Monday, November 8, 2010

So many things to do...have to start somewhere...

I did this last pregnancy and it seemed to help me calm down...There's always so much to do leading up to the pregnancy-it's hard to keep it all straight! There are about 15 different lists hanging around my house and it's time to compile them all! These items are in no particular order, I just need to get them off my mind...

*Hang hallway pictures

DONE! Buy the remainder of Babies R Us items
DONE! Start baby book
DONE! Catch up the chores on the chore list
DONE! Finish white book research
DONE! Make sure finances are in order
DONE! Get groceries
DONE! Finish up refinancing the house
DONE! Finish cards
DONE! Get pics developed
DONE! Costco trip
DONE! Schedule Christmas
DONE! Get Menard's stuff
DONE! Bake cookies
DONE! Make ornaments
DONE! Pick up Henry's pictures from JC Penney
DONE! Get pjs from JC Penney
DONE! Christmas shopping - Carson, Bob and Bonnie, Nate
DONE! Wrap presents
DONE! Get rid of the piano
DONE! Get rid of treadmill
DONE! Clear out garage so we can park inside!
DONE! Get the baby stuff out of the attic and set up
DONE! Wash baby stuff
DONE! Pack my bag for the hospital
DONE! Pack baby's bag for the hospital
DONE! Make Christmas list - send to Bonnie
DONE! Put together Henry's Christmas list and send to Bonnie
DONE! Finalize birth plan
DONE! Paint the kitchen and dining room
DONE! Get the bassinet
DONE! Make list of things still needed for baby
DONE! Buy the remainder of Target baby items needed on registry with the 10% off coupon
DONE! Kim get a flu shot
DONE! Go through Henry's clothes and put small clothes in the attic
DONE! Take drop off to Goodwill
DONE! Drop off recycling
DONE! Put up Christmas decorations - Nov 27th & 28th
DONE! Finish decorating baby's room and clean
DONE! Get the oil changed in the Subaru
DONE! Get new windshield wipers
DONE! Get the Subaru aligned
DONE! Appraisal
DONE! Clean decorations for top of kitchen cabinets
DONE! Clean carpets
DONE! Get list of pharmacy items for baby from Mom
DONE! Get hair cut
DONE! Get Daisy food
DONE! Install dining room light
DONE! Hospital tour - Dec 1st
DONE! Make sure Verizon Wireless is fixed
DONE! Get the garage cleaned up
DONE! Put together cookie tins
DONE! Put together the bassinet

Friday, October 15, 2010

Dream of my heart

Recently I was asked a very thought provoking but simple question...What is the dream of your heart? Of course, a couple came to mind right off the bat, but one of them truly surprised me. My heart longs to homeschool my children. Despite doubts about my own abilities and the logistics of how it will all go, the desire is there and it's authentic. I believe that God gave us these children for more than just to teach them to tie their shoes, exhibit proper table manners and then send them out the door at age 5 for someone else to deal with. He entrusted us with these precious blessings and a huge responsibility-one which I do not take lightly. Yesterday I had a conversation with a friend of mine that home schools her three boys. She very much encouraged me in this endeavor and plans to meet with me in the next week to reveal her home schooling strategies and curriculum. Already she's given me some great websites to check out and shown me that this is not such a lofty dream after all.

After reviewing a few of the resources, I decided to try out a couple of the activities with Henry today. I laughed out loud as he practiced dumping raw rotini from one jar to another and happily applauded as I witnessed him slipping plastic straws in a flower vase with great concentration. It's amazing how these simple things brought me so much joy...and confirmation.

Lord, I pray that if it is your will for me to home school our children, that you would work out the details...There are so many resources out there, it's overwhelming. Please direct my steps and show me where to turn for help. I pray that I would be able to teach these children practical and necessary life skills, the knowledge that they need to succeed in life but most importantly to follow you all the days of their lives. I want them to know that schooling is essential to walk through this life, but no amount of knowledge in the world can compare to the abundant life that comes from making Jesus Lord of their lives!


Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Eliminating the Martha Quality

So today I had a really great idea! I've always struggled with taking time to relax. For some reason, I either feel guilty about it or I just can't take my mind off of everything that needs to be done. This has been a problem in my life for as long as I can remember and it has really been highlighted since I married Matt. I remember when we first got married and he would be sitting on the couch in the evening. Of course, I would be running around frantically trying to clean up or do laundry. He would say, "Kim, come sit down with me on the couch for a while. All that stuff can wait until later." It's funny, I'm sure that the Lord is probably saying the same thing to me daily.
I am constantly reminded of the story of Mary and Martha. When Jesus came to visit the sisters, Martha was running like crazy to make preparations but Mary rested at the feet of Jesus. When Martha complained to Jesus about her sister, Jesus said that Mary was right in her actions. Oh if I would but sit at the feet of Jesus and simply enjoy the presence of my sweet friend and King.

I believe that this quality-we'll call it the Martha quality-has been engrained in me since the beginning. (Please note: I am not putting any blame or even saying that Mom and Dad did anything wrong in raising me. It's hard to even put into words how grateful I am for the good work ethic that they taught me.)

In order to make the children aware of the Martha quality early on and teach them
the delicate balance between work and relaxation, we will make hard work AS WELL AS relaxation a part of our family's DNA. This will be a priority for the Wooten family. Balance is SO important. Below is a list of practical ways that we can incorporate relaxation into our days:

1. Set aside a specific time each day that is solely dedicated to quiet time with the Lord. Teach the kids that this is top priority in life. If the time we choose is 8:00 am then everyone goes to their own quiet place and prays, studies the word, does a daily devotion, etc at 8:00 am. Follow through is so important here. If I'm going to show them that this is truly top priority then I can't change the plan if a better activity comes along. After all, if you make a plan to meet up with a friend, you don't ditch them if you get a better offer.

2. Help the kids manage their schedules. Teach them organization from the beginning, that way as activities, homework and other responsibilities pile up, they are well prepared to manage their time wisely. I'd love for each kid to have a calendar/bulletin board/white board in their own rooms. Somewhere where they can compile all information and schedules and keep track of everything on their own. I'd also like to have a family hub in the kitchen where we would all have access to a family calendar and a bulletin board to hang notices and reminders. Each person can update as needed. This way everyone plays a part in what activities our family can and can't take part in.

3. Their are so many good things our family can do. However, it's easy to get involved in too many activities. We will make dinner time at the table together as a family a priority. If we ever get to a place where there are so many things going on we can't have dinner together, then something will need to be eliminated. The dinner table is where hearts are softened and character is built. This is where the presence of the Lord dwells in a home-the alter of the house. We will honor this principle as a family.

4. Schedule a family game night. This could be every couple of weeks or even once a month depending on the season our family is in. Not only is this fun for everyone but family bonding will take place during this precious quality time.

5. Kids will have a specific bed time where they at least need to be in their room with the lights out. Sleep is so important for a healthy body and brain. Work with the kids to avoid late night studying as much as possible.

I'm sure there are many other tips that the Lord will show me as the day approaches when I will actually be able to put this plan into action, but for now I feel like this is a good start. I can't wait to see how the Lord will bring these things about. He is faithful and I'm so thankful that as we sew we will reap. Thank you Lord for that awesome promise in your word!!!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Kool-Aid Play Dough

Kool-Aid Play Dough
Art projects at this age are all about experimenting with and exploring new avenues of expression. Playing with this dough is a creative outlet and smells good too!

You'll need:
• 1 cup flour • 1/2 cup salt • 1 tablespoon Kool-Aid mix • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1 cup water • large saucepan • mixing spoon
What to do:
Your toddler will love the smell of this scented play dough, and it's easy to make from ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Mix the flour, salt, Kool-Aid mix, and cream of tartar with the spoon in a large saucepan. Stir in the water and vegetable oil. Place the saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick. Remove it to cool. When the dough no longer feels sticky and hot, place it on waxed paper and knead it with your hands for about a minute. Break off a piece and invite your toddler to explore this creative dough, molding pieces in any shapes she wishes. Older toddlers may wish to experiment with plastic cookie cutters, cutting shapes from this dough. When finished with this activity, store the play dough in an airtight container or zipper bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Finger paints...

2 cups cold water
3 tsp sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 T light corn syrup
liquid food coloring

Stir water, sugar and cornstarch in a small pot. Whisk over low heat for 5 minutes until mixture is thick and clear. Stir in corn syrup. Pour paint into small containers with lids. Add a few drops of food coloring to each and shake until color is well mixed.



This will be fun!