He's Watching

As parents, we are often counseled to guard our actions carefully because our children are watching and following our example. Of course, noticing our own behaviors acted out in our offspring is not difficult and often eye-opening. How often do you hear your child repeat something you have said in just the same way you say it?

I can remember Brandon, at a young age, complimenting me after dinner with the words, “That was good, baby!” just as his dad says every night. No doubt, our children are listening to us and watching closely the example we are setting for them.

Very rarely, however, will one bluntly state that he is noticing our every move. All the same, I recently heard these words from Nicholas as he talked about his dad. “I watch Daddy,” he stated when we were in the car alone one day. “I watch everything he does, because I want to be just like him.”

At that moment, I was glad to be the mom and not the dad! Unaware of my thoughts, however, he became concerned that I would feel left out and replied, “I like you, too, Mom.” Once I reassured him I understood his feelings and that, as a boy, he would and should want to be like his fantastic father, he proceeded with words of admiration for his daddy.

“It’s just that every time I think of Daddy, I get this feeling I’m not sure I should get. It’s like pride. I just think he’s so great, and I want everyone to know.”

If only I could have recorded those precious words with something more reliable than my aging, mother-of-three brain!

Of course, words of admiration for his dad have been flowing from Nicholas’ lips a lot lately. Several months ago we had a family devotion in which we talked about choosing role models. When asked to consider who would be a worthy example to follow, Nicholas unhesitatingly responded with the words, “My Dad!” As if he thought we might believe him to be brown-nosing, he repeatedly assured us that there is no one he would rather emulate.


Mike has an enormous role to fill as a father to three sons. While our boys are very loving and protective of me, it is their daddy they want to grow up to be like. Of course, it is not a free ride for me either. Occasionally hinting that they would like to marry someone similar to their mom, the boys are watching me as well, but for different reasons.

How do we, as parents, handle those sets of eyes upon us? It can only be by directing our own eyes upon our Heavenly Father. It is impossible to set a perfect example for our sons on our own, even though this admitted perfectionist so badly desires to. As a mere human, however, I understand I cannot.

Instead, the best example we can give to our children is to keep our eyes on the Lord and walk in His ways. It is crucial that we spend time with God daily, reading His word, mediating on it, and applying it to our lives in order to know Him better and follow His will.

We must also communicate with God in prayer, praising and thanking Him in addition to presenting our requests to Him which, in this household, includes daily requests for the physical and spiritual growth of each of our sons, as well as wisdom for us as we raise them.

Our help as parents comes from the Lord. He will direct our steps in the parenting journey as we keep our eyes on Him. Furthermore, during those moments when our example is less than worthy, he will mercifully and graciously place us back on the right path. But it is essential that we have our eyes upon Him, just as our children have their eyes upon us.

In the busyness of life as parents, spending time with the Lord is not always on the top of the to-do list, yet no more important action can be taken when there are little eyes upon us, watching all we do, wanting to be just like us.

“To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!” Psalm 123:1

A Sample of Brandon's Writing

Now seems to be an appropriate time to include a sample of Brandon's work. Brandon is in a writing class, Write Shop I, which he takes through our co-op. Every other week, he is required to write a paragraph on a given topic. In my biased opinion, I believe they are fantastic! I will include three of my favorites.

Assignment: Describe an object
Date Written: 9/16/10

An Amethyst Stone

I purchased my small amethyst stone at Disney World. It is light weight, no more than two or three ounces. When I gaze at its side, I can admire its four layers. It has a gleaming, purple surface covered with spikes. The second layer is a beautiful silver color. It looks much like many diamonds packed together. The third layer is gray and looks like a smooth rock. The bottom of the stone has a bumpy surface, and with its greenish-brownish tint, is very unattractive. When I stare at the lovely amethyst, I am reminded of Christians and sin. The bottom, ugly and bumpy, is like a sinful person. However, when a person becomes a Christian, Jesus comes into his life and makes him clean and shiny, like the top of the amethyst stone.

Assignment: Describe a season
Written: 11/16/10

Wonderful Winter

One of the most enjoyable seasons of the year is winter. Snow-covered and white, the yard I walk out to see looks beautiful. A snowball bursts behind me, and I smile at the funny effect of a person falling down onto the soft, powdery snow. I shiver as the wind whistles like a bird making icicles clink against trees and the twenty-seven degree weather feel even colder. My stuffy nose convinces me it is time to head inside. The warm house feels cozy and the hot chocolate warms me up even more. Winter makes an excellent season for joy.

Assignment: Describe a place (He chose Endor, a fictional location from Star Wars)
Written: December 2, 2010

Extravagant Endor

Walking through the dense forest of Endor, I gaze around at its wonder. Giant, 80 foot tall trees tower above my head, as high as the sky. The stiff leaves crunch beneath my feet as I avoid the many plants scattered about the ground. Tiny yet brave, ewoks, the bear-like inhabitants of Endor, surround me and welcome me, trying to talk to me in their language. As I continue to stroll, I reach a large clearing. There, I see the remains of the power generator for the shield that had surrounded Death Star II in the center. I stop to take a well-needed rest at the high treehouses of the ewoks where I enjoy their hospitality. I will always love the amazing splendor of Endor and its kind natives.

Keep up the good writing, Brandon! Mom and Dad are proud of you!

We Are Writers

When I last wrote, I talked a lot about what defines me based on how I spend my time. I intentionally chose not to include my hobby of writing. After all, few people identify me by this activity, which I only recently began pursuing in depth. These days, however, it seems as if I always have a topic to write about. I just can’t stop!

In the past week, I have been madly writing for a Disney blog. Because of our numerous trips to this vacation hot spot, much knowledge has been gained on the subject. In other words, I have a lot to share about Disney!

A friend and fellow Disney fanatic informed me of incentives offered to guest bloggers on a Disney-related website. With a trip already planned for the fall, these incentives are enticing, to say the least. Therefore, I have put on my “Mouse Ears” (figuratively speaking) and begun the task of completing twelve Disney-related posts – four per month - before the end of March.

Another opportunity to write was recently brought to my attention, as well. The Women’s Life Office at Southeastern is looking for guest bloggers. Because my husband is not only a graduate, but also works for Southeastern, this is a chance I have to use writing as a tool for sharing what God is teaching me. I may pursue this path in the weeks ahead.

Most important to me, however, is this blog. As much as I enjoy writing, my life is quite eventful with a husband and three sons. However, I have a strong desire, perhaps a God-given desire, to record how God is working in our family. In the relatively ordinary moments of life, if we listen carefully, we will hear God speaking. Maintaining this blog causes me to listen more intently and observe more closely, enabling me to notice His hand in even the small stuff.

I write first out of obedience to God. I write next out of a love for my family and a desire for them – not just my children, but perhaps also their own children and grandchildren – to know what our lives are like today and God’s important role in them. Finally, I share the blog with others who may want a peak into our lives and will perhaps glean a helpful or encouraging word from what God has been teaching us.

It excites me to see a similar desire for writing in my sons. Last spring, Brandon attended a writing workshop and returned home with a determination to write his own novel. While his days are full with school, sports, and friends, he finds time occasionally to add to this current project. Additionally, he has begun keeping a record of special days in his life, although other activities often supersede journaling.

Nicholas is also a writer, with his specialty being comic books. He has developed quite a reputation for this activity among his peers. His enthusiasm for making comics is as great as mine is for blogging. We both understand one another’s feelings of intensity and passion in the midst of writing and the enormous satisfaction and bliss when a project is complete.


Zachary is not to be left out. For about a year, he has been working on his own book – mostly biographical, but with a bit of fiction. His story, The Three Little Boys, details many of the activities that happen in our own family. It also includes our pet dog, as well as our team of sled dogs that pulls us around when it snows. Hmmm… can you tell which part is fictional?

As my boys mature in both mind and body, I pray they will understand their giftedness, whether that be in writing or in some other area, and use it for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom. Furthermore, I pray that I will set a worthy example for them to follow of honoring the Lord as I pursue the interests that He has given me, including my passion to write.

“that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” Colossians 1:10

My Identity

A recent conversation prompted me to pause and ask myself, “What am I known for?” In addition to relational roles such as wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend, what is my identity?

To many, I am the “Disney Geek”, uh, expert, I mean. Our family has visited the different Disney World parks over 40 times during six different trips since 2004. As a result, both Mike and I have obtained quite an expertise on how to “Do Disney”. I have a plethora of information stored not only on my computer, but also in my head, and am called upon regularly to share with others preparing to visit the World. In addition to traveling almost yearly to Orlando to see the Mouse, I also meet with other Disney fanatics monthly. No, no. It’s not a “Disney Freaks Anonymous Club”. At least, I don’t think it is….

Another title I hold is “Homeschool Mom.” With almost six years under my belt in this position, I have experience with different curriculums, methods, and co-ops. The challenge of teaching three children in three different grades has taught me that there is no status-quo, no “norm”, and no such thing as “one size fits all”. I have learned quite a bit about teaching children at home, primarily that I still have so much to learn!

Some people know me as the “MOPS Lady”. This identity is understandable considering I have been involved in some way or another with Mothers of Preschoolers groups almost as long as I have been a parent. MOPS is important to me, not because of the international organization, but because of what it offers: a chance for ladies to grow as moms, wives, and women through godly instruction, guidance, fellowship, and fun. I am passionate about groups like MOPS because of the potential they have for being an avenue God uses to change lives.

Others have designated me as that “Mom of Boys” and given me the opportunity to share what life is like with this title. Occasionally, strangers will remind me of this identity with comments like, “Your hands must be full!” or “How do you do it?” and the obvious, “No girls?” These remarks are often accompanied by looks of amazement that raising three sons is both possible and enjoyable, but rarely do I detect even a hint of envy. Instead of being bothered by these reactions, I am proud. I love having boys and would not change my offspring for anything.


While all of these titles are fun and no doubt a part of who I am, there is one name I prize above all. That identify is “Christ Follower”. I am a child of God’s and enjoy a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus. I desire to be known by this name above all others.

I am sure, however, that other titles overshadow that of being a godly, Christian woman. I am without a doubt a work-in-progress, with priorities to maintain and much more spiritual growing to do. My prayer is that the overarching theme of my life, and what drives each designation, is a desire to please the Lord in everything I do. Whatever identity is ascribed to me, I hope it will also include being a faithful follower of God.

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith…” Colossians 2:6-7a

Date Nights!

Mike and I had an incredible date night last week!

For over twelve years – as long as we have been parents – older, wiser friends have insisted that regular date nights are important in a marriage. How appealing!

However, as exciting and fun as dates with my husband are, we faced periods in our marriage when nice evenings out were not possible.

While Mike was in seminary, our income was well below poverty level. Fancy shows, extravagant dinners, or even a simple night at the movie theater cost more than our budget allowed.

We made up for the lack of nights “out” by having many dates “in”. We trained our babies to be in bed by 8pm. Their predictable routine allowed us to fix a yummy dessert and watch a rented movie or play a game as often as Mike’s class and homework schedule allowed. On Friday nights, we would add back rubs to our date, a weekly tradition that continues even now.

When graduate school days were eventually behind us, we began going “out” for an occasional date. However, with three children and finances still relatively tight, we stretched those nights out across the year, using restaurant gift cards or free childcare when our parents would visit or when we would travel to see them.

In the past year, we have been making up for lost time! While our nights out alone are limited to once every couple of months, we have indulged in some very nice dates, including seeing several Broadway shows.

Last week was one of the best! We saw the Broadway production The Lion King.


Last summer, with thoughts of wintery January weather in the very backs of our minds, we ordered tickets. However, just one night before our show, we were bombarded with an ice storm.

Perhaps “bombarded” is a strong word. Cities and states around us were receiving five to eight inches of snow, followed by ice. We missed the worst of it, but did get enough to question our ability to make it to the theater in the next town. All of the doubts and uncertainties dampened my spirits a bit. Frustrations were rising.

However, Mike was determined not to call off our highly anticipated date. Our sitter, thoughtful and understanding, was also committed to watching the boys. So my mood lightened as we left the house.

We enjoyed a nice dinner at the Olive Garden before proceeding to the theater, where we took our seats about ten rows from the orchestra, almost directly in the middle. We had the additional blessing of “no shows” right in front of us, giving us a clear view.

With lights dimmed, the curtain opened to a single actress upon a relatively bare stage singing words I could not understand, yet I was mesmerized immediately. Her voice, incredibly captivating, was soon joined by two others in the balcony. Drums were added to the voices, with a spotlight on these musicians. And then, with the mood set, a procession of “animals” came down the aisles and onto the stage. To attempt to put into words the unique and amazing costumes of these actors would do them no justice.

Suffice it to say, I was awestruck, and continued to be throughout the show. I wished for time to stand still so I could observe every minute detail. Yet I also wanted the show to continue because, despite knowing the plot, I was enthralled with the story.

We have seen some excellent Broadway shows, but I will boldly state that The Lion King tops them all!

From simple nights in to occasional indulgences when our circumstances have allowed, Mike and I have enjoyed all sorts of dates over the years. What I love most, however, is not what we do or where we go, but the man I am with!

You knew that was coming, didn’t you! ;-)

“Your desire will be for your husband.” Genesis 3:16b

Responsibility Rewarded

Remember a post a few months back, “Responsible Words”? Zachary, our animal-loving son, decided he wanted a pet all of his own. When Zachary gets something on his mind, he’s pretty persistent until it comes to pass. We made a deal. If he could use his words responsibly, an area he often struggles with, for a total of 56 days (eight weeks) he would earn the right to buy his own small, easy to care for pet.

Twelve long weeks after the pact was made, Zachary at last completed his chart.


Proud and excited, he was ready to purchase his new pet. By this point, he had passed on his original idea of a fish, and his second thought of a hermit crab, and settled on a gerbil as his new companion. However, with the holidays approaching and the knowledge that we would be traveling for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, we had to postpone the purchase.

In the meantime, Zachary and I went on a special date during which he bought a cage, a ball, and other necessities for the pet that would soon be his. We concluded our evening together by setting up the new home in Zachary’s room.

The Christmas holidays preoccupied Zachary with other thoughts, but as soon as we arrived back into town after a few days of visiting family, the agenda was set. The next morning we would run several errands, which would include buying a gerbil.

On December 30, Zachary purchased Rhino the gerbil for $10 at PetSmart. Zachary loved him immediately and was filled with pure joy, enthusiasm, and also a good deal of protection over his new charge as we exited the store with the newest pet to join our household.


Rhino joined our family one week ago and is settling in very well. He is quickly becoming tame and may be the most spoiled gerbil ever, as he is held multiple times each day. He also enjoys daily play time which includes running in a ball, shredding empty toilet paper rolls, and being read to.

Perhaps most exciting to Rhino are the numerous episodes throughout the day of Baci jumping up towards his cage and barking for several minutes. Rhino seems more curious than scared of our dog, yet Baci acts more as if she would like to eat our gerbil. We do hope this phase will pass as quickly as Baci’s aggression towards Zachary’s life-size Luke Skywalker cardboard cut-out did.


Zachary is proving to be very responsible with Rhino. Admittedly, he is only one week into this venture of having his own pet. Yet he seems to truly enjoy the duties that come with the privilege. He is eager to feed Rhino, change his water daily, and even clean up the cedar shavings that fall from the cage.

Zachary’s struggle with using his words responsibly continues. He is more aware of his need to improve his communication skills, yet must daily battle his natural desires with what is edifying to those he is speaking with and what is pleasing to the Lord he loves. (Don’t we all?)

Completing a chart and getting a new pet are not solutions to sin problems. Only a relationship with God and an understanding of what He wants for our lives, as well as strength from the Holy Spirit living within, will result in lasting change.

Zachary understands this to some extent. He has made progress, and that progress has been rewarded. But as the apostle Paul states, there will always be a struggle with doing and saying what is right and not doing and saying what is wrong. Zachary is fighting that battle, but with the Lord on his side, and his pet Rhino as a visual reminder of the benefits of using responsible speech, I believe he will win his war with words.


“Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

Turning Ten!

The parties and merriment have wrapped up for many people, but not for our family. We have a birthday to celebrate. Our middle son, Nicholas, is turning ten!

I love Nicholas’ perspective on his birthday. I have heard others complain about dates of births, from summer birthdays overlooked because of no school to birthdays overshadowed by nearby holidays.

Full of optimism, Nicholas enjoys the close vicinity of his birthday to Christmas. He considers it pretty awesome to be bombarded with gifts and well wishes for both occasions. When the gift exchanging and general festive mood of the holiday concludes, he still has his birthday, just days away, to look forward to. He shares the excitement with others at Christmas and then experiences his own jubilee a week later for his special day.

Nicholas’ birthday will no doubt include gifts of Galactic Heroes Star Wars figures. He has received these three inch tall figures for every birthday and Christmas he can remember. He has almost 200 of them, plus corresponding ships, and plays with these toys almost daily. He is likely to get a book or two, as well, and perhaps stamps or a nutcracker to add to his collections.

Nicholas loves his friends. His ideal birthday is one spent with ten or so of his closest buddies, brothers included. Despite their occasional arguments, irritations, and impatience with one another, his brothers are and always will be his very best friends. Within the home they may fight, but watch out if anyone outside the home tries to mess with one. Nicholas will battle someone twice his size to protect or defend either of his brothers, and they will do the same for him.

I appreciate Nicholas’ attitude on being the middle child. Some people gripe about their birth order or worry about their own middle child’s place in the family. Nicholas, however, believes he has the best of both worlds. He has not only a younger brother, but also an older brother. Furthermore, he takes pleasure in being both a younger brother and an older brother. In his opinion, it doesn’t get any better than that!

Nicholas has always been my cuddle bug, loving hugs and closeness. Sadly, he doesn’t ask to curl up in my lap anymore, although he is quick to claim his spot on the couch between his mama and daddy during movies. I cherish this time, knowing these days are limited.

Nicholas has many characteristics I admire. As a peace-maker, he is usually the one to compromise when there is a disagreement to be resolved. He is also thoughtful and sensitive to others’ needs. When someone has been sick or hurt, he will remember to pray for them and follow up on their well-being.

Quite a unique mix, this thoughtful, cuddly kid has big aspirations of following in his daddy’s footsteps and becoming a SWAT officer. He is quick to express pride in his dad, whom he unhesitatingly calls his hero.

Nicholas’ greatest milestone in his first decade and perhaps his entire life came at age six when he placed his faith in Jesus as his Savior, beginning a personal relationship with God. Although the decision was made at a relatively young age, there has been no turning back for our son. Nicholas is more convicted by his sin and has more of a desire to do what is right than many adults who claim to follow Christ. Although at times he makes bad decisions and speaks or acts without thinking, the once strong-willed toddler who tested us over and over now sincerely wants to make wise choices that honor both his parents and his Lord.

The past ten years seem like only ten months, and I am very much aware that the next ten will go by even faster. We are proud of the path Nicholas has chosen and the decisions he is making. He is a delight to our family and a much-loved son and brother!

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Holiday Highlights

As our month of celebrating draws to a close, a few highlights stand out that are worthy of noting. In the midst of many traditions, there are always moments or events that make each Christmas unique.

A first for our family this season was attending a complimentary presentation of the second act of Nutcracker. While most of us enjoyed the music and dancing, Nicholas was disappointed that the battle scene was not included in this performance. All of the boys agreed they would never become ballet dancers, primarily because of the tight, white pants worn by the men. Despite being different from what the kids were expecting, we all appreciated the free act given for students.


A couple of days later, we watched Nutcracker, the Motion Picture. The boys endured the entire show, but are yet to be fans. This movie will not be one our family watches each December. Nicholas, however, still enjoys collecting nutcrackers and sees a difference between the figures and the ballet.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day had a few firsts in 2010. For the past several years, we have celebrated the big day on the 24th, concluding it with the Christmas Eve service at church and a movie at home. The 25th was a day to travel to South Carolina and celebrate with both grandparents. This year, for the first time in thirteen years (with the exception of the Christmas just days before Nicholas was born), we stayed at home.

On Christmas Eve, we ate our traditional Christmas meal for lunch before giving the boys early gifts of pajamas and a Wii game. We played all afternoon until it was time to go to the Christmas Eve service at church. Once back home, the boys went to bed uncharacteristically early with no complaining or procrastinating.


On Christmas Day, the boys were up bright and early at 6am. Brandon and Nicholas had been awake on and off throughout the night due to extreme excitement. That day was much like past Christmases, full of fun and merriment together. Zachary loved his new Ripstik, Nicholas was excited to add more Galactic Hero toys to his collection, and Brandon was thrilled to get both the Star Wars Lego ship and the Wii game he had asked for. Since we did not have to get dressed up and ready for a church service like past years, we stayed in pajamas all day and enjoyed many hours of play.

Unlike any other year of our lives, 2010 gave us a white Christmas! The snow started falling on the 25th soon after darkness arrived. We woke up the next morning to six inches of snow on the ground and two more that continued to fall throughout the day. Instead of traveling as planned, we spent the day sledding, making a snowman, and playing with new toys.


Our celebrations with family in South Carolina were delayed, yet still fun and memorable. Zachary, now being in second grade and able perform the task, eagerly read the story of Jesus’ birth from the Bible for his first time. Also, the trumpet was added by Ryan to the cousins’ time of singing together. Even with just a couple of days in town, we enjoyed and appreciated the time spent with grandparents, great grandparents, siblings, and cousins.

Both the month and year concluded last night with the five of us home together playing games, working on puzzles, watching a movie, and cheering on the Gamecocks in their bowl game. The five of us stayed up and watched the ball drop in Times Square as 2011 began. I remember past New Year’s Eve celebrations that included special times as a couple or lots of laughing and merry making with friends. As fun as those times were, I think I will look back on welcoming in new years with my family as the ones I cherish the most. I have a feeling these won’t last forever.

“…glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen…” Luke 2:20