Titus's First Week

My amazing OB, Dr. C...love this lady. She's delivered 4 out of our 5 children.  (Isaac came in the middle of the night and another wonderful doctor from her practice delivered him.) 

Avonlea and her new brother.

 

Norah

 

Sweet Lincoln...as "rough and tumble" as this boy can get, he has been so gentle and sweet with our new addition. {heart} He's an amazing big brother.

 

My impecable view from the hospital window!

Fabulous 5!

 

These girls have been so helpful this week cuddling Titus, fetching diapers and being available to help.

Ready to go home!

 

Sweet sisters

 

"...just doin' a little stretchin' Mom. All of this room is fabulous!"

 

 

"What a week."  zzzzzzz

The Week Before the Big Day

I don't know about you, but whenever our household is about to add a new addition, many things get put on hold so that cleaning, last minute projects, some "fun days", one-on-one time and baby shopping can get done. The week before Ty arrived, that's just what this family was up to.

 

We've taken the past two weeks off to...

catch grasshoppers on the church playground, read about what they eat and observe them.

 

We love this book and use it quite frequently. It doesn't have a section on grasshoppers per se, but it does have a section on crickets which is what we used to apply to our grasshopper's diet and habitat.

 

I was able to finish up a baby quilt for some sweet friends who just adopted a precious baby boy from Ethiopia.

 

I used Pellon to trace and cut out the country of Ethiopia, ironed it on and hand stitched around it.

 

Stocking up on groceries the day before "D-day". I have such great helpers!!!

 

Isaac gets our light bags for us.

 

Norah is our paper towel and toilet paper girl.

 

I knew that going to the local pool might be put on hold for awhile. Nothing a $15.00 Toys R Us pool and some water guns can't fix to hold us over for awhile.  :)

 

I've been really trying to concentrate on chore training the past few weeks, making sure the kids are obedient (right away with a good attitude...the goal anyway) in doing the chores and thorough to the end. We've been spoiled having Daddy home the first week and Grandma here the second that I think they may have forgotten a few things. :)  Next week, we're on our own though so we'll get back on track.

I recently read an article in Home School Enrichment magazine that talked about delegating chores to children. Sometimes we as moms think we have to handle it all, that they won't be able to do a load of dishes, change over the laundry, etc., but they're so much more capable than we give them credit for and it's such a good lesson on diligence. Even if you're not a homeschooler, the magazine is such a great tool to use as a family. Try it out!

I've been a busy bee sewing quilts for others and I finally was able to finish the one I've been working on for Rob's and my bed. This picture doesn't do it justice since the baby's basket is covering most of it, but it's what I have for now. I did a simplistic (cause that's how I roll these days!) 6-inch square cut for our Queen size bed. I used "Warm and Natural" batting and it turned out so well. It's so soft and not too hot since we live in a warm climate. I'm slowly working on two pillow shams and having never done them before, it's taking longer than anticipated, but it's definitely fun to do when I have some time to myself.

What's In a Name?

So, I had promised awhile back that I would share the story of how Titus got his name. I have some quiet time today while he sleeps (and Grandma took the big kids to the beach) where I can share.

It started during pregnancy of coarse, as Rob and I were thinking about names. I've always thought girls' names were easier and I had a few picked out that I liked, however God was giving us a boy so I turned those thoughts toward masculine, heroic names throughout history. We wanted something that really had meaning and a story and did we ever get one!

 

I would pray and ask the Lord for a name quite frequently and one name kept coming back to me.

 

Titus.

 

I have to admit, I liked the name (Rob loved it and was set on it) but there were others that took seniority over it and I was fighting God. There were a few instances where I knew it was the Lord speaking. For instance, walking into mom's group one morning and our leader asked me to read from Titus 2. We never read out of Titus. "Yeah, Lord. I'm listening." A sermon or two out of

II Corinthians speaking of Titus also came into play one morning. "Still listening Lord."

 

It wasn't until a month or so before his birth where I packed a baby book of names into my hospital suitcase and was determined on another name where the Lord gave me a Daniel 5 moment. (You know the story, where God was writing on the wall and Nebuchadnezzar asks Daniel to interpret.) Yeah, we had our own "writing on the wall experience" and I finally gave in.

 

One morning, I was giving Lincoln words to spell out with some magnetic letters on a cookie sheet. He finished working with them, but a certain toddler got a hold of them and they wound up all over the floor. I asked Lincoln to help put them away (with help of the toddler) and so the letters made their way back into their bag and were placed on the shelf. Low and behold I didn't know that a few were missing. Later that day, we found the missing letters still on the floor and I asked Lincoln to just place them on the French doors for the time being. We'd put them away later. I had lunch to serve.

He placed the letters on the door and we ate lunch. It wasn't until later that day when I saw what he had put up. Keep in mind, we hadn't shared any of the name ideas with the kids yet. As I looked at the letters, they read "t i 2 c".

 

Titus 2, Calvin.

 

(We chose Calvin as his middle name after John Calvin, an amazing man of history and Christianity.) I literally sat down in a chair and gave in. I prayed and thanked the Lord for the sign and for making it clear what name HE wanted.

 

We have had some amazing individuals and families that have stepped in as we've been parenting our children through the years. Individuals who have helped us in discipline, consistency, time management, education endeavors and so much more. They have helped us and encouraged us along the way to raise godly men and women for Christ. They have helped model for us how to listen to the Lord, hear His voice and follow His will and not our own for our children. We are so thankful for these Titus 2 men and women and it is an honor to name our son after such an amazing missionary in the Bible. A young, Greek man who feared and loved the Lord by the name of Titus. He served alongside Paul and as Paul knew he wouldn't be around forever, new teachers had to be trained to carry on God's message to the people. And hence, he trained Titus. He eventually became the overseer of the churches on the island of Crete, leading many to Christ. If you've never read the book of Titus, you can here.

 

So ends the story of how our Titus became Titus Calvin Bates.

 

Hugs and blessing to you all!!!

                  Meet Our Little "Ty" Breaker

Titus "Ty" Calvin

  8 lb 9 oz

 

 

School Planning

Summer and Fall, 2013

 

It's almost here. Yes, I'm talking about the end of the school year for 2013. Pretty soon, the bowling lanes, water parks, beaches, arcades, skating rinks, etc. will be filled to the brim with children. Playdates will begin, pools will be filled with bodies aching for summer heat relief and moms will enjoy some catching up with friends over iced tea and watching kids run through sprinklers.

 

It's also time to start thinking about curriculum for next year, homeschool conferences, summer plans, vacations, things we're reflecting on from last year, things we want to change next year, goals to set, schedules to change or put together and any summer learning to take place. I'm feeling it extra hard this year with "little man" almost here, but after a few years of experience (I can't imagine the peace the true homeschool veteran moms/dads might feel after YEARS of doing this...someday that might be us, but not yet), I can say that there's definitely a routine and some organization to how the end of the year, the summer and the planning will go.

 

The trick is PRAYER and making lots of lists.

Side note: I was right in the middle of planning when taking these pictures

so the blocks are not filled out.

 

One of the things that has really helped me stay focused and organized is my planner that I put together. I've tried a few different ones, but nothing really fit the Charlotte Mason style that we use, so I made my own. You can go HERE to find a helpful link on lesson planning online. I personally prefer the pencil and paper method though in case technology fails, which seems to happen a lot to me for some reason. 

 

I simply copied the list of subjects from HERE and made a grid for Monday through Friday. There's not a whole lot of room, but I keep things short and simple so it works. I place "X"s in the boxes where we're not doing that subject just yet or on that particular day (for instance, we do History 4 out of the 5 days in the week, so one day gets an "X").

I've been jotting down our summer learning in high hopes. We'll see what we tackle realistically with the new baby. We were able to get most core subjects wrapped up, but there are still a few things that I want to finish up. Some things they've worked on throughout the year, but haven't completely mastered and need a bit more repetition and so we'll just single out those things. 

 My "To Do List" is always present. Who's isn't? :)

 

 I use a master calendar for planning also. I keep numbers next to the weeks counting down how many more are left in the year, field trips, etc.

 

 Here is a list I made to help remind me of what subjects are covered on certain days during the week as well as individual work (math, spelling, grammar, etc.) vs. whole group work (Bible, History, Science, etc.). I got the idea from HERE.

 

Finally, here is a goal sheet I made for each child's goals for the next year. I used a Bible verse under each goal also so as we're working on certain things throughout the year, we can turn to the Word.

 

 It covers:

Spiritual goals, Academic goals, Personal goals, Character training, Physical goals,

Chores mastered and chores to work on.

 

I plan on doing a post soon on our curriculum choices, what we're using as whole group instruction and individually. Every family is oh-so-different, different family sizes, different ages, various gifts and interests, different genders. I only share with my readers to show what works for us. If it works for you - great! If not, move on. As always, ask the Lord and your husband for wisdom in what to be teaching your children.

 

There are so many things to think about as the year comes to an end and a new one begins. It's easy to get overwhelmed. We all do. Let us encourage one another as we continue working for the Lord, boasting in Him alone as he uses us to create disciples for His glory.

 

Blessings this Tuesday!

 

He's Almost Here

 

 

I realize that I haven't blogged too much about my pregnancy with the exception of a belly photo here and there, so I'm making up for it today.  :)

 

So many times I wish I would've taken more belly pictures to capture this sweet pregnancy, but have fallen short as my duties at home are always full (tis the life of any mother, right?). This being my fifth baby hasn't necessarily made things easier, but it sure has made time fly by quicker than any other pregnancy. The feelings are still the same though...

 

Weeks 5-7

First weeks after finding out are always exciting!

 

Weeks 7-10

are usually where my hormones are all over the place, nausea has set in and we make things low key at home with schoolwork and housework. My husband has always been amazing during these times and is patient, understanding and willing to pitch in where needed.

 

Weeks 10-12

are when I'm still nautious, but hormones have subsided mostly and I'm counting down the days til the second trimester makes its appearance.

 

Weeks 13-Month 7

My second trimesters are always easy going, full of energy, ready to get back on the band wagon and conquer projects, catch up with school and housework, etc. and with sporting a little "bump", I can still tie my shoes, buckle littles in carseats and do most things.

 

Months 8 and 9 

I begin to slow down a bit, but month 9 is where sleeping becomes uncomfortable, energy is low and picking things off the floor with my toes isn't uncommon (right, like you've never done it!). This however is definitely a fun stage as baby is moving so much and being able to feel sweet baby feet in my womb are oh, so precious. Noises on the outside (because, let's face it, it's usually loud in our home!) make baby jump and move around as if he's already arrived. He/she develops sleeping and wake patterns that are noticeable to me. I love getting things ready for baby's arrival, washing baby clothing, getting diapers ready, getting out the Moses basket, bouncer and blankets, preparing where Grandma will stay {smile}, making frozen meals for Rob and the kids as I'm in the hospital and if I'm being completely honest, I love putting together a small pile of little projects and books to read as I have a "little holiday" in the hospital alone with our new, sweet babe.

 

At the hospital,

things are usually quiet and peaceful. I'm in some pain from the C-section, but so thankful for an amazing OB and the sweetest nurses in town. I love talking with people, getting to know them and their families as they share. One nurse in particular has been there for all four of our kids' births and it'll be interesting to see if she's still there and the look on her face when she sees we're back again. :) 

 

One thing I've really enjoyed during this pregnancy has been reading this book (top) and I've learned so much from Dr. Parker. Her book definitely supports the natural birth experience and there's nothing in it regarding recovering from a cesarian. Bummer. However, the care during pregnancy has been a wonderful read and I've really enjoyed some of her helps from the book. Highly recommended.  

 

So, now that our little man is 37 weeks (lungs and everything are officially, fully developed) and only 2 weeks left until the big day, I'm tackling some projects and we're only doing make up schoolwork that we didn't get to over the school year. Hoping to go to the Homeschool Conference this year even though it's a few short weeks after little man gets here. Carseat is installed, hospital bags packed (Isaac came 3 weeks early so we're not messing around), the Lord has definitely revealed a name (not telling...you'll just have to stay tuned especially since I have a neat story to go along with why he has earned this name) and the kids are asking on a daily basis now how many days until his arrival. They can't wait to smother him in hugs and kisses, dress him, rock him and we've been reading this book a lot.

A big blessing with this pregnancy has also been that this little one will arrive right before we start getting really hot here in Florida. Our spring here seemed to prolong itself this year and then the past week or so, the summer temperatures have begun to emerge, showing promise that spring is definitely over. My last four babies were all born during such hot months in the summer and so I have confidence that the next two weeks should be a breeze compared to past times.

 

As always, I'm so thankful that the Lord has given us another healthy pregnancy and we're just praying for a safe delivery, healthy baby boy and a smooth recovery. Although I'm getting nervous about surgery (wish things could've been different) and trying to squeeze in as many little projects as possible, I'm trying to take time and enjoy still being pregnant, thankful that the Lord has even allowed my body to have children as I know there are so many out there where having children wasn't God's plan for their lives and they would give anything to be in my situation. So when people ask, "Goodness! Aren't you tired of being pregnant?" A simple reply of, "No. I can't complain. Just the fact that I can have children is blessing enough", usually helps me forget about the small bits of being uncomfortable in the last month and puts a smile on my face, reminding me of what a PRIVILEDGE it is to have children.

For the C-section mamas out there, here is a neat article from Above Rubies.

 

Blessings and hugs to you all, sweet readers!!!

March Happenings Around Here

A new cookbook I've been using. My new favorite! Gotta love keeping flour, sugar, butter, salt, baking powder, baking soda and vanilla on hand to make just about anything.  :) Definitely helps the grocery bill.

 

Lincoln spelling words out for me with magnetic letters.

 



My sweet Avy-girl. 

8 months pregnant and counting down the days now.

 



Breakfast in the RV...we took out the table (we use the picnic tables provided by campgrounds) so if it's raining or really cold outside, we have a picnic inside. 

Isaac getting into mischief, as usual. He has earned the nickname "Trouble" around here. A few times during the day, I can hear someone say, "Here comes Trouble". Sweet boy!  :)

 Avonlea began her first quilt last month. After hearing that Norah had lost her favorite blankie, Avy got the idea to sew her a new one as a surprise. We went to Goodwill and picked out two sheets and then to the fabric store for a package of blanket binding (the silky kind). She started in the morning cutting out the 6-inch squares and by lunch had the front done. We added batting and then the backing and binding and Norah's face lit up when Avonlea gave it to her. What a precious gift for her sister.

 

Avonlea and Norah with her quilt

 



The boys + monster trucks

 

On our last camping trip, we found some wild turkeys at our campsite. Lincoln didn't hesitate to grab his air pellet gun and try out some hunting. Needless to say, the turkeys weren't very scared and were quite tame.

 

What's been going on in your neck of the woods this past March?