Psalm 36:5-10

Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens;

Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the great mountains;

Your judgments are a great deep;

O Lord, You preserve man and beast.

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!

Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house,

And you give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.

For with you is the fountain of life;

In Your light we see light.

Oh continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You,

and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.

AMEN!

Having a little one in the School Room

You would think after all these years that I’ve been homeschooling I would know all the tricks to getting little ones to behave  during school time.  Well I don’t.  (smile)

My last little one, Laffy Taffy, was an easy going child, he was happy to play by himself, close to us, but happily occupied with this toys.  I really enjoyed doing Tot School with him because for about 30 minutes everyday he would attentively and happily learn what ever I was teaching him and then be content to play until the rest of us were done.

Enter Marshmallow Taffy.  She is loud.  She is MOODY.  She is NOT content to play by herself and 30 minutes of my individualized time is NOT enough.  I’m not really sure how our next year will go with her in the school room.  She doesn’t understand that if Mama is talking (reading out loud) that she should be quiet, instead, hearing my voice makes her want to say, “mom. MOM! Mommy! Mom!!!! MOOOOOOOOMMY!”  Louder and louder, with more and more drama and energy.  You would think the poor thing is completely neglected.  That’s so far from the truth…but still, it does pose a problem.

So this is what I’m praying through.  Praying for wisdom in how to deal with her.  How to actually teach her to be quiet, or at least quieter during school time.  I can’t do all of school during nap time.  I would love to hear how you deal with difficult children during school time.  There might be nothing I can do…I might just have to  grin and bear it until she’s older and understands more.  I’m not sure.  It does teach all the other children patience.  It teaches us all how to be gracious and it also allows more of my ugly impatientness  to be dealt with.  Many little eyes watching Mama, what will she do?  How will she respond?

The Battle is the Lord’s,

Mrs. Taffy

Signs of spring

Now these didn’t come from my own yard, because my yard still looks like this: that pavement is my driveway!

But that splash of sunshine on my dining room table is a sign of spring, it IS coming.

I mainly wanted to give you a little update on more intimate things in my life.  The parts I don’t like to talk about, but that need to be talked about.  I have some good news really.  God is showing Himself faithful to all our prayers, yours and mine.  I knew He would, I was just hoping I wouldn’t have to wait forever!  (sheepish grin) 

Mr. Taffy and I are getting to a better spot in our relationship.  Granted we aren’t where we want to be but we are getting there.  Our issues got put on hold as we were dealing with issues created by one of our children.  We’ve decided that this distraction isn’t going to get the best of us and we have repurposed to spend time on reigniting the love and passion between us. I’m so thankful for our daughter Strawberry who gives of her time freely so Mr. Taffy and I can spend time together, alone.  I’ve been reading a certain book by Gary Chapman, the one about Seasons of Marriage. I’ve just determined that our marriage has been in a season of winter for far too long and I am purposed to get us back into the spring.  I confess it everywhere.  Even when the snow is still coming down.  Even when the temperature falls below zero.  God has promised that we will have seasons (all of them), until His Son’s return so I KNOW that spring will come.  It has to come.  God spoke it.

Things aren’t where we want them with our hurting son but we are seeing some improvement.  As much as it hurts to talk about we have had to let go of some of our expectations and dreams for him.  Our hearts grieve continually but God is full of mercy and grace and I’m constantly praying that my son gets ahold of that mercy and grace and doesn’t let go.  Most of this battle is spiritual.  So in some aspects I am very confident in the outcome.  That doesn’t mean that I’m enjoying the war though.  Yuck.  We had to make some hard decisions recently and enforce some heart-breaking consequences.  But there has also been much mercy exhibited. I hope my son can grab ahold of the mercy part and dwell there.  We are still so proud of him, love him so deeply and truly want the best for him. 

I realize I’m being rather vague but it’s out of respect for both my husband and my son.  I always admire people who can be completely honest about their situations but wonder how they keep from hurting people in the process.  Someday, when all hearts are healed, then I will reveal all the details that make a testimony interesting and powerful.

I wanted to thank YOU though, dear Reader.  You have been so kind to me, leaving me encouraging comments, sending me emails telling me of your own trails and hurts.  Thank for you praying.  Thank you for caring.  Thank you for hanging with me during this time of “great stretching.”

³ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,⁵ for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; ⁷ just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. ⁸ For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

⁹ And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, ¹¹ being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.  Philippians 1:3-11

With love and gratitude,

Mrs. Taffy

1000 Gifts {Giveaway}

I mentioned in another post how a friend of mine gave me this book and how I think everybody should read it.  Well, now that I’ve finished it, I’m even more convinced that it is a treasure of GREAT VALUE!

I love to read but honestly I don’t have a whole lot of time or energy to do it.  Even my good intentions are over-powered by the weight of my eyelids or the call of, “MOOOOOM!”  But every once in a while a book that will come along and grab me from the start.  It will hold the power to prop those droopy lids open and keep that distracted brain focused and transform me.

This book has transformed me. 

This is not a feel good-name it claim it-all is perfect in Christ book.  It’s truth.  Truth that transforms and renews.

Ann’s style of writing touches a place deep in my soul.  My friend said it best when she told me she returns to it again and again.  I can see why. And I will be doing the same.

I savored every page of this book.  I read it slow and deliberate, sipped it, like the perfect cup of coffee that you never want to end.  It was that delicious.

If you are ready to move your relationship with God to the next level.  If you crave peace and joy.  If you desire to walk in the fullness of God’s love and goodness.

YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!!

I am making this book required reading for my daughters. 

Because I feel so passionately about this, I am going to give away 2 copies of this book.  Out of my own budget.  Because it’s THAT important and I want you to have THAT joy!

I have one requirement.  Only one. I’m not even going to require that you follow my blog.  Who cares!  I just want you to promise me that you will read it.  That’s it.

Leave me a comment with your email address and a promise to me that you will read it if you win and you will be entered.  I’m not going to do anything with your email, just email you if you win.  I’m not that fancy!  (smile)

I don’t want to put an end date on this giveaway…Probably the middle of March.  In the mean time, why not join me as I embark on a Joy Dare.  Only good can come of it. 

With gratitude and love,

Mrs. Taffy

Longings

• simplicity
• worship
• a thankful heart-always
• peace regardless of what’s going on around me
• encouragement

These are my longings.  Of course there may be others, but some are too private to blog about and others are too silly share.  I find myself thinking about these particular longings quite often.

Simplicity.

Specifically this applies to my home life and my homemaking.  I desire to streamline things in such a way that they don’t require much thought in order to carry them out, like meal planning and cleaning, like clothing and homeschool.  Each thing can be so time consuming, so all consuming.  I long to simplify.  This is why I am constantly purging.  Purging closets, purging cupboards, always purging.  I can’t fight with clutter and the chaos so instead I give it to somebody else to deal with. 

Worship.

I long to have a life that is the aroma of worship.  In everything thing I do, do it to the glory of God.  As far as I can tell my stuff doesn’t glorify God in any way.  It’s just stuff.  But my words, my actions, the grace I give and the love I share, those things speak to worship, speak to God’s goodness and fullness in my life.  That’s the worship I long for.  I long to have a song on my lips, one that doesn’t glorify me or my life, but one that glorifies Him, the giver of all life.

A Thankful Heart.

I’ve always had a thankful heart, always understood the importance of thankfulness as far as God’s kingdom is concerned but what else?  Is it enough?  My dear friend gave me a book recently, a book that I’ve had in my Amazon wishlist since before Christmas and it is a book that is changing my life.  Please, if you long for the fullness of God, read this book.  Grasp onto this thankfulness, change and be filled.

Peace.

It’s not a secret and I don’t think I’m alone in this longing.  What mom doesn’t long for peace in her home, but more than in my home I long for it in my person.  I’m tired of the turmoil, tired of the roller coaster, tired of worry.  To be  able to transport myself to peace, no matter what is going on around me, that is my longing.  To rest in the fullness of God, to cling to His peace that passes my understanding, that’s where I want to be.  Always. 

Encouragement.

As carnal as it may seem, I do long for it.  For a little word of thanks, a little good job honey, a little thanks for being my friend.  God’s word is the greatest encouragement though isn’t it? And so even when I’m feeling needy and wishing for a little earthy encouragement God’s word never fails and I think the reason I love Matthew 28:20 so much is because of that promise that Jesus will never leave me, that to me is the ultimate encouragement.

The Battle is the Lord’s,

Mrs. Taffy

I’m going to huff and puff and take Your name in vain!?

Strawberry Taffy and her dad and little brother had the honor of going to see Jason Gray at the Mall of American for a free concert.  This was totally a spur of the moment thing, but it was completely blessed by the Lord.

She came home so excited and told me about this song The Sound of our Breathing.  Just listening to her explain it to me gave me the chills.  You can hear Jason Gray explain it himself in the above video.

Two things dawned on me if this is indeed true, that with every breath we say God’s name:

1. No wonder there is such a war going on with the unborn babies and killing them BEFORE they are allowed to breathe their first breath.  No wonder…

2.  Maybe when we sigh, you know that heavy sort of Mom sigh that says how frustrated and irritated we are, maybe that’s really a form of taking God’s name in vain.  I don’t know but the thought was convicting and makes me want to be more aware of all the huffing puffing I do around here!

So much of what we do has ramifications, we just have no idea.  Breathe deep and let your soul bless the Lord.

The battle is the Lord’s,

Mrs. Taffy

December 2012

December was a full month, and even though there were emotionally exhausting times, when I look back over the photos on my phone I can see moments of joy too.  I like to focus on the joy.  Here’s a run down of December.

     

Chocolate Taffy got his wisdom teeth out. This might have actually been the end of November.

We got to go to a Christmas Orchestra Performance. (yeah we got there early…what can I say?)

Breakfast at Panera.

Marshmallow got her very own name plaque.  I took my time getting this, I was just procrastinating to find the perfect scripture.

    

We had the tummy flu…over Christmas.  Sad.

Blue-Raspberry turned 10!!  The ice-cream cake that I made melted in our subzero garage, I still can’t figure out how that happened.  Thankfully there is a Dairy Queen very close by!  Happy birthday son!

I got a new hat for Christmas.  Strawberry and I wore our BRIGHTEST hats to the Children’s Museum and EVERYBODY was starting at us.  lol

     

  

We ended the month with a visit to the Children’s Museum.  A happy day that ended with more sadness as our oldest son is going through a really hard time.

The good thing about hard times is that it makes us rely so much more on the Lord.  I can’t do this alone.  I can’t carry the weight of a rebellious child and a struggling relationship.  Thankfully I don’t have too.  This is my faith.  God is in control.  Ultimately it is His fight.  He loves my son even more than I do.  Focus on the joy.

The battle is the Lord’s,

Mrs. Taffy

Do not lose heart…

For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.  Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.   For our light affliction, which is for but a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

2 Corinthians 4: 15-18

The Battle is the Lord’s,

Mrs. Taffy

When the Taffy Pull Breaks Down

You know I love the image of the Taffy Pull and how I liken it to my walk with God. In the spirit of that image and in the desire to keep things honest around here I have to tell you…The Taffy Pull Broke Down.  You may have noticed I shut my blog down a little while ago.  Well, I started getting all kinds of comments and emails and realized that maybe that was kind of rude of me to just close things off without any kind of explanation.  I also realized that some of you may have come to rely on certain links or recipes that are on my blog.  But I couldn’t just go on with out some kind of explanation.  You deserve an explanation.  You also deserve to know that sometimes machines break, they need time to be repaired and rebuilt.  My gracious husband has taken the time to write this out in his own words:

There comes a time when the taffy pull machine breaks down… What happens to the taffy when it ceases to be stretched and heated properly? My wife and I have been married for almost 20 years. This is a significant number to us because many around us seem to have fallen away from each other over the years. It has been hard to watch couples separate, divorce, have affairs, or even leave the Lord. I always wonder why when I see these things happen…

Why does someone with children young and old turn away from them and the woman he made them with and enjoy himself in the arms of another woman? Why does a woman try to control every aspect of the man who provides everything for her? Why do both people treat their children like cattle and pawn them off to others for care so that they can live for themselves? Why does someone trade their belief in the living God because the person closest to them decides to profane themselves before Him in some addictive behavior they keep secret?

I have watched these things in others and wondered about them. I have watched people and listened to people lose their minds, their hearts, and their souls to the point of no return… it is scary.

My wife and I were attacked this week.

Attacked? Yes. Our marriage, our home, our children, our very purpose for breathing another breath. What does this mean? It means the taffy pull machine broke. Does this happen from time to time in any long marriage? Yep. Sure… but what do you do? I don’t know. You can’t just go buy new parts for your marriage… or can you? Not always… it depends on what broke.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.

We experienced this type of break this week. It is hard. We feel alone at times and there seems to be few people that have the fruit of commitment that we aspire to have. Sure, there are many who have remained married for 30+ years and that did not happen by accident. But there are few who demonstrate a truly affectionate love towards each other on daily grind level after those same years. I desire this type of relationship with my wife and she desires it with me. We want to grow old together and know the comfort of each other through all the years in the middle. So… what do you do when each person just simply lacks the ability to provide what the other person needs? Over a long time… repeatedly for both people? Get a book? Go on a retreat? Talk to people? Be patient? Pray? All of the above? What do you do when a problem remains after all these things are tried and re-sequenced without satisfaction for either person… it is hard. Quit? No… no one wants to be a quitter… not really.  But what about when the weary, tired soul is just sort of out energy and the light of hope at the end of the tunnel turned dark a long time ago?

Throw in some problems with the children, mix in several money issues at the same time, and why not the job too? Yeah… sure… just mix up and nice bunch of problems. And not fake problems… real ones… they always make the situation worse. The devil knows our vulnerabilities.

I repeat… we were attacked this week. A well laid trap. But why?

Were our defenses down? Maybe. Were we slack handed at dealing with some stuff? Maybe. Could we have been better with our money? Sure. Could we have raised our children better? Sure. Could we have been better about supporting each other through the years? Sure. But really… at some point… the answer is ‘no’ also. We are who we are and we are not Jesus. We aren’t perfect and we lack things that would make it all better. The devil knows the time to strike us too; he knows when our surroundings suck and we are at our most pathetic status.

So we break down. The Machine broke. It sits. The Taffy in idle status becomes brittle and hard and worth-less… The machine in disrepair is likened to garbage in value. Only in movement are both preserved. Only in dependence on each other. Only with replacement parts from time to time and maybe new ingredients for the taffy.

In our relationship, I try to make the environment and Mrs. Taffy gives the environment structure and definition. God made everything from nothing (environment), but He made all things with Wisdom (structure and definition). They must go together.

I am of the belief that any good marriage must go through this type of trial that we experienced this week… this type of breakdown. It is hard. Did I mention that? It is. It sucks. I can be an absolute jerk and am selfish and sometimes my lovely wife is not so lovely. We lack for each other what God intended. We do not possess the ability to fix this problem. God does. So what. Really? Did I say that? What does that mean? What I mean is that Mrs. Taffy and I have each prayed, waited, and pursued God to ‘fix’ these problems we have and He just doesn’t do it. In the meantime… more pain… more weariness… more anger…a “forget it” type mentality sets in… not good. But where is the good? Why doesn’t God just give us a miracle?

I do not want to end up like some I see where they stayed together tolerating each other to the grave… yuck. I do not want to end up slowly separating to the point of feeling better about the calloused heart and finally convincing myself that God somehow is accepting of our divide… what a crock! What a foolish conclusion!

I do not know all the answers. I can’t fix this. She can’t fix this. We don’t always know what to do. I love Mrs. Taffy with all that is in me and she loves me the same. Each in our own style, our own person… We have had many, many moments of complete happiness and blissful love too. If most of the machine is working but a significant enough part is broken, the whole machine is still broken.

Why am I writing this brutally honest post? Because it seems like so many around me go through this or have gone through it and left each other. I do not want to continue to see this occur if I can help it. Here is the only answer I have right now. I think God understands that this break down is only a matter of time before it occurs and is a result of the fallen man. We cannot achieve success here without both of us exhaustingly, maybe painfully, maybe awkwardly, maybe hopelessly trying together at the same time in faith with the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 4:10

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.

So, this is where we are at. One day at a time. One situation at a time. One look, one glance, one smile, one ear to listen, one word to speak life. One at a time… like it was almost 20 years ago when we were excited to build everything one day at a time.

I do not know what is on the other side, only that nothing is on the non-try side. Nothing. Are you in this place I speak of? If so, I am sorry. Do you have means to repent and try with your wife or husband again? If you do, you should. You should…

I liken it to a pit that we both have found ourselves in and there is nothing to grab hold of and no one around to lend a hand. It is the test. The only way out is up because there is no more down left. The only method up is together at the same time. For how long is not known but only coordination together will work. It always seems “fair-er” if the extra step is taken after noticing the other person taking an equal step.  However, the only way for this type is trying together at the same time will save us both from what we cannot do by ourselves. At the end, I believe we will recover and know what God intended for us to experience when we trust Him in everything.

This is a painfully honest look at our life.  I can only hope that being this honest with you will somehow encourage you to hang in there if you are going through problems in your own marriages or other relationships.  I know that “nothing’s new under the sun” but it feels new to us and it feels like failure.  But we have not quit.  Since the writing of this original note from my husband healing has begun.  I’m always telling my children to keep their issues in the light, sin can’t grow in the light, healing grows in the light. 

My sincere hope is that once our Taffy Pull is fixed, when it’s starts to stretch and pull with consistency and order, I can continue to contribute regularly to this blog.  And who knows, I may even share something from time to time just because.  I will leave the link live.  You are welcome here, always.  Pray for us.  We want to give God the glory.  We don’t want to end up a statistic.  Nothing is too big for God and we believe this with our whole heart. 

Thank you for your encouraging emails and notes on Facebook, you have brought me joy unexplainable!

Humbly,

Mrs. Taffy

Preparing to be Thankful

I feel like I am on some kind of speed train or something.  Life is going by so fast. I never have a moment to long for the next moment to come because each moment goes whizzing by so fast I almost miss it.  I’m afraid if turn my back or close my eyes for a minute, I’m going to miss something, anything.  I remember a time when I would be so anxious for the next event to come, the next day, the next celebration.  I just don’t ever feel like that anymore.  My children still feel that way, like time isn’t moving fast enough.  I hear them all the time, “I just can’t wait…” “I’m so excited!”  “Only 35 more days until…”  35 days might as well be tomorrow as far as my train ride is concerned.

I’m trying to slow this train down, trying to enjoy moments and make them last longer.  Truly our life is but a vapor.  But I want to enjoy and experience each little droplet in that vapor.

Thanksgiving is next week.  Next week?  I still feel like 2012 just started, wasn’t it just January?  Do you see  the struggle I’m having?

I’ve made myself many a list.  A menu.  A shopping list.  A task list.  But I almost don’t want to start checking things off because as soon as I do it’s all going to be over with.  Oh what to do?!  I guess I’ll just hold on tight, treat each fleeting moment with joy.  Allow my heart to swell with thankfulness.  Ignore the annoyances.  Demand peace.

All my rambling thoughts aside, here is my menu for Thanksgiving Day, in case you are curious.

Appetizers:

Deviled Eggs (Mr. Taffy’s favorite)

Cranberry and Pumpkin Bread

Cheese and crackers with Summer Sausage (Laffy Taffy’s favorite)

Apple Orchard Punch

Thanksgiving Dinner:

Turkey (I make ours in a roasting pan)

Pumpkin Rolls (Recipe here)

Twice Baked Smashed Potatoes

Butternut Squash with Thyme

Gravy

Stuffing (From Trader Joe’s)

Green Beans ( I just steam frozen organic green beans)

Cranberry Sauce (From Trader Joe’s)

Dessert:

I’ve got so many things I could make...

Blueberry Pie (in freezer already)

Apple Pie

Cranberry Upside Down Cake

Frog Legs (Chocolate Taffy’s Specialty)

I’m sure I’ll make something else too, just because I can.

I have a couple special things planned for Thanksgiving Day.  Mr. Taffy’s sister and daughters will be here to have dinner and dessert with us.  I found a Thanksgiving Day Scavenger Hunt on the Family Fun website and I’m going to send the kids on that at some point during the day.  We’ll do family photos, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I have a gift for all my children collectively and a “it’s the beginning of the Christmas Season”  gift for the girls, my nieces included.  Our dearest friends are joining us for dessert with their 4 children.  I’m making up baskets of food to share with our guests.  I know the day will be wonderful!  I’m really looking forward to it, but not too anxiously because I know how quickly it will be over with.  I want to savor the moments, like I’m going to savor that Cranberry Upside Down Cake!

My life is overflowing with joy and thankfulness and blessing.  To spend a day to remember all of ways that the Lord has provided is such a delight.  We look forward to this day all year long.  If we are thankful, we are content.  Praying that the hearts of my children will find a way to be thankful in every situation.  Praying that I can be a good example of doing that.  There’s just so much to be thankful for!

Thankfully content,

Mrs. Taffy

“Do not fret…”

I went to the Word looking for a little encouragement and look what I found!

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and feed on his faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart, commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.  He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.  Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way.  Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.  For evil doers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.  For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more.  But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.  Psalm 37: 3-11

I have found myself fretting more than once, worrying about all the things that a Wife and Mother has to worry about, you know the list:  Am I doing enough?  Am I making my husband happy?  Am I a good wife?  Will my children follow the Lord when they leave my house?  What’s for dinner?  How can get everything done?  Oh the list goes on and on…

And on a bigger scale, our country at large and all the issues that come with whomever is elected president: Can we afford our life?  Tax increase?  Abortion?  Will homeschooling still be legal?  Will we be safe?  Who’s telling the truth?

And finances…wow that’s a big one!  Being a one income family is a blessing and struggle!  The price of groceries and household goods, cost of living, insurance, bills, our up-side-down mortgage…so much to fret about.

I was fretting this morning.  Worry about things I had no business worrying about.  This psalm was a balm to my soul, written so long ago but so relevant to me, a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom today.  God is amazing like that.  His Word transcends time. 

Clearly God has it all under control, clearly peace is mine for the asking and the having.  What an awesome God I serve, one who can use the words of an Ancient King to comfort the heart of a Mom in the year 2012. 

Thankful for His peace and so thankful that I don’t have to fret! 

Dropping my worries and resting in my King,

Mrs. Taffy

rest…NOT!

Every once in a while I get a doozy of a headache, probably a migraine, but maybe not.  I usually wake up with it, it hangs out with me until evening.  I have my ways of coping to be able to continue on with my responsibilities.  A few being…

• Extra caffeine
• Ibuprofen (at least takes the throb away)
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (more caffeine)
• An afternoon nap

So I tried…I tried to rest.  Close my eyes for just 15 minutes, to regroup before dinner.  HA!

[If Mom sits down, it’s time to sit on Mom!]

[“Mom, Mommy, Mom!??”]

[Add your own caption…]

Honestly it was kind of therapeutic, though slightly annoying.  It’s the way my days are.  I hold fast to the knowledge that my life is for them, to nurture them, to love them to pour myself out for them.  In this laying down of my life, my needs, I worship my Savior.  My heart is so pitiful and while I would rather cry and yell at everybody to leave me alone, I choose to embrace the moment and let it be part of me, part of us, part of my song to the King.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise HIM!" Psalm 28:7

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

Seasons

It’s fall.  I love fall.  For me fall is the time of year to reflect on the spring and summer and to prepare for the winter time.  Fall rejuvenates me.  I love the cool nights.  I love watching the leaves change colors and while I don’t like all the leaves all over my yard, I do like observing how nature gets ready for it’s long winter’s sleep.

Recently I’ve been reflecting on my blog and what it means to me and what I want to do with it, where I want it to go, if anywhere.  I’ve been praying about whether I should write a farewell post and delete the whole thing.  Today I decided, through a series of frustrations, that I’m not quite ready to let it go.

 

I rounded up the children for a photo shoot this morning, I’ve been planning it all week.  I should have done it in May.  Don’t know why I didn’t.  Today was the day.  It was GLORIOUS in every definition of the word.  Like a perfectly orchestrated song, it fulfilled a need in me that I had been neglecting and didn’t realize was so important.  A need to be creative and spontaneous, to be outside in the cold breeze surrounded by the brilliance of fall and my children.  It was such a blessing.  I didn’t know I needed it so bad until it was over with, almost better than a vacation.  Something about taking pictures of my children does that for me.  You’ll see the photos throughout my blog and on facebook and if I have your address you’ll see one at Christmastime too. (smile)

This is from today…Banana took it of me (candid- keeping it real) when I was directing children for a photo.  I look a little tired, I am a little tired.  But truly, when we finished  the photo shoot I was on cloud 9! So much fun!

I’m sorry I’ve been such a slacker.  I’ve been feeling a little bogged down with all my responsibilities, not in a bad, just in a way that hasn’t left much time for anything else.  Believe or not, I spend a lot of time talking and listening to my children about the various things they have going on in their lives!  That brings me GREAT joy but I never imagined it would be so time consuming!  lol

On an even more personal level, we are trusting the Lord for a miracle.  I’m not at liberty to share more at this point, but you know I will when I can!  If God sees fit to grant this miracle it could be such an amazing blessing to our family, possibly for generations!  I’m just trying to remain peaceful and wait on the Lord!  Expectantly!

I hope you all are enjoying this season!  May the cool winds of fall wash over your soul and rejuvenate your spirit to stay faithful to the tasks the Lord has given you to do!

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

15 years and counting

Hard to believe I’ve been doing this for 15 years.  Hard to believe I have at least another 15 years ahead of me.  I still feel like a newbie on so many levels. 

We went “back to school” today.  I’ve been preparing for this for weeks.  I tried so hard to make sure I had everything ready before we started.  Of course I forgot to load the math program and I couldn’t find the history book for a good 5 minutes, but we made it through and we are all still smiling. 

My schedule for this year looks something like this:

5:00-Rise and Shine Momma

6:15-Rise and Shine Children

6:30- Breakfast

7:00-Morning Chores/Personal Time

8:30-Start School

11:00-12:30 Break for lunch and a little bit of exercise.  Usually Strawberry is still working during some of this time, this schedule is more for the younger ones.

12:30-2:00 Nap time for Laffy Taffy and I finish up school with Blue-Raspberry and Bubble Gum.

2:00-Snack

2:15-Afternoon Chores and Free time until dinner.

5:30-Dinner Time

6:30-Baths and Books

7:15-7:30-Bed Time for little people

10:00-Bed time for Big People (Even the teens unless they are working.)

Some day's are a little different, but for the most part this is our routine. 

Things will really get busy when the boy’s start college back up, we have about 4 more weeks until they go back and we are only doing a 4 day week throughout the month of August.  I’m also signing the kid’s up for a homeschool bowling league later this fall.

I’m trying to remember to cherish each of these moments.  Some times I get so overwhelmed, but then I glance over at my oldest sons and I see how quickly it went how I wish I was that young mom home with a bunch of little ones.  God is good and I’m so thankful to be a part of this crazy busy life. 

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

Cutting the Apron Strings*

We are entering this new season in our life.  A season where we pray that our training sticks, where we trust the Lord with the lives of our young adults more wholly, where we have to let go in order to let them fly and grow.  I can feel the change happening, I’m watching it as if it’s not my life, curiously.  I tried to explain it to my 16 year old, the difference in my protective instinct over my little ones as compared to him and his older brother.  I failed.  It’s impossible to not sound detached and uninterested.  That’s not it.  It’s just the process of letting these boys become men.  It’s allowing them to make their own choices, knowing now that my words have impact but are not law.  They have to chose their way, they have to decided to stay on the straight and narrow, they have to decide to be  MEN.  My husband I have always had the mind set that it’s better to let them make dumb choices now while they are still under our care so we can help them through it.  It seems like all the dumb choices Mr. Taffy and I made happened when we were newly married.

Our sons are being raised to be hard-working, God-fearing Providers.  I stress the Provider part often.  I’ve met several mom’s who have grown children, her children aren’t able to homeschool her grandchildren because “they have to work.”  I’m doing my part now to prepare my sons to be providers so that my grandchildren aren’t in daycare.  I know there’s always exceptions to what I consider perfect and all that, but I’m talking about making choices now that will allow them to live how they want when they are older.  My boys are smart, they know.  They watched their dad struggle through unemployment and they still saw the value of me being home.  They even saw it the other day when I casually mentioned getting a part-time cleaning job, Mr. Taffy was a little annoyed at me for even mentioning it.  (Gotta love job security!)  I talk about these things a lot,  about their lives as married men.  I know they might not get married, but both of them want too, so God-Willing, when they do they will be more prepared. 

We had an interesting experience the other day.  We were at the beach and the older boys had a nice game of soft ball going on in the grassy area.  They just use plastic balls and bats so they don’t hurt anybody.  A couple of very LOUD and RUDE women came up and commanded that they move their game because, “this is a beach, not a baseball field.” Then they proceeded to plop down all their beach towels and bags in the grass, not the sandy area near the water.  The guys were so offended and upset by this.  Not because of what they asked but because of their approach.  Our boys would have cheerfully and respectfully moved their game had the women been kind and respectful.  (And you should know, they did the right thing, they were just pretty mad about it.)  Everywhere my sons go they are praised for their respectfulness.  They have good eye contact, strong hand shakes, can string together a whole slue of words without saying “like” once.  Respect begets respect. Kindness begets kindness.  Talk to a teen like an adult, they will talk to you like an adult.  Give them responsibilities, they will be responsible.  This is our approach.

Banana Taffy is working two jobs currently.  It’s a good reality check for him.  Entering this realm of being really tired, working really hard.  It’s been good for him.  Since he’s not totally on his own, I’m still a little protective of his time and he is not keeping both jobs when school starts back up, but he has expenses:  insurance, gas, college,  his Compassion Child, etc.  So he works, he works hard.  I still do his laundry, I still feed him, he still has chores and responsibilities at home, he’s still accountable to us.  But he’s moving toward that independence that is inevitable and welcome on some levels.  It’s just sobering.  Hoping and praying and believing and trusting that we’ve raised him right, that he will continue on with a PERSONAL relationship with the Lord, that he will make good choices, that he will be sober-minded and cautious, that he CONSULTS the Lord with his concerns and LISTENS for an answer and then obeys. 

It is such a privilege to raise these young people.  It’s a privilege to listen to their plans and dreams, to guide them and nurture them, to mother them.  I can’t think of anything I would rather be doing. 

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

*Thanks Dory for the inspiration!  Love you!

Teaching Children to be Givers

The Bible is full of examples of giving.  Jesus himself was the Supreme Giver, laying down his life for us was the Ultimate gift.  But how can we teach our children to be givers?  Being the sinners that we are, giving doesn’t always come easily.  It’s easier to be stingy and selfish.  We want what we want, why should we share it away?!

Giving just like all other character trait, are best learned through example and opportunity.  My husband and I have a very detached approach to our stuff.  Sure we like it, but we also know it’s all very temporal.  Moving often has helped us not get too attached to stuff.  You just can’t take everything with you all the time.  But besides not being attached to stuff, being able to leave it or sell it. Still it’s even more important that we can respond in a spirit of giving.  It is our joy to share when a need arises, it is our privilege to give to our brothers and sisters in Christ when they have lack or just need an extra blessing. 

“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.  And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.  And great grace was upon them all.  Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.”  Acts 4: 32-35

 

I recently experienced something that has got me thinking on how we teach giving to our children.  Bubble Gum Taffy was excitedly talking about the little gifts she wanted to wrap up for her twin friends, their birthday is coming up and she is so excited to give them something, anything.  She found some things when we were out garage saling, but that wasn’t enough, she wanted to give them more.  So I suggested she go down and pick out a couple bouncy balls from our bouncy ball box.  My husband found this at a garage sale, obviously we don’t need all these.  So she happily went in search of two bouncy balls, similar but different, just like her twin friends.  Well wouldn't you know it, 30 seconds later up comes Blue-Raspberry, “Mooooommmmm, Bubble Gum is going to give away our bouncy balls, those are MINE and I don’t want her to give away all the BEST ones!”  Thankfully I was listening to the Holy Spirit this time and instead of getting upset with him I just looked at him and said, “Do you want to pick one out for your best friend too?” You should have seen that child’s countenance change.  No longer a tattily, unthankful, selfish brat, but now a smiling, excited, joyful Giver!  He picked out the biggest and prettiest bouncy ball to give his friend!  And then moments later Laffy Taffy ran up asking if he could give one a way too!  “YES, YES!”  Not only yes because we don't need that many, but yes because it’s just stuff and being able to give is a BLESSING and my children were experiencing that.

I am absolutely aware that my children are constantly watching me.  If I hoard, they hoard.  If I’m selfish with my stuff, my time, my needs, they will be too. 

I don’t ever want ever want my children to be afraid to give.  I always want them to know that God LOVES a cheerful giver, that the principle of sowing and reaping works for them too and that when they give, the real blessing comes to the giver, not the receiver.  It’s a constant pursuit and completely worth while!

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Matthew 6:19-21

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy