Lately

I have so many things I want to get down on here...our trip to Chicago, what God is teaching me through this Advent season, what God is teaching me through my kids...but by evening I am so tired!

My goal is to update about Chicago and Advent this weekend...but this weekend is full of fun stuff so we'll see if I attain my goal. 

So, for now you get daily Dirks life

This cat...he is so well loved. 

I believe here, he is actually BEGGING to be rescued from the love. 

Lauren even crocheted him a scarf...which is loves. 

Or not. 

One of our gifts this week was watching the cartoon Grinch and drinking Grinch punch after school. 

This fall a switch went on in Sullivan and he became OBSESSED with football. 

And I mean obsessed. Every aspect. 

And he does this ALL. DAY. LONG. 

Its annoying.

However, with 4 girls in the house...I love it and I embrace it. 

But man, if I had 4 boys I'd be in the nuthouse. 

Its been FRIGID here. 

Like in the negatives - without the wind chill. 

And we will have a white christmas. There are quite a few inches in our yard. 

It is nice that we can do school like this...

And like this...So thankful for a warm home and an abundance of blankets and warm drinks! 

Seeking Him

I am happy to report that finding Christ in Christmas is fairly simple.
Im sad and embarrassed to report that I've spent way too many Christmases not even trying.

We discussed this verse in my bible study on Monday night:
"...acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you...'
1 Chronicles 28:9

That promise is so comforting.
If you seek Him - you find Him.
He's there...just waiting for us to call out for Him.

I want to be like the these guys, they knew how to search for a king no matter the journey...
"Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.'
Matthew 2:1

And how wonderful is this...
"When we open our eyes wide enough to see God's mercies in the midst of our pain, and when we exercise faith and give Him thanks, even when we cant see those mercies, He meets us with His indescribable peace. It's a promise."
-Nancy Leigh DeMoss

'God can do awesome things with our pain. I can see that finally.'
-Becky Dirks

We've been diving in pretty heavy with our Advent devotions and that is going beautifully.

(well except for last night when I almost locked Torrance outside of the house during our time...but she redeemed herself this morning but reading countless christmas stories with me and Contessa and sitting quietly...see previous post)

These are the memories of Christmas that I want to last for my kids...fun things, focused on the reason for the season. I pray that some of this is sticking. 

(proudly showing off their angels and jingle bell bracelets)

Books, music and peeps!

Yesterday's 'gift' included some of our Christmas books, CDs and tree shaped peeps!

It was late when they opened it so it was super fun to wake up this morning to enjoy!

New student

Kitty loves homeschooling.

the most wonderful time of the year

Advent devotions by Christmas light...It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Can you find all 5 kids? 

:)

His spot

Falstaff has found his spot for the season.

December 1

We returned home from our amazing Thankgiving vacation in the city...and bam, it's December.

We kicked off Christmas tonight with our advent devotions, countdown, 24 gifts tradition and decorating our tree. 

The first day of Advent taught us about LIGHT. About how Jesus came to be the light of the world. He was a gift for you and for me.

Isaiah 9:2-9

The kids made these cool ornaments as part of our discussion on LIGHT.

They did a great job on the ornaments, except Tori who really just put globs of glue on tissue paper...in this pic she is complaining about all the glue.

Welcome Christmas, bring your cheer.

Birthday date

Lauren got to go with Grandma for a birthday date this past weekend. 

Why does Lauren look about 17? 

Weekend Wrap-up

Wow, we crammed a lot into this weekend. I can tell the holidays are drawing near.

Friday night Mandy and I made our annual 'pre-thanksgiving late night wal-mart run'. It was sad and funny how excited we were for this time out. We even stayed out until almost 11:30. (Somewhere out 20-something selves were crying and laughing at us)

Saturday was Grundy's Holdiay kick-off. We started they day visiting Mrs. Claus. Torrance loved her.

Then we went to the festival of trees. The kids are posed here in front of the 'memories tree'.

Here is the ornament we picked out for Grandma Barb. Grandma Cindy used her beautiful handwriting to write the card for us.

One of the most creative trees was by my friend, and fashion guru, Holly.

After the hospice soup lunch it was time for naps!!

Honestly, I love him!

That night we visited Santa! I guess the 3 older kids were above this.

Then we went on a FREEZING cold trolley ride...my phone camera didn't do a great job here.

I spent much of today getting our house prepared so that when we arrive gone from our Thanksgiving getaway we can jump right into Christmas fun on December 1.

Now it's all of us snuggled up, watching ELF, and drinking hot chocolate.

prepare HIM room

I'm finally willing to admit this...

I'm really struggling with Christmas and the holiday season this year. 

Like, I walked down the Christmas section in Walmart and had to leave the store in tears. 

With my 3 year old asking, 'Mommy, what's wrong? Why you crying?'

Struggling like if I think about it too long I'm almost having an anxiety attack. 

Struggling like the thought of having a Christmas tree in my house makes me want to run for cover. 

I miss my mom. 

I miss my dad. 

I miss the innocence and stability that you lose when both of your parents are gone. 

I miss being a kid!

I'm no longer the grand-child at our family events, I'm no longer the daughter. 

Instead now, I'm the mom. 

That's scary uncharted territory folks. 

No way I'm mature enough for that. 

But over the past few weeks there have been some quiet voices speaking to me about this. 

One is this blog...jessmcclenahan.com

Go check her out. She's great. 

(I even stole the title of my post from her)

Another a friend who simply said, 'But Becky, remember, remember what we are celebrating.'

And this book.

And my Jesus. Who has just quietly been whispering...'forget the trees, the songs, the traditions, forget all of that...find ME. Focus on me. '

I do not want to merely survive this Holiday season. 

And so I started out on a mission to make this the most Christ filled Christmas for my family. 

My children look to me to 'make' Christmas. 

That's a powerful task ladies. 

Powerful. 

Consider that. 

What will they remember? 

What will they treasure? 

No, I'm not giving up our traditions. 

But I am finding ways to fill every aspect of those traditions with HIM. 

To give them meaning and in that, Joy. 

When I realized that I have the opportunity to make this the most special Christmas for our family I actually found my Christmas spirit! 

And no, I am not going to do this perfectly. 

I will have nights running from those Christmas lights. 

I doubt I'll purposefully listen to a single Christmas carol. 

And I'm sure I'll even have a couple of nights up late wrapping Christmas gifts with a bad attitude. 

But there's grace and love to cover that. 

I've found some great verses and insight in this wonderful bible study. 

II Chronicles 16:9 

'For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.'

He is my strength...He promised me that right there in that verse. 

I can make this Christmas beautiful...through Him. 

Matthew 11:28-30

'Come to me, all you who 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.'

It doesn't get much better than that...He says, 'you've got problems?! Come to me! I've got rest!'

So as I prepare for the holidays I hope to share some of the ways that I'm turning our focus this year. 

And some of the tools I'm using to help me get there. 

And I pray that it will make all the difference not only in this difficult Christmas, but in all the Christmases that I have to celebrate. 

four score and seven years ago...

Today is the 150th anniversary of Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg address.

I did not know this. 

I received a text from Jordan this am saying, 

'Hey, its the anniversary of the Gettysburg address, make sure you cover this in school today.'

Uh, yeah. sure. 

You bet. 

However, I love history as much as he does and I knew I had to. 

And I am so glad I did. 

We had the best discussion, picked apart the address so we could understand it and what was going on in 1863 and what we need to learn from it. 

We watched this video...

http://vimeo.com/38125161

I bawled while we talked (super helpful). 

But this is why we homeschool. 

So that I have time in my days to cover this 'in detail' with my kids. 

And sidenote, was Abraham Lincoln about the coolest guy ever!? 

well, that was easy

This picture has nothing to do with this post...except that she's a smarty. 

And adorable. 

And funny.

Turns out potty training is EASY PEASY when your child decides 100% on their own that it is time. 

Seriously she potty trained herself and she's a rock star. 

Thank you Torrance. 

Happy 12th Birthday, Lauren Elaine!!!

Somehow this little birthday princess....

Became this beautiful 12 year old young lady.

Oh Lauren, how can you possibly be 12 years old? 

That is like, old. 

You are definetly not a little girl anymore. 

And while I miss these crazy, silly days with you...

We also really love having a 'big kid' in our house. 

And no, not just because you can babysit your siblings! 

:)

Lauren at 12 you continue to amaze us. 

We venture into all the uncharted waters of parenthood with you. 

We are constantly making mistakes and you are so good to forgive us. 

I love talking to you about real topics. 

I love hearing your opinion on things and what makes you come alive. 

We love your go with the flow personality. 

As you age you become more like your dad each day it seems!

And yes, this is confusing for your mother to figure out! 

Never be afraid to share your heart with us. 

We are here for you. 

Four years ago we filled the house with sweet crazy girls for your birthday! 

You made princess crowns and angel wings. 

This year we filled the house with many of the same girls and you made bracelets and giggled over smart phones. What a difference! 

 One thing that never changes is the amazing big sister that you are. 

Thank you for being such a wonderful role model and fun friend to your siblings! 

They will treasure that in you always. 

 Lauren, 12 years ago you started our family. 

We definetly hit the jackpot getting you as our first born. 

We love you more than you will ever know and we are more proud of you than we will ever be able to express. You make me want to be a better mother and person. 

At 12 years old you even have your mother looking up to you. 

You are one amazing girl. 

Happy birthday my sweet, funny girl. 

You stole our hearts from your very first cry and you haven't given them back. 

Love you always Bo-bo, 

Mom and Dad

Wednesday

Today I found out I have pnemonia. Not cool.

However, it's ok because I have 2 really good (although really not gentle) doctors taking care if me.

I also have this guy. Although from the looks of it it's hard to tell if he is trying to comfort me or suffocate me.

Hot cider!!

His favorite part of school today is drinking hot cider!

On the mend...

And he's my favorite...that's all I've got for tonight.

Oh sick

The stomach flu invaded about 5 am.2 down so far. There's gonna be a lot of snuggling today.

weekend wrap

Argh. 

We had such a good weekend. 

Then my lack of patience and bad attitude had to end it on a bad note as the kids were going to bed tonight. I hate when I do that. Why do I do that? 

Anyway, the good stuff...as seen by my phone.

Friday was 'Friend Friday'...apparently. 

Lauren left for a slumber party and Avery had Brooklyn over for the night. 

If it weren't for them performing this song they wrote for me I would not have even known they were here.

That afternoon Cindy came over and created an anniversary card for Jordan and me. 

(Jordan has been compared to Patrick Swaze by a co-worker!)

Too funny.

Saturday afternoon was football, football, football. 

These two have some crazy games in the yard. 

The crazy part is the competitiveness that they both display.

They had a cheering section this day. 

The neighbor's grandsons were over and they sat in their driveway eating Cheerios and watching. 

Adorable. 

This kid is OBSESSED with football. 

Especially NFL. 

Its scary what he knows. 

Contessa requested sometime with me alone and she chose making cookies. 

Here she and kitty just cannot wait to taste our hard work! 

I love her. 

We went to Yoders for supper and the football continued. 

Poor Riggs, he was too nice to fight back!

More football fun!

;)

Unfortunately for me, I went to bed Saturday night really not feeling well. 

And so Sunday involved a lot of this for me. 

He takes really good care of me. 

(And puts up with my cat)

Sunday the Kirkpatricks came over for a long overdue get together. 

Sully and Jalen spent a lot of the night outdoors and the rest of it trying to figure out some computer games. 

Tori and Charlee. 

Oh my. 

They do not quite get along. 

The smiles in this picture is only because Avery is between them!

And then this was what happened after they left...

after a time out for hitting Charlee, where she intentionally wet her pants, she had a couple of serious discussions with mom and dad.

Whoever coined the term 'terrible twos' is full of it...its terrible THREES!!!!!!

And that's a wrap! 

14 years and potty training

How do you know you've been married 14 years? 

Your blog post to commemorate the event is titled like this one! 

And you post it a day late!

Jordan and I decided to meet for supper in DSM for our anniversary. 

But I had no care for Torrance so she came with me. 

She and I started the day looking at houses in Ankeny. 

We looked at 6 houses. 

We used the toilet in just about all those houses and also Target, Kum & Go, Scheels, the mall, our restaurant and another gas station. She went twice. 

I was exhausted. 

But she was dry all day except for a bit of dribbling. 

Not bad for day 2!

So she is rocking it!

So proud of her. 

Then we met up with Jordan and had supper. 

It was actually really fun for us to just have her. 

The life of only having one child!

So our 14th anniversary wasnt super romantic. 

But Ill tell you that the 5 days we spent on the coast of Italy a month ago was the most romantic time of my life so I think that counts as our anniversary celebration!

And I love my husband more than I did the day we married. 

He is my biggest blessing. 

Potty Time!!

I was beginning to question if Torrance was ever going to get potty trained. She's three and it's starting to get a bit embarrassing.

I was planning on starting potty training boot camp on Friday. Well she must have wanted nothing to do with that...because this morning she told me she was too big for diapers and she wanted panties.

She was dry all morning and went on her own several times. Then we had to drive to Cedar Falls. She stayed dry and went when we arrived at hobby lobby.

VICTORIOUS!!!

Then she had an accident which TRAUMATIZED her. Wen we got home she insisted on panties again and even pooped unprompted! She chose some candy as a reward.

Now I'm smart enough to know that we aren't out of the woods yet but wow! This is promising!

Side note: she also told me tonight that she is too big for her tippie cup! 

Part of me is very sad!

Sunday night

This is me at my work station, aka my couch on most Sunday nights.

I try to do the majority of my school prep for the week on Sunday night so that the week runs smoothly.

So I'm reading the lesson plans, previewing all the materials we'll be reading, gathering things for science experiments, searching the internet for possible videos, and planning out art activities.

It's a lot sometimes. But I absolutely love it. This prep work is probably one of my favorite parts of homeschooling. And it makes our week run so much better. 

I'm so thankful for how homeschooling is going and for how it's affecting our family. I honestly never dreamed we'd be a homeschool family, and I surely didn't imagine we'd love it so much!!