Musings of May Day 31 - This.

I love this plaque. I love what it says. I love the person who gave it to me. I love that it reminds me of the time in my life when things were, in my view were falling to pieces but really through God's eyes they were only just beginning to fall into place. I love that I can read this every time I am standing at the stove cooking and it speaks to me in some way about something. 

I love that it can be applied to almost every circumstance all of the time. A verse that's usually reserved for weddings readings but really it should be everyone's motto. I love that it reminds me that my God loves me infinitely and unconditionally even when I don't love me or am being unlovable. I love that it reminds to extend the same love and grace to those around me and beyond even when I might not think they deserve it. I love that this time honored verse still stands strong and rings true even in today's crazy world and will continue to do so forever. I love that LOVE conquers all things.

One of my favourite verses of all times. 

This. 

What's one of yours? Care to share? 

Musings of May Day 30 - Happy, Relieved, Tired

Whoa big day! Really big day and on the back of a big weekend too. I will sleep well tonight....Well here's hoping anyway. Amazing day. Amazing! I am pretty sure thats my word you know. I feel like I say it all the time. But it truly was. There are no words to describe the feeling of people coming together to serve and input into a vision that God gave you! It's humbling, inspiring, encouraging and.....I can't come up with anything else. From something that start as a tiny seed and to now this. I am overwhelmed and so so thankful. 

We moved Loving Arms today. It took six hours in total with 13 people working almost constantly. Everything is now moved, sorted, counted, packed, labelled, stacked and stored now in our new facility. I think I might be dreaming of cute wee baby clothes tonight. God is so good. So good. Just a some data entry and new structure to introduce now. 

I can't wait to be serving and blessing more mums and families in our community and beyond! Thank you my wonderful team. You truly are wonderfully wonderful! 

Musings of May Day 29 - Night Church

For me there is something special about night church. It takes on a totally different feel from the morning. Styled bent towards a cafe-style evening, a relaxed time.

Tonight's service was so good, with a intimate time of worship led by super talented musicians and the message was on a whole other level. God was totally in the house this evening! Very blessed just being in the same moment and worshipping the same God as everyone else there. It excites me to see and to feel what's Gods doing. Watch this space!

Just a short wee one this evening because it's been a long day and I have super tired little ones that are still up, more than a little amped from tonight's activities! Tomorrow is moving day for Loving Arms so watch this space!

Musings of May Day 28 - A Good Day A Long Day

Jamie and I have been tag in and out all day today. Finally we are home together and hanging out. Yay! 

I hope that I am speaking about all mums when I say that sometimes when I am at home with the kids they can drive me nuts. I sent my kids out to play in the wind today because they were at each other all morning. They stayed out there for ages playing in the wet sand pit and with autumn leaves. I even went out there with them and it was really invigorating. Blew the cobwebs out of my head. Also bonus.....I got most of my towels dry today too.

 But when I have been away from the kids for any amount of time I miss them. I mean wouldn't you miss a face like this one. 

We wrapped up Daughters of the King #DOTK this evening. Boy what a totally fabulous few days. All the girls had a great weekend and can't wait until next year! I love that they got the chance to come and enjoy such a weekend. 

I know I said this yesterday but seriously when you are serving alongside such awesome people, when you are feeding into someone else's dreams and vision it leaves you enriched and blessed. I totally recommend it. 

But now I am glad I am at home hanging out with my family especially my husband. Feels like I haven't seen him for years! So I better go and hang ah?!

Musings of May Day 27 - Honour and Privilege

I have both the privilege and honor to serve my amazing friend for the weekend. A long held vision and dream of hers has finally come to fruition. A weekend just for girls 8-12 so rightly named Daughters of the King. A weekend where we can speak God's Truth into their spirits and lives. A weekend where they can know they are LOVED and CHERISH by the King Himself.

 42 girls in all from all over the district and beyond. I am excited. I am excited for the girls and I am excited for my friend. I so love seeing people passionate and seeing their dreams in action.

So far we have had a heap of fun and who knew that serving dinner and doing dishes could be so much fun when serving alongside other fun and passionate people.

Now all the girls are snug in their pjs and camped out in their bed watching Cinderella while munching on the all important popcorn. I am not staying over (thankfully) but will be here tomorrow to continue on in the fun.

 Hopefully bright and early as it's bacon and waffles for breakfast! Excellent times!

Musings of May Day 26 - Hope

I am loving this photo I snapped this afternoon as I was sitting snuggled up on my bed feeding Frankie. I just love the way the sun is filtering through the dark grey clouds and through the trees and coming to rest on the bed. Apart from showing up the extremely dirty windows, its warm, friendly and comforting and whispers "it's ok....this weather won't last forever. I am still here. See?" (that is of course if the sunbeams could talk. ) Sunbeams would definitely whisper don't you think? 

At the risk of sounding cheesy sometimes God whispers through the storm clouds and we get a glimpse of Him and calmer times. Just like the sun does. Whether or not your stormy dark times is a day, a week, a month or even a year....every now and then we see Him, we feel Him and we can almost touch His promises. But in every single moment He is with us. For he will never leave us or forsake us....he said so right? And He is a God that keeps His Promises. Its just sometimes in those dark stormy times we just need to trust and perhaps look a little harder for glimpses of Him than normal. And be rest assured that breakthrough, like the sunnier, calmer weather is just around the corner. It is coming! Our God is an awesome God. 

My house doesn't usually allow me to capture anything but craziness and kids. But today I feel quite blessed that I saw this....even though to some it maybe just sun shining on bed through dirty windows! 

"....be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Musings of May Day 25 - Winter is Here

I suppose we can't really complain too much about the weather being too wet and cold. We have had a pretty good run most of the autumn. We certainly know winter is more or less here when these poor girls move in next door. Moved on to a concrete pad by the farmer because it's too wet underfoot to let them loose in the paddocks and muddy them all up ruining the grass. I do feel sorry for them....I mean how incredibly boring! 

So how was your day today? Get up to anything exciting? Fortunately I broke my cabin fever and ventured into the city for another meeting which included lunch! Yuss! The kids on the other hand are finding it difficult being stuck inside even though they had a really cool baby-sitter with them today. What makes it worse is when soccer practice is cancelled because it's just too wet oh and it's unsafe to be playing in lightening I guess! 

What are your favourite go-to activities for rainy days? Tell me. I hate to resort to TV or movie watching all the time and there is only so many batches of biscuits one can make. So I would love to hear what you other awesome people do when you are stuck inside for days on end. Please share with a desperate mama please!!! 

Musings of May Day 24 - Walking Towards Vision

I don't have a pic for you today. In all honesty it's been rainy and grey and the house has been a total mess for most of the day and I am pretty sure you don't want to see a photo of our dinner tonight. American Hotdogs ....need I say more. 

This week so far has been bitsy really. A mix of schooling, preparing for a meeting tomorrow, starting to draft out new infrastructure for Loving Arms and preparing for our big shift (loving arms) to our new storage facility. It's a big job but once it's done it will be great.

It still leaves me breathless when I think of how far we have come. What started off something small is developing into something grand. It still scares me and what's to come scares the pants of me. At times now I feel I am at capacity. But over the past few weeks God has been showing me a little more of where we are going, of where he is taking me and also leading us as a family. 

But speaking about me personally I can't even tell you what that vision looks like....I just know what it feels like (as strange as that may sounds). Two words that's all I know but they keep coming up time and time again and are constantly popping into my head. I hope I sound like I am talking some sense. 

I am both excited and overwhelmed at the same time but knowing my God and that with him all things are possible. I'll keep walking forward and stepping out in faith towards what He has for me, us and for Loving Arms.

 

Hold the vision, Trust the process.

Musings of May Day 23 - Winning and Winter Woes

Some time I feel like I am winning at life more than other days. Do you have that too? Today was one of those mornings. Even though the house was still in post-weekend shambles I managed to be a cool mum and instigate some messy play. Pinterest is fab for ideas of cool things to do with kids. We did a whole heap of shaving cream and food colouring pictures. My fingers are still stained green and blue from it. Only one child managed to stain his face and that was the 15 year old who was trying to be funny. I did warn him! 

Because I needed to spend some more time pulling the next unit study together I got the kids doing Lego challenges this morning. This saw zip lines all over the lounge with flying Lego men zipping from one end of the room to another. Even though Lego ended up from one end of the house to another it was loads of fun. Not all our home schooling days are as much fun and creative, perhaps they should be or even could be but they aren't. 

It's been rainy on and off for the past five days which makes drying washing that much harder. While I don't mind putting the odd load of clothes through the drier I refuse to do the same with the towels for fear of what it might do to the power bill. I suppose everyone around here is having that same problem too but I bet their mountain of washing just waiting to be washed is as big as mine! Please be sunny tomorrow! 

Musings of May Day 22 - Struck a Chord

It seems as though my post on ending my breast feeding relationship with Frankie struck a cord with a vast number of you. It seems as though I am not a total freak after all and that many of you knew what I was talking about. I guess its just a sensitive time that I have to walk through and feel every step of the way. But it makes it just slightly better to know I am definitely not a freak and that I am not alone. Phew! 

You know being a mother is hard at times and glorious the next, hideous and then awesome, you want to quit and then you can't stop looking at them, you are cleaning up poo and spew then they making a handmade card stating that you are the best mum in the world. They traipse mud through the house or tip the entire Lego box out (again) and then they arms around your neck and are bestowing oodles of kisses all over your face. It's a crazy crazy ride. But don't we all love it? I mean it's our jam, it's what we do. We seek to love them more, to give them more, to cherish them, more to just be with them more every day. We want the very best for them. 

My favourite thing about being a mother and also about having my kids home with me all day every day is that I have time, and they have time....time to hang out and be friends. Their relationship is deeper than if they were at school. So sights like this one are not uncommon yet every time they take my breath away. Both Frankie and Jesse have five older siblings that they get to have in their life because they are home. They miss them when they go away. It's special, real special.

Just so you know....Yes they do fight like normal siblings. You know over breathing space,the last 5mls of juice and seats in the car and things like that! Whats your favourite thing about motherhood!

Musings of May Day 21 - My Go-To Recipe

Everyone has a favourite go-to recipe right? One that you make every time you are off out somewhere and asked to bring a dish or if you are people over and you need to whip something up fast. Well this is one of mine. It's super fast and yummy and I especially love it because you can whip it up in a flash using the slicing attachment of your kitchen whizz. Bonus! I do make double the amount of dressing though as I am a greedy girl and like to have a large dollop of dressing instead of a more polite amount. My husband does too. 

We spent the evening with lovely friends, friends that have recently come into our lives but feel like we have known them forever. Comfy friends! Good friends. We actually left one of children there tonight ( on purpose ) she is having a sleep over. She couldn't get rid of us fast enough. I'll try not to be offended ...kidding! I guess to her it didn't really feel like a sleep over if we were still hanging around. She was very excited, she must of been as soon as I got out of bed this morning she was asking if it was time to go yet. 

But just when we thought we might have a bit more peace in the house we have an extra staying....a friend that I have known since he was born. Quite speciallu really. He is hanging out gaming and eating ice cream with Casey tonight. I love watching my kids develop good friendships and enjoying themselves with them. Even if it does make for a bit more taxi-ing around after them and means I need to look a little more presentable in the mornings then that's cool. We have always wanted to be a part of our kids lives and a big part of that is friendships. We need to embrace their friends and make opportunities for them to hang out and do so safely. 

So now that most of the kids are asleep we are snuggled up by the fire watching Sherlock Holmes. A good, a very good Saturday night! 

Musings of May Day 20 - The End

OK a word of warning here if you are a bloke and get weirded out about women talking about breastfeeding....don't read anymore because thats what I am talking about tonight. Its all good. You can read on but don't say I didn't warn you.

This is the picture I took tonight of Frankie-pants (18mths). She has just fallen asleep and I had managed to unlatch her and ninja my way out from beside her. I took this photo from my pillow where I sleep at night, she isn't that far from me is she? So why do I feel like she is miles away from me?  As I was feeding her to sleep tonight I was thinking about the inevitable last time I might feed her. I am sad, really sad.  I have a deadline. I am going away at the beginning of September and its not that I don't want to go...I really do.  But I don't want to stop feeding her either. Our breastfeeding relationship isn't ready to come to an end. Is it me or is it her? Am I a weird? Or is it me knowing that she is probably going to be the last baby therefore the last one that I myself will nourish and nurture. You should all know by now that I am possibly a over-reflective type of person I always have to dig deeper to see why I think or do what I do. Do I need to be needed?

Facing the weaning process is really emotional for me. It makes me cry. It actually hurts.  Perhaps I am feeling like I am now a little redundant as a mother. Once I wean her, someone else could do what I do for my kids. It doesn't have to be me. It could be someone else. I don't like that thought. OK I know that of course my kids will need me, but more that they will want me. Now that is a good thought. That they will want me. I know that this is a season that I have to walk through. I know that I will come out the other-side and get to chalk this up to experience.

Musings of May Day 19 - Shattered

Ok one could be forgiven in thinking this photo was taken in Australia seeing its if towering gum trees. It's not. Its taken in the paddock next door yesterday. I just love this photo.....they are so tall, strong and stable. 

I don't feel like I have a lot to say tonight as I am wiped out completely, feeling quite shattered. I had a massive five hour meeting today and while that in itself wasn't what wiped me out as I am used to them now but the content of the discussion. I am shattered, confused and feeling down. I have no words. I do my best to be kind and treat people with the utmost respect, and I guess I find it hard to understand why everyone else doesn't. So therefore I am uninspired and unmotivated to write BUT my self set goal of blogging once a day for a year still stands so I have to. 

I will say I am glad I am working with amazing people who are passionate about their profession and for change. I am thankful, so thankful for this role and opportunity to be a part of positive change. But tonight I just am going to sit and watch t.v. as boring and pointless as it is! Go me! Talk tomorrow.... xx

Musings of May Day 18 - Backyard Play

Hands up who remembers doing something similar to this.....making stew, soup or in this case juice. Mud, leaves, sticks, berries, petals, dirt and water all mixed together with a stick. Here the kids have made it inside an old rotting out tree stump. Ahhh brings back so many memories of doing the same thing. My sister and I amd some friends down the road used to make "perfume" out of squashed flower petals poured into empty glass bottles. I think we even had a road side stall at the end of my friends driveway once. I dont think we made any sales but you can't blame us for trying. We were on to a winner or so we thought. Another venture I remember embarking on was collecting seashells off the beach with another friend when I was really small and going door to door at the beach houses or baches along the beach. I remember selling one for five dollars in which we promptly had to return to the buyer.....our parents weren't too impressed with us. Darn it we were clearly on to a winner there! But what I live about watching kids do this kind of thing is where their creativity and imagination takes them. As long as they don't try to ingest it then they can play like this for as long as they like. I'll turn a blind eye to the extra washing it creates too.....what's a few extra pairs of pants when you already have enough for 57 people. Play away kids, play away!

Musings of May Day 17 - A Bit of Planning

Every now and then our "school" runs a little dry. The kids are bored and I am bored. While we mostly follow an interest based learning approach/unit study/unschooling framework with a little bit of NZ Curriculum for Maths and English.....at times its like we all hit a brick wall and we are in need of some fresh ideas or experiences.

So that's when I have to take some time and put on my thinking cap and pull out a fabulous idea or some weird and whacky topic to feather out into a unit study so the kids can reboot and get their creative and questioning juices flowing.  What I find frustrating is NZ based homeschooling resources and books are few and far between, whereas US homeschooling resources are in abundance. I can't help that but I do I feel like I am stretching it when it comes to new ideas.

I ferreted around in my school cupboard to come up with this book "Accidental Genius" by Richard Gaughan. Its amazing what you will find in my cupboard. Flicking through it I turned to this page A New World Starts with a  Dye. Its all about William Henry Perkin who could almost be called the father of chemistry.  He has a epic story about how he invented the first synthetic dye but also indirectly brought Chemistry into the science world.

So from his life story we are going to be learning about the Industrial Revolution, the Periodic table, elements and compounds, Malaria and Quinine and what it was originally made from, Coal, Natural Dyes and Synthetic Dyes. We hopefully have a go at dying material with natural dyes (like onion skins) and also synthetic ones, maybe even a spot of tie-dying thrown in for fun. Who knows what else we will discover along the way. Obviously I am expecting different things from the different ages but really you would be amazed at what the younger ones take in.

Am I expecting great whoops of joy when I launch this to the kids? No not at all...they very rarely do when a topic comes from me but they will catch the wave eventually...they always do.

Did you know that the first synthetic dye was actually purple and was called Mauveine?

Musings of May Day 16 - A 13th Birthday

We celebrated a very special birthday today!  Yes I know it seems like there is birthday nearly everyday in our house....there is nine of us and we do like to celebrate as you probably know by now!

Jayden turned 13 today and the day was all about him which isn't hard seeing he is one of the most enthusiastic people I know! From first thing in the morning til now (and he is still going) he has been doing what he loves to do and eating the food he likes to eat. Every meal time has been an event and every snack has been an event because that is how Jayden does it.  He spent the morning with Jamie (his Dad) shopping for clothes and shoes and then he was taken out for lunch. The movie-time tonight with Dad (and me) is The Hunger Games.... and judging from the first 15 mins it isn't going to be one I'll enjoy but it isn't all about me is it.  I'll busy myself with something else.

Jayden, our second born. Lover of family and friends. Beautiful faith and heart. Lover of food and can make anything and everything into an event and celebration.  Abounding in energy and enthusiasm. Board game fanatic, competitive and a stickler for the rules. Seeker of justice and fairness. Excellent memory for scripture and is listening intently even when he appears to be ignoring you or busy. Loves word games and reads to all hours of the night if he can go unnoticed. Soccer player. Movie watcher and gamer. Messy handwriting. Caring heart and generous to all. AND LOVES to hug!

Happy Birthday 13th Jayden. Life is filled with fun with you around. Love you xxx

Musings of May Day 15 - Home Comforts

One of the seasons first fires. We could of probably got away with not lighting it because it isn't that cold.  It's actually been abnormally mild for the month of May.

It's been a full but good weekend and I have just sat down after icing a birthday cake for my second son. The rest of the family has decorated the dining room and his chair at the table. He turns 13 tomorrow and he is very very excited. But more about him tomorrow.

Doesn't lighting the fire automatically make you feel relaxed and comfy. It definitely has more depth than a heat pump, more ambience. It sets one up for comfy pjs and fluffy slippers and to nestle in with a good book or movie. It's one of only things I really appreciate about winter plus it dries my tea towels.

How was your Sunday? Do anything
exciting?  I managed to squeeze in a wee nap plus a chat on the phone with my bestie....always an enjoyable thing. So I don't really have too much to say this evening....I just want to sit and chillax and enjoy the fire! I pray your Monday will be a good one!

Musings of May Day 14 - How to Make Friends

Frankie made a wee friend today at her sisters soccer game. I spent some time watching them from a short distance away. They were so cute. But serious lessons in how humanity should be through these two. 

They have never seen each other before and it started with them staring at each other from a distance. Then they got closer, then they peered at each other around the lamppost. They smiled at each other and smiled some more. No sounds no words. The little girl had some books and toys with her and she offered a few to Frankie which she accepted. They played side by side for a time. No words no sounds. They swapped toys and played some more. Swapped again and again. Just peaceful and innocent and pure. They weren't coached by anyone on how to play or instructed to say hi and to share or to give the other a turn. It just happened. It was magical. It was how it's meant to be. 

I actually felt quite blessed to have witnessed it to be honest. I think sometimes we as parents miss these moments or don't give moments like these a chance to happen because we are too much involved, we like to control, we want to make sure every moment is teaching moment. I think we forget that our kids already have it in them, they just need a moment and a chance to find it for themselves. 

I love that no words needed to be spoken for a wee friendship to have blossomed. Love it!