Piano man is now missing 4 teeth. He's on vicadin (however that is spelled) and he is snoring on the couch. He did well. He cried a little on the way home but from frustration not pain. Praise God it's over! Phew.
After I brought him home, I put him in care of oldest and went back to town to get his Rx. I figured I may as well have the garage see why my van still felt wrong after paying them so much last week. Verdict is I need front tires but can wait a week or so. Double phew.
I'm reading my books. I have not been one to go back and read my archives and when I switched to blogging from hard copy journaling--this is one thing I missed. The other thing about it that bothered me was wondering would I be as forthright with an audience? It's all good. So many memories for my children, my grandchildren some day. If I never actually write anything publishable, I am still happy knowing we have these. Oldest would like me to have the blog put to hard copy every year at least. I can't put into words how much we appreciate them! (thanks again, mom!)
It seems like the Maryland job might continue past April. This is discouraging. Please pray the nearer job starts soon! I am very thankful Lucien has had this opportunity, but we miss him so.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Prairie Dress
Boy3 at the park the other day--he's the one on top.
Side view which will be explained soon.
Back view.
And here's her pretty face. Princess can be like her mom sometimes. She does not like going to church without daddy and will often pick something to be controlling about. She picked the bonnet. She wailed and cried for 1/2 an hour about me taking her pic with that bonnet on. I said she could take it off as soon as she smiled for the pic and not wailed. She was not to be disuaded. As you can see, the smile came right on asap when the bonnet came off. I felt like pulling my hair out. The great thing is that I Finally had some time to help her get to sleep for a nap today and she slept over an hour. The wailing should not be as frequent. (she really still needs a nap occasionally but will only fall asleep if I have time to lie down too.)
Saturday, March 29, 2008
It's DONE!
Thursday, we went to Sugar Hollow.
It was fun.
We have 19 laying hens. Yet, this is how many eggs oldest collected this evening. And he says there was 4 this morning. That is a lot of eggs....
This is princess' new space. Do you like it? How'd I do?? Oldest put the bed and trundle together. He's smarter than me.Friday, March 28, 2008
My Books!
Mom sent my books (thanks SO much, Mom)! 4 books of my previous blog. Wow. The boys are enjoying reading them. I'm enjoying reading them too! Hard copies are just necessary of some things. Don't you think?
She also sent the prairie dress. It's so cute! I have to hem it and hopefully I can get it done tomorrow and she'll wear it Sunday and I'll post a picture then. The bonnet is adorable.
We've had an interesting week. One of those weeks that makes me look at the clock and wish it had 15 hours instead of 12. Hmm 30 hour days. While we're at it, we could change a few other things. Pregnancies would be much better 7 months long. Winter--maybe about a month and a half. Only rain at night. Mud would easily wipe off. Husbands would only work within a mile or at least under 10 miles from home. Sewing machines would never jam. Boys would never miss the toilet.
We're watching Enchanted (all of us, but do not tell anyone cuz the boys would just claim I'm dreaming it up). I thought it looked silly but rented it for princess, of course, and it's rather amusing. Well, it did until she called the rats. Now I'm not so sure. Speaking of rats, we have the movie Ratatouille. Oh horrors. When all the rats fell from the poor old lady's ceiling I nearly lost it. Definite nightmare material.
It's nice to seem done with lighting fires for heat. Beautiful weather. Anyone want to come visit?
She also sent the prairie dress. It's so cute! I have to hem it and hopefully I can get it done tomorrow and she'll wear it Sunday and I'll post a picture then. The bonnet is adorable.
We've had an interesting week. One of those weeks that makes me look at the clock and wish it had 15 hours instead of 12. Hmm 30 hour days. While we're at it, we could change a few other things. Pregnancies would be much better 7 months long. Winter--maybe about a month and a half. Only rain at night. Mud would easily wipe off. Husbands would only work within a mile or at least under 10 miles from home. Sewing machines would never jam. Boys would never miss the toilet.
We're watching Enchanted (all of us, but do not tell anyone cuz the boys would just claim I'm dreaming it up). I thought it looked silly but rented it for princess, of course, and it's rather amusing. Well, it did until she called the rats. Now I'm not so sure. Speaking of rats, we have the movie Ratatouille. Oh horrors. When all the rats fell from the poor old lady's ceiling I nearly lost it. Definite nightmare material.
It's nice to seem done with lighting fires for heat. Beautiful weather. Anyone want to come visit?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
10 Year Milestones
I'm hitting a couple in the next few weeks. Firstly it's been 10 years since my 'nervous breakdown' or as my counselor called it --post traumatic stress disorder. What had happened was at that time I had received new information that put a few nasty things from girlhood in a different light and I snapped. Then my husband even got angry about it and having someone acknowledge that this was indeed bad--well, it was time to grieve.
So what I remember most about all that was even when I wasn't crying, there was a little girl in my head crying and I felt shattered like the glass they use at Jewish weddings. I wondered how anything could be made right again.
Job 42:1-3 Then Job answered the Lord and said, "I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore have I uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me which I did not know.
Those verses and some others were posted on note cards in very visible places in my home for quite a while. I cherish them. Folks, God can rebuild and what He heals and rebuilds is stronger and better than anything man can do. Less than 2 years after my shattering, I was able to share with a group of ladies that God IS faithful. And this week, having been drawn into a conversation on a forum about trials such as this, I realized I could read and respond in peace. There was no shaking, nervousness, stomach ache or urge to hide. Amazing Grace.
I encourage any of you pushing down deep, dark stuff--let it go. Talk about it to someone you trust. Grieve it. Don't hide it. It'll be hard at first, but in the long run, your health and happiness will flourish. And if anyone wants, I'm glad to help, pray, whatever. (That was my public service announcement! wink)
The other thing going on at about the same time was that we were really wanting a 3rd baby. So, while I have nothing against meds, when the counselor offered a Rx--I said no. I knew that, should God bless, a new baby would be better than any med. Being sick with constant morning sickness would surely give me other things to think about. I was right--God did bless and boy 3 arrived a few days after Christmas that year.
That brings me to my other milestone. I have been either pregnant or nursing for 10 years straight (and changing diapers). You want to hear something even crazier? I wouldn't mind at all if God gives me another 5-10 years of it! Huzzah!
So what I remember most about all that was even when I wasn't crying, there was a little girl in my head crying and I felt shattered like the glass they use at Jewish weddings. I wondered how anything could be made right again.
Job 42:1-3 Then Job answered the Lord and said, "I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore have I uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me which I did not know.
Those verses and some others were posted on note cards in very visible places in my home for quite a while. I cherish them. Folks, God can rebuild and what He heals and rebuilds is stronger and better than anything man can do. Less than 2 years after my shattering, I was able to share with a group of ladies that God IS faithful. And this week, having been drawn into a conversation on a forum about trials such as this, I realized I could read and respond in peace. There was no shaking, nervousness, stomach ache or urge to hide. Amazing Grace.
I encourage any of you pushing down deep, dark stuff--let it go. Talk about it to someone you trust. Grieve it. Don't hide it. It'll be hard at first, but in the long run, your health and happiness will flourish. And if anyone wants, I'm glad to help, pray, whatever. (That was my public service announcement! wink)
The other thing going on at about the same time was that we were really wanting a 3rd baby. So, while I have nothing against meds, when the counselor offered a Rx--I said no. I knew that, should God bless, a new baby would be better than any med. Being sick with constant morning sickness would surely give me other things to think about. I was right--God did bless and boy 3 arrived a few days after Christmas that year.
That brings me to my other milestone. I have been either pregnant or nursing for 10 years straight (and changing diapers). You want to hear something even crazier? I wouldn't mind at all if God gives me another 5-10 years of it! Huzzah!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
No more wallowing.
Started on my to-do list already today.
Back to last weekend. Lucien was able to help me pick up our new tub/shower on Friday. On the way back we saw incarcerated individuals cleaning up the road (sounds nicer than jailbirds). This is funny because I had no idea they did this here and for 2 weeks the boys and I have been saying what a mess the 2 roads we are on most often are and how we should go out on a nice day and clean some. So I suppose if we had, we would have had people questioning whether we had gotten into some big trouble? har har.
Other than going to the waterfalls, we mostly just stayed home, ate good meals and hung out. It was peaceful and nice. Lucien and oldest fixed a few things for us. We went to DQ for blizzards. And walked. All very normal activities and it was great.
Yesterday was breezy in the morning. Princess was headed to the kitchen for something (probably foraging for snacks again---I do not know what has gotten into this girl) when she yelled, "THERE'S A BIRD IN THE MUD ROOM!" That is definitely something you do not hear every day. ;0) The chimney cover had blown off and the bird came in through the chimney. I chose to hide where I was unless the boys couldn't take care of it. Boy3 grabbed said bird and ejected it out the door. What a brave boy!
Here are some verses to encourage:
Psalm 5:11-12 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.
See? I am back to praising. Huzzah!!! Shout for Joy and be joyful in Him!!
Back to last weekend. Lucien was able to help me pick up our new tub/shower on Friday. On the way back we saw incarcerated individuals cleaning up the road (sounds nicer than jailbirds). This is funny because I had no idea they did this here and for 2 weeks the boys and I have been saying what a mess the 2 roads we are on most often are and how we should go out on a nice day and clean some. So I suppose if we had, we would have had people questioning whether we had gotten into some big trouble? har har.
Other than going to the waterfalls, we mostly just stayed home, ate good meals and hung out. It was peaceful and nice. Lucien and oldest fixed a few things for us. We went to DQ for blizzards. And walked. All very normal activities and it was great.
Yesterday was breezy in the morning. Princess was headed to the kitchen for something (probably foraging for snacks again---I do not know what has gotten into this girl) when she yelled, "THERE'S A BIRD IN THE MUD ROOM!" That is definitely something you do not hear every day. ;0) The chimney cover had blown off and the bird came in through the chimney. I chose to hide where I was unless the boys couldn't take care of it. Boy3 grabbed said bird and ejected it out the door. What a brave boy!
Here are some verses to encourage:
Psalm 5:11-12 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.
See? I am back to praising. Huzzah!!! Shout for Joy and be joyful in Him!!
Monday, March 24, 2008
This is the best shot I have ever taken. Ever.
This is our house.
This is me, princess, and boy4 on top of some falls just a few minutes away from our house.
This is Lucien and four of the kiddos on top of same falls.
Here he is again.
This shot is good because boy3 is smiling but oldest looks like he is ready to bolt.
This shot is better but boy3 is not smiling. Oh well. We can't get 8 people all great at the same time.I am in the depths of despair today. I shall allow this for this day only. If someone could just please make it be Saturday again, I would be happiest of all the happy. We had a fantastic weekend. I wish he could've stayed much, much longer.
I was being quite brave and all until I realized, while looking for where to put the sham pillows last night, that I had no cause to move them off the bed--then I nearly dissolved in to a puddle on the floor. I've made a great to-do list. I'll get busy on it tomorrow. Today is for wallowing. Tomorrow I shall praise God and be busy. Tomorrow I shall start crossing days off the calendar again.
Friday, March 21, 2008
He's Home!!!!
My Civil Air Patrol men in their 'blues.' Piano man is going for the fierce soldier look. Oldest is just being himself. ;0)
I thought this was a good pic for Holy Pascha (Easter, Resurrection Day...whatever y'all want to name it). These are the type of flowers that princess and boy4 have been picking for me.I do not intend to blog again until Monday so don't worry about where I'm at! I'm hanging out with my sweetheart (my husband who arrived home at 10pm last night and has only a few days till he returns to work...).
Have a wonderful Holy Pascha and God bless you.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
JenIG's Rosetta Stone contest which I would like to win!
Rosetta Stone has been the #1 foreign language curriculum among homeschoolers for a while -- next week they are unleashing a brand new curriculum, and you can WIN the *all new* Rosetta Stone Homeschool Version 3… FOR FREE!
This is a $219 program (and believe me it's worth every penny!) and the winner gets to pick from any of these 14 languages: Spanish (Spain or Latin America), English (American or British), Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Irish, Hebrew, or Russian.
This will also include a headset with microphone, and students will participate in lifelike conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone still incorporates listening, reading and writing as well, in addition to speaking. Many homeschoolers requested grammar and vocabulary exercises, and with Rosetta Stone Homeschool Version 3, they're included! For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program and allow parents to easily enroll students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, and view and print reports.
To win this most excellent program -- in the language of your choice -- copy these (blue) paragraphs and post it in (or as) your next blog post -- then to enter the contest, go to the original contest page HERE: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/JenIG/501132/ and leave a comment with the link showing where you blogged about it. And please make sure the link works to get back to the original contest page when you post it. And good luck! The winner will be picked randomly on March 26, and will be notified thru the link they left to their blog pg. And if you have more than one blog, you can post them and enter those separately for more chances to win. Yay for free stuff!
This is a $219 program (and believe me it's worth every penny!) and the winner gets to pick from any of these 14 languages: Spanish (Spain or Latin America), English (American or British), Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Irish, Hebrew, or Russian.
This will also include a headset with microphone, and students will participate in lifelike conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone still incorporates listening, reading and writing as well, in addition to speaking. Many homeschoolers requested grammar and vocabulary exercises, and with Rosetta Stone Homeschool Version 3, they're included! For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program and allow parents to easily enroll students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, and view and print reports.
To win this most excellent program -- in the language of your choice -- copy these (blue) paragraphs and post it in (or as) your next blog post -- then to enter the contest, go to the original contest page HERE: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/JenIG/501132/ and leave a comment with the link showing where you blogged about it. And please make sure the link works to get back to the original contest page when you post it. And good luck! The winner will be picked randomly on March 26, and will be notified thru the link they left to their blog pg. And if you have more than one blog, you can post them and enter those separately for more chances to win. Yay for free stuff!
2 Mr. Blues! and not being weary in well doing
Last summer, my favorite male blue bird was killed --we think by a bigger bird. I was so sad and thought maybe there wouldn't be any blue bird family this year. Last night, piano man told me he saw 2 males fighting near the bird houses and this morning I saw them--sitting side by side on the fence near the houses. WOW! So beautiful! And not fighting anymore so maybe both will stick around --if they both have a wife I suppose.
Speaking of wives.... Oldest and I had one of those head butting episodes yesterday. One of those where I think he'd be so much better off at a military academy (just kidding). Seriously, I was weary after the conversation and thinking had I dealt with it correctly. It came to me that whatever weariness I feel now will make his future wife's life much easier. The way I train him to respect me and respond lovingly to requests for help--will help her much. I know that is the bottom to all I do--helping my guys be the men God wants them to be but often I miss the long term picture. After all, I had my babies because I love babies--what care I for big men? lol But these are my big men and I suppose I do want to be proud of the kind of husbands they will be so I must continue to be wise, continue to try to mold them.
When it comes to that, I am thankful God led us to homeschooling. Some of these behaviors might have been let go were the guys not around as much as they are. Things we wouldn't realize needed dealing with. All comes back to Deuteronomy 6:7
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Speaking of wives.... Oldest and I had one of those head butting episodes yesterday. One of those where I think he'd be so much better off at a military academy (just kidding). Seriously, I was weary after the conversation and thinking had I dealt with it correctly. It came to me that whatever weariness I feel now will make his future wife's life much easier. The way I train him to respect me and respond lovingly to requests for help--will help her much. I know that is the bottom to all I do--helping my guys be the men God wants them to be but often I miss the long term picture. After all, I had my babies because I love babies--what care I for big men? lol But these are my big men and I suppose I do want to be proud of the kind of husbands they will be so I must continue to be wise, continue to try to mold them.
When it comes to that, I am thankful God led us to homeschooling. Some of these behaviors might have been let go were the guys not around as much as they are. Things we wouldn't realize needed dealing with. All comes back to Deuteronomy 6:7
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
testing
For the first time in our homeschool, we are doing the CAT's this week. Ah, the memories! It seems the same as when I used to take them. The boys (oldest, 2nd and 3rd) are finding it as easy as I thought they would. We did half yesterday and will be finished hopefully this morning.
I'm not really sure what prompted me to do testing this year. I'm usually against tests. Oldest will be needing to do SAT's in the next 2 years so I suppose I figured he could use practice test taking. In any case, it'll be interesting to see how they do.
Oldest says his friend told him that he can get his learner's permit at 15 1/2. At that point, we can document 40 hours of driving and after that he could get his license. I haven't verified this information yet. I really need to. He already figured out when he'll be 15 1/2. (NOVEMBER!)
Lucien will be on his way home for the weekend on Thursday! Hurrah!!! We cross off the day on the calendar each evening. This helps princess who misses her daddy very much. Boy4 has his own calendar he has been crossing the days off on. I'm afraid the weekend will fly by MUCH too quickly.....
I'm not really sure what prompted me to do testing this year. I'm usually against tests. Oldest will be needing to do SAT's in the next 2 years so I suppose I figured he could use practice test taking. In any case, it'll be interesting to see how they do.
Oldest says his friend told him that he can get his learner's permit at 15 1/2. At that point, we can document 40 hours of driving and after that he could get his license. I haven't verified this information yet. I really need to. He already figured out when he'll be 15 1/2. (NOVEMBER!)
Lucien will be on his way home for the weekend on Thursday! Hurrah!!! We cross off the day on the calendar each evening. This helps princess who misses her daddy very much. Boy4 has his own calendar he has been crossing the days off on. I'm afraid the weekend will fly by MUCH too quickly.....
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Girl Land
Ever since March of 2004, when a really nice u/s tech told me she was 99% sure I was having a baby girl, I have looked forward to decorating a little girl room. A 'pretty' room. Now that the attic has new windows, the boys have all moved back up and even tho she has no door (remember my problem about the walk thru room) she at least has her own space. Yesterday, I set out to buy paint.
At 2pm, I started painting wood work. Given various interruptions and that it needed 4 coats, I finished that at 7:45pm. Oldest said--hey, the wall paint says just one coat. We can get this done tonight! OK. I must not have been feeling quite sane because I did it. Well, we did it. And we finished at 9:15pm. Of course, I had to touch up a bit this afternoon since it was too dark to notice some spots showing through.
There's still some left to do so I haven't taken a picture (sorry, mom). I have ordered a new bed. It's white and has a trundle bed. Princess and I have talked about maybe cousin S will come sometime and sleep on her trundle bed and they can have a fun sleep over. (She really likes this idea S!) I'm also making curtains and would like to get some different bedding. A little hint to the color--it's a lot like the master bedroom we had last in Maine. Maybe a bit lighter.
It's just so sweet to walk by there now. My own Girl Land. God is good to me!
One problem I have... I keep trying to get white wood work paint that is shiny but I can't seem to match what is there at all! I am frustrated! ACK!
At 2pm, I started painting wood work. Given various interruptions and that it needed 4 coats, I finished that at 7:45pm. Oldest said--hey, the wall paint says just one coat. We can get this done tonight! OK. I must not have been feeling quite sane because I did it. Well, we did it. And we finished at 9:15pm. Of course, I had to touch up a bit this afternoon since it was too dark to notice some spots showing through.
There's still some left to do so I haven't taken a picture (sorry, mom). I have ordered a new bed. It's white and has a trundle bed. Princess and I have talked about maybe cousin S will come sometime and sleep on her trundle bed and they can have a fun sleep over. (She really likes this idea S!) I'm also making curtains and would like to get some different bedding. A little hint to the color--it's a lot like the master bedroom we had last in Maine. Maybe a bit lighter.
It's just so sweet to walk by there now. My own Girl Land. God is good to me!
One problem I have... I keep trying to get white wood work paint that is shiny but I can't seem to match what is there at all! I am frustrated! ACK!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Windows, etc.
I started to type a post last night but I don't think it was making much sense and I am unsure I'll do any better today as my eyes keep crossing... It seems like every week I keep hoping next week will be less busy. I know for certain next week will be even busier. ;0) We're counting down the days--only 6 more days till Lucien gets a long weekend.
In other news, our windows were installed yesterday. What a difference! I will post some before and after pictures soon. Thing is, now there's all sorts of other things I can see to do! Like curtains, floor refinishing, painting everything.... We can finish the mud room now. Anyway, I hadn't realized just how much I avoided looking at some of the worst ones. I have to retrain myself I guess.
We had another good school day plus got to the dump plus the living books library plus a homeschool group meeting. That is one full day for me. I debated staying home and napping but I'll sleep some day.
Does anyone have information, first hand experience with either Teaching Textbooks or Teach (OOPS THAT SHOULD BE THINKWELL.COM) Well math. I heard some good things about both today but I'm unsure--switching over for oldest is ok, but what if everyone else wants to switch? That means investing in math stuff all over again. OTOH, there's not much left to buy for oldest so I could wait and start the switch over slowly. We'll see. I do like Saxon, but as some of my younger boys have ended up in higher math earlier--for example my 12 yo needing to start algebra 2--it's harder to allow for independent learning. With either of the courses I'm considering, they are done on the computer with cd rom instruction, therefore freeing me up for helping my youngers--clear as mud?
We've finished reading Stuart Little out and now they've chosen a Henty book and boy4 is still not into listening to Henty. I like Henty books--the history is great but I confess to not enjoying them as much either. Henty was quite formulaic. I know that isn't boy4's objection however. He's just starting to like books like The Mouse and his Motorcycle.... So back to needing several reading times obviously.
The weather has been marvelous. My trees (what are they? remember I posted pics when they were in bloom last year) are beginning to bud. Some of the grass has begun to recover from the drought conditions. There were people out planting today and I felt REALLY behind and had to keep reminding myself IT'S ONLY MARCH! The weather always makes me feel behind with our schooling too--if it feels like May then we must be done right??? Ah well--I really like it here! SO glad not to be buried still like y'all up north.
Anyone know where my dvd remote is?????
In other news, our windows were installed yesterday. What a difference! I will post some before and after pictures soon. Thing is, now there's all sorts of other things I can see to do! Like curtains, floor refinishing, painting everything.... We can finish the mud room now. Anyway, I hadn't realized just how much I avoided looking at some of the worst ones. I have to retrain myself I guess.
We had another good school day plus got to the dump plus the living books library plus a homeschool group meeting. That is one full day for me. I debated staying home and napping but I'll sleep some day.
Does anyone have information, first hand experience with either Teaching Textbooks or Teach (OOPS THAT SHOULD BE THINKWELL.COM) Well math. I heard some good things about both today but I'm unsure--switching over for oldest is ok, but what if everyone else wants to switch? That means investing in math stuff all over again. OTOH, there's not much left to buy for oldest so I could wait and start the switch over slowly. We'll see. I do like Saxon, but as some of my younger boys have ended up in higher math earlier--for example my 12 yo needing to start algebra 2--it's harder to allow for independent learning. With either of the courses I'm considering, they are done on the computer with cd rom instruction, therefore freeing me up for helping my youngers--clear as mud?
We've finished reading Stuart Little out and now they've chosen a Henty book and boy4 is still not into listening to Henty. I like Henty books--the history is great but I confess to not enjoying them as much either. Henty was quite formulaic. I know that isn't boy4's objection however. He's just starting to like books like The Mouse and his Motorcycle.... So back to needing several reading times obviously.
The weather has been marvelous. My trees (what are they? remember I posted pics when they were in bloom last year) are beginning to bud. Some of the grass has begun to recover from the drought conditions. There were people out planting today and I felt REALLY behind and had to keep reminding myself IT'S ONLY MARCH! The weather always makes me feel behind with our schooling too--if it feels like May then we must be done right??? Ah well--I really like it here! SO glad not to be buried still like y'all up north.
Anyone know where my dvd remote is?????
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Photos and stories
Baby and the Bantam oldest tamed.
Princess too.
Boy4 enjoying the new 'get the wiggles out' trampoline. Acquired to save my sanity on days they can't get out. As you can see, they like it.
My mom had posted about the--was it 18mo girl? who learned to read. My question about that was should a child that young be reading? The following story related to me by boy3 illustrates why I'm happy my princess who is 3 1/2 does not yet read.
Princess: Show me where the cat story is in this book.
Boy3: Ok.
Princess: What's the cat's name?
Boy3: Sugar.
Princess (with her version of the story--not at all like the book): Sugar did not need to be careful about her paws, a'cuz her cousin knew just what to do. (There's more but that's enough to get the point I think).
It seems to me that if it is not good for a child to not crawl a while before walking, then also there should be time for a child to pretend what a book says before really reading it. What do you think?
Monday, March 10, 2008
No more falling back!
I have no idea why--but springing forward seems to have put our routine back on track. Lunch was on time, dinner was early, we had a walk today, AND it was still light after dinner so several children went out to swing and picked wild flowers for momma. It's all very odd. Especially given that the dog barked for hours and hours last night and I can't have gotten more than 4 hours of sleep.
Piano man's consult at the oral surgeon was this afternoon. The extractions will be the 31st (? I think). The surgeon wanted to know, since all the boys have Bible names, what happened with princess' name? Hmmm Lapse in judgement? No. I explained that since we do have a French heritage--we had decided to give her a French sounding name. I'm not sure he thought it was right. I wonder why I bothered to answer. I usually just shrug and smile when strangers ask things that are not their business.
The bathroom and new doors will be started on in about 4 weeks. Lucien asked that the attic be postponed. We're thinking later this year and adding the kitchen in as well. I was disappointed about postponing anything, but seriously--after the windows, doors and bathroom--it'll be so nice around here! I can wait on the rest and I'm really not sure what I want done with the kitchen. I did finally decide where I want the w/d moved to (they currently reside in the basement and it is not the right home for them). I've decided to give up part of my large closet between the master bedroom and bath for that. It'll work out so much better.
Oldest has been asked to beekeep for friends so he has been busy building the unassembled hives that were delivered recently. They look really great. I'll have to post pics. I wonder if there is work he can get assembling things for people. He's good at it.
Piano man's consult at the oral surgeon was this afternoon. The extractions will be the 31st (? I think). The surgeon wanted to know, since all the boys have Bible names, what happened with princess' name? Hmmm Lapse in judgement? No. I explained that since we do have a French heritage--we had decided to give her a French sounding name. I'm not sure he thought it was right. I wonder why I bothered to answer. I usually just shrug and smile when strangers ask things that are not their business.
The bathroom and new doors will be started on in about 4 weeks. Lucien asked that the attic be postponed. We're thinking later this year and adding the kitchen in as well. I was disappointed about postponing anything, but seriously--after the windows, doors and bathroom--it'll be so nice around here! I can wait on the rest and I'm really not sure what I want done with the kitchen. I did finally decide where I want the w/d moved to (they currently reside in the basement and it is not the right home for them). I've decided to give up part of my large closet between the master bedroom and bath for that. It'll work out so much better.
Oldest has been asked to beekeep for friends so he has been busy building the unassembled hives that were delivered recently. They look really great. I'll have to post pics. I wonder if there is work he can get assembling things for people. He's good at it.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
an apology about tags
I'm sorry. I've been tagged about the 7 facts about me before. I find that the facts seem to change so I'm not sure they can actually be facts. Something illogical about that one.
I do sense a question about why I still wear jeans. IOW, why I am not dresses-only. I admire that position. I do. It is certainly more lady like and feminine and can be more modest. In warm weather, I'm quite good at making sure I wear dresses/skirts mostly. In cold weather, all my resolve fades quickly. The cold just hurts me too much because of my Reynauld's Phenomenon deal and tho it is true you can layer under dresses--I find layering under jeans much more effective for me. (All this probably more than makes up for not telling 7 facts, doesn't it?)
Baby has given up sleeping this week. I'm hoping the time change will help him start up again. It's after 7pm and he has had less than an hour sleep since he got up at 9:15am. (I know that sounds late but adjust it to 8:15 --what it would have been yesterday and add in that he barely napped yesterday and still stayed up until nearly 11pm and you get the picture.) He's into climbing whatever looks climb-able now. And if you tell him to stop playing with a dvd player, he spews off several sentences in some foreign language with an attitude that is unmistakeably telling you off. (well, he doesn't tell me off, he tells the brothers off.)
We received good news that someone who has been away since Feb.5, will have a 3 day weekend for Easter. This was yesterday and we heard shortly before Bible time in the morning. Princess asked if she might pray and what did she thank God for? That he was bringing 'our car' back! TOO funny!
I do sense a question about why I still wear jeans. IOW, why I am not dresses-only. I admire that position. I do. It is certainly more lady like and feminine and can be more modest. In warm weather, I'm quite good at making sure I wear dresses/skirts mostly. In cold weather, all my resolve fades quickly. The cold just hurts me too much because of my Reynauld's Phenomenon deal and tho it is true you can layer under dresses--I find layering under jeans much more effective for me. (All this probably more than makes up for not telling 7 facts, doesn't it?)
Baby has given up sleeping this week. I'm hoping the time change will help him start up again. It's after 7pm and he has had less than an hour sleep since he got up at 9:15am. (I know that sounds late but adjust it to 8:15 --what it would have been yesterday and add in that he barely napped yesterday and still stayed up until nearly 11pm and you get the picture.) He's into climbing whatever looks climb-able now. And if you tell him to stop playing with a dvd player, he spews off several sentences in some foreign language with an attitude that is unmistakeably telling you off. (well, he doesn't tell me off, he tells the brothers off.)
We received good news that someone who has been away since Feb.5, will have a 3 day weekend for Easter. This was yesterday and we heard shortly before Bible time in the morning. Princess asked if she might pray and what did she thank God for? That he was bringing 'our car' back! TOO funny!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
several reviews
1. Looney Tunes Golden Collection. We purchased this used on Amazon recently. We've REALLY enjoyed it. Lots of memories for me and the children had seen a few but not nearly all that are on the collection. I'm considering shopping for the second group.
2. The Whole Bean--collection of Mr. Bean's tv series. Also bought used on Amazon. Hilariously funny. You may want to preview some before allowing the children to view. Most are fine, but there is an episode where he loses his trunks in the pool and there is a rear-view.
3. Another Chaim Potok called My Name is Asher Lev. As with the others a great view into the culure of Jewish New Yorkers. It inspired my recent post on letting God lead our children.
4. Hero Tales by Dave & Nita Jackson. We are reading this out after family worship in the evenings. The heroes are various missionaries/Christian leaders. Questions at the end of units.
5. Amy at Amy's Humble Musings has a good post up--over 160 comments! Wow! Her link is in my side bar.
2. The Whole Bean--collection of Mr. Bean's tv series. Also bought used on Amazon. Hilariously funny. You may want to preview some before allowing the children to view. Most are fine, but there is an episode where he loses his trunks in the pool and there is a rear-view.
3. Another Chaim Potok called My Name is Asher Lev. As with the others a great view into the culure of Jewish New Yorkers. It inspired my recent post on letting God lead our children.
4. Hero Tales by Dave & Nita Jackson. We are reading this out after family worship in the evenings. The heroes are various missionaries/Christian leaders. Questions at the end of units.
5. Amy at Amy's Humble Musings has a good post up--over 160 comments! Wow! Her link is in my side bar.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Explanations for photo shoot
I do not know why but I could not ADD any WORDS to my last post. Ack.
Anyhoo. Note that I am wearing a blue head band. I can NOT make my hair look any where near presentable without it. It seems too short at bottom and too long on top. However, my new outfit looks pretty good so I call it a passable look I suppose. har har. Do I look 37?
Lucien requested the photos so I've posted them and I hope no one minds.
OH--a welcome going out to my newest subscriber--SK. Please drop me a line sometime about you and yours! Miss you all! And for those of you still coming to the site to read my blog--there is a subscribe button and apparently it works. hint, hint.
Anyhoo. Note that I am wearing a blue head band. I can NOT make my hair look any where near presentable without it. It seems too short at bottom and too long on top. However, my new outfit looks pretty good so I call it a passable look I suppose. har har. Do I look 37?
Lucien requested the photos so I've posted them and I hope no one minds.
OH--a welcome going out to my newest subscriber--SK. Please drop me a line sometime about you and yours! Miss you all! And for those of you still coming to the site to read my blog--there is a subscribe button and apparently it works. hint, hint.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Willing to be led
When I set about the business of having babies, I thought little about the end results. I only knew I loved babies, loved children, and loved being a mom. When people would tease me about having teens and how much work it would be, I would smile and say that I was up for it. I still am.
My oldest is, I think, much like me. We bang heads the most and we have the most interesting discussions. I enjoy our discussions. I am blessed. It will not be easy to allow him to make his own decisions. It will not be easy to let him go.
I often hear plans of family businesses, keeping children near when grown. Plans to buy enough land so the grown children may 'settle' nearby. Plans are good. Remember my village dream? It is wonderful to dream, but I wonder if the plans include allowing God to lead.
I could easily get a picture in my head of Lucien setting up a welding business and all my boys working with him, but it would be easier trying to place a square peg in a round hole. If I am honest, only one of my boys seems fit for welding.
Building a Godly multigenerational legacy is the task before us, but tying our children close by to 'make sure' they stand is not faith. What about discovering their God-given gifts and encouraging them even if it means they are led into circles where we believe standing by their faith is difficult? What then? Do we believe God is sovereign or no?
Just the musings of a mom who is realizing her sons are becoming men faster than she'd like...... But please note, I still believe the best place for a young woman is under her father's roof, under his protection until she marries. I think that is God's plan. I think it is the ideal plan. If only life could always be ideal.
My oldest is, I think, much like me. We bang heads the most and we have the most interesting discussions. I enjoy our discussions. I am blessed. It will not be easy to allow him to make his own decisions. It will not be easy to let him go.
I often hear plans of family businesses, keeping children near when grown. Plans to buy enough land so the grown children may 'settle' nearby. Plans are good. Remember my village dream? It is wonderful to dream, but I wonder if the plans include allowing God to lead.
I could easily get a picture in my head of Lucien setting up a welding business and all my boys working with him, but it would be easier trying to place a square peg in a round hole. If I am honest, only one of my boys seems fit for welding.
Building a Godly multigenerational legacy is the task before us, but tying our children close by to 'make sure' they stand is not faith. What about discovering their God-given gifts and encouraging them even if it means they are led into circles where we believe standing by their faith is difficult? What then? Do we believe God is sovereign or no?
Just the musings of a mom who is realizing her sons are becoming men faster than she'd like...... But please note, I still believe the best place for a young woman is under her father's roof, under his protection until she marries. I think that is God's plan. I think it is the ideal plan. If only life could always be ideal.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Happy Monday
The weather is just incredible--sunny and 70 today. Yesterday was nearly the same and when I saw what it would be today--I told the gang we were taking today off. First stop today--the playground. It felt like summer. Baby didn't really get it. I put him in a swing, pushed him a couple times gently and you'da thought I punched him in the gut. He didn't cry--he looked like he might die if we didn't take him out. He did manage to enjoy going down a slide with me a few times. Mostly he walked around picking up wood chips and watching the others have fun.
Then we headed to Target and had a little lunch. We were not aware Target has Icees. We love Icees. Then bought baby a new umbrella stroller. My oldest said--but you have a wonderful stroller at home! (Can anyone tell me how to fit a jogging stroller and groceries into the back of a mini-van?) Then on to Old Navy, where there were 2 major revelations. First, that piano man, at nearly 13 is officially wearing man size jeans. Ack. It's official now. They will all turn into men. Then I decided after 4-5 years of not buying myself new jeans, I would shop for a pair. I figured a size 12--picked it up and it looked huge. SO, I tried on 10's and was shocked to see how well they fit! (Please, if you happen to know that Old Navy runs big--don't tell me!)
We managed to stay sane through a book store and then Wal mart for groceries. I haven't dared to do so much in one day with all the gang with me in a very long time, but it was so much fun and totally made up for the (my fault) bad hair cut I got last week. (I'm very thankful my hair grows Fast.)
This afternoon was estimate time and that went very well too. I've decided to forego putting up the wall and door for princess' room for now. Everything else should be starting in 4-6 weeks. The thing is that we do have a bit of time before it is really essential to figure out princess' room and I'd rather figure out something that has more room and looks better in case we need to sell. I was quite pleased/relieved with the estimate. Our friend says he would like to hire my 2 oldest to help! This is wonderful for them! They will get some hands on training and make a little money.
Apparently the dentist is unable to extract the teeth and we are being sent to an oral surgeon. Piano man is stressed by this new development and the consultation is the 10th so please remember him in your prayers.
Then we headed to Target and had a little lunch. We were not aware Target has Icees. We love Icees. Then bought baby a new umbrella stroller. My oldest said--but you have a wonderful stroller at home! (Can anyone tell me how to fit a jogging stroller and groceries into the back of a mini-van?) Then on to Old Navy, where there were 2 major revelations. First, that piano man, at nearly 13 is officially wearing man size jeans. Ack. It's official now. They will all turn into men. Then I decided after 4-5 years of not buying myself new jeans, I would shop for a pair. I figured a size 12--picked it up and it looked huge. SO, I tried on 10's and was shocked to see how well they fit! (Please, if you happen to know that Old Navy runs big--don't tell me!)
We managed to stay sane through a book store and then Wal mart for groceries. I haven't dared to do so much in one day with all the gang with me in a very long time, but it was so much fun and totally made up for the (my fault) bad hair cut I got last week. (I'm very thankful my hair grows Fast.)
This afternoon was estimate time and that went very well too. I've decided to forego putting up the wall and door for princess' room for now. Everything else should be starting in 4-6 weeks. The thing is that we do have a bit of time before it is really essential to figure out princess' room and I'd rather figure out something that has more room and looks better in case we need to sell. I was quite pleased/relieved with the estimate. Our friend says he would like to hire my 2 oldest to help! This is wonderful for them! They will get some hands on training and make a little money.
Apparently the dentist is unable to extract the teeth and we are being sent to an oral surgeon. Piano man is stressed by this new development and the consultation is the 10th so please remember him in your prayers.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
I get smarter every day
Now I not only have learned to access my checking on-line, but my friend showed me how to make a deposit at the ATM. (Lucien's direct deposit has not kicked in yet.) I know this sounds trivial and foolish, but it's huge to me. No special trip out to the bank--phew.
The hot water heater has been changed (Thanks N and L!) and it is nice and quiet. But it looks just like the old one only different name. I suppose I thought they were like cars--all similar yet unique--ha ha. I will find out about the estimates for remodeling on Monday--very exciting.
I managed to get us out to our friends' library yesterday and I'm reading Between Women of God by Donna Otto. It's a Titus 2 women book and I like it. Oh the subtitle is The Gentle Art of Mentoring. One thing she mentions that I hadn't thought of is that if you meet an older lady and you think you'd learn much from her--instead of just saying "hey, will you mentor me"--try offering your time to help her with something. (I know it sounds like another thing I really should have known.) She also says it matters not what stage you are in--there's likely some lady you could mentor also. Very true.
The hot water heater has been changed (Thanks N and L!) and it is nice and quiet. But it looks just like the old one only different name. I suppose I thought they were like cars--all similar yet unique--ha ha. I will find out about the estimates for remodeling on Monday--very exciting.
I managed to get us out to our friends' library yesterday and I'm reading Between Women of God by Donna Otto. It's a Titus 2 women book and I like it. Oh the subtitle is The Gentle Art of Mentoring. One thing she mentions that I hadn't thought of is that if you meet an older lady and you think you'd learn much from her--instead of just saying "hey, will you mentor me"--try offering your time to help her with something. (I know it sounds like another thing I really should have known.) She also says it matters not what stage you are in--there's likely some lady you could mentor also. Very true.
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