Love

"If love is the soul of Christian existence, it must be at the heart of every other Christian virtue. Thus, for example, justice without love is legalism; faith without love is ideology; hope without love is self-centeredness; forgiveness without love is self-abasement; fortitude without love is recklessness; generosity without love is extravagance; care without love is mere duty; fidelity without love is servitude. Every virtue is an expression of love. No virtue is really a virtue unless it is permeated, or informed, by love." -- Fr. Richard P. McBrien

Merry Christmas!

A Blessing In Disguise

A few years ago, when hubby was unemployed we decided to give our children only one gift each for Christmas. At the time it almost broke my heart, but it turned out to be a great thing. I have seen my children focus on Christ more and more each Christmas. It is such a blessing. We also require that they get a thoughtful gift for each other so that they concentrate more on giving than receiving. It doesn't have to be store bought but it does have to be from the heart and done with consideration and thought. No last minute rushed gifts or dollar store junk. It has been so neat to see the kids really think about what their siblings would like to receive.

A friend of mine does her gift giving a little differently. She gets her daughter three gifts: one fun gift, one practical gift, and one spiritual gift. It is based off of the gifts given by the wise men. The frankincense was practical, myrrh was spiritual, and gold was fun :)

Have a blessed Christmas!

Little Man Bowling With Style

Learning Is Fun

It's official. We have gotten into a rut with homeschooling. Same thing everyday. I need a break. The kids need a break. But we can't really take a break from school altogether. So next week, we are having a "Learning is Fun" week. The kids will be reading, watching educational videos, doing computer games and mind games, and they will be writing a research report on any topic they wants. Ok, I know research reports aren't really "fun" but it is different from the normal routine, and to be honest I am not that strict with grading so there is no stress for perfection involved. My goal with this is to recapture the fun side of learning, rekindle the spark of curiosity and creativity. They can write the report on anything they want... well, almost anything. I had to place some limits just so they can broaden their horizons a little. Carmen can't write about animals (or ice cream) and Logan can't write about extreme sports. Let's just say I have read all I can stand on those topics. I am really looking forward to this week. I am praying for a good week that encourages joy in learning new things.

Fun at Chuck E Cheese

We went to Chuck E Cheese on Halloween. We don't like to celebrate Halloween for various reasons but was also don't want to sit at home, turn out the lights, and pretend we aren't home. We were practically the only people there with the exception of another homeschool family that we know. We had a blast.

25 Random Facts About Me

1. I really can’t stand the sound of a beach ball bouncing or being hit. Really…Can’t…Stand…It! We have rules against such things in my house.

2. I read the info/instruction booklets that come in the box of everything I buy. Did you know that you shouldn’t use your alarm clock in the shower?

3. I have trouble understanding symbolism.

4. I am extremely practical and cannot think of a single frivolous thing that I would like to buy.

5. Sometimes I am way too blunt, but I would rather speak plainly and honestly rather than beat around the bush.

6. I used to be a martial arts instructor.

7. I can tread water for hours. I can even tread without moving my arms and legs. But I have an extremely hard time getting to the bottom of the pool.

8. I like hip hop music.

9. I hate to cook but I love to make special dishes for groups of people.

10. I have never outgrown my schoolgirl love of horses, even though the only riding I get to do is the follow the leader type trail rides at tourist trap riding stables.

11. I don’t like concerts. I am just not that into music and it feels weird to sit there and watch someone sing.

12. I have a strange fear of slides and driving up and down steep hills. Slides stem back to my childhood and a crazy fast slide at Maderia park. We would fly off at the bottom and land on concrete. It was dangerous and scary but we did it anyway. Both hills and slides make me feel out of control like that slide used to.

13. I have never had more than three sips of alcohol in my entire life.

14. I love roller coasters, but it seems that I am getting too old to ride them. A bad back and bad neck don’t help any.

15. If I paint my toes any color other than pink or red, it annoys me if my shirt doesn’t match my toes.

16. I think it is neat to see a woman in a swimsuit that flatters them. Something that is rare to find.

17. My favorite flavor is orange. Orange popsicles, orange suckers, orange skittles, orange slush puppies….. I have no idea where to buy an orange slush puppy but if I ever find one, I will be their most loyal customer.

18. When entering college I did poorly on the English test and was supposed to take a remedial class, but ended up in a senior level Lit class instead. And somehow I passed, although I still have no idea what Dante’s Inferno was about.

19. I carry everything with my left arm. I am right handed but cannot carry anything with my right arm. Even if I am carrying two toddlers, I usually carry them both on my left side.

20. My dream job would be running a summer camp with my family.

21. My dream vacation would involve horses, mountains, and a good camera.

22. I am pretty adventurous for a safety freak.

23. I am extremely sensitive to smells. Extremely. My kids don’t stand a chance if they ever try to hide that they were drinking or smoking. But that won’t happen. They are smarter than that.

24. I don’t travel well. I don’t really like driving/riding in a car anywhere if I can help it. If I do, I just want to get from point A to point B as quickly and painlessly as possible. I don’t “enjoy the ride”.

25. I always wanted 6 children.

Really, God? Three of them?

Sometimes I wonder what in the world God was thinking when He decided to trust me with three children with an Autism Spectrum disorder. I mean, really? Me? I have no idea how to do this? I am so unsure about how to deal with their unique challenges. And I am completely clueless about how to deal with their behavioral challenges. This isn't just misbehavior. It is full fledged meltdowns and angry outbursts that can last hours, and nothing can stop them. As I type this, ds is screaming at the top of his lungs and slamming things around because he doesn't want to do his schoolwork. He is already grounded to his room for today and tomorrow because he didn't do his schoolwork earlier today (it is currently 7:30pm). I told him to do his school earlier but I was busy and couldn't stay on him about it, so he took advantage of my business and ended up playing most of the day. He is old enough to get his work done without me constantly reminding him, and he knew the consequences if he didn't get his work done. Yet he didn't do it. Therefore, I must follow through with the consequences.

I am struggling with the fine line between grace and accountability, not just with him but with all of three of my Aspies. I want them to be obedient and responsible. I also want them to know mercy and grace. So, how can I be a grace based parent but still hold them accountable. I guess the answer would be loving consequences. I am not sure he will agree that being grounded and swatted is loving but I am doing it because I love him. I wish I knew a better answer. Maybe by the time the littlest one is this age I will have the answers. Then again, maybe not. I just pray for wisdom and I pray that they will grow to be responsible adults who fear and trust the Lord.