tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227609031069206342024-03-14T04:52:57.546-07:00The Philosopher's BrideThe Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-72462604288399084592014-03-01T16:08:00.001-08:002014-03-01T16:08:15.474-08:00A day in the life of an Oily Mom ...As I pulled out my oils again, I began to think about just how often we use essential oils in our home now.<div><br></div><div>Just 2 months ago, I rarely, if ever used oils and now my children often ask for them. We take our oils everywhere.</div><div><br></div><div>I was thinking through the day and how we used them and decided to share. I will begin with last night, to give you a full 24 hours!</div><div><br></div><div>6pm - Mr Family EssentOIL had a long day and is tense, so I put some dress away on his neck and wrists and have him inhale some peace and calming. When I oil my husband, I think the oils combine with me giving him so tender care are a great team for unwinding from the work week.</div><div><br></div><div>6:30pm - We are catching up with old friends and she's diffusing some Ylangylang - it's heavenly! </div><div><br></div><div>8pm - At an oily friends house my 1 year old is coughing a lot. We massage some RC in a carrier oil on her chest and back - she's no longer coughing in no time! </div><div><br></div><div>9:30pm - We are home from dinner with friends and the little two are wound up so we but some cedarwood on their neck (just below each ear) and some lavender on each big toe to help them was down for bed. </div><div><br></div><div>10pm -It's way past bedtime but the big girls complain of not feeling well so I make some tea with lemon and thieves, oh an raw organic honey too, to help knock out any sickies.</div><div><br></div><div>10:15pm - It's definitely bed time but I massage some Digize into my eldest child's tummy as she has been having digestive problems. </div><div><br></div><div>The Morning....</div><div><br></div><div>9am - I need to get dressed and going. I rub some En - R - Gee into my temples and whoa - mind is clear -fog is gone ( Rosemary in the blend is great for this!) and we get ready to go! </div><div><br></div><div>11:30am - We are walking and my 7 year old falls over. Frankincense and Lavender to the rescue! </div><div><br></div><div>5pm - I'm pretty achy from walking around, so I pop some Deep Relief on my joints and rub some Copaiba on my muscles.</div><div><br></div><div>6pm - We changed a few stinky diapers and the air needs freshening - time to diffuse some purification!</div><div><br></div><div>6:30pm - Notice my little ones cheeks are red from the unexpected sun - so massage a little lavender on it with some coconut oil. Oh and pop some diluted thieves (has clove in!) on her gums to help her with that nasty teething pain and start thinking about writing this blog .....</div><div><br></div><div>So there you have it - a day in the life of an oiler! </div><div><br></div><div>We used our little bag of oils so much and I can't imagine it any other way - and we don't carry around half the things we thought we needed in the diaper bag anymore!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkk-XXyn46suJ4UWIFhlt9a5Ibz9_Tl2aK8EjVt0YSRFu7eFjDVq8zTPP2fB2UN0uqfxaoCcwEZ8WJK-whTVqI-jCguqapUBZgk4PJV4DIgDLh99p_bUi6SCEEiprk3JG4RZ8PptN1o58/s640/blogger-image--1291876467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkk-XXyn46suJ4UWIFhlt9a5Ibz9_Tl2aK8EjVt0YSRFu7eFjDVq8zTPP2fB2UN0uqfxaoCcwEZ8WJK-whTVqI-jCguqapUBZgk4PJV4DIgDLh99p_bUi6SCEEiprk3JG4RZ8PptN1o58/s640/blogger-image--1291876467.jpg"></a></div> </div>The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-32814989374935623012013-02-09T07:05:00.001-08:002013-02-09T07:57:23.246-08:00The Birth of Emiliana Lucia Joy (Sit on the sofa with a hot drink... It's long!)<br />
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After Joel's birth, we were apprehensive about the delivery of Emiliana. I had hemorrhaged hard and fast, losing 2200cc, then later another 800cc (at least). My blood pressure had been dangerously low, I had several blood transfusions.<br />
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After his birth I was very anaemic, I began to have nightmares ... post traumatic stress turned into depression which shook our world for long time as we battled it through prayer and natural treatments, determined to avoid harsh drugs.<br />
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We prayed for Emiliana's birth more fervently and diligently than we had any of our other children.<br />
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We planned a hospital birth where my labor would be started via breaking my water. You see, I delivered Joel very fast, as in, he would have been a car baby and we'd have had no medical assistance for my bleeding kinda fast. So we didn't want to risk me going into labor on my own and not making it to the hospital then hemorrhaging again. I also want to share, that I had hemorrhaged with a miscarriage and with Rachel too, so after 3 times, we expected it was going to happen the 4th time.<br />
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I had a lot of fears about unneccessary interventions. I want to birth naturally and drug free. We knew pitocin would prevent that most likely. I felt somewhat confident that breaking my water would work based on my previous fast births and having a good bishops score previously, but also, knew that should I need pitocin, the midwives were willing to turn it off as soon as labor established. Ultimately, if I just needed pitocin... it was a neccesary evil.<br />
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We prayed for a healing birth. I also prayed, that for the first time I have that elation, that adrenaline RUSH that ladies tell you about after birth, something that due to bleeding and with Esther, being very doped up, I had never experienced.<br />
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I faced a lot of criticism for people in the natural birth community. They would tell me all the risks, tell would tell me " have you tried this? or this?" ... YES... I tried everything before Joel's birth after losing 3 x's the normal amount with Rachel, but it just didn't work. I began to feel weary that people were so determined to push the homebirth or not having my labor augmented. We tell women to research, to plan, to listen to their bodies, but sometimes we think that the only result of that can be a home birth.<br />
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I'm the kind of person that researchs everything, over thinks the tiny details ... so it was a decision made out of over 2 years of research, meetings and conversations with natural birth professionals and highrisk OB's.<br />
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So we planned to break my water and then hope, and pray, that labor kicked in.<br />
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My water was broke at about 8:30am after arriving at 7am. Baby was -2, 3cm dilated and 60-70% effaced on arrival.<br />
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At first nothing happened. I sat on the birth ball. I walked. I swayed. I tried manual nipple stimulation. I could feel Emiliana moving down.<br />
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I was so very nervous and anxious.<br />
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I noticed painful contractions when I stood, but not on the birth ball, I wasn't sure if being on the birth ball was just acting as pain relief or stopping the contractions.<br />
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Soon I realised that I was only contracting when I was standing up. I started to feel dizzy, clammy and sick and started to feel the darkness coming around my eyes, I was about to pass out.<br />
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My blood pressure was quite low.<br />
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I found every time I stood up, contractions started regular and strong, but I started to feel like I was going to faint, but when I laid down, my blood pressure seemed to improve but contractions stopped.<br />
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There was an emergency in the next room, so I couldn't get a hold of anyone to explain to me what was going on and why, and what was the best way to deal with it.<br />
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My midwife eventually came in, and suggested I try using a breast pump while sat in bed, to see if that helped. I was skeptical but decided to try. At had my friend Traci & photographer Danielle with me, but I felt strange about sitting there with a double pump on, so I asked them to step out for a little while. Little did I know, I wouldn't see them for a while!<br />
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By this point I was about 4cm, and baby was -1, cervix still posterior. It was about 2:30pm.<br />
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Within 5 minutes of pumping, I was hit by an overwhelmingly strong contraction, that just wouldn't stop. It went on for close to 3 minutes, and I barely had 20 seconds reprieve when another hit. I knew the pumping had given my body that push and this was labor.<br />
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For close to half an hour, I was having this horrendous contractions, I couldn't get up off my side because the contractions were so long and hard, but I knew I needed to move to cope with them.<br />
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I felt my control slipping aware, I was very scared, and due to the emergency, no one was answering the calls. I knew I couldn't handle this. I was crying and panicking, and struggling to gain control.<br />
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I told Josh I wanted an epidural. He reminded me that I could do it. You've done it twice before, you can do it again. But I insisted. I needed an epidural. I told him I didn't care about natural birth anymore.<br />
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The nurse came in, I was only 5cm, and I was having contractions that FELT to me, like I was in transition.<br />
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This was very discouraging to me! I wish I had stuck with my birth plan, which was to not be checked.<br />
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Knowing the epidural was on it's way gave me hope. I gained the will to get the birthball on the bed, and lean over it. I sure wished I had someone to do counter pressure on my hips, I thought they were going to explode!<br />
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I managed to gain a rhythm, and sound out deeply. I was finally in control. I could feel pressure with each contraction and knew that I was about to have a baby anytime.<br />
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The epidural seemed to be taking it's time getting here. I later learned, that the nurse and Josh had conspired against me, deciding that I would regret it, so they were taking their time intentionally. THANK YOU JOSH FOR KNOWING ME!!!! He had intentionally taken her aside for this conversation and she was quick to get on board with him.<br />
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I kept thinking " I need to tell Josh to tell Traci & Danielle to come in!" but then a contraction would hit and I couldn;t manage to talk!!<br />
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It was 3:58, the midwife came to check me, and she was sure, from my sounds and intensity of labor, that I was about to have the baby. I was too. She checked me, and again, I made the mistake of asking, because I thought, that she would say '9 or 10cm'. But no, I was just 6cm, and felt discouraged.<br />
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I just felt like I needed to push though. So as they were checking my vitals, I just decided to go ahead and push.<br />
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Apparently, it went something like this..<br />
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"Maybe we should check her again? She really sounds like she is about to have this baby"<br />
" Wait, is she pushing already?"<br />
"Is that the head?????"<br />
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I remember with Joel, knowing I needed to push, but the pushing hurt, but with Emiliana (and it soon made sense), the pushing really was not very painful or hard, that ring of fire really wasn;t bad at all!<br />
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She flew out... at 4:05pm. From 6cm & -2, to total deliver in 7 MINUTES.<br />
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As they lifted her up to me, I noticed how tiny she was! Esther was 7lbs 11, Rachel 7lbs 15 and Joel 8lbs 5oz ... so imagine our surprise at this tiny 5lbs 13oz beauty.<br />
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I couldn't stop saying 'oh my gosh! oh my gosh! oh my gosh!" over and over. I felt amazing. Filled with adrenaline and love. Every part of me filled with so much joy.<br />
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I held her and they left her cord to stop pulsing, at which point Josh cut the cord. My prayed had been answered, I was awake, alert and filled with joy.<br />
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I was immediately treated with cytotec pretty much the moment she delivered. This is a drug that is used in the stopping and preventing of post partum hemorrhage.<br />
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Emiliana latched on immediately, and then proceed to nurse for a solid 30 minutes without stopping right after her birth.<br />
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Once I had her, the staff were mindful of my birthplan (as they were the whole labor! they knew it, and stuck to it, no questions or reminders needed! AMAZING people!), I was able to keep her. They never tried to take her, do anything to her, any newborn exams. I think we finally weight, measured and checked her over 4 hours after she was born.<br />
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Being in a small country hospital, the sweet nurse and midwife, I think had the same adrenaline rush and were all emotional too, since they don't often have the chance to experience natural birth, with all its rollercoaster emotions and surprises. I think sometimes in hospitals, the staff become so used to birth, but it meant a lot that they were genuinely grinning and excited as we were. The whole room was on a birth high! <br />
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I was so thankful, that from the moment she was born, for four hours, she was snuggled close to me, nursing, feeling loved and treasured. I was so glad that she never had to be away from me, after making the difficult transition from womb to 'earth side'. All familar sounds, smells and touch.<br />
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Pretty soon afterwards, I was able to Skype with my mummy, Mark, Grandma, Grandad, my brother Sam and Emily. Emiliana was busy nursing, so only mum and grandma got to see her. I didn't want to flash everyone. hehe!<br />
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After a little while, the nurse came in and I was bleeding more than they liked, so I was started on methergine. Knowing that, even with preventative treatment, I still hemorrhaged, even though it was significantly less than in the past, along with how fast labor went once it kicked in, (once again!), made me realize how we had made the right choice.<br />
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Having the labor managed meant I was able to have a very calm after-delivery experience, nurse my baby and enjoy her. While in the past, I was bleeding so much, that I was unable to nurse well immediately, and ended up having to pass the baby off, while I fought to stay conscious, and felt helpless to take care of my new baby.<br />
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Soon after Emi's birth, I started to have leg pain, which the next day we discovered was a blood clot in my leg. So we faced having to treat hemorrhaging and a clot at the same time. It seems I am some what of a medical conundrum at this point!<br />
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We still have no idea why I keep bleeding after birth. Preliminary blood tests showed no disorders, and with Joel and Emi, I have not had that signature boggy uterus, we have been baffled as every check revealed a rock solid post - delivery uterus. We also don't know if the clot was purely because of pregnancy/birth or if it is related to something deeper going on.<br />
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I ended up being in hospital 6 days. While I missed Josh, Esther, Rachel and Joel, I really enjoyed being able to rest, sleep when I wanted, no worries of cleaning house or cooking, and getting to bond with Emiliana.<br />
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With her being baby 4, I believe it was a real blessing that I was able to focus that time on my tiny baby . I also spent a lot of time in prayer and focus on God, praying over my vocation as a mother, my hormones, praying for God's grace to help me be a calm and graceful mother. It was a special time in many ways... a chance to retreat and grow closer to my sweet Jesus.<br />
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Emiliana Lucia Joy was born December 13th 2012 at 4:05pm, weighing 5lbs 13oz and 18inches long.<br />
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Emiliana ... "Eminiate"<br />
Lucia... "Light"<br />
Joy (self explanatory!) ....<br />
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"To eminate light and joy"<br />
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Born on St Lucy's day.<br />
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When 2012 began, we prayed it would be a year of more joy in our homes. Here she is, we have 'more joy' in our house forevermore.<br />
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We prayed for a healing birth, a birth that ended positively, with no emergencies. That I could hold my little Joy immediately, and never let her go. That I could be strong enough to hold her and from the moment she was born, give her exactly what she needed. Our prayers were heard. Praise the Lord!<br />
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Here are my previous birth stories for those interested...<br />
http://thephilosophersbride.blogspot.com/2010/12/birth-of-joel-athanasius.html<br />
http://rosiebrown.blogspot.com/2008/09/birth-of-rachel-elizabeth.html<br />
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<br />The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-1357002508043537852013-01-06T22:16:00.002-08:002013-01-06T22:16:23.169-08:00Project Life 365I have never been the mom that remembers to run and record a first word, the date a tooth fell out. I don't have the patience for scrapbooking.<br />
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However, I love to take pictures. I also like to think a lot. My thoughts get lost and forgotten in the everyday.<br />
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So this year, I decided to participate in Project Life 365. A photo a day for a year. That's not a hard challenge for me to actually take a photo. What I am attempting to do though, is share the thoughts that go along with that photo and that day.<br />
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A diary so to speak ... I hope it's something I can print & bind for memories sake, so that my children can reflect on it when they were older, and perhaps get to know their mommy a little more.<br />
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You can follow the journey here ...<br />
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<a href="http://www.thephilosopherbride365.blogspot.com/">www.thephilosopherbride365.blogspot.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://projectlife365.com/blog/">http://projectlife365.com</a>The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-26945773621662042562013-01-04T21:41:00.000-08:002013-01-04T21:41:14.506-08:00Finding the light... Since I don't currently have my photographer website up & running, which is where I normally would post this kind of thing, I decided to go ahead and post here :)<br />
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I am doing a 'P52' photo project with a group of photographers. The overall theme, is 'light'. The concept is, that you learn better, how to use and find light creatively for your photos to succeed.<br />
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Having a stomach bug and not getting out much lately between car troubles and not yet wanting to venture out solo with 4 littles (one of which is 3 weeks old!), I am restricted to my house and was honestly thinking about quitting, on the first week.<br />
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However, today as I was thinking about my p365 photo journal (www.thephilosopherbride365.blogspot.com), I was frustrated because it was 5pm, the light was going fast and my camera battery was only just charged.<br />
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I went into my dark kitchen, only lit by the light coming in through 2 small windows. One, the light was rather flat and neutral, but the other window, ever evening, the setting sun blasts through it with blinding warm light, so that I have to close the blinds.<br />
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Then it dawned on me... It's photographers GOLDEN HOUR outside, this is prime photo op time outside, why couldn't I attempt to use that golden hour sunlight, INSIDE my house.<br />
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Boy, was I challenged!<br />
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When sharing this pictures, I want to make some things clear first...<br />
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- All were taken within about the same 8 square feet, just from different heights and angles.<br />
- My camera really needs a good clean and so does my lens<br />
- They were all taken with natural light, no electric lights, no reflectors, flash etc, just light from the 2 windows.<br />
- I made some minor contrast/exposure tweaks in ACR, but these have not been photoshopped in order to give an authentic representation of the experiment. I chose not to go in and remove shadows/color casts etc because I wanted to show what the lighting really did.<br />
- This weeks specific theme is 'Breaking the rule of thirds' - which will explain some of my more unconventional framing.<br />
- No children were hurt in the carrying out of this experiment ;)<br />
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Attempt 1 - Backlight:<br />
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My first attempt, I used the sun bursting in from the window as a back light, here you can see the light in very warm, you get a very soft hazy picture, with lots of pretty highlights. However, I was having a hard time because of the strength of the light and movement restrictions, getting a good angle in which I could get her face as sharp as I like, and we are lacking much catchlight in her eyes. I think a reflector would have helped in this case, but I didn't have access to someone to hold one for me to bring the light back into her face.<br />
I will go back to trying to successfully get a good backlit image in this lighting, plus she isn't making the best face.<br />
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Attempt 2 - Side lit :<br />
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I decided to try and place around with the contrasting light coming through the slats from the side. I have seen some neat pictures done this way... I don't honestly think I 'got' it. Although I think that perhaps a black & white conversion and some tweaking in photoshop, some cloning out of my plug and camera charger back there could actually make this a decent picture.<br />
Here you can see how parts of her face are really blown out and yellow from the bright golden light, and there are some harsh shadows on the left of her face.<br />
I really want to attempt to do something cool & creative with these slats .... so I think more on this.<br />
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Attempt 3: Using light from both windows at an angle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVjJKucvZeWkbC2xaJ93X_0jsA_A4I3byoJinQk18DA8hHCwmmMLRXMwu-Ifdl_Rxbr3t7fuB0i2lXL2DMkIORDpExJN0oCijy6gIJ0EUMi3MpQWa1WmDCNmKfvkmV8Vfwn7SGWW_3W8/s1600/frontandbackWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVjJKucvZeWkbC2xaJ93X_0jsA_A4I3byoJinQk18DA8hHCwmmMLRXMwu-Ifdl_Rxbr3t7fuB0i2lXL2DMkIORDpExJN0oCijy6gIJ0EUMi3MpQWa1WmDCNmKfvkmV8Vfwn7SGWW_3W8/s320/frontandbackWEB.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Ok ... kinda bleh. The lighting is boring, I have this huge WHITE distracting segment in the back because of the window, subject is too soft, but there is non of that golden flaring light that makes it acceptable. It's not an BAD lighting situation, it's just not terribly exciting and I am not sure what to do to make it more creative.<br />
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Attempt 4: Using my kitchen as the 'open shade'<br />
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Here I had her sit down and pushed the chair further back, this removed the harsh light from being right on her, and I think created almost an open shade effect. The light is very evenly distributed on the subject, nice catch lights in the eyes, nice and crisp, lots of color.<br />
This is the SAFEST use of the light, it's really the best portrait lighting and it took me quite a while to figure out how to find a good place to get this in my dark kitchen.<br />
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CONCLUSION:<br />
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Despite what I thought, I really don't know as much about light as I thought. I know how to use SAFE light. I know how to use light in basic, easy situations, but I do not know how to use light difficult lighting situations to my advantage, how to use them creatively & how to overcome the problems they present.<br />
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I am going to keep going back to my kitchen, at sunrise, and sunset (you see the light comes through the other window in the morning!), until I can master using the light creatively!<br />
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I am feeling very challenge and excited to see how this journey improves me as a photographer and creatively.<br />
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This is exactly what I needed for 2013. I had decided already to step away from professionally offering photography for this year already, for personal reasons and was looking for an opportunity, to use the time off, to challenge myself technically and creatively.<br />
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Excited to see what 2013 brings!<br />
<br />The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-55979955991946412782013-01-01T13:10:00.000-08:002013-01-01T13:43:43.764-08:00New Year Resolutions...I thought so much about 2013, about THIS blog. I had eloquent words, wisdom, high hopes. Then this morning I woke up feeling quite wretched. After months of exhausting, morning aches of pregnancy, my 2 year old waking up at 5am, I had developed the habit of immediately putting on Thomas the tank engine, then drifting off on the sofa to sleep.<br />
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My first resolution was LESS TV. We used to be a no TV home, but the last 9 months, eradicated my resolution, and the habits slowly formed. 2013, we would have a basket of pre approved DVDs, that the children would only be allowed to watch one per day, during the time I was preparing dinner.<br />
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Yet, as I woke up with this hard hitting stomach bug, I caved into Thomas, since I knew I needed the cheerful engines help during the sprints to that porcelain throne.<br />
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It was 6 hours into 2013 and I had already failed.<br />
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My children all awoke. We gathered on the sofa with blankets and PJ's, and I clutched my bottle of water, nursed tiny almost 3 week old, snuggled little boy, and watched girls in PJ's & tiara's enjoy Cinderella.<br />
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It was then I realized, that I hardly even just sit like this with the kids. If they are watching a movie... I am working, editing, cleaning ... and then it became clear, I had not completely failed, since my other resolutions were falling nicely into place....<br />
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Time to sit quietly with the children...<br />
More time to soak up and observe the simple things in life...<br />
Observing my children's personalities through varying reactions to Lucifee, Gus Gus, the sisters...<br />
Watching their faces, hearing their thoughts...<br />
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PEACE.<br />
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2012 my resolution was to have more joy... more joy that comes from Christ. 2013 ... my prayer is that I will have more peace ... in my heart & in my home.<br />
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I think that all the resolutions that are filling my heart ... have one over arching theme... the desire for peace.<br />
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The type of peace, that allows you to see more clearly and enjoy simplicity and silence.<br />
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The kind of peace that adds a steady pace and routine to each day.<br />
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Peace that brings organization, that helps life fall into place, because you have found a rhythm.<br />
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Peace that pauses the action and opens eyes to the beautiful.<br />
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A peacefulness that opens your eyes to praise and thanks.<br />
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A peace that shows you how much you have to be thankful for and to soak up every second before it slips away...<br />
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The peace that lets anger, frustration, raised voices ... become quiet...<br />
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A peace that slows down your negative emotions and gives you self control over them,<br />
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A peace that shows you Christ in all things.<br />
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A peace that teaches you how to be like Christ in all circumstances...<br />
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My resolutions aren't rules I can fail at... my resolution, is a prayer... for a peaceful spirit, that when 2014 begins, I can look back at 2013, and see all the ways, that a journey to greater peace in my heart and my home, has permeated all the tiny details.<br />
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The same way, I can see how 2012's prayer for JOY permeates every single aspect of our daily life, and our family identity.<br />
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And I pray, that there will be lots less, maybe NO tv... because I think my need for it, comes from lack of peace... because... I don't have the peace to believe, that in Christ, I have the strength and ability to handle the hard days without it.<br />
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I came to NEED it, as a coping mechanism... to bring peace... when I believed... that I couldn't handle my day without those times of cartoon induced rest... and when I rely on a show, rather than Christ to get me through... I miss out on ways He can sanctify me and also, opportunities to read, play, talk or create with my little ones... before they are grown, and its too late... and I look back and regret...<br />
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Now ... for some FUN goals for the year ...<br />
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Paint my nails every now and then in fun colors. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Write out 1000 Gifts</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Take a photo a day</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Read a book, one at a time, from cover to cover, instead of having several on the go all at once, that never get finished. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Always fold my laundry right out of the dryer.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Dye my hair a different color ... red? brunette? </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Write more poetry</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Fill out the children's baby books. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Go to the outer banks and sleep on the beach! </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Find a favorite Thai and a favorite Indian restaurant in the Raleigh Area</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Run the HER.org 5K with Holly Barton in Washington DC</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Mix colors and patterns creatively when I dress</span></li>
</ul>
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The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-65329721469944942662012-12-31T11:35:00.000-08:002012-12-31T11:35:45.754-08:00Looking back... <b><br /></b>
<b>2010</b> was a year of searching, waiting, not really understanding what exactly the future held. Fresh out of seminary, but non of those long awaiting light bulbs saying 'THIS IS GODS PLAN" turned on. We were full of willingness, eager, ready to go wherever on the next phase of the adventure. Finally the path became clear, and it took us full into a storm... the storm that consumer <b>2011</b>...<br />
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<b>2011</b> was a year of darkness. I battled mostly in secret awful post natal depression and we were surrounded by many sources of darkness all around us, in the the form of people, tragedies, organizations... I empathized with Job ... everything was stripped and taken away, we were humiliated, naked, despised, and many questioned whether we were truly in Gods will. I know now, that we were, in every way, for our own sanctification, the pain had to come. 2011 was the year, I was like Ernest the dragon... painfully, painfully... the scales being ripped off, to reveal pink, new, tender, flesh... Yes, it was a year of darkness, but it was necessary, so that something more beautiful could emerge. Now I rejoice for this awful year...<br />
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<b>2012</b> was a year of recovery. Learning to walk again, learning to laugh, finding peace, forgiveness, letting go of pains and hurts, of understanding why, new beginnings... 2012 ... the year of healing & of being reminded, that God keeps His promises, to those who serve Him, steadfast with all their hearts, in true penance and desire to grow, serve & obey. At the start of 2012, we made a commitment and a prayer of our heart... to end the year with more JOY... and I fully see, that prayer and desire has been answered. For where joy was lacking in 2011, our home and hearts have overflowed with it in 2012.<br />
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<b>2013 ... I have some thoughts of what you hold, but what will be your story? </b><br />
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I eagerly await what you have to offer, because whatever it holds, I know that God's hand is in it, and it is for my good.<br />
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I will share tomorrow some of my hopes, intentions and prayers for the new year!<br />
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<br />The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-65129278203173051452012-08-30T12:23:00.000-07:002012-08-30T12:23:17.007-07:00Homeschool, the 2nd Year. I have had a lot of questions as the new year starts, about which curriculum I am using for the girls. Esther is going into first grade, and Rachel, even though she just turned 4 a few weeks ago, is raring to go, so she is starting K, and doing really really well, she is 100% ready for the work she is doing.<br />
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One thing I thought and prayed a lot about is that between all my housework, my business, church responsibilities etc, was how to teach two girls, without burning myself out.
Thankfully, having a more Charlotte Mason philosophy of education, this wasn't too hard to achieve.<br />
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I also, wanted something with a level of structure, in that, I had a curriculum, I wasn't putting it together 100% myself, and that it was easy to explain to Josh on the school days he is home, so he can help, especially when new baby Emi arrives.<br />
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So here is what we are using so far:<br />
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<b>PHONICS - Explode the Code</b><br />
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We like Explode the code because it moves at a pace that both challenges the girls but lets them feel a big sense of achievement. They both really enjoy the worksheet style approach with these books, and lots of the exercises have a level of playfulness that makes them laugh, such as discerning the correct sentence. Normally the wrong sentence is really silly and they like that.<br />
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<b>HANDWRITING - Handwriting Without Tears</b><br />
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This is a fantastic curriculum. There are so many fun practice activities and ideas using visual and hands on exercises to get concepts across. When magic C seemed overwhelming, I was able to introduce a magic bunny made of a napkin and a marker, to teach the letter and it quickly de-stressed the situation and made learning a breeze.
Kids use chalkboards, playdoh, wooden pieces & song to learn.<br />
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<b>MATH - Life of Fred</b><br />
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Last year we started with Saxon K, which we learned was to easy, but then Saxon 1 was too much of a jump. So then we switched to Horizon which was too much work and brought about our first math induced tears.<br />
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I had no idea what to use for 1st Grade. My 1st grader struggles with math concepts, we spent a lot of time just learning numbers the first year, she just struggled to keep them in her mind. So I needed a different approach.<br />
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Life of Fred is a totally different approach and I am really excited about it. This is our first week using it and honestly, it's so quick and easy, that I am trying to get my head around it being 'enough'. Yet, it is. It's a math text book, but written like a story book. It follows the life of Fred, a 5 year old genius who teaches Math at Kittens University.<br />
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Each lesson, you read a chapter, which encounters a problem in Fred's life, and then you solve the problem. I feel as though in 2 chapters, the girls understand addition more than they have before. It's great for multiple ages, I don't have to sit with 2 separate curriculums and try to teach them totally different things, I already do that with phonics and handwriting!<br />
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<b>HISTORY - Beautiful Feet's " Early American History" </b><br />
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I will be honest. The realisation that I had to teach AMERICAN history, was a bit of a shocker. I think we spent maybe half a term on it when I was 14. Sure, we'll learn all about British History in a few years, but for now, I have to teach my little American citizens about the country they were born in.<br />
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This has to be my favourite new curriculum this year. I love it. It's 100% Charlotte Mason. Esther and Rachel both can do it all together. We just started reading about 'Leif the Lucky'. I like that someone already made a little guide with color pages, CD's, crafts/activities, dictation etc that I can use, and I don't have to try do that right now!<br />
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<b>GEOGRAPHY - Passport Around World / Beginning Geography</b><br />
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I found this great little book which comes with a passport inside and stickers for passport stamps. It covers information on 26 countries, from A-Z! So we will do a country once a week - language, food, location, basic facts.<br />
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I also have a great little book that we are covering together about maps, land structures etc.<br />
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<b>SCIENCE - Nature Co-op/ The Nature Connection</b><br />
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We are LOVING our nature co-op through the local homeschool association! In the elementary ages, children learn the most 'Science' through playing and exploring the outside world. We are using the book ' The Nature Connection'. We read a segment each week, we also collect items we find and observe animals etc around us, and journal them. On fridays, at co-op, the kids have to do a show & tell. How awesome is it, that school is going out on a family walk, or exploring the garden?<br />
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<b>THE EXTRAS </b><br />
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Right now, the core subjects above are my weekly priority, this is what I HAVE to get done. Here are some other supplementary things we try to include each week, and so far, are achieving, but if we have a rough week, or have field trips etc, they tend to get left for that week!<br />
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<b>MUSIC/ ART</b>: We do a weekly ' tea time' in the afternoon, we listen to a different composer each week as we sip & snack, and discuss the instruments, the composer, how the piece makes us feel. We also follow this conversation with a discussion of a famous work of art.<br />
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<b>LANGUAGE:</b> We are doing ' SONG SCHOOL LATIN' or 'Monkey Latin' as the girls like to call it. They love , love this. They want to do it every day. I adore that they have started greeting me ' Salve Magistra'<br />
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<b>LOGIC:</b> We have a few work books geared towards K- First Grade from Critical Thinking. They look fantastic, so far, we haven't got around to them, but we will soon I hope!<br />
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<b>PHYSICAL EDUCATION:</b> We are going to 'PEP Club' alternate weeks, where the girls play different sports, games and drills with other children. We are also in the process of looking for some dance classes for them. Also, they are going out multiple<br />
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<b><br /></b>The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-17649328450899390492012-02-01T16:33:00.000-08:002012-02-01T16:36:16.822-08:00Important Announcement From The Browns.Please take a seat, this will be hard to understand for you, but it's time to tell the truth.... <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwlvhyIeh8lkoImNjevOKXs4XnJd60Ug_wJaSczJSfkDGJwhK1MbIHIHnhXs6iz7uy8Gq5L7kmL5qhSi4mvow' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-56541465492472636972012-01-09T11:25:00.000-08:002012-01-09T11:43:06.210-08:00Home...Wake Forest. Home. I know that this quaint hilly city with dense forests and old homes with wrap around porches is now home. The cold and rain comfort me as I rest from the long drive, truck loading and unloading. I think back to hot, dry, flat Texas. <br /><br />I don't live here yet. The places are not mine. The historic downtown, winding roads and friendly neighbors all belong to someone else. Yet. <br /><br />How long does it take a place to be home? North Carolina has been my dream so long, that I fear to fall in love for the worry that it will be taken away or not the home, the place of settling and rest that my weary heart longs for. <br /><br />I longed for the rain. The trees. The hills. Places to walk. Friends to request a cup of sugar from. Tiny wondrous shops, a world away from the harsh commercialism of the typical America consumer landscape. <br /><br />The little apartment in with pine trees outside the window, wood floors and three rooms. Isn't mine yet. Though my things are towered against walls in crumpling boxes longing for relief from their long held loads. I look at the bland cardboard with the handwriting of moves past and I am not quite sure what they contain. It's not my home yet. Will it be my home? How long will it be before I say goodbye again? <br /><br />As we unloaded, the crowd of strangers grew, toting boxes along the wooden stair case to the second floor home. I praised God for these people whose names I heartbreakingly could not keep track of. I praised Him for their love for Him and their willingness to haul loads for these strange people who had travelled from Texas. <br /><br />Christ encourages me .... <br /><br /> “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30<br /><br />I believe, this will be my resting place, and my home. For now, I will unpack the Kitchen and contract the beds. Then I will write down my 'to do' list and patiently watch and God reveals His glorious and sanctifying plan for this chapter of our lives. <br /><br />Wake Forest. You are to be home.The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-35123747111294616662012-01-01T05:39:00.000-08:002012-01-01T06:05:00.899-08:00Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012...2011, I cannot say I loved you. Yet, I know that when the dust settles, I will look back and be thankful for the hard times, that God allowed, to change me for the better. That the pain and anger of the past and the present was dealt with head on, so that I could find greater healing in the long run. Like Eustace the Dragon, you slowly tore off the scales. It was unpleasant and painful, but needed to happen, so that something more beautiful could emerge. <br /><br />2011, Was the hardest year of my adult life where I suffered post-natal depression alone with little to no support system. The long days alone with my thoughts, prayers and battles. <br /><br />2012. Though my hope is in Jesus Christ and His redeeming love, I do have a hope for you. That it will be a year that I learn to know the joy and peace of Jesus that transcends all understanding, in all circumstances. <br /><br /><br />"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12: 1-3<br /><br />Here are two songs that I best relate to 2011...<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5VI0pkRBPZw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MGdIA44UwN8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />HERE are several songs that I dedicate to 2012<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/q9yrlYk-Bao" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Oub33rqDVIk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />I am sure there will be more :-) <br /><br />Happy New Year!The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-68770765474128982042011-12-27T07:08:00.000-08:002012-01-01T05:39:40.040-08:00We're headed to SEBTS Wake ForestLadies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, <br /> <br />We are heading to Wake Forest for Josh to attend Southwestern Theological Seminary. The goal: A Masters in Philosophy and possibly, continuing to complete the Masters of Divinity program in preparation for ministry. I write this note, as requested by many lovely dear friends, to alert you of how you can pray for us: <br /> <br />Pray that we have suitable housing assigned that also allows us to begin the 2 day drive on January 7th as we hoped. Orientation in on the 19th and we would like to have time for unpacking, settling and job hunting before school starts.<br /><br />Pray for safety on the road. The longest I have ever driven personally, as a driver, was to Houston which is 276 miles. I believe this trip covers over 1200 miles and 7 states: Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Josh will drive the truck, I will follow with the three little ones in the car. I am nervous, but excited about getting to see so many new places on the drive.<br /><br /> Pray for Josh to be able to find a suitable job when we arrive. The school is fantastic about helping students find work and we have had lots of encouragment from friends. You can also pray for our projects and that the Lord will use them to fund us financially. I am launching my photography business, Josh is working on music and art. If you have prayed and feel like you would like to help out our journey, you can use this link http://www.gofundme.com/br8ns<br /><br />Pray for adjustment for our children, that they can settle into the new surroundings and enjoy it. We've had a lot of change and we are hoping this is a stable home for several years. We have no intention to move again anytime soon! <br /><br /> Pray for God to lead us to a good church home, where we can be a part of a family of believers.<br /><br /> Pray for our preperations these next few weeks, that we would accomplish what is needed, that all the pieces of the puzzle would fall into place such!<br /><br />Pray for our hearts and minds, that we continue, at all times to seek the Lord and keep our eyes on Jesus! <br /><br />Also pray for Josh as he works to get The Christian Watershed Non-Profit in action. It's an issue so close to our hearts! The purpose of it is to raise awareness, increase involvement in issues of social justice, especially directly ministering to victims human trafficking. After working with victims of human trafficking, Josh and I have prayed and feel strongly that this is an area of ministry in which we are called. <br /> <br />Thank you so much for you prayers, we are so thankful for them. Please know that we pray for you and ask that you freely contact us to ask us to pray for you and your family.The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-62635984393794959442011-12-22T07:32:00.000-08:002011-12-22T07:32:53.523-08:00Who you are.We enter a time of year in which our lives can simultaneously be filled with the most wonderful of joy and the deepest of pain and sorrow. At Christmas, the problems we face, our personal challenges and the hurt that has been done towards us is somehow more magnified... a missing family member, a broken relationship, lack of money to participate in the commercial aspects of the season. <br /><br />It is a season is which I believe, more of us ASK, Who am I? What is my life worth? Am I truly loved? Am I making the most of my life? Who is this Jesus, and does He truly have any relevance to my life in the here and now. <br /><br />The answer is a resounding YES. Did you know, that you are precious to God? Do you know that you are made in His image and that HE, the God of the universe, HANDMADE and DESIGNED YOU. Yes YOU. He cares so much about every detail of your life. He cares if you are hurting, He cares if you are tired and weary. <br /><br />It doesn't matter to Him, what you have done or where you have been. You are the apple of His eye, and as a mother welcomes home her wayward son, or a father embraces his daughter despite her mistakes, your heavenly Father's arms are open to you. He is waiting for YOU, to run into His arms. <br /><br />Perhaps you, you have had some terrible wrongs done to you in life. Perhaps someone has done something to you or you have experienced something, so awful, that it influences you everyday and you cannot escape it. Do you know if breaks God's heart? Do you know that He wants to comfort you, to bring you healing? <br /><br />GOD came to this earth as a mortal, tiny, child, because He loves you so much, that HE was willing to die for you. What other God, is there, that would be willing to be put through humiliation, beatings, mockery and a painful death, so that he could pay the debt of your failures and sin. So that, when you put your trust in HIM and make Him LORD in your life , you are are REMADE. You are NEW. Everything in the past is washed away. You are WHITE and PURE as snow. <br /><br />That is not all. Not only are you remade, YOU are now the child of a KING. You are the son, or the daughter, of the greatest, most just, good, , king there ever was and ever will be. Nothing can change His love for you. This Christmas, accept the ultimate gift, the gift of LOVE. You are can apart of the family of God, and have a father that will never abandon or forsake you, that will always have your corner and fight for you. <br /><br />You may wonder about me, about my faith, and this song below echo's the very thoughts and conflicts I have had... if you are lonely, empty, in pain, searching this Christmas... perhaps it will touch your heart... <br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IwtcwQwgdsA?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-36857609804138143742011-11-27T13:01:00.000-08:002011-11-27T13:16:35.513-08:00The 1st Week of AdventWe have entered the 1st week of advent. Until a few years ago, the only thing I knew about advent was that as children, we always had advent calenders, with a door for each day, which hid a yummy chocolate! <br /><br />As I sought and prayed over, ways to bring the focus to Christ more, in our family, during the Christmas season, I was introduced to Advent, as since our Decembers have been enriched, as our hearts and minds dwell on our Emmanuel, Christ among us. <br /><br />Advent means 'coming', and in this season we prepare for the coming of our King. Jesus. <br /><br />How sweet is the time spent together, with Daddy reading scripture, children listening in wonder, and then, lighting a candle. THIS is what I desire my children to remember, with presents, christmas trees and parties fading into the background,... and Christ, beautiful Lord, coming a new into our lives, more vivid and real, with each new advent! <br /><br />If you like to begin recognizing advent in your home, here is a good resource for protestants! http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=32879&columnid=3881<br /><br />I have not read the whole website, just this page, so I can't vouch for everything else on the website :-) <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA27uvuM0BXNDdbW4zLAMD6rlAEkaF5g2FF6PTiN-m3nRrJDXwbwYU2jBhYhlS5pggguXXvllleyafpMSQLsF9Hi7kMz2E84k7G6e3pskqjE77UKSFKT3Vg78kl3QbIC5eizHxGb5yU4w/s1600/DSC_0714.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA27uvuM0BXNDdbW4zLAMD6rlAEkaF5g2FF6PTiN-m3nRrJDXwbwYU2jBhYhlS5pggguXXvllleyafpMSQLsF9Hi7kMz2E84k7G6e3pskqjE77UKSFKT3Vg78kl3QbIC5eizHxGb5yU4w/s200/DSC_0714.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679786757356982402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7LjRXoJD6iH0tardUtyy6G9B6kJ1apWwE95gZhf_FEl9ROf8ozYdmEF_Ez5MbqLPVgP_Lyg7m6t7IgecaJ48pdyt8lXqTFUw0sfSRan6VrGFyNbA_EegqNqqYh5hOE1FaFqUGrkzErM/s1600/DSC_0713.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7LjRXoJD6iH0tardUtyy6G9B6kJ1apWwE95gZhf_FEl9ROf8ozYdmEF_Ez5MbqLPVgP_Lyg7m6t7IgecaJ48pdyt8lXqTFUw0sfSRan6VrGFyNbA_EegqNqqYh5hOE1FaFqUGrkzErM/s200/DSC_0713.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679786751627107074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfdePKkYaauBirsXdKZHCCB3PFYoXgsua-G68XuGuHHRhkMSEC17b2bilSJBz60NbvsrceYzEwbXAJkc89eF_8771C5RE7Vj0FvUEU56zxZB1BVqvr-YdN3jOsDKtAdtyVBtxtbN6UlA/s1600/DSC_0715.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfdePKkYaauBirsXdKZHCCB3PFYoXgsua-G68XuGuHHRhkMSEC17b2bilSJBz60NbvsrceYzEwbXAJkc89eF_8771C5RE7Vj0FvUEU56zxZB1BVqvr-YdN3jOsDKtAdtyVBtxtbN6UlA/s200/DSC_0715.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679786763129771266" /></a>The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-33323675321048844972011-11-27T12:44:00.001-08:002011-11-27T13:01:43.028-08:0030 Days of Thanks - Epic Blog Fail!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfloOTpk1dhgtrsZRJoByTHv9_qzlRqYvbPI9jalMcYBM1i6cI80Kd1shKPHV7y05l4_BajdJ8UejRy7IF1QIhtFv6ASidLsdw2G4tY1qSIJ1KkfiRjUZJ3ZNIJRUvKIIJz5wd5Q811E/s1600/Photo415.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfloOTpk1dhgtrsZRJoByTHv9_qzlRqYvbPI9jalMcYBM1i6cI80Kd1shKPHV7y05l4_BajdJ8UejRy7IF1QIhtFv6ASidLsdw2G4tY1qSIJ1KkfiRjUZJ3ZNIJRUvKIIJz5wd5Q811E/s320/Photo415.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679783188788529538" /></a><br />Well. I made it 15 days of blogging. Thankfully, my heart didn't stop giving thanks just because I didn't blog! So, I will close this chapter, now we have entered the season of Advent, and leave you with a few thanks that stand out! <br /><br />I am thankful for.... <br /><br />Friends that pray for me and my family, <br />Sweet girls who are loving, affectionate and compassionate,<br />A wonderful husband desires to love me as Christ loves His bride - the Church, <br />A delightful little boy, who reminds me, as I look at him, of how amazing it is that Christ became flesh, a little baby boy, so small and vulnerable.<br /><br />We had a lovely thanksgiving week. We spent our time reading Thanksgiving books, especially 'A Cranberry Thanksgiving'. We made Cranberry bread together, learned a new hymn together, learned about New England, Cranberrys are much more!The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-41142998300994388102011-11-15T04:59:00.000-08:002011-11-15T05:09:33.141-08:0030 Days of Thanks - Days 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15!11 - Today we had a wonderful time with friends at Joel's 1st Birthday party, I teared up, because I am so blessed to have such beautiful, marvelous friends!<br /><br />12 - I am thankful for family that love and adore my children, and invest time in them. It's easy to forget, that is this is often not the case in many homes. <br /><br />13 - I am thankful musical theater and the talented people who participate! We had a wonderful time the night before watching Daron and the cast as The Plaza Theater in Cleburne preform ' Crazy for You'<br /><br />14. I am thankful for people like Geoff and Renee at The Barry farm, who work hard to farm, as farming should be done and their commitment in making others aware of, and think about, what they are putting into their bodies and how they are interacting with God's creation. <br /><br />15. Today, I am thankful that I have the opportunity to home school. I love that life, the world and our home is our class room, that dinner can be a lesson and I am the one that get's to experience my children exploring new things, concepts and cultures.The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-72100589789775965012011-11-10T06:32:00.000-08:002011-11-10T06:38:10.435-08:0030 Days of Thanks - Days 7, 8, 9 and 10It appears, that I am quite ridiculously behind! So here are some authentic things I have been thankful for these days of absence:<br /><br />Day 7 - Open fields in which small children can run and explore jubilantly.<br /><br />Day 8 - Warm blankets to snuggle under with soft, sleepy children on a cold November morning.<br /><br />Day 9 - Facebook, on which I can daily feel closer to the family, friends, places and foods that I so deeply miss, in England.<br /><br />Day 10 - The wonder of children at the marvelous discoveries we take for granted. <br /><br />Life is beautiful. Oh Lord, my God, yes, it is!The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-37081834240798542822011-11-06T19:34:00.001-08:002011-11-06T19:45:43.104-08:0030 Days of Thanks - Day 6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCn6fLFbA5qkrBWoQv7DE8Wg1kVnw2gSNRb6DEXPkKbbt4vPT4oW67QsYS9ir2bSsHL7LfbkySvX4AHPeIHPLtTAPR4I21wvoEdDdzHW4CMMJf-W6G2-h9EYHfq6bciyZkxvKnYbROoXA/s1600/150032_10150322267425287_504855286_15836041_5488103_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCn6fLFbA5qkrBWoQv7DE8Wg1kVnw2gSNRb6DEXPkKbbt4vPT4oW67QsYS9ir2bSsHL7LfbkySvX4AHPeIHPLtTAPR4I21wvoEdDdzHW4CMMJf-W6G2-h9EYHfq6bciyZkxvKnYbROoXA/s320/150032_10150322267425287_504855286_15836041_5488103_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672094389242915554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2c2Kh_jXd0kWbkWG2TueTwdJ6Tkq7aPMtVXHHOXm3AGchJV9ktE12Z0SadGqrQaa4JvDcR-s9tQ0yb-z-006eyG_WOQpr16VvoynSOMpkHwqjrzqBiDBzOU0rfPAAP62fVA46yxb028/s1600/339726_10150916742905287_504855286_21576687_1244631491_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2c2Kh_jXd0kWbkWG2TueTwdJ6Tkq7aPMtVXHHOXm3AGchJV9ktE12Z0SadGqrQaa4JvDcR-s9tQ0yb-z-006eyG_WOQpr16VvoynSOMpkHwqjrzqBiDBzOU0rfPAAP62fVA46yxb028/s320/339726_10150916742905287_504855286_21576687_1244631491_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672094387782543842" /></a><br />I am so utterly, amazingly, besotted with all my children and I am so overwhelmingly thankful to God for them. Today, I take a break from my 'unconventional thanks' to tell you how thankful I am for my little boy.<br /><br />I focus on my little boy today, because he will be 1 on Friday. 11-11-11. I was browsing some photo's of his first days home and comparing them with recent photos. My heart if bursting with love and affection. <br /><br />I was amazed at how he has changed. His eyes were so dark and so was his hair, yet now he is the fairest, blondest of my three little ones. He is a sweet little chatter box. He has discovered 'no' this week and is overusing it, it's pretty adorable the way he is experimenting with it. He also has entered the pointing and saying 'whatsdat?' stage which is wonderful! <br /><br />He is the sweetest, gentlest soul with eyes that light up with the beauty of his lovely soul. His sister adore him and lavish affection on him. Two mini mummys! <br /><br />Today, I am thankful, that God blessed me with this sweet, gorgeous little chappy who melts my heart every hour of the day. He has brought so much joy to me this year. Who can lack joy, with a scrumptious baby cooing and cuddling you?The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-6878932768884985472011-11-06T07:14:00.000-08:002011-11-06T07:42:13.234-08:0030 Days of Thanks - Day 5Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful! If you've no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! <br /><br />Well. Maybe it's not snowing, but we are pretty consistently hanging out below 75 and have even made it down to the 40's. It's SWEATER weather people! The triple digit weather days are long gone for a few short months! <br /><br />It's been quite a summer. Droughts, wild fire, plagues of mosquitoes, unrelenting heat. <br /><br />I used to enjoyably mock Texan's whom piled on layers of fleece, wool and thermal the moment it dropped below 80 degrees. On a day in which Blackpool beach would be swarming with eager, pasty skinned Brits, the Texan's are raiding the closets for last Christmas's sweater and stalking the Target aisles for boots and winter hats. <br /><br />I do however, sincerely and truly repent of this harsh judgement. For now, I am one of these sweater wearing people. <br /><br />How eagerly I wake up in the morning, knowing that even though I might be a tad toasty, that I can actually wear a really cute scarf and sweater, put on some cute barely worn socks that have been worn maybe 4 times in as many years, and look forward to pumpkin pie and hot chocolate.<br /><br />I have all these really cute sweaters and long sleeved tops that are dying to be worn. I refuse to miss my moment of opportunity. <br /><br />It's because it's so hot ALL the time, that the moment we get a glimpse, of cool weather, we all suddenly go ' It's FALL! It's WINTER! It's time for CHRISTMAS'.<br /><br />If you are British and reading this, please know that we have had 90 degree Christmas days here. Do you know how un-Christmassy that feels? You have a house full of snowmen and fake snow on the window, and it's hot enough to have a BBQ outside.<br /><br />Indeed, I am even guilty of wearing sweaters when it is in the triple digits, because when you go into a store, they have the AC blasting so cold, that you'll catch your death of cold if you go in wearing shorts and a t-shirt. <br /><br />Ok, ok.... so what I am thankful for? <br /><br />I am thankful for cold days in Texas. I am thankful that we've already had days in the 50's and that I have a small window of time, to feel, British again, and feel justified in making hotpot or oatmeal to warm up. <br /><br />When you are in England, you dream of stepping outside and feeling warmth, not having to wear a coat. When you are in Texas, you dream of cozy cold days. <br /><br />You know what else I am thankful for about this colder weather? Is that it has turned my thoughts, prayers and activities more towards Christmas preparation earlier than ever before. <br /><br />I don't mean Christmas shopping, but preparing for advent. Planning times of family worship, gathering materials for our Jesse tree, reserving books at the library about St Nicholas and the Nativity.<br /><br />I am preparing a Christmas curriculum, planning crafts, preparing activities to show Christ's love in our community. <br /><br />I am thankful for cold weather, for turning my heart move towards Christ.The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-39590586834374846432011-11-04T05:43:00.000-07:002011-11-04T07:30:27.034-07:0030 Days of Thanks - Day 4There is nothing like holding a pile of deliciously intriguing books in your arms with the anticipation of taking them home to devour with a warm drink, in a cozy chair by lamp light.<br /><br />There is something akin to the delight of waking up on their birthday, for a child to gather books like flowers and tote them home to be explored on mommy's lap.<br /><br />I love book stores, so much, that Josh and I often take book store dates! We will go get a coffee at the Starbucks in Barnes and Noble and roam the aisles oohing and aahing, talking about our discoveries and browsing sat cross legs among the towers. <br /><br />Today, I am thankful for libraries. <br /><br />Oh wonderful libraries, it almost seems as though your knowledge expanded purely at being in the presence of such tremendous works of literature and volumes of non-fiction wisdom. <br /><br />Our library actually lets you take home up to 50 books. We all become children in a candy store in which you can fill your bag with whatever catches your fancy for no additional cost. <br /><br />I so much enjoy my child sitting surrounded by books, asking ' mommy! can we take this one home???' and then excitedly begging ' can we read our books now?' the moment we shed our coats and shoes.<br /><br />Yes. I am thankful for public libraries and how they enrich our lives, and for the moments that come about after a visit... a journey of joy, daring, delight and adventure snuggled on the sofa, children wiggling and piled up and we turn page, after page, after page, and then, take those precious books back, to then, borrow more.The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-48010460358856759952011-11-03T12:36:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:00:25.917-07:0030 Days of Thanks - Day 3It may be November 3rd, but if you were out last night, near my car, you may have thought it was still Halloween if you happened to have pulled up next to me next to a stoplight! <br /><br />What does this have to do with being thankful you may be asking yourself, quite understandably I might add. <br /><br />Well, today I am thankful for 'driving alone at night'. <br /><br />Yes, perhaps this is the most unconventional of unconventional 'thanks' thus far. <br /><br />Why, you might be thinking, are you thankful for driving alone at night? <br /><br />Ever since I was little I have loved being in the car when it's dark, it's relaxing and exhilarating all at once. Especially as an adult. <br /><br />The past month, every car ride is accompanied by a perpetual performance of Veggietales stories. The same three. 'Lyle the Friendly Viking' 'Larry Boy and the Fib from outer space' and 'King George and the Rubber Ducky'. <br /><br />I know the whole audio script perhaps. I do by no means begrudge it, I adore, most sincerely listening to my girls sing along to the songs and play out the parts of Junior asparagus or the giant fib. It's a true delight.<br /><br />When I am alone, driving at night, I get to choose what music I play and I get to have it as loud as I want.<br /><br />SO as you sat at a red light last night, feeling bass vibrating your poor car and ears, throw out your stereotype of the teenage boy in dad's car and instead picture this: <br /><br />' A little mom of three in her empty mini van, playing air guitar and drums to the new Switchfoot album and having a blast'<br /><br />Oh yes. It was fantastic my friends. <br /><br />And today, I enjoyed a glorious morning driving around Fort Worth listening to veggietales with my darlings, and enjoying it just as much too.<br /><br />PS. Here is a little sample so you can have a mini experience! <br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5_5oE0ijhKg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rNPId2u3sW8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CkBxopffIBw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-88795039961009890282011-11-02T07:20:00.000-07:002011-11-02T08:19:59.978-07:0030 Days of Thanks - Day 2Today I am thankful for tea. Yes, you read right. Simple, unassuming, quite scrumptious hot, black, tea with milk. No sugar, thank you! <br /><br />There is nothing that says ' I love you' in the morning like a perfectly brewed cup of tea brought spontaneously to you in bed. <br /><br />Living in Texas, I ashamedly confess that in some area's of life and culture I have succumbed to the pressure of my peers. Can y'all say 'I need a refill of iced mango tea please?' <br /><br />Yet, despite the chips and queso, cowboy boots, y'alls, fixin's and pick up trucks, I cannot escape the impact a cup of PG tips has on my soul as a result of entrenched cultural programing. <br /><br />I find coffee a little overwhelming in the morning. Coffee is like the kid that runs into your bedroom at 5 in the morning, jumping and bouncing 'WAKE UP MOMMY NOW!!'. Tea, however, has the effect of gently arousing one from a cumbersome drowsiness with subtlety and perfect manners. <br /><br />When I pull out the coffee in the morning, before the tea, it means I am seriously sleep deprived and you might as well insert an IV of caffeine. <br /><br />Ok, ok... Let's be honest though, it would only be right to be thankful also, for my husband and his ability to make the perfect cuppa that suits my picky British palette!The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-58047018319045531542011-11-01T14:15:00.000-07:002011-11-02T17:42:07.339-07:0030 Days of Thanks - Day 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH4opOAhPyG1qkoxW_qqFMcf5DmttaUK4ACWS-w6KUaZ1l860cL61s8ucUVh6BsLZGpipEJH6PxCjLbem0eS0-Iq4hDTp0lBBby-gdpgQmiZu9rY9nzJy3jEOmKdb1mX87gMbKkM4KKQ/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH4opOAhPyG1qkoxW_qqFMcf5DmttaUK4ACWS-w6KUaZ1l860cL61s8ucUVh6BsLZGpipEJH6PxCjLbem0eS0-Iq4hDTp0lBBby-gdpgQmiZu9rY9nzJy3jEOmKdb1mX87gMbKkM4KKQ/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670206831914342594" /></a><br />As we enter into November and the season of Thanksgiving, I have decided to journal my thanks for each day of this month. I pray that it shall be a journey that will lead me to deeper knowledge and understanding of God's grace and thus, may my life be filled with deeper love for Christ. <br /><br />I shall begin, with perhaps, will be a daily giving of thanks - For my God, my husband, my children, my friends and my family! <br /><br />This morning, I was texting with my friend Jessica, she asked me how I was doing. I replied " I am tired, but the good tired, I am loving being busy'. <br /><br />Today, I am thankful for being busy. Let me explain. <br /><br />This last year, I have been home a lot. I have had very busy weekends, but my weeks had been somewhat long and lonely. Our schedule, combined with one car and the nature of my husbands place of work, meant that we and the kids getting out anywhere was very challenging. Even going to the grocery store was a challenge. <br /><br />Seeing friends, going to play dates, the park or another event was a once every 1-2 week thing. <br /><br />This week and last, we have been back in Fort Worth. I am thankful that I am busy. <br /><br />That I can wake up and say ' We are going to do school, then go to the park, then we are meeting this friend and then we have to the store and go home, make dinner and go to bed!"<br /><br />I am thankful that I can decide I want to visit someone and I can call them and just go! Or I can run out of milk, and just be able to drive to the store. I am thankful that I can read 'Fort Worth Child' and look at the free events going on and, just go! <br /><br />We went to Fort Worth Nature Center last week where the children met with an owl and a snake close up and personal, as well as a Fall Festival at Gateway with friends, and then we went to The Kimbell Museum, and took a tour of the exhibit of baroque paintings. <br /><br />I am so excited about the dynamic that having a car and being able to be out and about is bringing to our homeschooling routine, it's just so enriching and the children are loving the increased activity, interaction and intellectual stimulation. We just have so much to talk about and they are even more thirsty to learn than ever. <br /><br />I love being busy, going places and being around people. I did not know this about myself before this year. I thrive on being busy, I am more productive, happier and have more energy! <br /><br />Perhaps this is the strangest 'thanks' you have read today, and expect more bizarre thanks, because, I am just being honest. Before writing, I thought ' Wouldn't it be better to writing something all appropriate and mushy, about being thankful for my children etc, which I am, of course, but before even decided to do 30 days of thanks, I said to God, 'Thank you Lord, for allowing me to be busy!' So it just seemed the most authentic and honest thing to write about. <br /><br />Thank you God for the seasons of change you bring to our lives, seasons of quiet and seasons of busyness. Thank you that in both you teach us, humble us and sanctify us!The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-39975376842591596802011-09-18T22:19:00.000-07:002011-09-20T21:18:44.359-07:00A Touch of Light *Photo Challenge*I have been building up the courage to enter a contest on I heart faces for a while. So here it is. Rachel. With a *Touch of Light* in her hair and a smudge of dirt on her face, acquired from playing hard. I thought about removing the dirt, but then thought better, for it paints a much more honest tale of childhood. Rachel. Taking a rest from playing hard. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe0qR2-NSUtz5r1igYtZMrzkpR2CTELGM3WDuPCFGv58uKlVnmG_KpzuKxA0NLJ0djNWc6HVhbywR3E0QjrvB1cseF6vnjGI1lZ0kjqglCnTrdppwhxnRKcDcqCpeahHBrPwvre8Hsho/s1600/Rachelbug2A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe0qR2-NSUtz5r1igYtZMrzkpR2CTELGM3WDuPCFGv58uKlVnmG_KpzuKxA0NLJ0djNWc6HVhbywR3E0QjrvB1cseF6vnjGI1lZ0kjqglCnTrdppwhxnRKcDcqCpeahHBrPwvre8Hsho/s320/Rachelbug2A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653936913543791394" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com">Go and visit I HEART FACES for more wonderful entries, tutorials and tip!</a><br /><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ztu0LJ91ZYQDp3mYkqGuRDcPlpiieDLEyzISZ1dXF8vVbeEWXxFVUvz3EGCUTUI2mfbDiZY_XkvIyCJGwUM_ePRFQKMoGp0hfx87t4tGimhhkTKYlDLrnCW2IJTZpZ1zbdkerZb_2VQ/s1600/I-Heart-Faces-button.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ztu0LJ91ZYQDp3mYkqGuRDcPlpiieDLEyzISZ1dXF8vVbeEWXxFVUvz3EGCUTUI2mfbDiZY_XkvIyCJGwUM_ePRFQKMoGp0hfx87t4tGimhhkTKYlDLrnCW2IJTZpZ1zbdkerZb_2VQ/s320/I-Heart-Faces-button.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653937112654320738" /></a><br /></a>The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-91402933251497243262011-09-12T07:32:00.000-07:002011-09-12T20:51:46.665-07:00Pain in the offering.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkkIqMjcdlAA7Z-Wh0Ki1t3qbbjko6C_gFac4ZlJJlJXYL1JEQqsiiD1EFkRJD8LboPpbCBxnZsP8rIfbfvbwVdrTauneqdYzhUJzDlJ2QFwjj2PHeA9ohsAXm0PApSim54wHuE70t0A/s1600/thephilosophersbrideFRIENDSHIPWEB.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkkIqMjcdlAA7Z-Wh0Ki1t3qbbjko6C_gFac4ZlJJlJXYL1JEQqsiiD1EFkRJD8LboPpbCBxnZsP8rIfbfvbwVdrTauneqdYzhUJzDlJ2QFwjj2PHeA9ohsAXm0PApSim54wHuE70t0A/s320/thephilosophersbrideFRIENDSHIPWEB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651686910244411186" /></a><br />Friendship. We are under the illusion at times that friends should be people whom are easy for us to get along, our minds work the same way, we laugh at the same things, we cry over the same movies, we parent our children the same way, we enjoy the activities and generally, it comes with ease, other than the small tiffs that are quickly made up.<br /><br />I am here to tell you different though. The friendships that challenge you, are the ones that bless you more, make you a better person and change lives. <br /><br />I have amazing friends. Not everyone of them is a person I personally would have chosen to be close friends with. However, God told me to pursue a friendship with them anyway.<br /><br />We came from different walks of lives, our temperaments are at odds with each other, according to many experts and often with have little in common. <br /><br />What we do have to common is this: We are created, human beings made by a loving God, whom knows each of our names, whom knows the number of hairs on our heads, who knows our innermost beings and loves each of us, more passionately than a mother loves her child. <br /><br />This draws me to one conclusion. That every person we encounter, each made in God's image, can teach us more about God, and that every person is worth spending time with and getting to know. No matter how hard it is, how much it hurts and how confusing it can be at times.<br /><br />Being true, life - long friend requires brutal honesty, sharing our hearts, our lives and becoming vulnerable. Which inevitably means, a friend, has the tools, to bring you much pain. Someone you do not care about, who you have closed out from your heart, whom you have put walls up to stop them getting too close, cannot hurt you the way someone can who you let it.<br /><br />It also means, that when you are close to that person, you will suffer their pain also. When two minds and hearts, are tuned it, the level of empathy and compassion runs so deep. <br /><br />It takes YEARS to cultivate friendships, a lot of trials and tears.<br /><br />When you first meet a new friend, it's like the first year of marriage, in some ways. You are filled with excitement, it's warm and fuzzy, it's exciting, you delight in having a new companion to share with and to tell stories, you connect with.<br /><br />Pretty soon, one of you fails the other, and you FALL. Fall hard from the pedestals you put each other from. <br /><br />It hurts. Your dreamy, wonderful friendship is in ruins. <br /><br />I entreaty you though. Don't give up. Don't walk away. No matter how much it hurts to work through it. Because when you get through this first hurdle and all the ones to come, your friendship will become richer and more vibrant than before. <br /><br />When you embrace the things that are challenging about a person, their weaknesses, their failures as well as their talents, gifts and strengths. This is where beauty is found.<br /><br />Beauty that in how Christ loves us, we love our friends. God died for the very people who despised and crucified Him. <br /><br />Beauty in walking with someone as they battle the darkness in their lives, speaking love and truth into their lives even when they have nothing to give you in return.<br /><br />The beauty when you, feel weak and unlovable, and a friend comes and sacrifices time and tears to serve you. <br /><br />Lately I have experienced some topsy turvy friendships, where it is somewhat harder in the beginning, because the way we communicate, think and feel is at such different ends of the spectrum, that even understanding each other in the beginning is hard, and somewhat painful. You kinda wanna give up and invest yourself in a friendship that has an easier and quicker feel good factor.<br /><br />Don't give up on these relationships. Don't litmus test people and decide whether or not they are worth your time. These are the friendships that often, transcend all reason and understanding, and bring true glory to God.<br /><br />The people whom are your polar opposites are the people that challenge you to challenge yourself. <br /><br />The people whom at first it seems like you always misunderstand each other and accidentally hurt each others feelings - when as lovers of Christ - we battle through the pain - there is joy to be found. <br /><br />I entreaty you... let Jesus sanctify you through friendships. Even when they hurt. For there is pain in the offering, but the joy my friends, that is found, is worth every single tear.The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522760903106920634.post-25578478177186053202011-09-07T10:37:00.000-07:002011-09-07T11:16:59.010-07:00Homeschooling in the Brown home, for the first year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSIS-cKxP_FOPITDgDUMsyPsuzGpzEKizquB-AmladhbhEqg6HRGFozmiyM5OPRCWrSWVMx-0z27lYJG7OjApWzvW-gLkpA_EURQ1o-Nezq9_zanjoGifFz0pRdiVZKhmwx_MAlZiZ4Q/s1600/EstherTWLIGHT2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSIS-cKxP_FOPITDgDUMsyPsuzGpzEKizquB-AmladhbhEqg6HRGFozmiyM5OPRCWrSWVMx-0z27lYJG7OjApWzvW-gLkpA_EURQ1o-Nezq9_zanjoGifFz0pRdiVZKhmwx_MAlZiZ4Q/s320/EstherTWLIGHT2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649681935303997986" /></a><br />I have had so many questions about how we are adjusting to homeschooling Esther through Kindergarten and what curriculum we are using. So what better to do than blog about it!<br /><br />We've laughed, we've cried. I have succeeded wonderfully and I have wondered if it's too late to enroll in public school, but overall, it has been a blessing so far. <br /><br />It deed, it has been quite a natural transition, not especially traumatic, in that we have always nurtured a learning environment in our home and lives, and the children have adjusted well to increased pace. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">When do you find time</span>?<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> <br /><br />I am very blessed in the my husband works a slightly later shift. I do miss him very much at the dinner table and when doing bedtimes, but in the mornings he puts himself at our disposal to help make sure our home school goals are achieved.<br /><br />However, the way it plays out, due to having one car, often one of us has to go and do something, like grocery shop, go to a meeting in the morning. On days like this, I wait until Joel's nap time, which is somewhat unpredictable in time and length. <br /><br />I also try to keep things simple on days I know before hand will be like this, and just do our Five in a Row curriculum, which really requires being done 5 consecutive days. All the other curriculum is pretty flexible.<br /><br />Plus, the nature of teaching one child, one on one, means that lessons go by really quick, and even with doing all the different subjects, it's rarely more than 2 1/2 hours total throughout the day.<br /><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />How does your daughter handle learning from you?<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> <br /><br />So far, we have had no problem, as long as I am patient, and read her ques well - tiredness, frustration, overwhelmed etc and respond accordingly with compassion and empathy, and find a way to work through it with her, we have had little to no conflict. She is eager to do her lessons and is learning well. <br /><br />I know my child well, and have had 5 years of learning her strengths, weaknesses, passions and learning style and I am loving this opportunity to get to know her more. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />What curriculum are you using? <span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br />Right now we use several. At our core we use Five in a Row, which is a literature based curriculum.<br /><br />Each week your studies are focused on one book which you read at the beginning of each lesson. Each lesson from history, geography to math, science and language arts stem from this.<br /><br />Math - we are supplementing with 'Saxon Math'. So far I love this, it is 100% scripted and Esther does really well with it. It requires little to no planning on my part, other than a quick overview of the lesson before hand.<br /><br />Phonics - We are using 'Explode the Code', this is not scripted, but gives lots of suggestions, workbooks, activities. It is a perfect pace for Esther and really easy to use. <br /><br />Handwriting - We are using Handwriting without Tears. It is wonderfully genius! Esther's handwriting already impresses me after just a few lessons, it is very easy for the child to understand, and really is handwriting without tears, with lots of fun ideas, songs etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">What do you do for PE and social interaction?</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br /><br />Esther is attending soccer twice a week, also at home the girls have quite a love for learning ballet, so we have been using a book that introduces basic positions and famous ballets.<br /><br />Socially, we are heading to the Girl Scout rally this weekend for her to join a troop. In addition we are at church frequently, out and about often at parks and museums which pose the opportunity for her to play with other children.<br /><br />I had hoped to find a home school group to join, but so far I have had no luck! <br /><br /> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">SUMMARY</span>!<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br /><br />It is easy to fall into the trap of viewing homeschooling as a burden, another thing to accomplish in a long list of never ending 'things' a mum has to do. It requires discipline, routine and patience, not of which are my forte. <br /><br />On the other hand, it makes our home life so dynamic and rich, it is helping me get to know myself more, to understand my children more and gain more rapport and connection with them.<br /><br />It is teaching me to pray more and rely more and more on God's strength and provision.<br /><br />It is truly a sanctifying experience. <br /><br />I love that at the end of the day, I have something to show in my little folder where I have been storing Esther's work, that I can already, look back and review progress. <br /><br />I delight in partaking in their learning experience, seeing the wonder and excitement of their discoveries of the world around them or when they achieve something new. <br /><br />In summary, I think I can say that so more, I feel like homeschooling is giving our family a more full and vibrant life, one more in tune with each other, our world and God. <br /><br />To finish - I really could NOT achieve what we have already without God, He is my constant source of strength, patience and encouragement.The Philosopher's Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060483418535209562noreply@blogger.com0