The Questions. Oh, the Questions!

My Regus 1 just turned 6 last month, and we officially started K-5 in September. Yes, he missed the cut-off date for starting K-5 last year. I was the same way (September baby), and my Mom said she was thankful for it. I was not really ready for school until almost 6. When I started, I loved it, and I still love learning. Until now, we've been doing preschool and some mildy-structured "learning time," which he has enjoyed. However, it wasn't until the past few months that I've seen a BIG increase in his curiosity.

These are the BIG life questions:

"When are you having a baby, Mommy?" (I'm not pregnant, but he's ready for another brother but not a sister. Yes, he has very clear demands.)

"Why don't I have a big belly like Daddy?" (Albeit, Daddy has lost almost all his belly. I've never seen anyone more committed to getting up before the sun to exercise. I need some of that motivation!)

"Where is God?"

"Why can't I be inside your eyes?"

This is so exciting. I love trying to answer his questions. Many of my responses to him are met with more questions. So far, I'm just beaming from getting the opportunity to be the one to answer his questions. Plus, Regus 2 is paying attention and asking some of his own questions about God... I love it!!!!

To "cash in" on this curiosity, we've been doing more work in the yard and my gradual attempt at a garden (I've turned the area in front of the house, intended for ornamental shrubs, into an herb garden.). He loves walking through the yard, checking on all my plants with me. He's so gentle with the leaves. It's a far cry from 2-3 years ago when my plants where the "enemy," and he was the valiant knight with a sword. He's really growing up.

The other day, I let the boys pick out 5 different leaves and "help" me take a picture of them. A few days later, we picked up a few field guides from the library. It was fun to thumb through them and try to find our trees. I had NO idea we had so many different types of oak trees in our yard!

I love to learn, and I pray that I can nurture their curiosity.

Has your child started with the "Questions"? What has been your favorite?

A Jar of Laughs

I was inspired by a post on Life As Mom to create a memory jar. For us, I am always afraid I'm going to forget them. Well, I decided to name my  jar, "A Jar of Laughs." I've put it on my kitchen counter with a pad of paper and pen. No more excuses!

Our boys keep us laughing, and I just had to share this one. It happened a while ago, but it's definitely going in the jar!

One Saturday afternoon in the Spring, we decided to head out to get some lunch. Unsure of where we wanted to dine, hubby and I asked the boys where they wanted to go. We had NO idea that we would be witnessing something memorable. Keep in mind that Regus 2 was 3, at the time; and Regus 1 was 5. Regus 2 was having a hard time pronouncing his L's, and he used it to his full advantage.

Me: Where do you guys want to go for lunch today?

Regus 2: Chick-a-WAY!! (translation: Chick-fil-A)

Regus 1: (Misunderstanding what his brother said) Chicken LEG??!! No, that's not how you say it. It's Chick-fa-LAY.

Regus 2: (busting out laughing) Haha! Chicken-weg.

Regus 1: (In complete and total seriousness) ˆNO! Chick-fa-LAY.

Regus 2: (In a devious laugh) Hehe... Chick-en? Weg?

Regus 1: No.no.no! Say it with me: Ch - i - ck - fa - LAY!

Regus 2: Oh, ok... (with a slow smile) chick-en-WEG!

Regus 1: Aghhhhhh! No! Chick-fa-LAY!

Regus 2: (in a singing voice and bouncing in his carseat) Chicken weg! Chicken weg!

Regus 1: STOP SAYING "chicken leg"!

While Regus 1 was saying above, Regus 2 started saying quietly and slowly got louder)

Regus 2: Chick-en-weg. Chick-en-weg. Chick-en-WEG. Chick-en-WEG!

At this point, Hubby and I are doing our best not to laugh hysterically.

This same conversation continued for about 5 minutes until Regus 1 (the older of the two, mind you) was getting way too frustrated and not understanding his brother's taunting. We finally had to step in and ask Regus 2 not to pester his big brother. Ah, the art of pestering, peppered with comedic timing. They learn it so young.

Now, I just have to think of a way to keep my favorite stories. Any ideas on what to do with them after the jar is full?

Today, I Choose...

I remember a plaque my parents had in their house. It was a portion for Scripture from Joshua 24:15"

"...but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (KJV)

As a little girl, I thought this was something my parents were forcing me to do. I have to serve the Lord. Don't get me wrong, it has meant a lot to me that my parents are a real example of God's unconditional love. However, I just didn't get why I had to be involved in their choice.

As an adult, I am beginning to understand this more. Everyday, we are bombarded with choices. God has given us free will because he wants our choice of Him to be done freely, not out of force. I see this Scripture as making a mental note to choose to listen to HIM.

Everyday, I have the choice to let the circumstances around me dictate my self-confidence and direction in life, or I can choose to find the silver lining in any situation.

What do I choose to do today?

Do I want to live in regret that something does not turn out exactly as planned? For me, living in regret is like closing my eyes and choosing NOT to see the beauty around me. Yes, things happen differently than we initially expect, but we can not control other people (even if we think we can). There are too many variables in life to control them all. I can be responsible for how I conduct myself when life throws me lemons or a curve ball happens.

I chose to be thankful for the experiences of today and know that the Father can help me find His joy in any situation.

I choose to find His beauty around me. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? So, I chose to see with His eyes today.

A Week of Reflection

I've been doing a lot of reflecting this week... about my life, my family, my choices, and this blog. My "Almost On Purpose" idea continues to morph and adapt. And I think that's what this journey is about. It's my journey of recovering from perfectionism (a state of mind that can really hinder one from doing anything... unless it is perfect) and finding the joy and beauty in everything... even if I think I've made a mistake. It's NOT about living without purpose or direction. My purpose and direction is wholeheartedly driven by the Almighty Creator, my Savior, Jesus Christ. In Him, there is no misdirection. Sometimes, it just takes me a little longer to catch the drift.

He loves us SO much that He's given us free will. One of my husband's favorite "isms" is: It would be easier for God to just make us love Him; but that's not love, that's control. Instead, He loves us SO much that He wants us to choose Him on our own.

In His unending mercy and love for us, He can turn our "mistakes" into joy. I don't deserve it, but that's the point! Just look at the bloodline of Jesus...  a young man who stole from his brother (Jacob), a man who killed another so he could have his wife (David), and an unwed girl to carry the Son of God (Mary). God is big enough to take any of our mistakes and turn them into something AMAZING!

Yes, it's wonderful to make all the right choices, and we do seek the Father's will. At the same time, it is overwhelming to know that He can turn any circumstance into something for His glory.

My attempt at perfectionism only keeps me from enjoying my life and my family. I still give 100-percent in everything I do. However, I am trying to give myself grace because I don't know everything. However, I do know the One that does.

I am reminded that this blog is my journey to find joy in everything, even if I didn't intend to make it happen.