Big Man, like most boys, is competitive - very competitive. He can turn almost any activity he participates in into a race. Want to work a puzzle? Mom has to work one too and it becomes a "puzzle race" to see who can work their puzzle first. Need to take a bath? Well, Big Man can take his bath faster than you can. Want to play Legos? Of course, it has to be a race!
Just how do you race with Legos, you may ask? Big Man gives each participant (himself and Mom) an empty base on which to place Legos. Mom is only allowed to use 2x2 pieces and he only uses 1x1 pieces (which makes it harder to win). The first one to fill their board completely with the correct size pieces wins. And since our Lego container is a huge toy box (Big Man inherited all his dad's Legos as well as receiving many lego sets of his own) this can take awhile.
Another favorite race - and Big Man just now challenged me to yet another one - is a coloring race. In this race we each sit down with a coloring page and box of crayons and the first one to finish their coloring sheet neatly wins. Now this race is a bit subjective, but Big Man NEVER rushes just to win. He colors as neatly as possible. I see this as the OCD coming out, but I'm also very glad he always does his best.
My favorite type of race is our puzzle races. In this race we each work our own puzzle. The puzzles must have the same number of pieces to make things fair. Big Man would never consider himself at a disadvantage because of his age. On the contrary, he knows that he's faster because he's younger. After all, I've told him that very thing countless times after trying to chase him down when he's running away from me. He loves our puzzle races. And at age five he can work a 100 piece puzzle in an amazingly short amount of time. Maybe there's something to this race idea after all. It's certainly more fun for him than having Mom help him. Because he never needs help when working a puzzle. When he was younger he would get furious at me for suggesting he try certain puzzle pieces in certain spots.
Well, I have to go. I've been challenged to a coloring race and I'm currently losing because I'm sitting at my computer instead of coloring my sheet.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Book Review - Everyday Greatness
Everyday Greatness by Stephen Covey is really a compilation of short stories, essays and book excerpts by various authors, organized by what Covey calls principles of Everyday Greatness. Each story and quote has at one time appeared in Reader's Digest magazine. Covey ties the stories together and offers commentary and additional insight on what makes each story an example of everyday greatness.
Although over 400 pages in length this book is easy to read. Each outlined principle is accompanied by three examples of individuals who demonstrated that principle in their lives. In reading through these stories I learned more about the background of several famous people - background of which I was previously unaware. I was also introduced to many people who have - other than among a few who keep their names alive - have passed into obscurity but who truly epitomized many of the principles of Everyday Greatness. I plan on following up on the stories of several of these people to learn more about their lives.
Additionally, at the end of chapter there are several pages of short quotes and paragraphs which instill the essence of the principle being studied. This is one of my favorite aspects of this book. Although some of the quotes are a stretch to apply to the given principle most are incredibly accurate and excellent quotes. Many are also funny, which to me was a bonus. For example, when highlighting the principle of quality, this quote by Claude McDonald was listed, " If hard work is the key to success, most people would rather pick the lock."
Also included in each chapter is a page called Reflections with several questions for the reader to ponder. I also very much enjoyed these questions since they made me pause to think about how I can better apply these principles to my life. This is an excellent resource and would also be a great jumping-off point for discussion of the book with a good friend or loved one, although they were written mainly to use for a time of introspection since they ask very pointed questions about your own values and principles.
My overall opinion of this book is very favorable. I enjoy Reader's Digest so it follows that I would enjoy a compilation of works that have previously appeared in that magazine. My main critique as a Christian reading a book published by a Christian publisher is that I would have enjoyed more discussion as to why these principles should be important to me as a Christian and Biblical references which would tie them to my personal walk as a Christian. I understand that Reader's Digest is secular and the stories in this compilation do not represent a religious undertaking, but because of the publisher I perhaps expected at least some reference to Christianity. - Most of these principles - integrity, respect, charity, responsibility, simplicity to name a few - are directly applicable to me in my Christian walk. But when you remove Christ from the equation I am left to wonder why they would be important. And that of course is what each of us must answer for him/herself, and is not the purpose of this book.
Although over 400 pages in length this book is easy to read. Each outlined principle is accompanied by three examples of individuals who demonstrated that principle in their lives. In reading through these stories I learned more about the background of several famous people - background of which I was previously unaware. I was also introduced to many people who have - other than among a few who keep their names alive - have passed into obscurity but who truly epitomized many of the principles of Everyday Greatness. I plan on following up on the stories of several of these people to learn more about their lives.
Additionally, at the end of chapter there are several pages of short quotes and paragraphs which instill the essence of the principle being studied. This is one of my favorite aspects of this book. Although some of the quotes are a stretch to apply to the given principle most are incredibly accurate and excellent quotes. Many are also funny, which to me was a bonus. For example, when highlighting the principle of quality, this quote by Claude McDonald was listed, " If hard work is the key to success, most people would rather pick the lock."
Also included in each chapter is a page called Reflections with several questions for the reader to ponder. I also very much enjoyed these questions since they made me pause to think about how I can better apply these principles to my life. This is an excellent resource and would also be a great jumping-off point for discussion of the book with a good friend or loved one, although they were written mainly to use for a time of introspection since they ask very pointed questions about your own values and principles.
My overall opinion of this book is very favorable. I enjoy Reader's Digest so it follows that I would enjoy a compilation of works that have previously appeared in that magazine. My main critique as a Christian reading a book published by a Christian publisher is that I would have enjoyed more discussion as to why these principles should be important to me as a Christian and Biblical references which would tie them to my personal walk as a Christian. I understand that Reader's Digest is secular and the stories in this compilation do not represent a religious undertaking, but because of the publisher I perhaps expected at least some reference to Christianity. - Most of these principles - integrity, respect, charity, responsibility, simplicity to name a few - are directly applicable to me in my Christian walk. But when you remove Christ from the equation I am left to wonder why they would be important. And that of course is what each of us must answer for him/herself, and is not the purpose of this book.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Garden Camp
Princess accomplished a new "first" in her life this week - she went to a new camp without knowing anyone else in the camp. This was a big deal for her since she has always balked at going to any camp, with or without friends. Just a week before garden camp started she was trying to convince me that she didn't need to go but mean mommy stood firm and insisted she had to try it - and she absolutely loved it!
The first day of camp she didn't cry or use any excuses but I could tell she was unsure of being left with strangers. When I picked her up she had an entire flat of plants to take home and she talked the entire way home about her experience. She learned how to mix dirt, make cuttings and transplant plants. But even better in her opinion was the snack machine. I gave her $1 each day for a snack but she decided to use her own money to buy more snacks most days (I don't have a clue how much she ended up spending). She also made a good friend at camp - Will. She and Will played frisbee in the afternoons and in general enjoyed each other's company. For some reason Princess always takes up with boys and not girls. Perhaps this is a bad sign for the teenage years? But at least she had fun! She was excited to go every day and ended up with lots of plants for the house. And the best part? She wants to go to camp again next year - success!
The first day of camp she didn't cry or use any excuses but I could tell she was unsure of being left with strangers. When I picked her up she had an entire flat of plants to take home and she talked the entire way home about her experience. She learned how to mix dirt, make cuttings and transplant plants. But even better in her opinion was the snack machine. I gave her $1 each day for a snack but she decided to use her own money to buy more snacks most days (I don't have a clue how much she ended up spending). She also made a good friend at camp - Will. She and Will played frisbee in the afternoons and in general enjoyed each other's company. For some reason Princess always takes up with boys and not girls. Perhaps this is a bad sign for the teenage years? But at least she had fun! She was excited to go every day and ended up with lots of plants for the house. And the best part? She wants to go to camp again next year - success!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Book Review - The Hole In Our Gospel
When I first picked up The Hole In Our Gospel by Richard Stearns I thought it would be about Stearns' personal journey to becoming the president of World Vision. What I discovered as I read the book was so much more powerful and potentially life-changing for readers. While Stearns does share parts of his life before and after becoming president of World Vision this book focuses on how Christians can have an enormous impact on the poverty and injustice in our world by actively being the hands and feet of Christ.
This book is directed at Christians, particularly Christians in America. It is human nature to focus on what is in front of us and not to be overly concerned with those things which are far removed from our presence. Christ, however, calls His followers to show compassion toward our neighbors in need (see Luke 10:25-37 and Matthew 25:31-46 ). In America the 21st century Christians have both the financial and physical means to literally reach our neighbors in the remotest parts of the world. This book is a call to all Christians to work together to reach these people for Christ by showing His love in tangible ways - feeding the hungry, providing for orphans, and helping the sick among others.
Stearns does not confuse works with faith. He makes it completely clear that he in no way thinks works replace faith. But in an excerpt from his book, "...God expects our lives - our churches and faith communities too - to be characterized by these authentic signs of our own transformation: compassion, mercy, justice, and love - demonstrated tangibly."
This Biblical principle should be familiar to all Christians. The book of James makes it quite clear that faith without works is dead (see James 2:14-26)
The only part of this book I struggled with is the title. I believe the gospel of Christ is whole in that "..while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 The gospel of Christ can be demonstrated in the ways Stearns shares in his book, but I don't believe those acts are the gospel - they are ways to share the gospel of salvation through Christ's death on the cross and resurrection. This did not take away from the underlying message that I as a Christian in America have been entrusted with financial blessings over which God made me a steward. I don't believe I was given these blessings just so I could live comfortably or "keep up with the Joneses". I am called to love my neighbor and one way to do that is to share these blessings with those who are, in many parts of the world, starving to death.
After reading this book I believe most Christians will be convicted to reexamine how they are using their time, talents and treasure to share the love of Christ with those in need.
This book is directed at Christians, particularly Christians in America. It is human nature to focus on what is in front of us and not to be overly concerned with those things which are far removed from our presence. Christ, however, calls His followers to show compassion toward our neighbors in need (see Luke 10:25-37 and Matthew 25:31-46 ). In America the 21st century Christians have both the financial and physical means to literally reach our neighbors in the remotest parts of the world. This book is a call to all Christians to work together to reach these people for Christ by showing His love in tangible ways - feeding the hungry, providing for orphans, and helping the sick among others.
Stearns does not confuse works with faith. He makes it completely clear that he in no way thinks works replace faith. But in an excerpt from his book, "...God expects our lives - our churches and faith communities too - to be characterized by these authentic signs of our own transformation: compassion, mercy, justice, and love - demonstrated tangibly."
This Biblical principle should be familiar to all Christians. The book of James makes it quite clear that faith without works is dead (see James 2:14-26)
The only part of this book I struggled with is the title. I believe the gospel of Christ is whole in that "..while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 The gospel of Christ can be demonstrated in the ways Stearns shares in his book, but I don't believe those acts are the gospel - they are ways to share the gospel of salvation through Christ's death on the cross and resurrection. This did not take away from the underlying message that I as a Christian in America have been entrusted with financial blessings over which God made me a steward. I don't believe I was given these blessings just so I could live comfortably or "keep up with the Joneses". I am called to love my neighbor and one way to do that is to share these blessings with those who are, in many parts of the world, starving to death.
After reading this book I believe most Christians will be convicted to reexamine how they are using their time, talents and treasure to share the love of Christ with those in need.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Camping at Rock Island
Our family loves to camp - in our camper of course. This year with our Disney vacation falling when it did we've only managed to go on two camping trips so far. This past weekend we spent a few nights at Rock Island state park. Since we'd never been there before we weren't sure what to expect. Well, I can honestly say Rock Island is beautiful - and HOT and HUMID in the summer.
The whole family was looking forward to this trip since we hadn't been camping since April - highly unusual for us. After a pleasant trip to the campground we checked in at the front office. There were lots of activities planned for the weekend and the kids wanted to participate in most of them. After setting up the camper we went to the first activity - making animal footprints. Princess made a new friend at the activity. We headed back to our campsite and the kids and T changed into swimsuits while I waited around to sign up for canoeing the next day (limited spots available - signup sheet to be posted in an hour or so). The kids cooled off in some beautiful waterfalls along the side of a hill. They were fairly small falls scattered along the hillside so that you could wade through them and even get underneath a few of them. We ate supper - which no one was very interested in because we were so HOT. Finally signed up for the canoeing - Yeah!.
The next day dawned HOT and HUMID. T was sweating while he cooked breakfast outside. Princess didn't want to go out because she was afraid she would get cold - not this trip sweetheart! Canoe trip was at 10 am. It was lots of fun - saw more waterfalls. Watched one couple tip their canoe twice. Miss Bee ended up with an asthma attack at the end of the trip because she got so hot paddling her canoe. The kids caught minnows in the lake while Miss Bee and T went back to the campsite for her inhaler. We ate an early-ish supper and discovered an idyllic pool of water known locally as "the warm hole" where we swam for an hour or so. We had to get back for the bat show at camp but promised ourselves we would return the next day. The bat show was fun, but there were no bats out since it was so HOT and HUMID. Apparently bats don't like heat either.
By the third day T was tired of sweating while making breakfast, but what could we do? We decided to spend at least part of the day in the water, so we packed a picnic lunch and headed back to the warm hole (I really think they could've come up with a better name for such a beautiful place). We swam, laughed at Miss Bee when she wouldn't get in the water because it had fish and crawldads in it, swam some more and ate lunch. After lunch Miss Bee learned she loved to snorkle in the water where she could watch fish. The warm hole is part of a river but is set apart from the main body of river so that it forms a calm pool of water like a lake (but not gross like lake water). Great for snorkeling. We were at the warm hole for about three hours and for most of that time we had the area all to our selves. So unlike the Smokies where you almost literally trip over people wherever you go. We hiked about half a mile to get to the pool, but it was well worth it.
That evening no one felt like eating supper because it was so HOT and HUMID, so we took off for Dairy Queen about 20 minutes away (thank you gps). On the way back we stopped at a little castle-like structure inside the park. It was an old water reservoir system from CCC days - so cute! We also walked to an overlook where we could see what was on the other side of our idyllic pool that we loved - it was a huge waterfall! We could hear the waterfall from the warm hole, but to get to it required climbing up a steep rock face - and the kids just weren't ready for that. (And as far as I'm concerned they never will be)
By the fourth day we were so tired of the HEAT and HUMIDITY we decided to just pack up and leave. Bottom line - we had a great time but won't return to Rock Island in summer any time soon.
The whole family was looking forward to this trip since we hadn't been camping since April - highly unusual for us. After a pleasant trip to the campground we checked in at the front office. There were lots of activities planned for the weekend and the kids wanted to participate in most of them. After setting up the camper we went to the first activity - making animal footprints. Princess made a new friend at the activity. We headed back to our campsite and the kids and T changed into swimsuits while I waited around to sign up for canoeing the next day (limited spots available - signup sheet to be posted in an hour or so). The kids cooled off in some beautiful waterfalls along the side of a hill. They were fairly small falls scattered along the hillside so that you could wade through them and even get underneath a few of them. We ate supper - which no one was very interested in because we were so HOT. Finally signed up for the canoeing - Yeah!.
The next day dawned HOT and HUMID. T was sweating while he cooked breakfast outside. Princess didn't want to go out because she was afraid she would get cold - not this trip sweetheart! Canoe trip was at 10 am. It was lots of fun - saw more waterfalls. Watched one couple tip their canoe twice. Miss Bee ended up with an asthma attack at the end of the trip because she got so hot paddling her canoe. The kids caught minnows in the lake while Miss Bee and T went back to the campsite for her inhaler. We ate an early-ish supper and discovered an idyllic pool of water known locally as "the warm hole" where we swam for an hour or so. We had to get back for the bat show at camp but promised ourselves we would return the next day. The bat show was fun, but there were no bats out since it was so HOT and HUMID. Apparently bats don't like heat either.
By the third day T was tired of sweating while making breakfast, but what could we do? We decided to spend at least part of the day in the water, so we packed a picnic lunch and headed back to the warm hole (I really think they could've come up with a better name for such a beautiful place). We swam, laughed at Miss Bee when she wouldn't get in the water because it had fish and crawldads in it, swam some more and ate lunch. After lunch Miss Bee learned she loved to snorkle in the water where she could watch fish. The warm hole is part of a river but is set apart from the main body of river so that it forms a calm pool of water like a lake (but not gross like lake water). Great for snorkeling. We were at the warm hole for about three hours and for most of that time we had the area all to our selves. So unlike the Smokies where you almost literally trip over people wherever you go. We hiked about half a mile to get to the pool, but it was well worth it.
That evening no one felt like eating supper because it was so HOT and HUMID, so we took off for Dairy Queen about 20 minutes away (thank you gps). On the way back we stopped at a little castle-like structure inside the park. It was an old water reservoir system from CCC days - so cute! We also walked to an overlook where we could see what was on the other side of our idyllic pool that we loved - it was a huge waterfall! We could hear the waterfall from the warm hole, but to get to it required climbing up a steep rock face - and the kids just weren't ready for that. (And as far as I'm concerned they never will be)
By the fourth day we were so tired of the HEAT and HUMIDITY we decided to just pack up and leave. Bottom line - we had a great time but won't return to Rock Island in summer any time soon.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Dragons on the Stove
Big Man is currently going through a stage where he's fascinated with dinosaurs and dragons. One day he informed me that his dragon lives in the kitchen. Huh? "Yes, Mom! My dragon lives in the stove." Apparently his dragon does indeed live in the stove and comes out when I cook. Especially when I boil water or any other substance that produces lots of steam. I was cooking the other day and Big Man walked into the kitchen. He was sooo excited when he looked at the stove. "The dragon's back, Mom!" He will pull up a stool as close to the stove as I will allow him (which isn't close) and sit and watch his dragon. He loves it when I remove the lid from a pot of boiling water and allow a huge cloud of steam to escape. That's when the dragon is really mad.
The dragon also makes appearances on camping trips. He is the source of all campfires. Big Man loves campfires (what boy doesn't - including Big Man's daddy) and is thrilled when the dragon roasts his marshmallows.
I wonder if he'll be as fascinated with cooking when he gets old enough to help? Maybe if I convince him the dragon is doing all the work. Or maybe not...
The dragon also makes appearances on camping trips. He is the source of all campfires. Big Man loves campfires (what boy doesn't - including Big Man's daddy) and is thrilled when the dragon roasts his marshmallows.
I wonder if he'll be as fascinated with cooking when he gets old enough to help? Maybe if I convince him the dragon is doing all the work. Or maybe not...
Friday, June 12, 2009
Princess and the Play
Since the day she was born my red-headed Princess has kept me on my toes. Among her more notable exploits as a toddler were the potential careers she tried out:
1. Plumber - at age two she took the back off the commode and pulled the hose that fills the tank out of its moorings. When I walked by the bathroom (thankfully only a few minutes later) I saw a jet of water spurting through the air.
2. Cook - Also at age two she decided she wanted a scrambled egg, so she got the eggs out of the fridge, broke one and mixed it in a bowl and poured it into a skillet on the stovetop. Thankfully she didn't know how to turn on the stove.
Now that she's older and more mature Princess uses her overactive imagination and flair for drama to make life more fun for herself and her siblings. In the past week I've observed her as a:
1. Lifeguard - When we hooked up the waterslide in the back yard she decided that instead of sliding she would sit at the top and be the lifeguard. She stopped Miss Bee from going down the slide headfirst and made sure everyone had on their sunscreen
2. Bus Driver - She pulled Big Man in our wagon in the backyard last week. Every so often she would stop to pick up and discharge passengers. Every so often Big Man had to get out for his stop. She also required exact fare for boarding the bus. She did, however, take requests for drop off location.
1. Plumber - at age two she took the back off the commode and pulled the hose that fills the tank out of its moorings. When I walked by the bathroom (thankfully only a few minutes later) I saw a jet of water spurting through the air.
2. Cook - Also at age two she decided she wanted a scrambled egg, so she got the eggs out of the fridge, broke one and mixed it in a bowl and poured it into a skillet on the stovetop. Thankfully she didn't know how to turn on the stove.
Now that she's older and more mature Princess uses her overactive imagination and flair for drama to make life more fun for herself and her siblings. In the past week I've observed her as a:
1. Lifeguard - When we hooked up the waterslide in the back yard she decided that instead of sliding she would sit at the top and be the lifeguard. She stopped Miss Bee from going down the slide headfirst and made sure everyone had on their sunscreen
2. Bus Driver - She pulled Big Man in our wagon in the backyard last week. Every so often she would stop to pick up and discharge passengers. Every so often Big Man had to get out for his stop. She also required exact fare for boarding the bus. She did, however, take requests for drop off location.
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