What colors are boy colors and girl colors?

Okay, I'm a little confused I guess.  When I was a little girl, I loved to play with cars.  I loved to build a city out of dirt and drive my bulldozer to make roads.  True story...ask my mom.  Here's the thing....all the commercials for cars had little boys playing with the cars, yet I knew to ask for the hot wheels cars and the bulldozer.  I never once cried about the color of the toy. I proudly carried my blue carrying case.




When my son wanted an Easy Bake Oven.  I went and I bought a purple oven for him for Christmas.  He never commented on the color.  He never once cried because it was a "girl" color.  He never made a sound about the commercial having a little girl on it. 


I guess I am having a hard time with WHO ARE THE SEXISTS REALLY? I read an article today about a dad who is making a beauty line that is unisex.  I applaud his efforts.  I mean I am right there with him.  I don't want my little girl wearing, "I'm sexy" perfume.  I also don't want my son wearing, "I'm hot" cologne.  I am all for taking sensuality out of anything about ads.
What disturbs me is that the article refers to this poor sister who went to get her poor brother an easy bake oven and well here's the quote. 
"In 2012, then-13-year-old McKenna Pope convinced toy company Hasbro to create an Easy-Bake Oven that appealed to both girls and boys by launching a petition on Change.org that garnered 40,000 signatures and backing from celebrity chef Bobby Flay. McKenna hatched the idea after shopping for an oven for her 4-year-old brother, finding that her only choices were pink or purple. As a result of the petition, Hasbro created a prototype of a new Easy-Bake Oven in silver, blue, and black and agreed to hire male actors for the oven’s ads."


So let me see if I get this right.  It is sexist for Hasbro to only have a pink and purple oven, but it is not sexist for McKenna Pope and 40,000 others to decide that pink and purple are only girl colors.  HELLO!  Who is sexist?  Okay...one example you say.  Well how about this...
When I was a little girl and all my cars were in my blue carrying case was I playing with boy toys or blue toys?  I'm serious.  Should I say to my children its okay to use an easy bake oven if it is a boy or girl color.  6 children have now played with our purple Easy Oven, 4 boys and 2 girls, and it did not matter the color.  And even worse, who told little McKenna boys couldn't play with the purple and pink oven.


I guess I'm saying....Stop being so Sexist by saying companies are sexist based on color.  Your sexist on color.  You said boys need blue easy bake ovens not the company.  You said girls need pink Legos...all my kids play with old primary colored Legos...(SHOCKER) even the girls....myself included.  In fact I refuse to replace my blue Lego house for that stupid pink house, not that anyone has asked from here.  It has never crossed their minds to ask. 

Amen, Brother, Amen!

Many people say...

Why do you say Amen?  What does Amen mean?  Why do you teach your boys to say Amen?  You're just doing that for a show.  You just want people to think you're spiritual.

 

 

Let's start with What Amen means...
Amen is a Hebrew word that literally translates to 'so be it.'  It means I confirm, I agree, truthfully.  It does not mean 'the end'.  Many people think that because we end prayers with Amen.  However we are really affirming our dedication to God.  We are saying our prayer and then, so be it.

Why do you say Amen?  Or really Why does my husband?
What you'll really see me doing is nodding my head through different parts of the sermon.  My husband or other people say Amen to say, "I agree preacher!" Believe me it gets some head turns but all you are saying is, "so be it."  I have often heard my husband say Amen meaning more "I needed that" which is also a fine way to say Amen.  He may also say, "SAY ON! which means keep it up this is good.

Why do you teach your boys to say Amen?
Well the truth is...I want them to say Amen for the same reason their Daddy says Amen...When they agree with the preacher.  When a man of God stands and preaches the word, he often looks about and sees many frowns, but when a man says, AMEN! Then the preach knows "Preach On" The word is true and the people are in agreement.  I know my boys are really listening when I will hear a little "Amen"  from the front row.  They heard what the man of God said and agreed with it.  What more could I ask for than that my boys agree with The Word.

Your husband just does that for a show...
Well if you have ever said that, than you don't know my husband at all.  Sometimes he just says a quite Amen once or twice, but sometimes God really gets a hold of him.  During that time he may shout and wave a hand.  I know...(in church...mouth open wide).  He really does care about the word of God.  Believe it or not...One minute he will be at the table reading the Bible and the next we are in the middle of a shouting preaching service.  He will call us all over and say, "Look at this, Read it"  and he'll be shouting, "Amen." Then he'll say, "picture it, do you see it" and tell us what he sees.  And guess what no one is here but us.  People like my husband see the Bible like a huge broadway production in their head.  It comes alive and stirs him.  He loves history and visualizes it in a way I can only imagine.  I wish to see it sometimes the way he does. 

So, does he do it for a show, NO!  Does he mean, "SO BE IT!" yes.  Sometimes in my husbands case he means, "THAT EXCITING!"  So AMEN, BROTHER, AMEN!

I don't want to homeschool!

Did I ever mention that I did not want to homeschool? Well, I didn't.  I wanted my kids to go to christian school.  I had this dream of my children headed off to school, while I sew, clean, crochet, make outfits for them.  God, on the other hand, had already decided we would homeschool.  I can see it now looking back that I really was already homeschooling, I just didnt know it. 

One day while agruing my case as to why I can't homeschool I realized I already was.  Christopher was in PS kindergarten program and I was at the school 3 days a week in his classroom helping.  I guess you could say I should have known as a child.  My favorite "game" was teaching my younger siblings. 

So after fighting my case in 2005 we began this wonderful journey as homeschoolers.  Our first student was a smart little man and I had the BEST PLAN EVER. (With a loud echo!)  I had a desk.  He had a desk. I had all the proper first grade posters.  I had every subject you can think of for first grade....Math, English, Phonics, History, Bible, Science, Art.  We spent all morning on a schedule of events and it was glorious...I WAS THE BEST HOMESCHOOL MOM EVER!!! 

LOL...Can you say that in a blog?  LOL 

Life moves forward....today we homeschool in a more logical and fun way.  Today we are sleeping in because its Monday.  About lunch we will start school and school till we are done.  Tuesday is a little more organized....They ask me to wake them early so they can get a full days work in...so I do.  Wednesday we pack up history and head to rehab for 2 hours then errands, then home for lunch and basic studies (this is what we call Math, English, Bible)  Thursday...Mom wake us early.  Friday, Mom I want to get up really early so I get all this weeks work done and some of Monday's.  WHATEVER! At this point I guide and follow their lead.  Math at the computer desk, reading on Mom's bed, Bible at the table. Can we do picnic history today? Sure. It looks like everyone else's history but under a tree with popcorn.

Life moves forward and 4 toddler boys grow, you adopt a girl and have a girl, you lose a child. And you realize homeschooling is a journey you take together.  I think I learn the most history around here and I know we are all learning more about how to work together and share love.  Sometimes when I look back at that silly girl with her desk and his desk and posters...I laugh at her and I cry for her child..who learned that year to hate reading. It will take his mom 2 years to undo her damage. 

This blog is about learning to love who we are, what we do, how we do it.  Today we are happy, unorganized and loving education.  It has been a long journey with lots of tears.

Would you send your kids to christian school? NOT IN 100 YEARS! I love homeschooling my smart, fun, crazy kids. 

15 Years is just the Beginning...

Once upon a time in a far away metroplex (Fort Worth),, There lived this young fair maiden and this debonair fair prince.  Okay now for reality,  there was this young teen girl Me Alicia Little, and this handsome teenage boy Allen Little, who asked me to be his girl friend and I replied with the typical answer when he asked... Will you go with me? ... My response internally was Go Where? To Diamond Shamrock on the corner before church or to a youth activity What?  Outwardly my response is what every teen girl says in this situation I said NO!!!

 1996 Graduating Highschool Party

I said No every time he asked, but he was wearing on me.  So one day he gave me a note, and it read " Will you Please be my girlfriend? circle Yes or No with cute little drawn smiley faces smiling under yes and frowning under no.  I circled yes and gave the note back and thus began the epic romance story of all time.  " The Love Ballad of Allen and Alicia"  Our story began with trips to his house for lunch and he to mine  (more often than his he ate at my house).  Our first date at Putt Putt golf and games with chaperons of Sandy and Christy Little.

The climax of our story happened on June 5th 1997 when Allen Little asked me Alicia Johnston to be his wife at Triple S Christian Ranch in Rosebud, Arkansas in front of the entire assembly.  Evangelist Stan Harris a martial arts expert was the guest preacher demonstrating different fighting techniques and breaking boards, he autographed a board he broke that Allen and I held right after he asked me. Little did I know that this would be a symbol of the job I would have to do to whip Allen into shape to be a good husband. 

March 14, 1998, my little girls dreams came true, I married the prince of my heart.  One of my favorite memories of the day was the sleep over I had with some of my bridesmaids and sisters.  After that we enjoyed a Honeymoon in San Antonio and Corpus Christi.  We then began the life together that we enjoy in the Lord today!  We have had the ups and downs, twist and turns, but God has been Good to us through it all.  Our love for each other has grown.  I would not say we have reached the top of the hill. When I speak with senior saints and they tell me of their stories, I realize we are just a the beginning of fantastic journey.  So here's to 15 wonderful years of marriage looking to 50 more. 

1999 The year we had our first born, Christopher...Bowling with the Lucas'

2003 Kendrick is on the way...That's boy #4.

2006 Christmas in Ohio!  We are freezing, the kids are somewhere...hopefully not jumping in the river!

2009 A benefit for Kendrick in Oklahoma!

2011 Visiting North Carolina Little Family!

2013 To Be Continued!

I love you Allen Little!

Update on all things Little

Here at the Little house we have many changes going on.  There really isn’t a good order to put them in.  Most recently we have begun a home owning journey, desiring to make a lifelong dream come true.  We have also been doing the regular run of the mill things.  Homeschooling and House work on the top of that list.  We also work in the bus ministry and youth group of our church. 

We are still grieving for our baby man, Kendrick.  3 years is a long time and a short time.  The world moves forward and we move right along with it.  However I am amazed that we do.  I did always believe I would just quit breathing. 

In just 7 days we will have been married 15 years.  Although that is not a long history of life it is a long history of us.  I am daily amazed at my husband’s ability to put up with me. 

On the advice of some very close members of my family and friends I intend to blog about this journey.  Ideas I have learned cooking, homeschooling and living.  Some back story will be necessary on some of these things…LOL. After all no one is perfect upon marriage and having a family.  My plan (goal) is to blog weekly.  We shall see how it goes.

Time to Blog

Well it has been almost 5 months since I've posted a blog and almost 4 months since my baby man went to be with the Lord. Kendrick Donavan Little passed away September 18, 2009. He was the most wonderful gift ever given to me. I will forever be greatful for the time I had with him, I will be forever heartbroken for the time I missed seeing him grow and change. I know the Lord has sent this trial for a reason. I know Kendrick is in a better place. The Lord was good to us, he had alot of good days and he didn't suffer long. My only desire is that people know he had a heart for the things of God. His prayer was always "Jesus I pray for satan to get saved." I ask him once why he prayed for satan and his answer was "If satan gets saved there won't be anymore bad things in the world." He was generious, loving and wanted everyone to accept the Lord as their Saviour.

My prayer is that thru my sons cancer and death, many (all people) come to know the Lord. Trust that he died for the sins of all men. Not by works, lest any man should boast, but by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am going to try to post more often. Right now all things happen in good time. Emotional needs of our other children are first, then their education. As a homeschooling family, I am thankful we homeschool during this time. Our children have alot of good days, but some days they need a break, that I couldn't offer them in a PS or CS setting. Blogging and such get left behind some days. God is Good and God is Right, nomatter what may come.

One week done..

We are going to have a great year. School started Tuesday and we had a great week. So far, we are loving the My Father's World curriculm. We had a science experiment. We learned about Leif Ericsson. The boys were in shock they had no idea someone else landed here first. Christopher was watching a show a few days later and it was Leif Ericsson Day on the cartoon, he was in heaven because he knew all about Leif Ericsson. It was alot of fun for the whole family. We took some pics here. I forgot to take pics of the science experiment and regret it because the boys were so excited. We had another boy over that day and he loved it also.

Christopher...

Nathaniel...

Benjamin...

Kendrick...

Benjamin took the one of me, he loves the camera.

In Bible we learned about out names and how special they are.
Here is a pic of the boys name pictures.

School Day One...

We started school Tuesday. It was a great day. It was also a learning experience the first day is always a test schedule around here. I would like to believe the year is all worked out but as we all know, and especially those who know me well, schedules are meant to be broken.
We are all pleased with how school is starting out. The Boys are very excited and motivated...and so is mom.

Tuesday was also Upward football sign up.

It was fun and of course the boys are excited.

Six Flags

We had a great day. It was super hot. Then the Lord sent a great overcast sky to shade us and it was welcomed. We got there bright and early and left about 7 pm. Kendrick had alot of fun, but the morning heat brought the dreaded headache and we headed home early. Here are a few pics.

I am so Proud...

of me, this new layout you see is just down right stubborn, I can do, all by myself Johnston attitude you see. Over the last 3 days I taught myself to make a layout. Wow, it was hard, frustrating, and completely rewarding. I love to learn new things. And even more I love to learn them all by myself. HURRAY.

Well, if you noticed the new layout then you see I am at it again. I am not going to back tract and try to catch up. I may at some point mention some of our fun filled days of 2009. Now is not that time...school started today at Heritage Christian Home school. We have added a student this year...Kendrick Donavan Little. We are so very excited that he is able to join us for Kindergarten.

Tomorrow I will post about Day One.

Today however I will list the curriculum we have gone with...

Stevenson Learning Skills for Christopher who has severe dyslexia. I will have to let you now how it goes.

Rod and Staff for Math, English, Reading Nathaniel, Benjamin, and Christopher's Math

AOP for Kindergarten...I used Abeka last year for this and I have decided I like easy going Kindergarten and lots of crafts and fun.

Abeka for Art

My Father's World for Bible, Science, History
I am most excited about this curriculum, it looks to be fun and exciting. Tomorrow you will see pics of the timeline and all for school. I am glad I listened to my home school friends and looked at the program.
(We are and always will be a King James 1611 Bible family, so I threw out the children's bible they sent and we are using out KJV Bible)

Well as I stated we have started school and are having fun. I look forward to blogging more about my family.

Amazing!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I love Kendrick Donavan Little

Ruth Turns 1!!! Happy Birthday!!!

On to January 2009, we spent the new year in the hospital. We got to see the watch night service on the live internet but turned in early. When we got out it was just about time for Ruthie to turn one. We planned a fun, but hasty party. I bought almost everything at the party store. At the last minute Mom and I meet at Walmart, we almost had it all. Walmart messed up the cake. So mom headed home and I waited while they messed up the cake again. They kept smashing it with the box. What a mess. My best friend Toni and her children drove up for the party. I tell you what it is so wonderful to have a friend who knows you and stands by you all the way. The Vinson Family are always there for us, no matter the miles or time of day. We get calls from them just to say they are thinking of us. I praise God for good Godly friends we can count on. I praise God for all those praying for us.

Back to the party...you will never guess the theme...one guess...if you need it...okay...Princess... so here are the pics

Ruth was adorable, she finally did something girly she wouldn't get her hands dirty and eat the cake, I was like this is when you get to make a mess. Mrs. Toni was sure it had something to do with the cake being vanilla and not chocolate. You see it is Toni's job to make sure Ruth loves chocolate. So we got the chocolate cake. Still nothing, so Daddy got a handful of cake and smashed it in Mommy's and Ruth's face. HA HA Luckily I had to birthday dresses. I changed her on the table and all the kids played while we visited. Looking back I rememeber the birth of all my angels. They are all so big. I miss those newborn cuddle days. It was a great day.

Merry Christmas!!

Well I know that this is alittle late but it is still fresh to me. First thing we did out of the hospital was put up the tree donated by the Turners and fill it with presents donated by many, and they keep coming until Christmas eve at 10 pm.

Then on a warm winters night in Texas a large family gathered for family and fun. We started cooking bright and early and had a blast, and the kids played outside. Then we all sat down for a beautiful dinner. After dinner we had Hot Cocoa and heard the real Christmas Story. Then we headed for bed, well the kids did we still had a bit to do. The presents were piled high and we had a big Christmas Day planned.

Then we awoke to a tree full of gifts. The kids all walked into the living room and it was crazy fun from that point on. We took lots of pcs and they are all I have except Thank you so much everyone.

Once all the fun was over and I have a surprise for later so keep reading. We headed to Dad's and had a great time with Papa and then we headed to Aunt Lana's for a huge family celebration. We had food, gifts, pictures and so much fun. Then the kids all took a ride on papa's motorcycle. I am not sure if you all know this but Kendrick loves his Papa so much and his motorcycle is exactly like the one Kendrick is going to buy when he grows up. Oh and he is buying ame a purple one. (HA HA)

Oh I know I promised a surprise. After Aunt Lana's Kendrick was so tired that we decided to let him go to bed. And then we cleaned up alittle and settled in to relax. The oddest thing happened we got up the next day to more presents under the tree, it was full again. Okay you got it our children had so much given to then we had two Christmas' (I know crazy) So we did it again the kids loved it. Wow! Praise god for all our friends and strangers who felt like the Lord wanted them to give to us. So Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. THANK YOU!!!!

Thank You Dad and Sisters

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know we may not always see eye to eye, but I feel like I should say I will forever be grateful for your hard work, endurance and love. Stephanie, you are the hardest working girl I can think of... two jobs, running errands for others, constantly working on a benefit for your sister and a great and wonderful Mother, Sister and Daughter. Dad, you and your friends are amazing and of course I have always said you are the hardest working man I have ever known...ever. When the doctors said you couldn't work, you went right back and worked. And now when you feel so helpless (believe me I know) you jump to action and put on the best benefit I have ever seen. Thank you also to all my family... Jane, Aunt Lana, Amanda and there is no way i can list everyone, but you know who you are and I say THANK YOU.

Remember that the Devil, our adversary walketh about seeking whom he may devour. Sometimes the devil works thru people, sometimes he works thru ourselves; but no matter, never let Satan steal your joy. You are awesome and thru God, our father, you did a Great Work. I Love you and always will remember. Good night.

PS We will post the final amount when we are done getting donations (PRAISE GOD)

Memaw takes the boys to Polar Express...in Grapevine

Kendrick and Daddy and I hung out at the hospital (still in PICU) but it wouldn't be long till we were out. In the meantime Memaw, Aunt Michelle, Uncle Taylor, Uncle Casey, Aunt Emily, Christopher, Nathaniel, and Benjamin had a blast.

As you can see Santa is very busy this time of year...Hospital, Trains, Malls, a very busy guy. Plus with characters like this who has time for rest.

And of course Mr. Conductor was on hand to punch tickets and keep those munchkins smiling.

Well it looks as though they had a great time. Thank you Memaw for taking them to see Santa and the Polar Express, and for all the other "small things" you have done to add up to uncountable large blessings.

Kendrick Celebrates 5 in the PICU on Dec. 9th

Kendrick was on pain meds and slept a lot. But he was gaining strenght and staying awake more when his birthday rolled around. He turned 5 in the PICU which is not the ideal place for a party but the nurses and staff made it a great party. We had decorations, presents the only thing missing cake and the girls. While we broke many rules about visiting and would like to thank the patients around us, we had a great time. Kendrick had many gifts and even blew bubbles instead of candles which was lots of fun. Here is a slideshow of the day.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Christmas Time at Cooks

Christmas time at Cooks is wild, activities everyday and I thank God Kendrick was able to go to some of them. Some of the babies (and I use that word liberally like he will always be my baby no matter the age) couldn't go see any of the activities. We took the family picture you see just days before the brain surgery.

The Cowboys came... In this picture, I should explain why Kendrick is not in it but he is right behind us. Tony Romo and Pacman Jones came all the way back to our Room in the PICU just to take a picture with Kendrick, because we missed them the first time around. After coming all the way back when asked to say Hi to the Cowboys Kendrick turned over and put his bottom in the air, so we had a little laugh and then they offered to take a pic with us. They may not be perfect(what boys are) but they came back for my baby and that ranks high to me. Oh I forgot they came back even when the one leading them around said they didn't have time, Tony Romo said we'll make time. Go Tony and I don't even care about football. the Mavericks 'Dirk Nowinski' came...the Rangers came, the Zoo came, and their where crafts almost everyday. We got to go outside and see the Christmas show and fireworks with family all around us. Santa came and everyone loved that.

Especially Dad and Allen.

We even made the paper, when the Zoo came. Here are a few more pics of the month...

I love pics of my men all walking it changes often and always looks liek a new memory to me.

Me and My Man a few days before the surgery

My Sister Michelle came it was great to have her with me during what felt like the darkest time, I miss her so much during all the dark times and daily.

My girls, matching clothes, cute smiles, loving those baby kisses.

We did so much during this month that catching up would be in possible, so this part is just an over view of December it was spent in the hospital but full of fun and love, surround by those we love and those who love us.