Ready or Not?

This morning I read a few scriptures before deciding what to write about, but everything I read seemed like a longer type of post material that I didn't have time for today.  So, I glanced through Facebook and  found a status that became my inspiration.  This post seems like it should be on our parenting blog:  "Parents After God's Own Heart".  Perhaps I'll put it there tomorrow!

The status began like this:  "From what I've read on my newsfeed, I'm pretty sure I'm the only mom not ready for school to start."  I immediately wrote and said, "I'm right there with you!"  In fact, I'm a mom that's never ready for school to start.  Truthfully, the only thing I look forward to each year is the extra-curricular activities!  I appreciate the learning that goes on, and of course appreciate the teachers that facilitate that learning, but I would rather my children be home with me.  Once it's starts, after a week or two, I'm supportive all the way.  It just takes me a while :).

Yes, I could have home schooled and have thought about it over and over, but we felt like in our small community, it was best for our children to be in public school. They can be a Christian example to those around them, and have been.  My husband works at a children's home, so we felt like it was only right for our children to be where they were.  Also, in our area, there is no home-school group that could provide group athletics and extra curricular activities for them to be involved to that degree.

So back to the "ready or  not" for school.  I love my kids and love being around them! I want them with me as much as possible because some day soon they'll all be gone.  In reality, we don't have a long time with our children, so as long as they are here, I want to spend lots of time with them.

I understand that if both parents work, it can be a hardship in the summer to find daycare, etc., for them.  I had that same problem when my first three were little and I worked three days a week.  That's one reason why I quit, even though financially we weren't sure we could do it.  But, it wasn't worth the headache of working all of that out some times.  But, you know what I found?  I loved being a stay-at-home mom!  In fact, I think it is the greatest job on earth!

Everyone has their reasons for wanting school to start, and some of those reasons are totally legitimate.  To me, though, the ones that are sad are when it is because of selfishness of the parents.  Here are a few "selfish" reasons I've seen or heard:

I need more time for myself.
My kids are unruly.
The house is messier with my children here.
I can't relax.
They drive me crazy.
And I could go on and on......

But, do you see the common issue in each of those statements?  In each one, the parent is more  concerned about themselves than they are about the children.  It's really sad.  And it's even sadder if moms are letting their children hear that they don't want them at home - that they would rather them be gone.  How do children feel when they hear those statement?  I know my children have heard those statements and have even felt bad for other children because of it.  Many times they've felt bad hearing it.

Moms, when you became a mom - at that instant - your child became your God-given responsibility. There's no debating it.  That child is yours to raise and love and nurture.  Please don't wish the time away with your child.  They'll be gone before you know it!

Ready or not?  I'll never be ready. But, sadly, next week....I must be willing.

'Twas the Night Before School Started....

Note: I wrote this poem on August 18, 2010, for the first day of school.  Last year I posted it and so many said they enjoyed it, I decided to make it a yearly "Back to School" tradition!   Thought I would share it with you again.  May all of you have a blessed school year - whether student, teacher, or parent!  As a parent, I am GRATEFUL for those who have dedicated their lives to teaching our children.  *See note about GRATITUESDAY at the end of the poem.  - Lori

'Twas the night before school started and all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse (thankfully).

The backpacks were hung on the laundry room hooks,

They would soon be loaded down with papers and books.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of homework danced in their heads.

And Dad in the bedroom had just begun snoring,

And I was still cooking and might be 'til morning.

When out of a bedroom I heard such a clatter,

I sprang down the hallway to see what was the matter.

Away to the bedroom I made a mad dash,

And opened the door, my toe I did smash.

The night light plugged in shone brightly in the night,

One of the children had yelled out in a fright.

When what to my wondering ears did I hear,

But children exclaiming, “It's finally here!”

With a kiss and a hug I calmed down their spirits,

And told them I loved them – they needed to hear it.

More rapid than TIGERS, the prayers for them came,

And I spoke to God softly and called them by name.

Be with Lauren and Zachary, Jacob and Tyler,

And guide them all safely - my prayers lifted higher.

To the kitchen I then wandered all calm and sincere,

That God would be with them throughout the school year.

I rushed through the cooking and baking with ease,

And got to bed early – I was certainly pleased.

But before my tired eyelids ever closed for the night,

I prayed for my children one more time – it seemed right.

In the morning they'll awaken, mixed emotions galore,

I'll miss them and think of them and pray for them more.

But I won't need to worry for my Father knows best,

That He is still with them when they're out of the nest.

Written by Lori Waugh

August 18, 2010

*This post is linked to GRATITUESDAY at Heavenly Homemakers.  Join us on www.heavenlyhomakers.com
to see what others are grateful for today!

A Challenge for Teachers and Parents

Yesterday one of my children and I were discussing something and they said something that really made me think. They said how it is very hard for them - as teens - to hear over and over about how bad their generation is, and how the direction of their future, as a whole, seems to be headed in the wrong direction. It seems that some adults - teachers and parents - think that by tearing down hopes and dreams, they will really be building them up and are encouraging the youth they are instructing. NOT SO! Just NOT SO!

Many years ago another one of my children came home and told me how a school aide had told them how bad of a class they had. Supposedly they were labeled, at least by that individual, as the "worst" class in the elementary. I quickly went to talk to the individual and also talked to the principal. I discussed the whole thing with my child - reassuring him that their class wasn't bad, but also talking about why maybe they had that reputation with a few...or at least one. The class is full. There are many in that class with strong wills and loud voices - my son included. But also, the class is filled with gifted, smart, talented, energetic, and fun children who are excited about being in class and learning each day!

I'm a firm believer in the idea that "you get what you expect". I live by that phrase as a parent - as a mom. I live that as a Bible class teacher. If I was a school teacher (which I wouldn't be!), I would live by that phrase, as well.

I believe if you tell a child they'll never amount to anything, most likely they won't. Yes, there will be some who excel, no matter what they are told and led to believe, but many others won't. I believe if you tell a whole group of teens that they'll never amount to anything, that they're all lazy, and that their generation is going to fail, many will fail. More will fail by hearing that than would have without hearing the insult. Those who don't have strong parental support or a strong sense of self-worth or God-worth, will decide it's just not worth the effort. They may give up. They may become lazy. They may raise children with the same ideas. However, if you tell a group of teens that they CAN make it, that they WILL make it, that they ARE worthy, and that they CAN be successful and good workers with a STRONG work ethic, they'll believe it and do their best to achieve it. Many will be inspired to rise above their circumstances and make a choice to make a better life for themselves.

 So, here is the challenge for teachers and parents as we get ready to embark on a new school year:

BE ENCOURAGING.

USE YOUR WORDS WISELY.

REALIZE WORDS CAN DESTROY.

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK.

BUILD UP YOUR CHILD/STUDENTS, NOT WITH FALSE AND FLATTERING WORDS, BUT WITH WORDS THAT WILL ENCOURAGE THEM TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS.

PRAISE SUCCESSES - NO MATTER HOW SMALL.

WHEN FAILURE COMES - ENCOURAGE CHILDREN/STUDENTS TO RISE ABOVE AND TRY AGAIN.

INSTRUCT WISELY.

BE POSITIVE.

USE DISCIPLINE AS A TOOL TO TEACH AND ENCOURAGE CHILDREN/STUDENTS TO SET HIGH GOALS FOR THEMSELVES.

REALIZE THAT DISCIPLINE SHOWS THAT YOU CARE.

REMEMBER THAT WHAT YOU EXPECT IS WHAT YOU WILL GET - IN ALMOST ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

REMEMBER THAT CHILDREN/STUDENTS LOOK UP TO YOU.

SET HIGH GOALS AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR YOURSELF.

REALIZE THAT CHILDREN/STUDENTS ARE WATCHING TO SEE THAT YOUR WORDS MIMIC YOUR ACTIONS.

REALIZE THAT CHILDREN/STUDENTS WILL LEARN FROM YOU AND MAY LIVE OUT THEIR LIVES BY WATCHING YOU.

BE A GOOD EXAMPLE.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO CRUSH A CHILD'S/STUDENT'S SPIRIT. 

REALIZE THAT NOT EVERYONE FITS INTO THE SAME MOLD.

REMEMBER THAT IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY (AND MINE) TO WORK WITH EACH CHILD/STUDENT, AS AN INDIVIDUAL (WITHIN REASON AS A TEACHER, OF COURSE. TEACHERS DON'T HAVE TIME TO DO ONE ON ONE TIME ALL OF THE TIME. PARENTS DO....OR SHOULD.) AS A PARENT, IT'S YOUR GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY.

AND AGAIN, BE ENCOURAGING.

For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Elementary Christmas Program

Our elementary school's Christmas program was tonight.  Our youngest son, Tyler, had a speaking part.  He was Mr. Bookem, who was hiring the "Rockin' Reindeer" to play at a 50's style kids' club called "Rudy's Place".  He enjoyed his role!

5th grader, Macy was great as Mrs. Claus! 

The elementary teachers worked so hard to make the program what it was - TERRIFIC!!  Other staff members helped tremendously, as well.

 Tyler, as "Mr. Bookem", sitting at Rudy's Place.

Hunter played Santa.  The pants to our PTO Santa suit were missing.  I found a red, double-knit pair of women's pants at Goodwill - for $2.16!!  They worked just fine!

 Hearing children sing is one of my favorite things!  They sing from the heart!

 It's also fun watching the kids' personalities shine through.  Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.....all watching their little ones. Sweet memories!

The Pre-K kids were adorable!

Thank you, teachers and staff, for the wonderful program and all of your hard work!  I know that the students will always remember having these programs and have great memories of special times such as this.  We appreciate all you do for our students!!