Assignment #18 - Tradition

(Matthew James, Christmas '06)

I was born into in an all Dutch family in a small Dutch community, where if you grew up to marry a "nice Dutch boy" in the Christian Reformed church, you would be considered a success in life. Both my grandmothers did, and my mother did, too. The Dutch are a people steeped in tradition. I never realized the connections until last year when I read "The Winged Watchman" and "Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates" aloud to my children. Every Saturday for as long as I could remember, the house was cleaned and scrubbed from top to bottom. Hot tea with milk and sugar was served with homemade biscuits every Sunday night. Church and all of its regulations were an expected part of life. Maybe it was a result of Holland living through World War II on tulip bulb soup, or maybe it came from way before that time, but pinching every penny was in my family's blood. The Dutch are well-known for their intelligence and also for their stubbornness. I thought it was just the Bosje family that put value on those things, but now I know that it is all part of a greater heritage.

And then I grew up and married an Italian. A big taboo in my grandmother's eyes, although she did eventually admit that he was "a nice boy for being an Italian." The Italians are extremely family oriented, celebrating life with large family gatherings and a fierce loyalty for one another. And, of course, an over abundance of good food. I was used to a quiet, scheduled life, where my husband grew up with a house always open to entertaining.

And so, our first Christmas as new parents was approaching and I wanted to make it special for our precious daughter. I thought long and hard about which traditions we should begin to practice for her sake and for the sakes of our future children. Over the years, I made many elaborate plans to do spiritually significant activities at specific times with just Daddy, Mommy, and our little ones, but I only seemed to meet with frustration. Finally, one year, my husband broke into my idyllic daydreams and grounded me with just a few words. "Honey," he explained, "Holidays are family (as in all of the family). Make family your priority."

Over the years, as our own personal family has grown and the children are old enough to participate in things and we are home together, we have added in many more things. Did you know that if you do something fun one time, that your children will remind you of it every year and request it again? That is how almost all of our family traditions have come to be.

Christmas is coming, and all they talk about is Christmas Eve when they follow the clues for a treasure hunt which resulting treasure is beef jerky and Klondike bars, and then we sit around and watch "It's a Wonderful Life" with Daddy. And on Christmas morning, we eat oranges and cinnamon rolls for breakfast downstairs with Papa. Silly little traditions, and only a few of many that we now celebrate, but dear to the hearts of those I love because we celebrate together.

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This is the time of year when traditions in our lives are more obvious than ever.
Tell about one of your favorite holiday traditions...

Assignment #17 - Handmade

I am late with this post, in spite of the fact that it has been on my mind all week long. I had pictured homemade Christmas goodies, a fabulous photo gift, pretty paper creations, or even a bit of patchwork. There was a day when I tried to come up with projects to fill the hours of my day. Now I try to come up with any possible time to squeeze in a project, and this week afforded me no time at all to create anything. And then yesterday, as I was busy about my work, two of my girls came up with an idea for a project of their own, and other than my initial instructions and one reminder not to settle for second best (when one of them sewed her fabric wrong sides together and hoped to leave it that way), I only sat back and watched.

And then it occurred to me. My failure to produce this week wasn't really a failure. Instead of doing it myself, I had passed on that opportunity to my girls. Raising little ladies to be "keepers at home" is much more than just requiring them to stay home. It is giving them the ability to stay busy and content in their home, ministering to others and creating beauty around them. I used to piece quilts, fill albums with intricately decorated scrapbook pages, and cross-stitch large samplers. Now I am content to take some pretty pictures, write out a blog post, and create healthy meals. But I still believe in the importance of finding time to express myself. It is not a selfish act to set aside that bit of time. It is a time to model creativity for my children, to teach them to value their time and to spend it in useful ways, to give them the courage to express themselves. We are all created in the image of the Great Creator. It brings me so much joy to see my children use their hands in this way. As their mother, this is the most satisfying expression of "handmade."




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"She...worketh willingly with her hands." (Proverbs 31:13)

What do you make with your hands?
Share with us!

Assignment #16 - Gratitude

(taken Thanksgiving Day, 2009 - all of the grandchildren, except for Anthony)


Thank you, Lord...


that holidays mean family around here. That tomorrow all of the Senecals will be coming here to celebrate, that Dad will be here, that we will have four two-year-olds and four babies, along with the other fifteen cousins. And then we will head over to my parents' to spend the evening with my little sister and her husband and my big sister and her husband and seven of their children (visiting from Indiana).

for a vacation week with shopping, school reports, and cleaning out of the way.

for a new book, a hot bath, and a yummy snack.

for the man I married. As I lay beside him last night, thinking about how good and true he is, I was overwhelmed to think that he still needs me and that our lives are so complete together.

for my eleven healthy, beautiful, children that love me for who I am and forgive me for who I don't want to be.

that finally, at age 40, I am beginning to figure out for myself just who I really am.

for God, who loves me with His unconditional and unfailing love.

for a brand new day with brand new mercies tomorrow.

for my faith in God that gives me purpose to live each day.

for the opportunity to hold my sleeping baby in my arms for a long, long time this morning.

for the laughter that my children provide me - and that it more than makes up for the frustration they cause.

for a joyful heart and a silly song and a little dance as I went about my work this morning. And for my daughter's giggle and question: "Are you happy, Mommy?"

for the dreams I hold tenderly, both for myself and for my children - dreams that mix with faith and give me hope.

for all of the thousands of simple pleasures that fill my life to overflowing.



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Could it be any easier?

Pick one of your favorite photos from this year, list 10 things you're thankful for and share!
(Or if you have time or desire, feel free to let your creativity flow...)

God is so good to all of us!
Happy Thanksgiving week.

Love,

Assignment #15 - Abundance

This is my favorite picture of us, taken in August of '08.

We are a family with...

An abundance of people.
An abundance of opinions.
An abundance of necessary stuff.
An abundance of noise.
An abundance of messes.
An abundance of work.
An abundance of laughter.
An abundance of LOVE. ♥

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What thoughts and photos does the word abundance bring to mind for you?

Assignment #14 - Texture - sense of touch...

My precious baby,
How many hours have I spent rubbing my fingers and lips over your soft baby skin? Delighting in the way the sun highlights every tiny hair on the soft curve of your cheek? Squeezing your chubby baby legs and feeling your fingers gently close around mine? I can't think of anything I would rather touch than your exquisite softness.
Someday prickly whiskers will replace those baby soft hairs, and hard muscles will form along your arms and legs. And when you are a man, I will still cherish the memories of moments like this.
Love, Mommy ♥


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When I originally chose this theme, I was thinking more of crunchy leaves, woolen sweaters and knitting yarn, but the more I thought of touch and textures, the more I knew that this was my favorite one of all.

Share a texture that you are enjoying lately...

Assignment #13 - Just an Ordinary Day...

November 3, 2009. Tuesday.

My first conscious thought was the presence of my husband. I snuggled closer and he wrapped his arms around me. I savored his warmth and strength and I thanked God for a new day and for new mercies. This is my prayer every day, even before I open my eyes. “His mercies are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness.” I could hear Caleb stirring in his crib at the end of our bed. His first sounds brought Bethany hurrying in to lift him out. She paused beside our bed, but he twisted away and reached for the door. Usually he spends a few minutes wiggling between the two of us, babbling a sweet morning greeting, but today he was in a hurry to go out and play.

It was early for us, before 7:30, when we got out of bed. Chris was hoping to get a haircut before his day got too busy and I was expecting the repair man to come to fix my washing machine sometime between 8:00 and noon. Quite a wide range of time to work around, and a little early for this household of “late-to-bed and late-to-risers,” but I planned to be home all day anyway. It was a cold and dreary morning. I got the little ones started with breakfast and sent someone upstairs to wake the children that were still sleeping. Someone called from the repair company to let me know that the repair man would be late, most likely not arriving until after 12:00. So once the kids had eaten and started in on their chores, I settled on the couch for a few minutes to enjoy my oatmeal and read an article from the Christian Womanhood magazine my mom had sent over. Normally, I would eat breakfast at the computer while I checked my mail and read comments and checked a few of my favorite blogs, but I had determined ahead of time to stay off of the computer during the day this week. Not only does it take my attention away from my children and my responsibilities while I am reading, but so often, I carry news and ideas away with me and just a few minutes spent there continue to distract my thoughts long after I have left the chair. I want to work on being deliberately present around here again. My family deserves that and I know that nothing is more satisfying than giving myself 100% to mothering and keeping my home.

After I was through with my breakfast, I joined the kids in cleaning up, dressed Beka and did the little girls’ hair. Then I went downstairs to visit with Papa for a minute and to check and see if I could use his washing machine for a day or two. He was in quite a bit of pain this morning. I need to take time to visit more often. Sometimes a couple of days will go by without my even seeing him and I know that I might regret that far too soon.




After I came back up, I got out a roast I had thawed to put in the crockpot along with some vegetables for supper. Chris just decided after years of serving spaghetti on Sunday afternoons that he wants me to fix a roast in the crockpot instead, so today I was timing myself as I prepared it so I could plan better for Sunday. It took me exactly 30 minutes to brown the roast (the secret to a moist roast in the crockpot), peel and cut the carrots (with Christopher’s help), cut up the potatoes, add the pepperoncinis and spices, and clean up my mess. That was with only two interruptions from the little ones. Not bad. Right after that, I received a second call from the service company saying that their repair man would be late, most likely not arriving until after 12:00. Hmmm. By then it was time for Caleb’s morning nap. Rachael had just finished giving him a bath and he smelled delightfully of Johnson’s baby lotion as I pulled him into my arms and nursed him. I love every moment of that time with him in my arms; it is the only time he comes close to snuggling. Today he fell asleep nursing and I lingered a bit longer than necessary, rubbing his cheek and his hair and holding his little hand.




We started preschool time right on schedule this morning, thanks to getting up at an appropriate time. At 9:45, I brought Matthew and Beka to the table to sort and count with Cuisenaire rods. I am very informal in my teaching with them, just talking together as we play. I pointed out the different colors and sizes and we counted together as I asked them various questions. Matthew, at 4, still has some trouble with the basics. He so often seems to function in his own little bubble, unaware of anything that is not of direct interest to him. This morning, I was counting for him as he was trying to balance his rods on the ruler, when he suddenly blurted out, “Wook it, you people! Who bwoke mine? Somebody wiggled!”

Right after preschool time, we all gathered together in the living room with our Bibles. Last week during the missions conference, I had started reading aloud a missionary story with picture cards that I used years ago when I taught CEF Bible clubs as a teen. The children begged me to read more today, so we began with the story of “Ti-Fam.” We are slowly reading through the book of Genesis, and today’s reading was about God’s covenant with Abraham. We have seven competent readers now, so we take turns going around the room with each person reading one verse. There wasn’t too much discussion today. Normally, everyone is so opinionated around here that every comment seems to spark a lengthy conversation, and so often I say, “O.K., you guys, be quiet now,” more than I say anything else. After reading, we went around the room once more, giving each person a turn to pray. Our prayer list is long and often very sobering as we pray for loved ones dying of cancer, friends who have lost babies, and relatives who are unsaved.
Our prayer requests have triggered many important philosophical discussions. I remember when Chris told me many years ago when the children were still quite small that he wanted every child to pray every day, rather than just one person. Now I listen to them pray and realize how important it is for us to take some time each day to “bear the burdens of others.” So many people are so very needy, and we are so blessed to know the God who is in control of it all.

After prayer, we started right in on Benjie, finishing up the last chapter of the book. Tomorrow, we will begin on its sequel. Reading about Benjie has been one of our favorite parts of school time as we laugh together at his antics each day. Monday is writing day, but since I had a dentist appointment yesterday, we took time out to write together today. My goal for my middle learners is to build their confidence enough that they don’t panic when they are asked to write. We set the timer for five minutes, allow no talking during that time and have them write. Nina writes a short paragraph, but Christopher, Kimmy, and Bethany write only a sentence. Then I go over spelling or grammar errors with each one until it is right and lavish on the praise. Today was only the second time we have done this, but I noticed that they wrote with more confidence today than they showed the first time. I told them to write down their favorite thing we do as a family. I always love to read their different responses: watching the Yankees games together, making faces in a pumpkin, building a fort in the leaves… They are such interesting little people.




After writing, I spent the next hour or more tutoring one on one with each child. Elisabeth had finished two essays that needed to be edited, and she also needed me to do her dictation with her. Nina was confused with her math, as usual. Bethany and Kimberley both needed an Explode the Code test. Giving tests at the end of each lesson was one of my better ideas. I like knowing exactly which phonics rule they are working on and seeing if they have really learned it or not before they go on. There were quite a few tests taken between math and phonics today and quite a few 100 percents, which means a lot of them were chomping on gum this afternoon (and a few were in tears). It certainly is a good incentive to do their best. After a busy week last week with the missions conference, it was so nice for me to relax and check each child’s work and make sure they were caught up to where they should be.




During this time, Rachael was kept busy occupying the little ones. She worked some more with the Cuisenaire rods with Matthew and Beka, and then once Caleb had woken from his nap, she kept them occupied upstairs for awhile. She is so good with teaching the babies. I think it is almost a game to her, and they enjoy playing it as much as she does.




Meanwhile, Elisabeth was working with Sarah. Last year, each of my older girls had a younger girl as a “student,” but this year, since I don’t need to teach three different reading lessons each day, I am freed up a bit more to help whoever needs me at the time. Because Sarah is still not able to do most of her work independently, Elisabeth spends time working with her every day. And Sarah teaches Elisabeth how to be patient.




We seem to be accomplishing more work this school year than we have in past years, and I’m sure it is because of setting more concrete goals and sticking to a regular four-day schedule. We are looking forward to an official vacation in a couple of weeks. Today was especially pleasant since I knew we had extra time to finish up in the afternoon, so I wasn’t feeling rushed at all. So often, I apply pressure on myself and end up feeling (and acting) very frustrated. Today wasn’t like that at all, and I know the children enjoyed it (me) more, also. I actually felt like a “good homeschooling mom” today.


(finishing off the pumpkin pie someone left on the table)


Somewhere during teaching time, we had breaked for lunch, which consisted of leftover chicken and rice for most and Chickarina soup for me, By now, I had received a third phone call from the service company, letting me know that the repair man was running a bit late and would not be arriving until after 12:00. Good communication there. Most of the kids were running around upstairs since it was still cold and overcast outside, the bigger girls were downstairs fighting over holding Lily, who had come with Aunt Kathy to visit Papa for awhile. Alyvia was up here visiting with our kitties and playing with Sarah.




It was almost 1:00 by now, and once more I got a phone call. This time it was the repair man himself letting me know that he was on his way, but wouldn’t arrive until almost 2:00. That gave me time to do my T-tapp workout, which takes about 20 minutes, and also to put the pumpkins I had cooked up yesterday through the blender and into baggies for the freezer. I froze them in 1 cup portions, hoping to make muffins and maybe some pumpkin cookies with them later on. I had originally intended to take out the seeds for roasting and just toss the pumpkins, but once I had all that guck scooped out, I couldn’t bring myself to waste that good pumpkin, so I went ahead and baked it. While I was working on the pumpkin, the kids were busily drawing pictures at the kitchen table. Elisabeth had drawn a picture of a building yesterday and stuck it on the fridge and the little girls were all copying it. Then they laid their pictures out and discussed them together. I was pleased to see the difference in their drawing since several of them had practiced the lessons in the Drawing Textbooks – they had much more depth to them.





And finally the repair man arrived. The hose that runs underneath the washer had three or more holes in it, hence the flooding every time I ran a cycle through. He informed me that he would order it and be back in a week to fix it. What?!? We have eleven children!!! “Wow, that’s a lot,” was his reply, and then he suggested that I call as soon as the part arrives and they just might come sooner. Well, I sure hope so. Until then, I am thankful that my father-in-law’s washer is available downstairs, even if it is a bit inconvenient.




So, finally, the repair man is gone and I can relax. Being flexible is still hard for me sometimes, especially when my babies are fussing for their naps. I nursed Caleb, and once again, he fell asleep in my arms. Nina tucked the other four little ones in upstairs. Rachael started her computer time. Kimmy was still drying the lunch dishes, and Christopher was finishing up his math test. Anthony had been in and out more than usual today, and now he was making plans for a football game while I napped.




I fixed a cup of tea with milk and honey and retired to my bedroom to read my Bible for awhile. I had come across a couple of verses earlier in the week about “light” and I wanted to pursue the subject, so I spent some time with my concordance, looking up various scriptures. It was encouraging to me to read that on those “dark days,” I can find light in God’s Word. “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.”

I couldn’t seem to fall asleep today for some reason, so after resting for a half hour or so, I got back up, folded some towels, and gathered some apples to cut up for applesauce. Bethany and Sarah both grabbed a knife and joined me. They turned out to be a big help. We used Crispins and they were really big, too big to fit on the peeler, so I peeled them by hand and then quartered them. The girls cut them into slices. Between the three of us, we filled the pan in no time (and ate a few besides).




The three little ones took a really long nap, even Caleb who doesn’t normally do that. Maybe he’s finally fighting off his cold. I had planned to go over Rachael and Nina’s schoolwork with them after my nap, but Uncle Tony called to see if they could go bowling with Paige and Courtney for Paige’s birthday. He picked them up ten minutes later. Kimmy and Christopher had gone across the street with Anthony to continue their ball game. As I was standing at the window watching, my nephew Daniel pulled in and joined the game.




The roast was ready, the bread that Nina had made earlier was done, and I was hungry. I guess I haven’t quite adjusted to the time change yet. I had the girls get in the tub and decided to download my pictures from the day. I finally got a hold of my husband and also talked with Elisabeth. They had made their own plans. Chris was headed to Phelps to work on the apartment with the boys. Elisabeth was going bowling with the Secores. Rachael and Nina were already gone. So that left me eating supper with only my seven youngest, ages ten and down. This is a new stage of life for me, and I’m still getting used to it. The word “keeper” in “keepers of their homes” means to guard. I have spent many years guarding my home life for the sake of my children. I prepared their environment, planned their activities, chose their friends, and did everything else I could to protect them and provide them with a happy life. And now, I’m beginning the process of letting go. They are still closely supervised, but they are old enough to go places with trusted friends and relatives and so often I need to let them go for their sakes even if I would prefer to keep them home and continue on with my own plans. But we were fine tonight. I love watching the little ones take upon themselves the responsibility of “helping mommy.” Bethany and Kimmy helped me clean up the kitchen. Daddy and the older two came home for their supper before taking off again. My memory card was out of the camera, so I missed the picture of Chris snuggling the kitty. That was right after he had stood and rocked the baby close for a time. I’ve married such a rough and tough, manly man with such a loving heart. I love it that he and Anthony both come home and head straight for a baby or a cat and spend some time loving on them before they head off to work again.


(Even Tommy took a bath tonight.)


(Kitchen's all cleaned. That purple stain is our own personal design, created by an accidental spill of PVC primer. I've decided to embrace it, since I have no other choice.)


We finished up the last few baths, got the babies in their jammies, and I folded another load of laundry and put it away. Then we settled in to watch “Caddie Woodlawn” on DVD.




I tucked Caleb in a little after 8:00 and popped a couple of bags of popcorn for them to share. The older ones came home a few at a time and I listened to them tell me about their evening. I always look forward to those times when they come home all excited and rattle on and on about everyone they saw and everything that happened. And now, the children are all asleep and I sit at the computer with a hot cup of tea in my hand and my feet up against my husband’s side.




Soon we will take a shower and crawl into bed together. I start and end each day beside him and I wouldn’t have it any other way. How many times did I say to myself today, “You have it so good. You have a wonderful life.” And I really do.

♥



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Over the years, I have periodically recorded a random "ordinary" day in my journals or scrapbooks and they are so much fun to look back on now. Time changes things so quickly. Do yourself a favor and take some time to do this for your children and/or for yourself. At the time, it seems like just a fun project, but in a few years, it will become a treasured record.

Plan simply. Set aside a day where you will be going about your regular schedule. Make a goal of taking a specific number of pictures (say, 5-12, or no more than 300 if your name is Stacy Senecal). [If you don't have the capabilities of posting photos on the internet, I still encourage you to take them for your own sake and then just post your text here.] Set a notebook on your counter or keep a document open on your computer (just don't get sidetracked every time you sit there) to jot things down as you go throughout your day.

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I looked up an older journal entry to share with you. This one consisted of simply recording what I remembered at the end of the day and adding one current photo. Oh, how I wish I had done this more often over the years...

Assignment #12 - Harvest...

Having grown up in New York state, surrounded by dairy farms and apple orchards, whenever I think of the harvest season, my mouth begins to water for a freshly-picked Cortland apple. I can hear the crunch of that first bite and almost feel the juice dribble down my chin. Such tangy sweetness! Around here, you can drive to the local farmer's and pick up a bushel of just-picked-that-morning apples for only ten to twelve dollars, with at least a dozen varieties to choose from. Cortlands, Empires, McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Crispins...or even the newest and highly-prized variety called Honeycrisps for just a few dollars more. And oh, the possibilities...

After the initial taste-testing on the ride home,
there are so many options.

Slice them thinly, and sprinkle lightly with salt to really bring out the flavor. (I learned that from Chris. Who would have thought it could be so good?)
Slice and enjoy with caramel drizzle
or cinnamon and sugar.

Cook up a huge pan of homemade applesauce. I love chunky, myself, but there's nothing like that pale pink color when you cook them down with the skins still on and push them through the strainer.

Bake up a hearty Apple Walnut cake like my mom used to make when I was still too young to appreciate it's moist goodness. I need to get that recipe from her...

Or a batch of Cran-apple Spice muffins. (I'll have to dig out that recipe, too - it's been so long...) Lately, we've been just tossing some chopped apples in a bit of cinnamon and sugar and mixing them into our basic muffin recipe.

Back in the first year of our marriage when I would kiss my young husband good-bye and he would head off to the mechanic's shop for the day, I would clean our cute little apartment and plan a yummy meal for his return. Apple Nut Crunch was a recipe I ran across in Taste of Home that was so quick and easy to mix up with a fork and pop in the oven for a special dessert. Ah, yes, one little pie plate full would last us several days back then. Now, I triple it. But it's still just as good.


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Apple Nut Crunch

1 egg
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped peeled apple
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1 tsp. vanilla extract

In a mixing bowl, beat the egg. Combine sugar, flour, baking powder and cinnamon; add to egg and beat until smooth. Fold in apple, nuts and vanilla. Spoon into a greased 8 in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until cake tests done. Serve with vanilla ice cream.




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Share your photos, your memories, your thoughts and feelings about "Harvest"...

Don't you love this time of year?


Love,