Summer Reading

I've only gotten through 4 books this summer. I am just not finding the time to read! But here is what I've read:

• "The Mommy Survival Guide" by Barbara Curtis. This was a GREAT book!! Easy reading and just a good perspective on mothering. The author has 12 children, 6 of whom she's still raising, and she has good common sense, not a bunch of "methods" to turn out perfect children (as if that were possibe!) I learned about this book in The Salvation Army's War Cry magazine which features books on the first page.
• "Womanly Dominion: More than a gentle and quiet spirit" by Mark Chanksi. I finally found a book that makes me feel okay about my personality to take charge and run a tight ship! Before this book, I would kind of lay low about just how I manage my family and ministry, because I've been told (mostly when I was a kid) that I can be "bossy" and I certainly don't want to be percieved that way. (My "bossiness" is more refined now! (ha!ha!) But you know what... God told Adam and Eve to take dominion over the earth. To rule the earth and subdue it. That's exactly what this book is about, except in very specific areas. I would highly recommend this book, however, due to my Wesleyian background, there are a few areas I disagree with, but not enough to throw out the baby with the bathwater. The most important thing I took away from this book is that as women, we must be pro-actively engaged in living out our life for the Lord, not just weenie-victims-of-circumstances. I will definately be reading this book again.
• "The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the age of entitlement" by Jean M. Twenge, PhD and W. Keith Campbell, PhD. I have loved this book, also an easy read. I could feel my blood pressure rising just skimming the pages. The authors hit the nail on the head with their examples of and explanations of the "me, me, me" world we live in. This is not a "Christian" book, but there is definately a message here. When I read this book "deny thyself, take up the cross, and follow me" kept ringing through my brain. I am also implementing my new knowledge into my parenting to minimize this culture taking hold of my children's hearts. P.S. Is blogging narcissistic????
• "The Culture of Narcissism" by Christopher Lasch. I found out about this book through my Christianity Today magazine. Originally written in the 70's, this book gives warning of what happens to society through narcissistic motives, beginning with the "self-awareness" movement. This book was a hard read, referring to a lot of psychological terms, but so worth the effort and very enlightening to why things are the way they are in America. This is also not a "Christian" book, but it totally spoke to me that only God makes one Holy, and constantly being on the prowl for the next "self-improvement", "holier than thou", "another rule (law) to live by" is actually narcissism disguised as spiritual formation because it leaves out God's grace and power to make us holy. A fine line indeed!
• "Female Teaching" by Catherine Booth. I have re-read this only to give a better answer for my faith and to gain better Scriptural insight as to the whole women preaching thing. It is not enough to just say "I am called" (well, it's enough for me, I had the experience!). I want to be able to answer intelligently when some would rather not have the gospel preached than to put a woman at the pulpit. God is not a respector of persons. Enough said (well, wrote). Not trying to start anything here ;)
• "The Treasure Within Your Child" by Pam Farrel. I got this book a few years ago when the author spoke at our women's retreat. I skimmed through it before and shelved it, finding it again a week ago. I'm almost done reading it now. I am liking this book especially because it reminds me that my children are different from eachother. I would never want to lump them all together, although I can at times. They are each unique in their personalities and temperments and that's OKAY!! For example, I've NEVER had a 2 year old quite like Hannah. She has for sure broke the Chouinard mold. She is still not completely potty trained, even though all my other kids were entirely potty trained by 2 years 2 months. (I think she has a short fuse between her bladder and brain, she keeps peeing on the floor in the bathroom). And Ann- she is a total chatter box. She has always needed a little more attention than anyone else. She is clingy too. BUT Ann is super smart, extremely helpful and has an amazing mothering/nuturing/instinct. I could go on and on... but don't want to embarrass my kids or "brag" about how wonderful they are (ha!ha!) There are some real precious jewels in everyone!

So anywhoooo, those are some great reads that I've enjoyed. I have also been studying Hebrews this summer. What have you been reading???

Family Bible Camp

We went to Family Bible Camp this past week. It was a great time for us all. God, Family, Friends... what more do you need?? Our family stayed in a cabin all to ourselves. Yes, we take up that much room. We brought 5 other campers from church with us who were able to be in the cabin next to us. In the morning was workshops (I helped in the Kidzone), afternoon was freetime and the evening was a meeting filled with good, Biblical preaching on Holiness. I felt like I was on vacation! It was so nice- five days of having all my meals prepared for me, no laundry, no cleaning, and no Corps work, other than the people we brought with us. I wish I would've taken more pictures, but I was too busy having fun!

Every morning we did a Chouinard cuddle time in my bottom bunk.

The empty space you see was my spot.

This is David rehearsing for the praise band. He played every single night (5 nights). At one time there were about 6 guitars up there going, plus the drums and the piano. David did awesome. He played and practiced so hard that he split two fingers open. Slapped on a couple bandaids and kept playing. At the end, a couple of the Officers gave David over 40 sheets of music to play at our Corps.

Hannah DANCED every night to the music that lasted over 1/2 an hour.


Ann wiped out walking back from the pool. Here we are treating her wounds.

Elijah took this pic of me kissing on my baby girl.

She was so spoiled at camp. So many people held her and loved on her, especially during mealtimes, so I could eat and handle the other children.

One afternoon, we spent a few hours up on the playground with a couple of Corps people. We had a blast. We put the baby down the slide, played hide-n-go-seek

and I even did the monkey bars. I wish I was a kid again.

Elijah on the monkey bars. Suits him well.

David on the monkey bars.

Rough-n-tough Hannah on a chain ladder. She climbed that thing over 30 times

(I lost count after that.)

I was so blessed this week. It was truly refreshing to me in every way.

I love being with other Salvationists. It encourages me so much.

I am so proud to be a Salvationist!

The Salvation Army is the BIGGEST Army in the World, with over one million Soldiers. (Not including our staff, volunteers, adherents, Officers.)

Thank you Lord!

A Day (or two) in the Life

Saturday:

Coffee and nursing

Breakfast, get kids dressed and ready for the day

Chores

Head to a friends, Stacie's, to pick-up a pair of soccer cleets (sp?) for Elijah

To Kramer Field for Elijah's 10am meet the coach and practice

Amidst the confusion find out that they changed his time to 11am. NOT GOOD! (I had planned all around the 10am thing) Thanks a lot soccer people! I was not the only unhappy camper.

Load kids back up, leave Kramer field and go to the bank then to the new Farmer's Market at the City Park. A very small market, we did the whole thing in 15 minutes. Picked up some green beans and the kids shared a pint of blackberries and a pint of strawberries. Hannah looked a mess!

Back to Kramer field

Left in the middle of Elijah's practice to take David to guitar lesson (thankfully our friend, Steve, could watch Elijah while I was gone)

Came back, loaded up all the kids (you other moms know what all this entails!!)

Went to Big 5 to buy Elijah soccer stuff

Went through the drive through at McDonalds to pick-up lunch for Paul who was stuck at the Corps. We ended up getting lunch too because we were still not done running around town.

Picked up David

To the Corps, had lunch with Daddy in the Fellowship Hall. I worked on a couple quick things while the kids played and loaded up the car with a few drums from the bandroom that haven't been touched in all the time we've been here, 5 years. We're using them at home for the time being because Elijah will be taking drum lessons soon when we can find a teacher we can afford.

Went to the music store on 2nd St. to get drumsticks and guitar picks and to look around at the electric guitars and other instruments.

Went to Fred Meyer to get supplies for the Bible Lesson I'm teaching at camp this week, Jesus turns the water into wine. (No, I did not buy wine. Thought about it, you know keeping it authentic and all, but settled for grape kool-aid powder and jugs of water).

Went home. Gave the kids a Push-Up Popsicles OUTSIDE, as it is always a huge-o mess-o everywhere you look-o

Worked on chores and packing while listening to our new Chouinard band, David on the guitar, Elijah on his drums, Ann singing and playing the timbrel and Hannah shaking a maraca while periodically screaming. This lasted for hours. I'm not kidding. Hours. My ears are still ringing. Thank you Lord that we have a downstairs and a garage that we will soon be moving them to.

Baths, de-briefing with Paul, chasing kids to bed

Sunday:

Sunday School and Church. Went good, we were missing 3 families though who went camping together so we only had about 40.

Home for lunch

Went to the Veteran's Home to do church. David played guitar for the first time and did a great job. Ann and Elijah helped sing. Hannah and Mary stayed with Daddy.

Came home. The kids went swimming with Daddy while I worked on packing and chores around the house. I turned the TV on and watched/listened to cooking shows while sipping a Diet Coke to make it all more enjoyable.

Talked with in-laws on the phone.

Made up a "kids" dinner tonight... Corn dogs, Mac-N-Cheese and Apples. Guess who loved it... that's right... the kids.

Sometimes I feel like I'm running out of things to blog about. I can only bore you with so many "informational" posts, like yesterdays. Those are easy! Just a quick "copy" and "paste". Ha!Ha!
When I get the time, I want to post about the many books I've read in the last several months. So that will be coming soon.

This week is coming to an end. David and Elijah went to 4 half days of science camp at the Discovery Center. They had a great time, learned a lot, and came home with many more project ideas. That was thier big treat this summer. Elijah's class was in the morning and David's in the afternoon, with an hour between. I drove out there 4 times a day, 9.4 miles each way. We were in the car sooo much. We also ended up eating out for lunch the last three days. I took them home the first day and we had 10 minutes only to turn around and go back. Last year I tried to do a picnic at the Discovery Center for lunch break, but it turned into a hot and windy disaster. So, the kids thought it was great to go out so much! I didn't mind either... no cooking, clean-up, etc.!

We got to have dinner at our good friends, the Browns, this week. We just love getting together with them. We all have so much fun and it feels so good to just let our hair down and freely talk.

Last night we had dinner company, a family from church. They didn't leave until 9:30pm. I didn't really notice, we were having a good visit, but when the kids started falling apart, I looked at the clock, freaked out and quickly announced "BEDTIME!". Of course, they were still up at the crack of dawn this morning. We have a long day ahead of us and I am praying they can hold it together (at least out in public).

What Exactly is a Salvation Army Officer??

Thought I'd post this for the curious minds who want to know... I often have a hard time explaining the concept of Officership and Salvation Army world in general. I'm good at giving waaaay to much information that leaves everyone confused, including me (ha!ha!).

"Operations of The Salvation Army are supervised by trained, commissioned officers. They proclaim the gospel and serve as administrators, teachers, social workers, counselors, youth leaders, and musicians.

These men and women have dedicated their lives, skills, and service completely to God. Lay members who subscribe to the doctrines of The Salvation Army are called soldiers. Along with officers, they are known as Salvationists.

Candidates for officership undergo an intensive two-year course in residence at Salvation Army colleges in Chicago; Suffern, New York; Atlanta; and Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The curriculum combines theory and field practice, including Salvation Army doctrine, sociology and social work, psychology, Salvation Army regulations, homiletics, public speaking, Bible studies, church history, composition, community relations, business administration, accounting, and vocal and instrumental music.

After two successful years of training, cadets are commissioned as lieutenants, ordained as ministers, and assigned to active duty while continuing their education. Lieutenants are required to devote five years to additional studies.

Numerous advanced training courses are available for officers wishing to specialize in a particular discipline. Institutes, seminars, and conferences have been established to ensure that officers are informed of new and innovative programs and developments.

Promotion is based on length of service, character, efficiency, capacity for increased responsibility, and devotion to duty. The ranks are lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel and commissioner. The international leader holds the rank of general and is selected by a high council of active-duty commissioner and territorial commanders.

Salvation Army officers must devote full time to Army work. An officer who marries must marry another Salvation Army officer or leave his or her officer status. Married captains and majors will individually carry the rank applicable to their own length of service, not that of their spouse. In case of married officers, the conferred ranks of lieutenant colonel, colonel and commissioner will be held jointly. As ordained ministers of the gospel, they are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies, funeral services, and infant dedications. They also provide counseling and consolation to the bereaved.

The Salvation Army provides officers' living quarters, furnishings, and official transportation. Officers qualify for retirement once they are eligible to receive full Social Security benefits."

from The Salvation Army USA website.

P.S.
One other thing I did at Training College that's not listed... met and married my husband!

About My BlogPage Picture

This is a picture I took the day before Mother's Day this year, 2009. We usually celebrate Sunday holidays on the Saturday before since Sundays are already so busy for us.  We cooked up my favorite meal, Turkey Dinner, and ate on my most favorite dishes ever, Royal Doulton "Old Country Roses". I have loved this pattern since I was a little girl. My mom turned me onto it, and she loves it too. Years ago, my mom gave me a teacup and saucer.

Then, for Christmas 2004, Paul gave me 4 place settings. It is probably one of the most special gifts I've ever been given by him. It was our first Christmas in The Dalles. 6 months prior we had just moved to The Dalles from our Springfield appointment of 4 years. Easy, no. Especially factoring in that I moved here pregnant and gave birth on December 14, the worst possible time in Salvation Army world. (We have very busy and demanding Christmas seasons). But you know what? Everything worked out great! I learned to better rely on the Lord and looking back, I know that if I could make it through those first 6 months, and keep my head and smile on straight, by the grace of God, I can make it through anything.

I had been looking through my pics to put on my header, and liked this one because I just love table settings. I love "Old Country Roses" and I love sharing meals, laughter, God's Word, and guidance and even some bickering and corrections at the dinner table. I'm still thinking of staging a picture so I can do a better job at showing off my dishes and make the table look pretty and decadent. So I don't know, real life vs. picture perfect.

I would also like to keep adding to my "Old Country Roses". Since I only have 4 place settings, we usually will use the salad/bread plates for the little kids, but eventually it would be nice to let them use the dinner plate. And in my wildest fantasy, it would be so neat to have plenty to be able to use with company too. I mean, what am I gonna do when the kids all marry and bring their families over. I think I'll need about 5o place settings!! I would also like a tea and coffee setting. To sum it up... I want it all!! Ha! Ha!.

Mt. Hood Trip

We went to Mt. Hood last Thursday evening/night. The boys were at camp still, so it was just us girls and Daddy. We have a great view of Mt. Hood from our living room window. It is fun to watch the snow build up and melt throughout the year. The sunrises and sunsets are amazing.


The Mountain kept getting bigger and bigger.

This is how we roll. You'll notice Hannah in the backseat. She has been banned from the front seat next to Mary. I'll leave the why up to your imagaination...

Paul and I had fun taking goofy pictures.

One memorable thing was that we saw a leg lying alongside the road. That's it just a big old deer leg. We were laughing pretty hard.

We had a light dinner at the Timberline Lodge. We love that place and have even stayed there during off-season for Officer's Councils. Ann and Hannah shared a PBandJ sandwich, carrots and grapes.

Mary chewed on a carrot stick. (But darn it!! I just erased her picture!)

We met a couple of ladies from Florida and chatted with them for a while. One of them was an executive in the resturaunt business in one of the Fortune 500 companies. We just love meeting new people... and I love talking food! They got a kick out of the girls and took our picture.

We hiked up a paved trail to the snow. I carried Mary and Paul did the hard work of pushing the girls in the stroller, straight up hill.

I call this one "flip-flops in the snow"

It was 107 degrees when we left The Dalles. Mt. Hood was hot too, but when we got up to the snow, it was cold!

Only Paul can throw a snowball and take a picture at the same time.