Monday, August 6, 2012

Family choices and bonds



       This summer I've been doing lots of thinking about our family especially with our newest addition. 

I'm always worried about this parenting thing and if we're doing things right, cause honestly we're just making things up as we go along.  I still sometimes feel like we're kids ourselves trying to play grownup games. My husband Rick and I didn't really have a transition phase from teenager to adulthood (You can read more on that here) So I'm always wondering if we're making the right choices such as homeschooling, or our simple ways of living. I always worry if we're protecting them to much, sheltering them to much, I struggle with this a lot especially because this world is so advanced yet we we're always trying to go against the current of life.Get back to our roots... the way our ancestors lived..SIMPLY. Rick wants to make me a bumper sticker that says "What would Ma do?" in reference to Ma from Little house on the prairie.
(Caila's daily collection of fresh eggs)
    Last night I was writing in Annabelle's baby book and Rick  and I had a good chuckle because there was almost a whole page that we simply couldn't fill out with questions like..
What are some current clothing trends,
 some popular t.v. shows,
 some popular songs/artists,
and a good one was how much is a vehicle.

 You see we don't follow clothing trends...we never really did I was actually voted most unique in high school because of this fact. I also sew alot of dresses for the girls and to tell you the truth we shop a lot at second hand stores so we up-cycle a lot of clothes with tie dye, and a little sewing here and there.
 As far as t.v. goes we don't have cable so we're completely in the dark with that answer too. We haven't had cable for a few years now and don't really miss it. We do frequent the library and borrow movies though.
 The car question really threw us into complete laughter since we always buy used I have no idea how much a cars goes for....we actually really lucked out and bought my VW vanagon for $100 and he bought his car (a caprice classic) for $650.
But with all of these choices that we've made for our family I wonder what kind of impact it's going to have on the kids. Will they hate living in our "humble" little home and having to share a bedroom with their siblings. Do we shelter them to much as we lead them on with magical stories of garden fairies, and silly gnomes.... and my biggest worry is homeschooling...can I do this for yet another year and is this really the right choice for them?

But then I look through my camera pictures and I only see one thing  and it puts a smile on my face and my heart to ease. We're raising humble, loving,caring, respectful children that love Jesus, the earth and each other...these qualities are so important to us, and I know that yes I will make tons of mistakes in this parenting thing but if they grow up possessing these qualities then we must have done a few things right along the way.
I love to see them always together playing. 
And snuggling
 So then I asked them "Why do you like having brother's and sister's?" 
Rick: "I like it because there is always someone to play with, and they make good playmates...their my best friends"
Caila: "Because I like to snuggle them and hold them. 



I snapped this heart melting secret picture this morning.
.I was putting Jameson in for his morning nap and heard Annabelle start to cry. By the time I got down stairs she had stopped crying and I walked into my bedroom only to find this sweet bonding picture of my oldest baby with my youngest baby...I'm not going to lie I may have gotten a little teary eyed.



4 comments:

  1. Oh I was teary eyed looking at that scumptous heartwarming moment captured in your photo too. And what lovely things your kids said, makes your heart melt! And I know what you mean about questioning parenting choices! I think most of us do it, and I think it is good to do a little of it because we check in on our dreams and hopes and think about how everything is working. You are doing an amazing job and your children will have such great values based on your choices xx

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  2. I have questioned myself so many times on this journey. It is hard when you choose to do things differently than the norm of society. Sometimes I feel like everyone is watching just waiting for the moment to say I told you so. The really great thing though is that every time I question myself I grow a little and I find out that this parenting path I have chosen is the right one for me and my little man, and in the end that is all that matters.

    A little teary eyed at the picture of your oldest baby and your youngest, beautiful!

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  3. It is something I think we all do, regardless of our parenting choices or style. It's very easy to get caught up in what is "normal" and when you are going against the grain it is to be expected that you will have that nagging bit of doubt. It happens to me as well. All we can do is close our eyes and listen to our hearts. Then, at least, we know we are doing what we truly feel is best and with the best intentions in mind.

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  4. I have joined your blog and I agree that you are doing the right thing by homeschooling your children. Our 2 sons are both graduated and in College and my husband and I struggled with the homeschooling as well.
    If they were younger I wouldn't think twice, the world is become more evil and my husband and I both said that I would homeschool.
    I hope that when our sons both marry that their wifes will stay at home and homeschool.

    You have a beautiful family and you need to listen to the Lord.
    We live in the country of Mass and in 7 years my husband and I (when he retires)we are moving to Cobsy Tennessee and we have been there every summer, just not this year because we put up siding, a new roof and all new window's .
    You can see everything on my blog.
    Both our sons are planning to move with us and we are
    buying alot of land so they can build their homes there as well. Family is very important to us and Christ is on the top of our family list and the center of our marriage and family.

    You will make the right choice for your family.
    I will say a prayer for you and your husband.
    Our children are gifts that the Lord Jesus gave to us.
    God Bless,
    Tricia

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