One morning Gracie wakes up and announces that we should go to IHOP for dinner that night. when I asked her why she wanted to go to IHOP she said "Because God gave me the letters." Later that day we drove by the IHOP to go to Walmart and once again she says "theres IHOP, the letters God gave me." That night Dad had 4 of the kids because Malia and I had a sewing event. I informed him of the Gracie's plan for dinner at IHOP and so he took them there. Since that day, Josie, our 2yr.old, can be heard over the baby monitor in our room saying IHOP, IHOP or when we say "Josie, let's get ready to go." She'll reply "Going to IHOP?"
Oh and just a side note, do you know what their favorite meal there is? Macaroni and Cheese, yes, boxed Craft Macaroni and Cheese. They both gobble it up.
I love my kids!!
P.S. For those of you who don't know what IHOP is, it stands for International House of Pancakes.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
TRON party!!
"Greetings Programs!" TRON party at the Hutton's!!
This Saturday we had a little showing of both of the TRON movies at our house. The last few weekends Rod and I had a lot of social obligations and before that our family hosted a bible study for 6 weeks so our family was in need of a fun family night. While I was in Walmart one day I saw the new "TRON Legacy" movie and picked it up since my family is sort of geeky about these things. Then Chris picked up the original version TRON from the 80's. So I marked the calendar for the "TRON party" Saturday, April 16,2011.
On the schedule: while we watched the original "TRON" we ate neon cup cakes, licorice sticks, which were like the light motorcycles (you have to watch the movie), blue jello and yes, glow sticks for everyone. The little girls played with the glow sticks in the dark hall way before they went to bed. The rest of us wore glow sticks while we watched "TRON Legacy". Such simple ways to make a regular movie night into something memorable and fun for all ages.
We been known to plan these small events in the past. During Christmas vacation we might watch the Star Wars movies starting at the beginning to the last one, we love Stargate Atlantis and would watch 2 episodes per night on the week end until we finish an entire season, we watched to Narnia series or Rod and the kids watch the Harry Potter series right before they go to see the newest one coming out. I usually make a special meal and/or a special dessert for that evening. We are all excited and anticipate being together. We talk about what will happen or our favorite part, we quote funny lines etc. It is just fun and we bond closer together as a family. I love our family nights. I pray for continued fun and love for one another and I hope my kids carry out some of these kinds of traditions with their families.
End of Line
On the schedule: while we watched the original "TRON" we ate neon cup cakes, licorice sticks, which were like the light motorcycles (you have to watch the movie), blue jello and yes, glow sticks for everyone. The little girls played with the glow sticks in the dark hall way before they went to bed. The rest of us wore glow sticks while we watched "TRON Legacy". Such simple ways to make a regular movie night into something memorable and fun for all ages.
End of Line
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Bell of the Ball
This weekend the Submarine Force celebrated its 111th Birthday and here in Omaha, NE (yes Nebraska) there was a celebration of the long history and traditions of the United States Submarine Force. Just about every year, for the last 22 years, Rod and I attend this event where ever we have lived. Our kids have seen us all dressed up said good bye to us as we departed for the ball.
Well this year we brought Chris with us. This year is a big year for him, he is graduating from high school and as most high schoolers are going to prom we thought we would do something a little different. The ball has been part of our life, Chris is familiar with it and we are proud to give him the chance to see a little more of the Naval heritage that has become such a big part of our lives.
So we bought him a suit and dressed him up and cleans up quite nice. We had a professional photo taken of the 3 of us as well as many photos at the event. He shook hands and had conversations with a variety of people from admirals, local city representatives and other officers in the military. He tried new foods, experienced the many traditions of the submarine and Naval protocol and got a glance of those crazy dancers out on the dance floor.
Chris behaved as a very respectable young man. Rod and I are so proud of him. I do believe he was the "bell of the ball". Many people commented on enjoying having a conversation with him and what fine young man he is. We couldn't agree more.
Thank you God, for choosing us to be Chris' parents. Thank you that you've entrusted us to train him up in the way he should go through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for working in his heart to be more and more like Your Son Jesus. Continue Your work in him.
We thank you Lord for what you will do in his life.
In Jesus name
Amen
Chris behaved as a very respectable young man. Rod and I are so proud of him. I do believe he was the "bell of the ball". Many people commented on enjoying having a conversation with him and what fine young man he is. We couldn't agree more.
Thank you God, for choosing us to be Chris' parents. Thank you that you've entrusted us to train him up in the way he should go through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for working in his heart to be more and more like Your Son Jesus. Continue Your work in him.
We thank you Lord for what you will do in his life.
In Jesus name
Amen
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sunday's at the Hutton's
Playin' Texas Holdem'.
Yes we are playing poker with our kids on Sunday night. Tim has begun volunteering at the Veteran's Home down the street and the primary activity he can help out with is playing games with the gentlemen who live there. We are using our homeschool time and family time to teach him (and the other 2 big kids) to play various card games. Believe it or not we are also teaching Tim to serve. Along with the rules of the games and critical thinking, strategy and fun we focus on courtesy, polite conversation and the little things that make a good winner/loser.
Playing board games, dice and card games has become one of our favorite ways to spend time together, even me, who is usually the one to poo-poo the idea, I have begun to enjoy our family game times. We have even started to bring cards and dice to the restaraunt and the little girls can help an older child or parent, it keeps our attention and focuses our conversation with the family working on various opportunities to teach manners.
We also love having other families over or even couples without kids to play board games etc. Sometimes those families teach us new games or visa versa but it is a great way to get to know each other. The kids get to learn how to behave while conversing with adults. It is also a way to move conversations from the silly to thoughtful, from encouraging to teaching moments for all.
So what have we learned from this that we might pass on...
If you don't spend a lot of time with the whole family or have a reason to invite other families over, you may want to consider having a regular family game night each week. Use the Sabbath, Sunday for family time playing board games etc., bond with the kids and the kids to each other by having everyone focus their time on one activity. Think about conversation starters, look for opportunities to see character issues in your children (and yourself) that you can direct gentle leading towards correction. Issues like arguing between siblings, impatience with others taking turns, offering unwanted advice, raising voices, sneaky peaking (at cards), talking ALL THE TIME!, and other behaviors that would be considered rude if an adult did them. (These are all things our family constantly needs to work on...) Be creative with your solutions to these issues. Discuss courtesy to your neighbor, fair play, Love your neighbor as yourself, offer encouragement for appropriate behavior. Think about seating arrangements, what are the things that trigger the behavior issues and plan accordingly. Offer alternative responses to arguments, maybe the talkative child does not know how much they talk, gently mention this and speak to them about the fruits of the spirit including self control, give them gentle signals that they are talking to much and they should give someone else a turn.
Lastly, this beginning training phase can be very frustrating, noisy and you may come away feeling exhausted but don't give up. Keep having the game nights, decide to enjoy your family and encourage each other to participate. Pray for transformation in you and your children as you commit time to developing good communication skills and manners in your family. You will reap what you sew if you do not give up, good fruit will come from your efforts. It certainly has made a difference for us and we have had a blast at the same time...God bless you all!!
Yes we are playing poker with our kids on Sunday night. Tim has begun volunteering at the Veteran's Home down the street and the primary activity he can help out with is playing games with the gentlemen who live there. We are using our homeschool time and family time to teach him (and the other 2 big kids) to play various card games. Believe it or not we are also teaching Tim to serve. Along with the rules of the games and critical thinking, strategy and fun we focus on courtesy, polite conversation and the little things that make a good winner/loser.
Playing board games, dice and card games has become one of our favorite ways to spend time together, even me, who is usually the one to poo-poo the idea, I have begun to enjoy our family game times. We have even started to bring cards and dice to the restaraunt and the little girls can help an older child or parent, it keeps our attention and focuses our conversation with the family working on various opportunities to teach manners.
We also love having other families over or even couples without kids to play board games etc. Sometimes those families teach us new games or visa versa but it is a great way to get to know each other. The kids get to learn how to behave while conversing with adults. It is also a way to move conversations from the silly to thoughtful, from encouraging to teaching moments for all.
So what have we learned from this that we might pass on...
If you don't spend a lot of time with the whole family or have a reason to invite other families over, you may want to consider having a regular family game night each week. Use the Sabbath, Sunday for family time playing board games etc., bond with the kids and the kids to each other by having everyone focus their time on one activity. Think about conversation starters, look for opportunities to see character issues in your children (and yourself) that you can direct gentle leading towards correction. Issues like arguing between siblings, impatience with others taking turns, offering unwanted advice, raising voices, sneaky peaking (at cards), talking ALL THE TIME!, and other behaviors that would be considered rude if an adult did them. (These are all things our family constantly needs to work on...) Be creative with your solutions to these issues. Discuss courtesy to your neighbor, fair play, Love your neighbor as yourself, offer encouragement for appropriate behavior. Think about seating arrangements, what are the things that trigger the behavior issues and plan accordingly. Offer alternative responses to arguments, maybe the talkative child does not know how much they talk, gently mention this and speak to them about the fruits of the spirit including self control, give them gentle signals that they are talking to much and they should give someone else a turn.
Lastly, this beginning training phase can be very frustrating, noisy and you may come away feeling exhausted but don't give up. Keep having the game nights, decide to enjoy your family and encourage each other to participate. Pray for transformation in you and your children as you commit time to developing good communication skills and manners in your family. You will reap what you sew if you do not give up, good fruit will come from your efforts. It certainly has made a difference for us and we have had a blast at the same time...God bless you all!!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Scriptures that convict and encourage us to home school
Over the years Rod and I have come across more and more scriptures that guide our decision to home school our children. Here are some:
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Jeremiah 29:11
Colossians 2:2-3
Proverbs 1:1-7
Proverbs 22:6
Ephesians 6:1-4
Psalm 78:1-8
Joshua 24:9
Psalm 127
Psalm 128
Phil 4:4-7
Phil 4:8
Phil 1:4-6
You can look these up quickly at www.biblegateway.com which is a link on our site.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Jeremiah 29:11
Colossians 2:2-3
Proverbs 1:1-7
Proverbs 22:6
Ephesians 6:1-4
Psalm 78:1-8
Joshua 24:9
Psalm 127
Psalm 128
Phil 4:4-7
Phil 4:8
Phil 1:4-6
You can look these up quickly at www.biblegateway.com which is a link on our site.
Why we home school
Home schooling did not come naturally to us. In fact we had no idea it was going to change our lives so dramatically when we committed to this lifestyle. A lifestyle is just what it is for us. In the beginning we chose to home school for different reasons then why we have continued to home school. Our 2 oldest boys have some learning and social issues that were impacting their performance and relationships in school. We had them in private schools until our oldest, Chris was in 5th grade and Tim was in 3rd grade. They were in fine schools for kids with learning issues. Even in this fine and creative educational environment they still struggled, with academics and social relationships. Our family was attending a Christian church. Rod and I both chose to live for Christ. With that choice we could see that it was important to put Jesus at the center of everything we did, including raising our children. We could see that the school that the boys attended dealt with their learning but was not going to give them the personal attention they needed to grow spiritually. How could they? They had 15-20 children per class and all with different learning styles, social issues and family back grounds.
Why is this a problem? One size does not fit all and the spiritual growth and maturity of my children depends on a personal relationship, a relationship with some one who knows them deeply and cares for them deeply. Their teacher cared but not like we would, not like we should. God convicted us there was another way to educate our children. After much prayer and some research we jumped in and committed to home schooling.
No turning back For me (Kathy) there was no trial run, it was we are going to do this or not do it at all. Why? because this is the sort of thing I believe I had to commit and not have a loop hole to get out. If I left a loop hole when things got tough (and they did) I could just quit and be let off the hook. How is that a good example for my children? How will I see God's hand in our life if I quit when it get's too hard or I have a bad day?
What keeps us going? I have had many bad days, frustration, fear, overwhelming feelings, failure but there were the precious days, fruitful days with God's gifts to keep my head up and encourage me to continue what He asked me to do. What kept me from tossing the towel in and putting them back in school was knowing we were being obedient to God's word, what He had revealed to us and called us to do. He didn't say it would be easy or fun but His promises are true and He always keeps His promises. We have another blog that lists these scriptures if you are interested in how He was speaking to us through His Word. I hold on to these scriptures everyday especially on those overwhelming days and the "I'm not sure what I'm doing" days.
Home schooling has changed our lives, given us a purpose and put us on a journey to become more like Jesus in that we (I) can not do any of this with out His hand to guide me. Everyday I pray, "Lord order my steps, guide my thoughts so I may walk in your will." If there is any good in our children or our home it is because of God's work and nothing we have done. We give praise to God for His purposes for our home.
Why is this a problem? One size does not fit all and the spiritual growth and maturity of my children depends on a personal relationship, a relationship with some one who knows them deeply and cares for them deeply. Their teacher cared but not like we would, not like we should. God convicted us there was another way to educate our children. After much prayer and some research we jumped in and committed to home schooling.
No turning back For me (Kathy) there was no trial run, it was we are going to do this or not do it at all. Why? because this is the sort of thing I believe I had to commit and not have a loop hole to get out. If I left a loop hole when things got tough (and they did) I could just quit and be let off the hook. How is that a good example for my children? How will I see God's hand in our life if I quit when it get's too hard or I have a bad day?
What keeps us going? I have had many bad days, frustration, fear, overwhelming feelings, failure but there were the precious days, fruitful days with God's gifts to keep my head up and encourage me to continue what He asked me to do. What kept me from tossing the towel in and putting them back in school was knowing we were being obedient to God's word, what He had revealed to us and called us to do. He didn't say it would be easy or fun but His promises are true and He always keeps His promises. We have another blog that lists these scriptures if you are interested in how He was speaking to us through His Word. I hold on to these scriptures everyday especially on those overwhelming days and the "I'm not sure what I'm doing" days.
Home schooling has changed our lives, given us a purpose and put us on a journey to become more like Jesus in that we (I) can not do any of this with out His hand to guide me. Everyday I pray, "Lord order my steps, guide my thoughts so I may walk in your will." If there is any good in our children or our home it is because of God's work and nothing we have done. We give praise to God for His purposes for our home.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Why we blog
We want to remember what we did when we are old and grey...wait, Rod's already grey.
Yes, Rod is already grey and we do want to remember our home school days but we also want to share them with our family and friends who live all over the country. We move around quite a bit and find it is often hard to build and nurture long distance relationships. Our hope is that through this blog site we will update everyone, but more than that to reflect with us what God is doing in and through our family. We hope to post priceless memories, reflections and lessons learned, photos and precious tid bits of trivia that only insiders to the Hutton family would know.
Yes, Rod is already grey and we do want to remember our home school days but we also want to share them with our family and friends who live all over the country. We move around quite a bit and find it is often hard to build and nurture long distance relationships. Our hope is that through this blog site we will update everyone, but more than that to reflect with us what God is doing in and through our family. We hope to post priceless memories, reflections and lessons learned, photos and precious tid bits of trivia that only insiders to the Hutton family would know.
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