home schooling

milk and cookies

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It was the spring of 2002. My sweet baby girl, Emily was laying on the changing table in her room as I dialed the number.  I had a very important call to make.  My hands were shaking just a bit as I picked out the numbers and heard the phone ring.

In an unforeseen turn of events, I had decided to complete my Kindermusik Instructor Certification in the months just after she was born.  To finish up the application process, I had to complete a telephone interview with my instructor before I could proceed with the class work.  Part of the phone call involved me singing three Kindermusik songs of her choice from the curriculum.

As she answered my call, far away in North Carolina, I tried to breathe deeply and answer her questions.  I had practiced each of the songs and was prepared. or so I thought.  Emily, only three months old, was happily laying on the changing table and I gently rubbed her tummy hoping she would be content for the duration of the conversation.

My professor requested the first song.  As I began to sing out the first tune, so did Emily.  The louder I tried to sing, the louder Emily cooed along.  I couldn’t help but start to giggle, but so did the teacher, who could hear Emily’s singing just as loud as mine.  It was a true testament to the value of music in a child’s early development.  I had been practicing these songs, and apparently Emily had too.

Over the next few months, I prepared to teach several classes, one of which used a children’s song called, “Milk and Cookies.”  To this day, it is still one of our favorites.  I can still hear my sweet girl’s tiny little voice singing along:

Milk and cookies, milk and cookies, yummy in my tummy.

Milk and cookies milk and cookies, yummy in my tummy.

Together she and I had learned all of the Kindermusik songs I taught – and she accompanied me to a lot of the classes.  It was an intense program to be certified and teach for…  I enjoyed it so much, but it was difficult.

How little did I know it would be a part of my future…

Not long ago, Michael and I agreed that I should assist in tutoring a class for Classical Conversations, a home school educational setting, here in Chattanooga.  When I attended the Practicum for my training, I thought I should be nervous.  I was sure I’d be completely overwhelmed.

But, I wasn’t.

On the third and final morning of the training, while I was still at home getting ready, I found myself talking with my Heavenly Father, asking Him to help me be in the right frame of mind.

“Am I being arrogant? Because, You know how I can be sometimes. This is so much information, why am I not scared out of my mind?  Can You help me think all of this through?  Please, I humbly ask that you work in my mind and my heart so that I don’t mess this up. ”

He brought a peace that I don’t understand, it was an unusual calm for my heart… and He said to me, “Don’t you know that I’ve prepared You?  I have brought you a long way, on this path, to prepare you for these moments. You have been obedient.  No need to be afraid or unsure.   Just the way you learned hundreds of songs and poems like, “Milk and Cookies,”  in such a short amount of time, you will learn all that is required now.  It is all a part of the plan… My plan”

Proverbs 3:1-6 is how He spoke to me:

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

All wisdom is from God.  As I proceed on His path, everything needed for the journey will be provided.  Whether it is strength for understanding, grace for a deeper perspective, breadth for more knowledge and the ability to peacefully accept it all – He will give wisdom when I follow His will.  He has promised.  And I’m realizing it is true.

friends and loved ones

I forgot…

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It was the end of  a long three days.  I had been stretching my brain, filling it up to its fullest capacity, trying to learn more about home education.  The classes were a necessity, to be sure.  After catching up on a few chores around the house, I sat down to drink a cold glass of tea in an attempt to unwind, before the blessed stillness was interrupted by little footsteps on the stairs.  It was then that I realized it.

I had forgotten.

So much of what I knew about my current life had crept to the back of my mind .  But in those quiet moments, it all came sweeping through my heart like a robust breeze of fresh air. Its amazing how the most obvious, every-day parts of life can become unmemorable, unnoticed.  And I began to remember a few things.

I had forgotten…

how much I enjoy being with my children, even if they are grumpy.

that I like being a home maker, and the required activities like cooking, cleaning, diaper changing, dishwasher unloading. (etc, etc, etc)

what it takes to prepare everyone to be away from home all day  for several days in a row and still keep my home running smoothly.

(and consequently) that I am grateful to live on a schedule that I create.  

why it is important to do at least one load of laundry a day, and how thankful I am when I get to follow that (self-imposed) plan.

my children need me more than I realize.  

when it comes to time with my family, I prefer quality and quantity, not just one or the other.

how blessed I am to be the mama to Emily, Isaac and Mackenzie.

what a wonderful life here at home God has given to me, such an undeserving woman. 

this gift, my everyday, is truly what I want.

and He’s reminding me daily of so many more blessings…

This past week, which required me to be away in classes for several days in a row, was good for my recollection.  The ‘out of the ordinary’ made me so grateful for our ordinary.  How very true the verses in Psalm 37:4-5 are:

4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

Sometimes I find my heart wandering, looking for new occupations, things that might bring me satisfaction.  But, as I learn to thoroughly enjoy Him, its amazing to see how His will for me, which currently revolves around my life here in our home, is what I long for the most.  On weeks like this, I’m consumed by this re-claimed desire so much that I’m almost swallowed whole by His goodness…

Thank you Heavenly Father for these reminders.  Thank you. amen.

Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.

friends and loved ones · home schooling

borrowing and carrying

melodyannday1 Comment

I was sitting at my table this morning, enjoying a delicious, giant mug of coffee.  Thinking back I couldn’t help but revel a bit in the success of my week.  I enjoyed a piece of buttermilk whole wheat toast, made by my very own hands. Our school week had gone so well.   I saw significant improvement with one of my piano students yesterday.  It was enough to make my head swell, just a bit.

The biggest triumph : math.  Emily can now borrow and carry…  its a big step for her and she is doing amazingly well!  It was a lot of work and review, but she can do it on her own now.  I’m so proud of her.

As I read a bit of Scripture this morning and talked with the Lord, I had to rethink my position, just a bit…

“Look at all I accomplished with Emily this week… isn’t it great?  I think its really huge!”

“You?”

*pause*

“Okay look at all we accomplished with Emily?”

“We?”

*longer pause*

“Okay, okay – You accomplished it….  I know…  I forgot…”

“so soon?”

*really really long pause*

He was wanting me to think deeper about the verse that He gave me this morning:

“Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us.”  Isaiah 26:12

Ah yes!  It is a significant, but gentle reminder.  When it comes to my house work, school work, teaching piano lessons, child rearing or anything else that He gives me to do, I am not the one who can claim the victory.  In every situation, He is to be praised because the work is His and the result is His as well.

No matter what is going on in my life – the outcome does not belong to me.

If there is a mantle of success to wear, it is only borrowed from Him.  But, if there is a burden to carry when the world sees failure in progress, that is also His.  He can claim ownership of it all because He planned it and He is in charge.  It is not mine.  Not any of it.

And this is where I find peace for my life.  Acknowledging that it all belongs to Him means I can relax a bit more. Smile and laugh a lot more.  Worry a lot less. Frown over math problems much much less.

Thank you, Lord, for your mercy.  I am especially grateful for even the smallest of successes that come from your hand.  Knowing that You are in charge is the best gift you could have given me today.

amen.

(originally written October 8, 2010)

home schooling

saddle up

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“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” John Wayne

I couldn’t help but remember this quote today. Not just because its one of my favorites, but because today was a day for saddling up.  Don’t get me wrong – nothing unusual happened.  It wasn’t life and death. There wasn’t a monumental occasion.  No big decisions.  No.

It was just the first day back to school.

Every time we begin a new semester, getting back to the reality of educating my children at home, I have to face my fears.  Today was one of those days.  I considered putting off starting one more day. Crawling out of bed happened just a bit later than usual.  Breakfast was not on time for our regular school schedule. A second cup of coffee was in order. I just wasn’t feeling ready.

As with a lot of other tests in life, I know there are times I have to move out and “saddle up” no matter how I’m feeling.  I know that Home schooling is my calling right now.  I know God’s desire for our family right now is to educate at home.  So today, knowing all of these things, I had to pull out the books and get going even though my emotions were completely out of balance.

It doesn’t matter if I’m afraid that my daughter may not be able to spell words correctly like centerpiece or that my son won’t be able to count, recognize and write the numbers 1 through 20 by the end of the school year.  Whether or not my baby will cooperate, and whether or not Isaac will sit attentively through a whole story is not the issue.  He has made promises to me on those counts.  For my part, I have to take courage, believing that another of my favorite quotes is true…  from the book of Joshua chapter 1.

v.6-9:   Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This came at a point in Joshua’s story where he was making the decision whether or not to cross the Jordan with the Israelites.  At the end of this passage He makes the command.  He tells the officers to let everyone know :prepare your belongings and get ready to go.  Head em up, move em out!

In my situation, or any other where there is fear, the courage needed to overcome requires faith + action.  As I move onward and follow the Lord’s direction, He promises strength.  He promises His presence. And that is what I found, today more than ever.   Our school day began this morning with Scripture memory and a Bible story…  As we took time to meditate on Him first, fear was replaced with significant peace and strength.

Thank you Lord, for this reminder today!  Be my strength.  Be my wisdom.  Be my guide.  I surrender this journey once again to you!  amen

(originally written january 18, 2011)

home schooling

Work of Art

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Its that time of year. Every year, for the past four years, around this time I’ve begun planning. I am a planner after all. As a home school mom I look forward to it. Its time to think about the coming academic year.

I’m glad that I’m not afraid, or bored or stumped. I love getting ready. I can become completely absorbed in surfing the web, reading reviews of books and curriculum. I like to be “in the know” about what is up and coming. I really get into planning what would be the very best thing for my daughter to do in the fall for third grade. Pulling everything together is like a huge art project – is the perspective balanced? Do I have all the shades and hues just right? Is it proportional? (I never was too good at art myself…)

Emily is interested in a lot of things. She likes art, she enjoys science and history. Her drawing skills really surprise me. In her understanding of basic science she takes after her dad ; and that’s far better than mine was at her age. If she could, she would make me read from her favorite history book all day. These are the things she enjoys.

Recently she informed me that she would not like to play soccer this fall, but rather she is interested in archery. She has had brief opportunities shooting a bow and arrow with her grandaddy – and she actually is quite good at it. And she would like to take an art class. Possibly water color. Nervertheless, it is all a bit foreign to me.

More and more as I get to know my daughter, a creation of God himself, I find myself in uncharted territory. At her age I enjoyed things that are almost the complete opposite of what she pursues. Planning an exciting and stimulating school year is challenging, even a bit perplexing.

This spring, as my planning begins, I find myself praying more than last year…

“Lord, Help me! Guide me to the best curriculum for Emily. Please strike me with lightening just in case I’m looking at things I’d like, instead of what would be best for her…” Its a prayer sort of like that.

In the midst of my praying this morning, He spoke to me and reminded me that I can’t plan it. That’s right, I myself, cannot plan the experiences that are best for her. Only He knows what that is. Even if I was the best home schooling mom in the world, (which He told me to stop striving for) I couldn’t accomplish the plans that He has for her.

There is a Scripture verse that I hold on to, that gives me some relief in the planning process. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

I am so thankful that no matter what I do, He will continue his work in heart and life. He is her creator and sustainer – for me that means the sweet young girl that my is Emily becoming- she is His creation. His work of art. not mine. And I know it is beautiful.

md

(originally written February 26, 2010)

friends and loved ones · home schooling

carnivores…

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My family and I are meat eaters. Yes – you heard me. We love a good piece of meat. In fact, today, on Christmas day we have a Christmas menu planned unlike any before. No turkey for us, we are having surf and turf. Filet mignon and crab cakes are the main entree and I can’t wait.

I was so glad when I found that my husband and I shared a love for red meat. This was a blessing because my parents raised me as a meat eater. I know there are a lot of vegetarians out there and no offense intended, but I could not have married one. My dad who was born and bred in Ottumwa, Iowa was surrounded by cows growing up. It would have been impossible to grow up there and not eat meat. And so- he passed on his love for meat to me.

A bit of history for you: For my seventh birthday I was given the option of choosing my birthday meal. What did I choose? Not pizza. Not chicken fingers and fries. Not macaroni and cheese. I requested pot roast. A taste had been developed for meat – and it was definitely a favorite.

My husband and I relish a finely cut portion of meat, no doubt and we have trained our daughter in the same way. Recently we went to a steak house for dinner and Emily requested the sirloin. She also has become a meat eater apparently.

Recently we had a similar situation at home. My daughter came to me with a confession. “Mommy – guess what I did last night?” Her expression was sheepish, so I was ever so slightly nervous to ask. “What’s that, sweetie?” She told me that she was being sneaky and took her small flashlight to bed with her and was reading under her covers. “You were?” I said with a tad bit of excitement because I’ve been hoping she would develop a love for reading. “What book did you take to bed? Boxcar Children? Chalkbox Kid?” And it was her answer that almost knocked me over:

“No mommy, I read the first chapter of Genesis! It was really great! I think I’ll read another chapter tonight.”

Now, why was I so shocked? She has developed a taste for the finer things in life. We read Scripture together almost daily, or at least a Bible Story or learn a Verse or something. It shouldn’t be a surprise. Her heart and mind have been born and bred to enjoy God’s Word.

“Hallelujah! I have found Him, who my soul so long has craved.

Jesus satisfies my longings,

Through His blood I now am saved.”

It is so true that God’s Word is like a delicious, hearty cut of steak. Melting in the heart and mind of the believer, satisfying the cravings of those who desire Him, fulfilling the deepest of hunger pains.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16”

md

(originally written December 28, 2009)

Uncategorized

Just for your information…

melodyanndayLeave a comment

Literally. This quick notice is for my friends and family who read regularly…  I wanted you to know that I will be attending a practicum this week to prepare for the coming 2011-2012 school year.  Why is this important?  Well, I have a feeling my brain will be very full… of lots of school “stuff.”  It is very likely that I will actually be inspired to write quite a bit, but may not have time to get it all edited and loaded up here. So, I have decided to revisit some of my old posts about child-rearing and home education this week and I will also update the mini portion as I normally do.   And, I will change out the photos over the course of the week just for fun!

If I haven’t told you personally, thank you for reading.  Thank you for encouraging me on my blogging journey, whether its through comments, or personal emails – it really means a lot to me.  May He be your portion this week and always.

Melody

a bit of history

on the corner of Crabtree…

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There is a small white bungalow on the corner of Crabtree near the subdivision where we live. For the past eight years that we have lived in our home, we have passed the little house almost daily. Always immaculate on the outside, with carefully painted slate blue trim and a yard that was always perfectly maintained – It wasn’t fancy, but nicely kept.

Often we would see the owner outside, caring for her lawn and her flowers. She was small in stature, closer to heaven in age and moved slowly. But, she was steadfast and managed to get the job done. MIchael and I remarked how we felt like we knew her, watching her life outdoors. We saw her in a Wal Mart vest and imagined that she was a greeter there. For several years we observed her, but truly, we had no idea of her life.

Not long ago we got a different view. Sadly, one afternoon we saw the ambulance at her home. We aren’t sure if she was moved to a nursing home, or if she passed away. Clearly, she no longer lived there because quickly the property went downhill. Even worse, our imaginations of her were turned upside down.

From what we can gather, the house was transferred to new owners. As that transaction took place, we literally watched one weekend as all of this little lady’s possessions were put out on the front porch. It was amazing to see all of the “stuff” we saw sitting on her lawn surrounding the house.

Upon seeing what had been on the inside of the house we realized that we did not know her at all. She had been vigilant at keeping the appearance of her house pleasant, but what was on the inside was less than pleasing. In fact, some of it was refuse. My heart was sad.

Unfortunately, the new owners have chosen to keep the property just like it was the day they moved in. The place is virtually a junk yard now, adding to it their own “stuff.” Every time I drive by the corner of Crabtree I can’t help but think of my own heart.

I am so careful to keep up my appearances, and diligent to be sure I am the good christian you might want to see. But, it doesn’t matter how I look on the outside. Because, whatever happy, cleaned up, religious front I present to you, my heart is still a junkyard. Its true – there is ugly sin and refuse that need to be dealt with. What you see on the outside, is not always indicative of what you will find on the inside.

There is a Scripture verse that says : (this is my paraphrase) ‘Man sees on the outside, but God sees the heart.’ Often this is a comfort to me because God can see my true motives and knows who I really am or who He’s called me to be, even when others can’t see my best side. However, if this Scripture is true, it also means He can see my true motives and who I really am, even when its not my best…

I am reminded that how I appear to others means nothing if I haven’t taken into account the appearance of my heart.

But the good news of the gospel is this: (from Ephesians 2)

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved…”

Even though my heart may be full of sin, resembling a big pile of garbage at times, He is faithful to forgive all of those sins. He is able to give me a clean and righteous heart. It is by His amazing grace that my heart does not have to be like the house on the corner of Crabtree.

(written August 5, 2010)

a bit of history · in my kitchen

rhubarb crisp

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I haven’t always loved rhubarb.  It just so happens that it was peer pressure that brought me to the point of tasting the long, stalky, pink fruit for the first time.   Or is it a vegetable?  I’m not sure.

When we were young, living in Danville, Illinois, my sister and I spent a lot of our summers playing outside in the back yard.  At the time the space seemed huge, but I was only five then.  I’m not really clear on how big it was, maybe an acre?  At any rate, in the far back, right corner of the property behind our house, there was rhubarb growing.

Now, my sister, Marilyn, she is known for eating sour things.  When she was a baby she wanted to suck on slices of lemon.  I wasn’t old enough to be wary of my sister and her tastebuds when we hiked to the back half of the yard and she wanted to eat some rhubarb.  She liked it when she tried it before, she said.  And she broke off a stalk and snapped it in half, holding out a piece to me.  At five, I trusted my big sister, so I took a big bite.

I don’t particularly enjoy sour…

Later, I know it was much, much later, my great grandmother made a dessert for us when we visited her house in Iowa.  Rhubarb crisp, warm with a large scoop of Hy-vee vanilla ice cream.  I cringed.  not rhubarb…  But she assured me, it was delicious – she’d made it many times before and everyone always loved it.  Of course, I loved my GG and trusted her, so I took a big bite.  I’ve never enjoyed anything more in my whole life.  Not a single drop or crumb was left.

It is amazing what a little sweetener will do.

This is my reality as a believer, too.  So often trials and hardships season my life with a bitter flavor.  I confess that I don’t always love every part of what my Heavenly Father has planned for me.  Unfortunately He didn’t say He would remove all of the bitterness.  In fact it is quite the opposite.  But, He did give, in Scripture, many life-giving, hope-securing promises.   I know I can trust these promises in God’s word; for me, they are the sweetener of life, taking the sour-ness and making it bearable.  Sometimes even wonderful…

 How sweet are your words to my taste,  sweeter than honey to my mouth!  (Psalm 119:3)

***************************************************************************************************

Since I do love to bake desserts, I thought I’d share this recipe here, on the blog… (I found it on the sweetmary blog.) It is a recipe for a rhubarb oatmeal square that I made recently, and it really is wonderful!  Very reminiscent of the rhubarb crisp my GG made, and really delicious with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Rhubarb Oatmeal Squares

Crust/crumble Ingredients: 

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats

1/4 cup water

Filling Ingredients:

3 cups chopped rhubarb (1/2 inch pieces)

3/4 to 1 cup sugar (I used 1 cup, but 3/4 is also fine)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp ginger

1 tablespoon orange zest

3 tablespoons orange juice

1/4 cup water

Instructions:

Heat oven to 350. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Make filling first.

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Dissolve sugar and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low. Cook until rhubarb has broken down and mixture has thickened a bit. The mixture should be like syrup (meaning not entirely liquid and not as thick as jam). This will take about 10 to 15 minutes. Keep in mind that the mixture will thicken as it cools, too. Cool for about 10 minutes.

While the filling cools, make the crust.

Whisk flour, salt, and baking soda together in a medium bowl.

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add flour mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Add the oats and 1/4 cup water. Mix until crumbly.

Firmly pat half of this mixture into the greased baking pan.

Then, add the rhubarb mixture. Spread evenly over the crumble mixture.

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the rhubarb.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes until it starts to brown. Cool. Cut into bars.

(I should have baked mine longer, they were a bit gooey at 25 minutes… but chilled they are a firm bar.  If I had baked another 5 minutes, the crust may have firmed up more)


friends and loved ones · who knows?

oh. my. heavens.

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We watched, our eyes glued to the television screen, me and my big girl.  The space shuttle was in countdown to lift off – on its final flight.  Emily loves to read about astronomy and space, so this was almost more excitement than a little girl can stand…

As it began to rise heaven-ward we just sat and stared, wide-eyed.  Faster and faster.  Higher and higher. Further and further… away it went.

oh. Wow.

Few words could come off my tongue to help her understand the vastness of the heavens.  I don’t understand it. Its completely out of my scope of reason.  How far away is the closest star?  Just how does it feel to travel at the speed of light?  No idea.

As we sat there together she and I, I marveled at our Creator and this universe that is His fingerprint.  The sun, moon and stars, like his very own fine, glittering, jewels…  how amazing it all is… and I wondered at His goodness and His creativity, His genius…

oh. my….

I was jolted back to reality as I realized we were late for a doctor’s appointment.  Rushed my children to the car, headed out (driving less than wrecklessly of course) to arrive at the office and be told by the nurse : “Not today. Your appointment is tomorrow…”

Red-faced, I loaded all of my children back into the van and we headed for home.  Its just one example from my day of my many, many, many shortcomings….

oh. goodness.

And I had to stop and marvel once again at this good, creative, genius – God…  How in the world did He see fit, in the midst of all of this goodness and light that are His masterpiece, to allow me to be a mother to these, my beautiful children.  heavens, I do not understand.

But, He does.  Above all, His plan is greater than my misgivings and mistakes.  Beyond the great cosmos, He sees and knows each individual, like me, and cares for each one with great love and compassion.  Again I find I am unable to comprehend this.  I know His love: it is tangible in my life, and yet to understand my significance in His plan is more than can my mind can conceive.

Psalm 8 declares His majesty and glory, not confounded by space and time, place or being…

1 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?

5 You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Oh. My. Heavens.

Thank you, Heavenly Father that you are not held hostage by time and space, or any part of your very own creation.  I am so grateful, that even though I do not understand fully, You have still allowed me this wonderful life to live and breathe as a woman, wife and mother; as your lovely handiwork.  May I learn to live fully, in the light of your unfailing love and mercy.

amen.