Every time I make a flour dough for pizza or calzone my children want to help knead and roll out the dough. At first I was somewhat reluctant to let them help because I didn’t want excessive mess nor the thought of my dough being contaminated by whatever foreign objects they introduce into it. However, I do not want to squash my children’s desire to help so I compromised and gave them a piece of the dough for their exclusive use. They can do whatever their hearts desire for their piece of dough while I still can use my dough for dinner purposes. As they kneaded and rolled out the dough, they became more and more creative. They started to look for different items in the kitchen to create various shapes and designs. After they are done with the artwork, I simply put them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap. They can continue the play the following day if they choose to. I add a little bit of water to soften the dough as it tends to dry out overnight.

Even if I’m not making a dough for dinner use, the dough still can be easily made for the kids’ activity time by simply adding water to flour. Make sure the flour consistency is not sticky but stretchy. You can either add more flour or water to reach the desired consistency. This is a great and cheap arts and crafts for the children. I normally allow them to use my rolling pin, cookie cutters, and plastic knife to create their own designs.

I made several file folder games for the kids a year ago but somehow we never got to using them. Just the other day I rediscovered these games and tested them on my children. They took to these games instantly and enjoyed doing them. Now I’m with a mission to make more file folder games for our homeschool use. What’s neat is that Matthew has taken interest in helping me make these games by coloring, cutting, and pasting. I’m really encouraged to see him working along side me, as well as working independently. Even though these games don’t look as neat and tidy, I don’t mind it at all because there’s a kid’s touch to them.

File folder games are designed for preschoolers to learn numbers, alphabet, shapes, money, counting, matching, and more. These are simple to make and all you need are manila folders, scissors, sandwich bags, laminate paper, velcro, and glue. I also like the fact that these games are very easy and compact to store because they’re simply a manila folder which can be filed away in a filing cabinet. If you want more games than the above link contains, a simple google search can provide many other file folder game sites. There are also books available as well as yahoo groups dedicated to sharing these games.

For some time, we’ve longed to get more consistent in “family devotionals”: the regular and frequent time of reading and reflecting on the Bible as a family. One obstacle has been a simple lack of predictability in our daily calendar. However, we’ve recently sought to remedy this problem by implementing a daily schedule, down to the half-hour, and for each child. The original impetus for the calendar was actually putting some sanity into Lois’ hectic days with four little ones. The byproduct has been more predictability for the rest of the day, since we’ve actually thought through our priorities and what we’d like to do each day.

Built into that schedule each day is a morning Bible reading time and an evening family devotional (some call this “family worship”). In the morning, shortly after breakfast and I leave for the office, Lois reads a chapter or two from the Bible to the children. In addition, she currently reads a chapter from Susan Hunt’s Big Truths for Little Kids. The latter is written, as the title suggests, with a target audience for younger children; and seeks to encapsulate many of the truths from the Shorter Catechism in story form. It bears many similarities to another of her books which we like, titled My ABC Bible Verses.

For our evening family time, I’ve chosen to start reading through the gospels, primarily keyed to J.C. Ryle’s seven book series titled Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, which is available in paperback. When I first discovered this series I was so blessed I gathered together a hardcover set, printed over 40 years ago, from various online used book stores. In these readings, we typically read a short passage (we’ve just begun in Matthew’s gospel) and then I proceed to read Ryle’s thoughts on that passage. Each reading takes about 10-15 minutes. I really enjoy Ryle’s thoughts, which he himself had hoped would “be found suitable for use at family prayers.” Here is an excerpt from tonight’s reading that blessed me personally, reflecting on the name “Jesus”:

The name Jesus means “Saviour.” It is the same name as Joshua in the Old Testament. It is given to our Lord because “He saves His people from their sins.” This is His special office. He saves them from the guilt of sin, by washing them in His own atoning blood. He saves them from the dominion of sin, by putting in their hearts the sanctifying Spirit. He saves them from the presence of sin, when He takes them out of this world to rest with Him. He will save them from all the consequences of sin, when He shall give them a glorious body at the last day. Blessed and holy are Christ’s people! From sorrow, cross, and conflict they are not saved; but they are “saved from sin” for evermore. They are cleansed from guilt by Christ’s blood. They are made meet for heaven by Christ’s Spirit. This is salvation! He who cleaves to sin is not yet saved. [emphasis mine]

Naturally, some of the material is beyond the children’s comprehension abilities — especially ones younger than three (that’s three out of four!) — but I’ve been pleased that our oldest (almost five yo) has been trying to understand, interrupting me several times during a reading to ask for a definition of a given word. Now, don’t get images in your mind of docile children, hands folded, listening carefully and attentively. It’s still work at this point to get them not to make noise or not to be wholly distracted. Nevertheless, we are thankful that we are able to finally implement family times in God’s Word after many false starts, and pray that God would grant us grace to continue with consistency. Our hope is that these times would instill in our children a sense of reverence for God’s Word as well as a respect for the faith of their parents (that we someday hope they will lay hold of themselves).

I recently watched on DVD a film titled North and South. Though we Americans might assume it to be a film related to the Civil War, it is instead based in the 1800s in England. The film is an adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel by the same title. The story tells of Margaret Hale and her family living in the rural South in England, and how they move to the more industrial Northern England, and are forced to adapt their thinking and ways to a new world.

The film, produced by BBC, takes place in a period where the cotton factories in England were beginning to come into prominence, although those who lived in the southern parts of England were less interested in such developments. In fact, there is some parallel to the same century and geographies in the United States, during which period industrialism and factory life were coming into prominence in the Northern U.S. in contrast to the plantations of the South.

The two main characters in the movie are Miss Hale (the daughter of a former clergyman) and an apparent nemesis, the well-to-do factory owner John Thornton. From early on, it is evident that the film is a story of love developing between the two in spite of early prejudices that divide them.

I also appreciated the special features, which include historical information and interviews of the lead actor. They helped to fill in much of the historical background behind the novel and its storyline. In addition, the cinematography was excellent, far better than earlier typical “Masterpiece Theatre”/BBC type productions wherein the camera seemingly left in one place on wide angle and the lighting, audio and production quality were stagnant and boring. Rather, this film was done with high-quality modern filming styles, on par with any Hollywood-produced film.

The one flaw, if it can be called that, was the somewhat out-of-place ending, during which the two lead characters finally are able to express their love for one another. It struck me as somewhat unrealistic in its depiction of a very public display of affection that seemed inconsistent with the manners and decorum of the day. However, this was but a small complaint about an otherwise excellent and enjoyable film.

Whenever we go out as a family, we get many stares as we have more than the typical two children per family status. While those stares may be somewhat irritating at times, most of the times we have a pretty good attitude. Life with four kidlings (a word we made up) is challenging, but they bring so much joy and entertainment that many don’t get to see. Despite the frequent public stares, we get occasional words of praise and encouragement from passerby as well. Whenever we get those positive comments, I’m often amused and of course, they warm my heart as well.

We enjoy dining at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants in the area, and because of our family size, most of the waitresses know us well since we stand out! Just the other day when I walked in to the restaurant, the hostess didn’t even bother to ask me how many in my party. She simply said, “Six? Come to this table.” Even before we had a chance to be seated, five or six waitresses flocked to our table to marvel at our family (it was later in the lunch hour so business was slow). The hostess was so enthralled by our kids that she gave them toys and Skittle candies. I think my children are getting a clue that this particular restaurant is the one they would always want to go back to. When choosing between two restaurants, our oldest quickly declared that this particular one was the one he wanted (he even grinned slyly and knowingly). We received many compliments that our children were very friendly and well behaved. It is indeed nice to have a pleasant dining experience.

While at another restaurant several weeks ago, a man walked by our table and exclaimed, “Are these all yours?” After replying with a yes, he further exclaimed, “YOU ARE BLESSED!” Wow. . . . that was a first. It was very heart warming to be reminded by someone else that children are a blessing.

My children are easily entertained. They like the coin-operated car rides in the mall. They just like to climb in and sit there without inserting any coins to operate the rides. And it doesn’t hurt that we’re mildly frugal, so they’re not in the habit of us adding coinage either. On one of these occasions, I had three little ones with me with one strapped to me, one in the stroller, and one playing with these coin operated rides. One lady walked by and reached into her purse and gave me a coin and said, “Could you use one of these?” That was very kind of her. I chuckled a bit. Like I said, my kids are easily entertained without the expense. I’m glad that someone out there was compassionate towards my kids.

Several months back when we attended an event, I had the baby in the sling while pushing a double stroller, on my way to purchase a parking ticket from a vending machine. Before I could reach the ticket machine, I heard someone calling for my attention. She asked if I could use their parking ticket to save me from buying one. Her kindness took me by surprise. Could it be that I have so many kids that elicits that sort of kindness? Whether it was the case or not, I was very grateful for that simple act of graciousness.

Thinking on these things, I’m glad that our crazy family of six has had our share of friendly encounters out on the town.

While I was busy this morning, unbeknownst to me, two of the children got into mischief by playing with markers. They took our hardwood floor and the train table as their drawing board. By the time I discovered their deed, the floor and the train table was a huge collage of some sort. I was not thrilled with their choice of medium for such artwork. I was tired and a wee bit sick, and I dreaded the inevitable clean-up task. Even though I was extremely unhappy with the guilty, my oldest (4.5yo) came to the rescue. After I told him to get me some wet paper towels, he decided to take charge and clean the floor and the train table. He went back and forth between the sink and the mess to clean it up. He was such a great help and I was so proud. This is the moment where my mind goes, “Whose kid is this?” To my elation, he’s my kid! I think about my many days, weeks, and months wondering when this kid of mine will start contributing to this family in more tangible ways without me having to do most of the work. His help today was a glimpse of hope in parenting. I’m reminded of Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” This verse, and moments like today’s highlight with my oldest, are a great help in persevering in whatever trials that come our way.

Even though we’ve entered into the new year, everything seems the same. We had a rough year. Truth be told, we’re still in this rough “year” which explains why the newness of 2007 seems the same as 2006. Both Evers and I are still experiencing sleepless nights because of the little ones waking up. Our 7-month old Calissa for the past several nights has been waking up really early due to a stuffy nose. Naturally, I was up with her trying to console her. I nursed her and then held her. There’s something about holding her that ebbed out all frustrations of being woken up in the middle of the night. Even though I was tired and extremely groggy, I enjoyed that sweet moment of holding her and cuddling with her. It was especially comforting to me that I was able to console her and that she felt secure and loved in my arms. I didn’t always feel this way. Being woken up in the middle of the night is very jarring for most and it is certainly not welcomed. Calissa woke up really early again this morning and refused to go back down. I desperately wanted to sleep. After several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to get up with her. Robbed of my much needed sleep, my natural inclination was to be frustrated, but I remembered my previous night with her, cuddling and enjoying her. I decided to rid my frustration and try to do the best I can to console her.

When my husband woke up later and told me that he was up in the middle of the night with our 2 1/2 year old. He too, was tired from insufficient sleep. We chatted for a bit and agreed that since our children need us in the middle of the night, we will forgo any frustration of being woken up in order to meet their needs. This is our lot and we will accept it. This sure sounds a whole lot like what Elisabeth Elliott would say.

Parenthood is not the easiest lifestyle. It means self-denial. It involves giving ourselves to our children on a daily basis. This isn’t easy, based on my own experience. I’m currently reading Gary Thomas’ book Sacred Parenting and the premise of his book struck a chord with me:

We must see parenting as a process through which God purifies us – the parents – even as he shapes our children. (chapter 1, p. 19)

The trials we experience are making us more holy. From the eternal perspective, we should be thankful instead of being frustrated. Thomas writes:

In the good and the bad they [our children] mold our hearts, shape our souls, and invite us to experience God in newer and deeper ways. Although we may shed many tears along this sacred journey of parenting, numerous blessings await us around every bend in the road. (Chapter 1, p. 21)

Despite sleepless nights or other trials in life with the wee ones, there are definitely many blessings and joy in this journey. And I’m glad for those.