Words

Recently I finished a very powerful book called Words by Ginny L. Yttrup.  With the wonder and power of technology I was able to find the author on Facebook and ask her if I could use her discussion questions as topics for my blog.  She said yes!  And of course I will give her all the credit and mention her book every time I use one of said questions.  I know my blog doesn't have a big audience but I like pretending I have a Fantasy Book Club because no one has time for real ones any more- at least not in my circle of people.

This is the synopsis of the book from goodreads.com-
      "Ten-year old Kaylee Wren doesn't speak. Not since her drug-addled mother walked away, leaving her in a remote cabin nestled in the towering redwoods-in the care of a man who is as dangerous as he is evil. With silence her only refuge, Kaylee collects words she might never speak from the only memento her mother left behind: a dictionary.
     Sierra Dawn is thirty-four, an artist, and alone. She has allowed the shame of her past to silence her present hopes and chooses to bury her pain by trying to control her circumstances. But on the twelfth anniversary of her daughter's death, Sierra's control begins to crumble as the God of her childhood woos her back to Himself.
     Brought together by Divine design, Kaylee and Sierra will discover together the healing mercy of the Word-Jesus Christ."

1. As with Kaylee, victims of childhood sexual abuse often lose their "voice".  What types of circumstances silence you?  How do you gain the courage to speak up when you'd rather remain quiet?

Although I have never experienced childhood sexual abuse, I have had negative sexual experiences that silenced me for seasons.  Thankfully I had friends who helped me open up before I reached tormenting like rage or locked silence such as Kaylee experienced.  The trivial things like being embarrassed in front of a crowd or being embarrassed for someone's performance can very quickly silence me. 

I have gained the courage to speak through Christ and supportive friends.  They got me into counseling.  It is hard to say if any of the counseling helped very much but I did feel cared for.

What silences you?  Are there "words" that comfort you?  Comment if you feel comfortable sharing or just tell me something that inspired you or what you have been reading.  

Be Still My Soul

Planning

So far so good....  This weekend we will be celebrating Hermione's birthday.  She is turning six years old.  As a mom, I am probably suppose to say things like it goes by so fast or it makes me feel so old.  Well all those things are fairly true but I a will not say them- nope, not gonna do it!  Ha!

 

Any way, so the house will need to be clean up a little and we already went shopping for presents.  The trick will be to keep her little sister from telling her everything before Saturday afternoon.  Also it is Aumsville's Corn Festival this Saturday so that includes a parade, free corn, and all the festivities.  We will have our own corny time after the parade.  People are invited to drop by the house around 3 to wish Hermione a Happy Birthday.  We will have ice cream cake and cupcakes available.  It should be fun! 

Hermione went to spend the night at Grandma's last night.  I think they went shopping and saw a movie.  Will hear the details soon.  But the most important thing, of course, is getting our back to school supplies ready.  This is what will make the mom in me weepy and sappy- she is starting 1st grade in 11 days.  She will be gone at school- ALL DAY.  Praying that God will give me the strength.  I also pray that I may one day be privileged to keep her home to teach her, but that is not up to me.  It will be an exciting and possibly stressful year, but I am excited to see her growing and learning.    

Direction

If anyone has been reading this you know I have been struggling with how to do this writing thing consistently and what to focus on.  As much as I love writing about my family and treating this like a journal it can get boring and tedious.  So I think I finally figured out a schedule that will work best for me!  I am excited to try it.

Mondays and Thursdays :  Book Discussion Days

Tuesdays and Fridays:  Family Events

Wednesdays and Saturdays:  Homemaking Days

Sundays: Rest or a Devotion w/ Hymn

I had to evaluate what I like best and what I want to focus on.  I figured if I could narrow it down to only to three things I could write about those things as many as 2 times a week if I was fast and diligent.  I can't wait to see how it goes. 

Family Camp

This summer was our first time taking the whole family for overnight Family Camp with our church at Triangle Lake.  It was extremely laid back, but pretty fun.  It was good to talk to my sister-in-law who came with her family.  I spent most of my time walking back and forth between the tents and waterfront.  Next year I think I will plan more activities for my kids at least.  When we first arrived it was very hot so we went swimming- though Lucy didn't REALLY want to go in.  Even I went swimming.  I can't even remember the last time I went swimming.  I miss it.  I don't even own a bathing suit so I just picked some dark modest clothes to swim in.  Hermione loves the water as long as she is wearing a life jacket- she still needs swimming lessons.  Ariana is adventurous, but loves the safety of being with someone or wearing a life jacket.  Lucy refused to go in without screaming.  My husband lead the devotions which I really wanted to hear but alas two children (should I claim them as my own?) were very cranky and refused to sit still.  I may need to take drastic measures.  When it was time to sleep- it was anything but quiet and comfortable.  Although there were cots provided I knew without a crib of any kind she was just going to crawl in with me so we set ourselves on the ground with a sleeping bag.  Between Lucy shouting, "Mama! Mama!" every few seconds and Emerson shouting, "Poopy!"  there was no sleep to be had.  Neil sternly told Lucy to be quiet and she cried but drifted off while I just tossed and turned till it was light enough to be called morning.

On Saturday, thanks to all the family volunteers and Mike, especially, for the coffee and breakfast.  I had a great conversation with Pastor Dwight and Luke about our old school (Western Baptist College).  It was over cast all day but the kids were insistent on swimming.  So we spent the day chatting and watching the kids.  Right after lunch it started pouring down rain.  Thankfully the camera was wrapped in plastic and Lucy actually was taking a nap.  I caught up on some reading- Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin and listened to the beautiful sound of raindrops on the canvas of the tent.  The sun broke out for only a few minutes after the rain.  ALL but one towel was completely soaked.  After dinner was worship and devotions while I chased kids or told them to be quiet.  Ariana and Lily danced to the music.  We all had s'mores on the beach and Lucy fell asleep in daddy's arms.  It was a long beautiful day.  I should have brought my own flashlight because I spent a lot of wasted time looking for my kid's flashlights with only the light of a glow stick.  But that night I slept a little warmer thanks to my husband though still not very comfortable or very deep. 

On Sunday morning we had breakfast and listened to my husband give a short message.  He taught everyone the "Hippo Song"  which the girls now absolutely love- especially Hermione.  We had lunch and left for home.  It was a good weekend.  Our church is really blessed and everyone is like family to me.  I want to thank Jill and Matthew for all the hard work putting to together volunteers and meals.  Thank you to both Sarahs, Aja, and all those who watched my girls when I couldn't be in three places at once.  Thank you to the worship team for leading us in an uplifting praise to Our God and Savior Jesus Christ.  

Packing up and ready to go!

 "I don't want to get in the water!"

 Ariana with water gun.

 Friends at sunset

Hermione in the sand at Triangle Lake

 Dock at Triangle Lake

 Sandy bottom

Uncle Mack and Malachi ready to fish

Ariana's 4th Birthday

Ariana, my middle daughter, turned 4 on July 30.  She is such a joy.  She loves art and fancy dresses.  She is the epitome of girly-girl.  Since daddy was gone during her actual birthday and I had friends from Washington visiting she spent the day with one of her best friends and then that evening had an ice cream at Red Robin to celebrate.  Daddy called to say happy birthday and to hear her open her present-  (Princess Tiana dress)

We also had a birthday party for her when daddy came back home.  We got a cake from Nancy's Fancy's.  She only asked for two specific guests- her friends Lily and Ruby (who is also her cousin).  The gift she wanted most was her very own purple bathrobe because she had previously been sharing her sister's which we all know is NOT cool.  It was simple birthday party where we all hung out and ate cake and ice cream.  Nothing Pinterest worthy but who wants all that stress.  We love you, Ariana.  Happy 4th Birthday!

"I am 4.  Now I will make my body look like the number 4." -Ariana

 Birthday Girl!

 Little sister- Lucy ready for princess party

 Best Friends

 Purple Bathrobe (ignore the camera strap)

Making vivid colors with the camera settings

 Rapunzel Cake from Nancy's Fancy's Bakery

Getting to Know Ariana:  Here are some questions to let you in on this girl!

What is your favorite color?

Purple!

What is your favorite toy?

Dora and Barbie

What is your favorite fruit?

Oranges

What is your favorite TV show/Movie?

Barbie movies and Dora the Explorer

What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?

Zucchini Bread

What is your favorite outfit?

Poodle dress costume

What is your favorite game?

LeapStart reader Princess games

What is your favorite snack?

Watermelon (I had to ask this question a million times and came up with a lot of silly answers before we finally settled on watermelon- other answers kitty cats, the number 4, princesses)

What is your favorite animal?

Unicorn

What is your favorite song?

The Hippo Song (daddy just taught them this camp song over the weekend at Family Camp)

What is your favorite book?

Barbie Princess Charm School

Who is your best friend?

Lily and Ruby

What is your favorite sport?

I don't like sports.  I do like dancing.

What is your favorite thing to do outside?

Play- sandbox

What is your favorite drink?

juice, lemonade, soda, and punch

What is your favorite holiday?

Sunday? I mean Christmas.

What do you like to take to bed with you at night?

my Dora Blanket and my books

What do you want for dinner on your birthday?

Cereal?  no cake I just want cake! (well what is your favorite food?)  I don't know. (do you need help? how about tacos?) okay tacos- said reluctantly

What do you want to be when you grow up?

a wedding dress? (what?)  no, I said a princess (of course)