Welcome! Nuestra Casa Es Su Casa ...Our house is your house

A glimpse into the life of Daniel and Jaynee Lockwood and their 12 precious blessings. Thank you for visiting; we pray that what we share here may always bring glory to our wonderful God and Saviour. May you praise the Lord with us for the great things He has done and continues to do as we serve Him sharing the gospel here in the little town of Cuidad Insurgentes, BCS Mexico. He alone is good and faithful!

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

The Top of the Mountain


I remember a few years ago making a chart with rows of the names of my children and columns listing out upcoming school years.  On each year's column, I would write the grade each child would be in on their row. Each year, another child was added to our "school" as the older ones advanced a grade.  I remember thinking something like, "Wow!  In the 2013-2014 school year, I will have 11 children in school!"  At that thought, I decided I didn't want to think about that!  :-)  It was quite a while off at that point anyways.
And now I'm here.  This year, I have the most "students" in school that I will ever have at one time.  Timothy and Elijah are both in their final year of high school, so while we'll start Samuel in Kindergarten next year, my two big "boys" will be through with what we began 13 years ago.
And young mothers out there (not that I'm old )....the days are sometimes long, but the years are soooo short.  I can still remember teaching Timothy to read.  I remember opening that very first box of school books and soaking in the new book smell, feeling the clean, crisp pages, and my heart and mind full of dreams, ideas, and excitement in anticipation of teaching my boy.
I remember his first little desk, taking him for walks outside to find leaves to press and study, collecting bugs with him in jars, and teaching him to draw a fish.  
And I remember each year thinking, "How will I teach one more?  I hardly have an extra minute of time to my day as it is!"  
And then knowing that I just needed to do what my Lord wants me to do.  Ask Him each day for His wisdom and grace.  Rely on His strength.  Love, obey and enjoy the man He gave me.  Love, teach, train, and enjoy each precious child he gave us each day.  Be faithful.  Don't worry about tomorrow.  Be thankful for all His blessings.  Be quick to say sorry when wrong. Be thankful for His mercy.  And give God the glory in everything.
And I LOVE this year! We have good days (when everyone seems to work well, sweet attitudes, getting through our schedule well etc...) and days that make me extra thankful for the good days (days when children are grumpy, mommy is grumpy, the rabbits are grumpy and  nothing seems to be going right).  
But now that my oldest 2 are almost "done", I can look back.  The months we spent on the road, the years trying to learn Spanish and learn a different culture, the year spent living in a travel trailer, the times I felt we were just trying to survive each day....all those times I just didn't know and felt like I wasn't doing enough.  I look back and see how ALL those times...good and hard...each day....the Lord in His grace has used to make and mold us.  I see 2 young men who stand taller than I, know things that I never learned, have gifts and talents the Lord has given them that they are developing for His glory, and I still have all my hair (and only a couple gray pieces :) ) and have children who are teaching me things. 
I'm still far from being done with our home school years.  Samuel will turn 5 this year and Rebekah is still only 14.  Next year and for a few after that, I'll still have 10 "students".  But this "big year" that I worried about so long ago has been good year.


The Lord has been so good and I have truly learned that today and every day is the day the Lord has made and it is one in which to rejoice and be glad.  I continue to learn to trust the Lord will all my heart and lean not unto my own understanding.  I've learned that as I lean on Him and ask Him, He will direct my every path.  And I keep learning patience.  I think that's a life long lesson!
Our daily schedule is a tool that has 
been a big help in keeping things in order, helping us accomplish what we need to each day and keeping my priorities in order.  It has helped me not follow my "whims" or feelings but rather to use the time the Lord has given me as best as I can.
I know many people hear the word "schedule" and think things such as bondage, lack of freedom, overwhelming, failure, or just plain no, no, no!!  
But for me, it has given peace, order, freedom, and that sweet feeling when your head hits the pillow at night knowing that you had a productive day.
Do we follow this exactly to the T every day?  Nope, never.  Maybe someday we will.  But that's okay.  Like I said, it is a tool....a guide.  Do I feel like I've failed when half the day's schedule doesn't go as planned?  No....normally half a day of doing something planned is more productive than a whole day of being unplanned.  
Are there times I decide to not do something or change something?  All the time.  But what I don't want to do is decide to do things only when/if I feel like it.  If I did, I may never listen to Eliseo read or start dinner on time or get up when my alarm goes off. But yes, we are flexible.  Neighbors visit, Daddy needs Mommy's help, children get sick, the electric company is outside offering rides up higher than the power lines, and sometimes I know a child just needs some extra rest or some one on one time with Mommy.  But  when I pray and ask the Lord what I need to do and He directs me, planning it out/writing it down helps me stick to it!
I first began using a schedule like this when I was pregnant with Josiah and had 6 other children ages 6 and under.  My mom bought me the book Managers of Their Homes by Steve and Teri Maxwell for my birthday that year.  That has been one well used gift!!


When I first made this year's schedule, Timothy laughed as he read the bottom of the final page.  Sunday is church (therefore we don't follow our school schedule), Tuesday night Daniel and I go on a date (I LOVE dating my hubby!!!), Wednesday night we have church, Thursday night the oldest 3 have Bible Studies/Soul winning in town and sometimes I take the other kids and go soul winning with Daniel, Friday we usually finish school by lunch (it's mainly a test day) and work on projects as a family either at home or at church, and Saturday (since it isn't a school day and therefore not a "schedule" day) is dedicated to ministry (bus routes, youth service, preparing for church on Sunday) and cleaning the house/shopping for groceries.
Timothy said, "Good, Mom!  So you made a schedule for Monday only!"  ha, ha, ha!  When something extra comes during the day (which on the mission field, that is EVERY DAY), we just adjust.  We may not get in 5 piano practices a week, but since my goal for my children isn't that they be concert pianists but that they are able use their musical abilities for the Lord, 2 or 3 practices is better than none and gives them many opportunities to use what they learn.

 My older ones help teach my younger ones.  My children have learned to work and learn independently since obviously mommy can't be sitting down all day working one on one with any of them.  They still all want to eat and have clean socks and never complain at fresh baked cookies, so I'm not teaching "school" all day long.  But I'm always teaching.  That's what mothers do.  Whether they think they are teaching or not, they always are.  Our words, deeds, attitudes, and even our expressions teach constantly.  That is why I need the Lord soooo much each day!


 Each week, I make up a week's assignment sheet for each child.  It tells them what we need to do each day in each subject.  Much of it they can do on their own.  The younger ones need much more help as they are still learning to read well.  That's when my older ones help double/triple my one on one teaching time as they help listen to reading, help teach new phonics rules and special sounds, do flashcards and games for review, and answer questions/give directions.  
I try to spend a bit of time each day one on one teaching new material and giving help/instruction where needed.  The older ones help me with grading (my LEAST favorite part of school!) and the rule is that nobody gets free time until all your assignments for the day are complete.  


So this year I have two 12th graders who were just babies yesterday, a bubbly 8th grader, a growing up much too fast 7th grader, two amazing 6th graders, two inquisitive 4th graders, a  sweet, bright 3rd grader, a very, very, very, very bouncy, smiley, talkative, has a story to tell every 3 seconds 1st grader (I won't mention who that is but his initials are N.E.H.E.M.I.A.H.), a very proud loves to do school Kindergartener, and a 4 year old Samuel who NEVER lets us forget he's around! :)
This is the best year ever!  
And now I'm off to mop my floors :)

23 comments:

  1. LOVED reading this. :) Thanks for sharing. The years really do go soooo fast!!

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  2. Oh Jaynee, I am so thrilled that you are posting again! You never cease to be an encouragement. Today was one of those days where the (almost) 2 year old wouldn't nap, the baby wanted to eat all day long, and the 3rd grader barely got her science lesson done...and that was about it for the day. (We've been sick off and on since Christmas, so we're kind of in catch up mode here.) I had a moment of panic as I looked at my 2 under 2, and wondered how I was going to be able to add 2 more students (and that's still a few years away!) when I could barely teach one today!
    My next I thought was, I really should go look at Jaynee's blog, and see if she has any of her old schedules still posted from when her kids were small(er). And...then I see this! :) I had never thought to make an assignment sheet for my girl...I do believe that is what I will be working on momentarily! :) That might help me keep the 2 year old out of trouble...he seems to be a lot like your Nehemiah! :) So very fun, but so very busy!
    Love seeing these glimpses into your life and family. And, as always, praying for you all.
    ~Veronica

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    1. Bless your heart! Even though my kiddos are all getting big, we still have days where if it's not one thing it's another and it's just not going as planned. The other day, Eliseo was crying almost the entire day. He had an ear ache and bad head ache and while medicine helped him some, he just really wanted me to be near him.
      Assignment sheets help a great deal! I have much to do during the day (laundry, meals, discipline/training issues, as well as teaching) and while there are things my children need mommy there to teach before they can do them, there are many things they can do on their own. I don't want to them to idle just waiting on me, so our assignment sheets not only include pages they can do on their own from our curriculum, but things such as writing a letter to someone, drawing them a picture, copying their memory verses out in their best handwriting, writing a journal entry, working on writing a short story, reading for their book reports, writing out their spelling list and studying it, reviewing their poem....there are many possibilities!! :)

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  3. Thank you so much for this post! We haven't been blessed with any little ones yet ( so hoping that we will), but if and when we do our hearts desire is to homeschool! It is so encouraging to see how the Lord helps you through each and everyday. It looks like you are doing a wonderful job!

    Randy and Vanessa

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    1. It is the Lord! May He bless you with your hearts desire as you follow Him.

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  4. Jaynee!!!!! You are amazing! :) This was ever encouraging to this tired mommy of all littles. Some days I am swimming with my head barely above water. I am sure you remember those days. It is one tough job and we can not do it without God's grace, forgiveness and mercy. SOOOO good hearing from you. Love to you and your entire crew. Bless you.

    Jessica

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    1. Oh, Jessica, I don't feel very amazing....I feel so very blessed and yes, those years when they are ALL little are tiring ..I think I had much more energy in my 20's than in my 40's! But I honestly really miss those years in a way. You just can't stop them from growing. Enjoy each day with them!!! And keep leaning on the Lord's strength each day. Love you, Jessica!!!

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  5. Oh, I love this post! It's so good to hear from another mother near my stage of life (despite the fact that I am so much younger, ha!) that has learned to lean on the Lord and to rejoice in both the good days and the grumpy days. (Grumpy rabbits? Lol.) You have inspired me many times over the years to set a schedule and I agree wholeheartedly that even though I write it out not even intending to do it all, I still end up doing so much more than I would have had I never even written one. I remember reading your very first detailed schedule and thinking that I could NEVER be like you and that, in fact, I wouldn't even WANT to live like that. But now I understand so much better. Now, see? You have set an example for me in this area.
    Thanks for being my friend. And now, who owes who an email? And a Valentine that just might arrive by the 4th of July. :)

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    1. Aw, my young friend, we have soooooooo much in common and are soooooooo different! I love reading about your days!! It's probably good we live far away....I'd have a hard time staying on task and not wanting to stop in to chat every day. :) Yes, since I write you soooo many email soooo faithfully, to follow suit, you must have an email of at least 10 sentences in my inbox by Christmas. And just so you know, I accept Valentines any month of the year....Christmas cards, birthday cards, and candy. I'll even stop my schedule to celebrate a bit when one arrives :) I love and miss you sooooooooooo much!!!

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  6. I never leave here not feeling encouraged! I can't believe you will have two graduating this year ... double the tears :). It is so strange that after crying when I setup the school work and took Nick's name off binders and replaced them with Ruthie's that we have now gone a half-a year without him. I love it when he is home from work for the day or stops in on his way to another job. A new season of life and I am enjoying it too. He likes to remind me I will now be graduating one every other year for awhile. How does Nick get me to talk about him so much :)??? I better check on dinner ... can smell it coming up the stairs. Tell Timothy took look for a college near us so that we can come kidnap him and you will have to come here to get him back. LOL!

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  7. Hi!!!!! :) It is soooooooooooooooooooooo sad!!! And I'm so proud of them and excited for them and miss them soooooo much already. T got his letter of acceptance to Bible college today in the mail, only he's not sure if that is the one the Lord is leading him to attend. Right now, he's looking and seeing the Lord opening the doors to one in North Dakota....I think Nick, without knowing we've been looking into it/praying about it, mentioned it to Timothy the other day. And yes, how does Nick get talked about so much? Aw, I miss you all so much....even Nick!! :) Hey, furlough is only 2 1/2 years away. :) I need to email you sometime! I'll try to get to that soon....and if not, know that I write you in my head all the time. Love you, my friend!

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    1. Hi Jaynee! We are loving, loving, loving the posts. Anna and Carl were so excited to even see our card in the background! So I was just reading a couple of comments and I read that part about Timothy and North Dakota...I'm not even sure which Bible College he is considering...but all of the Wilson's agree that it would be fantastic for him:) (Unless he is considering one in MN, and we are sure that would be even better - ha!:)) But, North Dakota is close enough! You pretty much can't get to North Dakota without flying or driving through MN and I really think if he went the whole family would have to accompany him in the send-off:) What a change it would be from BCS, but if he did come up, he could count on us to completely outfit in winter gear to thrive on the tundra:) Many blessings to you! - Sonya and family

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    2. Hi! We've already thought of you many times when we talk of ND. :) Master's Baptist College is in Fargo, so right near the MN border. :)

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    3. Excellent! Well for sure e-mail with any questions that you all might have. I know one that he might have is " is summer really only two days long?...and I can assure you that yes it is - we have a solid two weeks up here:) - ha!" Let us know if we can help in any way! (Even beyond the winter jokes:))

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    4. Oops - Or "is summer MORE than two days long:)"

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    5. That would be another great reason for us to visit North Dakota :)!!! 2 1/2 years seems soooooo looooooooooooong away ... Leah will be 4 1/2 and she is the only one that I am going to mention because one will have left the teens and the others will all be soooo much older and I'll start to cry ....
      I am so glad that I am not the only one that writes e-mails in my head!!! Love you to, Friend!!!

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  8. I love that you have a solid plan but arent bothered by having to change it up. Makes for a peaceful family life (well at least when noone has an ear ache:)

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    1. Hey....just read your comment here and on the "back to posting" :) I thought you'd like my "extreme" plan :)

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  9. Hi Lockwood family it been a long time since I comment on your family blog, it been a crazy winter season in Michigan usa with all the snow that we been having your kids would love it, and do your kids like rubber band bracelets or no and I can just send the letter that I'm meaning to send and now with the price of mailing a in the usa went up a cent more I will send your family letter soon.

    ~ brittani.b

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  10. Hello Jaynee,
    Oh how I could relate to this post. Every - single - word! So true and beautiful all in one :-) As I looked at all the pictures I remembered when you were painting your home and putting the special "desks" in for each child. I remembered when you were in your little trailer (are there any other kind?) and how the bugs jumped all over you when you first arrived there. Oh my! How wonderful God is to go before us and pave our way.

    These moments with the children, they are fleeting, yet the beauty of a large family is that there are little ones to enjoy, teach and yes, even listen to "another" story when the older ones move on. As John always reminds me, we will never have an empty nest :-) haha!

    ~Cinnamon

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    1. And whenever I read/hear Garrett's name or think of him, my first thought is always that sweet boy in glasses who loved to fish in my parent's pond. Was that really 16-17 years ago? We're still soooo young....how can that possibly be?
      As long as Nehemiah is here, I will never, ever lack for stories :) And today Timothy and Elijah are working at the church with Daniel and it's not any less noisy around here either :) But I will miss them soooo much. I know you understand! Love and miss you!!

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  11. Thank you! This post was written for me. It so encouraged me. Next fall I start formal homeschooling with my kindergarten, 4 yr old and 1 yr old. I have been loving preschool and I am so excited to enter this new season with the kids! I also help with administrative stuff for our small family business. Years ago I read you saying the days are long and years are short and I remember that when life gets crazy and I think the day will not end. Now that my oldest will soon be 5 I realize that is so true! Blessings!

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    1. Those years when they are all so young are precious! Crazy days, good days...they all form such sweet memories when we live each one for the Lord loving our husbands and our children and enjoying the wonderful work the Lord has given us of caring for our home!!!

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