Yelling

As most of you know, we moved almost 3 weeks ago.  Although the move was an answer to pray and a very real gift from God, moving is stressful.  I am still looking for things and working through routines in a new-to-us, bigger home.  Let me give you an taste of what yesterday was like at our house......

I got up late.  My husband is on vacation so I didn't wake up until I had to get my oldest son up for school.  Abby (18 months) woke up at the same time.  We wake Lee and then drag downstairs and start the coffee pot.....and the laundry.  Lee comes downstairs to tell me that he can't find his coat and has no idea when the last time he had it was.  (we just came back from a thanksgiving trip :( )  He needs a hoodie clean because it is very cold and he walks about 3 blocks to school now.  Both of his hoodies are in the laundry.....one in the washing machine.  He is frustrated that I didn't have his hoodie clean and I am irritated that he has lost his coat.  I sit back down with my cup of coffee, irritiated about the coat, the fact that I haven't had my quiet time yet, irritated that my hard-working husband is still asleep, irritated that I have a huge list of to-do's to do today........then Abby tries to pick up my coffee cup and spills it all over the end table and my phone (thankfully it wasn't hot and didn't burn her).  I yell at her.  Frustrated that I can't even drink my coffee in peace, I get Lee's hoodie into the dryer (and dry before he needs to leave for school - go me!) and then take inventory of the kitchen.  The older boys "cleaned" it last night after supper.  But they didn't wipe down the counters or table, put away the clean dishes, or even wash all the dirty ones.  In their defense, they've never cleaned a kitchen before so I should have been thankful that they were trying to help.  Instead I was irritated that I was having to do it when my morning was already going so badly.  Then Abby starts taking stuff out of cabinets (we haven't installed child locks yet) so I yell at her again and shove stuff back in there.  I am unhappily washing dishes a few minutes later when Abby toddles up behind me and bites me on the butt!  (((Abby has been biting a lot lately and we are dealing with it.  Yesterday was the 3rd time in 3 days that she has bitten me.  Bear is usually the recipient of her teeth marks.  She also got a hold of her dad yesterday afternoon.)))  My screaming woke my husband and both the other boys.  Poor Abby got a terrible butt-spanking.  I felt terrible and my day was only getting worse.

In fact, my day did get better.  I was able to complete all my to-do's, have a quick fast food lunch down the street with my family.  The house was clean when the nice man came to install the internet and was still clean when our photographer came to do our family holiday photos.  I even had time to finish knitting a hat for Abby.  What was I so worked up about?????

Yelling: The Cause, The Casuality, The Cure  has been sitting on my computer since before our move.  I knew that I needed to read it for The Gabby Moms review group.  Even as I was screaming yesterday, I said to myself, "you need to find time to read that book!".  So this morning I got up a tad bit early and gave myself some time to read (after quiet time, laundry starting and coffee drinking LOL).

That is exactly what I felt like yesterday!  I also find it interesting to note that over the weekend I have put myself in time-out several times.  I needed help!

Lorrie gave it to me.  From starting my day with God, finding my triggers, adequate care of myself and my children, Lorrie encourages me not to give up.  This is a battle that I can - and will - win!  God is with me!!!!!!

I am looking forward to a good day today.  With God's help and Lorrie's encouragement, at the end of the day I will be able to look back with a smile rather than guilt.  If you would also like to end your day guilt-free, be sure to check out www.eternalencouragement.com for this book (available for $12.97) and others to help you along your way to a peaceful home.  You can also see what other moms are saying about this topic and more at www.thegabbymoms.com

***I received this product free (boy did I need it!) in exchange for a fair and honest review as part of the  Gabby Moms review program.***

So Much to Say

Happy Thanksgiving!

As usual, we are celebrating in my husband's hometown of Metropolis, IL (also home to Superman!).  We got here yesterday and are currently being lazy in our hotel room.  Norman's mom is fixing Thanksgiving dinner this evening and I can't wait to hang out with family.  Tomorrow will be the Shinn Family annual reunion and Christmas celebration.  Norman's younger brother from Wisconsin will be there with his family this year and we can't wait to see them.  We have so much to be thankful for this year..............

God always provides!  Beyond our wildest dreams.  I am so thankful for a faithful God, that is always there even when I am trying to give up.....He wouldn't let me.  My God is an awesome God!

Almost 2 weeks ago we moved.  Our new home is beautiful!  The only drawback is that it is in town, along the highway, so we are having to adjust to noisy nights.  I'm sleeping well but poor Norman isn't.  As I said, our new home is beautiful.  It is an older Victorian.  Downstairs there are 2 covered porches, kitchen, laundry room, dining room, living room (with a fireplace!), sitting room (with a window seat!), library (with a window seat!), bathroom and attatched garage (which we are using for storage at this point).  The staircase is ornately carved.....just beautiful!  Upstairs there is another covered porch (or balcony), sunroom (can we say sewing room?????), storage room, 4 bedrooms and another bathroom. 

Our church family was such a blessing.  We moved some boxes on Wed/Thurs/Fri and then they all showed up early Saturday morning and just moved us......I think there was a small bus, 2 mini vans, Norman's small car, 6 trucks, 2 trailers and 15 people.  By 3 Saturday afternoon we were 75% unpacked and settled in for the night.  I started the day so overwhelmed and ended the day so thankful for great friends. 

So, things are going well.  I have some pictures but they aren't on the computer right now.  I promise to post them as soon as I can.  We don't have internet at the new house until the 29th, so after we get back home there will still be a few days on "internet silence".  LOL  I look forward to catching up with everyone soon. 

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Smurfs

What do you think?  As you can tell, we dressed as Smurfs for Halloween this year.  Lee was dressed as Gargamel.  I wanted to dress Sadie up as Azreal but nobody wanted to drag her along so we did without. 

The Gargamel outfit is a wizard robe and belt and then Lee is wearing a "bald cap".  His curly hair sticking out around the ears worked out perfectly.  Papa Smurf is wearing red sweatpants and a blue long-sleeved t-shirt.  For all the hats we took felt and cut out 2 triangles, curved the top "point" and then stuffed it appropriately, running a seam in the middle of the hat to keep the stuffing where it was supposed to be and help the hat to flop forward properly.  For Papa Smurf's beard we cut 3 layers of quilt batting in the proper shape and then sewed it to a piece of elastic which we safety pinned to the hat at the ears and then around in the back.  Greg and Bear (lazy and handy Smurf respectively) are wearing white pants (Greg's are sweats, Bear's are long-johns over sweats) and long sleeved blue t-shirts. 

Abby's dress is beautiful.  I think she will wear it to church on Sunday.  I actually put a zipper in something for once.  I used a bottom-weight twill for both dresses.  It works splendidly for Abby's dress but my dress kept sticking to my legs.  So it was bothersome, but in actuality the dress is shorter than I would have chosen because I needed to show off my blue legs.  I got the tights at I Love Colors, a webstore that sells tights in 56 colors (from infant to plus size).  These are great tights.  Nice quality and the colors are true to the pictures.  I was very pleased.  We are also wearing long-sleeved t-shirts.  Norman insisted that I make shoe covers in the appropriate colors for those who weren't wearing appropriately colored shoes.  If Norman is going to do something, he goes all the way.  That is why we are wearing body paint.

I would have been perfectly happy being smurfs with flesh colored skin, but oh no!  Norman bought face paint, so we painted our faces and hands.  It wasn't bad putting it on and I didn't really mind it while it was on, but it took forever to get off (it DID wash out of the white dresses though - amazing!)  Abby thought we were all funny with blue faces until it was her turn to get painted and then she didn't like it so much.  She HATED me scrubbing it off the next morning (yes, she and Bear and Greg all slept in their face paint.  They were tired.  LOL).  I noticed today, almost a week later, that she still has a little spot of blue inside one of her ears. 

A lot of people didn't get that Lee was Gargamel but a few did and we got a lot of positive comments.  Lee is already plotting what we can all be for next year.  I call that a success!

Old Fashioned Sunday

I know many of you have been waiting for this post and I apologize that it has taken me a week to get it up.  Here are the completed dresses for Old Fashioned Sunday:

My dress has issues.  The bodice just wasn't quite big enough so I added in an extra triangular shaped panel.  In doing that it was big enough to slip over my head (hallelujah!) so I didn't have to put in a zipper, but then it gaped terribly so after I put it on I had Lee safety pin it in a little bit.  My hair and the shawl hide the extra so it really wasn't a big deal.  Would you believe the front of the bodice was to big?  LOL  Good grief! (I used a Simplicity pattern for my dress)

Abby's dress was adorable and I can't wait to make more.  She loved the dress and the bonnet.  You can't see her bloomers in these pictures but she has them on.  Other than having to hand sew in the sleeves I didn't mind doing this dress at all.  I still haven't put the front buttons on though.  LOL (I used a Folkwear pattern for Abby's dress, pinafore and both bonnets. I used a McCall's pj pattern for Abby's bloomers)

We had a wonderful time!  Lots of good food, good singing, good preaching and good game playing.  Everyone (but me, I'm not really a joiner, LOL) bobbed for apples, playing horseshoes, had a wood splitting contest and ended the day with a few games of volleyball.  I look forward to it again next year. 

Pumpkin Carving

My crafting talents stop at knitting and sewing.  I can't draw, my color combinations aren't always "compatible" and I don't have a very creative mind.  That does not lend itself well to carving pumpkins.  My poor children.  Anyway, some years we paint the pumpkins.  Some years we carve.  This year was a carving year. 

Lee wished me to focus my picture taking on the pumpkins not him.  He learned to keep his head down :)

Greg is ready to go!

Daddy shows Bear what the task is.  I figured this would be the end of the pumpkin carving for the little ones, but both of them took to it well. 

Daddy helped Bear carve his pumkin (they used a template).

I would like to note that I cleaned out Abby's pumpkin and drew the design on hers - freehand.  Nobody took a picture of that.  LOL

There's Abby working on hers.  She loved the pumpkin goo.....we were putting it in a bucket (the older boys) and a wheelbarrow (the rest of us) and she spent considerable time moving the goo from bucket to little wheelbarrow to big wheelbarrow and back again.  She was covered in pumpkin.

Good job boys!

Moving goo.....

Greg used a very difficult carving template.

Lee chose to draw his freehand.  He carved out all the pieces so that light would shine around them.  We took a picture like that then he popped them all out.  (see below)

A girl and her dog.  Time to rest after moving goo.  Sadie just wanted away from the goo and back in the house.  She isn't very brave.

The finished jack-o-lanterns.  From left to right (Bear, Abby, Greg and Lee)

Welcome Home, Daddy

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved to get mail.  Now, as an adult, it is mainly bills or mundane things but I still encourage my boys to go down to the mailbox and get the mail for me.  I love catalogs, letter and freebies that I request.  I was "extra blessed" last week to recieve this in the mail:

Welcome Home, Daddy by Lorrie Flem is my Gabby Moms review product for October.  Available at Eternal Encouragement for $17.97, this book is packed with ways to make your home special.  I thought that this quote from chapter 12 summed up the whole book fairly well:

Life without the hope of eternal life is like dinner with only food.  By focusing on the objective of eating, without any regard for the other things that make it so much better, we miss something wonderful. (Lorrie Flem)

Lorrie encourages women in so many different ways in this book......mealtime, child training, prayer life, family devotion, family celebrations, family ministry, hospitality, encouraging our husbands......she touches on EVERYTHING that a wife or mother deals with on a daily basis.  Going further than just "doing what we should", Lorrie wants us to do all the little things that make life special and make memories with our families.

I have highlighted in my copy many things that I am going to go back and ponder on and try to implement in my family.  Here are some of the things you will find:

Since we are each allotted the same amount of time, the differences are in how we spend it, what we choose to spend it on, and what we have to show for our time investment.  Even though God never gives us more than 24 hours in a day, we can certainly choose how we spend the hours He does give us.  (Lorrie Flem, chapter 4)

As the mother, we have the distinct honor and responsibility of setting the tone of our home. (Lorrie Flem, chapter 3)

No matter what you may be waiting on God for, it can seem like He takes a very long time.  We have to realize that if we have a spirit of resistance, we really can't wait properly.  We often don't understand that God is in the waiting.  He is waiting alongside us.  That is a wonderful, calming, and quieting principle in our lives.  (Lorrie Flem, chapter 9)

This is a wonderful book for new wives, older mothers and everyone in between.  If you want to see what others have said about it, be sure to check out The Gabby Moms website or www.eternalencouragement.com.

Also, would YOU like to be a Gabby Mom?  You can sign up for the 2012 group HERE

***I received this book free for a fair and honest review as part of the Gabby Moms review program. ***

Some Pictures

I've got tons of pictures on my phone that have been taken the last few days.  I have a weird phone.  It won't send the pictures straight to facebook for me.  Very frustrating!  Anyway, so I have to send them to my email, save them to the computer and then upload them to either here or facebook.  If I send them here I can journal along with it and then post this to facebook (in case some of you were wondering why the pictures weren't going straight to fb).

All that to get to the pictures.  LOL

This is Abby riding the "rocking horse" at the park in T-Town.  We were waiting for the games to start Saturday morning. 

These 2 pictures were taken on the trails at Ballard Nature Center.  We started off with the group (honest we did!) but then Bear and Abby ran ahead and rather than disrupt the group with 2 little ones my dear friend, Mary Lemay, and I just kept walking with the babies.  We let Bear choose which way to go when we would come to a fork in the road.  We went over a Troll Bride (paying the toll along the way) and then things went terribly wrong.  We had already been walking a considerable distance (for Abby a quarter mile is a considerable distance!) when Bear decides we will go down this Wetland Trail.  The sign says it is 1.4 miles.  I incorrectly assume that at some point we will find another fork in the road and we will meander our way back to the nature center.  I was wrong.  No more forks in the road.  We trudged along about halfway before the babies started to protest.  So Mary and I would carry them to the next curve or the next bench and then they would walk a bit more.  Suffice it to say that we were getting very tired, very quickly.  I sent Greg and Jeffrey (Mary's grandson) a text telling them to get the stroller and come meet us but I couldn't tell them really where we were.  So we continued on like that for what seemed like forever (but was really maybe an hour total walking time maybe an hour and a half).  Finally we reached a fork in the road and a sign.  I immediately sent the trail name to Greg and we continued walking.  By the time Greg and Jeffrey got the stroller and a map of the trails and found us we were almost back to the Nature Center.  I was never so happy to see a stroller in my life - there towards the end we were mainly just carrying babies and Abby had fallen asleep on my shoulder.  You can see how tired Bear and Abby were in that picture.  Poor little things probably though they would have to walk forever.  LOL

There's my babies!  Again at the park in T-Town before Saturday's soccer tournament.

About the tournament, we lost both games but played their hearts out.  We finished up the afternoon with lunch at McDonald's and a leisurely stroll through Walmart.  It was a wonderful day!

Goals for Oct. 23 through Oct. 29th

Spiritual
1. Read Matthew 25-Luke 4
2. Journal thoughts and prayers daily
3. Pray without ceasing!

Physical
1. Stretch 7 days

Housekeeping
1. Complete 90% of MM daily chores and most others

Homeschooling
1. Supervise Greg's work
2. School 3 days with Bear

Sewing/Knitting
1. Finish whatever ball of yarn I just started (I think #5) on L's Christmas gift
2. Make list of what else needs done before Christmas (not making the list isn't making the projects go away!)
3. Make Abby's Smurfette dress
4. Make my Smurfette dress
5. Make 1 red and 4 white smurf hats

Other
1. Send cards of encouragement to friends
2. Write review of Welcome Home Daddy by Lorrie Flem
I'm sure you'll notice that I took my weekly walking goal off the list for this week.  Soccer is over, therefore I won't be in town on any set schedule anymore.  I won't walk here and we haven't moved.  So I don't know when I will be able to walk.  I do have a walking video and may try to get in the habit of doing that.  Please pray that I will.  Also please pray about the house we are looking at.  My heart has been burdened greatly this week.  I hesitate to say that I want to be moved before Thanksgiving because I wanted to be moved before school was out last spring and before school started this summer, yet here we are.  Its in God's hands and it is His will!  Please pray that His will be done!

Have a great week!

The "Get Dressed" Challenge

Hello!  It is a brisk fall morning here in south-central IL.  The day is progressing along nicely.  I even had time to read some blogs and found one I have never been to before.  Sarah Mae also blogs at Raising Homemakers so I've read her stuff before but had missed this challenge.  I love it!  As nice as it is to snuggle in some sweats (or better yet, pjs!) it is so much better on our self-esteem and the image we portray if we get dressed in the morning.  Yes, I may never leave the house today but why can't I look nice for my family?  Dirty chores to do?  That's why we have aprons ladies!!!!! 

Anyway, for those of you who know me in real life, you know I wear a lot of dresses, skirts, jumpers.  Not necessarily for any religious reason (although I do believe, no matter what we are wearing, we should strive to look "female") but because I love to look like a girl.  Even on the days you find me in yoga or track pants or shorts there will be no doubt in your mind that I am a woman :)  Twirly skirts, delicate underthings, beautiful falling hair....those things make me smile.  Life is too short to not smile!

I have no doubt that I will not post daily or even weekly about this topic.  Just isn't going to happen.  So when I remember I will share what I've been wearing lately and maybe I will have some pictures.  Maybe.  Here is this week - no pictures:

Sunday - Black twill skirt, red long sleeved t-shirt, orange and red plaid zip front jacket - in the morning I had on black tights and black mary janes, in the afternoon I had on socks and tennis shoes (I'm practical)

Monday - I don't have any idea.  I went to town.  I know I had a dress on.  At least I wasn't naked.....I hope.  - As I read through this again before posting I think I remember what I had on.....a green leafy long sleeved shirt over a black jumper.  I think that was it.  Don't remember what shoes, maybe socks and the slip on brown clogs, that would make sense, kinda.

Tuesday - pink long sleeved t-shirt and rose print flannel jumper I made several years ago

Wednesday - I failed.....pink yoga pants and a sweatshirt with holes in it - I threw the sweatshirt away after I took it off

Thursday - repeat of Sunday (I loved that outfit) with the tights and mary janes

Friday - TODAY - denim skirt, black tights, house slippers, white tank top, pink sweater - I'll be wearing the mary janes when we leave in a few mins. 

I may wear this skirt again tomorrow or I may wear the black one.....I tend to get in a rut.  I may throw on a hoodie over it as we will be at soccer games outside all day.  Probably tennis shoes.  Sunday is old fashioned Sunday at our church and our dresses are done.  I promise, promise, promise pictures next week!

Have a wonderful day and weekend ladies! (and gents if any read!)

Goals for Oct. 16-22 and a Picture

Spiritual
1.  I don't have the list in front of my but I think that this week's reading is all in Matthew.
2.  Journal prayer requests and thoughts
3.  Pray without ceasing!

Physical
1.  Walk 4.8 miles
2.  Stretch 7 days

Homeschooling
1. Supervise Greg's work
2. Trip to Ballard Nature Center (I had to get that in there somewhere otherwise it wasn't going to happen!)

Homekeeping
1. Do 90% of MM daily chores and most of others

Sewing/Knitting
1. Finish Abby's dress/pinafore/bonnet
2. cut out/sew my dress and bonnet
3. knit ball 4 and 5 of L's Christmas gift

The MAIN goal this week is the sewing.  I am a terrible procrastinator  so I am having to work quickly.  Thankfully I have Abby's stuff done.  I got my dress cut out and the bodice doesn't fit right so I'm going to have to alter it tomorrow.  I hate that.  I haven't decided how to do the back closer as I don't want to deal with a zipper.  Anyway.......

Here is a picture of Abby in her dress.  In this picture the buttons for the top of the dress aren't on (they still aren't) and the hem isn't done on the pinafore (it is now)......she loves the dress!

Last Week in Pictures

These are the bloomers that I made for Abby last week.  The top pair are made out of muslin, the 2nd out of white cotton.  I was using a pj pants pattern and forgot that the kids patterns run big.  So the white pair are a size 2 and the muslin pair are a size 1.  I don't know why the picture of the muslin pair is fuzzy, I couldn't get it to take clear.

Watch out world!  She's driving :)  Only backwards for now.

Bear is sitting on top of Abby's car.  I don't know why.  I don't know why he does anything that he does.  I love him anyway.

Here is Abby after her first painting experience.  She painted herself and Bear painted her.  Abby also painted on me.

And Bear painted himself and the slide.  See the paper on the ground behind him?  They did not pain the paper.  I don't know why I bothered. The dog stayed in the house.  Sometimes she is a smart dog.

We are really enjoying the wonderful warm weather we have been having.  The weather man said on the radio yesterday that it will probably cool off this week.  I suppose it is time.  We really need to get some pumpkins.  Maybe this weekend I will remember to do that.  I also heard on the radio that "someone" - I never pay any attention to the who I usually just get the what - is predicting a cold, stormy winter this year.  Didn't we have a cold, stormy winter last year?  Hmmmm.  Not looking forward to that. 

Well, I guess that's all for now.  I hope that you enjoyed the pictures and have a wonderful week!

Goals for Oct. 9-15

Here are my goals for this week (late is better than never!):

Spiritual
1. Read Zephaniah 1 through Malachi 4
2. Journal my thoughts and prayer requests
3. Pray daily (without ceasing!!!!)

Homemaking
1. Complete 90% of daily MM chores and most other chores
2. Take inventory of winter necessities (socks, hates, gloves, scarves)

Homeschooling
1. Supervise Greg's work
2. Preschool with Bear 3 times this week
3. Nature study

Sewing/Knitting
1. Make my petticoat
2. Find material for a cut out my prairie style dress
3. If Abby's pattern comes in - cut out and begin sewing her prairie style dress
4. Finish ball 4 and 5 of yarn on L's Christmas gift
5. Make a dishcloth of 2 as a wedding gift for a friend

Other
1. Send cards of thanks and encouragement to friends

Fitness
1. walk 4.8 miles this week
2. stretch 7 days

I think that's it.  If I think of more I will add to it later.  Have a great week everyone!

Skeet Savage and Persimmon Cookies

I just finished taking persimmon cookies out of the oven.  So yummy!  Another fantastic thing to love about fall.

I had the pleasure, blessing of meeting Skeet Savage (and her wonderful daughter Sony) last night. 

When I started this homeschooling journey there were a few women that I really clung to and learned from......Lorrie Flem, Cindy Rushton, Teri Maxwell and Skeet Savage.  NOW, I've met 2 of them (Teri Maxwell being the other). 

Skeet spoke from the heart and really touched on some issues that I've been needing to deal with.  I think that God was speaking through her to me.  Very humbling.  I'm still working through her words and soaking up scripture.  I just might be getting ready for an adventure (Isn't it always an adventure when God works in your life???)

Anyway, I'm soaking up some sunshine and loving fall.  Dh did soccer duty today so other than a short trip to a nearby yard sale, I've been home cleaning, baking, praying and playing with the 2 little ones.  I hope for some time to knit tonight but I think we are getting ready to head back outside now. 

Have a wonderful day friends!

It seems like I have been chasing my tail all week.  On Sunday, I was relieved to see that the week didn't hold much in the way of outside activities but by Monday afternoon it sure did fill up!  And then my dear friend, Mary, lost her husband so we have been helping out where we can there and will finish the weekend with the funeral and such.

I feel like I haven't accomplished anything.  I did manage to sew Abby 2 pairs of bloomers (pictures later) and I did manage to do a little knitting.  I just finished ordering almost everything we will need to make our Halloween costumes this year.  I'm tired.  I look around and there is so much to do!  I don't even want to find the list I made or make another one because I know it will be so long.  Some days it is too much to ask that I get the housework stuff done let alone anything else.  At the longest we have about 3 months here so I am dreading the final packing and moving (but looking forward to getting the rest of our stuff out of the various storage locations we have commandeered for the last year).  Please pray that the home we desire will be available.  It is a heavy burden on our hearts right now.

I guess the pity party is over.  No more!  I've got much to be thankful for and there is too much to do for me to be sitting here whining.  LOL  I hope that all of you have a wonderful weekend!

Classes They Should Have Taught in High School

This is the 2nd part to a 2-part post about the uselessness of some information taught in school these days.  You can scroll down to see the other one.

Grocery Shopping 101
Otherwise known as, "how to keep your sanity while shopping at 5 p.m. on a Friday night with 4 hungry kids and the rest of the insane town of Effingham"......or better yet, how to plan so you don't have to. 

Producing Your Own Food
Not just gardening or raising livestock, but what to do with it afterwards.....canning, freezing, drying.  How to make your own convenience foods.  How to grow and preserve your own herbs.  Where the different cuts of meat come from and the best way to prepare them for eating.

Childcare
Even if you don't ever have children of your own, you will at sometime be exposed to them.  Learning how to deal with the little buggers for extended periods of time in stressful/enclosed situations is priceless information.  Paper airplane making, shadow puppets. obscure storytelling.
Also included in this class would be: how to type one handed because Abby is on your lap, again........how to convince Abby to speak - at this point I don't even care if it is English.........how to stop Bear from talking to complete strangers (they aren't strangers, mom, they are friends)........how to juggle the social demands of a teenager and preteen while occupying 2 preschoolers.......In fact, it might be more useful to just send 2 or 3 students each day to my house and they can get some hands-on experience.  Probably won't need that sex-ed class afterwards either.  LOL

Money Management
How to adapt to rising cost of healthcare, gas, food and number of children on a paycheck that gets taxed a little more every week.  Otherwise known as couponing, sales watching and resale shopping 101

Hazardous Driving 101
Techniques taught should include driving while ice is still on the window because you were to cold/lazy/late to scrape the windshield, driving while breaking up fist fights in the back seat, driving while digging cell phone out of bottomless diaper bag, driving while trying to hand sippy-cup to baby sitting behind you, driving home late on only 3 hours of sleep, driving while reading the owners manual to find out what that odd warning light is.........basically multitasking

Science/Health
Topics could include: what do different colors of snot mean, proper administration of cold/fever reducing medication to small children at 3 a.m., differentiation between rashes, spots and bruises........learn how to play "name that cough".  Classes should be taught during the same semester as Childcare classes because you can guarantee at some point to be waiting in an empty ER waiting room for 4 hours to be sent home with a screaming child and no medication or pain relief. 

Childless Adulthood 101
For those who are paying attention to the sex-ed classes and chose not to have children this class could give all those tips and pointers for how to avoid those who do.........childless eating establishments, proper shopping times, etc.  Also a course on giving unwanted advice.  Required for graduation: Childcare class.....lets face it, you can't avoid them so you might as well learn how to entertain them.  Their parents will be eternally grateful.

Time Management 101
Showers for 6 people in one bathroom in 15 mins, dealing with last minute notes from school, overdue library books, work assignments, coaching schedules, church obligations and more. 

Maybe its just me.  If they would have taught this stuff in high school then maybe I wouldn't have had to take so much on-the-job training.  I love my children dearly and wouldn't trade a minute of my life for anything else but it is chaos!  I hope that all of you have a wonderful day :)

You Will Need to Know This When You Grow Up

Remember when all the teachers told you that?  Let's see how I am using the information that they crammed into my poor brain all those years ago......

History
I am a history fanatic.  Was a college history major.  Still read history books, biographies and practically live on the history channel.......the only use I can see for all that information is Jeopardy :)  I am capable of coming up with the most obscure bits of history at the most wonderful times and awe my family at my brilliance (not really, they just roll their eyes!).

Math
Algebra:  I am so thankful that I learned that so that I could help my son with his.  If they hadn't taught it to me, then WHO would help him?????  (Why are they teaching it again?????)

Geometry:  Even worse, because I still can't do it.  Beyond knowing shapes and using basic design for quilts I have no idea what all those theorums were or what they mean.  Next year will be torture for both me and my son.

Basic/Life Math:  Balancing a checkbook, figuring stitches per inch, yardage per size, miles per gallon......that is useful information.  To bad I learned it all in 6th grade :(

Science
If you plant things in a sunny area and water them regularly they grow.  Basic health information is used regularly.  Please don't ask me latin names for anything, and I don't care to explain laws of gravity.  I think that they should have spent more time on growing things because I sometimes have a black thumb.  Herbal medicine would have been useful.  The science of cooking would have been practical. 

Foreign Languages
After 2 years of Spanish and a semester of French I still can't figure out what the Hispanic lady is screaming at her son on the soccer field.  I'm kinda glad I don't know what he is saying to my son.  I have a feeling it isn't appropriate for polite company.  If I would have paid attention to Mrs. Pickens then maybe I could evesdrop on the conversation of the Hispanic males at Walmart. 

English
All the proper English and good writing techniques I learned in 4 years of English class doesn't carry over well to texting and facebook.  I doubt that my blog readers care so much about subject/verb agreement or prepositional phrases.  And Abigail still isn't talking at all so English isn't helping her one little bit.

Driver's Ed
Everything I ever needed to know about driving I learned in a corn field.

P.E.
Yes, we play dodgeball almost daily.  (No, not really. In case you haven't figured it out I'm being sarcastic.  LOL)  I wish that they would have paid more attention to soccer rules.......it would help when I yell at the referres during the games if I actually knew the rules (I don't really yell, but maybe then I would understand all the penalty kicks).  And I wouldn't have to sit next to David Miller every home football game if someone would have explained all the rules about football.  But I like hanging out with David and Susan so that's ok.

Health
Sex ed.  I think eventually I would have figured that out on my own....just saying.

As long as tomorrow isn't a horrible-no-good-day I am going to post a list of classes I really wish that they would have had at high school.......you know, the actually useful stuff.

Last Week in Pictures

We spent some time at the playground Saturday after Greg's soccer game.  Lee is a referee for other games so we wait around for him to get done. 

Sadie doesn't really like to be on a leash.  BUT she is programmed to follow Abby around where ever she goes in case Abby drops food so she followed her around on the leash.  Abby was pretty proud of herself.  At the time they were helping Bear find Greg in an outdoor game of hide-and-go-seek.  Bear said that Sadie was the hound dog.  Sadie is not a hound dog.  Actually, Sadie wanted to go back in the house, but she was attatched to that stinky leash.  LOL  Eventually I rescued her.

Abby stole Bear's polar pop.  And drank most of it.....spilled the rest.  Bear was not very proud of her.  I had to buy him another polar pop.

Goals for the Week of Oct. 2nd

Here are the goals for this week.  If you would like to see how I did last week you can see that below.

Spiritual
1. Read Amos 8 through Habakkuk 3
2. Pray daily and journal thoughts from God
3. Send cards of encouragement to those that need it

Physical
1. Stretch 7 days
2. Walk 4.8 miles

Homeschool
1. Supervise Greg's work
2. Preschool with Bear 3 times this week
3. Nature study at least one day - maybe a CIPS or Sam Parr
4. Start memory work for all of us :)

Homemaking
1. Complete 90% of Daily chores and Most of other chores on Motivated Moms planner
2. Take inventory of hat/glove/tights/socks needs for winter

Knitting/Sewing
1. Finish ball 4 and 5 of yarn on L.'s Christmas gift
2. make list of other projects that need completed for Christmas and assign done-by goal dates
3. make petticoats for me and Abby for Old-Fashioned Sunday
4. make 2 sets of bloomers for Abby
5. make Smurf jumper for me and Abby

Other
1. order Smurf costume items
2. find Gargamel costume or something that will work

I think that's it.  Lots of sewing to do.  I have a tendency to put things off till the last minute.  LOL

A Perfect Fall Saturday!

Hello!
I was homecoming week here in our little town.  Yesterday was a fun filled day of parade, park-visiting and football - complete with a JC porkburger!!!!!  Our team lost but played their hearts out and in the end that is what matters the most.  I just have to say that I think the Newton Eagles Marching Band's routine this year is the best that I have seen in a long time.  Every time I see it I think it is better!  I LOVE the drumline :)

We spent the morning in town playing soccer, walking and playing at the playground.  I exceeded my walking goal of 6 miles this week, walking a total of 8.2 miles.  I think that is pretty fantastic!  You can scroll down to Sunday's post and see what else got marked off my weekly goals list.  I still have some Halloween shopping to do, lots of sewing and knitting.......

I've got pictures to post,  but they aren't on the computer yet so it will have to wait. 
Have a wonderful weekend!

Kindle Fever

Have you heard the news?????? 

Kindle just announced their new Kindle Fire.....supposed to be very similar in ability to the Apple Ipad......I will never be able to afford an Ipad, but there is hope for a Kindle.  Probably not the Fire, but......they also dropped the prices for the regular Kindles.  I'm thinking maybe a Kindle Touch.  I'm still debating whether I will want a 3G or not.....would be handy, but is it worth the additional cost? 

Maybe.

I continue to save money.  I just earned another Amazon gift card from Swagbucks.....and as part of my "workout incentive plan" I've earned another $5 to add to the stash.  I am very hopefull that maybe I will be able to get one by the first of the year. 

If you've got a Kindle, let me know how you like it.  I really do want to know!

From Exhausted to Energized

Have you ever thought about the process of becoming friends with someone? 

You probably met in a "accidental" way, maybe making contact 2 or 3 times before sitting down for a real chat.  As the relationship grew, so did the trust between you and your new friend.  Eventually, you feel like you've known her forever and don't know what you would do without her.

Friendship is a give and take relationship.  Hopefully, your good friends are always there to lend a helping hand, give encouragement and pray, grieve and celebrate with you...........and you do the same for them.  Friendship is a two way street.

My friend Lorrie has been like that for me.  Although we've never met, she is such an encouragement.  She is a mentor to me, leading and guiding me in the nuances of godly womanhood and parenting.  It began in a happenstance way....reading some of her magazine articles and listening to an audio......but our relationship has developed into a working partnership and email/blog friend.  I pray for her and she for me.  I've never had the blessing of meeting Lorrie face-to-face yet.  I know that if it never happens here on earth that it will in eternity :)

I was blessed last week to have Lorrie join me at my kitchen table.  I listened as she encouraged me in my calling.  How did this happen, you ask?  Lorrie has a new format!

Lorrie Flem is on DVD!  From Exhausted, Irritable and Overwhelmed to An Energized & Fullfilled Woman of God  brings Lorrie, in all the wonder of DVD, to my kitchen table, living room, where ever I am when I need that little "lift".  This topic seemed like a total life overhall for me.  Some of the topics include: Eternally Minded, Library Rules, and Singing Thank You's.  Not just touching on these topics (8 in total), Lorrie fleshes them out bringing fresh ideas and encouragement to frustrated, bedraggled moms just like me (and YOU!)!

Also included on the DVD (which can be found at www.eternalencouragement.com for $19.97) is a viewer's guide containing a topic outline and scriptures references that Lorrie used.  I must confess that I was so excited to watch the DVD that I skipped checking out the viewer's guide until after the movie so I took my own notes :)  Lorrie thinks of everything!  (even when I am too impatient to realize it!)

So, what are you waiting for?  Do you need some encouragement today?  Head on over and see Lorrie at Eternal Encouragement magazine and check out everything that she has to offer.  You will be so glad that you made a new friend today :)

***I received this product free for a fair review as part of the Gabby Moms program.***



Goals for the Week of Sept. 26th (and pictures!)

After reading a blog post from Crystal at Money Saving Mom about how she makes her goals for the week, I decided to do that also.  Last week, I set some goals and managed to accomplish almost all of them.  For accountability (and encouragement for those who want to do the same) I decided to post mine here.  Then I will come back next Saturday or Sunday and let you know how I did :)


Exercise/Fitness
1. Stretch 7 days a week
2. Walk 6 miles

Homemaking
1.  Complete Motivated Moms planner for the week (complete all routine chores and at least 90% of "bigger" chores)
2.  Get out winter clothes and put away summer clothes.  Gather outgrown clothes for donation.  Make a list of anything we still need.

Homeschool
1. Supervise Greg's work
2. Work on preschool activities at least 3 days a week with Bear.
3. Read to children daily (part of MM planner also)

Sewing/Knitting
1. Finish ball of yarn #3 and #4  for L's Christmas gift (out of 8 balls total)
2. Start Abby's Jane Austen gown (again)

Other
1. Make oil change appt. for Norman's car
2. Order Halloween costume items
3. Find and order dress patterns for Old Fashioned Sunday
4. Send cards to those who need encouragement this week
5. Write Gabby Moms review (look for it Monday!)

Crystal has lots more goals in other categories.  I'm starting small.  She has goals set for her Bible reading and prayer time but my Bible reading is listed in my MM planner so I am considering it part of that.  I also spend considerable time praying throughout the day but I haven't made goals towards that end.  I have several books that I am reading (will update sidebar later) but I read when I can and given the list of sewing/knitting I am working on that isn't often.  LOL

The 3 younger children took some time to play in the mud this week.  It was Abby's first time in the mud.  She didn't mind it on her feet but she hated to have it on her hands.  LOL 

And a picture of me.  This is the dropped stitch scarf I made this summer.  I dropped a stitch I wasn't supposed to (oops!) and was too lazy to fix it until the other day.  It is made out of beautiful yarn from Knit Picks......I'm not sure of the variety but it was a hank of lace weight stuff.  The picture doesn't do the color justice.  It kinda "bleeds" pink to purple and back again.  Very subtle.  I am thinking of getting a hank of silk and making another one. 

Well, I guess that is all for now.  I'm going to try to blog more regularly but I always say that and then never do, so don't hold me to it :)  So much to do!

1991

My oldest son starts high school in about 5 hours.  I hope he is getting some sleep.  For some reason, Bear and I aren't.  So here I am.......I've spent the last hour or so working through some of this stuff in my head and decided it was time to put fingers to the keyboard, so to speak.  Apparently, these are things I needed to work through.......

I graduated 8th grade in May 1991.  I had mixed emotions.  I remember being so excited about another step toward adulthood and terrified of moving into a new school with lots of new people.  I was NOT a social butterfly. 

Anyway, the summer started off ok I suppose.  There was the 8th grade graduation and dance.  That was fun......and a few graduation parties that classmates threw......
I turned 14 midway through June.  Nothing special there.....I don't even remember my birthday which means I probably spent it in a field somewhere.  That was pretty typical.  Anyway, my maternal grandmother was sick.  Really sick.  She had been diagnosed with colon/liver cancer the summer before and although she managed to come to my graduation, things went downhill quickly after that.  We spent a lot of time at their house in Newton.  I remember hospital beds and not being allowed in the living room.......my aunt's new husband.....playing cards with my maternal grandpa.  My Grandma Diel (Mary Diel) passed away early morning of July 4th. 

My brothers and I had spent the night at my paternal grandparents home the night before and when we woke up that morning my parents where there.  Grandma and Grandpa Pickens were great, we stayed with them that morning while my parents got some rest and they took us to the Dieterich 4th of July parade.  That night my parents took us to the fair. 

I think that we went on vacation later that summer.  Not very far away, as my Grandpa Diel had alzheimers, aggrevated by the loss of his wife.  My mom called every night to check on him but a few times he wouldn't accept her collect phone call.  I didn't understand alzheimers.  I tried, but until then I hadn't ever heard of such a thing and I didn't understand why my grandpa didn't know me.  I remember begging my mom not to make me go to high school.  I loved learning, I hated social situations.  I was terrified.  She made me go anyway. 

It was a miracle I made it through that first day without a nervous breakdown.  I got lost twice.  Ended up in the wrong classroom (sitting there waiting for class to start) once.  Thankfully my cousin saw me and sent me in the right direction.  I didn't cry.  I don't know how I managed that, but I didn't. 

I tried to join some clubs.  I spent some evenings sitting on my Grandpa's back step because the club function had gotten over early, mom wasn't there to meet me, and Grandpa wouldn't let me in because he didn't know who I was.  The boy I had "puppy loved" for 2 years asked me out and then dumped me 2 weeks later because I wouldn't make out with him after school.  Less than a month later one of my best friends killed herself.

Fourteen year olds shouldn't have to go to the funerals of friends.  And they shouldn't have to go alone.  Sure, I had friends there, but my parents weren't.....it was harvest season, you see.  I was so blessed by the support of the mother of another friend.  I cannot descibe the pain that one feels after a loss like that.  I wasn't alone in my pain, so many of my friends were hurting as well, but I felt alone.  In less than 3 months I had lost a grandmother, best friend and essentially my grandfather as well.  I was barely coping in an educational setting that I wasn't really equiped to handle.  I had my heart broken (and the ex was spreading nasty rumors about my moral character).  Go me. 

I managed to persevere.  Now,  I wonder how I didn't have an emotional breakdown. 

At a band competition the next month I, along with other members of the band, was taken to the ER for frostbite.  My parents were not there and my father had to give permission for them to treat over the phone.  I was fine, but the trip home was agony.  I knew what was waiting.  It wasn't the worst tongue lashing that I had ever gotten, but it probably lasted the longest.  For several years afterwards it was thrown in my face as me wasting family resources and making bad decisions.  Go me.

Holidays that year sucked.  One of them was at our home.  Just my family and my Grandpa Diel (who was rapidly declining).  For some reason, during the dinner preparations, my mother felt the need to get into a huge phone conversation with her sister, in her bedroom.  I get that it was probably a hard year for both of them, having lost their mother.  However, I was left with dealing with a huge meal.  Alone.  My Grandpa came in and starting fiddling with things while I was trying to take something out of the oven and I couldn't get him to safely stay out of the way.  And I got a little grouchy.  My father went ballistic.  I understand now that my poor Grandpa had no idea about the safety of the oven in that situation.  I know now that he wasn't in his right mind and he didn't mean to be in my way.  I was just trying to do the best I could in yet another extremely stressful situation.  My father, reading the newspaper in the living room, made sure to let me know how I had failed.  Again. 

I am sitting here tonight wondering why in the world I was even in that kitchen.  I think now that I should have just went to my room, or outside.  Let someone else step up to the plate and deal with it.  But I didn't.  People pleaser all the way, I took responsibility for everything.  I always felt/feel like I have to carry the burdens of the world.  Lord knows I was carrying a lot of them that fall/winter. 

Things did get better in high school.  I learned the ropes, made friends, started dating a nice guy.  All of my high school years weren't miserable.  But when I think of high school, those first 6 months are the ones I remember.  The feelings of fear and sadness rear their ugly heads every single time. 

I've been praying all night.  Praying that my oldest (all of my children in fact) will have a good day tomorrow.  A little stress and a lot of fun.  I pray that his high school "career" will be shaped by fun, laughter and freedom. 

Twenty years later (how could it have been that long ago????) I can see that so many things were out of my control.  I couldn't control death, my parents, the weather, other students........I think that considering I did pretty well.  But the tears are falling afresh again.....just like they did then.  I cry for my friend, my grandma and grandpa.......I cry for my naive freshman self and the little girl that just wanted to be protected by someone........I cry for the girl that grew up really fast that fall and learned a lot of hard lessons the hard way........and I cry for the scars that were left behind.  BUT I smile for the woman that grew out of those lessons and scars.  They have helped shape me into me.  Those scars give me the patience to go over that schedule 1 more time with my son, giving him advice about quickest routes to classes.  I know to watch for depression.  I rarely send my children into difficult situations alone.  I love, love and love some more.  And sometimes I learn to let go. 

Its 3:45 a.m. and I am sitting here watching Bear, my 3 year old sleep.  I just want to go around and hug all my babies; big and small.  So many things I can't protect them from.  So I pray. 

Lord, please guide and protect my children today.  Give them courage rather than fear.  Help me help them.  Thank you for each minute that I have with them.  Amen.

Weariness

I've been feeling weary lately.  At first, I thought it was the heat but the last week or so has been very mild for August.  Then I tried to blame it on the lack of sleep (Abigail still wakes up at least once a night, and lately it has been 2 or 3 times).  I followed that by using all of our stress as an excuse.  Really, I just need to let some stuff go. 

So, I'm letting go of my fear of the reactions of others.
I'm letting go of the expectations of others.
I'm refusing to be anxious about our future.
I'm not placing myself or my family on a timeline anymore.
I'm going to take each moment, each task, each event as its own thing, trying very, very hard not to look forward to the next thing.  Enjoy each moment!

That is a BIG list for me.  I'm going to work on it. 

Anyway, all is well here.  We've been busy the last few days.  I think we have had a good summer.  We didn't have the funds for a vacation but we have spent a lot of time together and with friends.  Just today we spent a few hours at a "fiesta" sponsored by a local church......food, games, prizes.  The kids had a blast and I enjoyed myself, letting go of the long list of things I should be home doing.  A relief.  We all came home tired but happy. 

Julie asked how Sadie was doing.  She is ok.  She was due for a haircut when she was attacked so her hair is longer than normal.  I feel some scabbed spots still but she doesn't flinch when you touch them so I am going to leave them alone and try to schedule a hair appt for her in a couple of weeks.  I imagine we will be able to see the marks of the attack then.  She's even willing to go outside alone again so that is good.  We are so thankful that she wasn't injured more severely.

Well, I'm going to get off the couch and finish up the laundry and mop the kitchen floor.  Then my tasks for the day will be complete.  I hope that all of you have a wonderful weekend!

The 5 R's Bundle - Part 2

Last month I talked to you about Lorrie Flem's bundle - Godly Womanhood: The 5 R's for Homeschool Moms.  Last month I detailed the 1st 2 topics and this month I am going to focus on the last 3 topics. 

As usual, Lorrie touches my heart at just the right time.  In fact, I have decided that I will be printing out all 5 ebooks and putting them in a binder for safe keeping.  The topics are so encouraging, timely and necessary for a godly woman.

Refine: From Homekeeping 101 to Graduating with Honors leads us through the day-to-day of being a manager of our homes.  We are managers aren't we?  I like that.....a manager.....that sounds good :)  Lorrie leads us through 7 homekeeping teachings:

1.  Plan to Manage

2.  Plan to Improve

3.  Plan to Start Strong

4.  Plan to Do It First

5.  Plan to Bless Others

6.  Plan to Feed

7.  Plan to Clean

As always, Lorrie keeps it real and gives real-life guidance on managing our homes.  Spending time with God, Before Breakfast Jobs and clearing clutter are all topics she touches on before bringing it around to my ATTITUDE.  We've talked about that before and it is a work in progress.  Thanks Lorrie!

Rejuvenate: What to Do When Abel is Raising Cain details the topic of child-raising.  Consistency is the key!  Lorrie talks about how the Bible discusses discipline.  I think I am going to start a study about that.......

Never leaving us alone, Lorrie gives real-life examples about how she handles discipline problems in her home.

Rest: Give It Up and Get It All wasn't what I expected.  I was "hoping" that Lorrie would give a list of things that she does when she needs some rest, away time, preferably once a week or more.  I wanted the validation that what I do deserves a break and could someone please back me up on that?!?!?!  I guess not :(  Lorrie gives us so much more though.  I feel encouraged to rest through serving, arranging my priorities to match God's.  I need to lean on God and when I just can't do it anymore, I shouldn't soak in a hot bathtub, I should run to Him and soak Him up....seeking His wonderful wisdom about the things that I am dealing with.  I've done that this week and I can honestly say that I feel better than I ever would after an hour at Starbucks.  **I LOVE Starbucks though and think it is a fanastic treat to hang out there, but I don't "deserve" such a treat just because .  The only thing that can completely restore me is time with God!**

I can't begin to express how much good stuff there was in these 5 topics.  I plan to reread these teachings frequently to remind me to keep my focus on God!  Check out www.eternalencouragement.com to see The 5 R's Bundle (5 ebooks, 5 mp3 audios starting at $24.97) and other great products that Lorrie has there.  If you're not convinced head over and see what the other Gabby Moms have to say too!

****I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review through the Gabby Moms program.***

My Sadie

Sweet Sadie, my black, 20 pound, cocker spaniel, was attacked by the neighbor's dog in our yard Wednesday morning.  She was outside "doing her business" when we heard her yelp.  A shot in the air scared off the attacker.........we think she will be fine.  It is terrifying to see your bestest four-legged buddy bleeding and hurt.  I've been helping her onto the couch and our bed.  Asprin helps a little.

My sweet Sadie......

We think she's about 8.  We got her second-hand, and they had gotten her second-hand, so no idea of her age.  When we first got her and had a vet visit they said by her teeth they would say 2 or 3, but by her eyes they would say 5 or 6.  Sadie is blind in one eye and hard of hearing.  She has severe skin allergies.  This past winter I could tell that she was moving much slower than before.

Sadie came to live with us during the midst of our infertility trials.  Norman just knew I needed someone to snuggle and Sadie needed a home.  It was the perfect fit.  Having Sadie gave me something to focus on, someone that needed me.  The older boys still needed me of course, but they were beginning to need me a little less than I liked and my yearning for a baby was so strong.....Sadie took the edge off of that feeling. 

When Bear was born I worried that she would feel displaced.  She had been with us for over 2 years and took the new baby in stride.  I was careful to include her in our snuggle times and she was patient as Bear learned to "be nice to the puppy".  They would curl up in the recliner and take their afternoon naps together (I have pictures somewhere but can't find them).

Abby's arrival was met with much the same disinterest by Sadie.  She's getting older.  She's not quite so patient.  Frequently she will go hide under a table to get away from the babies playing. 

Sadie is afraid of everything.  The sight of a gun makes her hide.  She runs from strange dogs.  And cats.  She huddles in fear at the sound of the lawn mower and vaccum cleaner.  Sadie wouldn't hurt a flea.  I guess that is what makes the whole incident so upsetting for me.  This dog came onto our property and hurt my sweet Sadie.  There was no food there, not even a empty bowl.  I can't imagine anything that would have prompted a German Shepherd to attack a 20 pound aging cocker spaniel.

  Norman says she will be ok.  I hope so.  I can't imagine my life without her. 

Hug your puppies tonight.  Keep them as safe as you can.  And if you come to my house soon, give my sweet Sadie an extra pat or hug....she deserves it.

Since the last time......

Many things have happened since the last time I took a second to update my blog here.  Let's see.....

Lee turned 14.  I've been a mother for 14 years.  I would think by now I would have a handle on it, but alas I feel like he was just born.  I LOVE watching him grow into a strong, responsible young man!  His father and I are very, very proud of him.

I registered Lee for his freshman year of high school.  This wasn't as tramatic as I thought it would be.  The high school was exactly how I remembered it.  Paid for 1 month of breakfast/lunch, registration and a yearbook - when did a basic yearbook start costing $61?  I'm still in shock.  But anyway, I think he is excited to start but won't admit it.  I wouldn't want to go back, but I suppose everyone should experience it once.....maybe. 

Abigail turned 15 months old.  It was the same day as Lee's 14th birthday so I didn't even think of it until after.  14 years ago on the 9th I had my oldest, 15 months ago on the 9th I had my youngest.  Hmm.  She has grown so much.  She had strep throat a few weeks ago so I took her in for some meds.  When they measure her she had grown 5 inches since May!  Amazing, but I can see it.  She still doesn't really talk......and her and Bear duke it out a few times every day (she is a hair puller, and doesn't mind when I pull hers).  She's a mean little bugger.  What can you expect when you have 3 brothers?

Greg is at camp.  He will be home tomorrow.  We miss him.  Especially Bear.  Most nights he has been sleeping with Lee, in the living room or with us.  We are looking forward to Greg's return.  I'm sure he has enjoyed a week of his own bed.  LOL

Everything is still a mess here.  Prayers appreciated.  I'm not going into the details but it feels like it will never end.  I've got another post to write, but the babies want to go outside to play....so off we go!

Have a great day!