Cara's Quilt

For each of the older children I have made an afghan. I then realized I really didn't enjoy the feel of yarn, or the process of knitting or crocheting. So about 3 years ago I took up quilting. I love the feel of fabric and the look of old quilts. Spending hours in a quilt shop is something I could easily do! Cara was the first child I made a quilt for. She picked out all the different materials - bright, cheery colors for my bright,smiley, cheery daughter. I normally use my sewing machine to piece the top, but like to hand quilt for an antique look. Cara's quilt was just taking too long, so I decided to finish it with machine quilting. 2 years later it is finally finished!

Cara having her first picnic with Evangeline and Zoe on her new quilt .

Someday He'll Make it Plain

The last 2 weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. A family came through and had basically narrowed all their choices of homes down to ours. They requested tax and utility bills, so we thought an offer was forthcoming. However, it was not meant to be. We were all devastated and aren't sure what to do. Do we make some upgrades that people have commented on? Do we lower the price again? Do we move to Central IL and find a place to rent until this home is sold?

I believe the hardest part of these last 6 or so months is "why". Why has God provided Daniel a job 2 hours from here? Why did He provide a church over 2 hours from here? Why aren't we moving when He has provided all these things? We do not know the answers to these and many other questions. We do know that God is good, ALL the time, and that he will move us when His timing is perfect.

I have a dear friend who know just how to encourage us. Janet sent this post by John Piper "Why God Doesn't Fully Explain Pain" (Janet's family is going through a difficult trial right now also. Please pray for her family.)

Why God Doesn't Fully Explain Pain
July 14, 2008
By: John Piper
Category: Commentary

One of the reasons God rarely gives micro reasons for his painful Providences, but regularly gives magnificent macro reasons, is that there are too many micro reasons for us to manage, namely, millions and millions and millions and millions and millions.

God says things like:

• These bad things happened to you because I intend to work it together for your good (Romans 8).
• These happened so that you would rely more on God who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1).
• This happened so that the gold and silver of your faith would be refined (1 Peter1).
• This thorn is so that the power of Christ would be magnified in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12).
  

But we can always object that there are other easier ways for God to accomplish those things. We want to know more specifics: Why now? Why this much? Why this often? Why this way? Why these people?

The problem is, we would have to be God to grasp all that God is doing in our problems. In fact, pushing too hard for more detailed explanations from God is a kind of demand that we be God.

Think of this, you are a blacksmith making horseshoes. You are hammering on a white hot shoe and it ricochets off and hits you in the leg and burns you. In your haste to tend to your leg you let the shoe alone unfinished. You wonder why God let this happen. You were singing a hymn and doing his will.

Your helper, not knowing the horseshoe was unfinished gathered it up and put it with the others.

Later there was an invasion of your country by a hostile army with a powerful cavalry. They came through your town and demanded that you supply them with food and with shoes for their horses. You comply.

Their commander has his horse shoed by his own smith using the stolen horseshoes, and the unfinished shoe with the thin weak spot is put on the commander’s horse.

In the decisive battle against the loyal troops defending your homeland the enemy commander is leading the final charge. The weak shoe snaps and catches on a root and causes his horse to fall. He crashes to the ground and his own soldiers, galloping at full speed, trample him to death.

This causes such a confusion that the defenders are able to rout the enemy and the country is saved.

Now you might say, well, it would sure help me trust God if he informed me of these events so that I would know why the horseshoe ricocheted and burned my leg. Well maybe it would help you. Maybe not.

God cannot make plain all he is doing, because there are millions and millions and millions and millions of effects of every event in your life, the good and the bad. God guides them all. They all have micro purposes and macro purposes. He cannot tell you all of them because your brain can’t hold all of them.

Trust does not demand more than God has told us. And he has given us immeasurably precious promises that he is in control of all things and only does good to his children. And he has given us a very thick book where we can read story after story after story about how he rules for the good of his people.

Let’s trust him and not ask for what our brains cannot contain.

Another family that is going through a similar ordeal as us, sent us the words to this hymn today. May it bless your heart as it has done mine.

SOME DAY HE’LL MAKE IT PLAIN

I do not know why oft ’round me

My hopes all shattered seem to be;

God’s perfect plan I cannot see,

But some day I’ll understand.

(Refrain) Some day He’ll make it plain to me,

Some day when I His face shall see;

Some day from tears I shall be free,

For some day I shall understand.

I cannot tell the depth of love,

Which moves the Father’s heart above;

My faith to test, my love to prove,

But some day I’ll understand.

(Refrain)

Tho’ trials come thro’ passing days,

My life will still be filled with praise;

For God will lead thro’ darkened ways,

But some day I’ll understand.

(Refrain)

Words: Ly­dia S. Leech, 1911

Sara is 5 months old

Today our sweet Sara is 5 months old.

In the last 5 months Sara has learned many things. It never ceases to amaze us the amount of skills that a baby learns in the first 12 months of life. So far Sara has learned how to nurse, smile, laugh, hold her head up, push up on her arms, suck on her hands, play with toys, roll front to back and back to front, and more recently - SIT!

We love you, Sara!

4th of July Picnic

Our 4th of July weekend was spent down in Peoria (Weekends in Peoria are sounding too familiar! We need to move soon!) The weekend started with a Providence picnic at the Sanford's home. There was volleyball, Ultimate (frisbee), jumping on the trampoline, swinging, horseshoes, food, fellowship, singing, and fireworks.

(back l-r) Susanna, Ashly, Melissa, Sierra, Sarah

(front l-r) Jesi, Lena, Jessica, Emily

volleyball

Moms in charge of the "jumpoline"

Cara and Mathias enjoying the day

Sara is all worn out

Ashton and Peter playing "Amazing Grace"

Ashton reading the "Declaration of Independence"

Pastor McDonald reading a sermon

FIREWORKS!

After the picnic a few families decided to campout. We brought our camper, but only had 5 of us in it! Josiah slept in the house with the younger Sanford boys, Jesi and Ashly slept in the Sanford's tent for girls, and Justin slept in the Sanford's tent for boys. Unfortunately the children had more sleep that us. Sara did not sleep well and kept Daniel and me awake.

The next day the adults hung out on the back porch and in the living room just talking. What a blessing it is to fellowship with Bob and Katherine. Our families are so similar and we had lots to share. The children and young people played more Ultimate, volleyball, and softball. We closed out the day with Family Worship and singing. What a relaxing weekend. Thank you, Sanford's, for opening your home to us. We were blessed!

Life....

Life has been eventful as of late. We've been on the go, yet waiting to sell our home. That is why there haven't been many updates here. So I will try to give a brief synopsis with some pictures.

House: We have a buyer who is interested. The family is relocating from Kansas. The husband is in Kansas this weekend showing pictures of the 3 houses he looked at to his wife. From there they will probably come back and look and then make a decision. So we wait some more and pray, pray, pray.

Children: The children are all doing well. School is pretty much finished for the year and the planning for next year has begun. Everyone is enjoying the nice weather and their friends. Sara is now almost 5 months old and is such a fun baby. She is now rolling, so no more leaving her alone on the bed! She is also teething with LOTS of drooling!

Sara with her Thingamapet MP3 player. Yes, our 4 month old has an MP3 player that is a stuffed animal.

Church: We are still driving 2+ hours to church on Sunday. Friendships are being formed with the families and we look forward to worshipping with them, despite the long drive. Justin and Jesica also have other young people with whom to play their violin and cello.

Jesi and Jessica on the violin with Justin accompanying

Work: Daniel is still driving to Bloomington about 3 days a week. This is beginning to wear on him, but I still think it is bettter than having to drive through all the construction on I-88.

Family activities: Last weekend we spent the whole weekend in the Peoria area. We were able to swim and enjoy family time. The girls and I also attended the Passionate Housewive Tea hosted by Family Reformation Ministries. This weekend we willing be attending the church picnic and campout at the Sandord's. We will be spending the whole weekend at there and are looking forward to the fellowship!

Cara, Sara, and Mom at the tea

Ashly and Jesi with the other young ladies from Providence

The Anatomy of Showing A House

10:15 this morning........

Ring, Ring (telephone ringing)

"Mom! It's the realtor on the phone!"

"Is your home available to show today between 12 and 1 pm?"
I look around in panic..."We'll be ready" Say a quick prayer, as I start making a plan of action in my head.

"Justin, go mow the lawn and make sure that the yard is in order. Everyone else up to the bedrooms!" 20 minutes later the rooms are in order, dusted and vacuumed. "Jesi, clean your bathroom. Ashly, vacuum the hallway. Josiah, Cara, and Mathias, go put your knights and castles away - in the basement!" I do a quick cleaning of the master bath and hang the clothes that need ironing in the closet.

2nd floor is now cleaned and everyone is banned from going up there!

"Jesica, sweep and mop the kitchen. Ashly, help the younger ones clean the basement." I wipe down the counters and make sure that the dishes are all put away or out of sight in the dishwasher.

"Mom! Basement is done!" Great! One more thing to cross of the list!

"Ashly, here is more ironing that needs to be hung! Josiah, vacuum! Cara, dust. Mathias sit on the couch and read a book!"

"Lawn is finished, but there are some weeds that need pulling."

"Josiah and Mathias, go help Justin pull the weeds!"

Whew...almost finished!

1st floor is now ready to go.

"Mom! We're hungry!" Quick check my watch. "Ok, I have time to make PB&J, but you have to eat it outside and make sure the plates get in the trash!"

11:45 I do a final walk-through, touch up a few areas, and pray again that this will the THE family.

11:55 we pile into the van and are off to the library.......

1:10 we are home again. The realtor didn't leave a calling card, so we aren't sure if he has been here or not. The younger ones go down to the basement to watch the movie they borrowed from the library. The older ones are checking their email and chatting with friends. I am here blogging and enjoying the clean, quiet house, while my Baby Sara sleeps.

I was wrong....Baby Sara is awake...crying....again... (deep sigh)

"Silent Glory"

My friend Tonya (please visit her site and view her beautiful products!) shared this new site with me. While surfing through it I found an article written by my friend Stacy. I had read this article before, but after my previous post, thought it worthwhile to share with y'all.

http://www.prairiemuffin.org/?p=13

Silent Glory
By Stacy May 24, 2008

Homeschooling has brought me to a richer understanding of how deeply God’s plan for the Church involves families. A properly functioning Christian household stands as a light in a dark world, a burning torch lifted high, drawing those who are perishing to Christ.

Yes, math is important in many ways. Grammar can give order and shape to the words we have to say on His behalf. Phonics teaches us to read, equipping us with the ability to understand other’s thoughts and ideas. Good literature enriches our lives and teaches us valuable lessons. Logic teaches us to think in an orderly way. History, my favorite, reminds us of the past and teaches us about the future. There’s so much more to learn…always. But is it all about academics? You may think I’m heading toward the importance of a good Bible or character curriculum, and while these are very important; there’s more, so much more!

Reading, writing, math and history can all be taught in a group-schooling situation. Any academic subject you can think of, including Bible and character, can be taught in a good Christian school. It can even be taught very well in some situations. But if my children were in school six to eight hours a day, who would be influencing them the most; my husband and I or their friends and teachers? Who would be shaping their thoughts, molding their personalities, swaying their convictions, and influencing their affections?

Where would my daughters get their ideas of how a godly young woman should dress and carry herself? How would they have time to learn to plan meals, grocery shop on a budget, and learn to cook the meals they plan? How would they possibly have time to sew, garden, visit the sick or aged and help care for younger siblings? Would they truly grasp the importance of the gentle art of hospitality and homemaking? Or would they be around enough to observe the godly interaction between a Christian husband and wife?

Where would my sons learn to be godly men? Who would teach them to lead their families and their churches or to take dominion in their calling? Would it be from the well-meaning schoolteacher, principal or football coach? How would they develop their opinions of women or learn to treat their future wives? Would it be from the boys’ locker room at school? No, thanks! Why not from their own father; isn’t that God’s plan?

Many people in the world will tell you that you’re wasting your time as a homeschooling mother. After all, “you need a life too.” Wouldn’t it be more glamorous and rewarding to have that high paying job in a nice quiet office downtown? The voice of the world mocks motherhood: telling mothers that what they are doing is irrelevant, and, in fact, someone with credentials could do it much better.

Many women struggle with a life devoted to the family. Perhaps they love material things, perhaps it is the reward of hearing your child praised as being the best math student or soccer player. Perhaps it is simply the fact that raising children is a slow and laborious process; not the fast and easy to satisfy impulse that our culture prefers. We all have our particular area of weakness or temptation. How many women are tempted to think that their “ministry” is a calling, apart from, and outside of, the family?

Reality check!

Your children—your families—are your ministry. There is nothing more sacred or God-honoring than a woman diligently working within the role in which God has placed her. If you are a Christian woman who is home training your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, educating them for His glory, then you are doing a mighty work for His kingdom. You are functioning in your God-given role as wife and mother and you, dear sister, are blessed. A Christian homeschool is inclusive of more than acute angles and prepositional phrases.
Hopefully, our children are learning by example the vital parts they will play in their future families, churches and society. Prayerfully, God is molding them now, in your homeschool, to prepare them for the role they will play in taking dominion of a society at war with God.
As you watch your children grow and learn, imagine your future grandchildren—educated and trained well in the fear and admonition of the Lord, truly loved and knowing how to love; wielding their bright swords of faith; equipped with a godly worldview, and fully prepared for the task of reforming the church and changing society.

Your children will not only grow older, as you train them daily, but wiser and stronger. You have the privilege of watching in thankfulness and awe as God sharpens your children into mighty, straight arrows of glory for His kingdom. The fruit of your efforts will long outlive your homeschool.

Generations will benefit from your obedience and your reward will be seen in eternity. That’s what it’s all about.

"Home-schoolers threaten our cultural comfort"

Earlier this week this article came to my attention.......Hmmmm
Some food for thought.....

http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID=274594&pub=1&div=Opinion

6/8/2008 9:39:01 AM Daily Journal

You see them at the grocery, or in a discount store.

It's a big family by today’s standards - "just like stair steps," as the old folks say. Freshly scrubbed boys with neatly trimmed hair and girls with braids, in clean but unfashionable clothes follow mom through the store as she fills her no-frills shopping list.

There's no begging for gimcracks, no fretting, and no threats from mom. The older watch the younger, freeing mom to go peacefully about her task.

You are looking at some of the estimated 2 million children being home schooled in the U.S., and the number is growing. Their reputation for academic achievement has caused colleges to begin aggressively recruiting them. Savings to the taxpayers in instructional costs are conservatively estimated at $4 billion, and some place the figure as high as $9 billion. When you consider that these families pay taxes to support public schools, but demand nothing from them, it seems quite a deal for the public.

Home schooling parents are usually better educated than the norm, and are more likely to attend worship services. Their motives are many and varied. Some fear contagion from the anti-clericalism, coarse speech, suggestive behavior and hedonistic values that characterize secular schools. Others are concerned for their children’s safety. Some want their children to be challenged beyond the minimal competencies of the public schools. Concern for a theistic world view largely permeates the movement.

Indications are that home schooling is working well for the kids, and the parents are pleased with their choice, but the practice is coming under increasing suspicion, and even official attack, as in California.

Why do we hate (or at least distrust) these people so much?

Me thinks American middle-class people are uncomfortable around the home schooled for the same reason the alcoholic is uneasy around the teetotaler.

Their very existence represents a rejection of our values, and an indictment of our lifestyles. Those families are willing to render unto Caesar the things that Caesar’s be, but they draw the line at their children. Those of us who have put our trust in the secular state (and effectively surrendered our children to it) recognize this act of defiance as a rejection of our values, and we reject them in return.

Just as the jealous Chaldeans schemed to bring the wrath of the king upon the Hebrew eunuchs, we are happy to sic the state’s bureaucrats on these “trouble makers.” Their implicit rejection of America’s most venerated idol, Materialism, (a.k.a. “Individualism”) spurs us to heat the furnace and feed the lions.

Young families must make the decision: Will junior go to day care and day school, or will mom stay home and raise him? The rationalizations begin. "A family just can't make it on one income." (Our parents did.) "It just costs so much to raise a child nowadays." (Yeah, if you buy brand-name clothing, pre-prepared food, join every club and activity, and spend half the cost of a house on the daughter’s wedding, it does.) And so, the decision is made. We give up the bulk of our waking hours with our children, as well as the formation of their minds, philosophies, and attitudes, to strangers. We compensate by getting a boat to take them to the river, a van to carry them to Little League, a 2,800-square-foot house, an ATV, a zero-turn Cub Cadet, and a fund to finance a brand-name college education. And most significantly, we claim “our right” to pursue a career for our own "self-fulfillment."

Deep down, however, we know that our generation has eaten its seed corn. We lack the discipline and the vision to deny ourselves in the hope of something enduring and worthy for our posterity. We are tired from working extra jobs, and the looming depression threatens our 401k’s. Credit cards are nearly maxed, and it costs a $100 to fuel the Suburban. Now the kid is raising hell again, demanding the latest Play Station as his price for doing his school work … and there goes that modest young woman in the home-made dress with her four bright-eyed, well-behaved home-schooled children in tow.

Wouldn’t you just love to wipe that serene look right off her smug face?

Is it any wonder we hate her so?

Sonny Scott a community columnist, lives on Sparta Road in Chickasaw County and his e-mail address is sonnyscott@yahoo.com.

Appeared originally in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 6/8/2008, section 0 , page 0

Sara's checkup

Sara is now 4 months and 9 days. Today she went for her check-up and weighed in at 15lbs 5oz and is 25.75 inches long. The dr., without even examining her, said she looks like a very healthy, happy little girl. She is, especially when she is at home in her familiar surroundings.

Yes, she drools A LOT!

Sara can now play with rattles and reaches for everything. The other day she caught me off guard and grabbed my glass of water and dumped it all over me and the table. She also is beginning to roll over from her back to her front. She still needs a bit of encouragement, but it won't be long and it will natural for her to roll. No more just laying her on the bed!

Sara is also getting so long that she won't be able to sleep in her bassinet much longer. We then will need to decide whether we set up her crib or just use the porta-crib until we move....

Sara, and the other children, are such a blessing in our lives. Each stage has it's advantages.

Infant - you get all the snuggles and smiles no matter what you do.

3 yrs old - You are still the world to them, but they are beginning to show independence. (No you may not stay at the library by yourself!)

6 yrs old - They love to help to grown up things like mop the floor (you do a great job Cara!)

8 yrs old - Play is still more fun than work and their imagination is amazing. (Army men for Josiah - best purchase after his sword)

11, 13 and 15 yrs old - They can be placed in charge of many tasks, be left on their own, all the training pays off, fun to be around and do adult things with. (thanks y'all for watching your siblings, making cheesecakes, taking care of laundry....the list goes on and on. You 3 are my right hand.)

Justin's birthday - part 2

Here are a few pictures from Justin's birthday celebrations.

Cookie Dough Cheesecake bars - YUM!

Paintball gun and accessories, Father Gilbert Mysteries on cd, and a scarf Ashly crocheted for next winter.

Baby Shower

After 4 months of trying, we finally were able to schedule a baby shower for Jana and baby Elizabeth Peiffer and baby Sara and me. Here are Jana and I with our beautiful daughters.

The day was so special and a wonderful time of fellowship with the ladies of Providence. Janice read us a poem that her grandmother wrote. What a blessing to have a written heritage such as that.

Elizabeth Peiffer

Jessica McDonald and Sara

Stacy wrote a prayer for each of the girls and the parents - Thank you, Stacy.

Several other ladies also wrote words of blessing and encouragement for us and our daughters - Thank you. We are blessed by your words.

Then we had the fun of opening gifts. Girls clothes are so fun and cute! Thank you to everyone for coming to the shower and celebrating God's gifts to our families.

Selah

Our favorite Christian music group is Selah. Recently this group has gone through deep trials. First, the Smith family lost their baby girl, Audrey Caroline, shortly after birth. They knew that she was going to pass from her mother's womb to Jesus' arms soon after birth. On their blog, "Bring the Rain" you can read the full story of the valley they have been walking through.

Second, Nicol Sponberg, who used to sing with Selah, lost her baby. She went into check on him after putting him to bed and found him not breathing. Being a mother of 7 children, these stories just touch my heart at it's core. (Remember to shut off my music before playing video!)

Todd Smtih "I Surrender All" from Matthew Singleton on Vimeo.

As I read "Bring the Rain", I am strengthened and encouraged by the strength Angie finds in her faith in God. Days are not easy, yet she has surrendered everything to her Lord. Her blog is now one that I follow. I have bad days, but when I look at what their family has gone through, my "bad" is nothing.

If you are wondering why their blog is name "Bring the Rain", Listen to this song by Mercy Me. (Remember to shut off my music!)

Food for thought: Do you have a faith strong enough to say these words?

Now I lay me down to sleep....

Kids say some of the cutest things...Especially our Mathias.

Tonight I said prayers with Mathias. He is getting pretty good at saying "now I lay me down to sleep..." on his own. I guess I haven't paid that much attention in the past because tonight this is what I heard him say:

"Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my sword to keep.

If I should die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my sword to take...."

Those who know Mathias will understand why this is cute. He hardly goes anywhere without his sword (or his guns). This sword (and full armor) was given to him for Christmas 2006. He literally has played with it every day since then. This sword is plastic and has fought many *battles*. So many in fact, that this sword consists of many layers of duct tape.

By the way, he does not wear carpenter jeans. They are sword pants. The loop on the side is not for a hammer, but for a sword or gun. Thank you Mathias for making me smile once again after a long day!

Our first born is 15 years old today!

Birthday greetings we bring you

Birthday greetings today

May the Father in Heaven

Bless and keep you always

Where did the last 15 years go? I can hardly believe Justin is 15! It seems like just yesterday I was In Panama enduring 28 hours of labor and now he is talking of Driver's Ed!

During the past 15 years Justin has grown from an 18", 9lb 9oz baby to a strapping young man of 6'1" and who knows what weight - 150? 160? His shoe size has grown from a tiny size 0 to a man's 13! His shirt size from a 0/3 months to a large tall or extra large. How did this all happen? All I did was blink and he goes from snuggling in my arms to being a young man...

I will have to say that Daniel and I are proud of the young man that Justin is becoming. Justin loves his family, is honest, reliable, a hard worker, loyal, trust worthy, and most importantly he loves the Lord. To us that is the most important thing that we could have taught him these last 15 years.

Daniel is traveling this week, so we haven't had a chance to really celebrate. That will come on Friday when everyone is home. Tonight we did grill burgers, baked some fries, and make Snicker salad. On Friday we will have another one of his favorite meals: Italian sausage, garlic buttered red potatoes, salad, and cookie dough cheesecake.

Here are a few pictures form the day. The rest will be updated on Friday when we celebrate!

I have to explain this picture! Justin normally walks around the house with bed hair and then throws a cap on when he goes outside. Today I *threatened* him with the camera. All birthday boys have to have their picture taken.....Here he is doing his hair. Don't worry, all the toiletries are mine. Justin does not wear headbands...

Yes, he did do some studying on his birthday. I know it is June, but we are behind a bit.

Justin playing with Sara

4 months old

Can you believe it? Our baby is 4 months old already!

Sara is such a joy! Everyone loves her and most of the children love to play with her - even when she is fussy. She nurses well, sleeps great and shaares her smiles with all of us.

Sara loves to snuggle, especially at night with her Mama. Her hand-eye coordination is developing and she is learning to grab things. Most everyting ends up in her mouth.

We are sad to see her growing up so fast, but look forward to seeing her learn new things.

We love you Sara!

Mathias wins a prize!

Our library is building a new library. In honor of the ground breaking, they had a coloring contest of Bob the Builder pictures. Mathias won his age group! He got to pick a new book of his choice. Way to go Mathias!