Catching Foxes

Time With Each Child

Submitted by kim on Wed, 06/13/2012 - 14:01 in Parenting

Years ago I read a biography on Susannah Wesley.  I was raised Methodist, so I was familiar with the legacy of her sons, Charles and John. I knew they had been reared in a large family. In desperation as to how their mother did it, I read about Susannah, hoping to glean some parenting wisdom.

Susannah is a great example of mothering through adversity. She birthed 19 children losing many in infancy. She had a "failed marriage" by today's standards. In fact, her husband left her for a period of time and she was a single mom.  I found her most profound insights on parenting was learned during this time - she regularly dedicated a portion of time to interact with each child individually.

Two Online Helps for Summer Days

Submitted by kim on Fri, 05/25/2012 - 08:57 in Homemaking, Parenting

I'm using two fantastic websites this summer, My Food Diary and Goal For It to help simplify daily life. 

My Food Diary

My Food Diary is exactly what it sounds like - an online journal of every bite that goes in  my mouth.  My Food Diary has an amazing data base of foods, including restaurant menus. In addition, you can manually enter individual food items and entire recipes.  By creating a record of what I eat, I am more likely to make good choices all day long.  

These Feet

Submitted by kim on Wed, 05/16/2012 - 08:42 in Parenting

Every once in a while we line them up in height order.  No shoes allowed. The younger ones are so eager to see  if they are taller than a sibling yet. After the photographer snaps a few photos of their smiles, I ask him to get their feet.

I love these feet.

At one time, most of these feet were craddled in my hand.  I removed the lint from between the toes. I put their first shoes on.  I eagerly watched for their first steps.  Their first falls. And the getting back up and trying again and again. 

Yielding Control

Submitted by kim on Thu, 04/19/2012 - 05:12 in Parenting

I was visiting with a friend last night whose oldest child is in middle school.  There are six children in her home, the youngest in kindergarten.  My friend mentioned she was creating a spreadsheet for summer weeks - so she can keep track of everyone's busy schedules.

I remember those days well. I used to make summer spreadsheets.

Eagle Scout Planning Guide

Submitted by kim on Sat, 04/07/2012 - 10:10 in Parenting

Two of our sons have attained the rank of Eagle Scout.  We held our second Eagle Scout Court of Honor last weekend.  I really enjoy planning these special moments of celebration for our family, and decided to put together a collection of ideas of what we've done.  Be patient when downloading the PDF; it is a big file.

 Guide to Planning an Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

I pray it helps in preparing for you son's special day!

Above photo and photos in the guide are courtesy of Focal Flame Photography. 

Packing Burn Ointment

Submitted by kim on Mon, 04/02/2012 - 23:30 in Parenting

He was standing in the driveway Sunday afternoon, ready to leave.  I was running back and forth to the house, grabbing last minute things to add to his duffel.  

Burn ointment. I had just used it myself last week, my burn not yet healed completely.  I brought it outside and placed it in his hand.

"If you burn yourself, use this," I said, choking back tears.  

He was certain to burn himself sometime this next month.  He placed it in the door pocket of his truck.  I added a box of band aids I was still holding.

Dealing with Lying

Submitted by kim on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 10:59 in Parenting

A young parent recently emailed me a question about how to handle lying.  His daughter is in grade school, and has been testing the limits recently.  I suspect all kids go through this - or at least all seven of our have!  

When our children hit this phase, we sat down and talked about trust. We defined it. We found building the character quality of trust worked better than focusing on the lie or catching the child in their next lie. We shared biblical references on lying and trustworthiness, forming a common belief system with our children. We memorized these verses together. We prayed for wisdom.