Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Monday, October 3, 2011
Nightmares
This past weekend was the youth retreat, OFrenzy. This included over 170 students Jr and Sr. High combined. This retreat is located at Camp Patmos on Kelleys Island. I renamed it OFreezing!
Ummm we have had rain and cold for the past 3 weeks... forcast was for more rain and cold. I never factored in the ferry ride... and how the weather affects THE WAVES!!!!!
Saturday morning began with an early start... arrive by 815. done.
By 11 I was staring at my nightmare... and no one took me serious. We had driven 100 miles and I had to take the van over on the ferry because I was taking kids home early the next morning. I was alone with 5 girls in our van along with 20+ other cars and pouring rain... and 9 foot waves!
The waves were crashing into the rock wall ... sea gulls could hardly fly because of the fierce wind. We were venturing on to the ferry no turning back.
What I remember noticing and thinking:
- 6" between my van and another car- we were going to be hit!
- 75 high schoolers screaming and getting really wet
- praying it would be over
- calling my husband to ask where the emergency brake was on the van
- Faith telling everyone in the van to pray cause her mom "was not good"
- feeling the van move as we literally rode the waves
- sea legs... until 7 pm
- how much I love being still and on land
- ferry rides are really not fun for me at all (esp after having children!)
What an unforgettable experience!!!
It was much better on the way home... but I was very still not able to trust full heartedly. ( Someone gave me dramamine... which made me woozy the rest of the day...dude!)
Upon our return it began to rain again ... immensely!
Faith and Joshua both had a soccer game to play... and for their parents to watch.
As I stood in the pouring cold pelting rain I wondered what we were teaching our kids and what I was learning from the experience.
I'm still not sure.
One big thought was... is this really a soccer game or survival of the fittest?
Monday, August 1, 2011
Ukraine 2011 #10 A few last thoughts... and a couple videos!
What a blessing and honor it was to share our lives with others, represent the Gospel, and learn from the Ukrainian people! We brought back many memories... but also we learned a lot about life and how Jesus loves everyone... in every language!
Here are a few videos that would load...
This is our morning class getting ready for our "program"! Bogdan brought the flippers himself and acted out the frog. He was awesome!
This is the "undercover" video I took of the open market. Ukrainians do not like their pictures being taken. The open food market is amazing... they eat so healthy!
This is Andre learning to play the game "This is a What..." He was so funny and made everyone laugh while he laughed at himself. We are still sad we never got to say goodbye.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Summer Fun with your kids!
On my second day of vacation I sit with my foot up because I'm back on crutches.
I think God wanted me to finally write the blog of sharing summer ideas to do with your kids with others...
I absolutely love being home with my kids in the summer. Many people look at it as a curse... God gave us our children for a purpose. They know when you are annoyed or exasperated and don't want to spend time with them. Loving and spending time with them can be done inexpensively and can have lasting impressions. That's what we want!
So here are a few lists of ideas:
At home:
1. Journal your adventures... a sentence, picture, or story. I have made these into books. They will read them over and over.
2. Story blanket. At random times take a blanket and read to your kids. OR they can read to each other. It can be devotions, children's books, or pick a chapter book for the month and then watch the movie. Make sure they are reading.
3. Cook. Chop. Measure. Teach. Experience in the kitchen... make sure to have loud music playing.
4. Friends over. Your influence is sometimes better than other parents... so invite them over. Be the all time pitcher, judge of the show, or videographer.
5. Yes, make videos... instantaneous air bands are AWESOME!
6. Camp outs and bon fires. My kids have spent more time frying saw dust over the fire and making mint/ dirt tea.
7. Popsicle parties... or slushy maker (very cheap and a big hit)
8. Books on tape.... in the car... Narnia by Focus on the Family is AWESOME! Odyssey series is fun too!
9 Theme days... backwards- silly--pioneer-- sports-- ocean--characters. Journal it!
Out and About:
1. Library... visit twice a week and sign up for their programs.
2. Morning Zoo... Go for just a couple of hours... with a friend... RUN THEM!
3. Science Center is free on Tuesdays. Enough said.
4. Geauga Park District or Metroparks. Experience nature... walking is always good... journal what you see!
5. Presque Isle is an awesome beach to visit... 11/2 hours.. ( 1 movie) pack a picnic
6. DQ/ Steak and Shake.... 1/2 price from 2-4.
7. Dollar movie is still in Willoughby
8. Art museum is always free...
Save Money:
1. Before you leave for anywhere: Make water bottles... better for you.
2. Take snacks with you... don't buy them where they are jacked up prices
3. Say NO to any whining.
4. Stick to the plan
Spending time with your kids is the most important... don't send them away too much. They want YOU!
I think God wanted me to finally write the blog of sharing summer ideas to do with your kids with others...
I absolutely love being home with my kids in the summer. Many people look at it as a curse... God gave us our children for a purpose. They know when you are annoyed or exasperated and don't want to spend time with them. Loving and spending time with them can be done inexpensively and can have lasting impressions. That's what we want!
So here are a few lists of ideas:
At home:
1. Journal your adventures... a sentence, picture, or story. I have made these into books. They will read them over and over.
2. Story blanket. At random times take a blanket and read to your kids. OR they can read to each other. It can be devotions, children's books, or pick a chapter book for the month and then watch the movie. Make sure they are reading.
3. Cook. Chop. Measure. Teach. Experience in the kitchen... make sure to have loud music playing.
4. Friends over. Your influence is sometimes better than other parents... so invite them over. Be the all time pitcher, judge of the show, or videographer.
5. Yes, make videos... instantaneous air bands are AWESOME!
6. Camp outs and bon fires. My kids have spent more time frying saw dust over the fire and making mint/ dirt tea.
7. Popsicle parties... or slushy maker (very cheap and a big hit)
8. Books on tape.... in the car... Narnia by Focus on the Family is AWESOME! Odyssey series is fun too!
9 Theme days... backwards- silly--pioneer-- sports-- ocean--characters. Journal it!
Out and About:
1. Library... visit twice a week and sign up for their programs.
2. Morning Zoo... Go for just a couple of hours... with a friend... RUN THEM!
3. Science Center is free on Tuesdays. Enough said.
4. Geauga Park District or Metroparks. Experience nature... walking is always good... journal what you see!
5. Presque Isle is an awesome beach to visit... 11/2 hours.. ( 1 movie) pack a picnic
6. DQ/ Steak and Shake.... 1/2 price from 2-4.
7. Dollar movie is still in Willoughby
8. Art museum is always free...
Save Money:
1. Before you leave for anywhere: Make water bottles... better for you.
2. Take snacks with you... don't buy them where they are jacked up prices
3. Say NO to any whining.
4. Stick to the plan
Spending time with your kids is the most important... don't send them away too much. They want YOU!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Sadness of Swearing
It was another "reveal all" day with mom and daughters in the Walls household. Fifth grade is wearing me thin!
Our middle daughter was beside herself after school today... because of all the swearing! Growing up is tough. Knowing grownup things when you are 10 is redunkulous! I couldn't believe everything she was asking and telling about what she hears on the bus and at school. So, we sat down and one by one I had to explain what is a bad word, what isn't, what they mean, if I have ever said them, and WHY do the kids have to use these words. I can't believe this is what is on her heart and mind all day long at school. I can't believe I had to use fun family time to explain words my girls have never heard before to them... I was proud... for a moment.
Truly, it was overwhelming. I am sad. Sad for my daughters that they now know all of this icky stuff from mouths of babes. I'm even more sad for the parents that have no clue their children talk like sailors, don't reprimand their kids for using these kinds of words, or frankly allow it because it is easier than teaching the right way to behave.
I encouraged the girls to: 1- ignore when they hear these words; 2 - Pray for the person who is using them that they would make a better choice; 3- Set the example (which is really hard to do) with better choice words or asking someone to STOP filling their mind with garbage; 4 do what Jesus would do; and 5- in the words of my daughter, "Think about rainbows and unicorns!"
Now to challenge grown ups and parents. Kids first hear bad words at home. They spread to the bus (where we all know is the worst place on earth). Swearing becomes a game in the classroom not to get caught, and then screamed randomly in the hallways to whoever can hear. Let's do something about the never ending epidemic of, in truth, looking and sounding really stupid because we can't think of something better to say.
Continually grateful for the cross!
Our middle daughter was beside herself after school today... because of all the swearing! Growing up is tough. Knowing grownup things when you are 10 is redunkulous! I couldn't believe everything she was asking and telling about what she hears on the bus and at school. So, we sat down and one by one I had to explain what is a bad word, what isn't, what they mean, if I have ever said them, and WHY do the kids have to use these words. I can't believe this is what is on her heart and mind all day long at school. I can't believe I had to use fun family time to explain words my girls have never heard before to them... I was proud... for a moment.
Truly, it was overwhelming. I am sad. Sad for my daughters that they now know all of this icky stuff from mouths of babes. I'm even more sad for the parents that have no clue their children talk like sailors, don't reprimand their kids for using these kinds of words, or frankly allow it because it is easier than teaching the right way to behave.
I encouraged the girls to: 1- ignore when they hear these words; 2 - Pray for the person who is using them that they would make a better choice; 3- Set the example (which is really hard to do) with better choice words or asking someone to STOP filling their mind with garbage; 4 do what Jesus would do; and 5- in the words of my daughter, "Think about rainbows and unicorns!"
Now to challenge grown ups and parents. Kids first hear bad words at home. They spread to the bus (where we all know is the worst place on earth). Swearing becomes a game in the classroom not to get caught, and then screamed randomly in the hallways to whoever can hear. Let's do something about the never ending epidemic of, in truth, looking and sounding really stupid because we can't think of something better to say.
Continually grateful for the cross!
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