please don't drive with your bass loud. and other miscellanies.

Miscellanies. Updates. Truth about music volume in vehicles. And motherhood encouragement.

1.  Two weeks ago Samuel would go to bed easily. We'd say goodnight, tuck him in, pull up his John Deere blanket and leave him in his room, sound asleep, until about 9.5 hours later when he'd awake. Refreshed. Cheerful. Healthy. Until last Tuesday when someone decided to drive down our street at 10:30 at night with their bass loud enough to rattle windows on our home thus waking peaceful Samuel up and causing him to scream in terror.  And yes, now, he has hardly slept at all since.

2. That obnoxiously loud bass driver has probably long forgot about the thrill of going deaf with extra loud bass and subwoofers as he drove down our street on Tuesday. But, me? Nope. Night after night with an awake child makes me remember the insensitive move of driving through a residential neighborhood without concern. The things we do? They make a difference in people's lives. In fact, I want my cheerful, well-rested, not afraid of loud noises coming from cars, Samuel back. *** edited to add: last night was the first night Samuel slept all night long since Tuesday. Thank goodness.

3. My 20 {more} Motherhood Tips article was featured on the Blogher main site - Tips for Motherhood. I'm honored that they decided to feature it over there. If I could add another tip -- it would be -- ha -- teaching my kids to not drive residential streets with loud bass and that extremely large amounts of caffeine are allowed if you are only getting 3-4 hours of sleep a night.

4. Speaking of Blogher -- I was blessed to write, review, and be a part of the Capri Sun Super V review and giveaway -- it's for a $1000 Visa Giftcard {Seriously -that would be a blessing!}. My kids loved those juice and veggie {yes, veggie} pouches. Post will be live at 8am CT so make sure to enter! And listen to my Brennan's super fun vlog about the veggies in the drinks.

5. You know, I should have just sent my daughter Hannah and sister Abby out to deal with that driver. After all they make a really good Thor and Captain America. ;) {pic below is a walmart instagram in the aisles exclusive}

6. I've been working on my ebook and another 10 Days of Intentional Mothering Series. Are there any topics you're interested in? If you haven't seen my first 10 Days Series click -- Day One:Awake.

7. I'm also working on finalizing my homeschool plans for this year. It's crazy picking out curriculum for kids from toddlerhood to my {gasp} junior in highschool. It truly does just seem like that it was just yesterday that I was picking out {and over buying} my Hannah's kindergarten curriculum. And, sigh, now we're onto all this advanced stuff that seemed so so so far away. Embrace today. They truly do grow. Very fast.

8. I've had some requests to print out pictures and articles to be used for MOPS groups, Bible Studies, and more. Please feel free {just please drop me a note a let me know}. And, grin, I speak as well....so if you're ever interested I'd love to send you my speaker bio and topics. Which include things like - Living a "Loving the Little Things" Life, Joyful Motherhood, and Intentional Motherhood in a Busy World.

9. Today is my Elijah Nathaniel's 5th Birthday. That precocious boy {which inspired a yet unpublished Dear Mom of a Spirited Child letter} is certainly a dear to me. He's funny, loving, and just an amazing and awesome addition to our family. I'm so blessed by him and am just completely grateful to be his mother. Look at that face - that angelic I never get into anything but really do face. I love him.

10. Motherhood takes patience. And energy. And lots of coffee. And good friends to call to listen to you. And remembering that an almost three year old who doesn't sleep at night anymore will someday grow big. And lots of love.

Remember that this Monday.

And please, please, please....always keep your bass down. :)

Linking with my lovely friend {who was also featured in Blogher -- read Being a Mom and Starting a Side-Gig} Carissa over at lowercase letters.

read my weekend notes

Weekend notes.

- Vacation -
In less than two weeks our family will be leaving for our annual week vacation to the lake with my extended family. It's a joyous time of family, fishing, swimming, playing games, doing nothing, and eating. I've gone every year since I was either eight or nine - this is a huge deal and is a tremendous defining moment of our summers. My father is proposing a media free week up there. I'm mulling that over. I mean look at this view - high def naturally.

Any vacation plans for you?

- Elijah -
He's doing better since his boy meets captain's drawer incident. Besides having quite the shiner he's been a bit more tired - so we're encouraging that four year old of ours to rest as much as a four year old will. Which, in case you forget, is almost impossible. I'm still watching him carefully to make sure that he mends up and gets back to his incredibly precocious state.

- Momma's Heart -
Somedays the reality of  Samuel never ever eating for gluten hurts my momma's heart. Last night, after coming home from our sweet neighbor Emma's baptism I stopped to grab Grace a treat. One fry remained on the table. One fry with just a bit of wheat starch in it. Gluten. And Samuel came downstairs, holding that lone fry and looked and big sister Hannah. This gluten free, Hannah? And she told me she hated telling him no. As much as I try to make his world gluten free the reality is that he lives in a very gluten full world and will have many of those no moments - birthday cakes, food at the coffee shop, potlucks and not being able to try - and that is hard.

I know in the scheme of life that there are greater sorrows and harder trials. I know to be grateful for all that he can eat. But, sometimes, my friends, I will tell you that it simply hurts my momma's heart. Or his sister Hannah's heart. It is not fair. Short and sweet.

But, despite it not being fair I will not sit in it. I will rejoice for all he can have and only buy him fries that are gluten free. And I honestly will pray that he continues to retain his amazing strength -- he is two years old and knows to ask if something is gluten free or not and then he is content when he hears the answer. Was he a bit sad? yes. But did he sit in it? No. I don't know if I could be that strong.

That boy is amazing.

- BEECH -
For the last several months I have been working behind the scenes on something amazing. That awesome thing? The BEECH Retreat - Blogging to Encourage and Equip Christian Homeschoolers that will be taking place next year in beautiful South Florida at the South Seas Resort on Captiva Island. Yes, island. Yes, Florida. In the winter. You simply must check it out - and be prepared to be blown away by the absolute beauty of this setting. :)

- Sponsors -
And some closing housekeeping. If you are interested in sponsoring/advertising on finding joy I am now working on wrapping up sponsors for July and the third quarter {can you believe that? I had to check twice}. I am truly grateful for each sponsor - thank you.

- Recap -
Go to the BEECH site and do not pass go.
Share with me your favorite vacation destination.
Tell me iced or hot coffee. {random,  I know}
Sometimes auto-publish is not reliable. Like today.
Have you joined Finding Joy on Facebook? If not, today, when it's 13 from 2000 would be a great day. ;)
Gluten free pizza with pesto, roasted veggies, and fresh mozzarella is amazing. {just had to add this}

And thank you for praying for Elijah.

- Linking -
With my lovely friend, Carissa. Who I am so delighted to call my friend. Blessings, indeed.

joy remembered

You know what I love the most about my children is exactly what often requires the most patience from me as a mom.

Let me explain.

Last night, our large glass patio table shattered. The kids were playing cards, tried to remove the umbrella, and it shattered. Everywhere. Thankfully, no one was hurt. As I was driving home from the grocery store, grumbling about losing that table a bit, my mother quickly reminded me to be grateful that not one of the kids got more than a minor scratch. I tried to remember as I walked out back and saw the deck, and under the deck, and the grass littered with tempered tiny bits of glass.

Two hours later, after painstakingly picking up glass and getting covered in dirt and mosquito bites I still tried to remember. Be grateful, Rachel, be grateful. That's what I kept telling myself. As I drove to Target to buy a new broom {since our old one was covered in glass dust} I tried to shake off my mood and adopt gratitude. It was hard.

Then my husband calls.

Elijah was running and dove for a ball in his room and hit his head on the corner of the bed hard.

I didn't care about that stupid table anymore.

I came home, saw my Elijah with the very large goose egg on his head, and my priorities snapped back. After a call to the doctor on call who told me what to watch for and that he should be fine I tried to rest. I didn't think of that table, or that glass, or all that stuff anymore. I just sat there, holding Elijah's hand as he drifted to sleep and thought of how much I loved that boy.

I love him.

And what I love most about him is exactly the thing that takes so much out of me as a parent - it's this irrepressible energy and drive and spunk {which makes one dive for a ball in a bedroom} and all of that is what makes him, well, him. I didn't want anything to happen to it. Even though he requires so much energy, and patience, and wisdom he gives me exponentially more in return. Hugs in the morning, cuddles, I love you's, laughs, and ultimately joy.

Why is it that it is so easy to forget the good until the good seems threatened to leave?

I just want to live not caring about a table that broke and live being more grateful for all the good that I have. The table? Replaceable. Those kids? Not. Elijah? Not.

Today, this Saturday morning, I am grateful.

Grateful for the good, the little things, the people in my life who make life full of joy.

I know it's cliche, but count your blessings. That's what I'm doing today.

slow down mom

Hello, mom? Do you see me? Me? Elijah, your four year old?

I know I'm busy. I know it. I know last night at church I ran outside and found the swingset and that I forgot to tell you that I ran out the door. I know. But, mom, I didn't do it to annoy you, bother you, and in fact, I didn't even do it to be disobedient.

I just wanted to be big.

You see, all the older kids went outside and played and ran and I just wanted to be out there with them. Plus, it was rainy most of the day and I wanted so bad to play on that swingset. Ours is old and we don't have a slide and this swingset had all of that cool stuff.

Sometimes mom, I just need you to slow down. I want to be big, and I'm growing and some day I'll be able to run outside with those old kids and you'll be okay with it. Because I'll be old enough then. I keep working and climbing and growing. But, mom, if you don't slow down a bit you might miss it. I don't want you to say things like if only I had slowed down or why did I let the unimportant become the important when I'm big.

I know you're busy, mom. Well, I kind of know it - you tell me it. You know, the in a minute, Elijahs and the not right nows and laters and such. But, sometimes, mom, those times just don't come. I still love you. Don't worry about that, mom. I just wish that me, Elijah, didn't have to always wait for those minutes.

I like to spend time with you. I want to play and read books and run and do slap-jack games. And, it's okay that you don't slap right away and let me slap first. I like that about you, mom. I do.

You're really important to me. You make me meals and clean up all my messes {and sometimes you don't complain even} and wash my clothes and work really hard for me. I know that when I get bigger that I'll know how much you did for me. I'm just little still. So I don't know it all yet.

But, you do a good job. I'm just busy and forget to tell you. You slow down a bit and I'll tell you more. You'll be able to listen because you'll be less busy. See sometimes you're so busy that you don't get all the hugs that I want to give you. Or you don't hear my stories - remember Elijah's Book of Stories? - well, I've got so much to tell you, but I really need you to listen. Not be so distracted.

I know you write to other moms sometimes, and that's good. Moms work hard. Make sure to write about how I don't like you on your phone or the computer all the time. Sometime is okay, it's good. Just not all the time. I want you to be here for me, okay? So, remember that means slowing down just a bit.

I love you mom. You're my mom. Exactly the mom that is perfect for me. All my friends moms? They're perfect for them - totally perfect. Just like you are for me. You are the perfect mom and you don't have to worry about having everything perfect.

{By the way, I love that you named me Elijah, and that you think about my name and even joke that my precociousness is because I was named after the Elijah in the Bible who prayed down fire. I'm full of fire and joy and zest for life. You do a good job remembering that. Most days - although do I see you make an extra cup of of coffee on those other days.}

I try to be good and do the right choices. I try really really hard. Just like you mom. Just like all those other amazing moms out there. I think that's it, mom, it's the trying. You tell me that - try hard to make the right choices and pretty soon making the right choices will be a habit. Don't stop trying. Even if you have a challenging day with me. Just keep trying. Seeing me. Slowing down a bit. Loving me.

'Cause I love you. Mega.

What would your kids tell you to do? Slow down? Listen? Laugh?

*****

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to those of you with dreams

to those of you with dreams
any kind of dream
simple dreams
motherhood dreams
writing dreams
little dreams
big dreams
clean house dreams
job dreams
just a dream...

in that moment before you leap
when you look in wonder and watch
and pray and dream
and build up courage
and try to believe
and let go of the all the no's
or your crazy or it will never works..

Have faith...

...to follow those dreams

leap
jump
soar
have courage
go
don't look back
have hope
trust
move
believe.

Dare to dream.
And dare even more to leap.
Dare even more to jump
{I'm jumping with you.}

Jump.

I love that picture of Elijah. He was outside, jumping and jumping and jumping, trying to reach that bar. It was an example to me of tenacity. His dream? To get that bar. :) What reminds you to keep moving? To keep jumping? To have courage to follow your dream?

***
By the way, the winners of the book He Heard Hannah by Lynnette Kraft are Liz and Lawanna -- congrats! (email from me will be coming.)

an {elijah} caption contest for sunday

Since we've talked a bit about Elijah the last couple days 

I thought it might be fun to do a little caption contest for this picture. 

{there's not really a prize -- it's for fun, you know!}

I will mention some of the captions in my Friday Favorites post this week.

Reference: I was trying to teach Elijah to play catch with those track ball things.

So what do you think? 

{grin...he was trying so hard}

What title would you give to this picture?

and yes, I said, "you make things complicated."

Not my finest moment in parenting. Not at all.

Wednesday was shaping up to be one of those busy days. Nothing terrible, no crisis at hand, house fairly clean and such. It was just one of those inevitable mom type days where my name was uttered every 2.7 seconds without much pause inbetween. And every "mom" cry was an "urgent" situation.

Where's the mustard? I spilled my milk. I "accidentally" dumped dirt all over the grass. Samuel dumped out all the bubbles that you just bought! Can I go to the park? Where are the plastic bags? Could we play with water outside? What's for lunch? I can't find my shoes.

On and and on.

Till the point when he, make that Elijah, the precocious four year old pictured jumping above, the same one who had tried to escape our yard three times, dumped out his blocks, spilled his milk, threw a fit because he didn't get enough chips, and was now irritated about his pants that I chose for him to wear because his previous pants had gotten very muddy again -- at that point I, the weary mom blurted out, Elijah, you are making things so complicated.

He looked at me in surprise. There I was surrounded by a sea of assorted wood blocks and legos and holding a new pair of pants and a four year staring at me because I just told him he made stuff complicated.

I felt awful. Did I really think motherhood would be anything but complicated?

When, on that very sunny and warm March day, did I think that motherhood would run like a page out of a magazine? With children with stain free and trendy clothes? And perfect meals served right on time? Where the four year old wants to stay in the yard?  Because, for that moment, I did. And I became disgruntled and a bit overwhelmed with my spitfire of a four year old's behavior.

Yes, he needs to learn boundaries. Yes, he needs to ask before he pours milk. Yes, he must play with blocks {and who, seriously, can play with them all dumped in a box?}. Yes, he needs to not want to change his pants 7 times a day because he "just" got in the mud again. But, more than that, he needs a mom who is willing to embrace him right where he is now.

Busy. Precocious. Fearless. Loving. Exploring. Tender. Energetic.

And that mother, simply must not define him as complicated. He's not complicated. Motherhood is -- and that, no matter how I try to fight, is to be expected. The more I realize that my days will be busy, exhausting, tiring, and still joyful then the less I will feel frustrated because I'm running after that 4 year old in the backyard who just wants to try out the neighbor's swingset.

The swingset across the neighbor's yard, and the next cul-de-sac and into the next neighbor's yard.

Yes, he's that fast.

Bottom line: that four year old of mine for all of his busy, exploring, not-listening perfectly, and wild behavior has a tender, loving, caring heart. I know. Just yesterday, as I was taking a short little cat-nap on the couch {I hadn't quite fallen asleep}, that same Elijah went downstairs, grabbed an afghan, came upstairs, put it over me, tucked it up, gave me a kiss, and said, "I love you, mom."

Without me asking.

He is not complicated. He is my son. And I love him just the amazing busy way he is right now.

brown paper. crayons. pencils. and imagination.

Yesterday, I came down into the living room to discover large paper bags -- those outdoor super-heavy-duty-paper jumbo-sized sacks -- cut in half, opened up, and flipped over to the brown side without words.

There were crayons out. And pencils.

And tons of imagination.

Brennan had read about map making in this reading prompt story book. It recommended getting just a paper bag and opening it up and then drawing your map. Big sister, Chloe, saw the project, and being ever creative went into the garage to grab one of those huge paper sacks for her brothers.

Then she gathered them up. And they started drawing.

We were supposed to be doing math. Not map-making.

I heard them talking about how George Washington was a surveyor before he was President. They talked about how he made maps just like they were doing, and went to the Ohio River Valley, and how he came back to Mount Vernon with a huge collection of maps.

All while they made maps. Even though, again, we were supposed to be doing math.

Brennan decided to add the Atlantic Ocean. Spelled Atlentik. And a red X marks the spot.

And Caleb added the compass rose.

While, on the other side of the room, Samuel, Elijah, and Chloe worked on their own rendition -- ship, and dragons, and lots and lots of scribbles.

Samuel really got into it.

He's serious about his map-making coloring.

Look at them. Content. Writing. Learning.

All with brown paper, crayons, paper and lots of imagination.

And freedom to create.

It's an easy project -- grab a paper bag or a roll of brown postal paper {worth investing in for projects just like this}, cut it open flip it inside out, give them crayons, pencils, or markers, and let them draw a map. You could show them basic map symbols -- the compass, trees, etc -- or find a book with maps for inspiration.  My kids? Worked on their maps for over an hour. :)

The book that inspired this creative venture was Kids Write!: Fantasy & Sci Fi, Mystery, Autobiography, Adventure & More! (Williamson Kids Can! Series) {affiliate link}.

little things that make a house a home

It's Monday. And on Mondays I tend to give myself permission to write just a bit more random, you know? So as I sat to write this {on Sunday...lol..or else it wouldn't be ready for Monday} I decided to spend some time thinking about things that make my house our home. Little things unique to us and little things that I love.

Like these.

Rock em Sock em Robots. Yes, some of you may have this delightful toy of the past, but do you use it do decide things at a stalemate? Like whose turn is it to sweep? Or take out the trash? Or grab the mail? If you don't, might I encourage you to try it? Grin. Just call me the Red Rocker.

Me. With Short Hair. And 2 Kids. Let's see, this picture is probably about 12 years old now. And, yes, I had short hair. And also yes, Samuel looks a bit like Chloe. And also thirdly yes, Hannah was quite terrified of that Santa. That picture? On our fridge. Reminds me of when I was younger looking. ;)

Iced Coffee. This is my newest favorite thing. I could have written about it on Friday for Friday Favorite Things, but then that wouldn't be fair to you all as I'd be enjoying it for a week before you could even buy it. What compelled me to buy it? That would be the coupon that spits out at the end of a transaction. And a very sweet husband who runs to the store to get it for me. Delicious and yummy {see, I even added those words as an added bonus.}

Measuring Cheat Sheet. Every household needs one. I don't care how good you are at math, really, when it comes to the heat of cooking, and you're in the midst of that fabulous recipe, the last thing you want to do is doubt your math. Enter the $1 purchase at the Target Dollar Section and the find that really keeps on giving with correct measurements.

Elijah and the Nintendo DS. Something we try not to make a regular site in this house. He loves to play this Mario game -- March of the Minis -- where you solve puzzles. If it's too quiet, he's found the DS and is probably hiding in his room under his covers. He's pretty covert. ;)

Art, pencils, and Star Wars. All found in my older boys' room. Art, made by Brennan several years ago that he taped on his wall. {Yes, I let him...they're only young once.} A pencil bucket made out of an old flowerpot with clear beads pressed on. And a Star Wars vehicle. All part of a room that my older boys inhabit. I'd show you the floor, but sigh, then I'd have to title this one -- legos, bad guys, pencils, paper, blocks, duplos, books, socks, playmobil, starwars, and art. 

A favorite cleaner. Love this stuff. Worth the price at Target, which by the way, I can totally afford since I got a steal of a deal when I got that measuring thing for a dollar. As you can see, because it's almost empty, this is totally used in our home. Natural. Without that gross smell. And it cleans fabulous.

Verses in our Kitchen. This was one of those garage sale finds that I love. I think I paid $5 for it. And I totally love it. It's such a good reminder to me and the family when we're in the kitchen eating, doing math, reading, cleaning and more about what our family is about. Favorite verse? The one blown up below. Live with a Thankful heart.

Sleeping Samuel. Completely unique to our home. I had to sneak in to get this picture -- even then, he stirred when the shutter clicked on the camera. Love his floppy hair, and how he always sleeps on his little Backyardigans pillow, and is tucked in with his John Deere blanket. Sweet, simple things that bring this mamma a great deal of joy.

Since this was totally random I'm, of course, linking it with my friend, Carissa. Who I met, sigh, a long six months ago. I can hardly believe that was when I was in South Carolina. It feels as if several years of events have happened in that short half of a year. Blessings on your Monday! ~Rachel