"Silence is golden, unless you have children - then silence is suspicious." - Anonymous
IT'S A GIRL!!! (In case you missed it)
We are thrilled, but even if the baby were a boy, we would have been thrilled. There is just something about babies that makes us that way.
And she will be called Ella Rae Harper.
Before Dave and I became pregnant, we discussed extensively the idea of expanding our family. During this time-time-of-discussion, some days we felt that we wanted to, other days we were worried that it might be too much with the twins medical care, and the increasingly busy social schedule with the two older boys. However, the more I thought about, the more it became very clear to me: Couples regret not having more children. Couples NEVER regret having a child. I want to live a life that I will never regret.
* * * *
With the beginning of the school year comes new routines, and new struggles. It seems that every year, one of our biggest struggles is wisdom in knowing how to manage "technology time" (screen time, computer time, iPad time, etc.). I have been contemplating creating a rubric for homework and responsibilities that makes the child be responsible for his own time and activities. So, in my head the rubric looks something like this:
1.) homework - completed = 10 min
- neat the first time = 5 add'l min
- answers double checked (>2mistakes) = 5 min.
- completed homework put away = 5 min
2.) bed made - 7 min
3.) lunchbox in kitchen without being asked - 5 min
I'm not sure if this will work. What do you all do? How do you motivate your kids to take responsibility, and teach them work before play? I am taking any advice right now! I want this year's school work to be positive and rewarding!
This coming week, I will be undertaking a huge endeavor with the boys - we will be traveling to Arkansas with all four boys, just the six of us. As you can imagine, I am a bit nervous because of the nighttime duties that have to be performed, as well as all the daytime duties. I believe, though, that the memories will be worth the work. On Thursday, the twins will be making an appearance at a Harding University embryology lecture performed by their Papa Dean. And then on Sunday, Dave has been asked to say a few words about our journey of faith and family at Sylvan Hills Church of Christ in Sherwood. If you live in the Sherwood area (or surrounding area), and would like to join us in worship, the address is 117 W. Maryland Ave., Sherwood, AR, 72120. I am absolutely giddy about being able to visit with so many individuals and families who have prayed for the twins and our family!
For now, that is the latest edition of our news, but I would like to put out a request: Dave is looking for work in the DFW area. If anyone knows of a job or listings related to geology, environmental field, or anything else that you think might be similar please, please, please send it our way. We would appreciate all the help we can get, and as our God says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." -Matthew 7:7-12
We are diligently asking and seeking and knocking, and we will accept any help that comes our way!
3 good things:
1.) double doozies. I mean, yummy!!
2.) Good books to read
3.) Being given another day to live.
Don't forget to post your ideas about keeping screen time to a minimum and responsibility awareness to a maximum! Not only for me, but for the other readers. 😉
Follow me on Twitter @JeniusEzell
Follow Dave on Twitter @EzellDave
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