Updates on our homeschooling family with ten children, a handful of chickens, a couple horses, three bunnies, and six cats.
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Our family's website, PeacefulHome.net, is in the process of changing hosting companies and is currently inactive. Our plan is to move this blog over once construction is complete. Please stay tuned for updates!
I have a great walk-in pantry. However, we've long since maxed out the shelf space since so much other than groceries seems to get stored in there. I didn't think to take a "Before" photo, but, trust me, it wasn't pretty: appliances on the floor and stuff crammed on and around a little bookcase.
Recently, Bryan spent a Saturday morning building new shelves around our freezer. Those babies are so sturdy, the rest of the house could blow away, and they would still be standing!
These were the existing shelves that came with the house.
Here are the new shelves (choir singing "Alleluia!"). Someday we'll paint them, but I think they're lovely as they are!
Training children can often be an overwhelming task. It is by far the hardest thing I've ever attempted and a job that refines my character every day. I often feel that I'm failing in many areas. I know that God had prepared me for this calling and daily gives me the strength and grace to get through. Sometimes that's a little tough to remember when you're in the trenches.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, let's see the glass as half-full. Keep a list of what you do in a day to serve and train your children. Dieters often write down every bite to have a realistic view of how much they're eating. It is encouraging to keep a tally (even if only mental) of how deep and broad the task of mothering.
Guess what? I bet you stop counting by breakfast because you'll realize just how much you're doing to make a difference in those beloved ones' lives!
A few years ago I realized that it did no good to encourage a particular character trait (like diligence or deference) if the children didn't understand what that word meant. Kathy from The Courtship Connection mentioned "Character Building for Families," and I looked into it.
Each 20 minute lesson (which requires no prep time!) involves scripture reading and memorization, as well as discussion about the trait being studied. We spend several days or weeks studying a particular trait. Now I can even ask a little one, "What does the Bible say about (insert trait here)?" and they can give me a scriptural answer.
Last year the children and I worked on the study during the day. This year we're enjoying Dad leading the studies with everyone before bedtime. We've even been able to use the scripture we've learned during Memorization Sundays at church.
Perhaps you've seen the ads for the "new" sugar substitute, Tuvia. The reality is the Stevia has been used as a sweetener for thousands of years. We've been enjoying the liquid form for a couple years as a way to reduce our intake of refined sugar. I've also had poor luck with the powder dissolving.
Since I (and my children) do notice the after-taste, we combine it with sugar or honey in our Kool-aid type beverages lemonade, and sweet tea. Many of the children also like the flavored liquid drops in their milk. For some, that's the only way they'll drink their cow-juice. I'll also use it 50/50 with sugar in some baked goods, like muffins.
It is expensive, but don't rule it out on that point. The bottles of flavored drops last over a year in the 'fridge, and the big bottle of plain lasts us about 6 months of almost daily use in gallon beverages.
The liquids are cheapest when purchased through a natural foods co-op, but can be found at places like Whole Foods. I'm currently buying though Amazon for some savings and convenience!
Last week, four of the children participated in the Missoula Children's Theatre production of the Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. They audition on Monday, rehearse Tuesday-Friday, and perform twice on Saturday.
All the children look forward to the experience every year and can't wait until they are old enough to try out. The week is crazy with rehearsals every night at varying times, but so worth it for the experience of performing.
Here's the whole cast:
Jacob as a Chameleon. He loved this so much, he lit up the stage!
Caleb was also a Chameleon with his best Pollard buddy.
Emelie as a Goat with another cute Pollard.
Teddy was challenged to be grumpy as a member of the "Frowny-Faced Tribe"
Whoo Hoo! We made it through Missoula Week. Photos of the performance will be posted tomorrow. We had a wonderful time with Jammers and family, and our house feels sort of empty now.
Much to everyone's delight (thinking positively here) were back to our regular schedule of school and jobs tomorrow. The house definitely needs to be whipped into shape after letting things slide for a week.
This week I'm getting our big grocery list together. There is an air of excitement because a new Super Wal-Mart will be opening this week. This will cut our drive time to a grocery store in half (15 minutes)!
This week, the Stumpfs will be enjoying:
Monday (Bryan night meeting) - Orange Chicken Supper
Tuesday (Homeschool group) - Franks n' Beans (crockpot), Cornbread
We call this day our "Wardrobe Malfunction Day." Those of you that have been following along probably noticed that the whole family wears the same color t-shirt each day. This not only simplifies packing, but is essential for keeping track of everyone in the busy parks. We definitely draw more attention to ourselves when dressed alike, and it also invites some questions and conversations with people. We pray that these interactions are glorifying to God. Since Bryan had been given several t-shirts from his Extreme Makeover experience, we decided to make those one of our outfits.
We were totally unprepared for attention that it gave us. Well over 100 people ran up to us throughout the day asking if we were having a home built. Even people who could barely speak English congratulated us on our new home. We would explain that we were involved in the construction of a home and that ABC had not paid for our trip to Disney World. At first it was funny, but as the day wore on, it became distracting. Often I would be talking to one family, while Bryan would be talking to someone else. Emelie and Teddy were also questioned. We laughed about it later, thinking that for every person that came up to us, there were probably 10 that were assuming the same thing. Now they'll be watching for us on TV!
Water was always a hit where ever we found it!
The children titled this photo "Daddy"
Teddy getting weak from hunger waiting for lunch, and Emelie, as always, behind the camera.
When we got to the Petting Zoo, Heidi just grabbed a brush and got to work!
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