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
Heavenly (Instant) Mashed Potatoes 2007-04-27 15:00:00 How a grumbly, rumbly day became sunshine and roses:"Mama, this dinner looks like it was made by an angel!" from a marveling Corban. Grilled chicken courtesy of Daddy, instant (yes) mashed potatoes and green beans prepared by Mama.If he only knew. This *so-called* angel (well, I did wear my white skirt today, though by dinnertime...) grumbled her way through the morning; schooled, cooked, washed and painted, and was thrilled beyond measure to find four chicken breasts tucked in the back of the freezer. She debated for perhaps seven and a half seconds between real and instant mashed potatoes, seasoning the green beans as she dished them up. Yes, dear reader, it was one of those days. How like the Father to give me angels who happily partake of my grumbly, rumbly offerings! This awakened angel captured her own in a hug, and watched as dinner did, indeed, take on an ethereal glow. For there is food to sustain, company to treasure, and grace, never to be earned, but given nonetheless.I pra Read more:Heavenly
Making Room 2007-04-26 15:00:00 *Sigh*It would appear, dear reader, that I have used up my quota of originality this week. I've posted from my archives again at CWO's Internet Cafe. My brain is on overload; perhaps it is the fresh spring air, but I do hope that the break in writing makes some room up there!If you are longing for turkey, pumpkin pie, or just pie in general, you will find my re-post "Humble Pie With a Dollop of Grace" quite a temptation, as I did during editing.But I hope the lesson I learned that day speaks to your heart as it still does mine.God is so good that way.
Manners = Awareness 2007-04-24 15:00:00 Memorizing with two little boys who sometimes (okay, most times) think more of their own stomachs than the other precious people at the table...Manners
are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use!-Emily Post-It is a refreshing take on meal time in a world that pummels us with magazine pictures of the perfectly set table, the proper placement of dishes, silverware and glasses, touting the line "Simple", yet so extraordinarily...not.Little boy’s feet may not reach the floor, so turning sideways to ease the aches in their knees most certainly does not keep the crumbs from bouncing on the ground. Plastic cups from restaurants line the children's plates, so the nightly ritual of "spilt milk" plays itself out safely, albeit messily. The almost-eight-year-old can serve himself fairly well, but the five-year-old’s plate ends up next to mine, along with the toddler's, as I cut and spread their food for Read more:Awareness
It's Time to Make Dinner, But I'd Rather Be Dancing 2006-10-19 01:57:00 Do I need to say more? You know I'm going to.We just got home from visiting family for five days, and even though I'm surrounded by mountains of laundry, suitcases, and clutter in general, it's time to make dinner. But Chris Rice is singing "Life gave me lemonade and I can't imagine why.." and I just want to dance around the living room like a little girl and see my daughter clapping her hands and bouncing on the balls of her feet for me to pick her up. I really just want to worship.I feel so thankful to be surrounded by clutter within the four walls that protect us from the elements. I'm grateful for the washing machine that works its' tail off to keep up with our growing needs. I'm in awe that the Father cares enough for me that he gave me a wonderful husband who loves and leads his family. And I could weep with joy at the beautiful faces of my children. Let my every move be an act of worship. So, dinner. How about chicken nuggets and applesauce by lamplight? That leaves me a Read more:Dinner
, Rather
, Dancing
Pain 2007-05-01 04:46:00 For Stace.When my heart is troubled and I am weighed down,Then I like to think of how this lonesome world would beIf I could see your face, or hold you in my armsIf you were mine, if you were mine.If you had a bad dream I would jump inside it,And I would fight for you with all the strength that I could find.I would lead you home by your tiny handIf you were mine, if you were mine.I would sing of love on the blackest night.I would sing of God, and how His goodness fills our lives.I would sing to you, 'til the morning lightIf you were mine, if you were mine.If You Were Mine - Fernando OrtegaThinking of you tonight, friend. Tucking your little ones into bed, kissing their foreheads, promising in your heart to jump inside their dreams and protect them. And thinking of how the Father does the same over your bed tonight, giving you rest, and sheltering you in His arms. You are covered, Stace. We love you.
Children's Book Monday 2007-04-30 15:00:00 The Scarlet Stockings Spy by Trinka Hakes NobleIllustrated by Robert PappI know my children love a book when they snatch it out of my hands the moment I finish and begin reading it again. This is what happened when I read The Scarlet Stockings Spy to my boys, and they learned some interesting facts about the Revolutionary War to boot! It has a particularly special place in my heart, because the heroine of the story is named Maddy Rose...and so is my youngest sister! (Hi, Maddie!)The story is set in the year 1777, as the British are preparing to attack; everywhere, there are spies.Maddy Rose is one of them.She lives in Philadelphia with her mother in "their tiny row house on Appletree Alley", alone because her father has fallen at the Battle of Princeton the previous winter, and her brother, Jonathan, who is only fifteen, has joined Washington's army. She cares for her mother very sweetly, and works at Ross's Upholstery Shop (anyone remember the name Betsy Ross?), where she rips out Read more:Children
, Monday
Singin'. 2007-05-04 15:00:00 I am shy.I admit it. Freely. It’s better to just get that out in the open, for I struggle daily to move beyond my safe place and into that arena of mild discomfort, riddled with the pitfalls of drawing a blank and saying the wrong thing.But God must have thought I needed a giant shove nudge. He has given me two sons who redefine the boundaries of my comfort zone minute by minute; one such moment occurred during dinner while we were on vacation last fall, visiting Kevin’s sister.“So, what are you two going to sing?”The waiter leaned over the booth and ruffled Micah’s hair.“Sing?” Kevin asked.“Sure – they can stand up on the bar and sing a song, and we’ll give ‘em a card for free drinks-er-soda for the rest of their lives!”Corban and Micah looked at us excitedly.“Can we, Mama, can we, Daddy?” Corban begged. Kevin smiled at him and said, “Of course!” I caved in on myself. Are you kidding? Stand up on that bar and sing a song in front of (gasp) people? I cou Read more:Singin
Life-Breath 2007-05-07 15:00:00 They sat close to each other, an open Bible between them, following along as their minister read the words from Mark, chapter seven. When he reached the eleventh verse, their hearts leapt, and without even looking at each other, they both knew.This would be the name of their firstborn son, should the Lord see fit to bless them with one.They really had no inkling of how they would live out what the name meant; nineteen and twenty-four years had not dealt this lesson to the young engaged couple. So ideals took the place of reality, and they clung to the name and its' meaning rather the way one who cannot read might view a precious book - surely the words mean something beautiful, but how to glean the reward of a story would be beyond them until life offered more.When the seven pound, seven ounce baby boy breathed his first life-breath, his proud daddy spoke the chosen name out loud. The tired mama rolled the meaning of his name around in her mind - funny, it wasn't so hard to ima Read more:Breath
Head Cold...Eating Away Brain Cells...Can't Think... 2007-05-14 02:40:00 Hello, friends! I trust you have enjoyed this Lord's day that is also celebratory for mothers - both present and future!It would appear that I have caught my baby's head cold - and I thought hers was simply a result of the molars she's trying to push through!No matter. I had a beautiful Mama's day anyway; greeted by a card that was written on delightfully by my two son's - "love from your kid, Micah." and "Dear Mother," by Corban. *smile* A rare copy of Louisa May Alcott's "Scarlet Stockings" and Fernando Ortega's cd, "Storm", also awaited me, from the sweet man who made me a mama.And so I spent the morning lying on the couch, Eliana snuggling next to me, watching "Anne of Avonlea"; trusting wholeheartedly that my boys were sitting quietly through Daddy's sermon next door. This mama's life, even at her sickest, couldn't be more blessed.Unfortunately, I am not prepared for Children's Book Monday yet again, and so I must ask you to wait one more week - barring head cold's, bi Read more:Brain
Of Dispute and Orange Marmalade 2007-05-12 02:01:00 Hello, friends!I've been MIA this week, I know. We are visiting family for Mother's Day Weekend!While I was here, my sisters and I remembered a prank we pulled on our mama last year for her birthday; I made her favorite orange marmalade cake (and also a fake one), and then two of our brothers orchestrated a day-long argument that escalated at cake time!Everyone else was in on it, but we just couldn't keep straight faces - fortunately, mama didn't catch on and was not only furious about the fighting, but also the ruined cake! Enjoy a laugh on us!Blessed weekend! Read more:Dispute
, Orange
, Marmalade
Janet: 2007-05-17 04:33:00 Chemotherapy: Today.Father God, she is frail already. We ask for Your strength to encircle the healthy cells in her body, protecting them from the deadly poison that seeks to eliminate the cancer.Lay your hands on her newly shorn head in blessing, reminding her that man looks on the outward appearance, but You look into the heart.May her physical side effects be minimal, even non-existent, Lord. But oh, that the spiritual side-effects would be eternal. Echoing forever. Pray with us? Read more:Janet
Letters to Eliana 2007-05-15 15:00:00 Oh, little one.For the third time tonight you cried out from your bed, and I swooped in and pulled you from the pink cloud of bedding; your nose was running everywhere, and your hair, still damp from your bath, curled around your face, framing tired, teary eyes.I sang these words softly into your ear...Your tender sadness, it touches the heart of meHowling and scowling just make you more dearWith all this commotion now what could the trouble be?For Love's sake my darling I'll always be hereThis dreadful cold is taking its toll on you, precious. Two molars are sloooowly pushing their way through, causing you to grip your head with both hands while imploring me with your eyes. Mama wishes she could take the pain away.Countless times today, as we shared the fogginess of this cold, I sank to the floor for respite, and you walked to me, falling on my shoulder, a little arm encircling my neck. We read, and sang, and held. You resisted all forms of discipline, dumping bookshelves that are o Read more:Letters
, Eliana
The Facts 2007-05-22 08:00:00 I was tagged with this meme long ago by Sarah, and now I'm finally getting around to telling you seven random facts/habits about me - I did it once before, so I struggled a bit this time, but I did manage to think of some more things...1. Nutri-Grain bars give me a headache. Really. Even the smell of them. So I enjoy Kashi granola bars instead!2. Every. single. time I listen to Meditation from "Thais", I cry when the violin reaches "high E". My family knows to be silent, not to interrupt Mama during that part. I'm sure they think I'm crazy - they stand frozen in place as silent tears run down my face. They're never going to want their friends to come over. (I wish the part I am talking about could be heard on the sample, but you'll get the basic idea! It's haunting and stirring, isn't it?)3. In high school, I could type one hundred and twenty words per minute - correctly - and the entire alphabet in four seconds. Nowadays I still type quickly, but is it correct? Not so much.4. M
Children's Book Monday 2007-05-21 08:00:00 God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. (I John 1:5)We must be diligent in watching over what our children read, especially when it carries the word "allegory". First and foremost, our children should be familiar with the original tale, and in this case, that means the Bible. Our story. What we read in Christian allegory should always point back to it; it should remind the children of Jesus' story, not the other way around.This book does so beautifully, and I'm pleased to be reviewing it for you today!The Lightlingsby R.C. SproulIllustrated by Justin GerardA little boy named Charlie, as he is getting ready for bed, asks his mama why he is afraid of the dark. They both decide to wait until Grandpa visits to ask him the hard question.When Grandpa hears it, he informs Charlie that not only are many people afraid of the dark, but some are also afraid of the light. And he begins to tell the tale... The King of Light, who made the light and lived in it, created a group of people wh Read more:Children
, Monday
Open House 2007-05-24 07:48:00 O God, I have no way of telling at the day's beginningWho will come to my door on an errand of business or friendship;Who will arrive to be my guest in my home or to sit at my table.Let me show loving care this day in the cleaning of my house, the buying of my stores, the cooking of my meals.Let me show loving care this day in the tending of my linen, the tidying of my cupboards, the doing of my flowers.Let me show loving care in the freshness of my person and the neatness and niceness of my clothes.From the beginning of homemaking in modest tents on the sand, women have served their families, and their guests.From the beginning of homemaking in simple homes of baked mud, women have whitewashed and scrubbed, and set out their pretty things.From the beginning of more comfortable houses, with handwoven carpets and furniture of cunnng craftsmanship, women have kept open house.May Christ be my guest this day.Rita Snowden - A Woman's Book of Prayers (for the twenty-fourth day)Oh, Father, Read more:House
Children's Book Monday 2007-05-28 08:00:00 First Delights: A Book About the Five Sensesby Tasha TudorHere is a delightful book for your toddler; it tells the story of Sally, who lives on a farm. She "touches" the seasons with her senses, and the accompanying pictures and prose are simply sweet.Of course, all things Tasha Tudor are delightful, but this book is special for the simple way it presents the five senses to the young child - Eliana is captivated by the illustrations, spending several minutes lingering over a picture of Sally and her puppy examining an acorn!A snippet...Sally sees spring with the first flowers, the new leaves. The fields and woods turn soft and green.She hears spring as the robins sing, the brooks run, the frogs trill in the pond.She smells spring in daffodils and warm earth.She touches spring holding new kittens.She tastes spring in syrup from the maple trees, and makes "sugar on the snow".This book may be at your local library - please look! It is old, but so good, and you and your children will love Read more:Children
, Monday
Hair 2007-06-01 08:00:00 When we were married, my hair was waist-length. Kevin loved it. I loved it. All was well.Enter Corban, twenty-two months later, and I chopped all of it to my chin. (And colored it blonde, but that's another story...) I instantly regretted it.Eight years later, it is again to my waist, and I intend to leave it there for a long. long. time. I usually put it up in hot rollers when I wake at six-thirty, and then it's a quick braid, barrette or ponytail for the rest of the day - so easy.It works for me!!! And due to all of the sweet calls for a picture, here are a couple from this weekend, taken by my sister during our worship time on Saturday. (Click on a picture to enlarge it, if you like!) I'm posting at CWO today, regarding "Love and Scapegoats" - do stop in, if you please.Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends!
A Dusting of Sweet 2007-05-30 16:02:00 The bathtub was a lovely dusty rose. I knelt by the side and sprinkled the cleaning powder liberally, then turned on the water and scrubbed. A bobby pin had to be inserted *just so* in order for the drain to stay open. I thought, How is it that I have so many memories of using this bathtub, when the only shower we had was downstairs? Well...Two little boys splash merrily in the water, using bubbles to make beards just like Daddy. Mama leans over and steadies the two-year-old as he slips backwards in the wake of his brothers movement, and they all giggle together. Their hair is washed, and she wraps them, one at a time, in soft, fluffy towels and they stand on the bath mat shivering and smiling, their blond cowlicks standing straight up.I smiled as the last of the dirty, dusty water circled the drain and disappeared. It mattered not the color, nor the location. The memory was sweet.We spent Memorial Day weekend at our home in Boise, preparing it for sale. We painted, vacuumed, washed wi Read more:Sweet
Children's Book Monday 2007-06-04 08:00:00 She is tiny. She is sweet. And my seventeen-month-old daughter adores her.I found these tiny books at our library last month, and keep them safely stowed away in my bedroom. When Eliana wants to read them, she stands at the gate to the hallway and shouts... well, it's really unintelligible to you, but I know she's asking for Vera.Marjolein Bastin, a Dutch author, wrote and illustrated these tiny, sweet books. My library only has three, but there are nine books in the series that were printed in English, and one of them is full size. (Browse through Marjolein's site - it is delightful! She is a nature lover, therefore nature infuses her drawings and writings with its beauty.) Vera is a delight - she dons her prettiest pinafore, just for her reader, and lets us follow her throughout her day. In My Name is Vera, we learn that mice are messy creatures, and that is why she must put on six aprons while she cooks! And we also see that, even though Vera does not like to wash dishes (for it Read more:Children
, Monday
Sneezing Panda 2007-06-02 19:15:00 This gets played over and over and over at our house - you should hear the laughter! It scares Eliana every time; she shouts, then laughs. Enjoy! Read more:Sneezing
, Panda
, Sneezing Panda
Letters to Eliana 2007-06-06 22:44:00 I knew it was coming, my darling.Time began its’ steady, relentless march the moment you were laid in my arms and turned to latch on for the first time. Even then, as I looked down at your perfectly formed body, admiring your long fingernails and the thatch of hair on the back of your head, I was painfully aware of the clock ticking; the days, weeks, and months passing by.Nursing you, my third child, was the easiest it has been yet. You latched on fiercely in the hospital, though gentler than your brothers. And in that first hour of your life, you nursed for thirty-two minutes. I know - I watched the clock gleefully! I have a picture of you, fresh from that first meal; your cheeks are rosy, your eyes happily closed.When you reached six months old, I decided to continue nursing you exclusively, rather than starting you on baby cereal. Dr. Susie was agreeable, so I drank my tea, took Fenugreek capsules, drank water constantly, and was rewarded with plenty of milk for my growing girl.Ev Read more:Eliana
, Letters
Toosday 2007-06-05 08:00:00 "Spelling isn't everything. There are days when spelling Tuesday simply doesn't count." -Rabbit
Schadenfreude 2007-06-12 21:52:00 He weeps for her, my friends.He does not laugh, as so many have done at her expense lately. He weeps. His precious daughter cries out in her fear, calling for her mother. And He weeps. And as a shepherd leaves the other ninety-nine to look for the one lost, so He searches for her.I do not keep up with the news so much anymore, but the story of the lonely heiress has captured my heart lately, in a way that has surprised me.You see, I laughed at her.And the moment I did, I felt His sadness. Oh, Beloved.(To read more, visit CWO's Internet Cafe for my post, Schadenfreude)
A Blessed Weekend 2007-06-10 21:05:00 We were so blessed to attend the CHOIS (Christian Homeschoolers of Idaho State) conference this weekend - with keynote speakers Steve and Teri Maxwell!This couple and seven (of their eight!) children sang, spoke, prayed, and exhorted their audience in such a humble way. I purchased Managers of Their Homes and am so excited to crack it open tomorrow morning - I haven't even removed the plastic yet! I would love to further the flow of my household - I'm sure there are dozens of moments that could be better filled than they are.Kevin and I were also able to shop at the used curriculum sale the day before the conference, and found over three-fourths of our needs for next year, for a few dollars less than what we had budgeted, praise God! We are keeping it simple, desiring to multi-level school again, involving Corban and Micah in each other's learning.I am inspired, refreshed, and so very excited for the coming year, and have an even greater zeal for inviting the Lord to join my teachin Read more:Blessed
, Weekend
I remember... 2007-06-16 08:00:00 ...your pretty manicured nails the first time I met you. You were not pretentious, and so I curled my uncared-for nails into my palms and simply basked in the warmth of your smile....your West Virginian accent: fole: as in aluminum fole. Tolet: as in toilet. Tom and skole: as in, it's time to go to school. I loved to tease you, and stood outside your bedroom one night when you and Todd and Kevin and I were housesitting; I shouted through the door, "It's non o'clock, tom to go to bed!" I couldn't stop laughing as you swooped out of the bedroom and pummeled me with your pillow. You couldn't stop laughing, either....the way you cared for Todd. Sometimes he would make me so mad - he just doesn't do anything around the house!, but you smiled softly and served your husband of one year. I am still learning from your example....your humble nature. I positively pranced around the kitchen the night you and our other friends came over for a feast of Cornish game hens, stuffing, mashed potat
The Three Senses and Permission 2007-06-15 08:00:00 This is the result of Eliana's preschool this week - we're finally up to three! And I promise I wasn't prompting her...And for a laugh...Said the eight-year-old to the guilty mama who was nibbling on a fifty-calorie chocolate fudge bar from Schwan's:"Everbody needs a little fat, Mama, otherwise we'd all be as skinny as cow's legs!"Permission
? I think so!Have a blessed weekend! Read more:Three
, Senses
For the Postpartum Mama 2007-06-19 19:52:00 Shhh...there, lay him down softly. I know, he is beautiful. God has been gracious to you, my sister-friend. Safely He has carried you through this pregnancy and delivery, and now, safely He will carry you through all else. How do I know?Come with me - the baby will sleep for a bit, and you will, too. But first, lie down and put your feet in my lap. Rest your head, close your eyes...Let me speak words of truth to you. By day the LORD directs his love,at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life. (Psalm 42:8)The LORD gives strength to his people;the LORD blesses hispeople with peace. (Psalm 29:11)I will exalt you, my God the King;I will praise your name for ever and ever.Every day I will praise youand extol your name for ever and ever.Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;his greatness no one can fathom.One generation will commend your works to another;they will tell of your mighty acts.They will speak of the glorious splendorof your majesty,and I will meditate on Read more:Postpartum
Children's Book Monday 2007-06-18 08:00:00 The Family Pilgrim's Progressby John Bunyan, retold by Jean WatsonIllustrated by Vic Mitchell Here is a lovely version of this classic for you to read to your younger children - probably four and up. Corban has read this through on his own, and now we are beginning it together!The Pilgrim's Progress was written as an allegorical tale intended to tell the story of the Christian's journey through life, with the desirable end being Eternal Life. John Bunyan wrote most of it during his twelve year imprisonment for preaching without a license.The tale is delightful, with characters named Christian, Mr. Worldly Wiseman, Mr. Legality and his son Civility (from the village of Morality), Hopeful, Faithful, Goodwill... so many character-names we can attribute to temptations or friends in our own lives. Christian carries a burden, which he is not aware of until he reads a Book that he finds, and so sets out on a journey to be rid of it. He is rid of the burden fairly early in the book, but his Read more:Children
, Monday
Recommend Site To A Friend
