Owner: Joy in the Morning URL:www.mamahooper.blogspot.com Join Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 23:29:31 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Finding joy in the hilarious antics of my 3 children, the love of my minister husband, and in the complete grace of the Father. I'm always searching for areas in my life that need change, which I, in turn, proceed to write about. I review children's boo Site statistics:Click here
Friday Funny 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Click to enlargeThis is what happens when the baby is left with Nana!Maybe she was damp. Maybe she needed a tumble! Whatever the reason, I'm just grateful she was given a book. For me, even the worst form of torture is acceptable if I have some reading material!Have a wonderful weekend! Read more:Friday
, Funny
Children's Book Monday - Shhhhh! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 God's Quiet ThingsWritten by Nancy SweetlandIllustrated by Rick Stevens"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!You have set your glory above the heavens.When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,what is man that you are mindful of him?The son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:1, 3-4Shhh - this is a quiet book, meant to be read in a whisper. The wonders of God's creation are all around us, but somehow, we seem to miss the quietest beauty in the midst of our busy-ness. So smoosh together, lower your voices, and read this precious book, which reminds us that God made quiet things.Clouds drifting by. Butterflies, fluttering their wings. Grasses moving in the breeze. Inchworms inchings, spiders spinning. Can you hear them, little one? The darkness falls, morning dew glistens. Did you hear them come, my darlings? Night and day, sun and moon. We searched the beautiful watercolor pictures and listened, Read more:Children
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Memorizing God 1970-01-01 00:59:59 He gently traced the spidery veins on the back of my hand, blue and smooth beneath the transparent, pale skin. To my left, another little boy smoothed my braid, over and over, sometimes burying his nose in the honey brown strands, and sometimes brushing the soft ends on his cheeks, as a smile crossed his face.There in that pew on a Sunday morning, my little boys were lovingly memorizing pieces of their mama. I know this, because I did the same when I was young.I remember brushing against my mama's leg while she sat on the couch visiting with a friend, as I played with my dolls on the floor at their feet. My child-like senses enjoyed the feel of the smoothness, and I thought, I wonder what Mama's friend's leg feels like? So I maneuvered myself nonchalantly across the carpet, and "accidentally" brushed against her, only to find it prickly, and unpleasant. Back I went to Mama's leg; yes, the pleasant softness was still there. My mama is the softest!She rubbed a cream into her
Friday Funny 1970-01-01 00:59:59 From the archives of Isms:During Sunday School (where I am the teacher, and our two sons are the only students), I was writing the Bible verse on our chalkboard, and I noticed Micah, out of the corner of my eye, flopping on the floor and rolling around.I said, "Micah, be still."He asked, "Mama, how do you see backwards and side to side?"A lesson in peripheral vision followed, and I successfully fought the urge to tell him I have eyes in the back of my head.Have a blessed weekend! Read more:Friday
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Children's Book Illustrator Monday 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Well, dear reader, is the flu making its' way around your home, as it is mine? We are on our second week, and this particular strain includes horrendous coughing, which results in lost dinners, and aches and pains all over. Unfortunately, the littles are the ones in misery now, and so we run to and fro, easing aches with fluffy pillows, rubbing backs crouching over the toilet, and yes, giving in to the occasional "I'm hungry!", and then regretting it ten minutes later.(All said with a tired but contented laugh, for I am certainly thankful to be healthy and available for these very moments!)This Children
's Book Monday
will not include a review of one particular book, rather it will reveal one of my favorite illustrators of all time, PLUS the books she illustrated! Are you excited? Well, you needn't be, but just keep reading, please! (Caution: many links ahead!)Betsy~Tacy. Betsy, Tacy and Tib. Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill. Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown. Winona's Pony Cart. (Have Read more:Illustrator
Where I'm From 1970-01-01 00:59:59 *edited to add: I am not the originator of the "Where I'm From" essays - I have just read many other posts by women who also were not aware of its' origin! Deb has kindly directed us to an actual template (which I wish I had used!) - if you would like to follow the link and write your own! It is a wonderful exercise for the memory!_______________________________________________________________I am from young love, childhood sweethearts, who were married at eighteen.I am from “She’s supposed to be a boy!” followed by overwhelming love. From four brothers and three sisters, and neverending friendships.I am from the hottest month of the year in Chicago; green skies, tornadoes. From humid nights, damp nightgowns, restless sleep.I am from a mama who thought I was beautiful, and yet wanted to make me wear a sign as a toddler saying, "Please don't tell me I'm cute!" I am from being adorable, and knowing it.I am from green shag carpet, from a four-story yellow house and a secret pass
Five Reasons 2007-03-02 15:00:00 First of all, it has come to my attention (thank you, Letisha!) that there is already a variation of Friday Funny! It's called Friday Funnies, and it accompanies the Girl Talk blog. I just wanted to get that out there, and tell you I am aware of it now, and I understand that I am not original. I only thought I was!I'm taking a little break from the usual hilarity today and answering a meme that Andrea tagged me with!Five Reasons
Why I Blog1. I love to share with our family and friends what we are experiencing here in this life of ministry. We live at least an hour away from our closest family, and so it is a joy to write about my thoughts, my ideas, and my sweet children and know that there are dear ones reading along.2. I do love to write. It went into hibernation about the time I graduated from high school, and I wondered if it was buried forever as I slowly lost brain cells with each child I birthed. But with age comes a maturing thought process, and, of course, more material!3. A
Ahhh... 2007-03-05 15:00:00 ...I am taking a blogging break this week!I'm off to the "big" city to stay with my parents for a few days, just Eliana and I.But please visit me here on Saturday, March 10th - I will be sharing my thoughts about something special that day! And feel free to visit CWO's Internet Cafe every day - there are always words of truth to be found; a virtual cup o' joe to sip as you drink in His peace.Have a blessed week, dear reader!
Children's Book Monday 2007-03-12 14:00:00 We loved this new book, and it provoked a lot of laughter (and explanations), by the end - I mean, the beginning!The Endby David LaRochelleIllustrated by Richard EgielskiMost books end with "...and they lived happily ever after!", but not this one! That's the way this delightful tale begins, and it's a head-scratching, epiphany-laden story from end to beginning.Relying heavily on the pictures to tell the story, this book begins with the finale, and works the tale backwards to find out how it all began.I really don't want to spoil it, so I will give you the highlights: there is a big bowl of lemonade, a crying dragon, a tickling knight, a tantrum-throwing giant, one hundred bunny rabbits, and a giant tomato! The story carefully outlines what sparked each event, and leaves you hanging on each page simply dying to know what happens...before!The illustrations are just delightful, and if you look carefully at the inside front cover, the first few pages before the story "ends", the back f Read more:Children
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Now 2007-03-14 14:00:00 The cry arises from the kitchen table; one child is stuck on three’s in his multiplication recitation, and he complains because his brother is missing in action, as I did not give him his next task quickly enough. And the baby is crying as she frantically grabs at my apron, untying it and pulling my neck out of alignment. I feel the anxiety creeping up my spine, and a stubborn unwillingness to move from my post, for you see, I am communing with God here at the sink, selfishly imagining that this moment is mine.But let me tell you, dear reader, how a mama can soar through the heavens even as her hands are rooted in greasy dishwater and a little one clings to her leg.Come and seeLook on this mysteryThe Lord of the universeNailed to a treeChrist our GodSpilling His holy bloodBowing in anguish,His sacred headCan you hear it? The music is flowing out of our stereo, making the children still, and sending my soul into orbit. The baby stops crying and sways, raising her arms just like Mama.S
A Wonderful Summer Celebration 2007-03-16 14:00:00 As promised, here is Corban's writing assignment for this week, inspired by the book I reviewed on Monday. Enjoy a blessed weekend, everyone!A WonderfulSummer
CelebrationBy Corban Hooper (and Mama Hooper as grammar coach)The people of Sherwood Forest had a wonderful summer celebration!They had a wonderful celebration because they found gold and rubies on the road.They found gold and rubies on the road because it had fallen out of the Sheriff’s carriage.The gold and rubies had fallen out of the carriage because a tree fell on it.A tree fell on it because it was stuffed full of acorns.It was stuffed full of acorns because the chipmunks had stored too many for the winter.They had stored too many for the winter because Little John had bumped a tree and knocked them all off.Little John had bumped the tree because he was dancing.Little John was dancing because his feet were burned by hot stew.Little John's feet were burned by hot stew because an arrow had knocked over the pot.An arrow h
Children's Book Monday 2007-03-19 14:00:00 Duck DuckStory and Pictures by Edna MillerI love this book for many reasons, but first and foremost, because "Duck Duck" is what Micah called ducks as a toddler, mixing the name of the duck with the repetetive nature of its' call - "Quack Quack!" Remembering his husky baby voice, saying those words excitedly when he saw a duck, makes me smile.This story is beautifully illustrated, and can almost be read without any words at all, but it is a little sad at a certain point, so younger children might not be able to handle it as well as did my five and eight year old.A mallard duck and his mate settle in for the hatching of their ten eggs, but when the mallard settles out in the pond for the day, a fox comes to the nest where the mama duck is sitting with the eggs. And when the mallard returns, he finds only two eggs left, and they are hatching!The little hatchlings learn their first duck lessons from their father, and eventually fly away with a flock of friends who fly over, but the malla Read more:Children
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Say Your Prayers 2007-03-22 14:00:00 "Courage is fear that has said its prayers." – Dorothy Bernard This quote makes me believe that for courage to be present, fear must exist. But when fear covers its head with a shroud of prayer, God's hand is released... continue reading at CWO's Internet Cafe...
For Friends Still in the Throes of Winter 2007-03-23 14:00:00 And what else was there to do in the winter? Stay inside and read. Or write. Stay inside and dream. Stay inside and look, safely, outside. The Muse might as well be invited—who else would venture out?-Patricia Hampl, A Romantic EducationIs it too much to say, in winter, that I die? Something of me dies at least.-Frederick Buechner, GodricSpring, summer, and fall fill us with hope; winter alone reminds us of the human condition.-Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's NotebookIt is a pleasure to the real lover of nature to give winter all the glory he can, for summer will make its own way and speak its own praises.-Dorothy Wordsworth, Journals of Dorothy WordsworthHave a blessed weekend friends - and warm yourself in His embrace! Read more:Friends
Children's Book Monday 2007-03-26 15:00:00 Boxes For KatjeStory by Candace FlemingIllustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueenOh, I love a book with a lesson! (Or two or three!) This story was brought to my attention by my youngest sister, Madeline, (11) who loves to read just like me, and faithfully rushes to the library every Monday
to check out whatever book I've reviewed that day!Katje lives in Olst, Holland, post-World War II. Her family, along with the rest of her village, must get by without things like milk and soap, and patch their clothing to survive during the cold winter months.When Rosie, an American girl from Mayfield, Indiana, sends a care package with a sweet letter to Katje and her family, Katje shares it all with her village. And when she sends a thank-you note to Rosie, unwittingly sharing another hardship in the process, Rosie sends another package, and so begins a friendship of giving and blessing.This tale about God-led generosity is so touching, and inspiring. The two levels to this story - the generosity I've Read more:Children
Anatomy of a Mama's Wrinkles 2007-03-28 06:12:00 Wrinkles are a sign of age, right? A trophy to some, saying, "Look what I've been through! Years and years of it, and I'm still here!" I think most wrinkles are beautiful, like on the paper thin skin next to an old woman's eyes, or the back of a hand that has worked hard every day of its life.But so far, the only wrinkles in my life are to be navigated, and they are mostly seen as annoyances, "hiccups" in my day. A stumble in my mothering, a failure in my parenting.I rise early. Perhaps not as early as some, but 6:30 AM in my home still carries the dark of the night with it, deep breathing from my children's rooms, and a whiffling snore from the bed as I leave my husband behind. It is my quiet time, and more and more I find myself waking before the alarm goes off, my mind clear, my spirit anxious to hear.I light the lantern at the kitchen table, so as not to brighten the house too early and wake my lightest sleeper, Corban. With my face turned towards the warm flame, I talk with th
Concerning Spankings...and Grace 2007-03-30 04:46:00 One day, when Corban was four years old, and Micah was nearly two, I had to run to the grocery store with both of them. This particular store has great prices, but also requires you to bag everything yourself, so with two little ones, it was rather difficult. And to make it even harder, Corban was so squirrely, grabbing things off of the shelves, and laying down in the aisles! This had garnered several warnings (yes, back when I warned instead of requiring first-time obedience – which is still catching on!), and I finally told him I would have to spank him when we got home. He grew quiet.On the drive home, he kept weeping in the back seat, saying, “Mama, I’m so sorry. I was so bad. I’m so sorry.” I told him I forgave him, and then began thinking about grace. I could tell he was really sorry, both in his heart, and in his bottom! (laughs) I began thinking that I would like to offer him grace, and how I could use the opportunity to define this marvelous word.So when we arrived Read more:Grace
Children's Book Monday 2007-04-02 15:00:00 (Before I get started, I wanted to let you all know that I am posting from my archives over at CWO today as well. Please come by and enjoy a "sip for the soul"!)Miss RumphiusStory and Pictures by Barbara Cooney"The Lupine Lady lives in a small house overlooking the sea. In between the rocks around her house grow blue and purple and rose-colored flowers. The Lupine Lady is little and old. But she has not always been that way. I know. She is my great-aunt, and she told me so."A little girl named Alice lived in a city by the sea. Her grandfather was an artist and a woodworker, fashioning figureheads for the prows of ships, and carving Indians out of wood to put in front of cigar stores. And when he was very busy, Alice helped put the skies into his paintings.As Alice sat on his knee in the evenings, listening to his stories of faraway places, she vowed to travel as he did, when she was older, and to live by the sea.Grandfather tells her there is a third thing she must do, and she listens Read more:Children
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Thinking? Who has time to think? 2007-04-03 14:55:00 I was a scrawny little girl. Running could make even my fingernails hurt, and competition positively made my skin crawl! Had I heard the dreaded words, "Tag! You're it!" as a skinny ten year old, the world might just as well have been coming to an end.But Saturday, those words were found dancing in my comment box from Jenny, and instead of crying out in anguish, a huge smile danced across my face! Sunday, this lovely woman tagged me again (I hadn't even had a chance to run free, yet!), and then today, Darlene awarded me as well! I figured I had better get my awards up soon, so that other *much* more deserving bloggers may receive their due! *Edited to add: Katherine and Amy, too? Quit it! But really, thank you all so much. I am truly humbled to be read by those who write so honestly and beautifully.What I'm talking about are the Thinking Blogger Awards, begun who knows where, but culminating, for me, right here at a A Path Made Straight, and just beginning for five other beautiful b Read more:think
100th Post! 2007-04-06 15:00:00 All I can say is - wow.I've been reading through my archives, and friends, I must say you are incredible.You've tolerated my rampant misuse of semi-colons.You've glossed over the fact that I really don't like to use the word and. (Hey, it's totally overused - give the other words a chance! Or a comma, for that matter. Semi-colon, maybe?)Don't even get me started on my improper use of possessives. (Is it it's or its' or its?)Kindly, you've said nothing about my misspellings, such as (but not limited to):Unususual. As in, that is a very unususual way to spell that word. And dumb. (Did I just use the word and?)Judgement. I say, equal opportunity for "e"!Reverant. As in, the Rever-Ant is coming to supper after church today. Make sure you leave him some crumbs.How on earth? I won the Idaho State Spelling Bee when I was in sixth grade, for goodness sake! (I caught the reverant slip fairly quickly, but the others I have left in their place, to remind me to stay in mine.)Anyway, thank
Children's Book Monday 2007-04-09 15:00:00 I Went to HeavenI went to heaven, -'Twas a small town,Lit with a ruby,Lathed with down.Stiller than the fieldsAt the full dew,Beautiful as picturesNo man drew.People like the moth,Of mechlin, frames,Duties of gossamer,And eider names.Almost contentedI could be'Mong such uniqueSociety.'Tis but a hint, dear reader, of the book to come...Emilyby Michael BedardPictures by Barbara CooneyI've written about my love for this author before, so settle a little more deeply into your chair as we begin... A little girl is curious about the reclusive neighbor on her street, a woman who lives in the yellow house with her sister. The neighbors call her The Myth...The Myth sends a note to the little girl's mother, telling how she is revived by the piano music she hears from their house, and asks for more. The girl and her mother make a visit, and it is there that they meet the recluse, who is introduced by her sister as Emily.She is too shy to come down and listen to the girl's mother play the pi Read more:Children
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My Secret Weapon 2006-10-21 15:55:00 Two years and four months may separate Corban and Micah chronologically, but nothing separates them physically or emotionally. A hundred times a day I hear them say "I love you" to each other. I may have to walk them through an argument here and there, but never has it taken them more then a few minutes to regain trust in each other. They cherish their little sister, constantly ask me what they can do to help, and after they've descended the hill to the river, they turn and hold out their hands to help Mama down the slippery slope.Now, I'm going to let you in on something - it's actually my secret weapon. It's why my boys are such good friends and great helpers. But when you hear it, you're going to want it, so I must warn you - there's only one, and it was given to me.Are you ready?It's... my husband. The father of my children. He has everything to do with the way these boys are turning out. He is a man, no question. He watches over his family physically, financially, spiritua Read more:Weapon
, Secret Weapon
Morning Prayers 2007-04-11 14:46:00 O God, I marvel that no two mornings are ever quite the same despite my routine:That no single day is without its surprises;That no least happening is beyond your knowledge;That no ordinary task I have to do is outside your interest;That no situation which poses a problem is beyond your solution;That no distance is too far, though 'I take the wings of the morning';That no isolation need spell loneliness, though 'I dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea';That no sinful act of mine can put me outside your love and forgiveness and restoration.Give me the courage I need today to face up to anything I'm afraid of.Give me conscientiousness about every part of the work entrusted to me.Give me a spirit of cheer and friendliness. For Your sake.AmenRita Snowden - A Woman's Book of PrayersIndeed, despite my routine of beginning here, praying by lamplight, it is but momentary and fleeting.Soon, little feet come stumbling down the hall, sleep being rubbed away by sweaty little fists. A fragr Read more:Morning
Meetings With God (At the Cafe) 2007-04-14 05:07:00 This mama doesn’t get out of the house very often (which is fine with me!), and so the lessons the Father teaches me are most often found in my everyday life, my children and their spiritual development. I’m so grateful that He meets me where I am!Today, it finally happened.I’ve been waiting and waiting. Hoping. Longing.Eliana brought me her slipper.... (Read more here) Read more:Meetings
An Ego Boost, a Meltdown, and a Prayer Request 2007-04-13 01:43:00 When Corban asked me to show him my muscles the other day, I happily obliged, for I have been following Miss Holly's workout program of stick-em-in-wherever-you-can pushups."Wow!" he shouted, showing me his skinny little arms. "They're bigger than mine!" (He did not notice that what hangs beneath my arm is larger than what "rises" above, but I wasn't gonna point that out!)Later that day, Kevin figured out how to fix something by using his head. When Corban exclaimed over Daddy's genius, Kevin said, "Well, I just used my brains instead of my brawn!""What's brawn?" Corban wanted to know. Kevin told him it was another word for muscles, and Corban jumped to his feet and said..."Mama has HUGE brawns!"______________________________________________________________Kevin and Corban left for a trip this morning, and as Daddy went in and out of the house to pack the car, Eliana tried to sneak out with him every time. The following slide show is what an insensitive (but adoring) Mama chose to Read more:Boost
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Janet: 2007-04-15 15:37:00 Mastectomy - completeChemo - still comingRadiation - to followSoul - keep praying... Read more:Janet
A Dress For My Daughter 2007-04-18 03:00:00 A couple of weeks ago, I left a comment over at Audrey's, hoping to win a new handmade jumper for Eliana. And guess what? I did!Isn't it beautiful?Audrey has seven children; five boys and two girls (one of which was born less than three months ago!), and she still finds time to run a small online boutique, called Sewing the Seams of Love, for which she sews modest clothing for women, young girls, and toddlers. If you are like me, and have no sewing capabilities whatsoever, you will be excited to find jumpers, dresses, even skirts (try finding skirts for your toddler!), plus bloomers to go underneath the pretty dresses!Audrey will let you choose the fabric for most of the dresses, and this month, until the twenty-fifth, you will receive four dollars off the jumpers, sizes one through thirteen! Audrey will choose the spring pattern for you on this special offer.So, thank you, Audrey, for the beautiful dress. My next order will include a pair of bloomers, for a little girl who likes to Read more:Daughter
Children's Book Monday...and a Contest! 2007-04-16 15:00:00 Another ten books - it must be time for a contest! Please join the fun and leave a comment, which will enter you into the drawing for any book I've reviewed! There are some really great ones to choose from.Oh, and if you participate in Children
's Book Monday
by signing the Mr. Linky and reviewing a children's book of your own this week, I'll enter you twice! April twenty-second (22) will be the last day to enter.Please spread the word! Wholesome, character building children's books being shared around the blogosphere can only be a good thing!Petuniaby Roger DuvoisinPetunia is a silly goose. When she finds a book lying in the meadow one day, she recalls having heard somewhere that "He who owns Books and loves them is wise." Being silly AND a goose, Petunia believes that if she only loves her Book, she will finally be wise. As she swims with the Book and sleeps with it, her neck stretches out with pride, until the other animals notice and begin to believe that she really IS wise!The Read more:Contest
Letters to Eliana 2007-04-18 05:07:00 Oh, my sunshine.You worked alongside me in the kitchen tonight. When you heard the refrigerator open, you marched into the room, patted your chest and toddled to the pantry, pointing to your sweet apron. You stood still as I wrapped it around you, then dutifully turned so that I could tie the strings.I found my movements slowing as we worked together, for a little girl was right on my heels whenever I turned. I lifted you up to the counter to press the processor buttons, and we smiled at each other while the food spun magically.I bent low and handed you the dinner plates, one at a time, then followed you to the table where you made a grunting sound and barely raised the plate to your chest. “Oh, thank you!” I exclaimed, taking it and setting it on the table even as you reached for the next one. It took longer, but oh, your smile was vast.You methodically emptied your tupperware cupboard, which, in our tiny kitchen, happens to be directly underneath the only counter space I have for Read more:Letters
, Eliana
Children's Book Monday 2007-04-23 15:00:00 I painstakingly wrote down every name, twice for those who also did a book review; cut them apart, and placed them in a bowl. Corban reached up over his head and pulled out...Christine! Well, her name, that is. Congratulations, Christine! I will be in touch with you to find out which book out of all my reviews you would like to receive. And take heart dear readers - I know a new book is the ultimate treasure (at least it is in my house!) - so I will hold another contest in about ten weeks!Calico Bear - A Story About God's Unchanging Loveby Angela Elwell HuntIllustrated by Natalie Carabetta(Thank you to my mama, who gave this book to her grandchildren!)Suddenly, Calico Bear feels happy and loved. He now belongs to a little boy who loves him, and they share their adventures for many years. Each night they are tucked in together as Tyler's mama sings:"Sleep, my child, and never fear: God's constant love will keep you near. And as you grow a bit each day, God's loving hands will guide Read more:Children
, Monday
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