tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231947862012-01-03T17:07:18.464-05:00kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.comBlogger3981100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-47343419990173778872012-01-01T22:20:00.002-05:002012-01-02T09:51:53.329-05:00

I have had a couple of days to come down off my birthday project high. It has given me some time to reflect on two eventful days that nearly collide together each year, my birthday and the new year. It is all a little more monumental this year as I turned 40. Naturally with that comes surveying the landscape of my 30s.  In a nutshell, my thirties were a time of great upheaval, turmoil and

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-73512833506124714162011-12-31T09:58:00.002-05:002011-12-31T15:16:14.133-05:00

My birth date, December 30th, has long been riddled with problems my entire life.  If you have a birthday between Christmas and New Year's then you know what I am saying.  Expectations are always set for a great day, but they never seem to materialize.  People forget, gifts are combined with Christmas, no one is in town, the plans of New Year's Eve the next night supersede any focus on

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-70843645780552282442011-12-05T09:09:00.000-05:002011-12-05T09:09:10.640-05:00

Well, hello there little blog.  It has been a while, my friend.  No documenting of our lives has occurred in nearly three months and that just has to be ok with me. A quick list of things that have happened in the last few months that should have warranted some mention, but just haven't: 1. Lily had eye surgery to correct her accommodating esotropia in November.  The muscle located in the inner

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-86754342166645366242011-09-22T20:52:00.001-04:002011-09-23T11:39:17.765-04:00

You know when you have a day where it seems every minute is planned?  I had one of those days today.  In fact, every day since school began has been those days.  I wanted to document just one day in order to remember when I am old, the kids are gone, and I am retired and I declare to my now adult children, "I am so busy!" 4:45 am  Alarm goes off.  I lie there for a couple of minutes, debating

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-17599841005331141352011-09-20T16:08:00.000-04:002011-09-20T16:08:18.436-04:00

This is how life is rolling these days at the Dumoulin house... Last week, I went to 7 doctors appointments. One for Ethan, one for Lily and 5, yes, 5 for me. Ethan's appointment was to confirm no additional complications from a marathon viral infection that lastest 12 days, missing 6 days of school. This week he is finally recovering some of his energy he lost from a constant fever for that

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-15739153570157150942011-09-15T08:07:00.000-04:002011-09-15T08:07:19.647-04:00

There are times in your life, moments really, when you know what you are experiencing can only be the work of God. I am in one of those moments.  There have been four of these clear touches over the last two weeks.  It has left me stunned.  I had been struggling with several situations over the past month or so.  I could not let the emotions of the situations go.  They circled my brain

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-37043903338439085642011-09-11T21:42:00.000-04:002011-09-11T21:42:30.341-04:00

I was seven months pregnant and had an early morning ob-gyn appointment.  I left the appointment and headed to my job as an Account Manager for a publication serving the home furnishings industry.  As I pulled into the parking lot, I remember distinctly, the radio dj announcing that a "small plane, like a cessna" had hit one of the World Trade Towers.  At that point, it appeared to be an errant

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-52124438239089475322011-09-10T15:57:00.003-04:002011-09-12T07:50:40.277-04:00

1. Fishing 2. Kettle Chips 3. Alone time with my family of five 4. Teaching History 5. Chicken Curry dish at Saffron India Restaurant 6. Researching chickens- as in raising them 7. Homemade French Toast with real french toast 8. Decorative edge paper punches 9. Duck Tape crafts 10. Foreign language films, particularly the run of Dutch ones Jay has played every night

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-62498948439932917522011-09-06T10:40:00.001-04:002011-09-06T20:36:02.279-04:00

I am hiding in my room.  Yes, hiding.  For the moment I cannot deal with my middle child, my stomping, slinging, irritated, grumpy, frustrated middle child.  All of this energetic display over...long division.  She knows how to do it, but just doesn't want to do it.  Can I blame her?  I hated it.  Yet, the workbook pages are there, empty, waiting.  Not only does she not want to do it, but she

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-55087345385770825802011-08-31T19:30:00.000-04:002011-08-31T19:30:47.155-04:00

Having faith like a child. It has been more than that from my oldest. He has become the teacher. It has caused me to think deeply about many of my positions and statements. It has been humbling. This year, the eldest has taken a vested interested, rather, determined to be friends with everyone in his class, from the quasi-bully to the meek to the semi-irritating. This is a trait he exhibited a

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-27332163488934406432011-08-28T15:12:00.000-04:002011-08-28T15:12:55.052-04:00

School ended.  It ended nearly 2 months ago and I let it slip by with nary a mention.  Ideas for this blog come and go as I go about my days, but they don't find their way onto this screen.  My picture taking is down, my scrapbooking nonexistent, documentation of the little things is dwindling. As I type this, I am sitting in the car heading home from our week at Ocracoke Island.  What a

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-49335306548826535932011-08-28T10:28:00.001-04:002011-08-28T15:27:54.846-04:00

If you could understand the motives of my heart. If you could understand the depth of my concern and love for you. If you could understand that seeing your world start to crumble is nearly as painful for me as it is you.  If you could understand that I am willing to damage and possibly sacrifice my relationship with you for you. If you could understand that I was coming from a place of truth and

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-17413310080236269302011-08-22T07:50:00.000-04:002011-08-22T07:50:44.466-04:00

We have rounded the corner into another school year.  Ethan took off yesterday as a middle schooler.  Jay took him to school for the first day without me.  It didn't help that Ethan announced that I was sometimes embarrassing with my photo taking. (gee, thanks, Ethan)  I am still wrapping my mind around his entry into middle school.  I remember those years full of social challenges and meandering

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-3884019781513723542011-08-04T12:54:00.001-04:002011-08-04T22:07:43.534-04:00

A year ago, I embarked on a journey to unfamiliar territory.  I became a homeschooler.  I knew that it was the path chosen for me and my middle one, but the map was out of focus and the destination unknown.  I could only see Day 1, but not any farther.  Now, I type this entry heading into year 2.  I will homeschool my middle one again, but this year, I will add the youngest one into the mix. 

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-38424181917228215882011-07-10T21:03:00.000-04:002011-07-10T21:03:50.600-04:00

An interview with the kids on July 11, 2011: ETHAN, AGE 11 1. What do you want to be when you grow up:  I want to be a preacher, but I don't know that it will happen. You just have to go with God's plan. 2. What is your favorite subject in school:  Bible 3.  What is your favorite food?  Burritos 4.  What do you enjoy doing?  Playing video games 5.  Where do you want to go on vacation?  The

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-26769656824401707252011-05-12T09:25:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:25:48.539-04:00

Lily discovered the Sunday comic section at my mother's house this weekend. Slightly obsessed, she carried it into the car, into the restaurant, into her bed. The next morning I caught her "reading the paper" on the front porch while she waited for our carpool. She looked like a little grown-up. I just checked my voice mail and there was a message from Sadie. She attempted to disguise her voice

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-59528895972731341442011-05-11T21:04:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:25:47.742-04:00

Today, after school, we went to the half-priced book fair held in the school library.  I sent the girls on ahead of me while I waited for Ethan.  I had already informed them there would be no buying "trinkedy-dinkedies" as well call them around here.  That is code for the pencils, erasers, pointy fingers, lip gloss, etc. that all stores try to get you to "add on."  You know, what's another 50

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-72141394987941475342011-05-06T17:04:00.000-04:002011-05-06T17:04:15.319-04:00

There are moments as a mother that I want to capture for the remainder of my part in this life.  They represent success, at least defined by what I pray and hope for my children.  They are the chunks I hold onto when the going gets tough and I think everything I do is a failure.  Here is one of them: There is a boy in Ethan's grade who has always struggled with behavior and getting along with

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-45881476284251492892011-05-06T16:56:00.001-04:002011-05-06T16:56:46.088-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a piece that brought me so much satisfaction.  I didn't notice there was an error in blogger's automatic saving mode.  When I clicked "Publish Post," there was an error.  At that moment I knew.  It was lost.  It hadn't saved and therefore, when I tried to return to the post, it was gone.  It is defeating to me when that happens.  I don't write nearly as often as I

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-50144330542750600762011-05-06T16:56:00.000-04:002011-05-06T16:56:17.599-04:00

Oh my goodness, I love my kids.  When they are budding with creativity, or when they are behave like spoiled little boogers.  When they backtalk me with such vile that I could sew their mouths up forever, or when they excel at some endeavor that even they are shocked.  That is how our days have been lately.  The highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  Determining our determination is a good

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-71071410514113038602011-04-25T08:34:00.000-04:002011-04-25T08:34:23.332-04:00

Sadie:  How do you get to work in the White House, Mom? Me:  Well, you have to decide that is your goal.  You have to go to college and probably major in something like political science.  Then, you have to work pretty hard to get there. Sadie:  Mom, I meant like a housekeeper.  I am only interested in that. We were dyeing Easter eggs.  Upon removing Lily's egg from a mixture of colors, Lily

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-46153221518490767792011-03-23T09:37:00.004-04:002011-03-23T13:34:40.410-04:00

Every 6 months or so I rebel. I think it is a natural inclination as a mother to throw my hands up in the air and declare, "Whatever. I am done." I had one of those days on Sunday. The attitude of the culmination of 2 weeks with my mother-in-law, a week of living in my car more than my bed and a weekend where I shuttled kids to 2 birthday parties, 2 soccer games, 1 swim practice, a church

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-32899814990489136342011-03-16T17:56:00.000-04:002011-03-16T17:56:22.529-04:00

rules up stars 1. No food alode (allowed) atershool 2. No stiling toys wihtout asking 3. No going in Sadie room without asking. 4. No fiting a lode. 5. No going in Ethan room without asking. 6. No going in Lily room without asking. 7.  Listen to mom. 8. Listen to dad.

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-89745297924498997692011-03-16T11:26:00.000-04:002011-03-16T11:26:22.308-04:00

Two months have slipped through my fingers and what have I accomplished? A whole lot of nothing, really. The usual running around, the random curve ball shaking up the daily grind, and the feeling like I am just marking the days off the calendar. Despite all of this, when I look closely at the details of the past couple of months, there are some noteworthy developments and here are the details.

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-7732246398722674142011-01-25T08:43:00.002-05:002011-01-25T08:46:03.567-05:00

Gone are your two front teeth. Gone are your 5 rolls of chubby love. Gone are your long flowing curls. Gone are your morning tears of separation. Here is working independently on homework. Here is a long and lean body. Here is an awareness of schedules and time. Here is flitting into the school building without a look back. Always will be your need to snuggle every chance you get. Always will

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-37029109447293205572011-01-25T08:34:00.000-05:002011-01-25T08:34:39.525-05:00

There has been an uproar over this article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal.  Amy Chua, a Yale law professor and mother, declared that Chinese parenting produces more successful and thus happy children. I have read the article and watched several interviews of Mrs. Chua.  Frankly, much of her methods are deplorable and abusive to me.  The article was simply a pat on the back for what Mrs.

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-3636819875110490342011-01-21T09:14:00.000-05:002011-01-21T09:14:34.448-05:00

The most difficult part of homeschooling Sadie has been her social transition.  She is a very social creature. She is in her element when she is leading other, including others, meeting new people.  Rarely does she not make friends immediately with other kids.  At the same time, her propensity for jealousy often leads to behavior that can be an aversion.  Homeschool has taken a bit of that away

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-49108589168159763382011-01-11T18:08:00.002-05:002011-01-11T18:20:48.617-05:00

There is something about January that awakens a desire to whip up some new goodies in my kitchen.  As if the Christmas season weren't enough to fill my cooking cup.  It usually begins with the addition of a new cookbook to my collection.  I pour through looking for new dishes to try.  One year, I broke in a new Asian cookbook.  The next, a quick weeknight cookbook.  Usually it includes a Cooking

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-15515082787404694232011-01-11T17:56:00.000-05:002011-01-11T17:56:34.981-05:00

This year, my family theme is:  Trusting who God says He is.  By theme, I mean, what emphasis I am going to make in teaching the kids.  I came about the focus through trying to have my kids identify what they were feeling when they were arguing with/tattling on their siblings and also when they were complaining and whining about some circumstance.  The idea was then bolstered by a recent talk

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-83852535718131940812011-01-01T22:41:00.000-05:002011-01-01T22:41:09.833-05:00

Amazed that the attitude of "The more the merrier," is not shared by all. I found a lot of happiness being productive with domestic concerns in 2010 - gardening, sewing, etc. I think I will continue along that road in 2011, and plan to have bible study, yoga and writing as parts of the equation as well. But if it doesn't pan out, it will mean that God put more important things in my way. I am

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-59598066837474814242011-01-01T10:42:00.000-05:002011-01-01T10:42:37.419-05:00

And so it is.  Another year.  A year filled with bizarre, eye-opening revelations about the nature of people.  A year of discovering and affirming that people are not the source of worth or happiness.  A year of determining that being a hermit has its merits.  A year of finding that I enjoy the productivity that comes from making things with my hands that are useful and purposeful.  A year

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-67750761451748666272010-12-22T08:33:00.000-05:002010-12-22T08:33:46.751-05:00

Playing with water balloons, placing them in your shirt to look well-endowed...curious. Filling them with warm water so they are a bit more comfortable...smart. Wearing them out in public for several hours before your mother notices...CRAZY!

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-51132490332872841912010-12-18T10:49:00.002-05:002010-12-18T10:53:12.621-05:00

The kids have been changing and I have not documented a thing.  Even my photography has fallen behind. I discovered that when I was creating calendars for Christmas presents that the month of January contained only a couple of photographs.  I am sure my kids will forgive me for missing ONE month of their lives, but I know that 2010 will be an easy, easy year to scrapbook.  I don't think I have

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-8700345622475406282010-12-01T16:58:00.000-05:002011-01-01T17:07:30.266-05:00

Hope is a funny thing.  It is so connected with faith and perserverence, yet it often takes a backseat. In a world where we constantly live for the next big moment, hope is shuffled off, shown the door until the moment arrives.  I think there are very few people who can maintain hope through a series of big events that feel like a slap machine set on fast forward and aimed at their face.

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-70136442590642287192010-11-10T19:20:00.000-05:002010-11-10T19:20:50.538-05:00

I am guilty.  Guilty of pushing my kids a bit in some areas and not allowing them to always choose the direction of their lives. I do it often under the guise of knowing what is best as their parent.I have applied pressure to succeed in areas that they showed some talent, but just weren't interested in participating.  I know I am not alone in this fault. The obvious first arena where this is

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-43318099333657893512010-11-10T19:06:00.001-05:002010-11-10T19:07:26.780-05:00

Recently, I shipped 16 camcorder cassettes across the country to be converted to DVDs.  It was with much intrepidation that I boxed them up and sent them via UPS. I checked on the tracking number hourly as they crisscrossed their way across the nation and back.  Finally, the package arrived at our home, the contents of which held six of the most eventful years of our lives.  It has been pure joy

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-71523619047539157352010-11-10T16:56:00.000-05:002011-01-01T17:06:57.937-05:00

Anxiously, she sat on the edge of her seat, scanning to see a sign of him. She looked back at me excitedly, "I think I see him!"  She looked back to confirm her discovery only to turn and say, "No, that isn't him."  It must have felt like eternity for her,  the parking lot for a sign of his arrival.  Her eyes lit up, her face broke a grin that was larger than her face and she ran to him as he

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-69749732795497526722010-10-19T12:23:00.000-04:002010-10-19T12:23:44.552-04:00

A little over a month ago I wrote this post.  I received many responses from the post, mostly out of concern.  First, let me say that sometimes you just need to vent.  A raw, realistic view of my anger and feelings of defeat were in that post.  I surmise that most people experience such reactions to the world at some point.  However, one thing that I did not clarify in the post was the cause of

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-74740846436425755072010-10-19T11:24:00.000-04:002010-10-19T11:24:03.922-04:00

First quarter down.  School-wise, that is.  Homeschool is moving along quite well.  I couldn't be more thrilled with the results.  My relationship with Sadie has transformed; she has transformed into a much more mature, wise-choosing, sensitive little girl.  I still see some spiritedness when in groups of kids, but even in that area she has settled down.  Most days she tackles her school work

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-61179459858296375382010-09-17T22:33:00.002-04:002010-09-17T22:50:09.839-04:00

Things I have learned in the last week or so... 1.  A trip to the beach with a couple of girlfriends can drastically change the direction in which you are going. 2.  I had a friend tell me that she did not know one homeschooling mom who did not have a complete crisis during their first year, regardless of how the year was going.  Makes sense to me.  There is a lot of under the surface stress in

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-33166009259545643512010-09-07T09:28:00.000-04:002010-09-07T09:28:29.283-04:00

I have not slept well in several days.  By that, I mean only a couple of hours each night and those have been fitful.  I have had had 4 dreams in the past week that my children and/or I have been diagnosed with cancer. Throw in multiple conflicts, emotional spiraling, the loss of another one to cancer and that equals one very downtrodden person.  Make that depressed.  Never have I been so ready

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-16228037622424022682010-08-18T22:05:00.001-04:002010-08-18T22:05:59.994-04:00

I am actually doing it.  I am homeschooling one of my children.  The very child I said would be the last one I would ever choose to homeschool, which I never planned to do for any of my kids anyway.  The very child that never evoked sadness when I left her at a new adventure.  The very child that exposed every sinful fiber of my being. The very child that has challenged much of what I thought I

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-87836457732099724862010-08-15T16:58:00.000-04:002011-01-01T17:06:29.507-05:00

I had a discussion with a friend last week that left me pondering this question in the midst of life just not feeling right. Is my discontent with life based on a) rose-tinted view of the past, or b)  the realization that what I am experiencing is simply the way life normally is and I have just been fortunate no to have experienced it in this way, or c) am I just chemically unbalanced at the

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-71254502640190123702010-08-13T10:53:00.000-04:002010-08-13T10:53:44.043-04:00

School orientation last night means that summer is coming to a screeching halt and school will begin in a mere 4 days.  Much of our adventures have been undocumented this summer and for the sake of remembrance, I will make a short synopsis here.  I say "sake of remembrance" because Jay firmly believes I have some sort of short-term memory issues invading my brain.  Maybe he is right.  Actually,

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-42939897338435982742010-08-13T08:35:00.000-04:002010-08-13T08:35:58.388-04:00

"The ability to accept God's unconditional grace and ferocious love is all the fuel we need to obey Him in return." Blue Like Jazz: NonReligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality, by Don Miller I am in the midst of reading a great book.  The book reflects much of what has been turning, rather rolling around in my brain this summer.  The sways and straying of a heart that was once passionately

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-29234627277906408252010-07-26T10:13:00.001-04:002010-07-26T14:25:45.213-04:00

I had a discussion with a friend last week that left me pondering this question in the midst of life just not feeling right. Something has been unsettling, almost weird. I asked my friend, is my discontent with life based on a) rose-tinted view of the past, or b) the realization that what I am experiencing is simply the way life normally is and I have just been fortunate not to have experienced

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-5612277084183260192010-07-19T20:34:00.002-04:002010-07-19T20:37:26.347-04:00

She bends to her knees, The moist dirt quickly staining her skin. Her weight shifts forward, her hands working the ground. Delicately and tenderly she pulls her pride to the side. She grabs at the longs strands of grasses, growing where they are forbidden. Her shoulders, bare, begin to feel sweat dampen her skin, Salty, warm, and tacky to the touch. She inches her way down the rows, clearing the

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-22339716034269701692010-07-15T16:56:00.000-04:002011-01-01T17:07:59.070-05:00

You have been extra difficult the past two weeks.  My confidence in being your mother is wavering.  I have fallen into the old trap of measuring my successes on how the world sees me. 

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-59060477548129547012010-07-13T22:25:00.000-04:002010-07-13T22:25:54.377-04:00

A few years or so ago, my Sadie discovered what fun it is to play with ace bandages.  Being one to make a fuss over letting her do something out of the norm, I put it away so that we would have it when the time came that we really needed to use it. About six months ago, Sadie had a discussion with her great-grandmother.  I have no idea how the topic came about.  Oh wait.  Yes, I do.  My

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-1643185812948332482010-07-13T20:36:00.001-04:002010-07-13T20:48:46.990-04:00

I don't know where to begin with all that has happened this summer. I feel like I have missed it with all that whirled by us in June.  After our trip overseas, the swim team season was in full swing and I learned a multitude of valuable lessons that I list here to prompt myself next summer. 1) Our year round swim program is really the only practice I should make mandatory.  I noticed some

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-41155963487549966592010-06-24T21:14:00.002-04:002011-01-01T16:55:48.227-05:00

Ever felt like you wanted a do-over?  Or better yet, just wanted to pretend that world outside your house didn't exist?  The pressure cooker has hit its peak, or is it obvious? I do not like drama and for the most part of my more mature life have done well to avoid it.  Something happened in the last 2 months, however, and I have been sucked in like a black hole.  Sometimes I have kept my

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-16650358254410717952010-06-21T00:52:00.003-04:002010-06-21T01:14:37.142-04:00

Summer slows the writing down.  I haven't been inspired to put my thoughts down because really life has been churning out much of the same incidents and routines.  Well, except for the baby bird I found in Sadie's bed which she had been caring for about 4 days or so.  But, really, that isn't very shocking for those that have frequented this blog. I was turned away from writing because I felt it

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-30886139659980627392010-06-10T17:00:00.000-04:002011-01-01T17:05:37.385-05:00

After a week of feeling like my head was swirling around in a toilet, I think I am finally back on track.  Not that I actually know how feels, but it seems like an apt description.   My mind and body could not get wrapped around what day it was, what hour it was and what it was that I was supposed to do.  I don't recall jet lag every having that effect on me, so maybe it is age.  I spent more

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-6332061599523720692010-06-08T05:26:00.001-04:002010-06-08T08:00:36.284-04:00

We are home from our vacation which turned out to be one, if not the best, trip we have had to visit Jay's parents.  Maybe it is the kids getting older, I don't know.  But, the trip was easy, the weather great and I came home pretty satisfied with what we did. It is a little strange to come home and see that summer is in full swing.  School was still in when we departed. It is hard to wrap my

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-49614733098160272042010-05-30T17:30:00.000-04:002010-05-30T17:30:18.234-04:00

Sunday, a day of rest in the Netherlands.  Funny, it is the country that does not go to church that saves this day for relxation.  But with all things that `modernize´ a couple stores are now open on Sundays.  We discovered that the Albert Heijn, a supermarket, was open.  We jumped at the chance to stock up on all the food items we miss in the U.S.  In fact, we more than made up for the 3 years

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-48272552458862097682010-05-30T17:14:00.000-04:002010-05-30T17:14:36.526-04:00

I am already getting behind in my blogging.  Ack.  So, yesterday we had plans to go to Volendam, a touristy historic village and then head to Amsterdam where we would go on a canal tour and then to the Van Gogh museum.  As with most well-organized plans, things go a little awry.  However, it turned out to be a great day. We encountered a bit of construction detour that basically made our trip

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-18142364056305911222010-05-29T15:55:00.000-04:002010-05-29T15:55:43.832-04:00

We are at the end of day 3 and before I type too much more let me just mention that I do not have time to edit my entries.  Additionally, I can not spell check these post as the language is set for Dutch.  The writing is what it is - errors and all. I asked Jimmy and Nancy what they thought so far and this is what they said: Nancy:  I am in awe. I am amazed by the people, the bicycles.  I am in

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-47641682666612742952010-05-29T02:10:00.001-04:002010-05-29T02:10:21.040-04:00

Day 2 has brought some insights.  One, Jay's host father, Jimmy speaks loudly to Jay's parents.  Normally, this would be a little funny as that using a loud does not equate to a better understanding of English when spoken.  However, Jay's father is slightly hard of hearing, so well, it works.  Sometimes, though it does seem like he is yelling. I have forgotten what this country looks like to "

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-13110942929151182862010-05-28T03:15:00.000-04:002010-05-28T03:15:58.671-04:00

We went shopping last night into the city center.  Thankfully, the house is only blocks from the main shopping district so it is easy to make a quick run.  I took the kids into Jamin, a candy store.  They were blown away.  I love how the Dutch package their candy.  This time, I saw the candy made into smiley faces and flower bouquets.  Large bins of make your own bags of candy were overwhelming

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-84275705903194648682010-05-27T10:24:00.000-04:002010-05-27T10:24:53.367-04:00

We made it safely to the Netherlands.  We had several delays, but managed to walk onto our connecting flight here.  The kids were well-behaved for the most part.  I sat with Lily for the long leg who slept in my lap, basically, for the last half of the flight.  Everytime I woke her up to leave the plane, she would fall back asleep, her little head just nodding back and forth.  I didn't get much

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-52470054498205660292010-05-18T10:04:00.002-04:002011-01-01T17:01:31.318-05:00

Ok, so it is May. The overscheduled month of all months.  I need to learn not to schedule hair, doctor or dentist appointments in this month unless absolutely necessary.  It is ridiculous enough as it is.  This month does not allow me to ponder about what is going on in life and how it all weaves together into lessons and moments to remember.  Rather, it tends to be just about facts and events. 

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-19152977178105495252010-05-10T17:01:00.000-04:002011-01-01T17:02:07.742-05:00

Someone throw me a lifeline.  I am drowning.

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-31733865209197753532010-05-10T09:12:00.000-04:002010-05-10T09:12:08.537-04:00

For the first time in my life, at least that I can recall or realize, someone who I once considered one of my closest and dearest friends, doesn't want that title any longer. It sounds so juvenile to write that, doesn't it?  Yet, my heart is a bit sad.  Over the last year, I have left multiple messages on her phone, sent a few emails, contacted her through facebook and even mailed a nice card. 

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-88957321859039350572010-05-09T07:45:00.002-04:002011-01-01T17:02:31.353-05:00

I woke to the sounds of "Happy Mother's Day" at exactly 6:24 AM.  In came my three blessings with a tray of breakfast they made fo rme.  On the plate were two pancakes, two sausage biscuits, two slices of toasted cinnamon toast and a pat of butter.  They also brought in a cup of coffee which they made themselves.

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-37410788921317203932010-05-05T12:55:00.003-04:002010-05-05T13:50:31.069-04:00

I have a multitude of events, issues and thoughts that have occurred over the past several weeks.  I kept a running list of them in this post and have been waiting for a time to add in the details.  Time hasn't made itself available until today and even now, the trash is overflowing out of the toters in driveway.  Writing is the perfect procrastinator to tackling my least favorite chore...

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-5426532842493307762010-04-29T16:40:00.002-04:002011-01-01T17:03:16.218-05:00

A seriously blow was dealt to my own estimation of how successful my mothering is and it was self-inflicted.  Sometimes I think I have crept into the underworld and decided from that perch I should  make decisions regarding how to best rear my brood. Cue Silly Bands.  You know, I don't think I bow down to the peer pressure that I see my kids experience. Jay on the other hand has so many

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-17953221287915707412010-04-29T10:08:00.002-04:002011-01-01T17:04:05.614-05:00

I begin this post knowing that I will probably ruffle some feathers.  I might even be seen as arrogant and pompous.  However, I write this post in an effort to put to paper what I learn about Sadie.  I have been given great insight into her being over the past week or so.  The Sadies of the world attribute to about 2-3% of the general population. And here is the best definition I have found so

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-81948423001062740512010-04-28T07:53:00.002-04:002011-01-01T17:04:30.934-05:00

Does I really feel better about my mothering when I know the kids leave for school in the morning with teeth brushed, hair combed, decent lunches/snacks in their bags? I am "on top" of my game this week.  It usually happens when we move back into the house for market.  I make some ridiculous attempt at maintaining the house at that uber sanitized level for about 2 weeks.  Nothing escapes my

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-64274713980670308912010-04-26T10:12:00.001-04:002010-04-26T10:22:16.863-04:00

I am thankful for... 1.  A friend who took time out to instruct me on the world of homeschooling.  She has been a wealth of knowledge and I feel a teeny bit of confidence because of her encouragement and support. 2.  A friend who has been so appreciative for some things I gave her for her son that I am humbled.  Not only did I get a handwritten thank you note and an email with a couple of

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-19128018104993257542010-04-22T20:36:00.002-04:002011-01-01T17:05:11.078-05:00

My first day at trying to go with the calling of the Holy Spirit has been met with disaster.  Now, I know that this is not always an instantaneous happening, but I thought that with constant prayers throughout the day, begging for the Holy Spirit, I might tap into that life and peace I am promised.  Unfortunately, the result is not quite the day I envisioned.  In fact, it has been met with a lot 

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-59057686030178612872010-04-21T11:37:00.000-04:002010-04-21T11:37:49.409-04:00

So, we had our first bible study meeting. This study, Remembering the Forgotten God, is going to be incredibly enlightening and fascinating. At least the beginning of it seems indicative of such. The author Francis Chan first asks us to write about what we know about the Holy Spirit. Then he asks us to dissect it, attributing it to how we know that - scripture, life experience, church, what

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-12514639291850096692010-04-19T10:15:00.000-04:002010-04-19T10:15:21.144-04:00

I am writing this post from the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord. We decided we could all use a break from the basement and drove an hour to get here. We came once last year, but unfortunately, Sadie spent much of it vomiting in the hotel room trashcan - not the best memory for her. However, this time, the kids are having a blast which I am sure is related to the fact that Jay is not in complete

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-67460789319313320172010-04-19T10:05:00.002-04:002011-01-01T17:09:01.654-05:00

I found the song, "I love you, Lord" and had to put it on my blog. It is the second one on my playlist. That was the song I sang to Lily every night when I rocked her to sleep as a baby. It has always been "our song." If I were more technical, I would record her singing it and load it on here. As sweet as it sounds to me, that little lovey voice, I know it sounds more so to Him.

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-87073482688540042792010-04-17T10:23:00.001-04:002010-04-17T11:36:17.817-04:00

I wrestled out of my slumber this morning by reliving one of the last days I had with Ansley. It never fails to transform me into a jar of marbles that have been spilled across a hardwood floor. The marbles just keep rolling in all directions, some bouncing little hops tip...tap...tip.tap.tiptaptiptap. Others make a spiraling sound as they move across the hard surface. Scattering. It was the

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-59579112597914343512010-04-16T10:11:00.000-04:002010-04-16T10:11:39.219-04:00

Things that consume my brain in April... As we are, rather I am, homeschooling Sadie next year, I have been delving into books, websites, magazines, trying to determine what type of environment I want to create for Sadie, what is her learning style, what is my teaching style and what sort of curriculum to choose. I have come to the conclusion that I won't really know what works until we

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-79451174594456982342010-04-16T08:46:00.000-04:002010-04-16T08:46:06.128-04:00

I can breathe. The house is ready for our renters and we are in the basement. I can say that this year, I won the battle. The battle of "just how obsessed with cleaning can you be." I don't know if laziness took over, apathy or just a better perspective came into view. I believe it was the latter. It feels good and satisfactory that I did not have one melt down, one hissy fit, one tense moment

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-50543896736299489702010-04-10T22:23:00.002-04:002010-04-10T22:24:42.680-04:00

Spring has sprung at the Dumoulin house. The kids are finishing up their week of spring break which has felt so much like summer vacation that I am dreading Monday. The weather has been unbelievably warm and I have really enjoyed having the kids with me. The kids have taken every advantage of it by playing outside - riding their bikes and scooters, playing in the old chicken coop, on the

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-51040166273413198362010-04-09T23:16:00.002-04:002011-01-01T17:09:57.453-05:00

Friendship means understanding and being understood... Friendship means affirming and being affirmed... Friendship means accepting and being accepted... Friendship means helping and being helped... Friendship means forgiving and being forgiven. -- David J. Claasen 1 a : one attached to another by affection or esteem b : acquaintance 2 a : one that is not hostile b : one that is of the same

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-68111169730495907452010-04-08T08:26:00.002-04:002011-01-01T17:10:27.113-05:00

Let there be joy in my heart today, Lord! Fill it to the brim, burst it with adoration for You. Let my spirit be humble Let my eyes see nothing but You.

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-64305075163023335572010-04-06T22:35:00.001-04:002010-04-06T22:37:16.248-04:00

This is so hilarious to me, only because this is being a parent.  An innocent little statement of fact can totally temporarily destroy your child.  The attempts of the parents to try to "make it all better" followed by the Dad's last statement is just classic.

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-49345551102703361722010-04-06T10:39:00.001-04:002010-04-06T14:51:40.045-04:00

I was afraid to turn on the news today, so I didn't.  Fearful, afraid, wishing so much that a Cinderella story ended with a happy ending and that the evil stepmother did not win.  And yet, here it is.  Downcast and forlorn I am today. I read this on one of my often frequented blogs: "But I'll just keep it simple: I hate those (bleeps) because I hate them. Every time they win, a kitten in my

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-80905365857723296942010-04-05T08:45:00.002-04:002010-04-06T20:40:34.171-04:00

Another family fantastic, Jesus celebrating Easter is in the books.  We have never done much for Easter in terms of the "bunny" route.  In fact, I don't think the kids even know to consider that their little piles of goodies come from anywhere other than from us.  And, when I mean little, I mean little. The kids usually get a chocolate bunny and 3-4 other small pieces of candies (surprise, they

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-42747279401423077772010-04-04T21:38:00.001-04:002010-04-04T21:38:56.855-04:00

Another April Fool's Day in the books.  This year, I brought "grilled cheese sandwiches" to all the kids' classes.  It was actually toasted angel food cake with colored frosting.  I can't claim credit for this creative idea.  I am a huge fan of Family Fun and they always have amazing ideas.  Anyway, I told the kids that I brought a Dutch treat called toasties and asked if they wanted to try. 

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-1966096302659616982010-04-04T21:35:00.002-04:002011-01-01T17:10:55.922-05:00

"Yellow and green are a hit, Mom." Sadie says to me this morning. I commented that her tied-dyed lime green shorts may not be the perfect match to her bright yellow Toby Mac t-shirt with black and pink logo. Does it matter for me to say something? No.

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-17684107533148754812010-03-31T10:00:00.000-04:002010-03-31T17:17:07.770-04:00

Disaster. This is how I can sum up the past few days. It has come in varying forms, too. From the visual to the emotional. What I see in my community is mirroring an entirely different set of circumstances that nearly cracks my heart wide open and raw. All of it incomprehensible. All of it coming from our Father. Tornados hit my medium-sized southern town Sunday night. The devastation is

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-21635173802397726942010-03-30T21:47:00.000-04:002010-03-30T21:47:25.734-04:00

I am in the midst of some serious emotional gunk/turmoil (post in composition mode), and market cleaning (yes, you will hear about this for another week or so), but couldn't let THIS one pass me by. Such a classic. For those that have been reading my little corner of the blogging world for a while know that "Time for bed" is translated in Ethan's mind to "Time for deep conversations with Mom."

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-33276438245036282182010-03-29T10:43:00.000-04:002010-03-29T10:43:40.404-04:00

Once again, it is time for the great market clean-out for 2010.  It is all great when it is done, but getting there is tough.  Man, the things I find in the kids' rooms!  More blog fodder than I will ever have time to write.  I will, however, create some lists.  To begin with... 1) Bingo dabber in Ethan's room.  Now, this is usually kept in the basement.  I know for a fact that Ethan did not

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-15013322014071961932010-03-26T08:27:00.000-04:002010-03-26T08:27:06.394-04:00

Because every once in a while I revert to a being a teenager with no sense of decorum and complete immarturity, I document this line spoken by my sweet little Lily, age5, who had just finished up her bowl of popcorn. "MOOOOMMMMM, I want some more cockporn, please." I just looked at her innocent face and left the room to howl.  At least she used her manners.  I hope I don't start getting a

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-85873134165329896312010-03-25T22:00:00.000-04:002010-03-25T10:01:19.408-04:00

As a belated birthday gift, I took my grandmother to the O'Henry Hotel in Greensboro for their afternoon tea service. It is just my grandmother's sort of thing and well; I really like it, too. I invited my only aunt, Sue, to join us because I thought it would just be fun to have three generations of my family there. We never get together, just the three of us. I sat listening to my grandmother

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-89103822933533484892010-03-25T08:00:00.002-04:002010-03-25T08:04:44.320-04:00

This is my favorite verse which gave inspriation to my blog title.  There is a song following the scripture reading, a little dated, but still nice.  Enjoy!

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-41294795792822393182010-03-24T20:44:00.002-04:002011-01-01T17:11:38.659-05:00

It is Ada Lovelace Day! I almost let this significant celebratory day pass by me without a mention. What is Ada Lovelace Day, you ask? Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace was born on 10th December 1815, the only child of Lord Byron and his wife, Annabella. Born Augusta Ada Byron, but now known simply as Ada Lovelace, she wrote the world’s first computer programmes for the Analytical Engine, a

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-75210776900403444142010-03-24T08:00:00.002-04:002010-03-24T08:23:45.895-04:00

Yesterday, my son nailed me. I know God speaks through all kinds of ways, but it is particularly stunning when he does it through a child...your child. Ethan has been cycling into a space cadet zone lately. We have been here before and it can be very frustrating. Last week was not a stellar week in terms of grades and I could tell that if we didn't clamp down a bit things would spiral. The

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-53994469240227232822010-03-24T07:52:00.000-04:002010-03-24T07:52:09.015-04:00

I have been incredibly blessed with a bible study I have been doing since January. I wasn't initially going to do it, but God met me in a Wal-Mart parking lot (does that sound like a country song title, or what?) and it was just what I needed to do. I think I have mentioned the study book, "No Other Gods" by Kelly Minter. If you want to peel back some layers, I say give it a go. If you want to

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-75351825714441126612010-03-23T21:45:00.001-04:002010-03-23T22:28:10.068-04:00

A little conversation with Sadie at bedtime revealed a little worry, a little concern, and a little discontent with herself. She is the master at appearing all together to the world. Even when she makes poor decisions, she quickly brushes it off. She doesn't dwell on her mistakes, often sweeping them under her bed like discarded candy wrappers. Not where she should put them, or how she should

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-39257177119509302862010-03-23T21:29:00.001-04:002010-03-24T06:57:20.924-04:00

A forewarning...quite possibly the most borning post EVER.  However, in the interest of documenting life, here it goes. So, last week I started the Wii Active Fit 30-day challenge. I received the Active Fit as a Christmas gift and here it is mid-March. I just opened the box. I hate exercising. I dislike it so very much that I would do just about anything to push it off - even cleaning the

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-65740626517928844122010-03-21T08:18:00.002-04:002011-01-01T17:12:32.965-05:00

One of the most surprising facets of having kids is how uniquely God created them to be.  It shouldn't be surprising, given who I know God to be, but for some reason I thought I could parent the three the same and get the same desired results.  They are human being and they are as different on the inside as if I had picked three random people off the city streets to compare.

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-70079829503124598622010-03-18T19:00:00.004-04:002010-03-19T08:27:54.481-04:00

LOVE SICK. That is what my kids are and I have no idea from where it originates. My first reaction, which is erroneous I know, is to lock them away in their rooms and never allow them to utter another word about the opposite sex until they are 18.How are they like this? I could say my kids are overflowing with love for others because we shower them with so much love that they are bursting forth

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-10539614037735537712010-03-16T22:31:00.003-04:002010-03-16T22:42:23.882-04:00

Tough day for my gal. Completely out of sorts and claims she is completely fine with that news about swim changes in my previous post. After a very, very difficult day at school, I had the pleasure of telling her I found her little piece of artwork in the basement. She decided my lampshade would look a little better with 5 red dots in row, courtesy of a bingo marker. Restitution was ordered up.

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-76642960293623795702010-03-16T07:11:00.005-04:002010-03-16T11:03:05.500-04:00

In mothering, there is little more difficult than dealing with children who are emotionally hurt and deeply disappointed. I have found that I go to great lengths to avoid such times, as I imagine we all do.Yesterday, I picked Ethan up from guitar and transported him to the pool for swimming practice. We had a sweet conversation about the plans of God. I can't recall what was the catalyst for this

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23194786.post-84225311340867278412010-03-10T19:18:00.014-05:002010-03-12T10:06:39.685-05:00

Here is a partially frivolous, superficial post. There aren't many material things I covet. At least that is how I think I am. I have a decent perspective on clothes, shoes, etc. I may have a bit of them, but I never pay much for them. I balk at shoes over $40.00, for instance. Spending money on a $100 handbag...never. I know how temporal this world is. I am not judging anyone who does, it is

kelseyadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340779956131238870noreply@blogger.com3