Daddy on Service Project : Our Week at Home

Saturday:

Ah, the first day of Daddy being away, never my favorite. We begin to try to find a routine for just Hunter and I. While we sleep a little later in the morning, when we're up its a running start. We hear loud noises out the bedroom window. It is a giant backhoe digging a yard for our new neighbors behind us; this brings great excitement and rushing quickly out the door. Hunter has just come off a week of being home due to illness; he is on antibiotics and finally over his infectionS. Today was beautiful with warm weather and SUN, thus there was only one place he wanted to be. Hunter spent most the day outside in yard, playing with friends, drawing with sidewalk chalk, and digging in the garden. Mommy was inside most of the day doing spring cleaning in the kitchen (it took all day; in between my breaks to check on Hunter).

The morning was "peppered" with moments of testing Mommy; this always happens the first day after Daddy has left. We had several bouts of time out and even 2 spankings. Hunter cried and asked when Daddy would be back. Hunter and I talked a lot about obedience; I am sure he could right a term paper on the subject, if he could spell. If only obedience were as simple as hearing and then responding. I was encouraged by a friends Blog in which she said when talking of her 4 year old and a long day of discipline, "had she really forgotten that quickly?" How I relate. She went on to say: I am trusting in God’s promises [Hebrews 12:11]--that these things will indeed come true for my girls: the harvest of righteousness and peace, and folly being driven far from their hearts. I went on that evening to email my friend, Bonnie and thank her for being so encouraging. As I went on to bed I reflected...So many times in these discipline situations I find myself looking at my obedience in hearing and doing, and I too don't always add up to being "a good girl". How many times have I "forgotten so quickly", when God has asked me to surrender an attitude, a thought, or so on. Then I prayed for Hunter and asked God to "produce harvest of righteousness and peace through his discipline" (Heb 12:11). Thanks Bonnie for the encouragement and reminder of God's promises, and that I am not alone.

Sunday:

Today we dashed out the door for church and Hunter was a big helper. We got there on time (a big feat any week), and went straight to nursery without complaints (note: he is one of the oldest kids in there, but I can't lead worship and take care of him, so I tell him he is going to help the teachers). What was suppose to be a short day for us turned into an all day on Post. I only had to play one service, run a few errands, and home. Well, the nursery was short-handed for the second service, so I volunteered to stay and help for an hour; then I met with the new girl that will be playing the piano when I am away. We grabbed a quick happy meal for lunch and then limited our errands to only the necessities; this worked and we were home by 3. As usual Hunter took his nap in the car.

The weather cooled off due to a late afternoon thunderstorm, so Hunter and I took this opportunity to color Easter eggs. He had so much fun! He then asked if we could do some school work, so we sat down and talked about being a solider in God's army and wearing the proper armor. He loved that...he even ran downstairs to get his play armor.

After Hunter headed to bed I watched a little LOST (my favorite TV show) and wrote down some analysis to discuss with Chris upon his return (we do this every week). I had lots of plans for this evening, but was so worn out and feeling attacked by allergies, that I simply tried my new Neti-pot for the first time (love it!) and watched a chick-flick. I got to bed way to late, but had a good chat with my fam.

Monday:

Hunter has gotten really good and sleeping in, so much so, that we didn't make it to kindergarten until 9am this morning; well, it is the relaxed spring break schedule so all was good. I jumped into sorting, organizing, and cleaning out. We have a homegroup that we belong to and we were hosting this week, but with Chris away (he usually teaches), we decided to make it dinner fellowship. So I spent the afternoon cooking quiche and setting the table for this event. We had a great time and I enjoyed the adult conversation. Another beautiful day of weather.

Hunter had some hard lessons learned today. While outside playing with the neighborhood kids (mostly boys age 4, only a couple of girls), his best buddy Lukas pushed him off a giant rock. While Hunter was laying on the ground, Lukas either threw a rock at him, hit him with a stick, or both. Hunter came to me with real tears. As we were walking home (Hunter still in tears), he asked why did I not come running when I heard him crying (he was really upset); I had to explain that I did not hear him crying. He told me that he no longer liked Lukas because he was mean and he needed Jesus. He asked if we could call Daddy and have Daddy beat him up. I explained no, that we would need to forgive Lukas, and sometimes people do mean things to us. After we washed away the tears and cleaned off the dirty hands, Hunter quickly returned to playing, but this time alone in the yard. Within 30 minutes, Lukas came over; I asked Hunter if this was ok. Hunter explained that all was ok and Lukas was nice again. It was just that easy! I wish it was that easy for adults or even more so the Body of Christ to forgive one another. I learned something from my 4 years old today.

Tuesday:

Another beautiful and warm day in Bavaria. I spent time on Post today at the consignment store getting clothes for Hunter and myself too! After kindergarten Hunter came home and we made peanut butter balls and I made chicken rice salad for dinner. The day was mostly uneventful, but good (I think I need days like that). Hunter had fun at Kindergarten. Tomorrow we may go for some Eis after more spring cleaning. We had a good phone call from Daddy, who is having a great time serving the Lord with our teens in Poland. We also got to talk with Momo, Nana, & Uncle Tebin. I got to help him run through name ideas for his new endeavor. My allergies seem to be getting worse; no surprise since things have just begun to bloom. I wish I could breathe. I went to bed early and hope to feel better in the morning.Wednesday:

Today was Hunter final day of Kindergarten to begin Spring Break. He was not at all eager to go, but I mentioned his friend, Paula would be there, and he was more than compliant to go. I think I pulled a muscle in my neck/back, and my allergies have gotten even worse. I guess early to bed tonight too; even my tastebuds have stopped working.

I learned a new word today, iniquity; I have always thought this word to mean sin, but it is so much more...it is defined as "the hidden faults we don't see, the wicked residue of our fallen nature that discolors the fabric of our thoughts, motives, feelings, responses and desires". (Sorge, Bob "Secrets of the Secret Place, 2001, 20) I love how much more it describes beyond simply sin. What made me stop and think was that Christ died even for this, the tainted way I see things...the things about myself, even hidden from me. Oh, may this knowledge cause me to move forward and deepen my relationship with HIM.

This afternoon, Hunter tried to teach Lukas to play Mario Kart; it was fun to watch and the two loved it. Mommy was really tired from cleaning all morning. I got our steambuggy out and cleaned the WHOLE kitchen; tomorrow I will tackle the bathroom. I had every intention to go to bed early, but ended up watching "The Wedding Planner", and again stayed up too late. Only 2 more days until Daddy comes home!!

Thursday:

I ran out of time to do my blog today, as I was cleaning out my closet and it rained a bit. In the afternoon, Hunter went to a friends house to play, while I played piano for Holy Thursday in the Catholic mass. I am in need of sleep and Daddy backup to support Hunter's energy. Daddy comes home tomorrow!
Friday:

The best surprise ever! Daddy came home this morning before we ever got out of bed. It was the best surprise to wake up to. We are all very tired and in need of sleep and time together. The rest of the day was very relaxed and spent as a family on this Good Friday.