Glutened

Is that even a word?  I think it must be one the people who are avoiding gluten use.  I can see it being one that becomes a part of our family's vocabulary.  Anyway, it happened.

We went to church this morning and then home for lunch and then Eliana took a nap.  We all got ready to go to Awana this evening and Eliana was a little grumpy.  I didn't think much of it as she sometimes just wakes up slowly from her nap.  I tried to give her a little energy boost and gave her a chocolate cupcake (gluten free) leftover from yesterday's birthday party.  She didn't dig in.  Kind of just sat there looking at it.  Really????  This girl loves chocolate.  (As most girls - of all ages - do!)  Hmmm ... well, I sat beside her and helped her.

We headed off.  Still grumpy when we got there.  Didn't want to walk the whole way.  Just little things.  She probably seemed mostly fine to others.  She just wasn't herself.  She did participate in a lot of things.  She seemed mostly happy, though it was just small things that let me know she was out of sorts.  (And I think she has a pretty good tolerance for pain too.)

I'm not sure why it took me so long to connect the dots.  As we were hurrying in, Rebecca mentioned to me that Eliana had gotten one or two goldfish in Sunday school this morning.  They had fallen under the table.  Eliana went under the table and got them before anyone saw her.  I know this is something that is just going to happen, so I didn't worry about it.  I honestly didn't think much about it until later in the evening.

She continued to be just not herself.  Finally as I was getting her ready for bed, I made the connection.  (She was not being a good listener and I just couldn't figure out what was going on.)  Then, it dawned on me.  She had been glutened.  Poor little sweetie.  Amazing too how this little piece of information changed my whole attitude and perspective.  She just isn't able to tell me any other way other than being a little cranky and out of sorts.

Just one or two goldfish.  It seems like such a small thing.  Now, I know.  I know that she is sensitive to even a little bit.  (I did know that she shouldn't have even a little bit.)  I wish I could communicate to her in a way that she understood about gluten.  I'm trying - and will continue to try.  It's just that the communication piece is difficult.  I wish she could have told me (I know, her crankiness was telling me).  Its just hard not having the words sometimes, kwim?

It will be interesting to see how this affects her tomorrow.  Will she still be affected then?

If anyone has ideas or suggestions on communication methods for this, I'm all ears!

Blessings
Leslie

Happy Birthday Joshua!

We celebrated Joshua's 12th birthday last week.  Really, 12?  He still seems so young to me.  I remember when I thought 12 was so old.  Its all perspective isn't it?  I can remember when 30 seemed really old too.  LOL

We were reminded of Joshua's upcoming birthday all through the week.  Signs on post it notes, the computer - and the funniest was a note on Daniel's fedora announcing how many days were left until the big day!

We celebrated over two days because Joshua wanted to be able to celebrate *with* Christopher.  We were all happy to have some time with him.

On Friday night, Christopher and his roommate Joe came over.  They played some football outside and then we had dinner.  Played some games on the Wii.  Had birthday cake.  One of the highlights was lighting the candles for himself.

Happy Birthday Joshua!

 The next day we focused more on Joshua.  We like to have the birthday child pick out whatever they want to do on their day.  (within reason)  For Joshua's 12th, I numbered 12 Popsicle sticks with the hopes that he would be able to do 12 things he liked.  This included picking out foods he wanted to eat at each meal - including waffles and chocolate milk for breakfast and cauliflower casserole for lunch.

 

 I also made a sign for him that we worked on through out the day.  This has been a really fun thing.  I've left it hanging up and I often find him looking at the list.  I recommend it as I think it is a real affirming gift!

 One of the games we played was finding a hidden lego guy.  Can you spot him?

 Here's a closer look.

One of the things he wanted to do was to visit the Lego store.  No problem!  We thought this was a lot of fun when we went in June for Daniel's birthday.  Well, it is VERY different going on a Saturday!  It was so very crowded!  (I will say that if possible, I will not go on a week-end again!)

He wanted some specific things and went right to the wall to pick them out.

 We stayed until choices were made (all 3 of my boys were looking and spending birthday money).

 Joshua wanted Taco Bell for dinner.  :-)

 One of his gifts.  Can you tell what it is?  He really liked the wrapping - it's a lego in his favorite color!

Joshua, I'm thankful for you.  I'm thankful for the many things you have showed me and taught me over the years.  I'm thankful for your sense of humor and creativity.  I see this in things you make, stories you tell and games you create.

I love your interest in so many things from learning about the Bible, to legos, to historical events and more.  You are fun to talk with because you have interests in so many areas.

I love to see you play with your siblings.  I especially love to see you sing and play with your little sister.  I also love hearing you laugh as you play legos, or wii games or outside games too.

I have watched you deal with more in the last couple of years than any child should have to deal with.  You are brave and I know that you are learning things that will help you in life.  I pray that it helps you to be more compassionate and sensitive to others.  (((Joshua)))

I'm so thankful that God blessed us with you!  You are a precious gift from God!

I love you!
Mommy

Beyond Co-op: Sarah Plain and Tall #2

Today I was talking with one of my boys about co-op.  He asked me what *I* liked about co-op.  I told him that one of my favorite things about co-op is that other Moms teach on topics that are different than what I would have selected.  I love the shared experiences, talents and interests.  It just makes for a lot of fun.  He then asked if I enjoyed teaching and again I said yes.  It is a sweet time to teach these kids - many of whom I have none now most of their lives.  :-)

For our second co-op, we had two topics to cover - windbreaks and family resemblances.  We had a lovely day and sitting outside was a great way to learn! 

The children learned about windbreaks - what they are and how they work and the benefits of them.

Then they were put into pairs to create their own windbreaks.  They each started with a large pan of sand and were told that they could use whatever natural materials they wanted to build a windbreak.  They quickly got to work!

Then came time to test their windbreaks.  They had 2 hair dryers which were cut on and aimed at the windbreak.  The others tried to see if they could feel the wind from the other side.  The plants on the other side of this one aren't moving!  Great job!  However, they did use a lot of land in creating their windbreak which meant less room for crops.  Hmmm ... lots of factors to consider.

Oops!  The strong wind knocked this one over.

Many of them went back and made improvements to their originals designs and tried it again.  They had a great time with this one!

We enjoyed snack time and then it was time for art.  I love when we cover areas like this because this is not my strength.

The children talked about and examined various works of art in which a family or members of a family were depicted.

They had each brought a pictures and possibly some other items in which to make a collage of someone in their family that they resembled.  It could be a physical similarity or one of interests.  Whatever they wanted to choose.  (Can you see the pictures of Isaiah and Christopher and how much they look alike at this age?)

 They painted and created.  I love watching them at work!

Loved the end results too!  What a fun project!

Thanks Lea and Yvette for a wonderful morning!  Looking forward to our next time together.  :-)

With love

Leslie

Amazing day

Today was an amazing day!  I expected it to be good, even big, but it wasn't one that I anticipated being so personal.  Isn't that just like God?  To show up in places where I least expect Him and to bless me in ways that are so sweet.  

Our church has been planning a big event and today was the day!

The Summit is a multi-site church meeting in various places around the Triangle area.  This was an opportunity for all of the campuses to come together and worship as one for the first time.  We met downtown at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.  A baseball stadium.  Thankfully the weather was beautiful!

 The place was packed!  When Christopher called me, I couldn't find him in the crowd (and it was very hard to even hear him on the phone).  We did meet up after the service.

We spent time praising and singing.

 And then listened to the message of the Gospel.  This event was a big outreach for our community in addition to being a time to gather together.

 The screen on the scoreboard was used for the words for the songs and also as a live feed of our pastor and later of the baptisms.  After the sermon, there was a call for any who wanted to be baptized to come forward.  There were 4 baptismals ready.  As people started moving toward the tents to meet with a prayer counselor, my heart was overwhelmed.  I was keenly aware of what a huge spiritual experience this was.  We watched person after person being baptized as we praised God in song.  It always touches my heart deeply.

This is when it became even more personal.  Isaiah leaned over and told me that he wanted to get baptized.  (This isn't the first time we've talked about it.)   I asked him if he wanted to do it today and he did!  He met with the prayer counselor that talked with him about his decision, what he believed and why he wanted to get baptized.

After talking we went down to the field with a change of clothes in hand.  (The church brought many bags of clothing for people so that this wouldn't hold anyone back.)  Isaiah went into the locker room to change.

 Getting ready.

 Talking with Josh Lawrence (R) and Andrew Hopper (L).  You can see one of the other baptismals behind the one Isaiah is in.

 Family and friends watching.

 "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."

 Praising God that my sweet boy was ready to make a public profession of faith!  So thankful for his heart to know and love God.  So thankful that God has entrusted us to love and raise this wonderful son!

 We watched people being baptized for a long time.  Over an hour.

Today was amazing.  (I know I've said that already, but it bears repeating.)  We attended church today with 7200 people.  Over 300 people were baptized!  This isn't about numbers.  These are all people.  People who have decided to state publicly that they love Jesus.  I am so thankful to be a part of this church and to see the things that God is doing here!  I am excited.  I'm excited to be a part of a community that seeks to love God, love each other and love the world.

Today was amazing.  One we will treasure.  Thankful to be a part of this.  Praising God for the work He has done and will continue to do!

In His love,
Leslie

Science experiment

I love that fall is coming.  Its my favorite time of year.  For now though, we are enjoying the lazy days of summer still.  One day we headed out to a nearby pond.  Rebecca and her friend Hanna were needing to collect samples for a science experiment.  It was a beautiful day!  We chose a pond that was beside a playground.  Fun for everyone.  

Sometimes its just fun to play with a different setting on my camera.

Though I usually quickly head back to my favorite.

On top of a large berm around the pond.  What cracked me up though was what he did after getting to the top.  He rolled down the hill.  Not a small feat for a boy who used to struggle greatly with sensory issues.  He is doing so much better now!

The girls collecting samples.

The boys running around.

These two are often partners in crime.  LOL

The pond looked so pretty and peaceful.

Eliana took this photo - and more.  ;-)

We played some before heading home.  It was still quite warm - and there was science to do.

One very humorous thing happened when we got home.  The samples needed to be kept in a cool dark place where they would not be disturbed.  I immediately thought that on top of the kitchen cabinets would be a great place.  Its dark and by the cobwebs you can tell that it doesn't get disturbed.  Well, guess what else was undisturbed up there?  A jar of some sample from at least a year ago when the guys did this - or some other experiment.  LOL and gross!

We'll be studying these stinky samples for a few weeks and hopefully not leaving it there for the next time we need a cool dark place.

Lots more to catch up on and will hopefully post more soon.  Things are going well here.  Just trying to find a routine for our days, and to declutter our house in prep for a garage sale and still need to revamp the kitchen though I haven't quite figured out how I'm going to do that.  Hope you are having fun, enjoyable and productive days at your house!

Blessings
Leslie