I was picking up Isaiah yesterday at piano, when I could tell something was a little different. Isaiah has just started his 6th year of piano and still loves it. Yesterday, was a moment that solidified that he was meant to play music, something as a mom (a very non-musician mom) figured out when he was very young.
Rebecca, his piano teacher asked her son who is 15 to come down and play a song with Isaiah on the piano. As they started playing, Isaiah on the piano and Tyler on the drums, the biggest goosebumps I have ever had and tears came to my eyes immediately as I listened to them play "Blessed Be Your Name" together, while Isaiah belted out the words of the song. Not only was it amazing music to my ears but it was truly an act of worship that these two young boys (9 and 15) were praising the Lord with their musical gifts. A mom moment I will never forget.
Today as I was having some time with the Lord, I ran across this scripture and thought it to be so fitting.
"Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights above. Praise Him, all His angels, praise Him, all His heavenly hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, all you shining stars. Praise Him you highest heavens and you shining stars. Praise Him you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created." Psalm 148:1-5
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
A Fun Weekend With Daddy
Have I mentioned recently that we (the kids and I) think Daddy (John) is our (earthly everyday) hero?! Not only does he fill the few days that he has off filled with getting lots of things done around the house, but he is constantly cooking for us, helping the kids make cookies, plays with us and teaches the kids. He truly has embraced what a homeschool father's role is. He is the greatest teacher! Thank you John for taking over the presentations for the kids for their CC!
Speaking of presentations, John had Isaiah do a presentation on Mount Rushmore last week since he invited us all to go on a trip out to Rapid City SD with him as he had a long layover. The kids were smiles ear to ear as we got to board the airplane early and the kids were able to sit in the cockpit with John. What a neat experience for them. Isabella really liked having the plane to ourselves for a while and then couldn't quite grasp why so many people kept coming onto the plane. We were all quite impressed at his landings!
We jam packed yesterday with a lot of fun! We started the day off going through Bear Country and were fascinated by all the bears that came up to our car.. buffalo, wolves and elk. We then headed to an attraction called Cosmos where the center of gravity was tested and felt! We then headed outside of Keystone to a cave that truly was a unique experience for all of us. We marveled at the creation of it...from the stalactites, stalagmites to the fossils, all so richly designed. It was marvelous! Too bad my battery on my camera was drained. I know, I know, how could I have not charged it before I went, or at least brought the charger?? Well, as you can imagine life is crazy here and with the commotion of everything, I simply forgot! Thankfully both kids brought their cameras, so hopefully we have a few good snapshots with theirs! We then headed off to Mount Rushmore. I don't think pictures of it do it justice, it truly is an amazing site to see in person. Isaiah of course was an excellent resource for all of us as every time I asked him a question about it, he knew the answer! Great job on your presentation bud and great job for being an excellent tour guide!
This weekend was one of those "magical" times with the kids. They were truly captured by the beauty of all that God created. Watching their eyes light up and their expressions as we saw new things and experienced new things are mental pictures that will stay with me forever. Thank you Lord for giving us this time together! Thank you God for blessing John with a job to be able to see this beautiful world You created!
Speaking of presentations, John had Isaiah do a presentation on Mount Rushmore last week since he invited us all to go on a trip out to Rapid City SD with him as he had a long layover. The kids were smiles ear to ear as we got to board the airplane early and the kids were able to sit in the cockpit with John. What a neat experience for them. Isabella really liked having the plane to ourselves for a while and then couldn't quite grasp why so many people kept coming onto the plane. We were all quite impressed at his landings!
We jam packed yesterday with a lot of fun! We started the day off going through Bear Country and were fascinated by all the bears that came up to our car.. buffalo, wolves and elk. We then headed to an attraction called Cosmos where the center of gravity was tested and felt! We then headed outside of Keystone to a cave that truly was a unique experience for all of us. We marveled at the creation of it...from the stalactites, stalagmites to the fossils, all so richly designed. It was marvelous! Too bad my battery on my camera was drained. I know, I know, how could I have not charged it before I went, or at least brought the charger?? Well, as you can imagine life is crazy here and with the commotion of everything, I simply forgot! Thankfully both kids brought their cameras, so hopefully we have a few good snapshots with theirs! We then headed off to Mount Rushmore. I don't think pictures of it do it justice, it truly is an amazing site to see in person. Isaiah of course was an excellent resource for all of us as every time I asked him a question about it, he knew the answer! Great job on your presentation bud and great job for being an excellent tour guide!
This weekend was one of those "magical" times with the kids. They were truly captured by the beauty of all that God created. Watching their eyes light up and their expressions as we saw new things and experienced new things are mental pictures that will stay with me forever. Thank you Lord for giving us this time together! Thank you God for blessing John with a job to be able to see this beautiful world You created!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Obstacle Course
Gabriella made an obstacle course this evening for Isabella. Of course to me it looked like a HUGE mess! Almost every book and lots of toys were scattered in the family room.
I said,
"Oh my, this is quite the mess!"
Gabriella told me,
"Oh no, it is exactly the way it is supposed to be."
So I asked her where I start and she proceeded to tell me where and what to do. I have to say I was quite impressed by the difficulty of the obstacle course and how carefully everything was placed with thorough thought. I had to turn whole books with only my feet and if I stepped into the headband and touched a polka dot, I would be out of the course. There was a lot of pressure to make sure I did everything just right! It was a lot of fun!
I loved obstacle courses set up by my phy-ed teachers when I was a young girl and even in the most recent years at a bootcamp class I attended at the club. I started to ponder how my life sometimes feels like an obstacle course. My course starts early in the morning and does not stop until I hit my pillow. There are days where it can be long and sometimes I feel frustrated when I touch that "polka-dot" where I wish I could go take a break!
I am reminded of one of Isaiah's favorite Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 9:24-25:
"Do you not know that in a race all runners run,, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will that will last forever."
My days are spent loving on my children, teaching them how to love others the way God loves them, but mostly instilling into them the love God has for them and how they were created in His image for a specific plan and purpose. You combine this with the "daily-ness" of life and you have one HUGE obstacle course. The best and most rewarding obstacle course of all, GOD'S!
I said,
"Oh my, this is quite the mess!"
Gabriella told me,
"Oh no, it is exactly the way it is supposed to be."
So I asked her where I start and she proceeded to tell me where and what to do. I have to say I was quite impressed by the difficulty of the obstacle course and how carefully everything was placed with thorough thought. I had to turn whole books with only my feet and if I stepped into the headband and touched a polka dot, I would be out of the course. There was a lot of pressure to make sure I did everything just right! It was a lot of fun!
I loved obstacle courses set up by my phy-ed teachers when I was a young girl and even in the most recent years at a bootcamp class I attended at the club. I started to ponder how my life sometimes feels like an obstacle course. My course starts early in the morning and does not stop until I hit my pillow. There are days where it can be long and sometimes I feel frustrated when I touch that "polka-dot" where I wish I could go take a break!
I am reminded of one of Isaiah's favorite Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 9:24-25:
"Do you not know that in a race all runners run,, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will that will last forever."
My days are spent loving on my children, teaching them how to love others the way God loves them, but mostly instilling into them the love God has for them and how they were created in His image for a specific plan and purpose. You combine this with the "daily-ness" of life and you have one HUGE obstacle course. The best and most rewarding obstacle course of all, GOD'S!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
October 13, 2010
I had to laugh this morning after the girls came down to tell me they were ready to go. Isabella proceeded to change from one pair of pajamas to two different pair of pajamas layered! Gabriella changed into clothes, but layered two pants and two longsleeved dresses....."in case it's cold mom, or if it gets hot, I can just take off these off."
These are the priceless moments!
These are the priceless moments!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Way Too Long!
Fall is a busy time of the year. In some ways it is nice to get back into a schedule and routine and other times I feel like it is too much! I feel like I am constantly fighting for balance in the most precious thing God has blessed us with...time. So as I continuously seek Him for wisdom in this area, I am embarassed that it has been over a year since I last posted!
I ask what has happened in the Fletcher household that has caused this beautiful thing called time to feel as someone pushed fast forward?
Well....
About two in a half years ago, I had a strong sense God laid it upon my heart to homeschool! It was so not in MY plans, but after a lot of prayer and investigating what this all entails, the overwhelming sense of God leading us to new adventure prevailed! We started homeschooling Isaiah last fall (2009).
It has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but also the most amazing time for all of us. I have always thought teachers are the most amazing individuals I have ever met, but my respect for them has increased a hundred fold as I have no idea how they do what they do daily. Isaiah was blessed with the amazing teachers at Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion and I thank them for what they did for him. Senora Maendel and the principal gave us their blessing in this new endeavor and without their amazing support and encouragement, it made this transition smooth.
Isaiah is one of the most compliant children to start homeschooling. He just goes with the flow of whatever is placed before him, which as a homeschooling mom, I guess this is a HUGE blessing! His love for reading made our year a huge success.
Just a few things he accomplished last year:
1. He wrote a piano piece
2. He wrote and illustrated an amazing adventure book! (He is taking orders!)
3. He memorized huge chunks of scripture. (Why can't I do that?)
4. He memorized 160 major events chronologically in history (Creation-now)
5. He read more books than John and I have combined in our lives!
I could go on, but I don't record all of this to brag or boast about him. I strongly believe God is the one to boast about in all of this. He is the one who laid it upon my heart and for whatever the reason is, I don't quite know right now. I trust in Him to reveal it, but for now I stand amazed by the few things Isaiah has done this year. I strongly believe without this time schooling at home, it would not have been possible.
Besides homeschooling taking over in our home, we have had a wonderful year full of fun travels (another perk for homeschooling and airline benefits!). But the most precious times are those morning snuggles, curling up on the couch with the kids as I read to them, watching my kids be each other's best friend, taking nature walks, building the coolest and messiest forts in the house, sitting on the porch late into the evening by the fire and playing the "thankful" game, but mostly teaching them about God, who He is and why He created us, to do His work by being His hands and feet while spreading the gospel.
Isabella is asking me to read a book...something I would not trade taking any more time posting on the computer than to read to her. I hope to post some new pictures soon!
I ask what has happened in the Fletcher household that has caused this beautiful thing called time to feel as someone pushed fast forward?
Well....
About two in a half years ago, I had a strong sense God laid it upon my heart to homeschool! It was so not in MY plans, but after a lot of prayer and investigating what this all entails, the overwhelming sense of God leading us to new adventure prevailed! We started homeschooling Isaiah last fall (2009).
It has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but also the most amazing time for all of us. I have always thought teachers are the most amazing individuals I have ever met, but my respect for them has increased a hundred fold as I have no idea how they do what they do daily. Isaiah was blessed with the amazing teachers at Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion and I thank them for what they did for him. Senora Maendel and the principal gave us their blessing in this new endeavor and without their amazing support and encouragement, it made this transition smooth.
Isaiah is one of the most compliant children to start homeschooling. He just goes with the flow of whatever is placed before him, which as a homeschooling mom, I guess this is a HUGE blessing! His love for reading made our year a huge success.
Just a few things he accomplished last year:
1. He wrote a piano piece
2. He wrote and illustrated an amazing adventure book! (He is taking orders!)
3. He memorized huge chunks of scripture. (Why can't I do that?)
4. He memorized 160 major events chronologically in history (Creation-now)
5. He read more books than John and I have combined in our lives!
I could go on, but I don't record all of this to brag or boast about him. I strongly believe God is the one to boast about in all of this. He is the one who laid it upon my heart and for whatever the reason is, I don't quite know right now. I trust in Him to reveal it, but for now I stand amazed by the few things Isaiah has done this year. I strongly believe without this time schooling at home, it would not have been possible.
Besides homeschooling taking over in our home, we have had a wonderful year full of fun travels (another perk for homeschooling and airline benefits!). But the most precious times are those morning snuggles, curling up on the couch with the kids as I read to them, watching my kids be each other's best friend, taking nature walks, building the coolest and messiest forts in the house, sitting on the porch late into the evening by the fire and playing the "thankful" game, but mostly teaching them about God, who He is and why He created us, to do His work by being His hands and feet while spreading the gospel.
Isabella is asking me to read a book...something I would not trade taking any more time posting on the computer than to read to her. I hope to post some new pictures soon!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Our Summer
It has been forever since I have updated my blog! Keeping busy with the kids will do it! How do I summarize the summer besides it seemed to be only a few short days.
Isaiah wrapped up his school year and "graduated" into going into third grade. I am amazed again at how well he did at school in addition to his ability to speak so well in Spanish at such a young age. A few short days later we headed straight into summer with a trip up at Big Rock Resort and had lots of fun together as a family along with Grandma and Grandpa F. and caught lots of fish. Fishing seems to be the highlight as Daddy, Isaiah and Grandpa can't seem to get enough of it!
We then spent some time with Nanny & Papa and swam a lot in the pool as well as had lots of fun being completely spoiled as always! That is a role for grandparents, and my oh my do they get spoiled! The girls stayed with my mom as Isaiah and I flew to Washington D.C. for a very quick tour of our nations capitol. It was both of our first times and John did a great job at being our tour guide! We were able to see the White House, Lincoln's memorial, go up in Washington's monument and went to both the Museum of Natural History as well as the National Air and Space museum. It was a fantastic trip.
In July we celebrated Gabriella's 4th birthday several times! She loves birthday parties, the more the merrier! She was so happy to finally be four! She has talked about it since she turned 3 (a lot)!! A few days after her birthday we headed down to Florida along with John's parents to visit Great Grandpa and had a very nice time. It was so nice to see him perk up throughout the week and I think it was exactly what the doctor ordered...to be surrounded by his loved ones and the kids! Gabriella talks about Great Grandpa often and this visit gave her fond memories of being silly with Great Grandpa.
The following week Gabriella ended up getting sick with some sort of virus and for the next 3 weeks we were in and out of the hospital for a total of 12 days. We are thankful for the prayer warriors that prayed on her behalf and give God the glory for his mercy and grace in healing our precious little girl. She has been sick only a couple of times in her first 4 years of life and it was not like her to be sick at all, since I would always classify her as the one who is the healthiest of the three. She continues to thrive now and has put on all her weight she lost and maybe has even gained a pound or two! She loves to eat! She always wanted to be a doctor before being poked countless times for blood tests, IV's or protted for endless tests. She marveled at all the appointments she tagged along with as Isabella had her well check ups and even Isaiah but was never on the recieving end like this before. I was telling one of the child life specialists before the placement of her PICC line that before all of this she wanted to be a doctor when she grows up and she said she would give her a bag of goodies, and oh my she did! A bag filled with surgical hats and masks, gloves, syringes, medicine cups, tape measurer and lots more. Needless to say the desire to be a doctor has grown even stronger, as she cannot stop playing doctor!
Isabella is growing like crazy, both up and across! She has packed on some weight, which is good since she was so tiny her first year of life, she has made up for that now. She is talking like crazy and getting a mind and a will of her own, and she lets us know her desires very strongly! For she is a princess, just ask her! She has a doting brother and sister who bring her anything she desires and a Mommy and Daddy who still think she is a baby, so disciplining thus far has not been initiated quite yet! Which brings us to another point....she still is not walking. We are eagerly anticipating it to be soon though. She is content with crawling and pushing her seems to send her into a mini-rebellion where she won't even stand. So we try not to push too much and know she will start when she is ready. Hopefully sooner than later!
We are ending the summer (yes, summer is still thriving here in MN in the middle of September) on a very good note, some more time up at Leech Lake and a fun get away on the beach with our dear friends Russ and Lisa who invited us to vacation with them down near Charleston, SC.
As I remember our highlights of the summer, I stand amazed and in awe of God's presence in our life through His amazing love, mercy, and grace He so lavishly bestows upon us daily. He is an amazing God, full of power and majesty. Thank you Lord for my three precious miracles and an amazing husband.
Isaiah wrapped up his school year and "graduated" into going into third grade. I am amazed again at how well he did at school in addition to his ability to speak so well in Spanish at such a young age. A few short days later we headed straight into summer with a trip up at Big Rock Resort and had lots of fun together as a family along with Grandma and Grandpa F. and caught lots of fish. Fishing seems to be the highlight as Daddy, Isaiah and Grandpa can't seem to get enough of it!
We then spent some time with Nanny & Papa and swam a lot in the pool as well as had lots of fun being completely spoiled as always! That is a role for grandparents, and my oh my do they get spoiled! The girls stayed with my mom as Isaiah and I flew to Washington D.C. for a very quick tour of our nations capitol. It was both of our first times and John did a great job at being our tour guide! We were able to see the White House, Lincoln's memorial, go up in Washington's monument and went to both the Museum of Natural History as well as the National Air and Space museum. It was a fantastic trip.
In July we celebrated Gabriella's 4th birthday several times! She loves birthday parties, the more the merrier! She was so happy to finally be four! She has talked about it since she turned 3 (a lot)!! A few days after her birthday we headed down to Florida along with John's parents to visit Great Grandpa and had a very nice time. It was so nice to see him perk up throughout the week and I think it was exactly what the doctor ordered...to be surrounded by his loved ones and the kids! Gabriella talks about Great Grandpa often and this visit gave her fond memories of being silly with Great Grandpa.
The following week Gabriella ended up getting sick with some sort of virus and for the next 3 weeks we were in and out of the hospital for a total of 12 days. We are thankful for the prayer warriors that prayed on her behalf and give God the glory for his mercy and grace in healing our precious little girl. She has been sick only a couple of times in her first 4 years of life and it was not like her to be sick at all, since I would always classify her as the one who is the healthiest of the three. She continues to thrive now and has put on all her weight she lost and maybe has even gained a pound or two! She loves to eat! She always wanted to be a doctor before being poked countless times for blood tests, IV's or protted for endless tests. She marveled at all the appointments she tagged along with as Isabella had her well check ups and even Isaiah but was never on the recieving end like this before. I was telling one of the child life specialists before the placement of her PICC line that before all of this she wanted to be a doctor when she grows up and she said she would give her a bag of goodies, and oh my she did! A bag filled with surgical hats and masks, gloves, syringes, medicine cups, tape measurer and lots more. Needless to say the desire to be a doctor has grown even stronger, as she cannot stop playing doctor!
Isabella is growing like crazy, both up and across! She has packed on some weight, which is good since she was so tiny her first year of life, she has made up for that now. She is talking like crazy and getting a mind and a will of her own, and she lets us know her desires very strongly! For she is a princess, just ask her! She has a doting brother and sister who bring her anything she desires and a Mommy and Daddy who still think she is a baby, so disciplining thus far has not been initiated quite yet! Which brings us to another point....she still is not walking. We are eagerly anticipating it to be soon though. She is content with crawling and pushing her seems to send her into a mini-rebellion where she won't even stand. So we try not to push too much and know she will start when she is ready. Hopefully sooner than later!
We are ending the summer (yes, summer is still thriving here in MN in the middle of September) on a very good note, some more time up at Leech Lake and a fun get away on the beach with our dear friends Russ and Lisa who invited us to vacation with them down near Charleston, SC.
As I remember our highlights of the summer, I stand amazed and in awe of God's presence in our life through His amazing love, mercy, and grace He so lavishly bestows upon us daily. He is an amazing God, full of power and majesty. Thank you Lord for my three precious miracles and an amazing husband.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
We had a fabulous time in Mexico! We missed Isabella but were able to talk with her daily via webcam! I love technology! She did great with Grandma & Grandpa and her cousins who visited frequently. Some of the greatest highlights were watching Isaiah amaze so many locals by his "Spanish", our cenote kayak and snorkel trip, our tour to Talum and Xel Ha where we saw some ancient Mayan ruins and snorkeled in an amazing ocean "pool" where we got to see lots of colorful fish, Isaiah & Daddy eating a gourmet appetizer later finding out it was cricket (Daddy said it was good not knowing it was cricket and then Isaiah spit out a whole cricket!), swimming in the pool, soccer, volleyball, boogie boarding, Isaiah and Gabriella both held parrots, lizards and monkeys, Isaiah and a few boys doing karoke, being completly pampered at the resort, getting our nightly dessert room service but most of all being with each other.
We feel so blessed to be able to take a trip like this and it would never be if it were not for the generosity of John's parents gifting us with the beautiful timeshare week and for the free airline tickets!
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