International Mama

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Scripture Memorization

I know. I haven't blogged in a while, and I probably won't again after this post. We'll see. But, I wanted to get this video to my family in the easiest way, so I thought I would include it in a post about scripture memorization.

Let's start with a confession. I'm not very good at memorizing scripture. Oh, I've tried. Before my son was born, I got through the first chapter of Colossians. And then my son was born. I probably wouldn't remember half the chapter if I were to say it today. I've always been good at memorizing for the test.... and then promptly forgetting. Having a bad memory is good for my marriage, but not great when it comes to hiding God's word in my heart.

I have come to realize that the scripture that I know by heart today, I have either memorized as a child, sung in a song, or I have read it and heard it so many times that it has naturally sunk in to this dense brain of mine. I have to "absorb" God's word, not just treat it like a checklist to tick off.

On that note, we have started a method of scripture memorization with our children that is working for us (so far). Before each family meal (morning and evening), we recite our memory portion outloud together. At first the kids just listened and soon they were able to join us. Adding actions has helped them (and us) as well. We did the same portion all through the month of January, but when February came, we thought we should continue on with it to make sure they REALLY know it. I was amazed when we realized that my 2 1/2 year old could (more or less) say it all herself.

Hear, O Israel

the Lord, our God,

the Lord is one.

Love the Lord your God

with all your heart

and with all your soul

and with all your mind

and with all your strength.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

There is no commandment greater than these.

Mark 12:29-31

It's not just about memorization, either. We desire our kids to be changed God's words. To weigh and measure their experiences and choices against TRUTH. As the kids have learned these words, we have been able to have conversations that bring God's standards to them personally. "Are you loving your sister as yourself, or are you loving yourself more?" When my son shoveled a path through the snow for me, he was noticeably pleased when I pointed out that by serving me in this way, he was loving God with all his strength.

One of my prayers for my children in this day and age of relativism is that they will be able to discern right from wrong, truth from lies. God's word is the measuring line. May they hide God's word in their hearts so that they might not sin against Him. And, goodness knows... their mama needs this desperately herself.

2:35 PM | Category: Children, For the Family, Holidays/Traditions | 2 comments

Friday, June 17, 2011

To My Daughter, on Your 2nd Birthday

Dear Mei Li,

As I sit here anticipating the arrival of your little brother any day now, I often think back to when you were born, right here, on this very bed. You have grasped our hearts with your little hand from day one. I'm thankful that you are my second child. I have felt much more prepared to work with your determination having had practice on your brother. You sure have given us a challenges this year (like 45-minute battles of the will over a miniscule bite of vegetables). But, in the process, we have both learned important lessons, and I hope and pray that God will help us to channel that determination into a life that serves the Lord.

I love your spunkiness. You are not reckless, but you tackle challenges head on. Anything your older brother does, you follow not far behind despite your much smaller stature. It's hard to believe you are only turning two because so often you act beyond your age.

I have loved watching your personality develop and seeing the busy, daredevil girl tempered by a tender and loving spirit. I have loved the little kisses and tight neck-squeezes that you give. You are quick to say 'sorry' (although, at times, equally quick to hurt your brother just so that you get to say 'sorry').

Some of your many accomplishments this year have included sitting for long periods of time to "draw" or "color", singing lines from a couple songs, already having many successes at going potty in the toilet, climbing up AND down the bunk bed, and being able to communicate nearly every need or desire quite clearly. It is hard for me to imagine how much more this next year will bring, but I look forward to seeing it.

You are our little sunshine, and sometimes our little thundercloud. For you, like your brothers, our greatest prayer is that you learn to love and live for the One who delights in you even more than your parents do.

I love you. Happy Birthday!

Mama

7:38 AM | Category: Children | 0 comments

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

To My Son, on Your 4th Birthday

Dear De Sheng,

I'm writing this a letter early this year because your little brother is going to join us any day now. I didn't want to forget to tell you how special this year has been for me as I watched my 3-year old grow.

You have grown physically. You are much taller, stronger, faster than before. You have mastered the tricycle and almost all the play equipment at the playground. It is fun to watch you rise to new challenges, like scaling steep hills and wading in cold streams. I think you are going to be my explorer and adventurer. I have not been the only one to be impressed by how long you persevere until you master a new skill. This is a wonderful quality that you have.

You have grown in head-knowledge, soaking it up like a sponge. I have loved watching you color, then draw and now how eager you are to write. It has been great fun to work on "school" and be creative together. You often ask really good questions and show a great curiousity about the world around you.

You have also grown as a big brother - learning to share with your sister, protect her and teach her right from wrong. You still have much to learn about this, but I am thankful that God chose you to be the oldest in our family. I see your care for other small children and I am happy to know that our new baby will join a family with a brother who will love him and look out for him.

You have also grown spiritually. It has meant so much to me to celebrate Christmas and Easter this year with you as you grapple with these stories and their meanings, really for the first time. You have asked great questions and I hope and pray that it won't be many years before you are able to grasp the significance of Christ's life and death.

So, now we are drawing to the end of your third year and suddenly, I'm going to be mom to a 4-year-old! I'm sad... sad to say good-bye to my 3-year old, but also excited to see what year 4 will hold for both of us. We have a special relationship, my son. I know that God uses both of us in each other's lives to draw us unto Himself. I pray that year 4 will be a year of drawing even closer to the One who loves us unfathomably, both mother and son.

I love you. Happy Birthday!

Mama

8:36 AM | Category: Children | 0 comments

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Behold, A Son!

Every birth experience, like every child is so different and unique.

Here is my daughter's birth story from two years ago.

I love being able to read back on my previous birthing experience and remember God's goodness. I forget so many little details, so it is wonderful to have it recorded down. Here I am, holding my third child, with a third, unique story to tell.

Unlike my first two which were born the day before and the day of their due dates, this little guy decided he liked it inside mommy best of all. My mom had arrived, the midwife thought it could happen any minute, we did lots and lots of walking, but he wasn't convinced. I had planned a homebirth again, but instead found myself at 9:00 AM, Monday, June 6th headed to the hospital for an induction after being 12 days "overdue". While I was happy to take this route because my mom only had one week left, I was emotional and a bit nervous the day before. It was such a blessing to talk to several women at church who had been through induction before and realize that here in the UK they try to keep things as natural and un-medicated as possible.

Sure enough at 10:30 that morning, after being monitored and assessed, the midwife recommended the first, most natural stage of induction - a pessary. This is a "pill" placed on the cervix that releases a hormone to cause it to soften and dilate, hopefully bringing on contractions. If that didn't work in 24 hours, then the next stage would be to break my waters.

Right away, however, the pessary did its job. My husband and I walked around the BIG hospital one time and monitored my contractions starting at 4-5 minutes apart and ending up around 2-3 minutes apart. It was nearly lunch time, so I lay down briefly before we got into the lunch line. While we were standing and waiting for our food, a long, strong, double-over and pant contraction hit. As soon as I was able, we headed back to my bed. Another one hit and after it finally passed, I sent my husband after the midwife. It felt like things wouldn't be much longer and I was pretty sure I should be heading to the delivery room. The midwife came in and felt my tummy to assess the strength of the contractions and the time between. Of course she sat there for what felt like ages and I only had one contraction. They encouraged me to walk around some more and they would assess me again after a little while. I knew I was not going to get out of that bed! This baby was not far off. Another contraction hit. I felt desperate to be in the delivery room, free of my clothes and ready to push. I sent dear husband after the midwife again to ask for an internal assessment of the situation. Sure enough, I was at 7 cm and she said I could move to the delivery room. Thank you!!

They wheeled me down the hall, to a room that had just experienced another birth which they were quickly trying to clean up for me. At this point, I had turned inward to deal with the pain of the contractions which were long and hard. I wasn't overly aware of what was going on around me except that there is a lot more hustle and bustle, banging and clattering in a hospital. I was missing my quiet, homebirth experience. However, it was a huge relief to be in the delivery bed and let my body start bearing down with the contractions. Finally the only people in the room were my husband, the midwife and a student nurse. It didn't take long. The midwife could see my waters bulging, so she asked if she could break them with the next contraction. I said, Yes, please!!, but the baby didn't let her get that far. Suddenly, another contraction came on and my body totally took over, pushing mightily. The waters broke everywhere and baby was heading out. The midwife was saying, "Take it easy. Go slowly. Pant." "I was saying, "I'm tearing, I'm tearing!" "No you're not. You are fine." Another push, maybe two, and there were the head... shoulders... baby! We were all a bit shocked. I had expected at least another 30 minutes with waters breaking, head descending, the 'ring of fire', etc... Yet, there I was, at 1: 42 PM, less than an hour from entering the room, already holding a crying little, blue baby. We were all looking at each other saying, "That was fast!" I could hardly believe that it was over. I had my baby! I sat holding him to me for a while before we thought to confirm the gender. Yup, most definitely a boy!

We waited about 20 minutes for the placenta to show up. Meanwhile, baby took to nursing like a champ. I ended up needing only 3 superficial stitches. Then the equally long part of the experience started.... the paperwork. Daddy was able to bond with his son while I took a shower. Then he took off to get Oma and the older siblings. I enjoyed a quiet time alone with my second son - praying for him and feeling the love swell.

This baby is proving to be the easiest one on me yet (physically). I have been amazed at how quickly I have been able to get up and going compared to the other two. I see God answering my prayers because with my mom leaving soon, I need to be able to get up and going. Having my mom gone will probably be a much harder adjustment for the kids than welcoming a new baby home. They are fascinated by their little brother and are doing great at being gentle and helpful.

5 years of marriage and here we are, a family of 5!

Dear Ruben Petrus,

Just as I write letters to your siblings on their birthdays, so I wanted to write to you for your BIRTH day. You have been loved and eagerly anticipated far before you made your appearance. All of us have been excited to meet our newest family member - and you definitely tested our patience. But, you are here now and you are perfect.

We chose the name Ruben because we liked it and Petrus to name you after Petrus Berakati in Taliabo. He was like a brother to me and, therefore, an uncle to you. He loved the Lord, loved his people and served them as an evangelist for the sake of the gospel until his tragic death.

We got a very thoughtful card from Prof. and Mrs. D after your birth. He took some time to talk about the meaning of your name. Reuben - "Behold, a son" - was the firstborn and leader among his brothers. He stood up to them to save Joseph's life. Petrus - or Peter - likewise, was a passionate man and a leader - the rock on whom the church was built. These words meant a lot to me because while I sat alone with you in the hospital room a few days before, I prayed for you. I prayed first and foremost that you would be a follower.... a passionate follower of Christ. And, I prayed that you would become a leader - one who leads others to their Maker and Savior. One who stands firm in his convictions against the tide of godlessness and points others to Truth. May God give your father and I wisdom and strength to parent you towards these two desires we have for you. God bless you, my son. We are so glad you are with us and we look forward to knowing you more as you grow this year.

Love,

your Mama

1:55 PM | Category: Children, Pregnancy | 2 comments

Friday, January 14, 2011

A Mama's Tip: The Bedtime Song

Of all the bedtime rituals out there, the most helpful to me has been the bedtime song. When my children are little more than newborns I start singing the same song to them every time I put them to bed. For both of them it has been "God is so Good." This simple song quickly becomes the signal that it is time to sleep. We can skip baths, read three book or no book, be in a plane, car, someone else's house, in the daytime or the dead of night, but if that song is sung, they know it is time to sleep. It has allowed me great flexibility and has helped both my children transition to "big" beds with barely a hiccup. (About the age of 1.5 - 2 I ended up not needing to sing the song anymore to signal bed time). My husband says some day it will be sung at church and our kids will fall asleep in the pew.

Photo credit

8:09 PM | Category: Mama's Tips | 4 comments

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Things That Keep Me Occupied

Blogging is not at the forefront of life at the moment. These things are:

AND....

I'm blessed and busy.

7:14 AM | Category: For the Family | 3 comments

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Belton House

I had been hankering to do some more "discovering" of Britain when a friend gave us a timely tip. It was English Heritage Open Day, and stately homes that would normally cost us £20+ ($30+) to get into were FREE this weekend. With one eye on the weather, we headed an hour's drive away to Belton House - a 17th century country home, made more familiar by BBC's filming of Pride and Prejudice.

Before long, the sun came out and we were surrounded by floral beauty.

Not-so-native, not-so-wild life.

Recently, De Sheng has been obsessed about whether or not various animals are going to eat him. He was keeping his distance from the fish - just in case.

Running through a maze.

My son went in circles a couple of times before figuring his way out.

We brought along a picnic lunch, but the most memorable moment was De Sheng experiencing his first wasp bite - poor kid. This might not bode well for reassuring him against animals eating people.

I don't have any pictures of the lavishly decorated interior of the house, but there was a games room that the children enjoyed.

Daddy, dressed as..... A Gentleman.

We always knew he was!

After admiring the beautifully restored house, we headed to another part of the grounds that was much more appealing to the children.

They have one of the best adventure playgrounds that we have seen in the country.

The kids had a blast.

All that fun and excitement gave us a quiet ride home again.

For the cost of a quarter tank of gas, a cup of coffee and a miniature-train ride, it was certainly a nigh-perfect adventure.

A beautiful, "summer's end" day with the family in Britain.

10:29 PM | Category: Discover Britain | 1 comments

A Mama's Tip - The Alarm Clock

Here's a good trick I learned from another mom. She wanted her daughter to stay in her bed until 7:00 AM before she asked to get up. Since her daughter knew her numbers, but was too young to tell time, she gave her an analog alarm clock with the last two digits covered in black paper. The little girl only had one number to look at to know when she was allowed to call for mom.

10:05 AM | Category: Mama's Tips | 1 comments

Thursday, September 9, 2010

A Mama's Tip - Tacos

Since he's started eating, I've had trouble serving tacos to my son because they were always coming unrolled for one reason or another. Every time he went to get a drink of water, his taco would need to be pieced back together. Today, however, I got inspired. After preparing his taco, I slipped on a rubber band to keep it together. It worked! Just keep moving the rubber band down as needed and much frustration is averted.

Now to keep working with him on not eating the taco like it's corn on the cob.

8:25 PM | Category: Mama's Tips | 2 comments

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Summer Sewing

I've been on a bit of a sewing kick this summer. Thankfully, I'm getting over the bug in time for "normal" life and routine to start up. Here's what I've been doing:

I made a "moby" wrap (baby carrier) for my sister from this fabric.

And, because I'm super-excited about becoming an aunt, I made a quilt for my future nephew, too. I refer to this as my first "grown up" quilt. The tutorial can be found here.

A good friend is also expecting her first baby (a boy!), so with extra quilt fabric I made a diaper stacker for her, loosely following the guidelines of this tutorial.

Lastly, we will be heading in to a birthday party in an hour to give a little girl this apron that my son helped me to make and begrudgingly models for you. There are many tutorials online, but I liked this style.

That's what has been keeping me busy and away from blogging (in part) this summer. I still have to make another apron for a birthday next week (it's going to be my standard gift, I think), but after that it is just random projects to get done when I feel in the mood.

1:59 PM | Category: Projects, Sewing | 5 comments

Saturday, August 21, 2010

A Christian Home

O give us home built firm upon the Savior

Where Christ is Head and Counselor and Guide

Where every child is taught his love and favor

And gives his heart to Christ, the crucified:

How sweet to know that tho his footsteps waver

His faithful Lord is walking by his side!

O give us homes with Godly fathers, mothers,

Who always place their hope and trust in Him:

Whose tender patience turmoils never bothers,

Whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim;

A home where each finds joy in serving others,

And love still shines, tho days be dark and grim.

O Lord, our God, our homes are Thine forever!

We trust to Thee their problems, toil, and care;

Their bonds on love no enemy can sever

If thou are always Lord and Master there:

Be Thou the center of our least endeavor--

Be Thou our Guest, our hearts and homes to share.

-Barbara B. Hart

9:33 PM | Category: Matters of the Heart | 0 comments

Monday, July 26, 2010

I'm Still Alive

We are back in England after a great trip to the states to see family. I'll post pictures.... eventually.

Right before we left for the states, we had a Greek-themed birthday party for a friend. He posted some pictures of our fabulous party costumes and excellent food here.

10:28 PM | Category: For the Family, Holidays/Traditions | 0 comments

Friday, June 18, 2010

To My Daughter

Dear Mei Li,

Can my baby really be a year old already? It's gone by far too fast. This year you've grown from a helpless, dependent infant to a little girl who is pushing older kids around to get up the slide. It is amazing what changes can take place in a year's time.

I always refer to you as my perfect baby. It's possible that there are easier babies out there, but I fell in love with you from day one and that feeling hasn't changed. I have loved watching your personality unfold. You were quick to smile, but slow to laugh. Slow to roll, but quick to sit.... then stand... then walk.... then run. Everyone was amazed to see such a petite, little girl toddling around the room at nine months. To this day, your mother and strangers alike are often surprised by the abilities you have for your age.

You are my go-getter. You see what you want and go for it. Just the other day, I stood back and watched you try to climb up on a chair at the table. You had done it once before, but this time you were struggling and screaming in frustration because you knew it was possible. Sure enough... you figured it out and that evening you repeatedly climbed up to the table until you had the technique down-pat. You've fallen down the stairs twice already, but that doesn't stop you from going up and down, up and down.

I also call you my "Nature Girl". From the time you started to express yourself, you made it clear that you wanted to be outside. Many were the times you started crying when we brought you into the house. I finally gave up in trying to keep the dirt out of your mouth. You must have sampled a portion from every section of the garden. You are also always aware of any bugs or birds in the vicinity and chase them down if they allow you.

Yet, despite your one-year-old ambitions, you are still willing to cuddle. You love getting hugs and I often find you backing up to plop down on my lap. You get great pleasure from trying to run away and then getting caught and tickled. You especially love your daddy, making it clear that you NEED to be held by him and then getting a self-satisfied look when he complies.

We can't imagine life without you. You bring us so much joy - just as your middle name has proved. While I ache to shield you from the pain and evils of this world and hold you tight to myself, I know I can't. You are God's and we entrust you to Him. I pray that you will learn to find your ultimate JOY in your Creator. Happy birthday, my little one.

Love, "Mama"

1:51 PM | Category: Children | 1 comments

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

To My Son

Dear De Sheng,

Today you turn 3 years old. What an incredible privilege it has been to be your mother for these past three years. Both of us have done a considerable amount of growing, side by side. It's not easy to be a first child with Daddy and Mommy trying figure out parenting on you, but you have been forgiving despite our many mistakes.

It hardly seems a year ago that you were blowing out 2 candles on a bus cake. It's fun to think back on the accomplishments of this year. You've gone from saying a few favorite words to having in-depth conversations with me. I love that you are able to explain yourself more. Just a couple days ago you were asking me to tell you about "Nesia" again. I couldn't figure out what you meant until you explained, "Nesia... you were a little girl playing in the rain." Ah! "INDONESIA!" You've also learned to use the toilet with very little help. You've welcomed a sister into your life and you've had to learn how to share not only your toys, but your parents as well. You've learned a lot about friendships this year as you've gained both 'big' and 'little' friends. I could go on and on about how you've been singing, climbing all over the playground equipment, learning your alphabet and how to write an 'H', how you drew your first smiley face on the window, learned to pedal your tricycle, helped me to plant seeds and pick our first strawberries.

You are such a joy to me. As I often say, "You make me laugh," and it's true. Both in the intentional teasing that you do and in the mistakes made when you try to say big words... both give me joy. When I asked you what kind of cake you wanted for your birthday ("Chocolate?"), you told me you wanted "delicious cake." Later you clarified that "delicious" was "good for our bodies."

I love your smile, and especially your laugh. I love your enthusiasm and your willingness to help. I love your inquisitiveness and your attention to detail. I like that you see animals in the clouds and cars in your bread crusts. I love hearing you sing, watching you dance and especially seeing you care for your little sister. I'm so thankful I get to spend my days with you.

Sure, we have struggles and bad days, but life is a journey. I pray that above all you will be on the path to knowing God and submitting your life to Him. May He give you the discernment to recognize right from wrong and the strength to chose the way that honors Him.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday week, my son. I am looking forward to this next year with you.

Love, "Mama"

10:37 AM | Category: Children | 0 comments

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Did You Know?... Using Honey to Keep Bread Fresh

Did you know that honey is a natural preservative? The composition of honey allows it to bind to water molecules. This means that bread made with honey will not get stale as quickly as bread made with sugar. You can get more technical information here.

Because honey is a natural sweetener, it contains trace minerals and vitamins that refined sugar does not have as well as antioxidant properties. Also, the body takes longer to absorb honey, making it a *slightly* healthier choice.

There is no hard fast rule for substituting honey for sugar in a recipe. It is a matter of trial and error. Honey is sweeter and wetter, so in general, you can use less of it and reduce the liquid content as well.

Photo

1:08 PM | Category: Did You Know?, Kitchen Tips | 0 comments

Sunday, May 16, 2010

"Everyday I Love You, Mama"

Ah... the words that put life back in perspective. I remember after my son was born wondering how long it would be before I would hear that "I love you, Mama" come spontaneously from my child. It was wonderful the first time, and it has been wonderful every time since.

What a privilege it is to get those hugs from grubby hands and kisses from sticky lips. What a treasure to be able to pause and hold my son closely as he declares his love. What joy it gives him to see the happiness on his mother's face. As Mary did, I want to store up these moments in my heart to remember on those days when my boy is either unwilling or unable to wrap his arms around his mom and proclaim, "Everyday I love you, Mama."

8:49 PM | Category: Children, For the Family | 2 comments

Monday, May 10, 2010

These Are the Days

Motherhood is hard. Yes, yes... there are great rewards in motherhood - intrinsic and extrinsic - that cause us to choose this path again and again, but there days when just getting out of bed one more time seems impossible. Some days when I'm up to my elbows in poop, snot, tears and tantrums, it is easy to wish it away... or at least wish it fast-forwarded. I was reminded about this po st a couple of days ago when I was coming out of the store with my two little ones. In front of me was an elderly woman in a wheelchair who was being pushed by another woman. It struck me that some day that could very well be me. Some day I may be relying on other people to take me shopping where I will see someone else's small children running around. When that day comes, I can only imagine that I will miss THOSE DAYS. The days of small children. The days of discovery and innocence. The days of teaching and training. The days of silly jokes and giggles. The days of being the only comforter my child wants. The days of wide-eyed wonder. The days of being able to open my arms and see my kids come flying for a hug. These days will not last forever and some day I'm going to miss them. I hope that I will live today in such a way that despite missing "those days" I will have no regrets. I hope that I will embrace life - my children - NOW so as not to look back in sorrow upon lost years. The days might seem long, but the years will fly by and there is no turning back. May each of us build memories today that will bring smiles tomorrow.

THIS is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

1:45 PM | Category: Children, Matters of the Heart | 4 comments