Vaughnshire Farm

As if anyone has not noticed, we live in a fast pace media blitz culture. Our children are overloaded with sights and sounds that, even in the most sheltered homes, can be antagonistic to peace and serenity in the home. Like a small number of Christian homes, we do not watch T.V. The media that we do have is screened through a thin filter. One reason we do this, of many, is because of the powerful medium that media holds. Media teaches, indoctrinates, and influences like no other. Are we aware of the anti-biblical indoctrination streaming through the tube that can cause severe cavitations in the souls of our children?

For too long, we have approached and viewed media, be it movies, T.V., computer or music, with an unguarded spirit. Many of us have noticed a shift in our own standards as we have welcomed children into our home. Once our baby becomes a young child that can talk and imitate, we suddenly find ourselves more aware of what he sees and hears. However, many times parents still consider most children’s media innocent.

Be it cartoons, Disney, or PBS, the majority of modern children’s media build foundations of anti-biblical thinking and worldview in young impressionable children. We must guard the hearts and minds of our children and give them foundations founded upon Biblical rock instead of cultural sand.
There is, however, children’s media available for the discerning parent. We are careful to shelter our young children from ungodly influences in regards to assaulting media. It is a difficult task. As these children grow, we do believe our children need to be able to pick out those flaws in media and learn to view everything through a Biblical-worldview lens, and not to watch unguarded.

Recently I listened to filmmaker Geoff Botkin. He said,

Even the most shallow film teaches volumes because film is a didactic medium. It is not only influential, it is weighty with lessons. Because it is a preceptive art, it is a curriculum in itself. It dictates the terms of culture and the terms of understanding culture. Every frame influences the mind, illustrates theological doctrines and directs moral or immoral conduct. Every film is a religious treatise. Every film is a theological weapon because it is loaded with aesthetic elements.

For more on this topic: Hollywood’s Most Despised Villain

In discussing the topic of children’s media and the T.V., wholesome media is often something parents can support. To broaden the subject a bit more, I would like to suggest that even good media in excess can be unwise. Children are not made to sit in front of a T.V. or computer for hours on end each day. I believe it dampens their creativity and dulls the mind.

If you have not ever conducted a “media fast” in your home, you may be surprised at how difficult it is to go without for a period of time. Here are the how to’s on How To conduct a media fast in your home:

1.) Turn off the T.V. - actually….. unplug it.

2.) Do not watch T.V., Videos or play video games for a set amount of time. One week is a good start!
3.) Shut off the computer games and computer video viewing as well.

4.) Tape a list of things to do to the screen of your T.V. — This will remind you and the children of the fast. It is amazing how automatic it is just to flip the T.V. on just as if you were flipping on lights. It is so ingrained in most people.

5.) Gather the family and explain that you are fasting T.V. and Videos for a set amount of time. Explain the reasons why. Explain what you will be doing instead.

I am not advocating “never watch another DVD again”. I do not advocate fasting from reading or looking at books because I believe this sort of media is on a different level from the electronic media. I am advocating guarded media viewing and occasional media fasting. You will not realize how much you rely on “media” until you try to go without it for a few days! Instead, use the time to practice a useful skill, instill creative play or productive work in and with your children.

The little, highly productive cherry tree.

Children picking ripe cherries.

Here we picked about 4 gallons of cherries. After washing them, I used my Food Saver to package the cherries for freezing. I LOVE my Food Saver! My brother and sister-in-law surprised me with this gift and it has been an invaluable asset to our family. I am using it constantly.

I separated out the cherries into 2-pie serving size bags. 4 cups of cherries will make one pie. I have a wonderful family recipe for pie crust and was told by my great aunt that I could make up the pies ahead of time and freeze the uncooked pies. What a Great idea!

I simplified my life a bit more. The mop of hair these boys had is no longer causing problems. It is amazing how much a few haircuts simplified our lives.

Instruction #3:

“The first day or two, allow baby to nurse the breast only a few minutes, 5 minutes at the most, then gradually increase the nursing time as you have more breast milk.”

The first 3 postpartum days, the nursing baby will be getting the incredible superfood colostrum. Colostrum is the first milk. The main problem with instruction #3 is that it is just plain wrong. It is highly important to not set time limits such as 5 minutes but to instead feed often and regularly during the first couple of days. Not only will the baby be eating a highly nutritious superfood that serves as a coating agent for the baby’s digestive system, but it also serves as a immune system booster, serves to cleanse and clear the newborn’s system of meconium and serves to trigger milk production. One of the main benefits to the mother is the fact that nursing often is vital for the involution (the contracting and shrinking) of the postpartum uterus. Limited nursing increases the risk of more than normal bleeding. There are numerous other reasons such as mother baby bonding and the fact that breastfeeding is a supply and demand relationship.

For more information regarding breastfeeding….

I recently ran across my baby book and found a breastfeeding instruction sheet that the hospital had given to my mother when I was born. This was back in the mid 70’s and I couldn’t help but laugh at some of the funny backwards thinking in regards to breastfeeding.

Such as, Instruction #3:

“The first day or two, allow baby to nurse the breast only a few minutes, 5 minutes at the most, then gradually increase the nursing time as you have more breast milk.”

Other mentions of not feeding the baby until you have scrubbed your hands with the “wash-up” package (washing hands is good), or cleaning the breast with soap and water (which is not recommended now) and not to smoke after you have cleaned your hands (??).

It is amazing that my mother successfully nursed 5 children each for lengthy periods of time in an age when breastfeeding was not common place. Even today, it is not really considered normal for longer than a few weeks.

As a child, I remember my mother breastfeeding my brother and I know she didn’t follow a limited nursing approach… It seemed as though she was always feeding my brother. A big baby who is now towering over 6 feet.
I learned more than I realized though my observations of my own mother and how she cared for my siblings. She was a stay-at-home mother when many women were out of the home climbing the corporate ladder. I have distinct memories of sitting in the rocking chair with her while she nursed my baby brother and read us stories. In fact, I have many memories of her nursing and some even still of her being pregnant and being able to sit a plate of food on her large basketball belly. I saw first hand and was involved on a daily basis in the logistical operations of a bigger than normal family. Not that I run my family in the same exact ways, but the point I am trying to make is that the logistical aspect of the large family home, are not in the slightest shocking to me; overwhelming at times..YES…but not shocking. As a child, my mom bought huge amounts of food, drove a large suburban, always had a massive amount of laundry, had a massive, loud and lively supper table, did lots of dishes, and got the, “Are they all yours” questions when we were out in public. Similarly today, though now experiencing the life of the large family through the parenting role, I buy large quantities of food, drive a big vehicle, have lots of laundry and a huge, loud and lively supper table, do lots of dishes and still get the “Are they all yours” questions when we are out in public.

When the time came for me to be the mother, my mother was a wealth of information and support. Though I was, like all new mothers, inexperienced, I was not shocked or baffled when it came to breastfeeding or caring for a newborn. It was not a bit awkward due in part to me seeing how relaxed my mother was when it came to breastfeeding or holding a baby. I did, like all new parents, learn a hard lesson self-less-ness! Even now, when dealing with a wide range of ages, I find myself doing things with my children that my own mother did with us. From story telling to outdoor activities to creative play, many ideas that I have had have been lit or spurred by the memories of how my childhood was. Sure many things are drastically different, however, my overall abilities to deal with certain situations, have been profoundly influenced by how my mother and father dealt will similar situations when we were growing up — good and bad.

Because I have seen how these influences affect the next generation, I believe it is important to look upon my duty not only as a here and now calling, but as a calling that empowers generations.

Like all new mothers, inexperience is quickly cured and immaturity can soon be overcome by living a self-less life with caring for and training children. For now, I have identified certain areas of my life where I have struggled and have determined to make efforts to prepare my daughter for these areas of life that she will one day be facing as a wife and mother. Even in those areas where I do not particularly struggle, it is important to pass this knowledge and know how down to her, with the expectation that she will be launched farther than where I am today. I am thankful for Godly parents and grandparents for generations past, who because of them, have made a way for me to grow further in the Lord not for my own benefit, but for the purpose of furthering my children and grandchildren for generations to come.

I have grand intentions on one day writing a book about something. I have several book titles and different subjects that I would like to write about but one of them raking high on the list is a book about my father and the impact he has had on my life.

As I have now grown into a wife and mother with responsibilities of my own, I have gained a deeper appreciation for my dad as well as gained a deeper understanding of the impact of having a Godly father regularly involved in my life.

When I think back upon my childhood, my memories of a strong father figure stand out vividly in my mind. My dad is what you would consider definitely someone who thinks outside the box of normality.  As a child I assumed that all fathers were witty, great story tellers, adventures, lovers of history and would never pass up a chance to stop and read every historical marker in sight.  But more than that, he has always imparted Godly wisdom to us by consistently and continually reminding us of our duties in this life towards God, our heavenly father, as well as our duties to our fellow man.
This Father’s Day, I had a wonderful chat with my father over the phone and as always, he continued to pour forth reminders and challenges for me as well as point me to Christ and remind me that my life is not for me to live solely for myself, but a gift God has granted to me to be used for God’s glory.

Thanks Dad for all you have done and still do.

It is easy for me to get caught up in my own life and not realize that there is a big hurting world outside the doors of my home. Today my husband and I spent the day in the hospital with our 5 year old little boy while he underwent a surgery to correct a eye disorder. All went very well and he is now home sleeping peacefully and starting to recover. However, my mind could not stop thinking about the different things we saw today.

The surgery took place at a Children’s hospital and as such was filled with children. It was a sobering experience. A mom crying in the hallway, a baby crying in the opposite room, room after room with a hurting child, a 4 lb baby, a 16 year old girl…each individual dealing with various issues of crisis.

I, too, had to send, not with any ease either, my little boy back with the surgeon today, just like 25 (normally 75 to 85 each day) other parents did today for various other reasons. However, some of these children didn’t get to come home today.
I thought, next week when I am tempted to complain over my measly piles of laundry or get frustrated with my overly energetic 3 year old, I will remember the mothers and fathers I saw today, who are dealing with greater issues than I can even imagine: Who would love nothing more than to have a healthy child and wash his play clothes.

It is so easy to forget and overlook the blessings we have each day. Today, I was reminded to give thanks every time I want to complain.

In my last post, I alluded to an incident that occurred here of a mysterious bird sighting. The boys were yelling, “Mom, we saw a Rhamphorhynchoid Pterodactyl flying over our house!!” They went on to describe the huge bird as having a long tail with a ball at the end of it. I had never heard the word, “Rhamporhynchoid”. I had no idea what they were talking about. However, the boys knew exactly what a “Ramph -or- rink - coid” was and were able to give me specifics about the unheard of bird. In their minds, this was the bird they saw flying over our house.
HMMM…. I could tell that they had obviously seen something by the emotion in their voices and look on their faces. Of course, I didn’t think it was a pterosaur.

My boys enjoy anything having to do with paleontology, creation, dinosaurs and the like. One of their favorite videos is called, Creation in Symphony by Dr. Carl Baugh. They are familiar with Dr. Baugh and a team of paleontologist who have actually traveled across the world in search of pterosaurs, as they believe that it is still possible that certain flying lizards may still be alive in unexplored, remote areas of the earth. A favorite book, The Great Dinosaur Mystery and The Bible is also another good children’s resource for learning about creation and dinosaurs from a Biblical perspective. It is an interesting subject to ponder.

So, what was this mysterious sighting? We believe the mysterious bird was a very large eagle carrying a snake that he had caught. Earlier that morning, I had seen large eagle like birds (unlike the regular vulture) flying over our area and took notice of how beautiful they were soaring high above. Upon further research we found out that it was not uncommon for large birds to pick up things such as rats, snakes, small rabbits and fly off with them.

However, the boys are convinced of their pterosaur sighting. I, on the other hand, was, for the first time, pondering the thought of the possibility of snakes falling from the sky.

Recently, our days seem to have become intensely busy. However, we have been making efforts to slow down and enjoy the incredible life that God has given us. It is easy to get wrapped up in things that, when you sit down and think about it, are basically nothing but busy tasks that are not near as important as what you think they are.

A messy house, a disorganized laundry room, the missing toddler’s shoes are some of the frivolous things that can interfere with the peace in my life. I personally love a spotless kitchen and a ultra-clean house. (HA!) That love and having 7 young children, which I love more, are at competing odds at this phase in life.

Often, my husband gives me nuggets of wisdom with his wise words. One evening as I was lamenting my failures as a housekeeper in a state of being extremely tired and overwhelmed, I pointed out to him that my kitchen is always a mess and that I can not seem to keep it clean. Every time it is spotless, soon I am cooking in it again. It is never ending. He paused to consider my complaint and basically said that I had a skewed view of how my kitchen should be. A kitchen that was used for feeding 9 people all day long, every day wasn’t supposed to be immaculate. We use our kitchen, unlike the majority of the American population where kitchens have become abandoned.

How I work myself into frivolous frustrations, I do not know? However, that little reminder from a clear thinker changed my outlook. I can look at my kitchen like a well oiled machine: it may not be as pretty as the neighbors, but it is obviously used and highly productive!

I have to be careful not to let the cleaning overtake my life. It is easy to work into insanity. I have come to see that while my life consists of lots of little ones, certain things will have to be put aside at this time in my life. Not that cleaning or organizing is completely forsaken, but that is not the goal. The goal is focused around my children. The training, loving, reading, playing, feeding of these little ones takes precedence over cleaning.

Yesterday, the cooler weather put a spring in our step as the children enjoyed romping and playing outdoors. Baby Annabelle enjoyed a lazy day afternoon watching her siblings and feeling the grass prickle her little bare feet. I enjoyed interacting and observing their youthful vigor and wild imagination. The older boys were convinced they had seen a……in their own words, “Mom, we saw a Rhamphorhynchoid Pterodactyl flying over our house!!” (maybe this story on another blog post) The younger boys were catching bees on the clover. The girls were pushing around their baby doll stroller in the yard. Though the kitchen and bathrooms needed cleaning and the floors could have been scrubbed, the time spent outdoors with the children, not only refreshed me, but reminded me of where my focus was supposed to be.
Though the work load and logistical aspects of running a large family are at times overwhelming, taking a brief break to take a walk, or just sitting outside sipping some iced tea can do wonders for me. It reminds me to slow down and focus on the important. The cleaning can wait, it will always be there. For now, I will get around to it when I can. It isn’t worth sacrificing my peace and refreshment and distracting me from my primary focus.

On their way back from being in the creek…soaked and dirty…but now depleted of energy and ready for clean up and supper.

Here is a rare opportunity to sound off on all kinds of good issues. The Sense Of The South survey has been assembled to “obtain the views of Southerners concerning specific issues germane to the 2006 election cycle”.

Remember the Red State, Blue State maps? Here is a chance to share your beliefs, views, conviction, etc… in a meaningful survey.

Are you concerned about education? Here is your chance to say so. Have you given your life in service to the unborn? Let your views be known! How about illegal aliens? Does anyone have a passionate position on this subject? How about marriage? Here is a chance to communicate what you believe in matters of the governments of God; The Family, The Church and The State.

I would encourage you to take a few moments and let your voice be heard, by clicking here.