Catch up #! - I've been busy...

I miss blogging I really do. I have so much to share and so little time these days to do so. However, at the very least, I figured I'd jump online and share with everybody some of what has been keeping me so busy :)

I've been busy with Baby "J". 

He is a simply a joy.  He is a happy, easy-going, no trouble baby and I'm having a blast enjoying this season of his "little-ness".

I've been busy with babies overall :)
Me, my sister, and sister-in-law were all preggers at the same time and we've been spitting them out one by one.  These three musketeers are gonna be one tough little gang.

So babies, baby showers, baby-sitting, etc...have had me a little...uh....occupied :)

More to come :)

Chronicle Clan

Thought I'd post a recent pic of the fam :)

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

I figured the start of a new year for me is as good a day as any to return to blogging!

I lot can happen when you take a half a year off from blogging with regularity :)

Check out the new ticker at the top of my blog page :)

We'll have FIVE in our clan come November!

I don't know yet if I'll strive for daily posts or simply posts when I feel like it but I definitely misss my blogging habit (addiction) and will try to indulge myself without neglecting the rest of my life :)

Hit me! Send me a comment to let me know you are still there!

Voddie Baucham on YouTube

I've mentioned Voddie Baucham on my blog before. If you want to be challenged about the importance of family in light of the crucial transfer of spiritual heritage, you can read my review of Voddie's recent book Family Driven Faith, OR you can check out one of his messages by following the link in this post, OR you can check him out on YouTube. Hit me back and let me hear your thoughts and reflections.

The Value of Written Words

There is value in the written word.

I asked my grandmother, "Two Mama", to write me a letter. This is my grandmother who emails me regularly in ALL CAPS, yelling out me through cyberspace when I've gone too long without contacting her :)




I don't remember how long ago I asked her but I've been hounding her for it for awhile. I don't remember when or how I came to the conclusion that I wanted a letter from her; all I know is that it became important to me to have a letter from her, to me, in her handwriting.

I just received it the other day.

I've read it about a million times, each time treasuring every word. She wrote about the first time she saw me and about her first time babysitting me. She wrote about my visits to her every summer and her memories of some of my harder days. She wrote about how much I meant to her then and how much I meant to her now. I treasure that letter. It's tucked inside my journal, an arm's reach away whenever I want to hear her thoughts about me.

There is nothing like the written word.

In our day and age, where technology drives email, texts, and blogs, I'm sure that there are many precious thoughts that are discarded or lost forever after they are read. What happens fifty years from now when your grandchildren want to know what kinds of sweet things you said to your sweetheart, spouse, or your children (their parents).

There is something that is just "right" about getting that box of letters down from the attic that belonged to your mother, or mother's mother, leafing through them and learning about people that may have never had the opportunity to meet. There is something that just feels good about being seventy-something and going through cards and notes from loved ones on a quiet afternoon of an empty nest. There is something right about having certain words, on record, forever.

This realization comes on the heels of another written word that I will treasure forever. Shortly after my grandfather died last spring, my mother and some of her siblings were going through his effects. My Mom called me one day to tell me she had found something that she thought I would want.

Six and half years ago, on my wedding day, my grandfather addressed everyone at my wedding reception. I had asked him to give a welcome and bless our dinner meal. He had prepared a speech. We all stood awaiting the blessing and stood listening to his thoughts on me, Jessie, and the sacredness of marriage. We stood for what seemed like forever.

Well, he wrote his speech down.

I have his thoughts about me, my husband, and the sacredness of marriage written down on paper, for me to cherish. I have his thoughts with me even when he physically is not. There is nothing like it and his words on paper cannot be reproduced, relived, or rewritten...but I have them.

There is value in the written word.

I haven't figured out how to preserve them yet. There are 13 sheets of steno-sized paper. For now, they are folded neatly in my journal beside my bed. I have them close to look at them whenever I like.

Maybe it's that you print some of those precious emails and keep them in a file. Maybe you should look into saving time during the holidays to print those blog entries and put them in a binder or having them bound together at an office supply store. However you do it, treasure the written word.

and then...give some written words to someone else to treasure. Write letters to your children, to your husband, to your parents, to your closest friends. Send real cards instead of sending e-cards. Get some stationary and take time once a week on a Sunday evening to put in your own handwriting something that you want someone to know. Don't you know how excited they'll be to see something besides a bill in the mailbox?

Preserve your family's heritage by documenting the events that hold the most significance for you. Keep history alive for future generations by making sure that they know what transpired before they arrived on the scene.

Just think...how would we know so much about some of the greatest people in history if they had never written letters or kept in depth journals. How would we know about some of details on the front lines of war if some solider hadn't written home about it or kept their journal close on their person? How would we have known the details of the life of Christ? Someone had to take the time to write it all down.

So write it down. There is value in the written word and your thoughts, dreams, ideas are worth remembering.

A Good Description...

This is just so good...I can completely relate. From XBOX WIFE. This is Mrs Brownstone's description:

Between being a housekeeper, a cook, a chauffeur, a washer woman, a tailor, a nanny, a teacher, a tutor, a secretary, a gopher, a banker, a nurse, a wife, a lover, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a daughter-in-law, a sister-in-law, an aunt, a friend, a provider, a volunteer, a church helper, a prayer warrior, a cheerleader, a psychologist, an organizer, and a social activities director...I don't have time for a paying job!

Summers with Bessie

We've been slowly ramping up to our regular schedule. Each morning we wake a little earlier, and each day we gradually add back some component of our routine. It's the traditional school year again, and we are trying to return to our regularly scheduled programming. There's only one problem...

Bessie's not here...

Each summer and short spurts of time during the school year, we get to be a whole family. Bessie makes her way here from over four hours away and we all relish in her presence.

Gracie enjoys the privilege of sharing "sister-time"...staying up late and having someone to burn the midnight oil with (the girls think we don't know:).



Sumo enjoys having someone around who doesn't mind playing with his toys and helping him to create imaginary scenarios.



Kano enjoys having someone who doesn't mind holding him as long as he wants to be held.





Even the cousins miss out on playing with both of their "big cousins".



We all miss her.

The peril of a blended family. Try as you might, things are never quite right. Either one parent or the other misses the child caught between two homes. Blocks of time pass and from one visit to the next we've missed two inches or a shoe size. It's not easy.

We are so blessed that God has done such a wonderful tying of the heart strings. Every summer we go through withdrawal. I miss our late night talks,




Gracie misses having someone to laugh with at comedy TV after the littles have gone to bed, Sumo misses his buddy,




grandparents miss opportunities to dote,




and Daddy misses his chance to catch up on the life of his little girl.




Bessie is a one-of-a-kind, made-to-fit, can't-be-replaced, member of our family. We miss her....even the quirky parts....


(She's gonna kill me for including this picture)

So Bessie...I know you are reading the blog...This one's for you. You are loved and you are missed.

Road Trip - Day 6 (A Family Day)

Today we just went down to Baltimore Harbor so the girls could shop and the boys could blow off some steam. All the way to Baltimore for a mall...




Afterwards we hung out while the boys (and cousins) fed/chased birds. All the way to Baltimore to chase birds.... :)




Trying to make that flat penny come out...





We left the harbor and drove to my visit my Aunt Bernice. My mother's family is from Guyana, South America so we are ALWAYS good for traditional Caribbean fare. Aunt B took us to get some GOOD FOOD.







My parents had not yet been to Aunt Bernice's new home or office and none of us had seen Clarise's home either (she's a first time condo owner and we are so proud of her :). So...we went on a tour :)

Aunt B's home




Beautiful neighborhood...beautiful porch...




Clarise and "Uncle Tony"

Me and "Reesie"




All that visiting gave everyone an appetite! Back to my grandparent's home for some more CRABS!




Winding down with Poppy!

Road Trip - Day 5 (PM - Eating Crabs)

After our wonderful morning together, we went back to my grandmother's house to blog rest. Later that evening, we all met up again. If you are at all familiar with Maryland cuisine...you will understand why Sunday night we celebrated being together as a family with CRABS!

You either love them or you hate them...







The boys enjoyed pounding on the crabs...then they ate hot dots!








We at a banquet hall owned by Mr. Resnick. My dad worked for him when he was a teenager. He started out working in the kitchen and earned enough respect and trust to assist them personally before graduating from high school and going to college. Mr. & Mrs. Resnick sat and ate with us, telling us many neat stories about my Dad. They also were so complimentary, saying that they knew when they met him as a teenager that he was different and would go on to make an impact with his life. Life is something...it really comes full circle. It was a privilege to meet them and spend time getting to know them.








My brother Anthony flew in that evening and came straight here. We had some crabs waiting for him!




The boys ate and then literally ran around in circles for hours...talk about delirious!

Blog Pass Alongs...

I figure since my blogs have not been as meaty as I would like lately (all photos and fun), I would pass along some other blog reads that I've been enjoying recently. There are many blog friends that I have that consistently put out thoughtful posts. I just don't have it in me to be that deep all the time, but I do find myself reading and thinking..."man...I should pass this along".

So here are my bloggy "pass-alongs" for today. Be blessed, inspired, and encouraged!

Rachel over at Home Sanctuary never ceases to amaze me in how focused she is with her blog. The title and the theme is consistently addressed in her posts. I can count on going over to her spot and knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will be encouraged on my journey to making my home a sanctuary for my husband, my kids, and for myself. Recently, she has blessed my socks off by writing about Loving My Regular Guy and encouraging me to see my husband for who is his and to love him completely and unconditionally just the way he is. She has also made me think a little more about how I take care of myself and to think twice about getting lazy when I'm tempted to let things go. And how many times, as a wife and mother have I said this, "But what about me?". Rachel eloquently addresses the feeling I think everyone has asked at some point and time.

Lindsey at Enjoy the Journey is a favorite read of mine too. She is on the journey...literally, and her blog runs the gammut of subject matter paralleling the places she goes, the people she sees, and the things that she does. I love her randomness 'cuz you never know what you are going to read about. She makes me feel validated in sharing just whatever I happen to feel like sharing on any given day. Lindsey, unlike me however, has mastered the art of tackling an issue that she feels worthy of discussion and sticking with that topic until she's covered it in full. One of those issues has been food...what we eat, the way we eat, and how we should be eating. If you ever wondered, why we should make healthy choices and what kind of choices are the better ones, read the following posts from Lindsey to get a bird's eye few into what she has learned on her journey to better health. Much of what she posts, I concur with. In fact, I have been shocked at how similar her journey is to my own. So glad she has posted in detail...it means I don't have too!

Part I - Why I'm doing this
Part II - The COST of being CHEAP
Part 3a: Practical tips for saving money on GOOD food
Part 3b: Practical tips for saving money on GOOD food
Part 4: Let's talk about the milk, okay?
Part 5: Another reason to go local for your food
Part 6: Let's talk about HFCS

Lindsey has even added more parts than I am caught up on reading. You can click HERE and look at all of her posts in this category. I don't think she's finished yet....

OK...and here's my last "pass-along" for the day. I have Kendra of Preschooler's and Peace on my daily blog reads too. I've referenced her before. If you are a wife and mother in need a little bit of perspective about the responsibilities that come with your job description, first read THIS and then read THIS.

I hope one of these posts blesses you today. Enjoy your Sabbath! Be sure and rest and then make sure someone you love knows it....

Great Reads!

I'm still in South Africa and have tried again to access the hotel's wireless internet but to no avail. I have some great pictures to share, but I guess I'll just wait until I get back in the states. The hotel does have a business center with internet access but when I tell you the computers are S-L-O-W....It's murder to try and use Blogger with a slow connection so I'm posting by sending "email posts" to my blog which is slow but not as bad as using the blogsite.

Since I am at the computer anyway trying to blog about my trip, I thought I'd blog about something else instead and remembered that I mentioned a few days ago I would share about some recent books I've read that are worthy of others checking out. I have a few bloggy friends that keep up a current list of their books read during the year with their reviews and opinions included. Maybe I'll add that to my list to do for next year but I'm just not that organized yet. The two books I'd like to mention today though couldn't wait until next year :)

A couple of weeks ago, I had a chance to complete two books in one week! Although I love to read, and would definitely consider myself to be a voracious reader, my time these days just doesn't allow me the luxury to get as much reading as I would like done. Getting these two books down was a real treat!

The first is A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Van DeMille. This book is written to teachers, students, parents, educators, legislators, leaders - any person interested in making sure that kids get an education worthy of propelling them to greatness and to a life of purpose. I purchased this book at a homeschool conference as I had heard many people over time mention this book to me as a must-read. It definitely will help homeschool parents to help solidify their goals and direction in homeschooling their children, but it isn't just for the homeschooling family. The goal of the book is to pull from what made past leaders, world changers, and great thinkers in the past and show how we can implement those same educational experiences for our children today.

I'm never amazed, especially as I homeschool Gracie, how much I DIDN'T learn in school. There are many times that I feel inept as a homeschool Mom, wondering how in the world I'm going to make sure she comes away with the knowledge she needs to have in this life. This book encouraged me that life and learning is a journey and that goal of educating my children (whether I am in charge of that or a school) cannot be met unless I, myself, ensure that it happens. The cry here is for education that leads learners to greatness and beyond basic literacy and job skills. The main thrust of the book deals with the tenets of an quality education and some practical tips for how to get started with implementing those tenets.

Now I said I was only going to mention two books, but just writing that review made me think of another that I think every person should read regarding the education of our children, how we think about it, and how we can make a real difference in the quality of education that our children receive - The Art of Education by Linda Dobson. I initially read this book by getting it from my library and then after finishing it bought it to read again. This is one of those books that makes you think and call into question assumptions that you have about the educational system in America and what makes it work or not work. I assure you, if you pick up this book you WILL be challenged and you will wonder..."how come no one every told this to me before?"

Ok...now on to the second book I planned on discussing. I read this book and then passed it along to my husband to review. It is called Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham. I originally heard of this guy from a commenter on an older post - see my left sidebar under "What I Believe - About Children". The comment pointed me to listen to a sermon of Dr. Baucham's online. I was mesmerized by what I heard. Come to find out a family member of his goes to my church and when his book came out, she gave me one. Since my initial introduction to Dr. Baucham, he has been invited to the men's conference at my church and my husband attended his workshop. He called me after hearing his presentation to tell me how much he found Dr. Baucham's message inspiring and life-changing.

In his book, Dr. Bauchum starts out by saying that Christianity is a dying religion unless we, as believers, do something different then we have done in the past regarding the passing on of our legacy of faith. He begins his book with stating the problem of a state of a vanishing Christianity and how this problem has come about. Dr. Baucham discusses 1) the lack of value in the concept of having children with the idea of propagating the Kingdom of God in mind, 2) the lack of value in the necessity of passing along values to our children as evidenced by the number of "Christian" kids who, after being raised in Christian homes, do not choose to live out the "faith of their fathers", and 3) the trend of declining numbers of Christians with every generation that passes. At this juncture, Dr. Baucham then seeks to explain what we are doing wrong. That's where he book gets good.

The primary focus of this work is to explain what we are doing wrong and how to fix it. Dr. Baucham tenatiously outlines what Christians have not been doing that has helped fuel generations of people who do not live effective, on-fire lives for Christ - even after being raised in Christian homes. He discusses his own personal life both as an example of what he had failed to do, the realizations that he has come to in his journey as a husband, father, and pastor, and then on to what he seeks to do now. His platform as he speaks around the country is multi-generational Christianity and what we can do to ensure that we teach our children how to stand in this world.

It is obvious that this man is an intellectual and he is easy to respect because of the way he presents his material - very well-thought out and communicated. At the same time, I felt like I was listening to a big brother tell me his heart and give me guidance as to how to implement the concepts and principles he shares. His simple yet profound purpose of turning on the light bulb in Christians who desire to effectively pass their faith to their children will fan the flame in the heart of a Mom or Dad who are wanting a start at the "how-to-do-it".

Also, Dr. Baucham challenges the idea of age segregation as we know it in the modern day church. With the focus of family as the center of God's means for reaching the next generation, Dr. Baucham presents alternatives to the way we "do church" and suggests a different paradigm for the future if we want to see different results from the past in how we raise our children and how they turn out.

This is one of those books that, whether or not you agree with everything, you will be glad that someone stopped and finally MADE YOU THINK. It's definitely an easy read and worth reading all the way through. I encourage you to pick up a copy. I'll have a link to Amazon here...again...as soon as I get good internet access.

OK...that's enough for the day. I hope to post more about my time in South Africa soon :)

About Chrystal..

Welcome to my BLOG!

I'm Chrystal, and I believe I am a daughter of the King and yet a sinner saved by grace, a recipient of continual grace and in turn a conduit of blessing. I believe that Christ lives in me but that I continue to be a benefactor of second chances. I am a work in progress but yet a diamond in the rough.

I am learning everyday what I believe about my past, present, and future as I life my life. I believe that journaling is a way of keeping track of those things I've learned and the experiences I've had. I believe that blogging allows some of those lessons and experiences to be an encouragement to others who are walking out the days of their own lives.

I'm a "used-to-be" corporate, career-minded, on-the-path-to big-bucks, single gal - now turned homeschooling, bread-baking, family-minded woman, seeking after God's will for my life and that of my family. I am journeying into the unknown everyday and learning how exciting life can be as I listen to His voice and stay open to thinking outside the box God's way! I believe that as He leads the way, my life can be an encouragement to others.

I pray that you would be blessed as you share my journey!


So now that you know something about me...let me tell you a little more!...

I'm blogging from deep in the heart of Texas. I'm married to one a giant of a man (inside and out) and I am the proud homeschooling mother of four!

The photo below is a year old but it will have to suffice for now :)

This is my EVERYTHING BLOG. I am blogging about my life, which at times is all over the place. I'm enjoying my journey and I welcome you to come along for the ride!

If you want to learn a little more about me you can start with reading some posts on the ins and outs of my daily life. So far, I've talked a little about weird things, weight gain and weight loss, homeschooling, recipes, and homemaking.

Feel free to sample some of the lessons I've learned from parenting, cooking, motherhood, being a natural, and my personal quiet time. Every now and again I may sneak in a thought or two on current events. My ramblings do run the gamut. I've talked about everything from my faith to my "falls".

I consider myself blessed to have awesome friends and awesome family. Sometimes, I think I keep up with this blog because every other member of my family (see left side bar) has a presence on the web for their line of work. Well, motherhood and growing people is my line of work, and I think that's worthy of web presence too!

OK...OK...The reason given above is just a smoke screen. Really and truly, I started my blog because I was tired of mumbling under my breath over the kitchen sink.

OK....OK....I blog because everyone else does it ...

I used to have two blogs. Inspiration was the jist of one and motherhood the theme of the other. I finally decided that I didn't live a fragmented life so I shouldn't have a fragmented blog! I'm currently still working on moving over the posts from my old blog so feel free to check the '07 posts there if you won't want to miss anything.

I've learned, little by little, how to add things to my site like photos and music. Now, I've also learned how to post videos! As thanks for taking the time to read this post all the way through, I hope you get a few good laughs out of this video showing, Sumo, my 4yo, enjoying bathtime! ... And thanks for stopping by!

Once Again...I'm Proud...

of my "seester", Priscilla. She forwarded me a link to Beth Moore's Living Proof Ministries Blog where Beth posted an encouraging note today about Priscilla and her ministry. Check it out by clicking HERE.

Togetherness

Time spend with loved ones is a precious commodity. There are some relationships that are so rare, they are especially treasured and valued. There are other relationships that we tend to take for granted either b/c of the proximity of the loved one or the frequency of their availability in our lives.

Either way human relationship and the heart strings that come with them are fragile, unique, and therefore unrepeatable in their raw form.

The relationship that I have with my mother cannot be repeated.

The relationship that I have with my only sister cannot be reborn.

The relationship that I have with my children cannot be reproduced.

The relationship that I have with my college roommate cannot be replicated.

They are all unique and therefore they should all be treasured. All of the opportunities to interact with special people in my life should be relished. I should be all there.

Sometimes the moments that we spend with special people are mundane and we just figure out how to get through them.

Sometimes we are in a moment that is so rare, that we just bask in the reality that the event or occurence is special and we just soak up every moment. When moments happen - especially unrepeatable moments - they should be captured and written in our minds and on our hearts to treasure forever.

This was one of those moments.

On this ordinary day, my grandmother knew she was enjoying a one-of-a-kind moment. On this day she relished the opportunity she got to hold on to a high energy preschooler who hardly ever chooses to hang out in one spot. She soaked it up.

One day, little Sumo will know that this moment he shared with his great-grandmother was unique, unrepeatable, and so every special. One day, he will have this photo to remind him that he soaked it all in - even if it was for just a moment.

Who do you need to spend time with today? Find time for the important people. Make memorable moments. Enjoy the uniqueness of the relationships God has blessed you with. Bask in the opportunities you have to be together with the people you cherish.

My Baby Boy Is Growing Up

Where does the time go....?

Sumo just turned 4 years old. Just yesterday I brought my oldest son home from the hospital and reveled in soaking up all of his sweet baby smells every chance I got. Time is just going way too fast. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed each and every stage of his life and growth thus far. I am happy and glad...all at once...to celebrate his most recent birthday.

We took him to a beautiful park close by, rented a bounce house, called up some friends, bought some hot dogs, and then watched him have the time of his life!

He was king for the day!

He ran wild with virtually no restraint!

and he had a blast hanging with his best buds...

He's into the whole "Cars" movie theme and he loves "Lightning McQueen". His party had his passion as it's theme. My sister-in-law made this cake for Sumo. We kept it on our kitchen counter all day with the LID TAPED DOWN. I kept calling his name and saying "don't touch the cake baby boy". He replied to me..."Mommy, I'm not gonna touch it...I'm just gonna LOOK at it!" All day...he had such sheer joy just looking...

...as much as he wanted to eat his cake, he was a little less than enthused about the idea of "cutting" Lightning....

Sumo and his friends played hard and had a great time. When it become too dark to run and play throughout the park, they ran into the bouncehouse and jumped until way past dark. Poor thing, he cried when it was time to turn off the generator and watch the air slowly leave the bounce house. I'm glad he enjoyed his birthday party...so sorry this wonderful day had to end.

Time flies when you are having fun!!!

It's been a wonderful ride so far being your Mommy and I look forward to each new year and the privilege of watching you grow and become the wonderful man you are destined to be.


Happy Birthday Sumo!
...you handsome little angel you...