So far I saw one about the spring equinox, which explained many different ways different cultures celebrate spring with traditions and religion. At first I wasn't sure whether or not to read it to Creed, but there's no harm in diversity. I wanted to explain what spring means to us and furthermore what Easter means to us. As Creed was watering the few sprouts that popped above the soil he kept saying, "April showers mama." I found a root view system that we used to plant carrots and one mung bean. 

We're also experimenting with a leaf and flower press. I received one when I was young from my mother, a gift to use on my 4-H project about wildflowers. I found a brand new one at Goodwill for 99 cents. Now Creed has one to use along side mama. When the daisies started to droop from the Valentines bouquet from daddy, Creed carefully cut the ends off while I stacked them in the leaf and flower press. We also hung some upside down to see which one works the best. For more information on the Root-Vue Farm Garden Laboratory Kit: http://www.hearthsong.com/Fun-with-Education/Rootvue-Farm-Garden-Laboratory-Kit.htm?aff=10051&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PLA&utm_campaign=PLA&utm_source=Rootvue+Farm+Garden+Laboratory+Kit&gclid=CLnehO2b4bwCFUhp7AodBXAAWw

After trying several different toddler scissors, we've finally found one that's comfortable for Creed. The School Smart Loop Scissors are eight inches long and are connected by a loop. Designed for those with physical disabilities or coordination problems, it's perfect for the toddler with handle gripping difficulty. The easy loop handle makes cutting easy for little ones and the blade re-opens automatically. Adventure after adventure and experiment after experiment, we've been learning side-by-side.

"If you'll be my friend"

"If you'll be my friend," replied the five-to-six-year-old fair of face young girl, to my three-year-old son, Creed, who asked if she would play with him, insisting actually, asking again and again. Creed's first lesson with the ladies, yes, it starts young. Not romance of course, but manners, manners in humanity. You know, that age old golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.," taken rightly from one bible passage, Matthew 7:12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." We're living this out, walking through it daily whether it be with mama and daddy or a new friend, even Bella, our husky Siberian Husky. 

Quietly, and sometimes impatiently, there was a life lesson taking place last evening on the floor of the local library in the children's section. Creed loves to play with the wooden dollhouse, he especially loves to play with the dollhouse when there's someone else playing along with him. First Creed and I played and when he lost interest he moved over to the computer. He only gained interest again, when a young girl started playing with the dollhouse. From his seat, with his headphones on half-looking at the computer he was telling her how to "play" with the dollhouse. Finally, he got up and joined her and she immediately left. He came over to me asking why she left and I said you'll have to share. Why don't you take one of these dolls over to her and ask if she'd like to play with you. There was only one computer working that night so she had taken his place and the above conversation began. She gracefully accepted the wooden figure and they started to play together. With a watchful eye, also studying my lesson, I listened as Creed tried to tell her how she was going to play with the dollhouse. She tired of the direction and joined her sister at a nearby table. Once again, Creed came to me asking why she left. "You were being bossy," I replied. "What does that mean?" he asked. "That means you were telling her what to do. How to play with the dollhouse." I said. "You must be kind." He went to her table watching her playing with the puzzle and said, "Excuse me. I have something to tell you." She didn't respond and ignored him completely. "Excuse me" he said again, "I have something to tell you. I'm going to be kind." Just then a voice came over the intercom stating the library was closed and patrons were to make their way to the exists. Creed gasped so loudly both her sister and her looked up from their puzzle. "The library is closed!" he said. We made our way to the counter to pick up one last book.

Pages from "Over and Under the Snow," by Kate Messner

We've been reading as many books about winter and snow as we can find. Among the lot of them we've found some beautiful treasures. So with this in mind, I'm going to share our "so far" winter must-have reading list, all of which you can find at your local library. 

"No Two Alike," by Keith Baker.  Are two snowflakes just alike? Almost, almost … but not quite. Join a pair of curious birds as they explore how everything everywhere is unique - from leaves and trees to forest friends of all shapes and sizes. It's an affirmation of how we're all one of a kind. 

"It's Snowing!" by Gail Gibbons. A story of snow flakes falling and people enjoying skiing on it, but what exactly is snow and how does it form? This book is an introduction to one of winter's wonders - snow. The author describes how it's formed in beautiful illustrations. Snowflakes have either six sides or six points and falls on all seven continents. The last page shows some pretty neat facts and history of biggest snowstorms. 

"Tracks in the Snow," by Wong Herbert Yee. There's a mysterious set of tracks through the snow, but who do they belong to - a rabbit, a duck or perhaps a woodchuck? You'll follow one little girl as the mystery unravels. "Tracks in the snow. Tracks in the snow. Who made the tacks? Where do they go?"

"Over and Under the Snow," by Kate Messner with art by Christopher Silas Neal. This book is so beautifully illustrated I want to buy two just to frame the pages. Over the snow, the world is hushed and white, but under the snow is a secret world of squirrels, snow hares, bears, bullfrogs and many other animals who live through the winter safe and warm. 

"Winter Trees," by Carole Gerber. A boy and his dog take a walk through a wintery forest, using their senses of sight and touch to identify seven common trees. Wonderfully expressed through poetry and art, there's additional information about trees and their life cycles in the back. 

"The Snow Tree," by Caroline Repchuk. About a bear cub celebrating the splendor of nature comes a story in the joy of friendship and sharing. The woodland scenes are wonderfully embossed as well as colorfully illustrated by Josephine Martin. 

"Where Fish Go in Winter and Other Great Mysteries," by Amy Goldman Koss. This book asks 14 great questions and answers them in funny, interesting poems that you'll want to read again and again. Learning is much more fun when there's rhyming involved - I think. An excerpt from the book, for example:

When lakes turn to ice

And are covered in snow,

What becomes of the fish

Who are living below?

It's not so exciting

Down under the ice,

But fish find it restful

And really quite nice.

It's dark and it's cold,

But the water's not frozen.

In fact, it's just perfect

For fish to repose in.

They breathe very little.

Their swimming gets slower.

Each fish makes his heart rate

Go lower and lower.

And except for occasional

Lake bottom treats,

The whole winter long

The fish hardly eats.

"Not a Buzz to Be Found Insects in Winter," by Linda Glaser. When the weather is warm, insects are everywhere, but in the winter, where do they go? This book shows 12 different insects and how they survive in winter's chill.

Not on the winter's list, but more than worth mentioning is another gem by Nancy Tillman, "The Crown on Your Head." From the New York Times Bestselling Author of "On The Night You Were Born," comes a heart-warming story of how we each have a crown that's unique, which reminds me of the crowns we'll receive when we get to heaven.  

My house couldn't contain all the books I'd love to own, so I'll have to settle for the library. If I could live anywhere it'd be in the majestic library shown on Beauty and the Beast. Oh the joy of the written word, especially the words of my Savior, Lord Jesus Christ. I find that I'm coming to know him more and more or he's revealing a little more and a little more. Either way, it's a beautiful relationship - a romance, quite sure.

Creed's job: "salting the snowflakes"

nicely salted "snowflake"

Let the magic begin using pipette to drip different colors

Raised Salt Painting
http://www.oneperfectdayblog.net/2012/04/27/kids-art-raised-salt-painting/

To take our newfound fascination with snowflakes even further we tried our hand at raised salt painting. Here's the basic instruction if you're interested in this neat arty project: http://www.oneperfectdayblog.net/2012/04/27/kids-art-raised-salt-painting/

Basically I drew snowflakes with pencil and traced with glue, but Creed and I did some free-style as well. It was Creed's job to cover the glue with the salt. Although we used a tray for the salt sprinkling it proved to be a grainy mess, fun nonetheless. After the papers were glued and salted next we mixed some colors again using the fizzy tub colors first making the primary colors and then mixing the secondary colors. Next Creed practiced using an itty bitty pipette he received in one of our Kiwi Crate boxes, and I carefully used a dropper from the medicine cabinet. (For more information on Kiwi Crate, visit http://www.kiwicrate.com/our-crates/)

Creed told me how much fun he was having and it really warmed my heart. Making art and spending time together is so precious to me. Being artistic is something we share and connect on a different level. After our beautiful masterpieces were made, along with our beautiful messes, it was tub time where we dumped the rest at bath time. The leftover salt was a large bowl size and I brought it into the bath. Pouring some in the bowl I asked Creed if he wanted to feel it. At first it was like wet sand and with more added water it was a slightly different result. Finally all of it was dumped in the tub and I told him it was salt water like in the ocean. He said it was sad water. :-( Not really sure what that was all about. Sometimes he stumps me like they say on Cat in a Hat, I'll stump you next time!

If you're interested in some handmade educational wooden games and toys visit www.TreeHopperToys.com. I recently received an envelope with a preview of fun homeschool curriculum, books, offers, magazines, etc. and this was one of the fliers. I was pretty impressed when I went online. Non-toxic, handmade in America using sustainable American hardwood, 100% safe, 100% wind powered workshop - these are the things this mama loves to read. I ended up getting a set of Match Stacks, in Woodland Animals, one of the 11 themed sets. For 25% off use coupon code: CFS214, which expires 3/30/14. This is a $5 off coupon, that basically pays for shipping which is $4.99. 

Itty Bitty Snow Angels

Keeping the tree house nice and tidy

Monday we went to homeschool co-op. I was really disappointed. For Creed's age group the parents were required to stay and I was really happy about this to begin with, however it proved to be a huge distraction, at least for Creed. First class was music, second class was letters and third was supposed to be gym/snack time, but we didn't make through the second class before I decided that it wasn't for us at this time. Creed learns way more at home during a non-school day than at the co-op. The whole point for us attending the co-op was for the well-discussed "social skills" everyone freaks out about. There just wasn't any structure and when one of the teachers asked if there was anything the parents could think of for the children to do 20 minutes until the next class was scheduled, that pretty much summed up our experience. BSF (BIble Study Fellowship) is completely structured. The pre-school curriculum is based on the lessons the adults study. It lasts the same amount of time and mama is able to learn, study and discuss the bible as well. I was pretty impressed with BSF from the beginning. I've got really high hopes for the Montessori handwriting workshop in July.

After we left homeschool co-op, Creed and I spent some time at the library. He played on the computer for a little bit, while I researched books about winter for homeschool. He lost interest and started playing with the wooden dollhouse and before long another child joined him and they played as if they had known each other all along. Be still, my beating heart, listening to the conversation between each character they both beheld. He's socializing all on his own. I really want to get him a wooden dollhouse, one that's more boyish. Plan Toys makes really nice ones, one even looks like a tree house.

Creed knows what coins are, especially quarters. They are his favorite. His first love affair with them started last December 2012 when daddy received a four foot gum ball machine for Christmas. He quickly found out that even if you didn't have a quarter if you jiggled it just right, bumping it up against the wall, you'd get an ample amount of candy - for free. In addition to counting the circles on really big foam dice, Creed learned how many quarters (really cool much like the real thing plastic quarters from Teachers Aide) make a dollar and how many "dollars" (paper) he had. We took turns rolling the dice, each sitting beside our own dinosaur coin bank. Creed took the initiative to roll both of them at once and added them together. I love it when he does this sort of thing. It really seems if something is his idea, it's much more of a game than homeschooling. In fact, we've been playing a lot of games lately. I found a really awesome game at goodwill that teaches sizes in small, medium and large, (Mama and Papa Bear and Baby Bear) colors and counting. From Learning Resources, it's called Bingo Bears Game. We've played it countless times and have only had it a few days. It' fun for me too. 

I was all jazzed up to make snowflakes using raised salt painting, but could not find the salt, so we bundled up and played outside instead. Creed wasted no time climbing up the side of the side of the tree house before whooshing down the slide through the little snow/sleet that accumulated. He asked daddy to make him a snowball and then hurled it at him. Jumping on the trampoline with snowy-sleet underfoot proved a little tricky, but a perfect opportunity to make itty bitty snow angels. 

Baking, measuring, chopping, blending ...

smoothie goodness

This week we've been exploring the kitchen through baking, measuring, chopping, blending … 

What do you do when your child is a picky eater? From age one, Creed ate anything I offered him. Now he eats a limited amount of food and winces when I ask him to try anything new, just one small bite. I know this is a stage and I'll be happy to see it end, however in the meantime I'm thinking if I can get him involved in the process, perhaps he will be more inclined to try new foods. 

We started out with a smoothie consisting of spinach, frozen strawberries and fresh blackberries. I instructed Creed to grab a couple of small bunches and as he carefully put some in his tiny little fists, he looked at me asking, "too much?" "No," I answered, "we need a lot." He was very engrossed in the process, especially pushing the buttons, though the interest faded when it came time to taste the results. 

Hmmm … Creed loves muffins. So I decided to make a healthy version, adding chia seeds for bonus nutrition. He eagerly obliged eating the results. We make healthy pancakes all the time adding poppy seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, etc. So now I'm thinking I'll just add this to the list.

Washing strawberries

washing himself

Slicing

… and dicing

Creed practiced using the curious chef kitchen knife. First he washed the strawberries and himself in the process. Then he cut the tops off the strawberries using a kitchen tool used for slicing strawberries, eggs and anything else that will fit I suppose. As I looked at the photos I realized how small his tiny little hands were. Sometimes I forget how small he is, about the time I realize how big he's getting. 

two-hands technique

The next day I explained the pineapple having a core, slicing the outside. Creed was able to slice them up beautifully, but to no avail, he wasn't interested in tasting it. I did enjoy watching his technique. He tackled it with both hands on the end of the knife and then used one on the end as well. Either way he sliced it, Creed was clearly having fun. 

Have you heard of Kidfresh? It's a brand of healthy frozen kids meals. Luckily our local Kroger carries them. Creed loves chicken nuggets and I do too, except what I don't like is the scary ingredients hidden in foods targeted at children. Not only is the chicken used raised humanely without antibiotics, but they add cauliflower, onions and use whole grain breading. Creed loves them and I love knowing he's not eating antibiotics, also getting some vegetables. We've also got the Spaghetti Loops and Meat Sauce and Wagon Wheels Mac & Cheese. I wish it was organic, but this is the best I've seen so far that he will actually eat. For more information visit: http://www.kidfresh.com.

We took turns playing games this week including the Melissa & Doug geometric shape game, the sensory game called "Feel & Find," by EDDU Toy, and his newest favorite Five Little Monkeys Jumping On A Bed.  

Spring Christian Homeschool Co-op starts Monday morning. I'm very excited to be able to meet other homeschool mamas and getting Creed more acclimated with other children. He's everyone's friend, especially when we go out to the playground or a play area setting in the mall. There was only one time, when the mall area was really full that he said there were too many people and I had to agree. When I think about my own reluctance join a crowd, even a small one, I wonder what it will be like in heaven. I mean there isn't going to be just a massive amount of people, a world's population over a span of centuries will be there! I would also imagine that through God's grace this anxiety of being around a bunch of people will also be removed. In the meantime, I'm really trying to work on it, especially with Creed. I don't want to pass on my own fears. I want to be the best example as humanly possible. So we're both diving in head first, together!  

The Duck Goes 'Quack Quack' Mama!

Creed's favorite character nowadays is Little Nutbrown Hare. Aside from the book, "Guess How Much I Love You," by Sam McBratney, I hadn't heard or seen anything else about this rabbit. Just flipping through the channels the other day I found it on Disney Junior (8:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.c). The animated series is centered around the love and friendship between Little and Big Nutbrown Hare, a father and son. It's adorable. I love it as much as I love Peter Rabbit! We went to the library this week and I found another book by the same author with this duo called, "Let's Play In The Snow." Turns out there's a series of books about Little Nutbrown Hare including, "Guess How Much I Love You," 'All Year Round,' 'The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare,' 'Colors Everywhere,' 'A Surprise For the Nutbrown Hares,' and the list goes on. I'm looking forward to discovering each one as much so as Creed. 

Another great find inspired by a book Creed received from his Aunt Lorilie, "The Kissing Hand," by Audrey Penn, was "A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon." After a little digging, I also found, "A Kiss Goodbye," "A Pocket Full of Kisses," "Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories," Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully," "Chester the Brave," etc. 

Sensory play with EDDU Toy

After playing with our geometric shape game by Melissa & Doug, we played a great sensory game called "Feel & Find," by EDDU Toy. Basically it's a canvas bag filled with wooden shapes and as you draw from the stack of wooden game pieces that have the matching shapes you put your hand in the bag, without looking of course, and feel for the corresponding piece. It was hard, but fun. At one point I suggested he try it with his foot and it was a hoot! When it was my turn I was having difficulty finding the duck and Creed held the game piece in front of my face explaining to me that ducks have webbed feet for paddling. He waited a moment and then kept telling me more, the duck goes, "quack, quack." "The duck eats fish and seaweed," he said, "and has gooey eyes." "The duck says quack, quack," he persisted. It was hilarious. The more he told me the closer he got to my face. We played a Cranium Treasure Chest game next. This time we played by the rules. This was certainly an adjustment for him, but he played along. 

For a couple of months now we've been reading "Warthogs Paint, A Messy Color Book," by Pamela Duncan Edwards. It's a tale about warthogs painting a rainbow on the kitchen wall after not being able to go out on such a rainy day. Through several mishaps the colors are mixed and new colors are explored. The last page goes into detail about primary colors, when mixing two primary colors you make a new colors, green, orange and purple. There are a couple of fun exercises testing the child's intellect like, "Which two colors were used to make the ladder green?" One day after reading the book I asked Creed if he'd like to mix some colors to see what happens. He answered with an excited, "Yes!" I found the easiest way to mix some colors was using the fizzy water changing tablets (used for bath time). We dropped the red, blue and yellow into different jars and waited for them to dissolve. It's didn't take long for the magic to happen as Creed anxiously awaited for the fun to begin. He used a big bulby syringe I found at thrift store, first adding yellow to the empty jar and then blue. "Green!" he squealed. Science experiment 101, mixing primary colors, was a huge success.

Science 101, mixing primary colors

geometric shape game

That night we read from the Ranger Rick Jr. magazine we checked out from the library. The December/January 2014 addition pictures a Red-Eyed Treefrog on the cover, which Creed referred to as, "Sticky Toes." There's a section in the magazine that features, Read with Bonnie and Chester. It's a short story that has photos inserted into the text so children can "read with" their parents. I explained how we were going to read it and Creed jumped right in and cracked me up every other line. Chester, the squirrel and Bonnie the bluebird, had an adventure with snowflakes. There were pictures of hot chocolate and when we came to that point … Then they ate (pictures of cookies) cookies and drank (picture of hot chocolate) coffee he said. He certainly listens to everything around him. Mama makes coffee every morning and sometimes he will ask me to do something and I explain that we can do this or that after I make coffee, finish drinking coffee or watch out, don't spill the coffee, it's hot! The Ranger Rick Jr. poster showed a photo of a red fox. This fox has a white chest, black feet, and yellow eyes, I read. Who does that look like, I asked? Mr. Todd, he replied! (From Peter Rabbit on NickJr.) As we were reading and flipping through the pages there was a photo of a mama cheetah with a baby standing on it's hind legs looking like it was whispering into it's mother's ears. If this cheetah could talk, what would it be saying? (reading the text) "Meow!" Creed answered. It's been a blast. 

We are entering the "What's That Mean?" phase, aka "Why" phase. I'm really enjoying it. He asks questions I would never ask and sees the world from a different aspect. It's refreshing and eye-opening at the same time.

I signed up Creed and I for the Spring Christian Homeschool Co-op. I'm very excited to be able to meet other homeschool mamas and getting Creed more comfortable with other children. He's a clinger, literally to my leg. One reason we started BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) was because they had nursery that also had class, not just a babysitter. Sometimes they have to peel him off me, but when I come pick him up he's sitting in a circle listening to the stories and very engaged with the teacher and other students. I wish I could see how well he does in class and I'll be able to get a little insight when this co-op starts on the 27th. All smiles here!

I'm excited about the Montessori Summer 2014 Handwriting and Fine Motor Workshop Creed will be attending, twice a week for the last three weeks in July. The goal of the workshop is to introduce or improve children's handwriting skills in a fun learning environment. Using a multi-sensory approach they will work on developing the strength, coordination and dexterity that's required to complete the writing process. This includes pencil grip, letter formation and letter placement on paper. One-on-one instruction is taught by a licensed occupational therapist and will be based on techniques and activities within the Handwriting Without Tears writing program. This will give him a leg up for what's to come in this next homeschool year, plus he'll be able to make some new friends as will me. I had only heard the name Montessori and didn't know much about it until it was suggested by a friend. Thanks Aunt Na! The more I read about it the more I'm inclined to enroll Creed in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. It's rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church (Catholic) and focuses on helping children listen to God and His Word and respond with joy. For more information visit here: www.cgsusa.org. I'm still researching Montessori. Your comments are appreciated!

"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.