Bring on Monday! Let's get this year started. I'm ready to dig in and move forward. This weekend I spent time cleaning my room and thinking. I had a lot of cleaning to do. It is actually embarrassing how much and that it's not even done. I love my little work space though. My desk is tidy. Papers are organized. Ok, so I do have one massive pile yet to sort. But I have the files labeled to do it!!
Tomorrow my oldest has her first seriously major assignment due. It's worth 30% of her grade. She hasn't even asked me to look at it. I think I make her feel like she's not good enough. So tomorrow I'm going to offer to proof it if she wants but no matter what she answers I will be reminding her that I think she's amazing!!! She is so courageous. She dove into taking two online high school classes and has tackled it with grace. Except at about 1:30 this afternoon when she thought she had lost all her work from the weekend, then there were tears, but still just a little bit. Her amazing daddy came to the rescue and found where she had saved it. Then there were more tears because it was saved!!
I anticipate a battle with #3. I may start calling her the Noisy Noodle. Nah, that's not very nice. Several hours of my time this weekend were also spent researching options for how to change her learning. I haven't come to any satisfying conclusions. Money is a pain, or rather the lack there of is. Tomorrow she will be back on Xtramath.org and Kahn Academy as well as the SOS Science & Geography we were given. Bless that family, Lord!! The Principal will be out of the building. Hopefully the day will go well anyway.
Daughter #2 has been ready to learn and I am hoping her compliance and even eagerness will continue. She will be reviewing basic multiplication on Xtramath.org too just because she needs it. But the time has come for her to move on, so Kahn Academy will be in play for her as well. Time to tackle what she has passively resisted for over a year. Here we come long division, decimals, fractions and percentages. This might get ugly. Hopefully it won't. I have resources. Now to use them. She has happily immersed herself in the Sonlight reading and I anticipate that will go well. The answering the questions and writing may be a hiccup we have to overcome. We can do it though, I know we can!!
And back to Daughter #1, well, Science & Math have lost priority a bit over the Fall Semester but it's time to put those back into play. She and I will be learning time management skills together. Her paper route, volunteering, church volunteering, free time, and youth events all need squished in there. Can we do this? Yes, but it's going to take work to figure out how.
Then there is Baby Girl. The schedule is working PRAISE GOD!!! Sleep is happening for all of us! She is a much happier baby for sleeping longer and more. She has much happier parents too. Yippee!! Now the trick will be to keep her schedule working while life happens. Teens and toddlers are an interesting mix. Tim and I rarely have time when we are awake and someone else isn't too. Next on our agenda is working Daughter #3 back into sleeping in their shared room. I sure wish we had enough rooms for them to not need to share. I am thankful though for the pull out couch in the basement and that we have that space for her to use in the meantime.
The latest work schedule at my part time job has me booked for a few more hours and there are some daytime shifts in there. I am thankful for how God is providing for us. Tim and I are still praying, thinking, and researching about the future. It blows my mind how much things cost. In some ways I just don't fully understand it. $400,000 is more money than my brain can fathom when it comes to property prices and yet that's where the ones that have what we need start, start. YIKES good thing God is a big God!! Too bad we can't ask Him to invest cold hard cash. Can you imagine the bankers face if we listed God as a partner??? That thought makes me smile.
Speaking of smiles, my Thirty-One business has so much potential for this coming year. I get excited thinking about it! Over the next few months I can work towards earning this summer's conference almost FREE if not completely free. And if things continue to go as they are I may even see Director after my name!! Wouldn't that be cool? It's so much fun having a team of people in this with me. I've met some amazing people through this opportunity already. It really is my favorite thing to go on my Downline Tracker and watch them reach goals and earn rewards! There are whispers about a leadership trip happening this fall for Canadian consultants. The mere thought of a vacation and a paid for vacation at that??? *Swoon!*
The girls are wanting music lessons and Thirty-One is about the only way I can see that happening. It's over $200 a month!! I need to have some parties!! LOL We work this business as a family and I am really hoping and praying God will continue to bless it and us. We have also taken on an extra paper route to put towards this cost. It's crazy to think about adding that expense and yet I feel so strongly about it needing to happen now. I will keep praying about it and Tim and I will keep talking. We haven't made any final decisions yet as it really isn't in our budget. The decision needs to be made very shortly as lessons begin again this week.
That's about all for now. It's officially Monday and I'm ready to head to bed. We have a meeting to attend at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning for Tim. I just loooooove mornings. *insert rolling eyes here*
Thanks for reading!
Monday, January 6, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
The First Day of A New Year
It's here. The new year full of potential. There are some things I feel that I don't even want to write out or say out loud. I figure God knows my heart and Satan can't read minds so if I keep quiet then it can't be used against me. Maybe?
There are some things that I am hoping to work on this year. Not resolutions so much as life changes that have been in the works for awhile. Some, like moving towards more whole foods and less packaged and processed foods for our family, have been a goal for awhile. Others, like trying an elimination diet to find out what exactly is causing the hives I keep getting? are ones I've put off as long as I could and ignored until the time is just right. Well, there's a couple turkeys in the freezer (turkey isn't high on the allergy list did you know that?) and the baby is a toddler who is all done nursing. That makes this the time.
Homeschooling. Well, it's 9 years in and I'm tired. I'll just say that. I'm going to have tea with a dear friend and talk some. It hasn't gotten easier. The girls desire, and mine too, for music lessons hasn't happened and I'm about to do my best to make it happen this year, Lord willing.
I'll be working at my part time job as often as they'll schedule me. Having even partial benefits for our family through that job has been a blessing. My co-workers are great and the work environment is good. My direct sales business I will work as much as God opens doors. I seriously love it. Thirty-One Gifts is so much fun and I've enjoyed each of my hosts and their parties where I get a chance to meet their friends, co-workers and neighbors. We thought Thirty-One was for our planned trip to Florida for Christmas but God knew better. Florida didn't happen and the income instead paid bills. The girls have been amazing about that despite the major disappointment of yet another fun trip canceled.
Tim is laid off for the next three months at least and the future isn't certain. It's even more uncertain than usual. He has dreams and I'd sure like to work beside him to make those happen. In the mean time we have been blessed by so many in big and small ways. God is providing. Through words of encouragement, listening ears, surprise gift baskets or even gift certificates we have been blessed and encouraged. So while there is definitely stress there is also a drawing near to Jehovah Jireh.
This clinging to hope and trusting? It's hard. Some days I just want to climb back into bed and under the covers until. . .well, until summer at least. Hard things keep coming. Isn't that the truth? You stand up from one and another wave just may knock you down. Attitude and faith are the only things we can really control. And controlling faith isn't even really the right way to say it. Hanging on to it and sometimes, sometimes maybe it's not me hanging on so much as me being held onto. I said that out loud to Tim. Said that I couldn't take any more, that I'm not even hanging on. Then just like that more came and I am still here. So maybe it's not me hanging on at all. Maybe it's God holding me close. He must get so tired of my whining about the rain on my face when He is bearing the brunt of the storm.
Over the last several years God has impressed on my heart a theme, a challenge, in the form of a phrase or word usually backed up with scriptures. As December days passed and nothing had been put on my heart I didn't think I'd have one for this year. Then a word, a desire, came to my heart and I knew. Hope. That is my wish, my prayer for 2014, it dawned on me that it is also my word for the year. It followed in the Bible reading I read (later than I was supposed to in the plan!) with this verse that I've since written on the chalkboard in our dining room. The word "hope" isn't in it, but fear and a troubled heart are definitely issues directly connected to losing hope. Fear strangles hope. Already I have read and repeated it multiple times.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
There are some things that I am hoping to work on this year. Not resolutions so much as life changes that have been in the works for awhile. Some, like moving towards more whole foods and less packaged and processed foods for our family, have been a goal for awhile. Others, like trying an elimination diet to find out what exactly is causing the hives I keep getting? are ones I've put off as long as I could and ignored until the time is just right. Well, there's a couple turkeys in the freezer (turkey isn't high on the allergy list did you know that?) and the baby is a toddler who is all done nursing. That makes this the time.
Homeschooling. Well, it's 9 years in and I'm tired. I'll just say that. I'm going to have tea with a dear friend and talk some. It hasn't gotten easier. The girls desire, and mine too, for music lessons hasn't happened and I'm about to do my best to make it happen this year, Lord willing.
I'll be working at my part time job as often as they'll schedule me. Having even partial benefits for our family through that job has been a blessing. My co-workers are great and the work environment is good. My direct sales business I will work as much as God opens doors. I seriously love it. Thirty-One Gifts is so much fun and I've enjoyed each of my hosts and their parties where I get a chance to meet their friends, co-workers and neighbors. We thought Thirty-One was for our planned trip to Florida for Christmas but God knew better. Florida didn't happen and the income instead paid bills. The girls have been amazing about that despite the major disappointment of yet another fun trip canceled.
Tim is laid off for the next three months at least and the future isn't certain. It's even more uncertain than usual. He has dreams and I'd sure like to work beside him to make those happen. In the mean time we have been blessed by so many in big and small ways. God is providing. Through words of encouragement, listening ears, surprise gift baskets or even gift certificates we have been blessed and encouraged. So while there is definitely stress there is also a drawing near to Jehovah Jireh.
This clinging to hope and trusting? It's hard. Some days I just want to climb back into bed and under the covers until. . .well, until summer at least. Hard things keep coming. Isn't that the truth? You stand up from one and another wave just may knock you down. Attitude and faith are the only things we can really control. And controlling faith isn't even really the right way to say it. Hanging on to it and sometimes, sometimes maybe it's not me hanging on so much as me being held onto. I said that out loud to Tim. Said that I couldn't take any more, that I'm not even hanging on. Then just like that more came and I am still here. So maybe it's not me hanging on at all. Maybe it's God holding me close. He must get so tired of my whining about the rain on my face when He is bearing the brunt of the storm.
Over the last several years God has impressed on my heart a theme, a challenge, in the form of a phrase or word usually backed up with scriptures. As December days passed and nothing had been put on my heart I didn't think I'd have one for this year. Then a word, a desire, came to my heart and I knew. Hope. That is my wish, my prayer for 2014, it dawned on me that it is also my word for the year. It followed in the Bible reading I read (later than I was supposed to in the plan!) with this verse that I've since written on the chalkboard in our dining room. The word "hope" isn't in it, but fear and a troubled heart are definitely issues directly connected to losing hope. Fear strangles hope. Already I have read and repeated it multiple times.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Two Weeks Passed
It amazes me how quickly the body can heal and how life goes on. The heart is not so quickly healed but the pain isn't as strong even just fifteen days later. In the days that have passed I have paid more attention to the little ones around me. I've enjoyed their laughter, their hugs, their smiles. I can't say I've enjoyed the nights awake with the 16 month old, but I have treasured the cuddles event then.
Friends ask me if I am ok. How to answer that and not lie? Yes, I am ok. . I am. And then again, no. No, I'm not. Most of the time I am. But there are moments when I see a post of an ultrasound picture, or a newborn, or an announcement of pregnancy that feel like a punch and a shove. I can go for hours and not even think about how I'm not pregnant anymore, or about what week I would be and what the development would be. Sometimes I can even be grateful that I'm not feeling sick and that my mind is more clear than when I am pregnant.
The moments I am not ok take my by surprise. They make me catch my breath and I lose focus for a moment. I want to turn and run. I want to punch something or curl into a ball and just disappear. Thankfully they do not outnumber the moments when I am ok.
Through stories of others who have been through hard times, some even more difficult than I can fathom, I have been encouraged. They have survived. I can too. God has been faithful. He will be to me too. There is hope. All is not lost. My girls are proof of that. Four beautiful, healthy, amazing children. I am so blessed and so rich.
Hard times are still coming. I was so looking forward to October being over and hoped for happier and more bountiful things in November. When November came in and that hope was utterly destroyed I have to say as a result my faith in December is not very strong. My hope is not for better or for plentiful, but simply to hang on to being faithful, to trust and not give in. To put my faith in God no matter what trails and hardships come our way. The first of which is letting go of our planned family trip to Florida.
I know some people have looked at my life and felt I am blessed and have not suffered. They think that everything in my life goes right. The first time someone told me that I almost fell over. They said my life was so easy and that they were jealous! Oh my word!! May I offer a caution? When you look at someone's life and assume that they have no trouble, you are wrong. They may not have shared their heartache with you, but know that they have had it. They may be a very private person (unlike me, ha ha), and simply not be willing to voice the suffering they have survived. One thing is true, no one in this life walks through it untouched. Sin is here and so is suffering. Only when Christ returns will there be complete peace without pain.
My heart's desire after losing the baby is to be a better mom to the children I have and especially to better model trusting God. It's a lot harder to live than to say! The best I can do is to keep trying.
Friends ask me if I am ok. How to answer that and not lie? Yes, I am ok. . I am. And then again, no. No, I'm not. Most of the time I am. But there are moments when I see a post of an ultrasound picture, or a newborn, or an announcement of pregnancy that feel like a punch and a shove. I can go for hours and not even think about how I'm not pregnant anymore, or about what week I would be and what the development would be. Sometimes I can even be grateful that I'm not feeling sick and that my mind is more clear than when I am pregnant.
The moments I am not ok take my by surprise. They make me catch my breath and I lose focus for a moment. I want to turn and run. I want to punch something or curl into a ball and just disappear. Thankfully they do not outnumber the moments when I am ok.
Through stories of others who have been through hard times, some even more difficult than I can fathom, I have been encouraged. They have survived. I can too. God has been faithful. He will be to me too. There is hope. All is not lost. My girls are proof of that. Four beautiful, healthy, amazing children. I am so blessed and so rich.
Hard times are still coming. I was so looking forward to October being over and hoped for happier and more bountiful things in November. When November came in and that hope was utterly destroyed I have to say as a result my faith in December is not very strong. My hope is not for better or for plentiful, but simply to hang on to being faithful, to trust and not give in. To put my faith in God no matter what trails and hardships come our way. The first of which is letting go of our planned family trip to Florida.
I know some people have looked at my life and felt I am blessed and have not suffered. They think that everything in my life goes right. The first time someone told me that I almost fell over. They said my life was so easy and that they were jealous! Oh my word!! May I offer a caution? When you look at someone's life and assume that they have no trouble, you are wrong. They may not have shared their heartache with you, but know that they have had it. They may be a very private person (unlike me, ha ha), and simply not be willing to voice the suffering they have survived. One thing is true, no one in this life walks through it untouched. Sin is here and so is suffering. Only when Christ returns will there be complete peace without pain.
My heart's desire after losing the baby is to be a better mom to the children I have and especially to better model trusting God. It's a lot harder to live than to say! The best I can do is to keep trying.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Praise Him In The Storm
I haven't blogged in a long time. Last year I kept a private journal. I haven't done that for awhile either and I am finding a deep desire to write and have the potential of someone reading it, if only to know someone hears me. I'm not going to do a catch up this post but may later.
Here's where I am. Shattered. Broken. At the end of me and then some. Wondering what it looks like to come up better from the ashes and if it is possible or will I turn out to be more cold and bitter from this? I don't dare ask how it could get any worse because I know full well it could. That it is. For so many woman and children all over the world I have nothing, nothing, to complain about. But none-the-less I am hurting and thank God, He is not comparing me. He just sees me.
He knew, that afternoon just a couple of weeks ago when I took the test and there were two lines. Positive. I knew it! He knew. A gift. A miracle. At crazy time in our life when Tim's job is ending and life is about to get harder than we have ever known it, a sparkle of hope and joy. A baby!! We talked, laughed, cried, worried, and tried to figure out where in our tiny house we would fit 5, FIVE children!!
Then, Saturday. He knew. I was thankful for the lack of sickness and yet worried, but had let it go deciding to just accept and be thankful. But the signs that had assured me I was right. . .well, on Saturday I became aware when the spotting started that those signs were gone. My sense of smell had lessened to normal. I didn't gag when brushing my teeth. I wasn't so exhausted all I wanted was a nap. And I hurt. Sunday I worked and it got worse. By Monday when I called the Dr. I knew. I knew deep down that our baby was gone. Tuesday morning it was.
Where was God then? I know He is with me. It is amazing how alone, and lonely we can feel even knowing that the presence of God is there. I know He is here. I know it. But I can't feel it. The song from Casting Crowns, "Praise You In The Storm", keeps running through my mind. We heard it at my nephew's funeral six years ago. It is still true. I will lift my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away. Despite not understanding a tiny bit how or why he could give us a gift only to take it back before we ever heard the heartbeat, I will praise Him. Despite fearing that life might never again be fully ok, I will Praise Him. As tears run down my cheeks and my heart is shattered, I will Praise Him. HE IS GOOD. I can not see what He sees yet I will trust Him.
Do you hear me Satan?! I CHOOSE TO TRUST!! I CHOOSE TO OBEY!! I CHOOSE TO PRAISE!!
God has been good to me. My husband loves me. We have four beautiful, healthy girls. We have clothes to wear, food to eat, and a place to sleep at night. All our needs have been met and we have been blessed abundantly. I know God will provide. I know that His plan is better than mine could ever be although I will never understand it. I will praise Him. In everything I give thanks.
Here's where I am. Shattered. Broken. At the end of me and then some. Wondering what it looks like to come up better from the ashes and if it is possible or will I turn out to be more cold and bitter from this? I don't dare ask how it could get any worse because I know full well it could. That it is. For so many woman and children all over the world I have nothing, nothing, to complain about. But none-the-less I am hurting and thank God, He is not comparing me. He just sees me.
He knew, that afternoon just a couple of weeks ago when I took the test and there were two lines. Positive. I knew it! He knew. A gift. A miracle. At crazy time in our life when Tim's job is ending and life is about to get harder than we have ever known it, a sparkle of hope and joy. A baby!! We talked, laughed, cried, worried, and tried to figure out where in our tiny house we would fit 5, FIVE children!!
Then, Saturday. He knew. I was thankful for the lack of sickness and yet worried, but had let it go deciding to just accept and be thankful. But the signs that had assured me I was right. . .well, on Saturday I became aware when the spotting started that those signs were gone. My sense of smell had lessened to normal. I didn't gag when brushing my teeth. I wasn't so exhausted all I wanted was a nap. And I hurt. Sunday I worked and it got worse. By Monday when I called the Dr. I knew. I knew deep down that our baby was gone. Tuesday morning it was.
Where was God then? I know He is with me. It is amazing how alone, and lonely we can feel even knowing that the presence of God is there. I know He is here. I know it. But I can't feel it. The song from Casting Crowns, "Praise You In The Storm", keeps running through my mind. We heard it at my nephew's funeral six years ago. It is still true. I will lift my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away. Despite not understanding a tiny bit how or why he could give us a gift only to take it back before we ever heard the heartbeat, I will praise Him. Despite fearing that life might never again be fully ok, I will Praise Him. As tears run down my cheeks and my heart is shattered, I will Praise Him. HE IS GOOD. I can not see what He sees yet I will trust Him.
Do you hear me Satan?! I CHOOSE TO TRUST!! I CHOOSE TO OBEY!! I CHOOSE TO PRAISE!!
God has been good to me. My husband loves me. We have four beautiful, healthy girls. We have clothes to wear, food to eat, and a place to sleep at night. All our needs have been met and we have been blessed abundantly. I know God will provide. I know that His plan is better than mine could ever be although I will never understand it. I will praise Him. In everything I give thanks.
Monday, September 3, 2012
A Long Time Coming
Things have changed in our house in the last year. One year ago today the kids and Tim were just getting home from Illinois. I had stayed to work since the kids and I had spent a couple of weeks in Illinois in July and August.
One year ago this month we were getting into a great routine with our schooling and it felt good! Things quickly changed in October when we realized that God had given us an unexpected but much welcome gift. We were expecting our 4th baby. As I have with all pregnancies I quickly started to experience some of the not so fun pregnancy symptoms. My memory of last fall is spotty.
In November and December the younger two girls turned 7 and then 10. There was no snow so the 10 year old did a birthday sleepover and movie with her best friend instead of the snow tubing we were hoping for. We never did get to go snow tubing, there never was enough snow! Tim and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary in December with a trip to Niagara Falls. We enjoyed the time away and I enjoyed shopping in the States.
In January of this year, 2012 I was so thankful to be sure that those nasty symptoms were gone for sure!! In February we found out that our baby would make princess #4 for our family. It was such fun seeing her wiggle and squirm on the screen. We had the best experience at that ultrasound with the technician taking time to show our girls about the baby and explain different things they were seeing. I am so glad to have a cd with pictures and short video clips of the baby!
In March our oldest turned 13!! I can't even describe to you how fast the 13 years have gone. Unbelievable. She is a lovely young woman inside and out. Her sweetness and giving spirit encourage me. God is working in her and it is such fun to see.
In April it became clear that I needed to stop working and come home. My body didn't like standing on concrete for 3 hours or more at a time. The Dr. said it was time to come home. It was about 6 weeks earlier than I had planned. My goal being to come off work 2 weeks before my due date. As soon as I stopped working the complications eased. That is a good thing!
May passed in a blur of school work, swimming lessons, and end of year things. We were all ready for summer! And of course, the baby.
June arrived and with it warmer weather and getting ready for the baby to arrive. Home projects became priority. Tim painted our youngest's room blue at her request in preparation for sharing it with baby. We cleaned and decluttered and worked on projects like planting flowers in the flower beds, which the girls did for me! Tim also made a smaller garden with tomatoes, onions, and cucumber. The girls and he kept it weeded for me.
The weeks passed and we were anticipating her arrival at any time since two of the girls came 10 days early. The week before her due date the Homeschool moms surprised me with a baby shower! What a sweet surprise and such fun! With a gorgeous, delicious cake, yummy cookies, Epicure (another favorite thing!), and even two lasagna's for our freezer. The best lasagna my girls have ever had they said. In lieu of clothes or toys they gifted us with money towards the tall man friendly stroller we had picked out. Perfect!
Baby A decided she might like to come exactly on her due date but then she changed her mind and decided she'd rather wait. So the next day, after being on pitocin for 8 hours, Princess #4 arrived safe and sound. Her 2 oldest sisters were at Canada's Wonderland having a great time and her older sister #3 was at grandma and grandpa's and came as soon as they could. She was the first sister to get to hold her baby sister. The look on #3's face when she saw Baby A is something I will never forget. The joy, the awe, the amazed look of pure bliss. There was no doubt that Baby A met her every hope and dream.
In July Grandpa and Grandma came from Illinois, they made it actually in June even celebrating Canada Day with us. Grandpa brought the kayak he had built and the men and Dd1 went and checked it out a few times making sure it floated and was fun. It was. Grandma took the girls to an open swim at the Y, on a walk to downtown, bought fudge twice! and just all around spent a good time with the girls even teaching each of them how to cook a certain recipe. Yummy chicken is on our Meal Plan now and Cinnamon Roll Cake is a favorite treat!
August passed all too quickly with warm weather and lots of time at home. With one car and a baby who may or may not be asleep between the hours of midnight and 2 and back awake around 4 or 6 I wasn't able to get the girls to the beach as often as I had hoped. That and the weather was HOT this summer!
Now, here we are at the end of Labor day and the last long weekend of the summer. We enjoyed it thoroughly starting with a yard sale on Saturday, a campfire Saturday night at friends til way past bedtime, and waffles for lunch today then time at the beach with more friends this evening. Tonight we started back with our routines for school. This means earlier bedtime, earlier wake time and jobs to be done before the computer or electronics are available. But while the school children are heading back to the classroom tomorrow we are heading to the beach! We will start school next Tuesday.
This year I will be teaching an 8th grader, a 5/6th grader, and a 3rd grader as well as teaching childcare 101 by way of Baby A and family living. Ha ha. I'm looking forward to a wonderful year and am thankful to be having this year at home thanks to Canada's maternity and parental leave. I'm hoping to make it our best year yet!
One year ago this month we were getting into a great routine with our schooling and it felt good! Things quickly changed in October when we realized that God had given us an unexpected but much welcome gift. We were expecting our 4th baby. As I have with all pregnancies I quickly started to experience some of the not so fun pregnancy symptoms. My memory of last fall is spotty.
In November and December the younger two girls turned 7 and then 10. There was no snow so the 10 year old did a birthday sleepover and movie with her best friend instead of the snow tubing we were hoping for. We never did get to go snow tubing, there never was enough snow! Tim and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary in December with a trip to Niagara Falls. We enjoyed the time away and I enjoyed shopping in the States.
In January of this year, 2012 I was so thankful to be sure that those nasty symptoms were gone for sure!! In February we found out that our baby would make princess #4 for our family. It was such fun seeing her wiggle and squirm on the screen. We had the best experience at that ultrasound with the technician taking time to show our girls about the baby and explain different things they were seeing. I am so glad to have a cd with pictures and short video clips of the baby!
In March our oldest turned 13!! I can't even describe to you how fast the 13 years have gone. Unbelievable. She is a lovely young woman inside and out. Her sweetness and giving spirit encourage me. God is working in her and it is such fun to see.
In April it became clear that I needed to stop working and come home. My body didn't like standing on concrete for 3 hours or more at a time. The Dr. said it was time to come home. It was about 6 weeks earlier than I had planned. My goal being to come off work 2 weeks before my due date. As soon as I stopped working the complications eased. That is a good thing!
May passed in a blur of school work, swimming lessons, and end of year things. We were all ready for summer! And of course, the baby.
June arrived and with it warmer weather and getting ready for the baby to arrive. Home projects became priority. Tim painted our youngest's room blue at her request in preparation for sharing it with baby. We cleaned and decluttered and worked on projects like planting flowers in the flower beds, which the girls did for me! Tim also made a smaller garden with tomatoes, onions, and cucumber. The girls and he kept it weeded for me.
The weeks passed and we were anticipating her arrival at any time since two of the girls came 10 days early. The week before her due date the Homeschool moms surprised me with a baby shower! What a sweet surprise and such fun! With a gorgeous, delicious cake, yummy cookies, Epicure (another favorite thing!), and even two lasagna's for our freezer. The best lasagna my girls have ever had they said. In lieu of clothes or toys they gifted us with money towards the tall man friendly stroller we had picked out. Perfect!
Baby A decided she might like to come exactly on her due date but then she changed her mind and decided she'd rather wait. So the next day, after being on pitocin for 8 hours, Princess #4 arrived safe and sound. Her 2 oldest sisters were at Canada's Wonderland having a great time and her older sister #3 was at grandma and grandpa's and came as soon as they could. She was the first sister to get to hold her baby sister. The look on #3's face when she saw Baby A is something I will never forget. The joy, the awe, the amazed look of pure bliss. There was no doubt that Baby A met her every hope and dream.
In July Grandpa and Grandma came from Illinois, they made it actually in June even celebrating Canada Day with us. Grandpa brought the kayak he had built and the men and Dd1 went and checked it out a few times making sure it floated and was fun. It was. Grandma took the girls to an open swim at the Y, on a walk to downtown, bought fudge twice! and just all around spent a good time with the girls even teaching each of them how to cook a certain recipe. Yummy chicken is on our Meal Plan now and Cinnamon Roll Cake is a favorite treat!
August passed all too quickly with warm weather and lots of time at home. With one car and a baby who may or may not be asleep between the hours of midnight and 2 and back awake around 4 or 6 I wasn't able to get the girls to the beach as often as I had hoped. That and the weather was HOT this summer!
Now, here we are at the end of Labor day and the last long weekend of the summer. We enjoyed it thoroughly starting with a yard sale on Saturday, a campfire Saturday night at friends til way past bedtime, and waffles for lunch today then time at the beach with more friends this evening. Tonight we started back with our routines for school. This means earlier bedtime, earlier wake time and jobs to be done before the computer or electronics are available. But while the school children are heading back to the classroom tomorrow we are heading to the beach! We will start school next Tuesday.
This year I will be teaching an 8th grader, a 5/6th grader, and a 3rd grader as well as teaching childcare 101 by way of Baby A and family living. Ha ha. I'm looking forward to a wonderful year and am thankful to be having this year at home thanks to Canada's maternity and parental leave. I'm hoping to make it our best year yet!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Why I Don't Need Roses For Valentines Day
Everywhere you look about now there are ads screaming out to buy. Buy Roses! Buy Chocolate! Buy Clothes! Buy Negligee! Buy Jewelry! Buy Her Love!! If you know me at all you know I adore roses and chocolate makes me smile. Sparkling diamonds are so pretty and I happen to really like pretty clothes and negligee. I don't have a single thing against any of those and most days, most days I'd be delighted to be given a gift of these.
It's taken a long time and I admit to tears and tantrums even in years gone by. I bought it. I bought the lie. Valentines day. If he loved me he would. . . . .THAT lie.
So tonight, the eve before Valentines day I want to talk about why I don't need roses. I don't want roses, to be honest. Why I don't need a box of chocolate or diamonds or even a fancy dinner although eating out is always nice. It doesn't have everything to do with commercialization and the way businesses jack the cost of these goodies up specifically for this holiday. It has to do with love. Real, true, lasting, til death do us part, kind of love.
This afternoon he kept the girls quiet while I took a nap. He took care of me putting his own desire for a nap aside. That's love. I returned the favor later in the day. While I napped he made lunch. This afternoon he strapped on X-country skiis and for two hours took two of our daughters into the woods in the sunlight of a gorgeous winter day. He crept through the woods with them instead of speedily leaving them behind and enjoying his own faster pace. That's love.
At 3:30 this morning when the dog whined, he took her outside in the winter weather and let me stay in our warm bed. He did it again at 4:30. Then at 5:30 he went with a friend to help make breakfast for a local ministry. That's love.
It's not just his love for me or for our children that melt me. It's his love for others. The way he answers the questions his mom asks so patiently. The way he will help someone if he knows they need it and he is able, that's love. It's the way he chooses daily to think of others and to set aside his own desires to put others first. Often that other is me.
The above are just examples for today. I would bore you if I continued listing even a weeks worth of things he does that quietly say, "I love you." But just a few more before I end!
It's the way he wraps his arms around me in the kitchen and grins a silly grin at me and says, "I love you", after I've done or said something goofy. The way he puts his hand on my growing belly waiting to feel our newest little one wiggle, whispers it too. It's grilled cheese at midnight and breakfast sandwiches in the morning. It's driving me to work to grab five minutes of "just us" time there and back. It's cleaning up the kitchen before he heads to work so I wake up to less mess.
He tells me everyday with his words and his actions. He loves me. He treasures me. He thinks I'm funny. He thinks I'm beautiful. I don't need gifts given because a calendar hits a certain day and media, movies, etc. say it's time for him to prove his love. Roses, chocolate, diamonds, lingerie they are all wonderful and if you are given them, I hope they make you smile!
Tomorrow I'm going to be chauffeured to my next prenatal appointment. He will join us skating and our girls will be delighted. We will spend the day with our kids and being together is all the gift I need.
Happy Valentines Day, may all your days be filled with love!!
It's taken a long time and I admit to tears and tantrums even in years gone by. I bought it. I bought the lie. Valentines day. If he loved me he would. . . . .THAT lie.
So tonight, the eve before Valentines day I want to talk about why I don't need roses. I don't want roses, to be honest. Why I don't need a box of chocolate or diamonds or even a fancy dinner although eating out is always nice. It doesn't have everything to do with commercialization and the way businesses jack the cost of these goodies up specifically for this holiday. It has to do with love. Real, true, lasting, til death do us part, kind of love.
This afternoon he kept the girls quiet while I took a nap. He took care of me putting his own desire for a nap aside. That's love. I returned the favor later in the day. While I napped he made lunch. This afternoon he strapped on X-country skiis and for two hours took two of our daughters into the woods in the sunlight of a gorgeous winter day. He crept through the woods with them instead of speedily leaving them behind and enjoying his own faster pace. That's love.
At 3:30 this morning when the dog whined, he took her outside in the winter weather and let me stay in our warm bed. He did it again at 4:30. Then at 5:30 he went with a friend to help make breakfast for a local ministry. That's love.
It's not just his love for me or for our children that melt me. It's his love for others. The way he answers the questions his mom asks so patiently. The way he will help someone if he knows they need it and he is able, that's love. It's the way he chooses daily to think of others and to set aside his own desires to put others first. Often that other is me.
The above are just examples for today. I would bore you if I continued listing even a weeks worth of things he does that quietly say, "I love you." But just a few more before I end!
It's the way he wraps his arms around me in the kitchen and grins a silly grin at me and says, "I love you", after I've done or said something goofy. The way he puts his hand on my growing belly waiting to feel our newest little one wiggle, whispers it too. It's grilled cheese at midnight and breakfast sandwiches in the morning. It's driving me to work to grab five minutes of "just us" time there and back. It's cleaning up the kitchen before he heads to work so I wake up to less mess.
He tells me everyday with his words and his actions. He loves me. He treasures me. He thinks I'm funny. He thinks I'm beautiful. I don't need gifts given because a calendar hits a certain day and media, movies, etc. say it's time for him to prove his love. Roses, chocolate, diamonds, lingerie they are all wonderful and if you are given them, I hope they make you smile!
Tomorrow I'm going to be chauffeured to my next prenatal appointment. He will join us skating and our girls will be delighted. We will spend the day with our kids and being together is all the gift I need.
Happy Valentines Day, may all your days be filled with love!!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Sunshine Through The Rain
Today completes week 3 of our 2011/2012 homeschool year. It has been THE most hectic week so far and I quipped earlier this week it felt like we were running through Molasses in January. Everything took more effort and we saw fewer results for our work it seemed.
Today is a rainy day and it's a good day for reflection. Largely because I am tired and don't have the energy to get up and do anything that needs doing like vacuum the floor, start the apple pie, put laundry away, or even yet to activate the children to do the above chores. I'm sipping hot chocolate, filled with sugar and I'll pay for that later, feeling warm and content.
There have been so many activities and so much running around that the week feels like a blur. I'd have to refer to my calendar to remember what all we did. Every once in a while having a week packed like this week is a good thing because it helps me remember how much I loathe being this busy and remind me that while I'd like to be super mom, I'm not. I'm Sara. I'm the one who needs margin in the day to stay cheerful and margin in the week to refresh so I don't burn out.
Everything we did this week was GOOD. Some of it was very good and we enjoyed it. The girls and I are loving baking for the soup kitchen and are looking forward to sticking around next week to take the treats around. The people who are blessed by the soup kitchen have expressed an interest in getting to know us and we are looking forward to time to do the same. I've already booked Wednesday of next week as a non book school day. What kind of education do children gain from baking for people, serving them and then visiting with those same people? The kind you don't get in a classroom setting or even in a home if you just stay there!
The weather forecast was iffy for this week. In fact it called for rain but we decided it was still a good week for a food drive. God used this opportunity to show the girls a very vivid answer to prayer. The meteorologists called for rain. God held it back. Today when we picked up he held it back to the very minute we delivered the last of the food. WOW!! Awesome God! The girls broke into song singing that very one on our way to the food bank and haven't stopped talking all day about how cool it is that God held back the rain.
Swimming lessons are going well. They are fish. Hee hee. My oldest is so excited to be working towards her life guard license. It won't happen until she is 16 but she is loving the classes now. I can't imagine going to a two hour class for swimming but she is thriving with it. She can't wait to volunteer with swimming lessons. We do need to locate a swimsuit for dd2. I'm searching online for that.
This week was supposed to be a shorter week for me work wise but life happened and I worked an extra shift. I'm glad I was available to help out. I'm also glad today is a day off! The second one in a row although yesterday sure didn't feel like a day off!
OH! Our Science Co-Op! It went really well. The younger kids just played this time and the highlight of the day wasn't science but was the nerf gun fight after class. Kids! LOL The Science discussion with the kids was good and the experiment was interesting. I am looking forward to this group setting for learning and can't wait to see where God takes this.
That's about all for now. It's raining again, but there was sunshine when we needed it and I'm thankful for it!
Today is a rainy day and it's a good day for reflection. Largely because I am tired and don't have the energy to get up and do anything that needs doing like vacuum the floor, start the apple pie, put laundry away, or even yet to activate the children to do the above chores. I'm sipping hot chocolate, filled with sugar and I'll pay for that later, feeling warm and content.
There have been so many activities and so much running around that the week feels like a blur. I'd have to refer to my calendar to remember what all we did. Every once in a while having a week packed like this week is a good thing because it helps me remember how much I loathe being this busy and remind me that while I'd like to be super mom, I'm not. I'm Sara. I'm the one who needs margin in the day to stay cheerful and margin in the week to refresh so I don't burn out.
Everything we did this week was GOOD. Some of it was very good and we enjoyed it. The girls and I are loving baking for the soup kitchen and are looking forward to sticking around next week to take the treats around. The people who are blessed by the soup kitchen have expressed an interest in getting to know us and we are looking forward to time to do the same. I've already booked Wednesday of next week as a non book school day. What kind of education do children gain from baking for people, serving them and then visiting with those same people? The kind you don't get in a classroom setting or even in a home if you just stay there!
The weather forecast was iffy for this week. In fact it called for rain but we decided it was still a good week for a food drive. God used this opportunity to show the girls a very vivid answer to prayer. The meteorologists called for rain. God held it back. Today when we picked up he held it back to the very minute we delivered the last of the food. WOW!! Awesome God! The girls broke into song singing that very one on our way to the food bank and haven't stopped talking all day about how cool it is that God held back the rain.
Swimming lessons are going well. They are fish. Hee hee. My oldest is so excited to be working towards her life guard license. It won't happen until she is 16 but she is loving the classes now. I can't imagine going to a two hour class for swimming but she is thriving with it. She can't wait to volunteer with swimming lessons. We do need to locate a swimsuit for dd2. I'm searching online for that.
This week was supposed to be a shorter week for me work wise but life happened and I worked an extra shift. I'm glad I was available to help out. I'm also glad today is a day off! The second one in a row although yesterday sure didn't feel like a day off!
OH! Our Science Co-Op! It went really well. The younger kids just played this time and the highlight of the day wasn't science but was the nerf gun fight after class. Kids! LOL The Science discussion with the kids was good and the experiment was interesting. I am looking forward to this group setting for learning and can't wait to see where God takes this.
That's about all for now. It's raining again, but there was sunshine when we needed it and I'm thankful for it!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Long Time No Blog
Hey, it's been awhile. How are you? Things are quickly getting into routine around our house. But as soon as a routine is established you know what happens. Something comes up to mess it up. Just to see if I can relax and go with the flow.
We started school last week. A bit late for what I like but life happens and this year that's what worked. We eased into it and I have to admit it was the best start we've ever had! Monday we had a girls day shopping in the city and eating lunch out. This was at my girls request, that's new. Tuesday we began school work and started the day with singing, prayer and Bible reading. We are working on memorizing Psalm 1. Wednesday was a regular day. Thursday was pretty normal too. Somewhere in there we baked banana bread. YUM! And Friday was a field trip.
The field trip was fantastic! There were people in costume and in character who do this all summer long and they were amazing. So much fun to see tents, watch them bake and cook, practice drills, fire canons and even fire muskets. The girls loved making candles by dipping the wicks into pots of melted wax. They also loved the homemade caramel and the sweet corn dipped in butter. YUM! Spending the day with friends made it just perfect.
This week started smoothly and then today we hit a few glitches. Things keep going wrong. But we're pushing through and we'll make it. I'm not sure what I will do about the computer discs that aren't working. Perhaps Tim can fix them. We do need Spanish and Typing in their schedules! Dd2 forgot to put the water on to boil so lunch is late. I'm having no success finding the Sonlight resources I want to use for their reading this year. Just little things that are adding up but so far everyone is dealing with them and keeping a good attitude.
The biggest success so far, and it's early days, is the adding of one chore to their morning routine. Their day begins like this: wake up, get breakfast, get dressed and put your jammies away. Go brush your teeth and hair. Make your bed. Do your job. The oldests job is to wash any pots in the sink from the night before (she hasn't figured out yet if she does it the night before there aren't any the next morning.) and to start a load of laundry. Considering she now owns about 1/3 of our laundry I think that's fair. The middle one is responsible for the upstairs bathroom. That includes the floor, the sink, the counter, the toilet on the outside (I use the chemicals on the inside for now.) and the mirrors. The littlest one is responsible for feeding and watering the dog and making sure the entryway is tidy.
Last night the little one scolded her daddy for nearly putting his coat on the railing instead of hanging it up. It's amazing the ownsership they have taken with these jobs. Suddenly it matters that shoes aren't returned to their room, or dishes aren't in the dishwasher or clothes are on the bathroom floor. SUCCESS!! The very best part besides them learning to care for a home is that it has lightened my load significantly. Considering last year one of my biggest struggles and frustrations was the state of our home and my exhaustion in trying to keep it clean this is a major bonus!
I should tell you it's not spotless. It's cluttered with books in every room. Yes. Every room. There is still too much stuff and in some rooms it is over flowing. But, the floors are getting swept and mopped. Things are getting put away and my kitchen isn't a disaster. I do hope to keep this up and then to slowly add more chores in after school work is done to also work together in keeping our home a nice place to be. Tomorrow we have people coming and that is usually an excellent motivator for cleaning.
My goal for this year in homeschooling is to focus on character. There are some specific character issues with each child and I am choosing to find opportunities to develop positive character traits. I can say the same of myself. Discipline, diligence, a positive attitude, and a sense of gratitude for what we have are all on the list. One of the ways we will be working on this is to serve more. Our first opportunity starts tomorrow! We will be baking treats to take to a local soup kitchen. Once a month or so we will stay to help serve. I am so excited about doing this I keep talking about it. I'm not very good at doing things in secret. Hopefully that doesn't come across as pride. Hmm, I will have to ponder that.
Our second opportunity I have some work to do first. I want our family to get involved with the seniors who are residence bound. I'd like us to adopt a few that we will visit on a regular basis and develop a relationship with in order to serve them and bring them joy. That one is going to take more effort, thought and care than the former. Baking is easy! Building relationships is worth while but more challenging in the long run.
I think that's a long enough post for now. I've missed blogging and have started different entries many times over the past few weeks but haven't taken the time to sit down and write. Perhaps I'll make that part of my weekly diligence challenge. Have a great week!
We started school last week. A bit late for what I like but life happens and this year that's what worked. We eased into it and I have to admit it was the best start we've ever had! Monday we had a girls day shopping in the city and eating lunch out. This was at my girls request, that's new. Tuesday we began school work and started the day with singing, prayer and Bible reading. We are working on memorizing Psalm 1. Wednesday was a regular day. Thursday was pretty normal too. Somewhere in there we baked banana bread. YUM! And Friday was a field trip.
The field trip was fantastic! There were people in costume and in character who do this all summer long and they were amazing. So much fun to see tents, watch them bake and cook, practice drills, fire canons and even fire muskets. The girls loved making candles by dipping the wicks into pots of melted wax. They also loved the homemade caramel and the sweet corn dipped in butter. YUM! Spending the day with friends made it just perfect.
This week started smoothly and then today we hit a few glitches. Things keep going wrong. But we're pushing through and we'll make it. I'm not sure what I will do about the computer discs that aren't working. Perhaps Tim can fix them. We do need Spanish and Typing in their schedules! Dd2 forgot to put the water on to boil so lunch is late. I'm having no success finding the Sonlight resources I want to use for their reading this year. Just little things that are adding up but so far everyone is dealing with them and keeping a good attitude.
The biggest success so far, and it's early days, is the adding of one chore to their morning routine. Their day begins like this: wake up, get breakfast, get dressed and put your jammies away. Go brush your teeth and hair. Make your bed. Do your job. The oldests job is to wash any pots in the sink from the night before (she hasn't figured out yet if she does it the night before there aren't any the next morning.) and to start a load of laundry. Considering she now owns about 1/3 of our laundry I think that's fair. The middle one is responsible for the upstairs bathroom. That includes the floor, the sink, the counter, the toilet on the outside (I use the chemicals on the inside for now.) and the mirrors. The littlest one is responsible for feeding and watering the dog and making sure the entryway is tidy.
Last night the little one scolded her daddy for nearly putting his coat on the railing instead of hanging it up. It's amazing the ownsership they have taken with these jobs. Suddenly it matters that shoes aren't returned to their room, or dishes aren't in the dishwasher or clothes are on the bathroom floor. SUCCESS!! The very best part besides them learning to care for a home is that it has lightened my load significantly. Considering last year one of my biggest struggles and frustrations was the state of our home and my exhaustion in trying to keep it clean this is a major bonus!
I should tell you it's not spotless. It's cluttered with books in every room. Yes. Every room. There is still too much stuff and in some rooms it is over flowing. But, the floors are getting swept and mopped. Things are getting put away and my kitchen isn't a disaster. I do hope to keep this up and then to slowly add more chores in after school work is done to also work together in keeping our home a nice place to be. Tomorrow we have people coming and that is usually an excellent motivator for cleaning.
My goal for this year in homeschooling is to focus on character. There are some specific character issues with each child and I am choosing to find opportunities to develop positive character traits. I can say the same of myself. Discipline, diligence, a positive attitude, and a sense of gratitude for what we have are all on the list. One of the ways we will be working on this is to serve more. Our first opportunity starts tomorrow! We will be baking treats to take to a local soup kitchen. Once a month or so we will stay to help serve. I am so excited about doing this I keep talking about it. I'm not very good at doing things in secret. Hopefully that doesn't come across as pride. Hmm, I will have to ponder that.
Our second opportunity I have some work to do first. I want our family to get involved with the seniors who are residence bound. I'd like us to adopt a few that we will visit on a regular basis and develop a relationship with in order to serve them and bring them joy. That one is going to take more effort, thought and care than the former. Baking is easy! Building relationships is worth while but more challenging in the long run.
I think that's a long enough post for now. I've missed blogging and have started different entries many times over the past few weeks but haven't taken the time to sit down and write. Perhaps I'll make that part of my weekly diligence challenge. Have a great week!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
See You Later!
I refuse to say, "Goodbye" to a friend like the one whose family officially left our town today. Memories play in my head like the best movie I've ever seen. Smiles, laughter, tears and even pain mingled together to become a friendship worth having, holding and working to keep. I admit that I am worried I will fail to keep in touch and will lose something precious. But that worries lasts just for a moment because then it dawns on me that even if I didn't speak to her for a year, due to my own lack of communication skills, I could walk up to her front door ring the door bell and know I would be welcomed inside. And I would feel the same about her ringing my door bell at any moment.
Because of where God has placed our family I have experienced friends who are closer than a brother, literally. I love my family and treasure them, don't misunderstand me. But I don't get to live life with my family nearby. I have been gifted with friends who have become family. Friends who have become my community and who I experience church with when we are together.
Today a chapter in my friends life ended, and mine with it, along with many many other people. But our story isn't done. Her story is continuing in another place and they will bless those people who don't even know they are coming! Here in my town new women have come into my life and I look forward to the relationships that will develop over this next year.
I'm tempted to list all I will miss, but I haven't cried yet today. I've come close a couple of times. I really don't want to cry. So I'm just going to let this post for now be my, "See you later!" and go find something to keep my mind and hands busy until it's time to go to sleep.
If you have a friend in your life that you treasure, TELL HER! If you've been too busy to get together, make it a priority. Pick up a card and write her a note. Pick up the phone and call. Send her an e-mail. Invite her for coffee. Have the family over for dinner. Treasure the time you have because despite it feeling like this is the way it is and will be forever life happens, things change and you never know when time is up until it's nearly time! It's worth it and you won't regret it. f
Because of where God has placed our family I have experienced friends who are closer than a brother, literally. I love my family and treasure them, don't misunderstand me. But I don't get to live life with my family nearby. I have been gifted with friends who have become family. Friends who have become my community and who I experience church with when we are together.
Today a chapter in my friends life ended, and mine with it, along with many many other people. But our story isn't done. Her story is continuing in another place and they will bless those people who don't even know they are coming! Here in my town new women have come into my life and I look forward to the relationships that will develop over this next year.
I'm tempted to list all I will miss, but I haven't cried yet today. I've come close a couple of times. I really don't want to cry. So I'm just going to let this post for now be my, "See you later!" and go find something to keep my mind and hands busy until it's time to go to sleep.
If you have a friend in your life that you treasure, TELL HER! If you've been too busy to get together, make it a priority. Pick up a card and write her a note. Pick up the phone and call. Send her an e-mail. Invite her for coffee. Have the family over for dinner. Treasure the time you have because despite it feeling like this is the way it is and will be forever life happens, things change and you never know when time is up until it's nearly time! It's worth it and you won't regret it. f
Monday, August 22, 2011
Shake my world.
A week ago today the doctor told me that what I'm dealing with isn't in my head, isn't uncommon and can be worked with, although not cured per say. My world shifted when I realized that my eating has to change not because I want to be thin and healthy but because what I'm eating is literally making me sick.
Over this past week I've fought with emotions ranging from frustration to hopelessness. I will not die because of this, it's not terminal like so many cancers or diseases. It's a minor thing really. Except when it's not. I've felt afraid to eat because now I know that it truly IS what is making me hurt. What can I eat without feeling pain? This is my new adventure.
It's a good thing I prefer water to any other beverage. But oh how I will miss coffee. Already the smell of it makes me long for a sip. I could have it. Like I said, it won't kill me. But if I don't have it I will feel better. What a horrid choice. On top of that I need to give up chocolate. Chocolate. Did you read that?
CHOCOLATE!
I confess I am still trying to adjust to that reality and I'm not sure I can do that permanently. I've often said if I were allergic to chocolate I'd be a lot thinner. Well, I'm not allergic but when the choice is feel sick or feel well it is certainly a little different than before when I knew I should choose not to eat it but the consequences seemed minor.
This weekend we celebrated my husband's parents 50th wedding anniversary. They hosted a pig roast. There were delicious salads, cookies, and cake. It was a lovely party. I didn't eat any of the treats I brought and even stayed away from my potato salad. The night before I had two bites and was paying for it on Saturday. Two bites! I guess God is trying to wake me up to the fact that this is real and it's time now for me to deal with it.
Last night we came home from dinner and playing games at some new friend's home. Tim checked the messages and our world shook again. Our good friend's brother had died that afternoon unexpectedly. He was in his mid forties and has two children close in age to ours. Much too young to be gone.
We held each other a little tighter last night. Today I am even more mindful of how blessed I am with my husband and how fragile life really is. I am thankful Phil was a Christian and that he is not separated from his loved ones forever, but the pain for the ones left behind is staggering.
I pray that his wife and children will draw close to God through this and that He will comfort them. It has already sent me into the Bible to seek comfort and I am merely an acquaintance of the immediate family. Today I am mourning with them though and praying for their comfort as the reality of life without their husband, father, brother and son continues to shake their world.
Over this past week I've fought with emotions ranging from frustration to hopelessness. I will not die because of this, it's not terminal like so many cancers or diseases. It's a minor thing really. Except when it's not. I've felt afraid to eat because now I know that it truly IS what is making me hurt. What can I eat without feeling pain? This is my new adventure.
It's a good thing I prefer water to any other beverage. But oh how I will miss coffee. Already the smell of it makes me long for a sip. I could have it. Like I said, it won't kill me. But if I don't have it I will feel better. What a horrid choice. On top of that I need to give up chocolate. Chocolate. Did you read that?
CHOCOLATE!
I confess I am still trying to adjust to that reality and I'm not sure I can do that permanently. I've often said if I were allergic to chocolate I'd be a lot thinner. Well, I'm not allergic but when the choice is feel sick or feel well it is certainly a little different than before when I knew I should choose not to eat it but the consequences seemed minor.
This weekend we celebrated my husband's parents 50th wedding anniversary. They hosted a pig roast. There were delicious salads, cookies, and cake. It was a lovely party. I didn't eat any of the treats I brought and even stayed away from my potato salad. The night before I had two bites and was paying for it on Saturday. Two bites! I guess God is trying to wake me up to the fact that this is real and it's time now for me to deal with it.
Last night we came home from dinner and playing games at some new friend's home. Tim checked the messages and our world shook again. Our good friend's brother had died that afternoon unexpectedly. He was in his mid forties and has two children close in age to ours. Much too young to be gone.
We held each other a little tighter last night. Today I am even more mindful of how blessed I am with my husband and how fragile life really is. I am thankful Phil was a Christian and that he is not separated from his loved ones forever, but the pain for the ones left behind is staggering.
I pray that his wife and children will draw close to God through this and that He will comfort them. It has already sent me into the Bible to seek comfort and I am merely an acquaintance of the immediate family. Today I am mourning with them though and praying for their comfort as the reality of life without their husband, father, brother and son continues to shake their world.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
I'm Melting!
Considering my mood the last couple of weeks that title is appropriate in several ways. Thankfully the nasty seems to be mostly gone. It made Tim laugh to hear that I had actually been trying quite hard to not be cranky! Lucky for him he was laughing post cranky mood.
The heat this week is reminding me of summers in Illinois. Hot, humid, and sticky to the point of walking outside and feeling wet. Even inside the house with the A/C on the humidity is getting to me. My hands are swollen, my hair is a bit more wavy. The garden earth is cracking even having been watered thoroughly and having had rain two nights ago. My peppers are doing just fine. LOL
The girls and I have an adventure coming up and this week is full of preparation for that adventure. Two weddings and a city trip. A flight to Arizona for my oldest. It will be the first plane ride she remembers. She flew quite a bit as a baby and toddler but she doesn't remember.
Our dog is grossing me out at the moment. She is dry heaving. GROSS!! Which reminds me I do have to leave the house to go to the Vet's office for more meds for her and to return the cone of shame.
My mind is a bit scattered so forgive the ramble along the bunny trails, please. There is much to do before the adventure begins! Not to mention house cleaning, mom stuff and life in general.
The heat this week is reminding me of summers in Illinois. Hot, humid, and sticky to the point of walking outside and feeling wet. Even inside the house with the A/C on the humidity is getting to me. My hands are swollen, my hair is a bit more wavy. The garden earth is cracking even having been watered thoroughly and having had rain two nights ago. My peppers are doing just fine. LOL
The girls and I have an adventure coming up and this week is full of preparation for that adventure. Two weddings and a city trip. A flight to Arizona for my oldest. It will be the first plane ride she remembers. She flew quite a bit as a baby and toddler but she doesn't remember.
Our dog is grossing me out at the moment. She is dry heaving. GROSS!! Which reminds me I do have to leave the house to go to the Vet's office for more meds for her and to return the cone of shame.
My mind is a bit scattered so forgive the ramble along the bunny trails, please. There is much to do before the adventure begins! Not to mention house cleaning, mom stuff and life in general.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Is There Something I Should Be Doing?
It is nearly 11 a.m. on my third day of having the house to myself. I have this nagging sense that there is something I should be doing. Considering my former post that has me kinda chuckling. I know there is not. Not really. I have the music on just a bit too loud. I've cleaned the fridge, started on the girls room, and even ate breakfast. I don't have to do anything today I don't want to do. Not one thing!
Yesterday I worked incredibly hard for the morning hours going full out until noon. I accomplished so much and am quite pleased with how things are shaping up around here. Maybe my sense today is more that the time is slipping away. Newsboys are singing Jesus Freak to me right now and perhaps that has triggered the old Time Is Slipping Away lyrics in my head (DC Talk). It's kinda odd to hear Michael's voice and yet not Toby and Kevin's singing Jesus Freak. Ah, now we're on to Rachmaninoff. That'll change the mood a bit. I do love having my music on and no competition from the girls for theirs. They don't tolerate some of mine very well.
One of my goals for today is to work on my youngest girls room. I'm feeling slightly rebellious at the moment because I just cleaned it top to bottom at the beginning of June and as it is only mid July I am disgruntled to find it nearly back to it's original state of disaster. GRRR!! So instead of working hard on it today and being the Cleaning Fairy I am going to hold out and have my youngest, the MESSY ONE work on it after camp this afternoon. She will whine, complain, moan, and likely even go limp while bursting into tears at the utter unfairness of her life.
I might do it right back at her!!
Living in a tourist area has some pretty annoying things about it but one completely wonderful thing is our lovely downtown area. We have some really neat shops, botiques and places to eat. Ciboulette Et Cie is one of my top choices when I'd like a treat that is delicious and also just wonderful for being local, creative, and different. My mouth is watering just thinking of their offerings. I believe I may take a stroll downtown this afternoon. I could go for Chickpea Salad sandwhich for lunch. YUM!!
This afternoon I'd like to organize my homeschool supplies a bit and put away the Sonlight books from last year to make room for the Sonlight 7 books for this year. My oldest is beginning Grade 7! The thought takes my breath away. Seventh grade! She is lovely. Her heart, her kindness, her desire to please and help and honor God reflects true beauty. Her smile melts me. I catch glimpses now and then of the woman she will be and look forward to her.
Sometimes it takes going away to realize what you have. This week of the year when the girls are all occupied other places instead of home with me gives me that gift. I appreciate the quiet. I adore the tidy staying tidy. I miss their voices. I miss their hugs. I miss them. That is a good thing. There is nothing I should be doing today but there is much I am doing. Namely being thankful.
What are you thankful for today?
Yesterday I worked incredibly hard for the morning hours going full out until noon. I accomplished so much and am quite pleased with how things are shaping up around here. Maybe my sense today is more that the time is slipping away. Newsboys are singing Jesus Freak to me right now and perhaps that has triggered the old Time Is Slipping Away lyrics in my head (DC Talk). It's kinda odd to hear Michael's voice and yet not Toby and Kevin's singing Jesus Freak. Ah, now we're on to Rachmaninoff. That'll change the mood a bit. I do love having my music on and no competition from the girls for theirs. They don't tolerate some of mine very well.
One of my goals for today is to work on my youngest girls room. I'm feeling slightly rebellious at the moment because I just cleaned it top to bottom at the beginning of June and as it is only mid July I am disgruntled to find it nearly back to it's original state of disaster. GRRR!! So instead of working hard on it today and being the Cleaning Fairy I am going to hold out and have my youngest, the MESSY ONE work on it after camp this afternoon. She will whine, complain, moan, and likely even go limp while bursting into tears at the utter unfairness of her life.
I might do it right back at her!!
Living in a tourist area has some pretty annoying things about it but one completely wonderful thing is our lovely downtown area. We have some really neat shops, botiques and places to eat. Ciboulette Et Cie is one of my top choices when I'd like a treat that is delicious and also just wonderful for being local, creative, and different. My mouth is watering just thinking of their offerings. I believe I may take a stroll downtown this afternoon. I could go for Chickpea Salad sandwhich for lunch. YUM!!
This afternoon I'd like to organize my homeschool supplies a bit and put away the Sonlight books from last year to make room for the Sonlight 7 books for this year. My oldest is beginning Grade 7! The thought takes my breath away. Seventh grade! She is lovely. Her heart, her kindness, her desire to please and help and honor God reflects true beauty. Her smile melts me. I catch glimpses now and then of the woman she will be and look forward to her.
Sometimes it takes going away to realize what you have. This week of the year when the girls are all occupied other places instead of home with me gives me that gift. I appreciate the quiet. I adore the tidy staying tidy. I miss their voices. I miss their hugs. I miss them. That is a good thing. There is nothing I should be doing today but there is much I am doing. Namely being thankful.
What are you thankful for today?
Monday, July 11, 2011
The Woman I Want To Be
The thought of who I want to be, the kind of person I want to be, the type of mom, wife, friend, Christian has been on my mind a lot lately. For years I have considered the type of wife, mom, friend, Christian I should be. There is a difference.
Considering who I should be comes from guilt, or less vile sounding from a sense of responsability, and sometimes just as harsh, a sense of expectation. Shoulds are hard to live up to and when failure to meet up to should comes it leaves a bitter taste and a long memory. Shoulds oppress and force by fear of failure, resignation and emptiness.
Today I am taking time purposely to think about who I want to be.
I want to be organized and to live in a tidy home. Even typing that made me smile. Being a sentimental, things bring back memories, book addict woman means I gather clutter almost as fast as I give it away. Living in a home with four others who are themselves clutter getters, some senitimental over things (of course not the same ones I am which means theirs are silly ha ha) means organization and tidiness are on the edge of what we live in.
I want to have an open heart and open home where friends new and old love to gather and know they are welcome. I want to think of others before myself and without envy. To be content with where we are, what we have, and how we are doing without comparing to anyone else to judge exactly how good I have it.
When my girls are grown and gone it would please me for them to look back and think they had a fantastic childhood in a warm and loving home. That they not only thrived but enjoyed our homeschooling adventures. There is so much I long to give them and offer them and it is a struggle to not let the frustration, disappointment and even anger at our inability to do so overtake me.
When people think of me I'd like for them to see someone who is different in a good way. Someone who is happy, thankful, peaceful and different. I'd like to tame my tongue. To be strong enough to hold back the sarcasm, the negative, the biting words that bring a laugh at someone else's expense. I'd like to build people up and never participate in tearing them down. I'd like to be the one others know they can trust.
I started this morning reading Ephesians 3, 4 and 5. I planned to read 4 when I sat in my chair but found myself flipping back to 3 to start and then continuing on to 5. How then shall we live? seems to be the question Paul is answering. I'm going to continue reading those chapters this week and think about them. There are too many verses to quote all the ones that caught my attention but I want to share the one that originally did a week ago.
Ephesians 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. *emphasis mine* Wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, woman of God. This is the calling I have received. Homeschooling our children this is the calling I have received. Am I living a life worthy of such?
Considering who I should be comes from guilt, or less vile sounding from a sense of responsability, and sometimes just as harsh, a sense of expectation. Shoulds are hard to live up to and when failure to meet up to should comes it leaves a bitter taste and a long memory. Shoulds oppress and force by fear of failure, resignation and emptiness.
Today I am taking time purposely to think about who I want to be.
I want to be organized and to live in a tidy home. Even typing that made me smile. Being a sentimental, things bring back memories, book addict woman means I gather clutter almost as fast as I give it away. Living in a home with four others who are themselves clutter getters, some senitimental over things (of course not the same ones I am which means theirs are silly ha ha) means organization and tidiness are on the edge of what we live in.
I want to have an open heart and open home where friends new and old love to gather and know they are welcome. I want to think of others before myself and without envy. To be content with where we are, what we have, and how we are doing without comparing to anyone else to judge exactly how good I have it.
When my girls are grown and gone it would please me for them to look back and think they had a fantastic childhood in a warm and loving home. That they not only thrived but enjoyed our homeschooling adventures. There is so much I long to give them and offer them and it is a struggle to not let the frustration, disappointment and even anger at our inability to do so overtake me.
When people think of me I'd like for them to see someone who is different in a good way. Someone who is happy, thankful, peaceful and different. I'd like to tame my tongue. To be strong enough to hold back the sarcasm, the negative, the biting words that bring a laugh at someone else's expense. I'd like to build people up and never participate in tearing them down. I'd like to be the one others know they can trust.
I started this morning reading Ephesians 3, 4 and 5. I planned to read 4 when I sat in my chair but found myself flipping back to 3 to start and then continuing on to 5. How then shall we live? seems to be the question Paul is answering. I'm going to continue reading those chapters this week and think about them. There are too many verses to quote all the ones that caught my attention but I want to share the one that originally did a week ago.
Ephesians 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. *emphasis mine* Wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, woman of God. This is the calling I have received. Homeschooling our children this is the calling I have received. Am I living a life worthy of such?
Sunday, July 3, 2011
That went fast!
It's been a month without blogging. A month without just hopping on the computer whenever I wanted for whatever I wanted. A month without wii games, or ds's, without hours in front of a screen forgetting why I got online in the first place, lol.
A good month. A month full of girls playing outside, reading books, playing imagination games together and drawing pictures. We didn't do nearly all we intended to do, it may take all summer for that!
We did go to the beach, go fishing, take the dog for a walk multiple times and the little one played soccer every Tuesday night. I journaled but forgot to remind the girls to do it and I'm disappointed in forgetting. Which reminds me I want them to do some tomorrow afternoon.
Overall the girls and even Tim and I agree it was a good month. The middle one says that she really liked it. I'm hoping it will result in more time away from screens for the rest of the summer too. The oldest was frustrated by how quickly she ran out of books. We never did get to her sewing projects and now we have a deadline to complete the swimsuit dresses looming! ACK!
All in all it was a successful month and I would highly recommend it to anyone who thought about trying it. Sometimes we even talked to each other! Crazy, hey? Seriously, I think that we all appreciated each other more for the lack of electronics and my goal now will be to keep them paired down to the occasional instead of the typical activity of choice. Bring on summer!
A good month. A month full of girls playing outside, reading books, playing imagination games together and drawing pictures. We didn't do nearly all we intended to do, it may take all summer for that!
We did go to the beach, go fishing, take the dog for a walk multiple times and the little one played soccer every Tuesday night. I journaled but forgot to remind the girls to do it and I'm disappointed in forgetting. Which reminds me I want them to do some tomorrow afternoon.
Overall the girls and even Tim and I agree it was a good month. The middle one says that she really liked it. I'm hoping it will result in more time away from screens for the rest of the summer too. The oldest was frustrated by how quickly she ran out of books. We never did get to her sewing projects and now we have a deadline to complete the swimsuit dresses looming! ACK!
All in all it was a successful month and I would highly recommend it to anyone who thought about trying it. Sometimes we even talked to each other! Crazy, hey? Seriously, I think that we all appreciated each other more for the lack of electronics and my goal now will be to keep them paired down to the occasional instead of the typical activity of choice. Bring on summer!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
One More Before I Go
Today felt like getting ready for company or something fun and it's really just getting ready to go unplugged! I worked hard today even cleaning up and then wondered WHY I was doing that? Crazy.
The girls are in bed and I forgot to confiscated DS's. I will have to do that in the morning. Before I go to bed I will be unplugging the Wii, tv, dvd player etc. downstairs. I have cancelled Netflix, no point in paying for something we won't use for a full month! I put the girls Time4Learning on hold until Aug. We'll come home from my cousins wedding and I will be happy to have something to assign them while I try to sort out the craziness we come home with.
I have a small update on the citizenship front. My girls are natural born citizens because I am an American citizen and because I lived in the US for 5 years, two of them after I was 14. WHEW! Just made that. ;) Nah, I had it by a couple of years. Now the fun stuff starts though. I need to document where I lived when and show it to the officials at the Consulate on June 13th. Please, if you think of us, pray for us for things to go smoothly. I'm working at it as best I can and I can tell you the perfectionist in me is having a complete and utter hissy fit over the lack of detailed information as well as access to information. I want to call someone and confirm that what I've got is good enough BEFORE Tim takes a day off work, we drive to Toronto and spend hours doing this.
Today I let go a bit. I just did it. I booked the appointments. Even that was messy and I'm not sure I did it right. Please, God, let them be nice. Tim said, "They are supposed to be there to help you." OH, PLEASE let that be their mentality too when we get there! The list of what you can't bring in is a lot more clear than the lists of what you must bring in. I guess that's not totally true, they say you can use W2's, paystubs (which I just threw out last fall!), Medical Records, or school transcripts to prove residency. That's what I have to have to match up with the dates of when I was where I say I was.
Not such a big deal. If you stayed in one city, lived in one house. But from the time I was 12-17 we moved many times. Many, many, many times. I am hopeful that by producing my Jr. and Sr. high transcript, and possibly a copy of medical records they will say, "Man, you moved a lot, but you did obviously live in the States." Think they'll mind if I haul in 5 years worth Yearbooks? ;)
Here's another bump in my road. Canada post may go on strike this week. That sure will make waiting for the transcripts FUN! I have a backup plan though! I plan to call the school I graduated from and speak to the wonderful secretary one more time, if the transcript doesn't arrive before the strike happens. And, I'm hopeful that perhaps the medical transcripts could be sent via Purolator or UPS or something. We'll deal with that when the time comes. I have 13 days to get them in hand.
There have been no decisions made about Tim going back to school, or moving to the States. We have continued to think and research. I've been praying. But the biggest thing we've been doing is simply getting this step of the girls paperwork completed. I will renew my US passport at the same time. Although, Tim did send a text today saying with the 90degree weather here he's not so sure Arizona is a great idea. . . . .what about Alaska!? HA!! No way, dude!!
Well, it's time for me to go make some corn tortillas so I can get our supper ready tomorrow before we head to the beach. I hope you have an excellent June!
The girls are in bed and I forgot to confiscated DS's. I will have to do that in the morning. Before I go to bed I will be unplugging the Wii, tv, dvd player etc. downstairs. I have cancelled Netflix, no point in paying for something we won't use for a full month! I put the girls Time4Learning on hold until Aug. We'll come home from my cousins wedding and I will be happy to have something to assign them while I try to sort out the craziness we come home with.
I have a small update on the citizenship front. My girls are natural born citizens because I am an American citizen and because I lived in the US for 5 years, two of them after I was 14. WHEW! Just made that. ;) Nah, I had it by a couple of years. Now the fun stuff starts though. I need to document where I lived when and show it to the officials at the Consulate on June 13th. Please, if you think of us, pray for us for things to go smoothly. I'm working at it as best I can and I can tell you the perfectionist in me is having a complete and utter hissy fit over the lack of detailed information as well as access to information. I want to call someone and confirm that what I've got is good enough BEFORE Tim takes a day off work, we drive to Toronto and spend hours doing this.
Today I let go a bit. I just did it. I booked the appointments. Even that was messy and I'm not sure I did it right. Please, God, let them be nice. Tim said, "They are supposed to be there to help you." OH, PLEASE let that be their mentality too when we get there! The list of what you can't bring in is a lot more clear than the lists of what you must bring in. I guess that's not totally true, they say you can use W2's, paystubs (which I just threw out last fall!), Medical Records, or school transcripts to prove residency. That's what I have to have to match up with the dates of when I was where I say I was.
Not such a big deal. If you stayed in one city, lived in one house. But from the time I was 12-17 we moved many times. Many, many, many times. I am hopeful that by producing my Jr. and Sr. high transcript, and possibly a copy of medical records they will say, "Man, you moved a lot, but you did obviously live in the States." Think they'll mind if I haul in 5 years worth Yearbooks? ;)
Here's another bump in my road. Canada post may go on strike this week. That sure will make waiting for the transcripts FUN! I have a backup plan though! I plan to call the school I graduated from and speak to the wonderful secretary one more time, if the transcript doesn't arrive before the strike happens. And, I'm hopeful that perhaps the medical transcripts could be sent via Purolator or UPS or something. We'll deal with that when the time comes. I have 13 days to get them in hand.
There have been no decisions made about Tim going back to school, or moving to the States. We have continued to think and research. I've been praying. But the biggest thing we've been doing is simply getting this step of the girls paperwork completed. I will renew my US passport at the same time. Although, Tim did send a text today saying with the 90degree weather here he's not so sure Arizona is a great idea. . . . .what about Alaska!? HA!! No way, dude!!
Well, it's time for me to go make some corn tortillas so I can get our supper ready tomorrow before we head to the beach. I hope you have an excellent June!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Unplugged in two days!
On June 1st our family will be going Unplugged for the month. The exception will be that I will do bills, work etc. online, and check e-mail at least once a day. Since that is a main mode of communication and I can access it on my phone quickly without getting pulled in to spending way more time than I meant to while doing so, as I often do on the computer.
Unplugged, can you imagine it? I'm so curious to find out how our month goes. We have plans! On Wednesday we are going to the beach, barring any rain. And if it does rain, we'll go bowling. Free Bowling For Kids is something I signed up for earlier in May and our first coupons arrived yesterday! Tim is looking forward to it too.
Some things on our list of what to do while we're not watching movies, playing computer games, playing ds's, playing Wii are:
*Go to the beach OFTEN
*Read books
*Listen to books read aloud
*Go bowling
*Garden
*Paint pictures
*Sew American Girl Clothes
* Bake
*Take food to people
*Possibly do another food drive
*Go to the Wye Marsh
*Go Fishing
*Write stories
*Clean (ya, the girls aren't excited about that one!)
*Possibly do a garage sale/lemonade stand
*Go for walks
*Ride bikes
*Play board games
*Go to Blackcreek Pioneer Village
*Possibly camp out in the backyard
*Collect bottles along snowmobile trails
*Bike along the paved biking trails and see how far we go
How many days are in June? We might need a few more unplugged. We'll see! The girls and I will also still be doing their school work. I'd like to work with them on creating a lapbook. Something I've been meaning to do and haven't for a couple of years.
There is yardwork begging to be completed. Perhaps with the lack of computer time, some of it will be! The yard is already looking much improved with just a week worth of work going into it! Then there's the things in the house like too many clothes and *gasp* books. Books are hard to part with, but I think we have some that can be given to others to love.
This Unplugged idea isn't just for the girls. In fact, secretly, it's probably more for me. I am the one who all too often wastes entire days sitting behind a screen and wondering why nothing is done. Funny how dishes, laundry, and cleaning don't do themselves!! I can easily replace an internet time filler with other things, often books. So I will also be working to not simply spend my time reading candy books, you know the ones that are a fun fast read but don't really do anything for your mind or spirit? I have a pile a foot high on my bookshelf of GOOD books waiting to be read and at least a shelf worth of on the shelf waiting too. Then there is the box of curriculum just purchased on Sat. that could use a good overview by me. It's hard to discuss a book I haven't read. Perhaps Dd1 and I will tackle Core 7 together starting in June. Why not?
The opportunities are wide open and I look forward to discovering them. While I won't be blogging, I am going to go get a new notebook, I love new notebooks!, and journal through the month. In July I hope to share some of the good days and maybe even some of what I learn. This may be my last post until then. So, in case I don't get back here tomorrow, enjoy the month of June!
Unplugged, can you imagine it? I'm so curious to find out how our month goes. We have plans! On Wednesday we are going to the beach, barring any rain. And if it does rain, we'll go bowling. Free Bowling For Kids is something I signed up for earlier in May and our first coupons arrived yesterday! Tim is looking forward to it too.
Some things on our list of what to do while we're not watching movies, playing computer games, playing ds's, playing Wii are:
*Go to the beach OFTEN
*Read books
*Listen to books read aloud
*Go bowling
*Garden
*Paint pictures
*Sew American Girl Clothes
* Bake
*Take food to people
*Possibly do another food drive
*Go to the Wye Marsh
*Go Fishing
*Write stories
*Clean (ya, the girls aren't excited about that one!)
*Possibly do a garage sale/lemonade stand
*Go for walks
*Ride bikes
*Play board games
*Go to Blackcreek Pioneer Village
*Possibly camp out in the backyard
*Collect bottles along snowmobile trails
*Bike along the paved biking trails and see how far we go
How many days are in June? We might need a few more unplugged. We'll see! The girls and I will also still be doing their school work. I'd like to work with them on creating a lapbook. Something I've been meaning to do and haven't for a couple of years.
There is yardwork begging to be completed. Perhaps with the lack of computer time, some of it will be! The yard is already looking much improved with just a week worth of work going into it! Then there's the things in the house like too many clothes and *gasp* books. Books are hard to part with, but I think we have some that can be given to others to love.
This Unplugged idea isn't just for the girls. In fact, secretly, it's probably more for me. I am the one who all too often wastes entire days sitting behind a screen and wondering why nothing is done. Funny how dishes, laundry, and cleaning don't do themselves!! I can easily replace an internet time filler with other things, often books. So I will also be working to not simply spend my time reading candy books, you know the ones that are a fun fast read but don't really do anything for your mind or spirit? I have a pile a foot high on my bookshelf of GOOD books waiting to be read and at least a shelf worth of on the shelf waiting too. Then there is the box of curriculum just purchased on Sat. that could use a good overview by me. It's hard to discuss a book I haven't read. Perhaps Dd1 and I will tackle Core 7 together starting in June. Why not?
The opportunities are wide open and I look forward to discovering them. While I won't be blogging, I am going to go get a new notebook, I love new notebooks!, and journal through the month. In July I hope to share some of the good days and maybe even some of what I learn. This may be my last post until then. So, in case I don't get back here tomorrow, enjoy the month of June!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Simply Amazing
Today was fabulously wonderful. I enjoyed it. Every single minute of it. Waking up to hearing happy sounds in the kitchen felt great. I snitched a piece of bacon before heading out the door to the final convention of the year for me. I know, I was spoiled this year getting to attend three! Today's is the one with the used books sale.
USED BOOK SALE of HOMESCHOOL BOOKS! Oh, the bliss! The curriculum. The novels. The joy of discovering just what you were hoping for and finding it's a price that fits the budget and makes you laugh. Sheer pleasure! Last year I was a seller. This year I was a buyer. I enjoy both, but I think I gained more pleasure buying, it was delightful. If I could do both I can't imagine. Bliss.
Moments after stepping into the church where the conference was held I noticed the free tables were especially large this year. Someone had generously donated, was giving, large amounts of paper. Teachers, and homeschoolers go giddy over some of the silliest things. A new box of crayons, notebooks, cracking open a new book, finding an old favorite, and paper all make my list! I restrained myself and took 5 blank notebooks, the small journal sized for the girls or maybe visitors to use. Then walked over to the free books table. I happened there just as a woman was unloading a box. She handed out TWO books I'd been looking over and had resisted purchasing. Then she handed me a couple more she recommended including a critical thinking program and music flash cards. :) I Love Homeschool moms. Shoot, I love any mom who gives me good books!
I browsed the vendor hall and was so disappointed to see that there was no game sales person there. I must contact them and tell them I'm sorry they were not. I had fully intended to purchase a game today!
It was lovely visiting with friends. Seeing some I haven't for quite a while. Others I've just seen recently but it always makes my day to see them. I'm blessed with excellent women as friends. In fact I was enjoying my time so much I nearly forgot to line up for the used book sale!! ACK!
I jumped into line and not a moment too soon. Within minutes the line had doubled. The anticipation and laughter went hand in hand as we waited to enter the room. It made me laugh that a teen was standing in the hall asking us to "SHHH!" because there was still a session in session. There's a reverse for ya!
Walking through the used book sale I immediately began to find items on my list. Teaching Textbooks Algebra! Write Shop, Streams of Civilization, A Child's History of the World, some Trixie Belden books, some age 6 level mystery stories, and Apologia Botany for a couple of years down the road. Then, ladies and gentlemen, I found the box that made me stand and nearly chew my nails off. I thought hard because it wasn't a small amount, but a fabulous price on what was in the box. Sonlight Core 7 (not sure what they're calling it this year, I forget, they changed the labeling but it's the same stuff!). It is nearly new, complete, and oh people, it made me smile. :) I could not have purchased the books individually, even used, at what she sold it to me for. I didn't even try to negotiate price, it was so good. :)
At the very last minute as I ran back to purchase one last thing, the women at that table started offering me things free. Have I mentioned I love good books and people that give them? They packed a box and I now have in my resources I didn't even know existed about homeschool in high school!
Ya know what's super cool about that? I have been thinking about and wanting to start a homeschool library. To have resources and samples of curriculum that people can borrow and try. My local library has very very little by way of homeschool things. The one in the next city has more. But still, not quite what I want to do. The library is part A. a used curriculum and books store is part B. But we'll take it as God gives it. Well, one of those ladies came over to me after and handed me a not inexpensive curriculum on spelling, Phonic Zoo. She said she thought the library was a great idea and this was my first donation to it. WOW! :) After she left, I nearly cried and I definitely got goosebumps!
Now I have some more thinking and figuring out to do. Some more gathering of doubles of resources, although I already loan out mine to those I trust. I'd need doubles of ones I love so I don't feel upset if one is ruined or not returned. If you've ever done a lending library sort of thing, I'd love to hear how you did it!
That's all. Just had to share how cool it was today! :)
USED BOOK SALE of HOMESCHOOL BOOKS! Oh, the bliss! The curriculum. The novels. The joy of discovering just what you were hoping for and finding it's a price that fits the budget and makes you laugh. Sheer pleasure! Last year I was a seller. This year I was a buyer. I enjoy both, but I think I gained more pleasure buying, it was delightful. If I could do both I can't imagine. Bliss.
Moments after stepping into the church where the conference was held I noticed the free tables were especially large this year. Someone had generously donated, was giving, large amounts of paper. Teachers, and homeschoolers go giddy over some of the silliest things. A new box of crayons, notebooks, cracking open a new book, finding an old favorite, and paper all make my list! I restrained myself and took 5 blank notebooks, the small journal sized for the girls or maybe visitors to use. Then walked over to the free books table. I happened there just as a woman was unloading a box. She handed out TWO books I'd been looking over and had resisted purchasing. Then she handed me a couple more she recommended including a critical thinking program and music flash cards. :) I Love Homeschool moms. Shoot, I love any mom who gives me good books!
I browsed the vendor hall and was so disappointed to see that there was no game sales person there. I must contact them and tell them I'm sorry they were not. I had fully intended to purchase a game today!
It was lovely visiting with friends. Seeing some I haven't for quite a while. Others I've just seen recently but it always makes my day to see them. I'm blessed with excellent women as friends. In fact I was enjoying my time so much I nearly forgot to line up for the used book sale!! ACK!
I jumped into line and not a moment too soon. Within minutes the line had doubled. The anticipation and laughter went hand in hand as we waited to enter the room. It made me laugh that a teen was standing in the hall asking us to "SHHH!" because there was still a session in session. There's a reverse for ya!
Walking through the used book sale I immediately began to find items on my list. Teaching Textbooks Algebra! Write Shop, Streams of Civilization, A Child's History of the World, some Trixie Belden books, some age 6 level mystery stories, and Apologia Botany for a couple of years down the road. Then, ladies and gentlemen, I found the box that made me stand and nearly chew my nails off. I thought hard because it wasn't a small amount, but a fabulous price on what was in the box. Sonlight Core 7 (not sure what they're calling it this year, I forget, they changed the labeling but it's the same stuff!). It is nearly new, complete, and oh people, it made me smile. :) I could not have purchased the books individually, even used, at what she sold it to me for. I didn't even try to negotiate price, it was so good. :)
At the very last minute as I ran back to purchase one last thing, the women at that table started offering me things free. Have I mentioned I love good books and people that give them? They packed a box and I now have in my resources I didn't even know existed about homeschool in high school!
Ya know what's super cool about that? I have been thinking about and wanting to start a homeschool library. To have resources and samples of curriculum that people can borrow and try. My local library has very very little by way of homeschool things. The one in the next city has more. But still, not quite what I want to do. The library is part A. a used curriculum and books store is part B. But we'll take it as God gives it. Well, one of those ladies came over to me after and handed me a not inexpensive curriculum on spelling, Phonic Zoo. She said she thought the library was a great idea and this was my first donation to it. WOW! :) After she left, I nearly cried and I definitely got goosebumps!
Now I have some more thinking and figuring out to do. Some more gathering of doubles of resources, although I already loan out mine to those I trust. I'd need doubles of ones I love so I don't feel upset if one is ruined or not returned. If you've ever done a lending library sort of thing, I'd love to hear how you did it!
That's all. Just had to share how cool it was today! :)
Friday, May 27, 2011
A Gentle Whisper Roars Sometimes
"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." James 4:17
There are things I am grateful for and at the top of the list is God's Mercies which He promises are new every morning. Since I've used my share up by bedtime each day I am so thankful for that. My legalistic side hears James 4:17 and threatens to push me over the edge with how utterly I am failing at doing what is good that I know I ought to do. The more gentle side responds with the reminder of God's mercies, forgiveness and grace.
At any given moment there are multiple topics I am thinking about in my head. Lately it's been citizenship/immigration papers, school with the girls, next years school with the girls, what's going on with my body, head coverings, modesty for women and girls in the clothes we wear, finances, homeschool conventions, homeschool used store/library idea, and summer fun. Not all of them at the same time, they do play nice and take turns rotating through making my head spin.
Twice today I've had small whispers, God's voice speaking. You'll be happy to know it's in my head. Does that make it better or worse? I may have to contemplate that, I'll take better because out of my head would terrify me!
As I was loading dishes into the dishwasher this morning, my friend Jenn came to mind. There's a discussion on going about modesty on a site I frequent. Jenn started it. Simply by wanting to be modest in a bathing suit, good luck, eh? Although a couple of neat options have been shown. The conversation has since moved to wearing skirts and head coverings. Jenn is lovely, and normal, and makes it look good. So I was having a conversation with myself about skirts and head coverings. I love wearing skirts. So I decided I would start looking for more for this summer to wear. I have 2 or 3 now. Goodwill shopping is in my future.
Then I thought about the head covering and something she said replayed in my head. When asked about why she does it she responded, "It's something I do to make God smile". My immediate reaction was, "I want to make him smile TOO!" And at that moment God whispered to me, "But I haven't asked you to cover your head. That's not what I want from you." That's all I had to hear and I knew exactly what He DOES want from me. That thought makes me cry. How can I not do it? Why? Is it so hard? No. It's not even something people would see or know about for the most part. It's simple, it's good, it's right. My choice thus far to most of the time not do it is sin.
At this moment my heart is broken. I know I will fail. It is my way. But my sin has been forgiven and God's mercies will cover me. I will start each day fresh and work to obey well, to do what is right well one day at a time. It's another new beginning and yet not so new as all that. Thank God for roaring whispers.
There are things I am grateful for and at the top of the list is God's Mercies which He promises are new every morning. Since I've used my share up by bedtime each day I am so thankful for that. My legalistic side hears James 4:17 and threatens to push me over the edge with how utterly I am failing at doing what is good that I know I ought to do. The more gentle side responds with the reminder of God's mercies, forgiveness and grace.
At any given moment there are multiple topics I am thinking about in my head. Lately it's been citizenship/immigration papers, school with the girls, next years school with the girls, what's going on with my body, head coverings, modesty for women and girls in the clothes we wear, finances, homeschool conventions, homeschool used store/library idea, and summer fun. Not all of them at the same time, they do play nice and take turns rotating through making my head spin.
Twice today I've had small whispers, God's voice speaking. You'll be happy to know it's in my head. Does that make it better or worse? I may have to contemplate that, I'll take better because out of my head would terrify me!
As I was loading dishes into the dishwasher this morning, my friend Jenn came to mind. There's a discussion on going about modesty on a site I frequent. Jenn started it. Simply by wanting to be modest in a bathing suit, good luck, eh? Although a couple of neat options have been shown. The conversation has since moved to wearing skirts and head coverings. Jenn is lovely, and normal, and makes it look good. So I was having a conversation with myself about skirts and head coverings. I love wearing skirts. So I decided I would start looking for more for this summer to wear. I have 2 or 3 now. Goodwill shopping is in my future.
Then I thought about the head covering and something she said replayed in my head. When asked about why she does it she responded, "It's something I do to make God smile". My immediate reaction was, "I want to make him smile TOO!" And at that moment God whispered to me, "But I haven't asked you to cover your head. That's not what I want from you." That's all I had to hear and I knew exactly what He DOES want from me. That thought makes me cry. How can I not do it? Why? Is it so hard? No. It's not even something people would see or know about for the most part. It's simple, it's good, it's right. My choice thus far to most of the time not do it is sin.
At this moment my heart is broken. I know I will fail. It is my way. But my sin has been forgiven and God's mercies will cover me. I will start each day fresh and work to obey well, to do what is right well one day at a time. It's another new beginning and yet not so new as all that. Thank God for roaring whispers.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Sunshine Miracle
Today a glimpse of things to come graced Central Ontario. Warm breezes, blue skies, and lots and lots of sunshine! It was supposed to rain. That little detail was taken care of by the maker of blue skies and sunny days. All week the forecast called for cool temperatures and rain. Yesterday it did rain. Yesterday. Do you know how perfect that is? Let me tell you.
Last week dd2 asked to do a food drive this week. I sent out the e-mail and mom's replied, YES, this week would work. So we arranged to take flyers around on Wednesday and then pick up on Friday. It's Super Simple. Then Monday came and I looked ahead to the weather. Not good. Tuesday night I checked the forecast, still not good. But rain or shine we were going to take around the 300 flyers already printed.
Wednesday felt cool and a bit windy but the forecast said perhaps rain in the afternoon. Yet at 1:30 we gathered to start putting flyers in mailboxes and no rain. Not a drop. It went overcast and looked like it might but it didn't. Excellent! In fact it was warm and with the breeze felt just perfect.
Thursday, the forecast said and Friday and Saturday it would rain. All day, highly likely is what the spots I checked said. I can honestly say I didn't worry. We wouldn't melt. We could pick up the food donated if it rained on Friday. Thursday it rained and even the power went off for awhile! But it soon cleared away.
Friday dawned cold! But the promise of sun was in the blue skies. We dressed in layers and are so thankful we did! The sun came out, it didn't rain at all and today is one of those pre-true summer summer type days. On the long weekend no less!! (Here in Canada this weekend is Victoria Day weekend, also known as May 2-4 weekend.)
As the kids were unloading the food from the backs of the vans today a car pulled into the food bank driveway and the driver asked what was going on, was it a food drive? Yes, the homeschooled children had collected food donated by people in town and were bringing it in now. So the driver, who is also a reporter asked if she could take their picture. How cool! :) Maybe they'll be in the paper. Maybe not. Either way, it was fun!
Last week dd2 asked to do a food drive this week. I sent out the e-mail and mom's replied, YES, this week would work. So we arranged to take flyers around on Wednesday and then pick up on Friday. It's Super Simple. Then Monday came and I looked ahead to the weather. Not good. Tuesday night I checked the forecast, still not good. But rain or shine we were going to take around the 300 flyers already printed.
Wednesday felt cool and a bit windy but the forecast said perhaps rain in the afternoon. Yet at 1:30 we gathered to start putting flyers in mailboxes and no rain. Not a drop. It went overcast and looked like it might but it didn't. Excellent! In fact it was warm and with the breeze felt just perfect.
Thursday, the forecast said and Friday and Saturday it would rain. All day, highly likely is what the spots I checked said. I can honestly say I didn't worry. We wouldn't melt. We could pick up the food donated if it rained on Friday. Thursday it rained and even the power went off for awhile! But it soon cleared away.
Friday dawned cold! But the promise of sun was in the blue skies. We dressed in layers and are so thankful we did! The sun came out, it didn't rain at all and today is one of those pre-true summer summer type days. On the long weekend no less!! (Here in Canada this weekend is Victoria Day weekend, also known as May 2-4 weekend.)
As the kids were unloading the food from the backs of the vans today a car pulled into the food bank driveway and the driver asked what was going on, was it a food drive? Yes, the homeschooled children had collected food donated by people in town and were bringing it in now. So the driver, who is also a reporter asked if she could take their picture. How cool! :) Maybe they'll be in the paper. Maybe not. Either way, it was fun!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
My Secret (ok, not so secret) Weapon.
One of the major challenges of homeschooling is balancing who does what when and what the others are doing while someone needs my one on one attention. I have to admit, one on one attention is not my best subject. I have a tendency to get drowsy when read to out loud be even the most adorable child. And I also have a tendency to get cranky when I'm trying to work with one and another is hovering wanting me to check Math, or Handwriting, or just listen to something interesting they read, you know how it goes. Kinda like going into the bathroom, suddenly everyone needs to talk to you.
A couple of years ago I saw an advertisement for an online learning site, Time4learning.com This little mouse popped up and squeaked that he was Ed Mouse and it was time for learning, and FUN! I checked the site out, and decided to give it a try. The girls loved it! But the Canadian dollar crashed and we had to give it up. Well, this fall I decided that it just might be exactly what I needed to help me out when I needed something productive for the kids to be doing at one time or another through the day.
Time4learning is the school my youngest especially looks forward to doing. If your kids have enjoyed Starfall.com then you may just love Time4learning. You can choose to pay for it monthly or even with a yearly subscription. We do the monthly fee. I've had to remind my kids that while it's fun it's also part of their school and I do expect them to do it. My oldest thought perhaps it was optional. Mmmm, no.
I love how easy it is for the kids to use. They click the next icon and it opens to the spot where they left off. It's so simple for them to follow. I love how easy it is for mom to use. I open my parent's page and click on the child's name I want to see and I can browse their work for the day, week or month, did I mention it grades it!? Yep. Sweet. I can also click and print a report if I want. Nothing like seeing progress, or seeing the need for review, right?
Some people use Time4learning as a full curriculum. I am using it as a filler and a mom's sanity saver. We read aloud our afternoon school work and enjoy our books together. In the mornings the girls work on their Math, Handwriting and Time4learning. Some days the morning work is all we get to, and because of the content in Time4Learning that is just fine!
My youngest has worked her way through all the science available to her. She's doing 1st Grade work and begging me to adjust her to 2nd grade so she can work on the 3rd grade science!! It's easy for a parent to adjust up or down a level as needed for the subjects and I have taken advantage of that several times. While the youngest has flown through Science she's quite a bit more reluctant to finish the Language Arts, so no moving up to 2nd grade until she's done some more work in Language Arts first. My middle one is a December baby and it's handy to have her working on some 3rd grade work and some 4th grade and neat to see her progress as she makes connections and advances in her skills!
Maybe you have kids who are going to be home this summer and whining "there's nothing to do!" or maybe you would like to help them bridge from one grade to the next. I know sometimes brains seem to go to jelly through the summer. This is a great site and I'm so thankful we found it. If you think you'd like to try it, I'd love for you to give my e-mail as a referal, the people at Time4Learning will reward me at the end of your trial period! ($25! Sweet!) tsadams@sympatico.ca is the e-mail I've linked to our Time4learning experience. And you know my name. ;)
Check it out at time4learning.com
*** Time4Learning has given me the opportunity to review their program and share my experiences. Time4Learning is an online educational program that can be used as a homeschool curriculum or for afterschool enrichment. While I was compensated, the content in this review was not written by Time4Learning. The opinion is entirely my own. ***
A couple of years ago I saw an advertisement for an online learning site, Time4learning.com This little mouse popped up and squeaked that he was Ed Mouse and it was time for learning, and FUN! I checked the site out, and decided to give it a try. The girls loved it! But the Canadian dollar crashed and we had to give it up. Well, this fall I decided that it just might be exactly what I needed to help me out when I needed something productive for the kids to be doing at one time or another through the day.
Time4learning is the school my youngest especially looks forward to doing. If your kids have enjoyed Starfall.com then you may just love Time4learning. You can choose to pay for it monthly or even with a yearly subscription. We do the monthly fee. I've had to remind my kids that while it's fun it's also part of their school and I do expect them to do it. My oldest thought perhaps it was optional. Mmmm, no.
I love how easy it is for the kids to use. They click the next icon and it opens to the spot where they left off. It's so simple for them to follow. I love how easy it is for mom to use. I open my parent's page and click on the child's name I want to see and I can browse their work for the day, week or month, did I mention it grades it!? Yep. Sweet. I can also click and print a report if I want. Nothing like seeing progress, or seeing the need for review, right?
Some people use Time4learning as a full curriculum. I am using it as a filler and a mom's sanity saver. We read aloud our afternoon school work and enjoy our books together. In the mornings the girls work on their Math, Handwriting and Time4learning. Some days the morning work is all we get to, and because of the content in Time4Learning that is just fine!
My youngest has worked her way through all the science available to her. She's doing 1st Grade work and begging me to adjust her to 2nd grade so she can work on the 3rd grade science!! It's easy for a parent to adjust up or down a level as needed for the subjects and I have taken advantage of that several times. While the youngest has flown through Science she's quite a bit more reluctant to finish the Language Arts, so no moving up to 2nd grade until she's done some more work in Language Arts first. My middle one is a December baby and it's handy to have her working on some 3rd grade work and some 4th grade and neat to see her progress as she makes connections and advances in her skills!
Maybe you have kids who are going to be home this summer and whining "there's nothing to do!" or maybe you would like to help them bridge from one grade to the next. I know sometimes brains seem to go to jelly through the summer. This is a great site and I'm so thankful we found it. If you think you'd like to try it, I'd love for you to give my e-mail as a referal, the people at Time4Learning will reward me at the end of your trial period! ($25! Sweet!) tsadams@sympatico.ca is the e-mail I've linked to our Time4learning experience. And you know my name. ;)
Check it out at time4learning.com
*** Time4Learning has given me the opportunity to review their program and share my experiences. Time4Learning is an online educational program that can be used as a homeschool curriculum or for afterschool enrichment. While I was compensated, the content in this review was not written by Time4Learning. The opinion is entirely my own. ***
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)