A “Down Week” or not so much?

 

 

I feel like I was supposed to have a “down week” last week. However, the week is over and while I can’t remember much of what I did, it certainly didn’t feel like down time! I do know that I have been very busy (read a tad overwhelmed) with the school Auction in a few weeks, the Christmas program prep, and the responsibilities that the rest of life at the moment brings! I’m ready for a vacation!

Roger is now single engine sea plane certified! Hooray! He’s been excited about this opportunity, and we are so thankful to his boss for helping Roger achieve this goal. Garett  has been excited about this as well, and he was disappointed to not be able to go along for Roger’s check ride. Garett will be having his first official flight lesson to log in his own flightbook by the end of next month. Garett is very excited!

Roger and Chandler will be taking a trip to Ohio this weekend. Roger is picking up some type of airplane part that was bought out there, and Chandler has the opportunity to go along! They will be flying out to Cleveland, staying overnight with a friend, and driving a U Haul back to Maine. All of our kids wanted to go...at first. Then Roger mentioned a long drive at which point Travis and Emma decided that they didn’t want to go! Garett was eliminated from the opportunity simply because in a few weeks he will be going on a teen activity with Roger. That left two boys who really, really wanted to go with Dad. Budget and space would only allow for one child to go. We torn up eight pieces of paper with the words either “stay” or “go” written on them. Then Wyatt and Chandler both picked four pieces of paper. In the end, Chandler was the one who had picked the right pieces of paper. Wyatt was so very disappointed, and it’s hard to see your child sad. I know that God has given this opportunity to Chandler for a reason, and we will work it through. Roger did take Wyatt out for a dinner date last night, so that gave them the opportunity to visit together. Wyatt is a quiet child, so  sometimes it takes a bit to get him to open up and start talking. While I would’ve enjoyed a date with Roger too, I’m thankful that the two of them had the opportunity to have some one on one time.

Our school fundraiser auction is three weeks from Friday, and it’s been an uphill climb! For some reason, I’m finding it difficult to find people to donate to the school auction. I’m not sure if it’s money related, Christian school related, or I’m just not good at asking! I’ve reached out to over thirty businesses. It would be nice if businesses would at least email or call back to let you know that they will or won’t donate! I can be a very persistent person though, so the next step is to follow up in person! However, God knows exactly what He is doing. I can trust Him for whatever the outcome may be for the school auction. Roger’ boss graciously and generously gave us several gift certificates for our auction. I’m so thankful for those that are willing to help us in this endeavor. I’ll even happily write thank you cards!

Last Friday my friend, Claire, surprised me with a thoughtful gift bag. I enjoy giving gifts, but I also enjoy receiving them. Her thoughtfulness blessed my heart. We served soup on Friday for hot lunch. You know we live near the coast when one of the soups is Fish Chowder and many of the kids enjoyed it! I made beef stew, which I’m also assuming was good as there wasn’t any left.

After hot lunch, I went to Garett’s classroom to see what boys wanted to sing in the Christmas program. Originally only about four boys had said that they actually wanted to sing, but when I said whoever wanted to come and try out for the group could come, all seven of them came along! We worked through several different people combinations and some with everyone singing together. I asked the boys which ones of them wanted to sing and were willing to work hard at the song. I was surprised when all seven boys said that they wanted or were willing to sing. Truth be told, there voice combinations together aren’t as great as if it was a trio or quartet group. However, these are pre-teen boys that are willing to get up in front of an audience and sing! It’s not going to be their music  teacher that tells them they aren’t going to make the cut! The Bible says to make a joyful noise, and if these boys are willing to work at that, then that’s what we will do! I’m actually really thrilled that these boys are willing to step out of their comfort zones and sing! I am confident that God is going to use their lives greatly if they will continue to be willing vessels in The Master’s hand.

On Saturday Roger had the day off. That was nice because cooler weather is coming and we need to get ready! We cleaned up the yard and the basement, and worked on various projects around the house. Chandler had been invited to a birthday party in the afternoon for a classmate. He was excited about going, but when we arrived he was the only boy and about ten girls! However, Chandler did really well. He interacted with the girls, was polite, and he told me he had a good time. He also thanked me for not leaving him at the party, but for staying with him. It was a good time for both of us, as I enjoyed some fellowship with a few of the moms in Chandler’s classroom.

On Sunday afternoon I whipped up three pans of Mac n cheese, four dozen cookies, and cut up carrot sticks for our children’s program in the evening. While that project did use up most of the afternoon, cooking is something I really don’t mind. I also enjoy the challenge of seeing how inexpensively I can prepare a meal while keeping it balanced and kid friendly. Every once in a while, it’s enjoyable to have the opportunity to try that. Sometimes the opportunities are really close together but that’s okay too!


Yesterday was Monday, and a fresh new week! After dropping the kids off at school, I had a few errands to run. I had placed ten dollars in my back pocket, but later in the morning the money was missing! I searched high and low, retraced my steps, became irritated with myself  for being irresponsible and careless, and in truth, I lost my joy! After about thirty minutes of searching, looking, and being frustrated, I took the time to pray. (Yes, I should’ve done  that first!) God brought  to mind the verse “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, there with to be content.” Well, I certainly wasn’t content! I wanted my ten dollars back! However,  I was reminded that I was allowing ten dollars to steal my joy. This money was ruining my day and affecting my attitude. I confessed my heart condition to God, and I felt peace sweep over me. Truth is, I never did find that ten dollars. But then again what’s ten dollars in comparison to sweet fellowship with my Heavenly Father?! Here’s the really cool part though...the mail! In the mailbox today was a sweet card from my sister, and a gift of money for the kids education! I was brought to tears at how God continues to provide for our needs, his love for our physical needs, but also our hearts condition. I serve a great God, do you?


Well that about sums up my “down week”! Perhaps it also explains why I’m a bit tired on this Tuesday afternoon! It was a good week. We would appreciate your prayers as Roger and Chandler go off on their adventure this weekend. We love you all,
Sarah


Few funny moments from the week:
1) I asked Travis to bring me down a brush from the upstairs bathroom so that I could brush Emma’s hair. He came back with a brush...the toilet brush! Um,  no!

2) I’ve been working out in the mornings before the kids get up. They are usually up as I’m finishing up my workout. A few mornings ago, it was a difficult workout. I was about dead on the floor, when Wyatt pipes up “That’s funny. You don’t look any skinnier yet!” Thank you, son! Ah, the memories to laugh about bring joy to my soul!

Adventures and Education!

It’s been almost two weeks since I’ve written on our blog. And as much as I do it to keep others involved and informed about our lives, I also do it because I’m going to forget as I get older! The last seven days have been crazy, and I’m looking forward to some “down time” this week. Not down time as in I’ll be bored, but rather the chance to catch up on much needed projects around my own home and life. I can’t remember the last time I was bored!

Since the last few days have been so full, I’ll just capitalize on some of the highlights. We had a long weekend over Columbus Day, and we enjoyed a few extra fun activities with our family. Roger had to work on Friday, October 5th, but I took the kids up to visit with my sister. It’s been too long since we’ve visited, and I wanted to catch up on their lives. The kids enjoyed the chickens, exploring the yard, and visiting apple orchard. We picked a whole big grocery sack of apples, and in a week I had about four left! It was a beautiful day, and I’m glad I made the effort to squeeze in a visit.

 

 

On Columbus Day we had off of school also, and Roger had the day off of work. He’s been working on getting his sea plane rating, and it looked like he would need to do that on Monday. However, God worked out the details for him to be able to enjoy the day with the family. I had purchased a Groupon to an adventure ropes course months ago, and we needed to use it, or it would expire! We were able to go with our friends, the Philbrook’s. It was a fun afternoon and the kids definitely enjoyed the experience. Emma did part of the course with Roger, and she did a few of the small zip lines. Roger took her on the big zip line, and she enjoyed that too. Apparently, I’m the only one in the family that not crazy about heights!

Not having school on Monday always makes me feel “off”. I spent much of Tuesday in a meeting a church, shopping for hot lunch and preparing for our Harvest Dinner on Friday night. Wednesday was music classes, and with eight weeks until our Christmas program, we have no time to waste! I’m happy with the effort that the kids are putting into learning new songs and instruments. It’s the fastest thirty minute segments of my entire week!

Thursday was a special meeting concerning Garett’s education. A few weeks ago, he had some testing done to determine if he has a learning disability. What was discovered is that he does not display characteristics of a learning disorder, but is rather instead a slow but progressing learner. I was reminded that Garett is a hard working student, he is a leader in his class, he has a love of those around  him (just maybe not his brothers as much), and he learns at a different pace than most students. Ah, I love this boy of ours! In my flesh I wish that learning was easier for him, and that this wouldn’t be such a struggle. However, I’m reminded that if I love him more than I can express, His Heavenly Father has divinely created Garett, and God loves him far more than I ever could! These meetings are always hard on the parents, and for those that have children that learn differently, I can relate to you. It was a balm to my soul to meet in our administrators office after the meeting to pray for Garett. Hearing these teachers ask God for wisdom and direction on how to help Garett assures me that Garett is right where God wants him to be. Just as with each of our children, we are trusting God with their future. We will earnestly seek God’s direction, we will ask for wisdom, we will cry out for grace and help, but we will trust our Heavenly Father. I don’t know what God has in store for Garett. But I know that if Roger and I can keep pointing Garett to Jesus and helping him develop his relationship with Jesus, Garett can be exactly what God wants him to be without fear of failing or too scared to try. We serve an amazing God!

After we came home from the meeting on Thursday, Emma and I had a visit from my friend, Hannah. Hannah also has children close together, and we always enjoy visiting. It was a good morning as our children played together, and Hannah and I discussed many different things from parenting to churches to families to relationships, oh just everything! I also started on making food for the Harvest Dinner the next day. Our school is hosting a Harvest Dinner with an apple dessert contest. We are taking a free will offering that will go towards the financials needs of the school.


 Roger was sent home from work early on Thursday due to the rainy weather. After school, I helped three of our kids make apple desserts. Everyone wanted to use the apple peeler, so we had plenty of apples that were ready to go in the desserts. It was a bit of a crazy afternoon with three kids baking, white chicken chili cooking, hunting for our harvest decorations, making supper for our family, and trying to stay sane! Thankfully, my friend, Claire, had offered to make all the Mac n cheese needed for hot lunch for the school on Friday. I had my hands full with helping with an apple tart, and apple pie and an apple strudel! Roger took the chili to school on Thursday night so that I wouldn’t have to try to coordinate that big nesco in the morning. I was happy to crawl into bed that night!

Friday was the icing on the cake of crazy! I play the piano for chapel on Fridays, and I needed to put some songs in my iPad. Then Chandler’s class needed cookies for a science experiment, and of course hot lunch, decorating for the dinner, preparing for the dinner and finally home again! Actually for all that was in the day, it went relatively smoothly. I got up with Roger as I usually do to get in a workout before the day started. And then it was go, go, go all day. Allison and I did sneak away from the school to get coffee and take our kids to the playground for a bit. It was good to just sit down and visit for a few minutes. Claire and I had done the decorating for the dinner after lunch, and I’m so thankful for all her help. Emma and Lucy, Claire’s daughter, did very well during the afternoon at school. They played together, made messes together, but they got along all afternoon.  I am thankful for each family and person that made the effort to come to the Harvest Dinner. There are always those that I think would want to come or make the effort to be there, but guess what? I’m not responsible for them! God blessed our efforts with unity and harmony among those that came, and several families stayed to help clean up. Roger was able to make it to the dinner, and I was thankful for that. He has been working hard on this sea plane rating and has a check ride on Monday. I am excited for him as he has been looking forward to this. God is so good!

We’ve been discussing prayer with our Sunday school class. This week we focused on adoration of God. It was so encouraging for me to hear the students tell me about the attributes of God and describe His character. God is truth. God is just. God is holy. God is loving. God is our provider. God is our Rock. God is our Fortress. God is a deliverer. God is kind. God is persevering. God is unchanging. God is strong. God is the Creator. God is the King. God is our Savior. Wow! What a wonderful God we serve! I absolutely loved hearing the kids express their theology and be confident in Who God is.

Also this week another man in our church passed away. Our church has several older people whom I have grown to love and appreciate. This man usually sat behind us, and he was always enouraging when I was given the opportunity to play the piano. He was nintety two, I think. He will be missed. This is the second older person in our church that has passed away in the last month. We will miss these quiet, faithful men. It’s a reminder to me to love these older folks while I have the opportunity. And also a reminder to ask God to give us a few more families for our church body. Just as other churches, we have our share of struggles and burdens too. We need to be praying for boldness to preach Christ always...and if necessary, use words.

Thank you for your love and prayers. We appreciate each one of you.
Love,
Sarah

Field Trip!

I absolutely love this time of year! It’s such a reminder of what a creative and amazing God we serve! The fall colors are approaching full swing, the air is crisp and cool, and it’s a wonderful time of year! On the other hand...is it seriously October already?!

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to go on a field trip with Wyatt and Travis’s class. My friend, Claire, graciously offered to keep Emma with her. I definitely enjoyed the opportunity to go on the field trip. We were all able to travel together in one vehicle, so I was able to enjoy conversations with Mrs. Wheelis, who teaches second and third grade. The field trip was to the Conservation Fair. This fair is geared toward school aged children. There were educational booths, sessions, and activities for the kids to do. It was a bit of a cooler day, but the sun was shining. The students were able to see an owl, some salamanders, and a snake at the first session we attended. The students seemed to have a great time, and our students were respectful and polite. It is disappointing to report that was not the case with the majority of the students there! At the information booths, the students were supposed to listen and then ask questions. It’s very distracting the way some students were rude and interrupting. Guess what happened every time? The student being rude was asked a question or asked to help with volunteering! This is madness as we are rewarding bad behavior! Unfortunately, this is something that I’ve also observed in recent times in Sunday Schools, Children’s programs, and other such events. No one expects children to behave and because they are so disruptive, the person giving the talk probably felt compelled to try to do something. The unfortunate thing is that I don’t think a lot of teachers had any control over their students, but then again, that’s not possible if you are talking or texting, is it? That part was very disheartening! And it was such a reminder to keep working with our children and students. The future is right in front of our eyes, and we have a tremendous responsibility to point them to Jesus and to help them become a generation that will fear the LORD.  

 

Friday morning was a very rough morning for me. I don’t have rough days very often, but I don’t like them! There has been quite a bit of sickness going around the school, and I woke up feeling very tired. I had heard some discouraging news from my kids after school on Thursday, so I felt I needed to do my best to express some of my concerns. Ever have those conversations that go a lot better in your head than in real life? It was one of those mornings! By the time my friend, Claire, came down to the kitchen to help with lunch, I was a hot mama mess. But God always provides the right encouragement at the right time, first in my friend, Claire, and then Allison brought me coffee. But a weight was lifted, and I moved on with the day.


After hot lunch, Emma and I headed home. I actually decided to try to take a nap, but I never fall  asleep during the day...except this time! I woke up to Emma singing loudly, and the clock read “late”.
 I flew out of bed, gathered up Emma, and went to pick up the boys. We had plans after school to go help Mrs. Terri move wood. The boys enjoy the opportunity to drive the lawnmower with the bucket on the back. It really is a quick process when we all work together. I enjoy visiting with Terri, and the  boys had a great time playing in the yard and with the dog.


Roger had off on Saturday, and we enjoyed the day together. Garett went to his first teen activity, which is hard for this mama to believe! We went out to the youth activity in the afternoon as one of the teens was getting baptized. I was happy to see so many people from the church come out to the  
baptism also.

On Sunday I had the opportunity to play the piano for a local church. I always enjoy the opportunity to serve the Lord in this way. Roger had to work, and I had a bunch of kids with runny noses and barking coughs. Thankfully the kids were able to go to the airport while I played the piano at church. The pastor is a great preacher, and I enjoyed the message on demonstrating a “forgiving love”.  The kids all rested in the afternoon, and that seemed to help us all! For the evening service, I dropped our kids off at our children’s program at our church. It was a very weird feeling to just drop the kids off and not be helping! Emma was very disappointed to not have her mama be her teacher, but I knew she would get over it. Roger was able to pick them up after it was over, so I was able to go grocery shopping after church. It’s not my favorite to do it on Sunday after evening church, but my family likes to eat!


Roger had off on Monday, which meant that we could have a date! Hooray! All the kids were in school on Monday morning, so Roger and I went on a walk. And we went out to breakfast, spent time discussing budgets, dates on the calendar, and our activities for the month of October. It was a profitable morning for us, and we needed a date together. After picking up Emma, we headed home. She was delighted to have daddy home for the day, and even happier that she didn’t have to go pick up the boys in the afternoon. When I picked up the boys from school, Chandler’s teacher mentioned that Chandler seemed to not be feeling well. I asked him about it on the way home, and he replied that he had thrown up after lunch. “What?! Why didn’t you tell your teacher? He said that he just wanted to finish the day. We had a discussion about what information is important to tell our teachers. He spent the afternoon on the couch, and he threw up several more times. He had a terrible headache, and he slept terribly...so did his mama! He was feeling better by Tuesday morning, but I told him he would have to stay home from school. He was disappointed to have to stay home, but Emma was delighted to have a brother home for the day. I worked on many projects around the house, and I did  enjoy having them home for the day. Chandler is back to himself and ready to return to school.

Today is Wednesday, and it was a full day. I taught music classes, which I don’t mind, but it’s a lot to prepare for every week. We are nine weeks away from our Christmas program, and I feel like I have my fingers in about ten pies! Everyone returned to school, and after about three days of cloudy weather, the sun came out! It was a beautiful fall day, and one that I enjoyed greatly. I am so thankful for eyes that can see color, ears to hear music, and a body that can walk and enjoy God’s creation. I am so blessed!

In case you didn’t see it on Facebook, I have signed up to be a beachbody coach. Basically,  I want to help and encourage others on their fitness journeys. I enjoy being active, and while I have so much to learn about nutrition and health, I do enjoy encouraging others. I will always enjoy running, but as I get older I can recognize the importance of strength training. I signed up to have access to the workouts, and then I joined a challenge group. This is a group of wonderful Christian ladies, and I have been encouraged by this group. I like the variety of the workouts, and they have a workout for every body type and every fitness level. I am not going to be getting a six pack of abs, nor do
I really want that, but I do want to be fit for the Master who created me. I want to have energy for my husband and my children, and to encourage others to join me. If you are interested in learning more, I’d love to hear from you. And you can visit my website if your interested.

https://mysite.coach.teambeachbody.com/?coachId=1765734&locale=en_US

We love you all, and we are thankful for you.
Love,
Sarah

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. This is a verse that Emma is learning, and it’s been a good reminder for me to. I want my actions, words, and life to be a reflection that points people to Jesus.