Another reason I love blogging. A way we can help others...
One of the famlies that participated in the big Valentine exchange has recently learned that their precious 4 month old son Gavin, and little brother to (another) Landon Troy was diagnosed with Congenital Retinal Dystrophy. He has VERY minimal to no vision.
His mom Jen is an awesome mom and is so determined, check out her blog. All children.... should be able to see a sunset.
We have exchanged some emails and I wanted to inform all of you so maybe you could help.
They are doing a walk to honor little Gavin and other families/people affected by vision loss/problems. This walk will raise money for research.
you can find their personal page here
They are a very humble family and understand during these hard economic times, it may not be feasible to donate. They even hesitated to reach out and even inform others about the fundraiser - because so many are affected by their own individual hardships. Then she figured, even if $5 dollars is raised, that is 5 dollars more than what the Foundation had.
If you would like to donate, fabulous! If you would like to join the Stevens family for this event, even better! It will be on the CSUF campus on Sunday, June 7th at 9am. PLEASE just come out and show your support, it's an easy walk - bring your family, throw the little ones in strollers and be part of something great!
My kids pitched in their own money and we will all be doing the walk too:)
Friday, February 20, 2009
God Doesn't Call the Qualified He Qualifies the Called
I love that quote!
I get asked all the time, "Why do you homeschool?"
There are many reasons I could give you for why we home school, but it would take me all day to list them. Right now I have a house full of 10 children. 4 girls upstairs playing ponies and 4 boys sitting right here in my living room playing PlayStation and 2 babies sleeping. What can I say I'm the hang out house..and I love it! So let me make this kind of quick.
Ok, let's see one reason we home school, for me it all started with a vision. As I held my first born in my arms as a tiny baby I felt completely overwhelmed by the great responsibility of raising a child. As tears trickled down my young and inexperienced baby-face (I was 19), I asked the Lord to give me His wisdom for this little life. I looked down at his big brown eyes and I caught a glimpse of a teenage boy. It wasn't so much about what he looked like on the outside (although he looked really cute like his dad)that I took notice of, but what his character was like, his strength, his gifts, talents, life skills and his security in who he was in his Lord Jesus Christ.
I didn't want him to fall or fail like I had. I wanted to do everything I could to raise him and make him live for Jesus.
As I saw that picture in my mind, it was almost like I was seeing the steps that I would need to take. The only way I could see that happening in our family was by homeschooling. For me God layed the desire to homeschool from the first months of Austin's life. I had a lot of growing to do in my own life.
I didn't dare tell anyone about my crazy thinking. Was it really God or just me? I mean come on God, you know I wasn't the smartest cheerleader on the squad. Who am I to teach? I am horrible at spelling, and math come on now, I still count on my fingers. I didn't give it much thought again until Austin was in preschool getting ready for Kindergarten. I remember going to Barnes and Noble and buying "So your thinking about homeschooling?" By Lisa Welchel A Focus on the Family book.
That was the first book I ever read on homeschooling. I remember reading it in the car when Justin was driving. He would just look over at me and roll his eyes. (he knew the Bridget who hated school) I would often say listen to this...then read something out loud to him. I did this for a good 3 years. With different books and blogs I was reading. I was slowly softening him to the idea.
Yet my husband was still to be convinced. We enrolled Austin into a private Kindergarten and I remember telling the teacher I don't think he's ready maybe I should keep him home one more year. (It was me not wanting to let go) She laughed and said he's more than ready.
Then by the time 1st grade came around I went back and forth with the homeschooling. We were blessed to be apart of a very small private school (12 in a class) where we met some really neat families and Austin had some awesome Christian teachers whom I have learned so much from. One of them has given me a lot of her supplies since retiring.
I kept feeling God tug at my heart, but if you know me I'm stubborn and always need to know how and why? It was hard for me to just step out in faith and trust God. I was filled with doubt and fear. As Austin was nearing 3rd grade and Faith was about to start 1st I took to prayer like never before about homeschooling. I prayed God would equipt me and make me just a day smarter than my kids. I prayed he would give me the resources to teach and direction where and what to do. Everything started to fall into place and ever since it has been the best decision we have ever made. My husband thinks so too:) I think a lot of mom's are scared to make this decision. One of my biggest reasons was I'm not smart enough. I didn't even think to ask God to help me be smart enough. (He's still working on me!)I've heard other moms say they don't have the patience to homeschool but haven't ask God for it. I am learning to trust God and leave the rest up to him. I was so scared of teaching 4th grade math this year and look God has brought a nice Christian girl to tutor Austin and he is thriving in math. My kids are testing way above their grade levels.
I am learning that God will ask us things that don't make sense. I am learning that we as Christians aren't suppose to fit in or do what everyone else is doing.
I am not one of these home schoolers that believe it is the ONLY way to go. I believe God gives us very unique directions for our families when we stop to ask Him.
We need to learn to listen. To be still and know that he is God. I often get so busy that I don't just stop and listen. God says, Be still and know that I am God. I've learned that if the enemy can't make you sin he will make you busy.
Some families I know are bringing up awesome children in the public education system, others in Christian or private. The decision shouldn't ever be limited to should I home school, but rather the more widely asked question, what does God want for your family?
Do you ever think about homeschooling your children? Why or why not?
Has God ever asked you to do something that didn't make sense? (like me homeschooling) Step out in faith, it's a simple matter in letting God be in charge.
I can't wait to see what crazy things God is going to ask of me....ahhhh! but I'm ready!
Another quote I love:
Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
I've gotten emails on what books or curriculm I use. I will do a book review on the different book I use later next week:) I am still learning...but if you have any questions about homeschooling I'd be happy to help:)
I get asked all the time, "Why do you homeschool?"
There are many reasons I could give you for why we home school, but it would take me all day to list them. Right now I have a house full of 10 children. 4 girls upstairs playing ponies and 4 boys sitting right here in my living room playing PlayStation and 2 babies sleeping. What can I say I'm the hang out house..and I love it! So let me make this kind of quick.
Ok, let's see one reason we home school, for me it all started with a vision. As I held my first born in my arms as a tiny baby I felt completely overwhelmed by the great responsibility of raising a child. As tears trickled down my young and inexperienced baby-face (I was 19), I asked the Lord to give me His wisdom for this little life. I looked down at his big brown eyes and I caught a glimpse of a teenage boy. It wasn't so much about what he looked like on the outside (although he looked really cute like his dad)that I took notice of, but what his character was like, his strength, his gifts, talents, life skills and his security in who he was in his Lord Jesus Christ.
I didn't want him to fall or fail like I had. I wanted to do everything I could to raise him and make him live for Jesus.
As I saw that picture in my mind, it was almost like I was seeing the steps that I would need to take. The only way I could see that happening in our family was by homeschooling. For me God layed the desire to homeschool from the first months of Austin's life. I had a lot of growing to do in my own life.
I didn't dare tell anyone about my crazy thinking. Was it really God or just me? I mean come on God, you know I wasn't the smartest cheerleader on the squad. Who am I to teach? I am horrible at spelling, and math come on now, I still count on my fingers. I didn't give it much thought again until Austin was in preschool getting ready for Kindergarten. I remember going to Barnes and Noble and buying "So your thinking about homeschooling?" By Lisa Welchel A Focus on the Family book.
That was the first book I ever read on homeschooling. I remember reading it in the car when Justin was driving. He would just look over at me and roll his eyes. (he knew the Bridget who hated school) I would often say listen to this...then read something out loud to him. I did this for a good 3 years. With different books and blogs I was reading. I was slowly softening him to the idea.
Yet my husband was still to be convinced. We enrolled Austin into a private Kindergarten and I remember telling the teacher I don't think he's ready maybe I should keep him home one more year. (It was me not wanting to let go) She laughed and said he's more than ready.
Then by the time 1st grade came around I went back and forth with the homeschooling. We were blessed to be apart of a very small private school (12 in a class) where we met some really neat families and Austin had some awesome Christian teachers whom I have learned so much from. One of them has given me a lot of her supplies since retiring.
I kept feeling God tug at my heart, but if you know me I'm stubborn and always need to know how and why? It was hard for me to just step out in faith and trust God. I was filled with doubt and fear. As Austin was nearing 3rd grade and Faith was about to start 1st I took to prayer like never before about homeschooling. I prayed God would equipt me and make me just a day smarter than my kids. I prayed he would give me the resources to teach and direction where and what to do. Everything started to fall into place and ever since it has been the best decision we have ever made. My husband thinks so too:) I think a lot of mom's are scared to make this decision. One of my biggest reasons was I'm not smart enough. I didn't even think to ask God to help me be smart enough. (He's still working on me!)I've heard other moms say they don't have the patience to homeschool but haven't ask God for it. I am learning to trust God and leave the rest up to him. I was so scared of teaching 4th grade math this year and look God has brought a nice Christian girl to tutor Austin and he is thriving in math. My kids are testing way above their grade levels.
I am learning that God will ask us things that don't make sense. I am learning that we as Christians aren't suppose to fit in or do what everyone else is doing.
I am not one of these home schoolers that believe it is the ONLY way to go. I believe God gives us very unique directions for our families when we stop to ask Him.
We need to learn to listen. To be still and know that he is God. I often get so busy that I don't just stop and listen. God says, Be still and know that I am God. I've learned that if the enemy can't make you sin he will make you busy.
Some families I know are bringing up awesome children in the public education system, others in Christian or private. The decision shouldn't ever be limited to should I home school, but rather the more widely asked question, what does God want for your family?
Do you ever think about homeschooling your children? Why or why not?
Has God ever asked you to do something that didn't make sense? (like me homeschooling) Step out in faith, it's a simple matter in letting God be in charge.
I can't wait to see what crazy things God is going to ask of me....ahhhh! but I'm ready!
Another quote I love:
Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
I've gotten emails on what books or curriculm I use. I will do a book review on the different book I use later next week:) I am still learning...but if you have any questions about homeschooling I'd be happy to help:)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Rain, Rain go away...
leave your puddles it's time to play!!!
Us California girls can't do all this rain. It's rained for like 3 days in a row. I know all of you non Californians are laughing at us and saying it's just a heavy mist and we have nothing to complain about. But I missed the sunshine! I can't stand to be trapped in doors. Today was a beautiful day so when daddy got home from work we couldn't wait to go outside to play!
I love the street we live on. In fact my husband makes fun of me because I always take the long way home. There's a short cut to our house but I always drive allllll the way around just so I can drive down the pretty street. I drive really slow too! The kids are like mom you see this street all the time!
I thought it would make some pretty pictures if I let the kids run around in the middle of the street. (What I will do for a great shot)
The "cool" kids on the block
I think Finley's still mad about her haircut. She wouldn't crack a smile.
Finley's new thing she sticks both her hands down her throat and gags herself.
Such a poser! My kids actually ask me to take pictures of them then they stike a pose. I love it! (can you tell?)
Landen thinks he's cool because I'm letting him play in the street for once.
I love this picture (minus the ugly Monster hat)
Us California girls can't do all this rain. It's rained for like 3 days in a row. I know all of you non Californians are laughing at us and saying it's just a heavy mist and we have nothing to complain about. But I missed the sunshine! I can't stand to be trapped in doors. Today was a beautiful day so when daddy got home from work we couldn't wait to go outside to play!
I love the street we live on. In fact my husband makes fun of me because I always take the long way home. There's a short cut to our house but I always drive allllll the way around just so I can drive down the pretty street. I drive really slow too! The kids are like mom you see this street all the time!
I thought it would make some pretty pictures if I let the kids run around in the middle of the street. (What I will do for a great shot)
The "cool" kids on the block
I think Finley's still mad about her haircut. She wouldn't crack a smile.
Finley's new thing she sticks both her hands down her throat and gags herself.
Such a poser! My kids actually ask me to take pictures of them then they stike a pose. I love it! (can you tell?)
Landen thinks he's cool because I'm letting him play in the street for once.
I love this picture (minus the ugly Monster hat)
Bald Beautiful Baby
You know your first baby you take them to the fancy kiddie cuts for their first little $30 snip snip. Yes, that was me I made a big deal of it and got the little certificate to prove it. You know the one you pay an extra $15 for. The piece of paper that says babies first haircut. Then you buy the $40 product when you leave just because it smells so good on your little one. Before you know it you spent over $100 dollars on your babies first haircut. Well by the time your 5th baby rolls around you just take a razor to their head at the kitchen table. I'm kidding! Well kind of! It wasn't my plan anyway. You know me "Make everything a big deal Bridget" wouldn't go for that. Finley has been losing a lot of her hair. Every day clumps come out and she had a few long pieces sticking up. So Justin decided he would just lightly cut off the few long hairs. When I went to grab my camera I heard the kids go OH NO! Daddy took off more than I wanted. I could of strangled him! My poor Finley is bald! At least we have lots of cute bows and hats!!! She's beautiful anyway! You know your beautiful when you can pull off a bald head:) I'm sure she will grow a beautiful head of hair in no time...I HOPE!
You can tell I'm mad in this picture and Justin is doing that oh no I'm in trouble laugh.
Look at her poor face, "what are my parents doing to me?"
You can tell I'm mad in this picture and Justin is doing that oh no I'm in trouble laugh.
Look at her poor face, "what are my parents doing to me?"
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
In My Spare Time...
Yesterday, Faith and I had our first crochet class. Faith did very well. I just got my fingers all tangled up! We will be taking the class every Tuesday while Landen is in preschool and Austin babysits the babies outside the class. I have always wanted to learn but figured I'd just wait till I was old and gray. Faith is very artsy fartsy and wanted to learn so I figured I'd join in on the fun. It's a good break and theirs some nice ladies in there too. Faith should have a scarf done by end of winter, I might be lucky enough to get mine done when it's summer and over 100 degree's out. I'm sure I'll wear it then too. After all this hard work!!!
Once we get the scarfs down we will be learning to make little blankets for an organization called Living Well that helps girls who get pregnant and are deciding life instead of abortion. Our blankets will go to the little babies that are blessed to live! Faith and I can't wait. It's a great way to serve and having fun together doing it too!
I am also very sad to announce that poor little Fran is no longer with us. Faith was doing her chores this morning, watering the garden then going to check to see if Fran layed any eggs when she came running in crying. Something got to Fran and whatever it was it looked like it went on a rampage, feathers everywhere, things knocked over. She was torn up and all I saw was bone, blood and feathers. It wasn't a pretty sight! I about lost my breakfast. My kids and I were very upset. Pool little Fran:( We think it was a opossums?
Aunt Brianna made this for the kids..haha! What a nice auntie.
Once we get the scarfs down we will be learning to make little blankets for an organization called Living Well that helps girls who get pregnant and are deciding life instead of abortion. Our blankets will go to the little babies that are blessed to live! Faith and I can't wait. It's a great way to serve and having fun together doing it too!
I am also very sad to announce that poor little Fran is no longer with us. Faith was doing her chores this morning, watering the garden then going to check to see if Fran layed any eggs when she came running in crying. Something got to Fran and whatever it was it looked like it went on a rampage, feathers everywhere, things knocked over. She was torn up and all I saw was bone, blood and feathers. It wasn't a pretty sight! I about lost my breakfast. My kids and I were very upset. Pool little Fran:( We think it was a opossums?
Aunt Brianna made this for the kids..haha! What a nice auntie.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Dangerous
The Famous "look"
Those dimples and big black eyes of his are dangerous! Yesterday, the kids were playing at the playground when my husband and I noticed a little girl (about 5) go running to her dad crying. Then I see Landen walk over to me with his eyebrows up and hands out(theididnothingwrong) innocent look. He can't fool me, I know that look! I ran up and ask what he did. Then I hear the dad say, "Who did that to you honey?" The little girl points to Landen and sticks out her tounge at him and says,"He did!" I said I'm sorry as I always do and made Landen say sorry too. Then I asked him what happend and made him sit in timeout. From what I got out of Landen she was bugging him and so he grabbed her legs and pulled her off the slide and she fell on her back. Austin and Faith came running out to tell me the whole story. (Meanwhile I'm getting dirty looks from the dad)
Austin says the little girl was trying to kiss Landen and he didn't want her to so he pushed her off the slide. Landen said, "Mommy she kissed me on the yips!" Oh, No She didn't!!! I didn't want to tell him but he did the right thing..haha! Push those girls away!!! Those lips are only for his mommy!!!!!!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Valentines...
I hope you all had a great Valentines Day!
Valentine's Day is a GREAT day! This day reminds me to thank God,my first love for all his love in my life. God created love, He is the author of love, He was the first to love. His word says "I first loved you!" He created us for his purpose, His pleasure, and His glory.
God defines the true meaning of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails!
Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice of LOVE. His death on the cross screams LOVE for you and me.
I thank the Lord for the love he sent YOU! I pray the lords love will up lift you, sustain you,
and guide you all the days of your life! He is truly an amazing God. I am thankful I get to share Him with you!
this was from a special friend God has brought into my life...
I am so blessed to have such sweet friends who I can share God's love with. I thank God for my family, my loving husband and lots of loving kids....love,love,love it!!!
For God so loVed the world,
that he gAve
his onLy begotten son,
that who so Ever
believeth iN him
should noT
perIsh, but have
everlastiNg
lifE.
John 3:16
Just another day for hugs and kisses!!!
I could kiss her sweet little lips all day long...
and eat this one up...
Valentine's Day is a GREAT day! This day reminds me to thank God,my first love for all his love in my life. God created love, He is the author of love, He was the first to love. His word says "I first loved you!" He created us for his purpose, His pleasure, and His glory.
God defines the true meaning of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails!
Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice of LOVE. His death on the cross screams LOVE for you and me.
I thank the Lord for the love he sent YOU! I pray the lords love will up lift you, sustain you,
and guide you all the days of your life! He is truly an amazing God. I am thankful I get to share Him with you!
this was from a special friend God has brought into my life...
I am so blessed to have such sweet friends who I can share God's love with. I thank God for my family, my loving husband and lots of loving kids....love,love,love it!!!
For God so loVed the world,
that he gAve
his onLy begotten son,
that who so Ever
believeth iN him
should noT
perIsh, but have
everlastiNg
lifE.
John 3:16
Just another day for hugs and kisses!!!
I could kiss her sweet little lips all day long...
and eat this one up...
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