Merry CHRISTmas, Everyone!!

One of my least favorite things to give our boys for Christmas is money. That is so UNexciting. But face it, that's what they want and need. Last year we decided to take the Christmas card with their money in it off of the tree and hide it from them. We created a treasure hunt which led them to their prize. We started with one clue which led to another and then another. We had about 10 clues in all spread out in the house, the yard, and even in our cars. It was lots of fun. It actually took them about 20-25 minutes to find all of the clues. We made it hard on purpose. We plan to do the same thing this year. That is one way to make Christmas fun for those of us who have older kiddos!

I hope you have a blessed Christmas with lots of quality family time -
Robin

Sending Our Kiddos Off to College

My husband often says, "Where has the time gone?" We felt this way when we took our boys to college that first year. It seemed like just yesterday that we were changing diaipers, going to ball games and reminding (fussing at) them to clean up their rooms. Here are some tips to letting go:

Keep in mind that our kids are much more resilient than we give them credit.

Don't be upset if/when they call home in tears due to homesickness. Expect this to happen. It's normal.

The 1st semester can be difficult both academicallly and socially. Developing good study habits and making new friends are adjustments for most.The 2nd semester usually goes much smoother.

As parents, we have been faithful to meet the needs of our kids all of these years. Without mom and dad nearby, this time of life allows for them to experience God's faithfulness firsthand.

Lastly, it's likely that your college student will walk you out to the car and hug you good-bye. If you remember (through the tears), grab your camera and snap a picture as he/she walks away. I did that and it made for a very special picture to be placed in my journal.


I'm sure others have some helpful hints as well. Feel free to add to the list.

Have a blessed day, Robin

Heading to Kindergarten, College, or Somewhere in Between - Part I

I have many friends who will be sending their kids to college in a few weeks. I remember when we did that several years ago. It was a disaster. We pulled into the college campus. We had 3 cars filled to the top. Each of the boys had his car, and we had ours. We were in a long line of cars waiting to be checked in and sent to the appropriate dorm. It was a hot Texas day - 100+ degrees. Our cell phone rang and it was Doug. He was a couple of cars behind us in the long line. He sounded tense. We looked in our rear view mirror. His truck had died and smoke was everywhere. He was holding up the entire line! Needless to say, he had his share of stares. What a way to be welcomed to your college campus for the first time! That was 3 years ago and Doug survived the experience. That's just Part 1 of the story. I will continue with Part 2 next time.

Sending our kiddos to college stirs within us a mixture of emotion. This mixture of emotion includes worry, reflection, worry, anxiety, worry, and excitement. Then there's the questions: Were we strict enough? Were we too strict? Did we teach them everything they need to know about people and life? Do they know how to iron, scrub a toliet, read a map, buy groceries? Relax and enjoy these next few weeks. I will share some tips in an upcoming post.

Have a great day, Robin

Great Book Recommendations for Teens and Adults

Sometimes it's difficult to find non-fiction books that our teens may enjoy reading.The following books are autobiographies of men who overcame incredible obstacles. These books are best suited for teens and adults.

Gifted Hands - This is the story of Dr. Ben Carson who was mentioned in the previous blog. This is a great book particularly for anyone considering the medical field. Dr. Carson shares the difficulties of his childhood and how he overcame them. As a pediatric neurologist, he has treated children for seizure disorders as well as separated conjoined twins. He shares stories of his patients in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat. His life is an inspiration.

Twice Pardoned - This is the moving story of Harold Morris. Back in the 60's, as a teenager he hung out with the wrong crowd. His "friends" committed a murder for which he was blamed. Morris unjustly spent the next 10 years in prison. While parts of the book are sad, it is a beautiful story of redemption. There are many valuable lessons for teens. There's also a video available called Twice Pardoned: An Ex-Con Talks to Parents and Teens. It can be found online as well as some Blockbuster stores.

The Persecutor - This is another moving story about the life of Sergei Kourdakov. Sergei was taken from his parents and raised in a Russian orphanage in the 60's. He has an incredible life story. Sergei went from persecuting Christians to becoming one. Also, much is learned about the Russia culture. I thought the book was captivating.

While all of these books promote Christian values, Twice Pardoned and The Persecutor contain some violent parts due to the nature of their stories.

Have a blessed day, Robin

Tip: Prepare for the Empty Nest

Some things to do to prepare for the empty nest phase:
Plan a fun trip
Make a career change
Read great books
Try new recipes
Take a class
Learn a new hobby (What is it you've always wanted to learn how to do but never had time?)
Decorate and/or paint a room (I really enjoyed this.)
Have lunch with friends
Adopt a pet
Renew old friendships
Get involved in political issues
Serve in the community
Serve in your church
Participate in a Bible study
Re-focus on your spouse
Recognize your new role as a behind-the-scenes prayer warrior (this is exciting!)

Remember the key is to plan ahead. The empty nest phase of life doesn't have to be empty. It can be filled with fun, family, and friends!

Have a blessed day, Robin

Tip: The Empty Nest Doesn't Have to be "Empty"

Sending kids off to college can make for quite an adjustment for mom and dad at home. There's the busyness of the senior year of high school. Then suddenly in August life, as we have known it the past 18 years,comes to a screeching halt. We know. We have been there. Some couples look forward to the empty nest and adapt beautifully. Others struggle. I struggled. Several years ago when our boys went off to school, it was a tough time for me. First of all, since we have twins, it all happened at once. I was at a loss. I eagerly waited for Friday afternoons when they would walk in with their smiling faces and their dirty laundry. I felt as if I wasn't needed any longer. In fact, I was just plain mad. I never wanted my kids to grow up anyway. I loved being a mom. I took it out on my husband. It's not that he did anything to deserve it except that he was just there. Finally, as they left for their 2nd semester, I realized that I was missing out on what could be lots of fun. And now, my husband and I are having a great time. In the next blog, I will list some things we have done adjust to this wonderful new phase of life. Robin

Tip: Preparing your Students for College - Part 2

In, But Not Of - A Guide to Christian Ambition and the Desire to Influence the World by Hugh Hewitt is a great book for high school students to read. It is a quick-read and is especially appropriate for those about to head off to college. Although you may not agree with all of his points, overall, the book is filled with insight, wisdom and practical advice. Some of his chapter titles include: Tattoos: Don't, There is No Advantage in Trash Talk, Conflict is a Part of the Christian Life. He covers topics such as church, money, accomplishments, relationships, and success.

Answers to the Memorial Day quiz-
The original name for the holiday was Decoration Day.
The holiday was prompted by the Civil War. It was only celebrated by the North until after WWI. Then when soldiers from all wars were remembered, the South celebrated it as well.
Memorial Day was first observed was May 30, 1868.
Red poppies were sold to raise money for widowed wives and orphans.
No one really knows the city where the holiday first began. However, President Johnson officially named Waterloo, NY as its birthplace.
Source: www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd

By the way, if you would like to learn more about US History and not get weighed down with dates and political terms, read children's books.

Have a great day - Robin

Mom Tip: Prepare your student for college. Part I

As a previous high school counselor, year after year I watched students go off to college. I watched parents send off their neatly packaged well-adjusted teen only to have their entire belief system challenged, twisted, and laughed at by liberal profs. Although maybe not as frequent, this can also happen at Christian colleges. There are some things that we can do to arm our kiddos for the battle.

I saw the movie Expelled this week. First of all, it is not an Indiana Jones type action movie. It is a documentary. Using college campuses as a backdrop, it is full of information regarding the ongoing scientific debate over evolution vs. intelligent design. Ben Stein spans the globe visiting beautiful prestiguous college campuses. He interviews some of the most brilliant scientists in the world regarding this issue. What he finds is fascinating.

I would make this "required watching" for my high school students. Offer to buy your child and a friend tickets if that's what it takes. Better yet, take them to the movie yourself and then afterward to dinner so you can discuss it.

More on college prep next time -

Mom Tip: The Value of a Mission Trip

For the past 18 years, we tried to teach our boys that not everyone lives in a 4 bedroom house with a swimming pool AND that America is the greatest country on earth. However, this concept was "brought home" when one of our boys lived in Russia last summer. He lived with four 19-20 year old Russian orphan young men. Because they are orphans, they do not have the option to go to college. They attend a trade school but were not allowed to choose their trade. And, being orphans, they have no family.

This trip was lifechanging. When our son returned, he approached his education, his career choice and his day-to-day life with a different perspective. He now sees college and career as opportunity and is eager to seize the moment. He also doesn't waste time focusing on minor decisions. His daily life is seen from a renewed perspective, and he has a deeper love and appreciation for his family, friends and the privilege of living in America. One of his goals is to return to Russia and visit his friends soon.

Encourage your teen to look for opportunities to serve on a mission trip. It can be overseas or in the city working with the homeless. No amount of teaching can replace the actual experience of seeing other cultures firsthand.

Mom Tip: Helpful Hint for our Teens

Last summer, I attended my 30 year high school reunion. A survey was taken. We were asked what is it that we know now that we wished we would have known 30 years ago. Without fail, the most common answer was "compound interest." I am no financial expert but here's an explanation of compound interest in a nutshell.

If a person saves $167 monthly from age 19-27 at 12% interest, then just leaves the money alone and doesn't touch it. At the age of 65, this 8 year savings of $16,000 will have multiplied to 2.2 million dollars.

If a person waits until age 27 to begin saving $167 per month and saves until age 65 at 12% interest; this 38 year savings of $761,000 will have multiplied to 1.5 million dollars.

Time is the best friend of compound interest. That is what our teens have on their side. This is a concept that we want to teach our children and teens. Some teens won't vaule this information; however, for others it could be lifechanging.

What is our motive for achieving this goal? To give it away. The Man Who Hung on the Cross is the story of a wealthy man who took a trip to India. He developed a love for the Indian people and wanted to share the gospel with them. He learned that churches could be built for a reasonable cost. So he called together his family and basically told them that he was going to spend their inheritance to build churches in India. Wow! What a great legacy to leave. We want our kids to accumulate wealth so they can experience the joy of giving.

While there are many books available to educate our teens, Dave Ramsey has a Biblically-based program developed for children and teens, He teaches the bondage of debt as well as the freedom of wealth. It can be purchased at his website.

I'll post again on Mother's Day!
Robin