I am not the person that follows the crowd. Not sure that I have ever been that person. I remember as a teen desiring to have the "right" clothes, friends, talents. But I never did have those things due to budgets and personality. Maybe this is why today, I am still doing things in my own style.
I did not figure that my children's education would fall into this category. As I grew up everyone I knew went to the local public school. There were a few that attended the private school, but I met those students when they entered our highschool upon graduating 8th grade and the private school. Many of my peers continued their education in college. I did not follow that path. I did get a few credits but I began working full time to support myself and live on my own. I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up (still don't) and decided to wait upon college until I figured that out. I saved myself a large amount of debt.
I got married and had children. As where to send my precious little people to school as they approached kindergarten age came into question. I visited the local elementary school. The same elementary that I attended beginning in the 4th grade. I met the staff, teachers, and observed classroom learning. I visited the private school. I did some preliminary investigation into homeschooling. I prayed, I stewed, I worried, I discussed, and prayed some more. I wasn't very comfortable with the idea of sending my nearly 6 year old away for an entire day everyday. I didn't like the smell of the school (it hadn't changed from my childhood). Yet, DH and I came to the conclusion that the public school was the place my precious, oldest child should attend.
Why not the private school or homeschool? The private school is pricey. Our funds were limited and we decided the education wasn't significantly better than the elementary school which our taxes were already providing for our community. Homeschool was a rather new concept for both of us. Although my dear friend, matron of honor in our wedding, had been homeschooled, we just did not know enough nor understand the idea. Add to that our beloved, oldest child is rather ironed will and there was concern about the battles that would ensure over ABCs and 123s.
Off she went on the big, yellow bus. I cried, I sighed, I anxiously awaited her arrival home. The day was long. 8:30 - 4:45 including transportation time. She came home tired, a little ornery, and not learning much new. My oldest began reading at 4 years old. Kindergarten wasn't very interesting or challenging. I began picking her up from school to shorten her day. School ended at 3:30 (ish). Living 4.5 miles from the school, I failed to understand the 1+ hour bus ride. Just a few our beginning frustrations with "the system."
I won't go into all the details. Suffice it to say, we were dissatisfied and wanted better for our children. By the end of 1st grade, we made a decision to take on the responsibility to educate our children at home. Our youngest child never did attend the local elementary school.
During the next 8 years I have had the privilege of watching my children grow, learn, and discover. Step by step, I was there as they learned reading, writing, arithmetic and more. Such joy and yes, frustrations. We had great fun with field trips, less fun learning the fine art of writing. Math came easy for one and not quite easy for another. The sibling arguments were and are fatiguing. The sibling creative efforts were and are inspiring.
In another blog I will discuss our decision to re-enter the public school in highschool. Why and how we got there. But for now...
Is homeschooling for everyone? Is it the best option for everyone? Are all public schools ineffective or 'bad'? Some in of my homeschool peers would say yes to all of those questions. I have not felt that way.
For everyone? Homeschooling is challenging and takes dedication along with self-sacrifice. Not everyone is fortunate to be able to be stay home full-time to raise and educate their children. Not everyone has the desire or the dedication it takes to be a parent and teacher full time.
Best option? I would like to say yes. Typically, no one cares more for a child than the parent. To see the child succeed, learn, grow. But again, if you don't have the time and dedication to put into it, likely it is not the best option.
All public schools 'bad'? No. I have met some fantastic teachers, heard of some amazing schoolings. Met some fabulous graduates of the public school system. In my neighborhood - that is not the case in my opinion. But elsewhere, yes, there are good tax-funded schools.
I do not care for the attitude of some of my peers that homeschooling is the best option and frankly the only option. The opinion that the instruction is full of fallacies, that the children are trained to be subversive to parents. I ask WHO is raising your children? You or the school. Stay involved with your children no matter their place of education. You, the parent, are the biggest influence - you'd be amazed.
How you ensure your children are educated is a personal and very private choice. There is not a proper way, each person and family is different. Once again, I am doing things in my own style. Public school followed with homeschool and back to public school via the charter school system.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Hunger Outreach
Can my hands help eliminate hunger throughout the world? That is a large, seemingly, impossible task. And yet, for approximately seven years, my family and I have been participating in a ministry to feed the hungry children of the world.
It began as an effort to find a volunteer opportunity for my grade school aged children. Many organizations and places required a minimum age of 14 or so. I had children in age range of 6 and 8. We had a desire as parents to teach our children to serve in our community. But where, how?
We learned of a local organization, Feed My Starving Children. Their goal is to eliminate hunger. We began volunteering immediately. My children were young but they had the opportunity to touch the lives of many, many children who did not have anything to eat but mud cakes and rocks. Even at this young age, they could assist in packaging a rice manna pack. We were hooked! That was seven years ago.
Throughout the years we have held birthday parties packaging food, gone with our 4-H club, with friends, with our church family, by ourselves, almost any opportunity to that arose to package food! We have donated monetarily to help buy the food to package, we promoted the ministry, we have prayed, we have quite simply fallen in love with this ministry.
Tonight we returned with our church family. We again packaged food for the starving children of Haiti. We prayed over the food. More special this time is the donation my 13 year old daughter (who started volunteering at about the age of 6) gave from the proceeds of the earrings she has made and sold. She has a deep passion for this ministry. I believe it breaks her heart to think of a child without any food.
As a parent, I could not be more proud of my child. She has seen a need, considered how to help, and came up with a way to help. I know I was not this selfless as a teenager. She is my hero. She gives her time and talent to minister to others. Wow.
For more information on this ministry that is growing please visit their web-site www.fmsc.org. Find out about them, consider supporting them with your hands and/or your wallet.
It began as an effort to find a volunteer opportunity for my grade school aged children. Many organizations and places required a minimum age of 14 or so. I had children in age range of 6 and 8. We had a desire as parents to teach our children to serve in our community. But where, how?
We learned of a local organization, Feed My Starving Children. Their goal is to eliminate hunger. We began volunteering immediately. My children were young but they had the opportunity to touch the lives of many, many children who did not have anything to eat but mud cakes and rocks. Even at this young age, they could assist in packaging a rice manna pack. We were hooked! That was seven years ago.
Throughout the years we have held birthday parties packaging food, gone with our 4-H club, with friends, with our church family, by ourselves, almost any opportunity to that arose to package food! We have donated monetarily to help buy the food to package, we promoted the ministry, we have prayed, we have quite simply fallen in love with this ministry.
Tonight we returned with our church family. We again packaged food for the starving children of Haiti. We prayed over the food. More special this time is the donation my 13 year old daughter (who started volunteering at about the age of 6) gave from the proceeds of the earrings she has made and sold. She has a deep passion for this ministry. I believe it breaks her heart to think of a child without any food.
As a parent, I could not be more proud of my child. She has seen a need, considered how to help, and came up with a way to help. I know I was not this selfless as a teenager. She is my hero. She gives her time and talent to minister to others. Wow.
For more information on this ministry that is growing please visit their web-site www.fmsc.org. Find out about them, consider supporting them with your hands and/or your wallet.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Bass Guitar Gift
Last year, I gave my husband a gift of an Bass Guitar. I had no idea, at the time, how much he would appreciate this musical instrument. I knew he was interested in the guitar, he seemed to have a keen interest in bass, but he had never played this instrument prior to this time. He does have piano and violin background from his childhood and a great appreciation of music. A most sought after 'sound guy' in our local church.
He has spent hours teaching himself this instrument. Picking it up quite quickly. Within in just about two months, he began playing with our local church worship team (we attend a small church). Our previous bass guy moved away and there was an opportunity for him to join. A prodigy? No, but passable in our small rural town church, absolutely. We now own amps, yes more than one, music stands, sheet music, fret chording sheets, apps on the iPad, compressor thingys, etc. I am always in awe at my husband's industriousness and dedication upon any task at hand.
One of the more recent purchases is a training video by a reknown bass player, Victor Wooten. I have patiently 'watched' this video with him. Okay watching is a bit of a stretch, I am usually reading, folding laundry, or otherwise distracted.
One day shortly thereafter, I received a phone call from hubby asking what I was doing on a particular evening. It was a Tuesday evening which is a complicated day in our home, one in which our two children are going in opposite directions, as well as it is a day that I watch our niece. What's going on, I asked, thinking I was in for a fun day of juggling children on my own. As it turned out, Victor Wooten was scheduled to appear in our metro area. Of course, he wanted to go, and as it turned out, wanted me to go with him. Awwwww.
I rearranged our schedule, called in favors to transport our teens, and told him to get the tickets. I really had no idea what I was attending, all I understood was I had a date with my man. I've done something similar before in our relationship... while dating he asked me if I would go to a season of college hockey games with him if he bought me the tickets. I said yes, not having really any knowledge of hockey. I just understood it was time with the guy I loved. I have a love of our local college hockey team as a result.
This particular evening was filled with Victor Wooten band and Stanley Clark band. I was out of my element, not really understanding the music entirely, but appreciating tremendous talent. Learning to appreciate jazz, enjoying an evening of fine dining, and a date with my guy. Nine months ago, I never would have imagined that my gift of a guitar would lead to a whole new experience, a new world of music appreciation, a new love of my husband who never ceases to amaze me.
It will be difficult to top this gift.
He has spent hours teaching himself this instrument. Picking it up quite quickly. Within in just about two months, he began playing with our local church worship team (we attend a small church). Our previous bass guy moved away and there was an opportunity for him to join. A prodigy? No, but passable in our small rural town church, absolutely. We now own amps, yes more than one, music stands, sheet music, fret chording sheets, apps on the iPad, compressor thingys, etc. I am always in awe at my husband's industriousness and dedication upon any task at hand.
One of the more recent purchases is a training video by a reknown bass player, Victor Wooten. I have patiently 'watched' this video with him. Okay watching is a bit of a stretch, I am usually reading, folding laundry, or otherwise distracted.
One day shortly thereafter, I received a phone call from hubby asking what I was doing on a particular evening. It was a Tuesday evening which is a complicated day in our home, one in which our two children are going in opposite directions, as well as it is a day that I watch our niece. What's going on, I asked, thinking I was in for a fun day of juggling children on my own. As it turned out, Victor Wooten was scheduled to appear in our metro area. Of course, he wanted to go, and as it turned out, wanted me to go with him. Awwwww.
I rearranged our schedule, called in favors to transport our teens, and told him to get the tickets. I really had no idea what I was attending, all I understood was I had a date with my man. I've done something similar before in our relationship... while dating he asked me if I would go to a season of college hockey games with him if he bought me the tickets. I said yes, not having really any knowledge of hockey. I just understood it was time with the guy I loved. I have a love of our local college hockey team as a result.
This particular evening was filled with Victor Wooten band and Stanley Clark band. I was out of my element, not really understanding the music entirely, but appreciating tremendous talent. Learning to appreciate jazz, enjoying an evening of fine dining, and a date with my guy. Nine months ago, I never would have imagined that my gift of a guitar would lead to a whole new experience, a new world of music appreciation, a new love of my husband who never ceases to amaze me.
It will be difficult to top this gift.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Newborns
When my heart is heavy is when I feel most like blogging. Isn't that interesting. This past week I ended a Bible Study, had an unfortunate confrontation over a mis-understanding, and hurt for the people of Japan experiencing the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami. So my heart is heavy.
In the midst of all this, I have something to share, unrelated to these items. And here I will share with you, those who are interested.
I am, admittedly, a baby lover. If there is a newborn in the room, that is likely where you will find me. I enjoy holding these precious children new to life. The are so trusting, warm, needy, and tiny. It is pure joy for me to hold these babies, admire their features, absorbed their warmth, in essence, snuggle.
On a recent Sunday morning, I had the privilege of holding such a baby. He is only about a month old. Tiny and new, and perfectly formed. The sermon of the morning was on Psalm 42&43. It was a good lesson from an knowledgeable teacher about the messianic message in these Psalms. Something I had not pondered previously.
However, during the sermon, holding this newborn, my attention had opportunity to wander to the newborn in my arms. And my thoughts went something like this, my own personal lesson of the morning:
This little guy is the third child in his family. He looks so much like his siblings, that I just know he belongs in their family. His pronounced chin is a family feature. When he screws up his face to yawn or to cry I see the same expression in his siblings, even at this young age, his mannerisms are the same... so many similarities.
We shifted positions from the arm cradle to chest-to-chest, he curled right in and fell asleep, secure and trusting. I must confess, my favorite snuggle position with a newborn. The ceiling fans had been turned on so I covered his little head with his blanket to protect him from the draft. However, his arm dangled leaving his hand for me to admire. Even looking at his hand, I could see the family resemblance. I often admired his mother's long fingers and this guy has the same long fingers. I thought, "Wow! Even his hand shows to whom he belongs."
My thoughts then shifted to an analogy... do others look at just 'my hand' and think "she belongs to Christ, I can see the family resemblence?" Do others see a facial expression or mannerism and see Jesus reflected? When one looks at me do they know to whom I belong? Am I so secure in the arms of Christ, that I turn into Him, relax, trust, and let Him carry and hold me, like this little guy, who doesn't know me, was doing?
These thoughts are overwhelming and deep. My own private lesson and challenge from my teacher, Jesus.
In the midst of all this, I have something to share, unrelated to these items. And here I will share with you, those who are interested.
I am, admittedly, a baby lover. If there is a newborn in the room, that is likely where you will find me. I enjoy holding these precious children new to life. The are so trusting, warm, needy, and tiny. It is pure joy for me to hold these babies, admire their features, absorbed their warmth, in essence, snuggle.
On a recent Sunday morning, I had the privilege of holding such a baby. He is only about a month old. Tiny and new, and perfectly formed. The sermon of the morning was on Psalm 42&43. It was a good lesson from an knowledgeable teacher about the messianic message in these Psalms. Something I had not pondered previously.
However, during the sermon, holding this newborn, my attention had opportunity to wander to the newborn in my arms. And my thoughts went something like this, my own personal lesson of the morning:
This little guy is the third child in his family. He looks so much like his siblings, that I just know he belongs in their family. His pronounced chin is a family feature. When he screws up his face to yawn or to cry I see the same expression in his siblings, even at this young age, his mannerisms are the same... so many similarities.
We shifted positions from the arm cradle to chest-to-chest, he curled right in and fell asleep, secure and trusting. I must confess, my favorite snuggle position with a newborn. The ceiling fans had been turned on so I covered his little head with his blanket to protect him from the draft. However, his arm dangled leaving his hand for me to admire. Even looking at his hand, I could see the family resemblance. I often admired his mother's long fingers and this guy has the same long fingers. I thought, "Wow! Even his hand shows to whom he belongs."
My thoughts then shifted to an analogy... do others look at just 'my hand' and think "she belongs to Christ, I can see the family resemblence?" Do others see a facial expression or mannerism and see Jesus reflected? When one looks at me do they know to whom I belong? Am I so secure in the arms of Christ, that I turn into Him, relax, trust, and let Him carry and hold me, like this little guy, who doesn't know me, was doing?
These thoughts are overwhelming and deep. My own private lesson and challenge from my teacher, Jesus.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Marriage - half my life
Another milestone in my life. 20 years of marriage which equals half of my life. I married young and during an era when our peers were trying each other out by living together. We made the more traditional commitment of getting married then living together.
I recently attended a mini-seminar during a ladies retreat where I was asked: when getting married what were two of your expectations. I pondered on that question as my "classmates" began writing down their answers. Later I learned some of them... that we would be 'happy happy happy'; 'we'd be in love always'...
Admittedly, my memory is poor. So I had to 'think' like my 19 year old self. I remembered being starry eyed in love, planning a big traditional wedding. I remember feeling those mushy feelings of love and thinking my 'man' was so cute! I desired to spend every moment possible with him.
I also remembered the stress of planning the wedding, caught between my desires and our parents' ideas of appropriateness for the event. I distinctly recall telling him that if I couldn't "please" all these people in planning "my" wedding maybe we shouldn't get married. My husband-to-be held me close and assured me he loved me and I need not "please" these others, and a wedding event did not make a marriage. (Later his grandmother reminded me to always take care of my husband and children first).
We were so terribly young. I didn't think so at the time, but looking back we were very young. At our wedding he was 22 years old and I had just turned 20. The arrogance of youth, the confidence of youth, the audacity of youth. And naive in our our youthfulness.
We chose to marry at a the church where, interestingly, we had met. In God's infinite wisdom we were fortunate to have a seasoned semi-retired minister be assigned to perform our wedding ceremony. As part of having our wedding in this church we were required to attend some pre-marriage classes and well as several private sessions with our minister. I recall the classes covering topics on money, the importance of saving money and balancing your checkbook. We didn't have any money at the time so that was easy for us at the moment. Another topic was on sexual purity, waiting until your wedding night. Hmmmmm, can't recall any of the other topics but I remember there six total classes and being bored silly. Ha ha.
Our time with Pastor Nelson was the most instrumental. A seasoned minister and a veteran spouse. He talked us through all the potential pitfalls and challenges in marriage. What will you do; how will you feel if you can't have children? Oh, by the way, how many children to do you want, please answer individually. How will you handle financial stress? Illness? Most importantly, I remember learning from him that marriage would involve lots of compromises... he recommended we skip the tube toothpaste and go right for the pump or at minimum get two tubes. He guaranteed us that one would want to squeeze from the bottom and the other from the top. Yep, he was right.
I don't recall all that dear man counseled us, but I know it stuck. We were marrying in an time when the divorce rate was 50%. Our friends were rejecting marriage in favor of living together. We were odd: being very young when many were not getting married until after college and careers were started; we hadn't dated many others; our dating relationship was short. He prayed with us and I believe continued to pray for us through out his remaining years.
So back to those two expectations. I wrote down: we'd be married forever and we'd have children. Thus far, two decades of marriage and two children.
It hasn't been easy. There were times that I didn't want to be married to him but didn't want to leave without him. We've had our struggles over money, parenting, household jobs, communication, .... But I made a resolution 20 years ago to live my life with this man, for better or for worse. I don't care for the worse, so I have sought the better - even when it wasn't so good. Am I soooo happy I have fought for it!
I am still crazy in love with my husband. He is the best! My starry eyed love still shows but has grown into more of a deep, admiring love for an individual who stays with me, loves me, cares for me all while knowing all my faults. Believe me, I am not easy to live with, often I can't live with myself. I definitely got the better end of this deal!
I recently attended a mini-seminar during a ladies retreat where I was asked: when getting married what were two of your expectations. I pondered on that question as my "classmates" began writing down their answers. Later I learned some of them... that we would be 'happy happy happy'; 'we'd be in love always'...
Admittedly, my memory is poor. So I had to 'think' like my 19 year old self. I remembered being starry eyed in love, planning a big traditional wedding. I remember feeling those mushy feelings of love and thinking my 'man' was so cute! I desired to spend every moment possible with him.
I also remembered the stress of planning the wedding, caught between my desires and our parents' ideas of appropriateness for the event. I distinctly recall telling him that if I couldn't "please" all these people in planning "my" wedding maybe we shouldn't get married. My husband-to-be held me close and assured me he loved me and I need not "please" these others, and a wedding event did not make a marriage. (Later his grandmother reminded me to always take care of my husband and children first).
We were so terribly young. I didn't think so at the time, but looking back we were very young. At our wedding he was 22 years old and I had just turned 20. The arrogance of youth, the confidence of youth, the audacity of youth. And naive in our our youthfulness.
We chose to marry at a the church where, interestingly, we had met. In God's infinite wisdom we were fortunate to have a seasoned semi-retired minister be assigned to perform our wedding ceremony. As part of having our wedding in this church we were required to attend some pre-marriage classes and well as several private sessions with our minister. I recall the classes covering topics on money, the importance of saving money and balancing your checkbook. We didn't have any money at the time so that was easy for us at the moment. Another topic was on sexual purity, waiting until your wedding night. Hmmmmm, can't recall any of the other topics but I remember there six total classes and being bored silly. Ha ha.
Our time with Pastor Nelson was the most instrumental. A seasoned minister and a veteran spouse. He talked us through all the potential pitfalls and challenges in marriage. What will you do; how will you feel if you can't have children? Oh, by the way, how many children to do you want, please answer individually. How will you handle financial stress? Illness? Most importantly, I remember learning from him that marriage would involve lots of compromises... he recommended we skip the tube toothpaste and go right for the pump or at minimum get two tubes. He guaranteed us that one would want to squeeze from the bottom and the other from the top. Yep, he was right.
I don't recall all that dear man counseled us, but I know it stuck. We were marrying in an time when the divorce rate was 50%. Our friends were rejecting marriage in favor of living together. We were odd: being very young when many were not getting married until after college and careers were started; we hadn't dated many others; our dating relationship was short. He prayed with us and I believe continued to pray for us through out his remaining years.
So back to those two expectations. I wrote down: we'd be married forever and we'd have children. Thus far, two decades of marriage and two children.
It hasn't been easy. There were times that I didn't want to be married to him but didn't want to leave without him. We've had our struggles over money, parenting, household jobs, communication, .... But I made a resolution 20 years ago to live my life with this man, for better or for worse. I don't care for the worse, so I have sought the better - even when it wasn't so good. Am I soooo happy I have fought for it!
I am still crazy in love with my husband. He is the best! My starry eyed love still shows but has grown into more of a deep, admiring love for an individual who stays with me, loves me, cares for me all while knowing all my faults. Believe me, I am not easy to live with, often I can't live with myself. I definitely got the better end of this deal!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Parenting Acrostic
I had the privilege of sharing a short talk/devotion at my sister-in-law's baby shower. This is what I shared with everyone:
PARENTING
P is for prayer. Parenting is praying. It is our highest calling and greatest privilege to pray for our child. Seeking God’s guidance, wisdom for this child placed in your responsibility.
A is for advocate. As a parent, you alone will feel the deep desire for success, care, love, etc of your child.
You are their biggest cheerleader, bully, protector, strongest VOICE for your child. Advocate for your child’s well being, education, friends, etc.
R is for rejoice. Rejoice in your child, in each and every stage. Celebrate who he/she is, her/his accomplishments. Sometimes a child is not who you dreamed it would be – rejoice in how God made him/her.
E is for exhaustion. Parenting takes a lot of energy. Sleepless nights, continuous motion, activities, projects, chasing after small legs that never seem to tire. Take care of yourself to keep up with this bundle of energy.
N is for nurturing. Providing for the needs of food, shelter, love, security. Take care of your relationship with the Lord, your marriage, yourself, your children. One of the very best to give your child stability and security… keep your marriage important, your family strong.
T is for Teaching/Training. A parent is a child’s first, ever present, and most powerful teacher. It begins with learning how to eat, sleep, talk, walk, sit down, be quite, manners, behavior. Balance with love and discipline. Discipline is as important as love.
I is for Intuition. A parent’s “gut” is God given! You are more in tune with your child than anyone else. Listen to it and if necessary make others listen to it!
N is for Never..give up. Each child is precious and parenting will likely be your most challenging job. Through any situation with your child - NEVER give up. God put this child into your life know you were the perfect parent! Take a break for a weekend (many willing to help you) but never give up.
G is for Go. Go back to prayer. When you think you have prayed enough, go back and pray again.
Now for the 'fun' acrostic:
P = peeing, pooping, puking
A = accidents
R = running
E = exhaustion
N = naps
T = teasing
I = imagination
N = naps
G = giggles
PARENTING
P is for prayer. Parenting is praying. It is our highest calling and greatest privilege to pray for our child. Seeking God’s guidance, wisdom for this child placed in your responsibility.
A is for advocate. As a parent, you alone will feel the deep desire for success, care, love, etc of your child.
You are their biggest cheerleader, bully, protector, strongest VOICE for your child. Advocate for your child’s well being, education, friends, etc.
R is for rejoice. Rejoice in your child, in each and every stage. Celebrate who he/she is, her/his accomplishments. Sometimes a child is not who you dreamed it would be – rejoice in how God made him/her.
E is for exhaustion. Parenting takes a lot of energy. Sleepless nights, continuous motion, activities, projects, chasing after small legs that never seem to tire. Take care of yourself to keep up with this bundle of energy.
N is for nurturing. Providing for the needs of food, shelter, love, security. Take care of your relationship with the Lord, your marriage, yourself, your children. One of the very best to give your child stability and security… keep your marriage important, your family strong.
T is for Teaching/Training. A parent is a child’s first, ever present, and most powerful teacher. It begins with learning how to eat, sleep, talk, walk, sit down, be quite, manners, behavior. Balance with love and discipline. Discipline is as important as love.
I is for Intuition. A parent’s “gut” is God given! You are more in tune with your child than anyone else. Listen to it and if necessary make others listen to it!
N is for Never..give up. Each child is precious and parenting will likely be your most challenging job. Through any situation with your child - NEVER give up. God put this child into your life know you were the perfect parent! Take a break for a weekend (many willing to help you) but never give up.
G is for Go. Go back to prayer. When you think you have prayed enough, go back and pray again.
Now for the 'fun' acrostic:
P = peeing, pooping, puking
A = accidents
R = running
E = exhaustion
N = naps
T = teasing
I = imagination
N = naps
G = giggles
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