I lost track of time, but I know it was later (ie after 7:00) when we started in on the "celebration" of Christmas. My dad did his usual Bible story. This time it was focused on Joseph, Jesus's dad. He asked us some good questions about what we know about him and his character, since there isn't a lot written about him. Unfortunately I tuned out for a bit, as I noticed my oldest squirming and having a hard time sitting still and being quiet. I wished that I hadn't suggested doing the Bible reading first, so that John could open his gifts and go to bed, and the rest of us could go deeper into the discussion. But alas, I did, and I think I was the only one who was distracted by my son.
So, alas, at the risk of sounding very materialistic I will post about the presents and the pics of them being opened.
Grandpa meeting Ben for the first time. Ben wasn't too sure what he thought of that!
But, he calmed down!
Grandparents enjoying their grandkids
Part of the room while Dad was leading the discussion on Joseph
John opening his gifts. First daddy had to help, then he got the hang of it!
A John Deere farmhouse for our John Deere!!
Playing with his presents
Bella all dressed up for Christmas!
Shots of the opening presents scene
Ben all tuckered out from the excitement
had to show off his fun stockings he got when he was born. They have reindeer on them!Thankfully the evening did not end with my "materialism!" After the kids were in bed, I could refocus on "deep" conversations and in normal Senecal fashion we had some good discussions. My brother is always good at stirring things up, so he got us discussing our views on working moms. Tim's big thing was that the Proverbs 31 woman worked, and so did numerous other woman mentioned, so why does the church today put such an emphasis on women staying at home raising their children. It was an interesting discussion, and I think Dave summed it up best when he said that it all depends on the attitude and reason behind why the women continue to work. Is it because they need time away from their kids, and they can't handle them? Is it because they want a bigger and better lifestyle? Is it because they want the career? If it was for any selfish reason, he basically said that was wrong. To have children is to sacrifice & if you aren't willing to give up your desires for theirs, then maybe you need to rethink why you are having children. Ultimately it came down to it being important to stay at home for at least the first 4-6 formative years. I made the comment, that I seriously cannot see how people can work and have a family. I know I wouldn't have the energy to give to my family if I worked. Heck, I barely have the energy to keep the house in order and take care of the kids, much less have energy reserved for when Chris comes home!
Just a look into our fun family discussions! Not sure why I felt the need to share all that!!
1 comment:
You know, I'm with you on not having enough energy to manage all this PLUS a job, but I have recently realized another thing that makes me glad to be home. I can't imagine having someone else answer my kids' hundreds of daily questions. Do I want a stranger (who is not necessarily a Christian) answering when they ask what happens when you die? Do I want a someone else trying to explain why Grandma and Poppy (my folks) aren't married anymore? Do I want anyone other than me or Eli telling them whether or not it matters when they sin even if no one else sees it?
We are not just here to feed and clothe them and keep them from running into the street. We mold our kids' beginnings, we shape their perceptions. They are still in the phase of life where everything is a discovery, and they have so many questions and ponderings about what they observe. It is so important that we are present when they're ready to talk, because we help them filter and judge what they see.
Maybe some kids are ready at age 5 to handle conflicting opinions, when teacher says something different from mommy. Mine aren't. Mine are very trusting of adults in general, and they absorb a lot of what we say when we don't think they're listening. In my daughters' conversations, I can tell you from which adult they learned which phrases and ideas!
Man, I'm writing a book here. Unintended. :) I just feel pretty strongly about this choice for our family. I could go further into why this means we're homeschooling our kids, at least for elementary and middle schools, but that would be to continue the tome on your blog. Instead I'll stop here.
Thanks for sharing your family discussion, it has certainly made me think this morning!
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