On terrible, horrible, no good very bad days, I think to myself I am raging with envy that Steve is at work right now.
On those laughter filled, love soaked, memory making days; I pity him.
The last few days I have been in what I call, "Culture Re-immersion Shock". Going away with a dear friend for 4 slow paced, food filled, WORD-filling days at the Greater Homeschool Convention- DIVINE. I came back with my head and heart full and refreshed. Not my body because, let me be real, I am 29 weeks pregnant. There is no refreshed body that is 29 weeks pregnant!
The rapid demands and multiple power struggles and just mach speed pace of this beautiful crazy life is a shock after time away.
And, then you know what heals culture re-immersion shock?
This 79 seconds:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiTwWxdfnyU
I can't decide who is the luckier brother?
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Hiking and Hot Doughnuts NOW!
"Children can not bounce off the walls if we take away the walls" Erin Kenny
Today we were overdue to take away the walls! Steve found a short hike in South Carolina at Anne Springs Close Greenway. I WANT short since I am almost 26 weeks pregnant!
Last week Zeke had become engrossed with an Adventure book that explained all about a compass and I had promised him for our next hike we would purchase him a compass. And a promise to Zeke is also a promise to Zadie since we typically read the same books together. First stop ... buy this adorable compass times 2 for $2.99 at Dicks. I love how what looks to be like a cheap little toy is such a source of delight. They were so excited that it was 4 things: a whistle, temperature gauge, small magnifier AND a compass.
I'm daydreaming and hunting for just the right moment to open up a conversation about what is our true north with my oldest Z's! What RICH metaphors to God's word as our true North to unpack...
A resourceful use of my overstuffed purse found an unused pink bracelet (old library card holder) and Zane's old piano badge strap for them to "strap on" their compass so it would be less likely to be lost in the woods.
It was a suspension bridge so it truly jumped and swung! If you know my kids I don't have to tell you which ones started JUMPING to make it swing and sway deeper and faster.
We reached what we thought would be the Nature Center to explore, but it was closed. But how adorable are these tables and chairs? And, why did that car have to ruin my beautiful background?
Finally we hiked down to the lake with Zeke pretending to fall in a few "holes" near the lake with an excuse to use his whistle to ask for a "rescue". And, then I waited with Zeke, Zayden, Zoe and Zadie while Dad, Zach and Zane RAN back over a mile to the car and came to pick us up. The littles and I were exhausted and needed a sit. Zadie grabbed a branch with pine needles and pretended to sweep up our "house". Then Zoe and Zadie were grabbing all the flowers they could find for a bouquet. Zeke, Zayden and I played catch with a tennis ball from our pack. And, Zeke kept pretending the divets in the ground were secret passages to Mario World. I love his imagination!
My Most grateful from todays hike centers on Zeke. It has been a long winter with Zeke. We are learning together how to manage our strong wills and strong emotions. He challenges me in ways that aren't even comparable to his older siblings. I truly am SHOCKED by his behavior sometimes. Zeke is ravenous for information and experiences. Its like his brain is on fire and information experiences, input will settle the fire. Often, I feel I cant keep up! It all brings me to my knees, and for that I will count as joy as it will build my character! And, I am so grateful for an answer to prayer, to see clearly the next right step and strategy with him is to get him outside a LOT MORE. Outside gives constant input that he needs and thrives on even more so than my other kids. So thankful Spring is here!
This boy who wants to push EVERY boundary needs the wide open spaces of outside. And, I found it easy to delight in him outside.
On the way home a good friend texted pictures of her DUCK DONUTS and the baby in my belly instantly cried out for them. Sadly they were already closed but... Krispy Kreme was open! And, our kids have never been IN a Krispy Kreme, so it was quite the experience...
I LOVE how he came in the corner and made this picture that much more interesting!
And, finally photobombing clearly is a family thing! I wanted a selfie with my hunk of a husband in his Krispy Kreme hat. Afterall donuts were NOT on his healthy lifestyle living plan but this man LOVES us well, I mean look at him he put on the HAT!
Today we were overdue to take away the walls! Steve found a short hike in South Carolina at Anne Springs Close Greenway. I WANT short since I am almost 26 weeks pregnant!
Last week Zeke had become engrossed with an Adventure book that explained all about a compass and I had promised him for our next hike we would purchase him a compass. And a promise to Zeke is also a promise to Zadie since we typically read the same books together. First stop ... buy this adorable compass times 2 for $2.99 at Dicks. I love how what looks to be like a cheap little toy is such a source of delight. They were so excited that it was 4 things: a whistle, temperature gauge, small magnifier AND a compass.
I'm daydreaming and hunting for just the right moment to open up a conversation about what is our true north with my oldest Z's! What RICH metaphors to God's word as our true North to unpack...
A resourceful use of my overstuffed purse found an unused pink bracelet (old library card holder) and Zane's old piano badge strap for them to "strap on" their compass so it would be less likely to be lost in the woods.
Off we went to the Greenway! Perfect temperatures and it is amazing how sunshine and wide open spaces are instant fun and renewal.
First stop, port-a-pottys (yuk), then off to the hike. For portions of the trails we shared them with horse back riders which was a delight for us all. Instantly Zoe spotted the directions to "Swinging Bridge", so away we went. I swear it was a moment ago that I was helping her just get the first letter on the signs on our hikes. Zayden (2.5) insisted on walking almost the whole time, its no wonder he is SOUND ASLEEP right now at 6pm. And, they all insisted on finding sticks just the right size to use for walking.
We came to the swinging bridge before too long and I waited on the bench and took a few pix.
Today's sermon at church was amazing. And, the theme was JOY so I REALLY was inpsired to get this amazing picture of them "jumping for joy"! I think I will have to keep trying this one on future outings!
They all spent close to 30 minutes challenging themselves and competing with each other on going up this steep hill. Yes, including Steve! I stood back and worked on converting my lunch into growing a human. We were both exhausted after!
When they play like this: bliss. I wonder if as they play at taking this hill if this builds physical memory for taking future hills. And today I prayed. I prayed that they would always dare to see uphill battles, the important ones, as conquerable. That they would approach the steep hills in their life with determination and resolve and play at conquering them...
They came away with dirty knees and clothes and bottoms, proof of all their hard work!
We reached what we thought would be the Nature Center to explore, but it was closed. But how adorable are these tables and chairs? And, why did that car have to ruin my beautiful background?
Finally we hiked down to the lake with Zeke pretending to fall in a few "holes" near the lake with an excuse to use his whistle to ask for a "rescue". And, then I waited with Zeke, Zayden, Zoe and Zadie while Dad, Zach and Zane RAN back over a mile to the car and came to pick us up. The littles and I were exhausted and needed a sit. Zadie grabbed a branch with pine needles and pretended to sweep up our "house". Then Zoe and Zadie were grabbing all the flowers they could find for a bouquet. Zeke, Zayden and I played catch with a tennis ball from our pack. And, Zeke kept pretending the divets in the ground were secret passages to Mario World. I love his imagination!
My Most grateful from todays hike centers on Zeke. It has been a long winter with Zeke. We are learning together how to manage our strong wills and strong emotions. He challenges me in ways that aren't even comparable to his older siblings. I truly am SHOCKED by his behavior sometimes. Zeke is ravenous for information and experiences. Its like his brain is on fire and information experiences, input will settle the fire. Often, I feel I cant keep up! It all brings me to my knees, and for that I will count as joy as it will build my character! And, I am so grateful for an answer to prayer, to see clearly the next right step and strategy with him is to get him outside a LOT MORE. Outside gives constant input that he needs and thrives on even more so than my other kids. So thankful Spring is here!
This boy who wants to push EVERY boundary needs the wide open spaces of outside. And, I found it easy to delight in him outside.
On the way home a good friend texted pictures of her DUCK DONUTS and the baby in my belly instantly cried out for them. Sadly they were already closed but... Krispy Kreme was open! And, our kids have never been IN a Krispy Kreme, so it was quite the experience...
I LOVE how he came in the corner and made this picture that much more interesting!
And, finally photobombing clearly is a family thing! I wanted a selfie with my hunk of a husband in his Krispy Kreme hat. Afterall donuts were NOT on his healthy lifestyle living plan but this man LOVES us well, I mean look at him he put on the HAT!
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Wagner News!
We have been hoping and praying for this for some time now...
19 more sleeps until we move into a new HOME! Let me back up.
We fell in love with the perfect house for us 2 Thursdays ago. We, as in Steve and a friend of ours, have been painting and pressure washing and new flooring our current house over the last month. And, we quickly got the house on the market last Sunday since we had placed a contract on our potential new home. 72 hours later we had almost 10 scheduled showings and 3 contracts. We were literally OUT of the house the whole day on Monday. Desperate to kill time, I went to the MALL with my kids to return something. I RARELY go to the mall with my kids. Mostly because ESCALATORS ARE SO TRICKY. At one point I had a ridiculous up and down and up and down and up and down escalator situation to get everyone on the same floor. It ended with me getting my shoeless Zayden out of the arms of a perfect stranger. Good times. Hilarious now, but a perfect example of why I rarely go to the mall.
Anyways, We secured a contract on our house that asked for more than we listed for! We are so thankful! I spent the first few days in pure dream land. Luckily our awesome real estate agent met my level of excitement. Steve remained calm and content. She even joked that he needed to up his level of excitement to meet ours! I couldn't believe how it all came together and so fast. I didn't even recognize my own house with new floors, new rugs and fresh paint everywhere I turned. Seriously, take a look:
http://www.trulia.com/property/3215971231-1806-Jeffrey-Bryan-Dr-Charlotte-NC-28213
And, then Steve and I "left town" for our quarterly overnight get away on Thursday and it hit me. We are leaving our HOME. The home that we brought 5 of our babies home to. The home RICH with memories of first steps, first bites, first fights and more. We received a text from our agent alerting us that our playset/playhouse was a "fixture" and it had to stay.
WHAT!?!?
The playhouse and set that was gifted as a FAMILY PROJECT, as a pile of wood that was the BIG Christmas present 4 years ago. The playset and house that my husband built with Zach, Zoe, Zane and Zadie? Like they seriously cut the wood together, hammered in the nails together and PAINTED the playhouse as a family project. They worked, while I watched from inside and nursed our then 3 month old Zeke. And, every friend we have EVER had visit us has signed the inside of the playhouse. And, the men in our small group LITERALLY raised it on the platform when we realized the shingles made it too heavy. Not happening. This whole moving thing is the MOST ridiculous idea we have ever had. We don't need more space. 1700 square feet for 8 people is fine. Roomy even. Afterall folks in much of the world live in far less space. The deal is off. We are not buying. We are not selling. I will no sooner give them my next born child then I will give them OUR PLAYHOUSE BUILT WITH OUR LOVE. What sort of heartless buyers are they?
Steve remained calm. I flipped out. This is how we do things. He Listened. Laughed. Loved me well. He reminded me of one of my favorite quotes, "Beginnings are Scary. Ending are sad." So thankful I had this "buyers remorse" when we were away together. With our precious Z's around it would have been difficult to naviagate this convo. So not thankful that I had the buyers remorse when we met up with the inspector whose very gift and talent is to point out and record every tiny detail that is wrong.
And, then eventually I calmed down. And, remembered when I first began to pray about the house we were buying and the house we would sell MONTHS ago I prayed it would be a blessing for a family buying it. And, then Steve pointed out that we could build a NEW treehouse in the TREES, this time including Zeke and Zayden!
I slept on it. I prayed. I ate a very big breakfast.
The next day I very so tenderly and with so much anxiety broke the bad news and the good news to the kids, "bad news we have to leave our playset, good news we will build a new one IN THE TREES". I expected weeping.
They didn't even seem to GET the bad news. They immediately started imagining and dreaming about all the features of their new playhouse they would build with their dad. They referenced things I didn't understand. They also all talked at once. At one point Zoe said, "this isn't bad news at all this is all GOOD NEWS"! I love kids. They are so much better at flexibility and joy then I am. They teach me.
Let the packing begin! Looking forward to new memories but first... Finding pleasure in remembering the old memories!
19 more sleeps until we move into a new HOME! Let me back up.
We fell in love with the perfect house for us 2 Thursdays ago. We, as in Steve and a friend of ours, have been painting and pressure washing and new flooring our current house over the last month. And, we quickly got the house on the market last Sunday since we had placed a contract on our potential new home. 72 hours later we had almost 10 scheduled showings and 3 contracts. We were literally OUT of the house the whole day on Monday. Desperate to kill time, I went to the MALL with my kids to return something. I RARELY go to the mall with my kids. Mostly because ESCALATORS ARE SO TRICKY. At one point I had a ridiculous up and down and up and down and up and down escalator situation to get everyone on the same floor. It ended with me getting my shoeless Zayden out of the arms of a perfect stranger. Good times. Hilarious now, but a perfect example of why I rarely go to the mall.
Anyways, We secured a contract on our house that asked for more than we listed for! We are so thankful! I spent the first few days in pure dream land. Luckily our awesome real estate agent met my level of excitement. Steve remained calm and content. She even joked that he needed to up his level of excitement to meet ours! I couldn't believe how it all came together and so fast. I didn't even recognize my own house with new floors, new rugs and fresh paint everywhere I turned. Seriously, take a look:
And, then Steve and I "left town" for our quarterly overnight get away on Thursday and it hit me. We are leaving our HOME. The home that we brought 5 of our babies home to. The home RICH with memories of first steps, first bites, first fights and more. We received a text from our agent alerting us that our playset/playhouse was a "fixture" and it had to stay.
WHAT!?!?
The playhouse and set that was gifted as a FAMILY PROJECT, as a pile of wood that was the BIG Christmas present 4 years ago. The playset and house that my husband built with Zach, Zoe, Zane and Zadie? Like they seriously cut the wood together, hammered in the nails together and PAINTED the playhouse as a family project. They worked, while I watched from inside and nursed our then 3 month old Zeke. And, every friend we have EVER had visit us has signed the inside of the playhouse. And, the men in our small group LITERALLY raised it on the platform when we realized the shingles made it too heavy. Not happening. This whole moving thing is the MOST ridiculous idea we have ever had. We don't need more space. 1700 square feet for 8 people is fine. Roomy even. Afterall folks in much of the world live in far less space. The deal is off. We are not buying. We are not selling. I will no sooner give them my next born child then I will give them OUR PLAYHOUSE BUILT WITH OUR LOVE. What sort of heartless buyers are they?
Steve remained calm. I flipped out. This is how we do things. He Listened. Laughed. Loved me well. He reminded me of one of my favorite quotes, "Beginnings are Scary. Ending are sad." So thankful I had this "buyers remorse" when we were away together. With our precious Z's around it would have been difficult to naviagate this convo. So not thankful that I had the buyers remorse when we met up with the inspector whose very gift and talent is to point out and record every tiny detail that is wrong.
And, then eventually I calmed down. And, remembered when I first began to pray about the house we were buying and the house we would sell MONTHS ago I prayed it would be a blessing for a family buying it. And, then Steve pointed out that we could build a NEW treehouse in the TREES, this time including Zeke and Zayden!
I slept on it. I prayed. I ate a very big breakfast.
The next day I very so tenderly and with so much anxiety broke the bad news and the good news to the kids, "bad news we have to leave our playset, good news we will build a new one IN THE TREES". I expected weeping.
They didn't even seem to GET the bad news. They immediately started imagining and dreaming about all the features of their new playhouse they would build with their dad. They referenced things I didn't understand. They also all talked at once. At one point Zoe said, "this isn't bad news at all this is all GOOD NEWS"! I love kids. They are so much better at flexibility and joy then I am. They teach me.
Let the packing begin! Looking forward to new memories but first... Finding pleasure in remembering the old memories!
Monday, August 24, 2015
Learning All the Time
Years ago I would have great angst if I didn't start our homeschool curriculum BEFORE the public schools. I was so afraid of getting behind. What is behind anyway? And, now I have such joy in seeing the way our lifestyle has changed and seeing how we are learning all the time! Certainly we will start some formal studies after labor day but I no longer buy into the myth that education is a race! Education is an adventure of discovering who God made my children to be! One of the ways I uncover how to direct our curriculum is to see the books they choose.
Most days (summer included) we do a "room time" of at least an hour during Zayden's nap time. Zach, Zoe and Zane read their library books (or sometimes a classic audio), while Zadie and Zeke listen to an audio book or have an older Z read to them. This gives me a break and it also helps me relax with the rhythms of reading out loud. I go in read aloud spurts. "Tidal waves" are a great metaphor for my morning or afternoon read alouds. I will go through a season of reading aloud a bunch, then a season of rest. Repeat. Room time helps me ensure that they are reading regardless of my tide. My homeschool vision includes them having a LOVE of learning, so reading is essential. I am always impressed with what they select and it helps me know how to feed their passions and interests. I have 6 kids so delight-directed learning is ESSENTIAL. I find it much easier to FUEL what they are wondering about, FEED what they are curious about and FAN the flames of what they imagine in play, then demand they learn know and care about what I have pre-planned. God didn't give me the gift of planning! I like to capitalize on learning MOMENTS. When I capitalize on the moment THEY are interested, their attention, focus and determination are off the charts. Passion trumps curriculum. Interest drives mastery.
Zach stumbled on Unbroken and now has been in a huge phase of ANY war book. But, recently this book, "the true cost of toys" peaked his interest.
I would love to hear what YOU have been reading! One of my besties moved to Florida last year but we still, at least weekly, talk on the phone and literally READ QUOTES from books we have been reading. We are nerds and we love it! She got me into a cool bread book and I got her into Bittersweet last month. So please, I would love to know who you are if you are reading this and what you are reading! Because child or adult, homeschooled or public schooled, we are ALL learning all the time!
Most days (summer included) we do a "room time" of at least an hour during Zayden's nap time. Zach, Zoe and Zane read their library books (or sometimes a classic audio), while Zadie and Zeke listen to an audio book or have an older Z read to them. This gives me a break and it also helps me relax with the rhythms of reading out loud. I go in read aloud spurts. "Tidal waves" are a great metaphor for my morning or afternoon read alouds. I will go through a season of reading aloud a bunch, then a season of rest. Repeat. Room time helps me ensure that they are reading regardless of my tide. My homeschool vision includes them having a LOVE of learning, so reading is essential. I am always impressed with what they select and it helps me know how to feed their passions and interests. I have 6 kids so delight-directed learning is ESSENTIAL. I find it much easier to FUEL what they are wondering about, FEED what they are curious about and FAN the flames of what they imagine in play, then demand they learn know and care about what I have pre-planned. God didn't give me the gift of planning! I like to capitalize on learning MOMENTS. When I capitalize on the moment THEY are interested, their attention, focus and determination are off the charts. Passion trumps curriculum. Interest drives mastery.
I love watching her creativity spill into science. One day in room time she had taken a cardboard box and made a pulley system to try and pull up her books from Zadie's bunk to hers. Then at a play-date this past weekend the dad used a pulley system to bring up Nerf darts on the balcony and she was so excited! Today, she chose to make a small pulley with popsicle sticks while listening to audio books! She LOVES to craft while listening to books and I love to see where her imagination and inventiveness takes her.
Today the preschoolers listened to this. Fantastic narrators! Who doesn't love Dr. Seuss?
Zach stumbled on Unbroken and now has been in a huge phase of ANY war book. But, recently this book, "the true cost of toys" peaked his interest.
This is what was in Zane's bunk! Of course they were sprawled out, I stacked them. Steve got him interested in the BFG because he told him Disney is making a movie. And, in the bottom corner is his very raggedy copy of his Animal Encyclopedia that he learned to read in!!
In 1st grade, I would FIGHT Zane tooth and nail to do his phonics curriculum. I finally took a break in exasperation and (if I am to be honest) surrender. THEN we kept renewing this Animal book from the library. When I finally realized that he was DRIVEN to read by this book because of his curiosity, I got him his own copy. He was not discouraged by the complex words but would constantly ask what they meant and then tell you about the funny looking Proboscis Monkey or a poisonous snake. Within a matter of just a few weeks, he went from hating reading to being a ravenous reader. This is just ONE of many stories that make me a big believer in FEEDING my kids all the subjects through the topics they love.
I started a Kindergarden unit on colors that came together so nicely and was so much fun that preschooler Zeke and even the 3rd grade twins demanded to participate! I HAD to start just Zadie's "school" because she simply could not wait. I am considering having Zach write a Readers Theater play from "The Day the Crayons Quit". It will be excellent practice in writing for him, plus he will get to direct the play! I love how home education allows me to take what we love and find the learning for each age. I would be a miserable failure at following separate curricula.
And, water beads are colorful and fun. AND MESSY!
Zoe is slowly working her way through the Little House in the Big Woods. We all listened to this on audio last summer in the car. "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once", CS Lewis.
From the day they were born having boy/girl twins has been like a living labratory in gender difference. I have to blog about this some day! Zane is working his way through a series of "Natures deadliest" and Zoe recently got a book about "Teeny Tiny Animals". I loved seeing their unique contrasting interests!
And, finally what I am reading! I have re-read parts of bittersweet and started Life without Limits but I can NEVER read just one book at a time so I jumped into The Power of Play.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
The Power of story
Almost a decade ago with 1 toddler I started volunteering in the children's ministry at Mecklenburg Community Church. I was so overwhelmed with my toddler, my job and our new city. I never thought I'd have another child. I was suspicious of church. I had church baggage. I was scared. I wanted to make sure they weren't going to scare my toddler. Walking into a MecKidz classroom and seeing the INTENTIONALITY of it all is like being in a "Church Disneyland". But, better. I was immediately drawn in by the fact that a team of us could handle 30ish preschoolers better then I could handle my one at home! Everything is looked at through the eyes of a child. The heart of the ministry LOVES children and designs every detail around them while teaching profound truths.
In a 1,000 big and little ways over 9 years, serving in this ministry has changed and continues to change me. It changed the answer to core questions like: Who am I? Where do I belong? And, who can I trust? I met people that sincerely loved God and loved his word. Over time, I began to surrender to the wonder of these preschool lessons:
God Made me, God Loves me and He wants to be my friend forever!
Monday night I was able to share a few of my thoughts about STORY to a small group of Meckidz leaders! I was so honored! And, terrified. AND SWEATY. But, I regret not having more of it memorized. Something hungers in me to work on my "art" of what I wanted to say a bit more. So I thought it would be fun to polish the "talk" on my blog a little bit more.
Stories spark complex emotions. Stories connect, inspire, bond, motivate, and ENCOURAGE!
In a 1,000 big and little ways over 9 years, serving in this ministry has changed and continues to change me. It changed the answer to core questions like: Who am I? Where do I belong? And, who can I trust? I met people that sincerely loved God and loved his word. Over time, I began to surrender to the wonder of these preschool lessons:
God Made me, God Loves me and He wants to be my friend forever!
Monday night I was able to share a few of my thoughts about STORY to a small group of Meckidz leaders! I was so honored! And, terrified. AND SWEATY. But, I regret not having more of it memorized. Something hungers in me to work on my "art" of what I wanted to say a bit more. So I thought it would be fun to polish the "talk" on my blog a little bit more.
Stories spark complex emotions. Stories connect, inspire, bond, motivate, and ENCOURAGE!
GREAT stories AWAKEN us to TRUTH. GREAT stories sneak past our defenses and armor and can plant "seed thoughts". GREAT stories aim for our heart and drag our head along behind. GREAT stories are multi-faceted.
Great stories aren't perfect. I learned this in the trenches. I have to blog soon about my nephew Silas and what God has done in my life as I pray for him. But, I used to believe the lie that stories had to end happily every after. But, on this side of heaven we are all yearning for His return. The best stories are, "here is my brokennes, my blood, my sweat and my tears... and HERE this is how God is holding me all together just as he holds this beautiful broken world together. What part of scripture are we wrestling with?
Great stories aren't perfect. I learned this in the trenches. I have to blog soon about my nephew Silas and what God has done in my life as I pray for him. But, I used to believe the lie that stories had to end happily every after. But, on this side of heaven we are all yearning for His return. The best stories are, "here is my brokennes, my blood, my sweat and my tears... and HERE this is how God is holding me all together just as he holds this beautiful broken world together. What part of scripture are we wrestling with?
GREAT stories appeal across age, race, gender and time. Great Storytellers ironically are GREAT listeners.
God is Always with us. For me when life feels mundane and lifeless. I often times am believing a bad story. Truth got tangled in my head and my heart. My mental script, my narrative, my STORY is tangled. And, how often it gets tangled!
How do you SEE great stories? Seeing God stories is opening our eyes, opening our heart and opening our mind to what God is doing in our lives and in the lives of those we serve.
There are 1,000 different ways to tell the same story. What story are you telling about MecKidz?
Every one who serves in Meckidz has a story in their mind about what volunteering means for them. Really. Engage Sincerely and Compassionately, Interrupt Kindly and you will find out. Their "serving story" is a result of the sum total of all their interactions and experiences and it becomes the lens through which they interpret their future serving with.
Let's start telling more stories of what God is doing! We can share stories around our MISSION and VALUES every chance we get. Championing our mission and values in every way we see it.
Let's start telling more stories of what God is doing! We can share stories around our MISSION and VALUES every chance we get. Championing our mission and values in every way we see it.
As leaders with a COMMON STORY a common narrative repeated, we can:
1) invite people in community
2) encourage them on MISSION
3) help define the lens through which they see their experience of serving
The bible does this. Its filled with many little stories that make up the GRAND story of Jesus loving us so much he gave us Jesus. But, all the little stories point to Jesus. Every story whispers his name.
When the WORD became FLESH in the person of Jesus; What did he use to communicate over and over again...? Stories!
The following are some BEAUTIFUL words that inspire me to share my story more often!
"... It is your responsibility to tell God's story, in every way you can, every form, every medium, every moment. Tell the stories of love and redemption and forgiveness every time you experience them. Tell the stories of reconciliation and surprise and new life everywhere you find them... There's nothing small or inconsequential about our stories. There is, in fact, nothing bigger. And when we tell the truth about our lives- the broken parts, the secret parts, the beautiful parts- then the gospel comes to life, an actual story about redemption, instead of abstraction and theory... And, only you can tell your story. If you have been transformed by the grace of God, then you have within you all you need to write your manifesto, your poem, your song, your battle cry, your love letter to a beautiful and broken world. Your story must be told!" (by Shauna Niequest from Bittersweet)
Friday, August 7, 2015
Kids Eat Free or Cheap- in North Charlotte!
Monday-
Whiskey Warehouse - before 6pm 1/2 price appetizers (awesome wings, nachos chicken fingers, and PIMENTO CHEESE poppers, you can tell from the all caps I love them)
*Yes, I bring my children to a place called "whiskey warehouse". They have highchairs :) The rooftop seating is super fun and you get a great view of the city. We once had a 70ish year old pastor walk over and buy our meal there, super fun memory!
Afton Tavern - 1/2 price pizzas or 2 free kids meals per 1 paying adult meal
Tuesday-
Macadoos - 2 kids meals for $.99 each per 1 adult, plus it is $6.95 burger night
McAllisters - 2 kids per 1 adult entree
Carolina Ale House - 2 kids meals for $.99 each per 1 adult meal
Bob Evans - Kids eat free after 4pm
Texas Road House - 1 kids meal per paying adult
Moes Southwest Grill - 1 kids meal free per 1 adult meal, balloon artist roams during dinner
Hawthornes - 1 free kids meal per $7 in food and drinks spent
Wednesday -
Firehouse Subs - after 4pm - 2 kids meals for 1 adult
East Coast Wings - after 4pm - 1 kid per paying adult, balloon artist roams during dinner
Fosters Grill - 1 kids meal for $1 per paying adult meal, balloon artist roams during dinner
Thursday -
I've got nothing.
Friday -
More nothing. Will you settle for a picture instead?
Saturday-
MexiCasa - Kids eat free with an adult getting a meal and a drink. Kids drink not included.
Sunday -
Zapatas - Kids eat free with an adult getting a meal and a drink. Kids drink not included.
Shanes Rib Shack - 1 Kids meal free per adult dinner plate. Dinner plates have 2 sides (macaroni and cheese is a side), so 2 of our big kids split a dinner plate great.
Firehouse - 2 kids per adult combo meal
*Steak and Shake has free kids meals Saturday and Sunday but we tried once and the service was horrible.
Where do you eat free or cheap during the week? Please comment and let me know! Even if it is out of town, I'd love to know!
Whiskey Warehouse - before 6pm 1/2 price appetizers (awesome wings, nachos chicken fingers, and PIMENTO CHEESE poppers, you can tell from the all caps I love them)
*Yes, I bring my children to a place called "whiskey warehouse". They have highchairs :) The rooftop seating is super fun and you get a great view of the city. We once had a 70ish year old pastor walk over and buy our meal there, super fun memory!
Afton Tavern - 1/2 price pizzas or 2 free kids meals per 1 paying adult meal
Tuesday-
Macadoos - 2 kids meals for $.99 each per 1 adult, plus it is $6.95 burger night
McAllisters - 2 kids per 1 adult entree
Carolina Ale House - 2 kids meals for $.99 each per 1 adult meal
Bob Evans - Kids eat free after 4pm
Texas Road House - 1 kids meal per paying adult
Moes Southwest Grill - 1 kids meal free per 1 adult meal, balloon artist roams during dinner
Hawthornes - 1 free kids meal per $7 in food and drinks spent
Wednesday -
Firehouse Subs - after 4pm - 2 kids meals for 1 adult
East Coast Wings - after 4pm - 1 kid per paying adult, balloon artist roams during dinner
Fosters Grill - 1 kids meal for $1 per paying adult meal, balloon artist roams during dinner
Thursday -
I've got nothing.
Friday -
More nothing. Will you settle for a picture instead?
Saturday-
MexiCasa - Kids eat free with an adult getting a meal and a drink. Kids drink not included.
Sunday -
Zapatas - Kids eat free with an adult getting a meal and a drink. Kids drink not included.
Shanes Rib Shack - 1 Kids meal free per adult dinner plate. Dinner plates have 2 sides (macaroni and cheese is a side), so 2 of our big kids split a dinner plate great.
Firehouse - 2 kids per adult combo meal
*Steak and Shake has free kids meals Saturday and Sunday but we tried once and the service was horrible.
Where do you eat free or cheap during the week? Please comment and let me know! Even if it is out of town, I'd love to know!
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Imaginon!
Last time I talked about our local library. This time I am talking about the Library on Steroids in Uptown Charlotte, Imaginon! We went today for the free summer exhibit, Clifford! But, we stayed almost 4 hours. I love places that entertain and engage my 2 year old all the way up through my 12 year old. The entire library is creative and playful and every corner and floor has multiple inviting areas that invite curiosity, wonder and learning!
Each Summer they have a "Discovery Place Kids/Children's Museum style literacy" exhibit. In years past they have had various incredible themes for the summer exhibit like: Classic Fairy Tales or Arthurs World. This year it was CLIFFORD!
I love seeing them work together. Even if it is pretend.
This exhibit is technically not for 12 year olds. I didn't have the heart to tell him.
Did I mention that we brought Wolverine to Imaginon? We almost brought Captain America and then Mr. Incredible. But, Mr. Incredible changed to Wolverine when he realized he had a rip showing off his underwear.
Something inside me sings when I get a group picture!
Zachary camped out and found a half dozen war books that he perused and Zeke and Zayden felt so big playing on the preschool computers. We only spent a few minutes on the computers but Zayden was able to "play" instruments on screen and hear the sounds in his headphones. And, Zeke was able to play "Bingo" with Dora.
Most places I can not take my children without extra help or an anxiety attack. There is just so many things I have to restrict them from. Our world is not welcoming to children... But, This place is DESIGNED for kids, it makes my heart so happy!
I am a sucker for a beautiful and fun ABC chart. I can't not take a picture.
How did he get so big?
His language is exploding. And, he couldn't stop saying, "tractor".
Zoe hit her next goal in the summer reading program so she earned a FREE book and she picked a Little House on the Prairie book and spent a good chunk of the ride home reading it!
. The sheet she has in hand was a super cute scavenger hunt activity that her and Zane raced around to complete.
And, then we were so lucky to be there for a "story adventure" craft and song program with Eric Carle books for ages 5-11! Score!
We want to make it back before the summer ends to be sure and do the free Clifford Exhibit one more time! They reserve 10a-12p for "family time" so you can be sure not to be over-run by camps during that time. But, it is for 1 adult and a maximum of 5 children. They let me exceed the maximum.
Other visits Zach usually visits the teen loft for 12-18 year olds but the war books kept him busy. And, Zayden usually won't let us skip the wooden fire truck in the loft; which is right next to some awesome iPads with educational apps for older kids.
I have one final tip. No visit feels complete without walking through the city just 1 street over to Brixx for pizza! If you ask in the box office they have coupons for Kids eat free with 1 adult meal. We found out about these coupons when going to the school year plays which are AMAZING plays for children.
Whether you have 1 toddler or a half dozen children you will find a FREE and FUN and FRUITFUL adventure without being FRAZZLED! How do you like that alliteration? Wishing you all the magic and wonder that this special place brings!
*Note about parking. They have a garage UNDER Imaginon. And, it is free for the first 1.5 hours. And, a few dollars after that. But, if it is full which it is sometimes you can park in the 7th street station and validate by visiting that market!
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