My First "Children's Book Monday"

Elise hosts a Children's Book Monday - I thought I would give it a try. I am hopeful that this will cause me accountability to read to my children more - and thus have new books to post about. I so fondly remember my Mother reading to me as a child. Oh how I loved to hear her read to me. I remember begging her, "Just one more chapter" - not because I did not want to go to bed; but I loved hearing her read.

This Monday, I thought I would post about a book that has been an all time favorite of mine since fourth grade. I read McGuffey's readers in school and although I have read the entire set of them, the Fourth reader is my favorite!


My favorite work from the fourth McGuffey is actually a poem. "Which" by Mrs E.L. Beers. I have read this one to my children so many times. I have read it to myself multiple more times than ever my children have heard it! It is a poem about a family so poor they are hardly making it through life. Their seven children suffer from their poverty also. All their financial hardships are given opportunity for change following an offer made to the struggling couple. Another person - (I assume childless and in desperate need to fill the silence in his home with the laughter of a child) has offered to care for the family - meeting most, if not all, of the large families monetary needs. The offer is promise is theirs if they give but one of their seven children to lonely man.

Which shall it be? Which shall it be?

I looked at John 0 John looked at me; ...

"Come John", said I,

"We'll choose among them as they lie

Asleep;" so, walking hand in hand,

Dear John and I surveyed our band.

I will let you find this poem and find out the conclusion of their heart wrenching decision.


The other favorite from this book is the story entitled : "My Mother's Grave." I remember reading this story in class. I remember it still so vividly I could show you where I was standing when I read my section audibly in front of the classroom. I can remember the tears welling up in my eyes as I read of a girl whose chosen wrong attitude caused her heartache her entire life long. I remember vowing as a fourth grade student, to treat those I love with respect and care.

Please stop by Elise's place. She is most gifted with her words and inspires my heart with her gentle ways.

Thanks for stopping by,

~Jane

Family Engineers

My Zak is visiting Nana and Papa this week - so these pictures were taken sometime this past week. I was loading them onto the computer and thought I would show you what my boys and Daddy do while the girls and I are away. They had a wonderful time with their towers!

One problem - the next day Zak tried to build one while Daddy was at the church - his little hands could not place the blocks on without knocking the tower over. He got so frustrated - I had to put the blocks away and pull out another toy for him to play with.

Hope you are having a good weekend. I am enjoying snow - and planning on taking pics tomorrow. I am loving it!!

Thanks for stopping by. Good night.

~Jane

Daily Blessings

I had a wonderful day today. My mother in law came up on Wed night and was with the children all day on Thursday as Rob and I were out for the day. We had a wonderful day out together and came home to a house all shut down for the night; but with children still sitting in the front room with their pj's on talking and having fun with their Nana. It made me thankful once again that we have no TV. For the time had been spent interacting, playing and enjoying each other's company.

We awoke this morning to a very cold day this morning. Memories of North Dakota have been flooding my mind today as I have been out several times in the cold windy air. Tomorrow there is to be snow - and a lot of it! The kids are more than excited and me - well - I am excited right along with them!

Zak visited a new doctor today. My heart was encouraged as we left the office with a plan of attack for him. For the first time in a long time I left a doctor's office feeling hopeful. It was a blessing beyond what words could describe! My heart is so full of joy - I have been unable to sit here and write of it - for words just do not do it justice - the happiness that I have in my heart tonight is more than I can explain. I am just in awe of God's blessings to us! What a joy to know He loves my Zak - so much more than I do and has a beautiful plan for his life!

It was with much pleading that we consented to let Zak go and spend the week with his Nana. I kept asking her if she was sure - and she kept assuring me she was! So - suitcase in hand, monkey in arm - they headed out together for an adventure all their own. I reentered the house - thanking the Lord for the respite He had given me - and begging Him for added grace for my in laws! They called 3 hours later to let me know they had arrived home safely and were getting ready for dinner. All seems well.

We are all ready to snuggle down tight for a big snow storm tomorrow. I will use that time for cleaning and organizing that have gotten put on the back burner with the added amount of care Zak has needed lately. I am looking forward to a full and prosperous day tomorrow.

Ah - so much to be thankful for!

"His eye is on the sparrow - and I know He watches me..."

Thanks so much for stopping in. If it is cold where you are - stay warm! If you are in warm climate - know that I do not envy you. I love this cold weather!!!

Blessings to you all,

~Jane