For those of you who never get to see the Claire and Paul Boyette Gallery and Museum in person, here are a few of the latest exhibits.
Paul made this snowman in preschool.
Here's a place where Sarah writes what's on her heart and mind for whomever will read it. Sometimes it's hilarious, sometimes it's little pieces of life that I'm grateful for. Enjoy!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Artwork
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thankful for Peace
Today is Friday, the end of another busy week. I'm not sure if Adam knew, but I for one, have been continuously surprised by how much having a kindergartener has changed our life. Our schedule is fuller and quicker. I get up every morning at 5 or before so I can drink my coffee, read my Bible, and get a head start on the day. On Saturday, I enjoy getting up at the same time so I can snuggle on the couch and snooze and read a book in peace.
Where I was militant about daily naps for Claire, Paul has to go with the flow. Sometimes he gets one, sometimes he doesn't. Sometimes he's sleeping in the wagon while I walk to get Claire from school. Sometimes he sleeps in the morning on the way to my granddad's house and then transfers his nap to a recliner.
Our life rhythms now match that of the FWISD calendar.
Here's my thankful list for today. I haven't posted in a while, so I could easily make this list 100 + items, but for your reading pleasure, I'll try to keep it brief.
I'm thankful for:
1. Trees, again
This time I'm thankful for the giant trees in our front yard. They are the perfect size for the kids to climb. Last week I had both kids in one tree. None of those pansy trees for us. We have big, strong trees.
2. Kids with compassion
Yesterday, Paul went to comfort a crying friend without any prompting from me. A mom friend told me last week that Paul overheard her talking about her sick kid and he questioned her with concern until he was satisfied his buddy would be okay. I feel pride and hope for both of my children when I witness actions like this.
3. A gold-medal Olympian
Claire won a gold medal in reading this week. She's awesome.
4. A husband that thinks completely differently from me
Some people enjoy surrounding themselves with people who think the same way as they do. I love that Adam Boyette is one of life's greatest mysteries to me and I will never be able to figure him out. He's like a lifelong puzzle. We often compare notes on events or conversations we were both a part of. It's always interesting to me to hear what stood out to him verses what I found important. It is almost always different. Adam keeps me thinking and always examining my opinions and assumptions about the world. I often joke that while I am completely right-brained, he is completely left-brained so together we make one brain.
5. My children's unique sense of style
Last Saturday I took both kids to Kohl's to buy a new outfit. Paul wore his Batman costume and solicited many stares and giggles. He also kept standing on his head in the basket, which added to the entertainment. After lots of debate, Claire's outfit consisted of a hot pink jaguar print hooded top with black and white jaguar pants and a rainbow skirt. I love that both kids have their own opinions about fashion and that they express themselves through their clothes. Right this second, Paul is sitting on the couch in shorts, a T-shirt, and cowboy boots.
6. Literature
This week Paul has really started to enjoy books on his own. On Wednesday when we returned from the library, he sat for an hour looking at his newly checked-out books. Claire read eight books before class this morning. I read about two books a week, and even Adam has started reading every chance he gets.
7. Being missed
Due to several scheduling conflicts, I have had to skip several of my normal events. I had to take a time out of bookclub and Bible study. No less than five people have told me they miss me at my normal event. It's nice to be missed.
8. The perfect job for me
I love my job. Twice a week I get to sit in an office and have adult conversations and feel smart. The other days I can work from the house while Paul plays. I feel like a contributing member of society but still a stay-at-home mom. I love it!
9. Winter weather followed by beautiful weather
When it's 70 degrees outside, it's not uncommon to hear someone saying they wish it was this way all the time. Not me. I love the cold, if only for the fact that it makes me not take the beautiful weather for granted.
10. Funny kids
While speaking like a pirate this week, Claire shouted, "Shiver me tenders!" Hilarious. In a Love and Logic moment, I left Paul at home by himself briefly while I waited in the driveway for him to panic and run out. He didn't. He stayed in his rocking chair reading books and even took time to pick up dog poop! Paul is currently sitting on my shoulders. Yep, I have a three year old on my shoulders while I am typing. My kids make me laugh.
Happy Friday!
Where I was militant about daily naps for Claire, Paul has to go with the flow. Sometimes he gets one, sometimes he doesn't. Sometimes he's sleeping in the wagon while I walk to get Claire from school. Sometimes he sleeps in the morning on the way to my granddad's house and then transfers his nap to a recliner.
Our life rhythms now match that of the FWISD calendar.
Here's my thankful list for today. I haven't posted in a while, so I could easily make this list 100 + items, but for your reading pleasure, I'll try to keep it brief.
I'm thankful for:
1. Trees, again
This time I'm thankful for the giant trees in our front yard. They are the perfect size for the kids to climb. Last week I had both kids in one tree. None of those pansy trees for us. We have big, strong trees.
2. Kids with compassion
Yesterday, Paul went to comfort a crying friend without any prompting from me. A mom friend told me last week that Paul overheard her talking about her sick kid and he questioned her with concern until he was satisfied his buddy would be okay. I feel pride and hope for both of my children when I witness actions like this.
3. A gold-medal Olympian
Claire won a gold medal in reading this week. She's awesome.
4. A husband that thinks completely differently from me
Some people enjoy surrounding themselves with people who think the same way as they do. I love that Adam Boyette is one of life's greatest mysteries to me and I will never be able to figure him out. He's like a lifelong puzzle. We often compare notes on events or conversations we were both a part of. It's always interesting to me to hear what stood out to him verses what I found important. It is almost always different. Adam keeps me thinking and always examining my opinions and assumptions about the world. I often joke that while I am completely right-brained, he is completely left-brained so together we make one brain.
5. My children's unique sense of style
Last Saturday I took both kids to Kohl's to buy a new outfit. Paul wore his Batman costume and solicited many stares and giggles. He also kept standing on his head in the basket, which added to the entertainment. After lots of debate, Claire's outfit consisted of a hot pink jaguar print hooded top with black and white jaguar pants and a rainbow skirt. I love that both kids have their own opinions about fashion and that they express themselves through their clothes. Right this second, Paul is sitting on the couch in shorts, a T-shirt, and cowboy boots.
6. Literature
This week Paul has really started to enjoy books on his own. On Wednesday when we returned from the library, he sat for an hour looking at his newly checked-out books. Claire read eight books before class this morning. I read about two books a week, and even Adam has started reading every chance he gets.
7. Being missed
Due to several scheduling conflicts, I have had to skip several of my normal events. I had to take a time out of bookclub and Bible study. No less than five people have told me they miss me at my normal event. It's nice to be missed.
8. The perfect job for me
I love my job. Twice a week I get to sit in an office and have adult conversations and feel smart. The other days I can work from the house while Paul plays. I feel like a contributing member of society but still a stay-at-home mom. I love it!
9. Winter weather followed by beautiful weather
When it's 70 degrees outside, it's not uncommon to hear someone saying they wish it was this way all the time. Not me. I love the cold, if only for the fact that it makes me not take the beautiful weather for granted.
10. Funny kids
While speaking like a pirate this week, Claire shouted, "Shiver me tenders!" Hilarious. In a Love and Logic moment, I left Paul at home by himself briefly while I waited in the driveway for him to panic and run out. He didn't. He stayed in his rocking chair reading books and even took time to pick up dog poop! Paul is currently sitting on my shoulders. Yep, I have a three year old on my shoulders while I am typing. My kids make me laugh.
Happy Friday!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Ode to Karen and our other homeless friends
This morning I found out one of our homeless friends died on the street on Wednesday night. Karen was a tall, handsome woman. She was kind and patient. She was a good listener and took an interest in others. She never complained and smiled often. The last time the kids and I saw her was three weeks ago. I was talking to another homeless lady and lost track of the kids. When I found them, they were jumping with glee on Karen's mattress. I tried to yank them off her bed, but she insisted on letting them play. She assured me she loved children, in particular Claire and Paul.
Claire, Paul, and I are very active at Room In the Inn, the homeless ministry at our church. Every Thursday night during the coldest and hottest nights of the year, our church opens its doors to twelve women without homes. Homeless shelters are the fullest during these months and while the weather is the most dangerous for sleeping outside, it's also the time when people are turned away because of overcrowding shelters.
Many people work to make sure our guests are comfortable when they stay at our church. Volunteers assemble toiletry bags, set up mattresses, put tablecloths on tables and prepare meals. It's a lot of work. When our church started Room In the Inn, I volunteered for every post that was available. I wanted to be a part of this important ministry and help out where needed. It was one of my homeless friends that taught me a lesson about that. One day I was especially frazzled making sure everything was perfect and she said, "You know, you can just sit down and visit. You don't have to do it all yourself." From that day on, I have remembered what Terry said. I sign up for food if it's needed, but otherwise, the kids and I just show up to visit with our friends. Sometimes we bring snacks, sometimes we don't. We always sit and talk.
I have been immeasurably blessed by connecting with these ladies. I have found so much in common with them; they too worry about money and search for sales. Most of them are mothers and offer memories of their own children. They laugh at the kids and permit them to climb in their laps and jump on their mattresses on the floor. They are the best huggers. Though they don't have access to a kitchen, they love discussing food and food preparation. I too, love to cook.
Some days I feel worried or depressed about whatever problem is on my mind. Talking to a woman that's homeless puts things in perspective for me. So what if my house is cluttered? I have one. So what if I can't keep the laundry caught up? Everyone in my family has nice clothing and I have a working washer and dryer. So what if I get tired from running errands? I have a nice car to take me and money to buy groceries with. So what if my kids are hyper and driving me crazy after a glass of lemonade? They live with my husband and I, not across town with someone else. I don't have the latest fashions, but I have clothing. I have friends that love me. I have a home with a heater and a nice bed in a quiet house instead of a giant room with hundreds of people on mats. I am blessed and I have no right to complain.
The best lessons I learn from my homeless friends are the ones they don't know they are teaching me. A hug from a friend who hasn't had access to a shower in a week reminds me of my own hot shower. Requests for simple items like razors or flip flops remind me I never have to ask for what I need. Compliments on good food remind me to appreciate the food at my house.
Karen, I don't know your story or even your last name, but my family loved you. You were a friend to all of us. May you rest in peace.
Claire, Paul, and I are very active at Room In the Inn, the homeless ministry at our church. Every Thursday night during the coldest and hottest nights of the year, our church opens its doors to twelve women without homes. Homeless shelters are the fullest during these months and while the weather is the most dangerous for sleeping outside, it's also the time when people are turned away because of overcrowding shelters.
Many people work to make sure our guests are comfortable when they stay at our church. Volunteers assemble toiletry bags, set up mattresses, put tablecloths on tables and prepare meals. It's a lot of work. When our church started Room In the Inn, I volunteered for every post that was available. I wanted to be a part of this important ministry and help out where needed. It was one of my homeless friends that taught me a lesson about that. One day I was especially frazzled making sure everything was perfect and she said, "You know, you can just sit down and visit. You don't have to do it all yourself." From that day on, I have remembered what Terry said. I sign up for food if it's needed, but otherwise, the kids and I just show up to visit with our friends. Sometimes we bring snacks, sometimes we don't. We always sit and talk.
I have been immeasurably blessed by connecting with these ladies. I have found so much in common with them; they too worry about money and search for sales. Most of them are mothers and offer memories of their own children. They laugh at the kids and permit them to climb in their laps and jump on their mattresses on the floor. They are the best huggers. Though they don't have access to a kitchen, they love discussing food and food preparation. I too, love to cook.
Some days I feel worried or depressed about whatever problem is on my mind. Talking to a woman that's homeless puts things in perspective for me. So what if my house is cluttered? I have one. So what if I can't keep the laundry caught up? Everyone in my family has nice clothing and I have a working washer and dryer. So what if I get tired from running errands? I have a nice car to take me and money to buy groceries with. So what if my kids are hyper and driving me crazy after a glass of lemonade? They live with my husband and I, not across town with someone else. I don't have the latest fashions, but I have clothing. I have friends that love me. I have a home with a heater and a nice bed in a quiet house instead of a giant room with hundreds of people on mats. I am blessed and I have no right to complain.
The best lessons I learn from my homeless friends are the ones they don't know they are teaching me. A hug from a friend who hasn't had access to a shower in a week reminds me of my own hot shower. Requests for simple items like razors or flip flops remind me I never have to ask for what I need. Compliments on good food remind me to appreciate the food at my house.
Karen, I don't know your story or even your last name, but my family loved you. You were a friend to all of us. May you rest in peace.
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