Posted in Family Life
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Our sweet 11yodd, Bunny, was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with type 1 diabetes. We have been very busy learning about finger pokes, insulin injections, low carb recipes, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and everything else related to this new challenge. "School" is on hold but certainly not learning! |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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This week, we're asking the opinion of our kids! Go to The Work of Childhood to see more! 1. What is your favorite thing about the workboxes? Bug-14.5: There is a variety of stuff to do. Butterfly-13: It's fun and there is a lot of cool stuff in them. Bunny-11: They are easy to do. Bee-9: You get to do a really lot of fun stuff with them. Bear-6: It's really, really fun and every day I want to go there. And I LOVE it! 2. What is your LEAST favorite thing about them? Bug-14.5: Math Butterfly-13: They have MATH in them! Bunny-11: I don't have a least favorite thing - I like it all! Bee-9: Doing the hard work, and I get stuck sometimes when Mom is busy. Bear-6: There's nothing I don't like. 3. Do you think the workboxes are helping you become a better student? Bug-14.5: Yes! Butterfly-13: I don't know, ask Momma! Bunny-11: Yes Bee-9: Yes! Because there are lots of math games and things that help me read better. Bear-6: Yes. 4. If you could change one thing about the workboxes, what would it be? Bug-14.5: Candy in the last box! Butterfly-13: I can't think of anything. They are all perfect! Bunny-11: Nothing I can think of. Bee-9: Mix up the order (she means go OUT of order, not by the numbers) Bear-6: It would be - I love it! (no changes) 5. What is your favorite activity that you didn’t really get to do much before you started the workboxes? Bug-14.5: More history. Butterfly-13: More arts and crafts, and it helps me to remember to do my Barton reading lesson. Bunny-11: Science experiments! And I get to interact more with my mom. Bee-9: I don't know. Bear-6: More lapbooks. Anything else you want to add? Bunny-11: They are a lot of fun, and everybody that homeschools should try them!! Bear-6: It was really weird when we did it the first time, but now it is really fun. Because there are boxes with stuff in them! They help you be smart and help you read more. And there you have it. Right from the mouths of my older 5! |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Click on the "Thinking Outside the Box" button on the sidebar to see more wonderful blogs! (Or just click HERE) How many boxes do you fill? 6 per child Do you expect your children to go in order? Yes, all of them. I think it is good training. Do you use the schedule strips? Yes, and the children love them! How long does it take you to fill the boxes? TOO long! LOL I need to get more organized so that it won't take me 60-90 minutes every night Do you fill your work boxes EACH night with all new items? Usually, but I swap between 2 sets (ie Geography MWF switches to Science TTh) Do you have some boxes repeat each day so there is less filling/refilling? Some, like prayer journals, knitting, lapbooks, etc What do your kids do with the empty boxes? Some stack them by their work area, some put them back on their shelves. I left it up to the individual child. Do you put away the ‘supplies’ each night? or do your kids? Here is our problem. Usually, I leave things stacked up on my huge "staging area" table and the piles get higher and higher and HIGHER - until I get overwhelmed. :blush: Anything else you want to add? This system is FABULOUS if you keep up with it!! |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Hey there! Over at Cheeky Monkey PreSchool we are compiling a list of people who are using Sue Patrick's Workbox System. Come on over! (I'll write a real post soon. Really. I promise!) |
Posted in Workboxes
Posted in Workboxes
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Ok, I'll answer the questions in the comments as best I can. Essentially, the system consists of taking the dc's assignments for the day - including all those fun things you mean to add but don't ever seem to get to - and putting all the components needed for each lesson in a numbered, plastic shoebox. For example, if they have a DrawWriteNow page to do you would include the book, paper, pencil & crayons so that everything is RIGHT THERE when they need it. The dc are given strips at the beginning of the day with numbers velcro'd on. They simply move through the strip, match the number to the box and go to work! Those things needing mom's help have a "Work With Mom" card velcro'd to the front of the box. I am AMAZED at the reaction of my dc!! Bug (15yos) grabs his boxes early - right after breakfast and blows through his assignments before the rest of us even get STARTED! The Twinks are LOVING having "school" to do (playdoh, blocks, coloring, file folder games...). Everyone in between is soooo excited to do school! Dh is happy because we are finally using all of those games & "extras" I spent his hard-earned money on! :o) We started out small (well, as small as a family of 11 can anyway! LOL) with only 6 boxes per child instead of the 12 that Sue Patrick recommends. This system is fantastic for autistic, dreamer &/or ADD types! I highly recommend doing a Google search on "workboxes" and checking out some other blogs. The boxes for baby: So far I've put in rattles, a slip of paper to remind me to do tummy time on a play mat, massage oil, a board book and a texture board (wooden board with differetn types of fabric hot glued on) which I help him "feel" as I talk about the textures. Oh! I also have put in a portable CD player with classical, Bible or lullaby CD's. I just watch for his "alert" times" for some boxes and his "getting sleepy" times for others. As far as space issues are concerned, several people have modified Sue's system and used a file box/crate for each child with either ziploc bags (Sue insists on clear containers in her book - especially for LD types) or manilla folders. I would strongly suggest getting the book to understand the "why's" and ALSO because the system is explained more fully and clearly. There are other components to the system as well. I'm on the fly this morning, but I'll try to come back later and link to some workbox blogs and the Yahoo groups! - Katie |
Posted in Workboxes
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We have discovered Sue Patrick's workbox system and it has REVOLUTIONIZED our homeschooling!! LAST week, we did more school than in the previous MONTH! Bug (15yos) - who has been BORED to TEARS with school for MONTHS - thinks school is just great if you put his assignments in boxes! He's now doing all assignments without ONE SINGLE COMPLAINT! Butterfly (13yog) - who is severely dyslexic and reading at a 1st - 2nd grade level - is doing most things INDEPENDENTLY!!! I am getting TONS of fun stuff done with the preschoolers (AND olders)!!! Even Pooh Bear (2mob) has boxes!! We put in rattles, massage oil, books, texture boards... it just helps me to have a focused time with him. I'm so excited about this (hence the large amount of exclaimation points) - I'll be writing several more posts in the very near future!
All the children are thrilled and don't EV-AH want to go back to "boxless" school. Check it out! |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Well, our new little Muffin is 4wks old tomorrow and we're back at the books! I've got Bug (14.5yob) doing Above & Beyond FIAR, his high school DVD math course, Spelling Made Simple and a high school forensics unit. He's still bored. *sigh* Butterfly (12.5yog), Bunny (10.5yog) & Bee (9yog) are doing Homer Price from Beyond FIAR. We're almost done and will start Neil Armstrong in the next week or two. They are also all working on various math books, and Butterfly & Bee are working on the Barton Reading System. Bunny is doing Spelling Made Simple. I admit we get BY done more than the basics though. *blushing* I'm looking for a grammar program for Bunny. Any suggestions on something self-directed? Bear (6yob) sits in on most of the BY lessons, and is really "getting" a lot!! We are doing FIAR - Another Celebrated Dancing Bear this week - and lapbooks. Also working in some Family Math games. Kitty (3.75yog) is working on various lapbooks, and some Before FIAR units. Lambchop & Puppy (2yob) are wreaking havoc! LOL But will sometimes sit for a B4 book. And our newest addition - hereby known as PoohBear - is a PEACH!!! Very good baby - but HUGE!! He looks a few months old already. *giggle* I'm going to try to blog more often. I really miss it. Off to start the day! - Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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what to do for school! We need to start back up, but I'm not sure with WHAT. Everything this past year has fallen flat. Bug (14.5) is very bored and very unmotivated. Butterfly (12.5) is dyslexic and frustrated. Bunny (10.5) is very bright but easily bored. Bee (almost 9) is probably also dyslexic and a bit of a tornado, but she loves workbooks! Bear (almost 6) is FIARowing and lapbooking and LOVING it. Kitty (3.75) loves lapbooking and we'll be doing B4FIAR. Ape-Man & Monkey (2) are Twin Toddler Tornados!!! And Puppy (1 wk) will hopefully be a sling-baby so I can get everything done! Pretty sure we're going back to BYFIAR with the three oldest girls. Definitely FIAR & B4 with my K & under set. Lapbooks for all. But I'm LOST on my oldest. We've tried a few different curricula since we've moved out of Learning Adventures with him, but nothing holds his attention. He has very deep interest in certain subjects (namely, American wars) and little to no interest in anything else. He has a spelling program (which he hates) and a high school math DVD series (that he hates, and really doesn't understand very much). We've tried a few different unit study programs but he has retained a LOT from our years with FIAR and LA and frankly he knows all the info he really needs on most of the subjects covered. I'm THINKING: * Continuing his spelling & math ('cuz he HAS to), alternating days * Teaching kitchen & backyard science to Bee & Bear a couple of days a week * Reading LOADS of good history books (he does this anyway) * Continuing to play his computer games since they do have SOME educational value and computer time is the only motivational tool we have With the girls, I will: * Revisit BYFIAR * Keep doing workbooks for math with all three (every other day) * Bunny will keep up with her spelling program (every other day) * Butterfly & Bee will continue with the Barton Reading Program (for dyslexia) (every other day) Hoping this works! Be blessed, Katie |
Posted in Growing in the Lord
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Here's the first song Bunny (10.5) wrote. It came from a Sunday School lesson I gave last week. I Want to Be I want to be loved by You I want to be noticed in the crowd And I want to know what to do when I'm caught in a trap I'm gonna need you when I'm stuck in thought And when I'm having a bad day I will just sit down and pray! I want to be loved by You I want to be noticed in the crowd And I want to know what to do when I'm caught in a trap Why am I still trying to be perfect When the only perfect One is You You died upon the cross for my sins and now I've fallen in love with You And I'll say it again I want to be loved by You I want to be noticed in the crowd And I want to know what to do when I'm caught in a trap Now I know all I have to do is Turn to You I'll turn to You I'll turn to You I'll turn to You...
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Posted in Baby News
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Baby born 1/22!! 9 lbs 1 oz, 20.5" Happy & Healthy! |
Posted in Baby News
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http://www.expectnet.com/game.php Game name Baby9 OK, here are the stats on the others to help you guess! #1 boy 8lbs 9.75oz 21.5" afternoon 7 days early #2 girl 7lbs 15 oz 20.25" afternoon 5 days early #3 girl 9lbs 5oz 21.5" morning 4 days LATE #4 girl 8lbs 3oz 20" nighttime 4 days early #5 boy 7lbs 11oz ??" nighttime 4 days early (induced) #6 girl 7lbs 13oz ??" evening 7 days early (Csec, but in labor) #7 boy 5lbs 18.5" evening 3.5 WKS early (TWIN, Csec but in labor) #8 boy 6lbs 1oz 18" evening 3.5WKS early (TWIN, Csec but in labor) The U/S on this one showed BOY! Official due date is 1/25 |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Last year, it seems I printed out the pages for 2-3 Christmas-y lapbooks that were circulating for free. I know for SURE that one of them is the Grinch. Problem IS, I printed only the minibooks and NOT the directions. My computer crashed so now I no longer HAVE the directions.
HELP!! |
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I have been reading this blog the past couple of days, In the Heart of My Home. And I think today's post is outstanding - even if you're NOT talking about the election. We are so quick to judge, aren't we? Peace, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Just a quick update, in case anyone still wanders over. :o) I'm almost halfway through the pregnancy and FINALLY starting to feel better. *whew* We had an U/S at 9 wks - there's only one this time. :o) Our vacation to KS/MO was WONDERFUL!! Full of fantastic memories and fun times. We met some GREAT people (internet friends) and toured some interesting historic sites. And you CAN take a family of 10 on a 2000 mile road trip for 9 days and not only survive, but ENJOY it! (OK, well - minus the torrential rain, ticks and tornado sirens). Bug is 14 now and bigger than I am. He spent 1.5 wks in MA with the grandparents and had a BLAST. He took his CAT test after finishing 7th grade and did very well. He's using Further Up and Further In and is, sadly, bored silly. *sigh* Butterfly is 12 and continues to expand her horizons. She'll be going to ME/MA this fall for 2.5 wks with my mom. We have GOT to find something that works for her to teach her to read, though. She's still at about a 1st grade level and FRUSTRATED. Bunny is 10 and playing soccer again this fall. Loving all the new friends she is making! Bee is 8 and still as crazy as ever! She's very happy to have moved up with the "big girls" for school (we're using Prairie Primer with the 3 girls). Bear (5) is having fun learning to read and doing FIAR with me. He is still the Funny Man in the family and is very precocious! Kitty is 3 and is just starting to come out of that screeching-at-everything stage. Thankfully! She is talking more and really getting to be a lot of fun! Lamb (Ape-Man) and Puppy are DEFINITELY double trouble!! At 22 mos they are a BLAST! But I should have named them (Messy) Marvin & Dennis (the Menace) - names that fit them perfectly! OK, so we're off to the dentist. For all 8 kid check-ups. Pray for me if you think of it, will ya? - Katie |
Posted in Baby News
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No matter how many times it happens, it still floors me. When the world says one thing and God responds with another. It's humbling. Dh was told in 2002 that his type of cancer combined with the chemo he would receive would make him sterile. We had to sign papers acknowledging that we understood. Then we had Kitty in 2005. And the Twinkies in 2006. And now we are expecting again! I'm due in January. We are amazed and thrilled. Most of the comments so far have been very positive (only one exception, and I didn't have to hear the negativity directly). But we haven't told the "difficult-to-tell" people yet. I'd appreciate your prayers. I don't like the confrontations, accusations and negativity. I don't like being talked about behind my back. Who does, right? I just hate that this taints our joy and excitement. So... will YOU rejoice with us? Peace, Katie
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Posted in Growing in the Lord
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It was the last day of my mountain getaway. I had been struggling for a long time with some things and I wanted to get some direction from God. So far, my half-hearted attempts at getting His attention seemed to be going nowhere. I had come fully prepared to pray, fast and study the Word but had found myself sleeping, eating chocolate and avoiding quiet times with audio books.
© 2008 |
Posted in Family Life
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OK, not yet - but we will be! We are planning our first long family vacation since 1996! (that was 6 kids ago!!) We've gone on 3 day trips - fairly local - but this is a big'n! So how are we preparing to take 8 kids on a roadtrip? I've been scouting the food sales for travel snacks and stocking up on granola bars and trail mix ingredients for weeks now. Snagged generic poptarts for 50c a box! We bought several 32gal totes for $4 each. One is for clothes (matching/coordinating T's), one for food, one for goodie bags, one for media... I made goodie bags for each of the kids. Travel games, coloring books, sticker books, craft supplies, stuffies, cars, toys... I got most of them during after holiday clearance sales for well under a dollar each! Some are homemade games (license plate lotto, travel bingo, etc). I'll be passing things out one at a time every 200 mi or so. The media tote is full of books on tape and CD from the library. They also have these new "Playaway" things - self contained books you plug earphones into. They even give you earbuds to keep when you borrow the books! I got a few personal CD & tape players on ebay so everyone will have something. Plus, when we were blessed with this van, it came with a DVD and VCR so we've got movies to watch. I have tried to carefully plan our itinerary to account for bored teens and squirmy toddlers. And everyone in between! It is pretty detailed and I printed out a LOT of "to" and "from" maps. But we know enough to be flexible and won't be slaves to The Plan. I've mixed museums with playgrounds and indoor sites with hikes. We're dressing the kids before bed on the eve of our departure and leaving in the quiet stillness of the morning. The hope is that most of them will fall back to sleep for the bulk of that first day's travelling. Not sure how it will work, so I have a couple of nice stops planned that we could skip if they are sleeping. Good thing it's still a while away, though. I have a TON left to do! Make a grocery list & shop, prepare the frozen meals, pack the totes, buy more goodies for the Twinkies' bags, wash clothes, buy DIAPERS... Anyone have any Travel-With-Children tips that I missed? Peace, Katie
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Posted in Family Life
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We have had several birthdays already this year. Here are the cakes I made:
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Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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We had our 3rd class dinner tonight. It was (again) from Last Dinner On the Titanic. I printed up dinner tickets in four languages (copied from the book). We had Celtic music playing in the background and we got LOUD! LOL The menu was: Vegetable Soup Pork Roast with Sage and Pearl Onions, Boiled Potatoes and Green Peas (Mock) Plum Pudding with Hard Sauce, Oranges and Cabin Biscuits (hardtack) served with coffee After dinner, we all danced reels & jigs & pure craziness! Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE homeschooling??? - Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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By request...
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Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Bug (13.5b) had an assignment for Further Up & Further In to make a full afternoon tea. Butterfly (12g)has been wanting to make meals from the Last Dinners on the Titanic book. Since one of those is a Third Class Tea, we have combined and are having that for dinner at 4:30 (eating early since Bunny (10g)has a soccer game). Here's the menu: We are, of course, dressed appropriately and speaking with a variety of rather awful accents. Peace, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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SUMMER PLANS
OK, I just asked the dc what they want to learn about this summer (we tend to unschool for a couple of months - dh likes it to be a LITTLE more structured during the school year). Here are our plans so far -
Butterfly (12g) wants to do Titanic, Kansas, Oregon Trail & American Indians. We'll go to the Indian houses here in town, the Pioneers Museum, the living history museum, make a teepee in the back yard, cook appropriate food, we're taking a family trip to KS - AND we'll get to tour Independence, MO in a covered wagon - even over the Sante Fe Trail wagon ruts! We'll play Indian games, dress up, make shoebox covered wagons, camp out, go for long walks. Oh! we're making a sheet cake of the US from the Mississippi River to the West Coast. We'll use candy & crushed cookies, etc to make the mountains, rivers, deserts & mark the forts and different trails westward... Bunny (10g) wants to study plants and mountains. We'll learn about different flowers, make a photo journal, plant a veggie garden, compost, do flower crafts. We'll classify & eat roots, stems, flowers, leaves, seeds, & fruit. We'll make volcanoes in the back yard, make an ice cream cake volcano, study the different rock types, go on a rock hunt, hike in the mountains, study the flora & fauna, probably make a lapbook with all that info... Bee (8g) told me she wants to learn about "old fashioned people". Hmm... I think she may need to narrow that down some! :) Bear (5b) is interested in cowboys and Indians so we'll add in a couple of cowboy living history places (there is one in Wichita that we're planning on seeing), cowboy meals, fireside sing-a-long, watching the downtown trail ride and hopefully win tix to the rodeo!
OK, got to run. I need to get off of here and actually DO some of this stuff!
 I'll try to post more later.Peace,
Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Here is a pic from Easter. Bug (13.5) is in the back, dh is in the front. L-R on the couch is Butterfly (11.5) with Puppy (17.5m) on her lap; Bear (5); Me with Kitty (2.5); Bee ( 8 ); Bunny (9.5) with Lamb (17.5m). And life goes on. The four Big B's played basketball this season. Bunny has her first soccer game tonight. Bug started doing his own curriculum with minimal supervision (Cadron Creek's Further Up and Further In Narnia study). Butterfly got braces and 6 teeth surgically removed. The Twinkies are DEFINITELY double trouble!! Lots of travel plans in the works for the family, and for various dc. Both Bug & Butterfly are going back East this year (different g'parents taking them at different times using different modes of transportation and visiting different places! LOL). Bee will be going on a long weekend with g'parents, too. We are all going to KC, MO this year. Can't WAIT to hook up with some friends and see some GREAT historic sites. And... th-th-th-that's all, folks! |
Posted in Family Life
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Well, if you would have told me what the dc were still playing with/using/loving a month after Christmas, I'd have saved a bunch of money! Bug (13b) is L-O-V-I-N-G the DVD's we got him. Gooood GRIEF if I'd have known he'd like it so much I would have bought more! Oh, Crum! Now this means I need to find more for his birthday. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Hmmm??? :o) Need more hints? Butterfly (11g) is really enjoying her Monopoly-type Titanic board game. I've only gotten to play once, but it was fun. Bunny (9g) LOVES her AG doll. Nikki sleeps on her bed. Bee (7g) has been playing with her 2 sets of twin baby dolls. Yup, Joseph & Josephine and Martha & Mary have a lot of fun accessories. Bug's (4b) biggest hit (that is still around *rolleyes*) is his Jonah Paint with Water book. Go figure! Kitty (2g) has decided that clothes are the best fun and that puts her dress-up dress & princess tiara on the top of HER list. Boo & Puppy (15mb) LOVE their ride on toys! One is Winnie-the-Pooh (we got for free) and the other is a Sesame Street one I got for $13 at a discount store! Not that they DIDN'T like and enjoy their other gifts. Far from it, this was one of those rare years in which EVERY gift was a hit. I just always think it's funny to see which gifts are "Hey, Cool!" but don't survive the test of time and which ones are the "keepers". Isn't that right, DM? (hint, hint!) Peace, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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My good friend Kelly is having a contest on her BLOG The Rules: 1. Tell a funny story (embarrassing ones are GREAT!) in the comments section on her blog. 2. Mention it on YOUR blog with a link back to HER blog, Laughing Always Helps The prize is a Family Life Organizer and Planner from professional organizer Pam Socolow! You can visit her online at www.family-facts.com. |
Posted in Growing in the Lord
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*sigh* It's disheartening to realize that I am not where I thought I was in my walk with the Lord. I've been gently rebuked about my attitude on two separate issues this week. By two different sisters in Christ. And OH! it hurts! "Faithful are the wounds of a friend" Proverbs 27:6a It's made even more difficult by the reactions & attitudes of those closest to me. They mirrored my own and were even MORE intense than mine. But that has just helped me to see how wrong I was and how ugly my attitude. Unfortunately, it also gives me a "good excuse" to wallow in my own shabby righteousness. "For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want... Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:19, 24-25a I have every "right" to my reactions to these situations! I have every "right" to be offended by the "calling out" I received! Or I can be right in Christ's righteousness. "All discipline for the moment seems not joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." Hebrews 12:11 I hate the conflict raging today between my head and my heart. |
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Posted in RambleRambleRamble
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Here are the last lines from the first post of each month in 2007: January: HAPPY NEW YEAR!! (gee, THAT'S original - NOT) February: I just love this pic - it shows my "big boys" at their best! March: So I'm getting myself off this computer now and sharing the joyful news with my brood that today is a holiday. We will play games & color & bake & laugh & love & live together today. Thank God for homeschooling. Happy Heartschooling Day. April: OK, got to skeedaddle. Too much time on here and my 8 cuties toss stuff bombs all over the house! May: Wow, and this started off as just a catch-you-up-on-our-little-lives post. Go figure! I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. ROMANS 1:16 June: * Puppy... got colic. Life got put on hold!! July: OK, I need to run. Lots to do!! Abiding in His love, August: E-mail me for an evite and I'll send you the link to the catalogue!September: THANK YOU for thinking of me! October: Please reveal, my SS! :o) November: Isn't that what we all do sometimes? Make things too complicated, too technical. Maybe it's because we try to control things, I don't know. Like a little child, moms and dads. We all must be like a little child. December: Well, OK. Enough ramblin'. Dh is so sick he's home from work & I need to go take care of him. Wow. OK. Ummm... I've been pretty boring this year. I'm going to be praying about the direction of this blog. Am I being real? Helpful? Encouraging? Is it worth my time - and yours? Am I glorifying God? Hmmmm... In His love, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Greetings to friends both far and near! We pray you had a blessed year. We want to share some of what we did, Just a little bit about each kid We’ll start with the new teen, our firstborn, Bug: He played basketball for a little while, Helped fire victims, volunteered on Pikes Peak, Caught enough fish to feed us for a week! Played baseball again - though he struggled at bat, Loves to read books now, imagine that! Started a business selling photo note cards, Helped out at church raking the seniors’ yards. Moving on to Butterfly, our eleven year old: She helped with the homeless when they came in from the cold, Won a poetry contest, then recited on stage! This year, the Titanic was her current rage Stayed overnight at the museum with her Dad, At her tea parties, a great time was had, Joined the youth group and girls’ Bible study, Serves lunch to the seniors, now she’s everyone’s buddy. Bunny is the next child in line: She’s friendly and outgoing and loves being nine! She also played basketball; helped fire folks, too; She has lots of friends, some old and some new. She’s learned to ski now like her big bro & sis, And her singing at church you just won’t want to miss! At a local school show she did a country line dance, And learned about Africa whenever she had a chance. Bee is seven, a real big girl now: While skiing with Dad she learned the “snowplow”. She played basketball and scored points for her team, Becoming a veterinarian is Bee's latest dream She still loves Spiderman, pirates and such But lately she’s gotten a gentler touch. She takes care of the babies, both real and toy, And cooking with mom is time for great joy. Who plays in the dirt whenever he can. He loves pirates and trucks and playing with Bug. Whatever he does, he does it with style! He loves to “do school” and is learning to read, And he helps us all out when he sees a need. He loves the babies and can’t wait ‘til they can play And he wants to grow up and be a cowboy someday. Next comes the Princess, our sweet Kitty Grace Whose smile lights up her whole pretty face. She loves to play babies and make meals with me, Dress up and sit while the big girls have tea She’s talking more now and learning to sing And calling up Nana’s a favorite thing She screeches a lot and can sometimes be naughty And lately she just wants to learn to go – potty! :o) Lamb is the Chunky-Man, very laid-back: His favorite things are his cup and a snack! He’s crawling quite well, and cruising around, Smiles a lot though he makes hardly a sound Puppy's the youngest (by only a minute) If something is happening – he’s right there in it! Walking and talking - his new word is “buh-duh” (brother) It’s great fun to watch them play with each other! So there you have it – the family in rhyme I’m running short now on paper and time We pray you are blessed and your new year is great Here’s wishing you all Happy 2008! |
Posted in Family Life
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We made 11 kinds of cookies yesterday! The assembly line was a huge success. The only problem? Deciding which ones to bake! We ended up with: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons Gumdrop Swirled Mint Candy Cane Gingersnaps Maple Walnut Cranberry Walnut Butterscotch Cornflakes (No Bakes) I wonder how long the dough will keep in the fridge? I'd like to avoid the hassle of freezing/defrosting them. Hmmm... I'd still like to make Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbreads, Sugar Cookie Cutouts and Frosted Pumpkin Cookies. YUM YUM YUMMY! On a different note, what do you think of a church that leases out space in an indoor amusement center? We heard yesterday that our old church will be doing just that and I guess we're glad we changed churches. The distraction for our special needs dc would just be horrible. And what if you can't afford to buy them passes to play every week, even at a discount? Sure the attraction for kids would be huge, but I can't picture going to a church with a bowling alley and a bar. *shrug* Call me old-fashioned. Anyway, I'm not wanting to badmouth the church. The pastor there has a HUGE burden for the lost of our city and for youth. We certainly wish them well and are praying for them. I was just curious if we're missing something here. *shrugs again* Peace to you all, Katie |
Posted in Holiday Happenins
To celebrate, we're setting up an assembly line for making the dough. You lay everything out, make one type of dough at a time (milder flavored first & progressing to stronger) and package the dough in balls wrapped in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until all doughs are done, THEN clean up the bowls/measuring cups all at once. Now your counter/table is ready to roll out the dough AND your dough is chilled enough to roll!  We're making Sugar Cookies, Gumdrop Bars, Swirled Mint Cookies, Candy Cane Cookies, Maple Walnut Cookies, Pumpkin Cookies and maybe a couple of others.  I love Christmas School! It's Home Ec, & Math, & Kitchen Science, & Community Involvement (if you give some away) & ... Anyone got any fav cookie recipes?? |
Posted in Family Life
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Ummm... ahhhh... well, lessee here... Some of us are recovering. Some are not. We were chosen to speak at church yesterday and light the Advent candle. It was nice (then the sickies all went home). We finished up our last Learning Adventures for the calendar year, but I've been too sick to plan Dec school. And my printer broke, so all the lapbook units I purchased and diligently searched for are a no-go. Asperger's + Holidays = Meltdown Nuff said. I'm almost done shopping for the dc. I have Butterfly (11g) & Bunny (9g) all done and just a couple more each to get for the others. No clue what to get for the twinkies other than what I got already. Sleep lessons for Puppy (13.5mb) would be nice. *sigh* Speaking of, he has a new tooth! They have both had 6 for months now (4 upper, 2 lower) and Puppy's got another lower. They both have swollen gums from molars, poor things, but those are a long way off methinks. Oh, and on presents - I'm doing something different this year. I'm taking ALL of their gifts and wrapping them in tissue paper, then putting them in one big wrapped box per child. You should have seen their eyes pop when I put the 2 huge (think Sam's club-sized diapers or larger) boxes under the tree. With no labels, no less! They are crazy to know who they are for! *giggle* Well, OK. Enough ramblin'. Dh is so sick he's home from work & I need to go take care of him. - Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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There. I said it. Someone in our house has been sick with one thing or another since the end of SEPTEMBER! I think I can MAYBE count on one hand the number of days we've had everyone healthy at once. I've bleached everything I can think of. I have the windows open every day that it's warm enough. We are handwashing so much that we all have chapped (sometimes bleeding!) hands! AAARRRGGHHH!!! But it's not just us! The neighbors have been sick just as long, and we haven't been interacting much. My mom & step-dad as well, and they are only here if we're healthy. My dad & step-mom have had a bad run of it this month as well. Someone make it stop!!! Please? Last week, I took all 8 dc to get their checkups. Wouldn't ya know - they were pronounced healthy. Every single one! I thought we were done with it! But starting Friday, we all (save 2) have nasty head colds/coughs. And last night, 2 of the littles started with yucky dipes again!! I want to just sit and cry. Maybe I will. 'Cept we're out of tissues. Peace, Katie |
Posted in Growing in the Lord
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The Joy of Christmas
I can still see the four of us sitting around the kitchen table. Three generations of women - though I was just a girl - making Christmas memories just as surely as we were making popcorn and cranberry garlands for the tree. "Joy to the world! the Lord is come!" we sang out together as we worked. Little did I know what the words meant, what they would come to mean to me in later years. I only knew that singing all the verses to all the carols was a feat envied by many of my friends. I didn't know they envied me the time with my family as well.
My Nana would get up to make more popcorn while my mom and my aunt would argue good-naturedly about which verse came next. I would simply concentrate on the pattern - two popcorn, one cranberry - and on not poking myself with the needle. I always thought that my strand was the longest and prettiest. It took me years to realize that my aunt would tie hers to the end of mine when I wasn't looking! "Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ!" These songs would stay with me, long after my family was separated by miles and more. We went through some dark times.
I was not raised in a Christian home - far from it. Seeds of rebellion were planted early and blossomed into unhealthy fruit. Although it was many years before I walked with the Lord, He always walked with me. There are so many moments I can look back on and see His hand directing, shaping - patiently waiting. "No more let sins and sorrows grow!" It wasn't until I had a family of my own that I went searching. Oh, at first I was not searching for Christ, but only for the echoes of those warm Christmas memories. But where else would they lead but to Him who is at the center of it all?
It was a blustery December day when I stepped into the waters of the baptismal. Into the darkness of my cold November heart, the warmth and light of the Savior had come shining. On that second Sunday of Advent, as I professed Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I couldn't help but think back to those earlier Christmas seasons. "He rules the world with truth and grace!" I am so thankful that even though I had not known it at the time, the Lord had spent years preparing my heart to receive Him.
This Advent season, as you are making memories with your loved ones - or reliving memories of those that have gone on - never lose sight of the joy of the Lord's coming! |
Posted in Family Life
The older 5 had physicals yesterday. No surprises on Butterfly (11g) down through Bear (4b). But my Bug (13b)?? I about fell over!! He's 137 lbs and 5'8"!!!!!! Um, I'm only 5'6". Yeah. Now he's calling me "Shorty".  Everyone is healthy, though. And the younger 3 go today. Which means I need to take the Stay-Pufft Marshmallow Van out in the snow. Yuck! I love snow, but only on days when I can stay home. I have to go out THREE TIMES today! Dr, Salvation Army to drop off Butterfly's pies & to pick my mom up from work. Oh, well. Thank You, Lord, we have a van!! Thank You, Lord, we have snow to combat the water shortage! Thank You, Lord, my mom lives in town! Thank You, Lord my sweet dd wants to help others! OK, nothing like puttin' yer praise on to change an attitude headed south!  Need to run. Our appt is E-A-R-L-Y!! Peace, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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No doubt about it now. I asked Bear (4b) if he knew why we celebrate Thanksgiving. We've talked about being thankful to God, but I wanted to add a little history so when he didn't know about the pilgrims I said, "Well about 400 years ago..." At which point he interrupted me and sweetly asked, "Mommy, is dat when you yived in Massa-tu-setts?" Uh, yeah. Gotta love 'im. In other news, dh decided this morning that we would be joining our new (since March) church so I ran to gather (almost) all the kids and we went down front after service. The congregation's response was overwhelming! So many dear people came up to hug and welcome us afterward. We really feel like we belong here, which is not always easy for me to say with autistic dc. We are grateful for the love shown to our family at this church. They are so willing to try to meet our needs, and we've already found numerous ways to serve and give back. I'm actually looking forward to attending on Sundays - something I had lost with our previous churches. Peace, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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You know, when I just relax and don't push - I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING!! Bug (13b), Butterfly (11g) & Bunny (9g) are busily studying about Texas, Mexico & reptiles using Learning Adventures Westward & Onward unit (Year 3). Last night we had a Tex-Mex Fiesta with Nana & Granpa and it was a BLAST! Mexican Fruit Salad, Taco/Burrito Bar, Mexican Wedding Cakes, Sombrero Cookies, Cinnamon Crispies... flags, flowers & streamers... the Hispanic radio station playing in the background. Bug is reading on his own about WWII. Butterfly is still learning lots about the Titanic and has started studying some famous American women. Bunny is crazy about birds and missionaries. I've also started putting them in charge of doing things with the littles. Butterfly has a tea party with all the girls on Tuesday with a Bible study and a manners lesson. So far, she has done an excellent job with lessons on love. We'll be moving on to "joy" soon and then working our way through all the fruit of the Spirit. Bug is in charge of planning an adventure for the boys. So far he has orchestrated a treasure hunt, taken them stargazing and gone on a nature walk. Bunny is having library-style reading time with all the Middles & Littles. I pick the theme and she runs with it - books, games, songs, puppets, etc. She's done farm animals, monkeys & turkeys so far. Bee (7g) is having a ball with her Five in a Row lessons. We're working on The Pumpkin Runner from Vol 4, then we're moving on to the new unit, The Bravest of Us All. Sometimes, Bear (4b) joins her in her lessons but mostly he's doing lapbook activities and some Before FIAR. Bee & Kitty (2.5) are also enjoying the lapbook activities - and even Bug, Butterfly & Bunny have a few going. We've done FIAR Fold 'N' Learns, Hands of a Child holiday packs, Knowledge Box Central units, Live and Learns from Live and Learn Press, Bible ABC's and some other activities from Little Blots of Faith! PLUS the lapbooks that are in the Learning Adventures curriculum. Whew! A lot of these were freebies, and those that aren't are worth it if you and your dc enjoy lapbooking. We've been enjoying nature walks and using our FIAR Fall Nature Study Guide. We have particular trees and plants that we are watching change through the seasons. Our nature notebooks are filling up! Oh! By the way, have I mentioned the fabulous backpack we got from Nature Backpacks?? It is a high quality backpack filled with all you need for a nature hike - colored pencils, drawing pads, binoculars, magnifying tweezers, collection containers, Fun With Nature guide... the greatest thing is, we can keep it by the door and when we want to go on a nature outing, we just grab & go!! This would make a great family gift for Christmas. Our family read aloud right now is Missionary Stories with the Millers and the dc are really amazed at the way God saves His people. We've also started scheduled Bible readings at breakfast & lunch, followed by singing a couple of worship songs. The girls take turns picking the songs, while I pick the readings. We're not hitting it all everyday but I'm refusing to do my usual - throw up my hands and throw it all away because it's not "perfect"! Kind of how I am with this blog - all or nothin'! *grin* OK, enough for today. I've got to go spend my 1-on-1 Friday "dates" with my crew. Be blessed, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Bear (4) just had so much to say today! This morning before church he came to me with 28 cents and we had this conversation: "Mama, dis is a quarter! I's got yots of money!" "Yes, you do! Maybe you should think about giving some of that money to church." "Not my quarter! I never had one of dese before!" "Well, why don't you pray about it? Ask God what He wants you to do." So he goes to the DR table, sits and bows his head. Then, "You has to be very quiet, Mommy. God is way far away up in Heaven and I need to hear Him good!" *giggle* (BTW - God had him give his 3 cents! LOL) Later he was on the phone with my mom. They must have been talking about his money, which led to talking about Christmas presents. He gets off the phone and stage whispers, "Hey mom! I is getting both of you BIG flowers - but don't tell anybody!" ROFLOL After Sunday School during worship, he stage whispers, "Mom! Tell Daddy I need to talk to you when we get home!" but obviously couldn't wait because 5 minutes later it's, "Mommy! I REALLY has to talk to you!!" So we go out in the narthex and sit in the chairs there. Here's THIS conversation. "Mommy. Mommy! you know there is poor peoples?!? They has NO FOOD! And they's houses - they has no houses. They sell houses and they costes yots and yots of money! So they has none. And I don't ever want to do that to our house, OK? But they needs yots and yots of food." "OK, honey. We can give them some food. What kind of food?" "How 'bout a peanut butter sandwich? No, that would get squooshed. How 'bout cereal?" "Sure! What else?" "And pizza! No. That needs a fridge. Maybe sumping from the cupboard!" So now we have FOUR GROCERY BAGS packed up and he's asking everyone he knows! Aparently, all the little guys in class (or most, anyway) really want to help so they are having a food drive and will go down front with their food next Sunday. Too cute! So before bed (last one, I promise!) he's cuddling with me and he says, "Mommy, I want to write to the President of these a-mighty States!" *snort* "Why, honey?" "So I's can tell him dat I yuv him and thank him for sending the soldiers to the war to keep us safe." OK, now don't get political on me! But out of the mouths of babes, huh? This kid cracks me up!! In Him, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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We are studying Australia and NZ and were wondering if any of you out there would like to trade packages? You know postcards, brochures, maybe small food items or toys. Nothing bigger than a standard shoebox to save on shipping. We made pavlova last night - YUM! We love that. You could SKIP the vegemite though, 'K? Just leave a comment or email! Peace in Him, Katie |
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My friend Kim just called. Her mom is in the hospital,ICU on a ventilator. They are giving her 48 hours to wean off, then... Kim is asking for prayers for a miracle! |
Posted in Growing in the Lord
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We've been working on Fall things with the Littles, of course. So as they were making paper & rafia scarecrows and painting leaves today I planned on giving them a gentle intro on the science of the changing leaves. I asked them, "Do you know why the leaves change colors?" Bear (4) replied, "Yes, because it's Fall!" "That's right, honey. But do you know why?" Bee (7) said, "God made the trees turn all kinds of pretty colors so that we would remember Him and enjoy His creation." Ummm, yeah, so I scrapped that however-watered-down technical lesson. "That's right, sweetheart. That's exactly right." Isn't that what we all do sometimes? Make things too complicated, too technical. Maybe it's because we try to control things, I don't know. Like a little child, moms and dads. We all must be like a little child. Peace, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Have you seen the new Five in a Row digital products??? You should - they're not just for 'Rowers either. I've mentioned it before, but the new Fall Nature Study download is a beautiful, well written guide to getting out and studying God's creation during the autumn months. There are checklists, ideas, tips, poems, photographs - really something for everyone! It has sparked many great nature walks and talks with my children this past month. How about the Timeline resource? OK, I'll admit I haven't gotten it yet. But it LOOKS fantastic and if I didn't already have one actively in place I'd grab it! AND - I'm very excited to say that they have just announced an ALL NEW digital book unit, comparable to a FIAR Volume 4 lesson plan! Using the book The Bravest of Us All by Marsha Diane Arnold and illustrated by Brad Sneed (the same team that did Pumpkin Runner, a Vol. 4 title), it's complete with story disk, Bible supplement and cookbook recipes! I downloaded it last night and we all can't wait to dig in. Plus there are several lapbook-type projects to download called Fold 'n' Learns. My kids are having a great time with these! OK, so I'm off to plan our Bravest unit in my handy-dandy FIAR planner!! Peace, Katie |
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Kim at InAShoe is having another contest!! This time, you can win $250 in Vision Forum exclusive merchandise! Just post your wish list, link to Kim's post and Vision Forum, then leave her a comment linked to your wish list post. The entry deadline is this Friday, 11/2 at 11:59pm Central and there will be THREE winners!! So here's my list: Raising Maidens of Virtue - $20 Cross Shield & One Sword - $20 Sabers, Spears & Catapults - $25 Pouch of Ancient Coins - $18 Sergeant York & the Great War - $16 Women & Children First - $24 The Birkenhead Drill - $8 Nan Harper's Titanic Dress for Girls (Lg) - $49 Modesty Slip (Lg) - $10 Nan Harper Doll Dress - $19 Prairie Bonnet (pink) - $12 Women & Children First - $10 Passionate Housewives: Desperate for God - $16 TOTAL - $247 GOOD LUCK!!! |
Posted in Growing in the Lord
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God is amazing. I'm very tired tonight but I just had to write this entry before I turn in. First off, I went to my homeschool support group meeting tonight. Sally Clarkson from Whole Heart Ministries was the speaker. I've wanted to hear Sally speak for years. Her book, Educating the Whole Hearted Child is one of my three must read homeschooling motivational books each year. Of course, the talk was just for me and God is so gracious in reminding me of the things He's been trying to teach me. Then there was a friend who gets day old Panera Bread goodies once a month for homeschoolers. I came home with wonderful breads, bagels, cookies and AMAZING pastries!! Such treats - wow! What a blessing. But to top it all off, a dear lady there had offered 12-24m boys clothes on the e-mail loop. Because I'm on digest, I'm usually too late for offers like that. This time though I was the first to respond. Good thing I'm typing because the Lord has left me speechless this time. There was 1/2 trash bag full of size 5 diapers. We just this week noticed that Kitty & Lamb were growing out of the size 4's but still had too many in the house to justify a purchase. WOW!! Just yesterday I told Mark that I wanted to try some no-spill sippy cups with straws because Puppy won't drink from a regular sippy. Not one in the bag - but three!!! A Winnie-the-Pooh plate for Kitty, who has been wanting a plate of her own and LOVES Pooh! And the clothes? Well, I like to dress the Twinkies in matching clothes. Generally you don't get that with blessing bags, you know? In this case, not only did 90% of the clothes coordinate (as in there are 2 similar style outfits of each) but there is one outfit in the bag that I own one of already because it was Bear's so now they have IDENTICAL outfits!! I am constantly amazed that God cares so much about the little things. Wow. Why do I fret and worry so much? Why do I forget that He has a plan? Lord, forgive me when I stress and strive for things when You know already what I need and are so ready and willing to provide. Keep me focused on You, Lord, and on praising You in all things. Help me to expect the unexpected! Be blessed, Katie Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Well, hello. Is there anybody out there? Sorry I'm so scarce. I never thought having twins would take so long to adjust to! I rarely have a moment to collect my thoughts, much less type them out. The new schedule (the one that is supposed to give me writing time) looks great, but we have yet to implement it. Illness, International Day, tea parties... Ah, well. One of these days! I'm thinking about moving the computer back into the kitchen. That way, I can type in between chores & cooking. Lamb & Puppy are officially toddlers! Well, in age anyway. Only Puppy is living up to the name right now. Lamb can sure go like anything behind the push toy now though! All the children are well. Here's a bit of insight into their personalities - their choices for costumes this year: L&P (1) are Thing 1 & Thing 2 Kitty (2.5) is the Cat in the Hat Bear (4.5) is a ninja Bee (7.5) is an angel Bunny (9.5) is a movie/rock star Butterfly (11.5) is a woodland fairy Bug (13) refuses to be anything We don't trick or treat, but we were invited to a party at the neighbors. I made all of the costumes and probably laid out under $20 for everyone. They looked great though!! We are not planning to do Christmas Around the World again this year. We've run out of countries that interest the children. Not sure now WHAT we'll do. We may even - GASP - just keep on with our FIAR and Learning Adventures! Off to clean up the Twinkies from lunch! Peace to you, Katie |
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Howdy! Kim over at InAShoe is hosting Vision Forum product giveaway! You could be one of FIVE winners who will receive their Vision Forum wishlist items - up to $150!! Here's my VF wishlist (Christmas gifts for my Titanic crazy girl!): 1. Woman & Children First CD - $10 2. Passionate Housewives: Desperate for God book $16 3. Nan Harper Doll Dress - $19 4. Nan Harper's Titanic Dress, Large - $49 5. Modesty Slip, Large - $10 6. The Sinking of the Titanic and Great Sea Disasters - $24 7. The Birkenhead Drill - $8 8. All-American Boy's Spy Cipher - $12 Total - $148 9. Winning Kim's contest - PRICELESS!! Entry deadline is this Friday, 10/26!!! |
Posted in Secret Sisters
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... and Who oh Who can she be?? Please reveal, my SS! :o) Blessings, Katie |
Posted in Autism Corner
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Some of my dc are on the autism spectrum. I hate it. It can be gut-wrenchingly difficult. It can also be eye opening. Relatives of people with autism sometimes display similar characteristics with the diagnosed individual, but they are not impared enough in their daily life to have a clinical case. Such mimicry is called shadow syndrome. I wrote this after researching the world of autism to try and get a correct dx for my girlie.
Half-Life It’s dark in the dimness where no one can see Living in the shadows, as it were, Just normal enough that they think I’m crazy when I tell them who I am And what is it you’ve done with your coming? Brought me out into the light – or driven me down deeper? For without you, I never would have found myself And where am I? Questions within questions Spiraling downward into the half-life of shadows – Into nothingness Because the truth is, nothing really matters Truth hurts. And which of us is the shadow? Did you evolve from me, or am I a reflection of you? Either way, it’s a complex dance and I’m unsure of the steps But the music compels us on Flickering between light and shadow Never quite belonging, Never really alone. © 2003 For Mimi. |
Posted in Family Life
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Hello there - 'lo there - air-air-air.... That's the echo. Sorry I haven't been around. LOTS going on! I really thought life would slow down a bit after the summer - it usually does. But it seems there is more going on than ever!! So here I sit, with writer's block - of all things! OY! School is going well. The girls (11, 9, 7) are all getting ready for our homeschool group International Day so we're spending a lot of time on projects. The twinkies are getting big, big BIG!! Only a couple of weeks until their birthday - how did THAT happen? Puppy is walking - well he still looks like Franken-baby, but he's getting there. Lamb is cruising behind him. My teenager, Bug, is getting that deeper voice. Sometimes when he's talking out in the other room I panic, thinking a strange man is in the house! LOL I'm doing well. My weight loss has stalled (grrrr....) but that's OK. I'm sure when I wean the twins, the rest will go! Looks like I may have a publishing deal for my devotional book. THAT'S exciting, 'round here anyway. It'll be an e-book and available for download sometime in November. I'll keep you posted. Hey speaking of new e-books, did you know that Jane Lambert (FIAR) has written a new one? It's a beautiful book about doing fall nature study with your kids (AND yourself!). The pictures are wonderful and it's full of tips, ideas, journal pages, poems (ahem - I've got one in there) and more! You should check it out at the Five in a Row digital store. I'm redoing our schedule and planning to include an hour of writing time per day. I'm hoping to use some of that time to blog. I KNOW I keep telling you I'll write more, but maybe it'll really happen this time! OK, off to check on lunch!! Peace, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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I love contests. Can you tell? Life in a Shoe is hosting a giveaway of Vision Forum's exciting new adventure series, Ballantyne books. Just add that to your blog and go on over and leave a comment for Kim at her blog. Ends Friday 9/28! |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Coming to Homeschool Authors Jane Lambert and Amanda Bennett If ever the saying "been there and done that" had genuine meaning, these two women are living proof. From the "am I doing enough?" fears which nag every homeschool mother to the joyous benediction of "thank you mom for all you did," Amanda and Jane have walked where you walk! Between them, Jane Lambert and Amanda Bennett have more than 35 years of homeschooling experience. Amanda has a daughter through college and Vet school, a son through college and well established in his own business and she continues to homeschool her youngest son through high school. Jane has two daughters through college, both happily married, and she plans to keep an active hand in homeschooling with her five grandchildren. After meeting as homeschool curriculum authors nearly 15 years ago at a convention in Florida, these two women have become close friends, sharing their victories and their trials with one another in person, on the phone and by email on a weekly basis. They know the ins and outs of learning styles, teaching techniques and student motivation. More importantly, they also know the power of prayer-- to complete the homeschooling marathon, to strengthen homeschool marriages (Jane has been married for 36 years and Amanda for 28), to persevere through both the terrible twos and the terrifying teens, to walk through health challenges and to live with the financial stresses of being a single-income family. Today, they speak to 1000's of homeschoolers each year and really do live to help and encourage others through their books, their words, their prayers and their love. They look forward to blessing Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to sit and hear from these two remarkable women in a small, intimate gathering. When: October 13, Where: Grace Point Community Church, 90 E. Orchard Rd., Littleton, CO 80121 Registration Fee and RSVP: Send $20 to Paula Anderson, by October 6. Email her at mpskra{at}comcast{dot}net for her address. A pre-reserved, pre-paid lunch is available for $6 each from Chick-Fil-A. Please send your luncheon fee to Paula with your registration fee. You may bring your own sack lunch if you prefer. Please contact Paula Anderson for further information at mpskra{at}comcast{dot}
To learn more about Jane or Amanda, visit their websites: Jane Lambert, Author of Five in a Row
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Posted in Family Life
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Hey there! We will be walking as a family on Sept 30 to raise money to fight world hunger. The thing I like about this program is that 25% of the money raised stays here in our community. You can check it out at CROP Walk. If anyone feels led, you can sponsor us by donating to my paypal account using my e-mail addy. The goal for each team is $500, and for our city it's $20,000! WOW! You can also go to the website to see if there is a CROP Hunger Walk happening near you. Blessings, Katie |
Posted in Secret Sisters
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I received your package today, dear Sister. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness! I love, love, LOVE the bracelet! My kidlets went ga-ga over the pencils, and I'm using the notecards already! You are a great SS. :o) Blessings to you! - Katie |
Posted in Secret Sisters
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Thank you, Secret Sister for the "pamper me" package! Last night, I sent everyone to bed early, ran the tub, lit my new candle & had a nice bath with my yummy new soaps! Then, after a long soak, dh gave me a pedicure - well, did his best anyway! LOL It was wonderfully relaxing, and something I look forward to doing again soon. THANK YOU for thinking of me! Peace to you, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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you've no idea. Really, I compose multiple blog entries in my head. But I never have the time to actually blog. *shrug* I also cannot keep up with my blog feeds, so I'm missing reading friends' blogs as well. *sniffsniff* Life is FUN here, but very busy. Bug (13yob) is busy with our schoolwork (Learning Adventures - Westward & Onward) and his Ancient Civilizations CD-ROM. He's also reading about Stonehenge & working through the book of Psalms. He just recently volunteered with Dad in a marathon (handing out drinks, fruit & encouragement). Butterfly (11yog) Ditto on the schoolwork, getting involved with the church youth group this year. She just volunteered with the church serving lunch to the local school teachers for their work day. She's having a blast helping me can & freeze all this zucchini & some nectarines I got on sale! Bunny (9yog) Ditto on the schoolwork plus reading a ton of library books. It's so hard to keep her in good books. She reads WELL above grade level, but most of those books are too mature in content. HELP! She spends time playing with her 2 best friends (separately) and she's on a watercolor painting kick. Bee (7yog) She's L-O-V-I-N-G school doing FIAR with me! She just came back from a camping weekend with G'ma & G'pa. It seems she became a yound lady almost overnight! Of course, she just spent her mony on a Ninja Turtle... *sigh* At least we seem to be moving away from Spidey, but *shrug* Bear (4yob) is VERY eager to "do school" and wants to learn to read. I've got some Rod & Staff workbooks he's doing (because he wants to) and we're having fun with B4FIAR. He is still SUCH a card and keeps the whole family laughing with his jokes & general sweetness! Kitty (2yog) What a handful! She is VERY "2". Angel-faced, but very demanding with a fierce temper. I'm trying to give her more cuddle time and she's been asking to be read to a lot lately. Might be time for some special "Mom & Me" B4FIAR time. I wish she were a bit more verbal, though it' coming slowly. Lamb (10mob) is a CHUNK! 21 lbs, marine crawling, rolly-poly boy. Just the last couple of days he's getting his belly up more to crawl and he's even pulled to stand a few times! He LOVES to eat, sleeps through the night (7:30-6:30) and is a big cuddler. Very easy-going baby. Puppy (10mob) is 18 lbs and almost walking. He cruises all over and stands without help. He is not as interested in "baby" food, but loves things he can feed himself. He is very vocal and using words already. The boy "never" sits still!! He's still getting up 3-7x/night and does not sleep well. It is a BALL to watch them interact. They pull on each other to get to toys, or play tug-of-war with the toys. Right now, although Lamb is bigger he is not as coordinated and generally loses. He's so easy going it doesn't bother him much. OK, off to make lunch! |
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I'm not kidding, this lady makes MY life seem tame!! Well, OK - not really. But this is the newly-famous mom with the ebay auction for the Pokemon cards her dc snuck into the grocery cart. Check it out! BECAUSE I SAID SO And I PROMISE I'll write a real entry soon! |
Posted in Secret Sisters
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I loved the goodies in my package, thank you! The candies are yummy and really hit the spot. The note card and rubber stamp are just what I needed this week to send out a few belated notes to friends. It was really on my to-do list!! You're very sweet. Thanks for the prayers! |
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Hey y'all, anyone want to order some great candles? My cousin is a PartyLite consultant so I'm hosting a webparty for her. E-mail me for an evite and I'll send you the link to the catalogue! Thanks! - Katie |
Posted in RambleRambleRamble
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I've been tagged by my4sweetums and ElCloud 1. All right, here are the rules. 2. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts. 3. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves. 4. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight 5. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged 1. The very first time I tried downhill skiing was on a weekend trip to Canada in college. My boyfriend took me to the top and left me there. Imagine his surprise when he later saw me coming down on a stretcher! No, I wasn't hurt - a kind ski patrol guy took pity on me and took me down to the "bunny slope" so I wouldn't be in anyone's way! It was great revenge on the soon-to-be-ex boyfriend though! He thought I got hurt and my mom was gonna KILL him! *giggle* 2. The first time my dad tried to teach me to drive a stick shift, I backed us off the road in the middle of the woods. In a VW bug. He was not a happy guy. 3. My feet have grown a size and a half since I started having babies. I'm NOT gonna talk about the rest of me! :-p 4. I was always such an voracious reader, I could never put books down! I even used to read while walking home from the bus stop. In my younger (more dense) years, I would even read while driving. Now while in the car, I only read at red lights. :oD 5. I once "risked my life" for a lousy piece of paper that read "Kentucky Fried Chicken". :-0 6. I was captain of a fantastic bowling team in my early teens. We won most competitions. We even got to travel to a different state for Regionals one year. And throw cherry tomatoes at Pat Boone! Don't ask! 7. I sing in the shower. Loudly. With much expression. My kids are young enough, they think I'm great! 8. I almost got stranded at the airport in St. Kitts at the end of our honeymoon. I thought dh had grabbed my purse which had all of our wedding gift money in it. He, of course - being the new husband, looked at me like I was insane when I asked if he had it. I had to RUN across the tarmac back to the airport, BANG on the door that is kept locked to hijackers and crazy tourists, VAULT over chairs in the waiting area, SNATCH the purse from under the seat where it had fallen then RACE back to the plane while being applauded and cheered by the locals in the terminal. Meanwhile, dh is firmly "holding up" the plane by refusing to get out of the aisle and fasten his seatbelt because they wanted to leave without me. And there ya have it. More of me than ya wanted to know! I'll add my 8 to-be-tagged buddies later. BIG storm rolling in and I have to shut down!! |
Posted in Secret Sisters
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I received your lovely package this afternoon. The soaps smell almost good enough to eat and I can't wait to use them! I needed a tuck-in-your-bag sized notepad -it's perfect! - and love the card box as well. I'm sure the kids and I will love the book! Thank you so much for thinking of me, and for your prayers. They mean so much!! My only ongoing prayer request is that our family will grow in our relationships with God and with each other. All the rest is just "small stuff" and I try not to "sweat it". :o) Thank you again - it was such a blessing to hear from you today! Blessings, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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We went to a friend's house today and learned about goats & chickens. The dc all had a BLAST feeding goats, milking the goat, finding eggs & chasing chickens. Butterfly (11yodd) helped make cheese and butter. We all got to try some on the delicious scones our hostess made, along with some yummy goat's milk. We stayed much longer than I anticipated - I hope we didn't overstay our welcome!! But it was so much fun. Here's some pics!
In other news, we are still having fun studying Peru, Africa and wars. Even though we're not "doing school"! The dc are just soaking up a ton of info on their pet topics right now. I think I'm just going to keep on with what we are doing and maybe add in some reading together from our Learning Adventures curriculum at the end of the month. The dc are all still interested continuing in American History, so it should be fun. I need to send in my NOI - I always do it around Bug's (13yods) birthday so I remember to do it. But Bunny (9yodd) needs an eval this year so I must wait for that. Our friend that does our evals just came back from a month in Peru so we need to let her get rested up first! OK, out of time. I'm missing my nap! LOL Peace, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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My oldest dc is now 13!!! WOW! How did THAT happen?!? THIRTEEN THRILLING THOUGHTS OF BUG! 1. I just LOVE to watch him get all gooey with his baby sibs! 2. He often surprises me with a breakfast tray, a clean kitchen or a big hug! 3. He is super smart with logic/strategy games and puzzles - beats me every time! 4. He loves the outdoors 5. He is soooo black & white in his thinking! 6. He is a HUGE history buff, especially American wars 7. He is really funny with an INCREDIBILY dry sense of humor 8. He has a way with animals - from squirrels up to horses, they really respond to him! 9. He loves complex video games 10. He is an excellent writer 11. He is very good at sports 12. His favorite music is contemporary Christian rock and country - go figure! 13. He is ALMOST AS TALL AS HIS MAMA!!! I love you, Bug!!!! |
Posted in Family Life
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My in-laws got here yeaterday with the other 2 grandkids. We always look forward to their visit! You know how when company is coming, you want the house to look nice? You know how hard that is with 8 homeschooling (read: ALWAYS MAKING MESSES) dc under 13??!? Well it would have been easier IF: Kitty (2yodd) somehow found a bottle of red food coloring. This is kept in a VERY high cabinet with a latch so obviously someone else used it and left it out (I'm thikning "stage blood" for one of the dc's productions!). Hands AND mouth stained red... but she wouldn't tell me where she left it. So I'm putting the twins clothes away and Puppy (9mob) is at my feet playing... with the open food coloring bottle! UGH!! THEN as I'm cleaning up that mess, Kitty takes off her pants AND her dirty diaper and brings it to me. *sigh* One of my as-to-be-nameless dd's shoved her cousin into a wall (forehead first) during a game and gave her a mild concussion. Bug (13yods) struck out twice and his team lost. So this morning, I'm thinking we'll have a better day - right?!??! Good news: we caught the mousie last night that has been cavorting around my room. Bad news: I didn't see it before I STEPPED ON IT. In bare feet. EEWWWWWWW!! Then poor Bunny (9yodd)! She was laying on the couch this morning trying to get warm. It's VERY windy here today and still early, so it's chilly and she is my always-blue child. I laid Puppy on the changing pad to change his diaper. In front of the window. With the cool breeze blowing in... anyone know where this is going yet? My very prim & proper sweet dd got her HEAD p##d on by her baby brother!!! So how is your week going?!? -Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Through much prayer, DH chose the symbols & activities for Bug's (13yob) "coming of age" ceremonies. They spent the weekend backpacking and mountain climbing. DH presented Bug with a pendant from Band of Brothers ( www.BandofBrothers.org ) and read the blessings to him. Since the date was unusual (07/07/07), DH chose the seventh verse of the seventh chapter of the seventh book of the NT - 1 Corinthians 7:7b But each man has his own gift from God. Now I'm starting to plan for Butterfly's (11yodd). I'm still not sure if we are waiting until 13yo, or when she starts her cycles? I know it will involve shopping for a dress, tea at her favorite place, an overnight stay somewhere special and a fancy dinner out with Daddy & Mom. We'll then present her with her pendant/ring (not sure which). I'm also planning on writing to all the ladies in her life ahead of time and having them write her a letter about becoming a young lady which I'll bind at Kinko's into a book. Any other ideas??? Bunny's (9yodd) will be similar as she is another "girly-girl". But for Bee (7yodd), I'm stumped. She's not into all that at ALL! Good thing I have more time to plan it!! Peace, Katie |
He's also getting a shadow box full of pics they took, a rock from the treeline and the card from the pendant box with the blessings on it. 
Posted in Family Life
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Bear (4yob) had his first dental appt today. FIVE cavities - UGH!! Thankfully they are small, but still - he's one of my GOOD brushers!!! But here's the deal - because of his age, they want to do it at the hospital under general anesthesia. WHAT?!?!? I don't THINK so. Nope. So then they tell me that they would POSSIBLY do it at the office but they would papoose him. Ah, no. He's done that for IV's at the hospital a couple of times and is TERRIFIED of being restrained! Oh, but they don't want to traumatize him about going to the dentist. Yeah, so take hime to the hospital, get an IV, fall asleep, wake up not knowing what's going on and with a sore mouth and THAT'S a better option?!??!? I don't THINK so! I called and made an appt with another dentist. We've had trouble with this other office before anyway. It took 3 appts to see 6 dc because they won't schedule more than 3 at a time in case we have to cancel. *rolleyes* I had called to get cleaning appts and thought that's what we were going to. Nope - exams. And no one even TALKED to me about the older dc and their teeth!! So then we had to schedule separate appts for each dc, one for cleaning and one later in the week for fillings. OK, I am NOT spending my summer at the dentist!! The new office is seeing them all at the same time for cleanings. But I feel like Loser Mom - 16 cavitites in 4 dc!! How come it's the ones who use toothpaste and brush well that have the holes in their teeth? Is there any truth to that "fluoride CAUSES cavities" statement??!?! OK, rant done!! Now I just need to confront those office girls and get the x-rays before we go to the new place... Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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I guess I'm a bit self-centered and like to hear myself talk, er... write! I really miss blogging. So here are some updates on us, and I'm going to try to get back to some semblance of regularity! Puppy (8mob) has 3 upper teeth and pulls up on anything that holds still long enough! It's funny, just lately people have been commenting, "Oh, he must be the laid-back one". Well for the first few weeks he was. Then he was VERY high needs for a few months. Now he is my more contemplative one, Mr. Serious. His smile lights up the room - but he's very selective with how he doles them out! He is, however, very high energy - constantly moving. Lamb (8mob) is Mr. Roly-Poly! He is everywhere and very oral - EVERYTHING goes into his as-yet-toothless mouth! His new thing is to suck on his bottom lip when he smiles, which pooches out his chunky cheeks and is SOOO adorable. He refuses to put weight on his legs, though with his weight who can blame him?? He is an eating machine and LOVES his mushy food! (Puppy is on toddler-type stuff, won't "do" mushy). Kitty (2yog) is expanding her vocabulary a bit now but still spends most of her time screeching. We love her anyway. She is VERY cuddly and VERY strong willed. Bear (4yob) is still keeping us in stitches. He's learning to put letters together to make words and is amazed at himself! Bee (7yog) LOVES "doing school" and the new Five in a Row Fold-n-Learns!! Her current interest is bunnies (of all things!). I never thought I'd see the day that my Clifford-loving-turned-Spiderman-infatuated tomboy liked something soft and quiet! She recently had her face painted and chose a red rose instead of a superhero! The times, they are a-changin' folks. Bunny (9yog) is delving into a self-directed study of Africa. We've listened to music (and made some online with a digital thumb piano!), made recipes, studied animals, made costumes... It's been fun! Butterfly (11yog) is immensely interested in Peru since we have a friend teaching English there for a month so we are starting a study of Peru and making a lapbook. She is also tagging along on her sister's Africa studies and puttering in her garden. She planned most of our family camping trip to earn her Keepers pin for camping. She has started attending some youth group activities and is surprised to find she likes them! My Aspie girl was a bit volatile for awhile but has settled down some and the cycle begins anew. Bug (13yob) is, as always, studying war. Revolutionary and Civil are still at the forefront though he's playing an ancient civilizations computer battle game and reading a bio of Patton. He has some big things coming up this month. Dad has planned some rite of passage activities - like mountain climbing! - and he'll be getting his own debit card. He's playing baseball again this year but has been pretty dry at bat so is discouraged. He got the game ball one night though for his team contribution and for playing through even though he wanted to quit! As a family, we're taking the month of July off formal study to concentrate on cleaning, decluttering, enjoying family time, pursuing individual interests and gearing up for another school year. We're working through a BIble study on cheerfulness and finishing up Contenders & Keepers requirements for our August pinning ceremony. We took a camping trip last week to the mountains and saw God's AMAZING wildlife! We have company coming next week so I'm sure we'll be doing some fun touristy activities. OK, I need to run. Lots to do!! Abiding in His love, Katie |
Posted in Twin Talk
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* I remember looking at Mark with a goofy grin on my face when we got home. Finally, after only having them one at a time in the hospital - FINALLY they were both in the same room. Their very own room. It started to sink in a bit - we have TWINS!!! * Lamb was the more difficult to care for at first. He had a very weak suck so it took 10-15 minutes of hard work just to get my milk down. By then he was so tired, he barely nursed! I figured out if I put Puppy on first and waited a bit until my letdown, then switched babies, everyone was much happier! * Lamb would fall asleep most easily propped in an upright position against the left side of my or Mark's chest. Guess he liked hearing our heartbeat. Puppy liked to be rocked to sleep. Mark got up with us a LOT in those first few weeks. We had a great routine going... but I can't remember it now! LOL * By 2 weeks old, it was getting hard to tell them apart! I only messed up once that I know of though. It was the middle of the night and I was talking to one as if he was the other twin. Mark hard a really hard time telling them apart. My mom only got it wrong once. All the dc had varying levels of difficulty. Funny since we knew they are fraternal and not identical. * One night, Mark was trying like anything to get one of the babies to sleep. He couldn't figure out why Puppy was so fussy. He rocked, and rocked, and rocked him. Finally, I got up and said, "Honey, that's Lamb not Puppy!" He sat down with him in the recliner, propped him on his chest and the baby was instantly asleep! * By 4-5 weeks, there was now a marked difference in their appearence. Lamb, the little one at birth (5lbs) was now filling out and looked chunkier than his little-big twin (6lb 1oz at birth). At 6.5 weeks old, they weighed the same (9lbs 8oz) but since Puppy was 2" longer they looked a LOT different! * Puppy had a RAGING case of baby acne. None of my others did. * Their first "tub" bath was in the kitchen sink, simultaneously - one in each side. It was TOO cute - though they both hated it! * I loved, loved, LOVED tandem nursing them! It was amazing. I found it impossible to keep them both asleep in the transition to crib though, so I very rarely tandem anymore (written at 8mos old). * Puppy has this really cute way of raising his eyebrows when he's interested in something. Makes him look scholarly and quizzical! It started in the hospital, so he's always done it (less & less now at 8mos) * Lamb enjoyed his nightly 2oz bottle. He also loved his binky. I wasn't going to do either, but I hoped it would help them sleep. Puppy never liked either one much, though HE was the one that got a binky first (in NICU). We dropped the bottles at about 7-8 wks, since it never helped much and I think they were/are allergic to dairy (I refuse to do soy). The binkies didn't last much longer. L found his fingers and P only wants me. * Puppy... got colic. Life got put on hold!! |
Posted in RambleRambleRamble
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Closing indefinitely as in: not permanently, but not sure when I'll be back. Ummm... severely sleep deprived, barely functioning, overwhelmed, spiritual funk... Just no time or energy to blog right now. I'm thinking I'll get back to it sooner than I expected though; I miss it. |
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indefinitely |
Posted in Family Life
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Well, dh's job paid him on time last week (first time in 2 mos) and he's seeing a chiro for his back so things are looking up for him. We tried a small group meeting on Friday from our new church and he really had a good time. (Odd for him - he's shy and not terribly social, so connecting with other Godly men is HUGE!)
My health problems seem better, but I'm struggling with wanting to lose weight though I've lost 6 lbs since the middle of April. I'm also struggling in my spiritual life (so what else is new?) Bug(12.5yods) is struggling, but not as much as we as parents think, I think. Just eldest-boy-of-the-family-teen-hormonal stuff, YK? I see the tender, sweet man in there just waiting to come out - but it's often obscured by the firey temper & impatience he comes by naturally. I think he's enjoying youth group, but he doesn't participate much if at all. He was very gracious when I totally messed up and was too late to register him for baseball this season. Butterfly just turned 11 and is starting to "develop".  I am NOT ready for Asperger's + raging hormones!! She is REALLY enjoying our new church and becomming quite the young lady. She told me yesterday that "eight is enough" and we shouldn't have anymore because it's too much work. I am incredibly sad.  Bunny is 9 now and very moody. She has a new best friend - a boy - and was talking yesterday about his "marriagability".  She was very level headed and not moon-y at all though so it was a fun discussion.Bee(7yod) & Bear(4yods) are just happy little campers, especially Bear - our resident funnyman! Kitty(2yodd) is talking more & more but still difficult for outsiders to understand. She is sunshine & thundercloud all mixed together! Lamb(7mods) is a bit over 17 lbs, rolling all over & trying to marine crawl!! He sucks his fingers constantly and is Mr. Laid-back, though just lately he's having an uncharecteristic fussy streak. It's either the solids or teething.  Puppy(7mods) is about 15 lbs and very active. Loves to sit up by himself or stand in the exersaucer. Mostly, he loves to be held and the older dc think he's a pain.  He does not sleep much and so we're trying sleep training starting this weekend - I NEED more than 2hrs of broken sleep a night!!We have 7 wks of school left and as usual at this time of year, I realize how incredibly behind my dc are and I'm wondering if I'm doing them a great disservice. I will NOT send them to our local ps though - Butterfly & Bunny did a talent show there last month and the dc & parents are just... scary.
So there it is - our family in a rather large nutshell!
Peace to you,
Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Happy Birthday to my two oldest girlies!!!!
Eleven Elemental Etceteras 1. She LOVES to serve others! 2. Tea parties are her passion. 3. Dress-up and play acting are favorite passtimes! 4. She writes beautiful poetry. 5. She loves Jesus and tries to please. 6. She has a soft spot for the elderly and loves to make & take things to our widowed neighbor and go shopping with my not-so-healthy mom 7. She is amazingly creative! 8. She's a great help with the babies. 9. She could spend the day making mudpies. 10. She's learning to be a great little homemaker! 11. She growing more mature, overcoming lifelong obstacles and REALLY blossoming and coming out of her shell! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUTTERFLY!!
Nine Nifty Nuggets 1. Her middle name should be "Giggles"! 2. She loves animals. 3. She is extremely bright. 4. She can run FAST! 5. She is our most outgoing child and makes friends EVERYWHERE! 6. She is a voracious reader. 7. She LOVES music! 8. She is good - exceptional at everything she's tried. 9. She LOVES learning about Jesus! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUNNY!! |
Posted in Blogger Friend School
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This week's assignment is to go out and take a stroll, searching for God's handiwork - signs of His love & power. I just LOVE Spring! Today is foggy & cold, but here is a poem I wrote a few years ago and a picture my ds took.
The Promise Gentle breezes caress the blooms and carry their fragrance on the balmy air Days are lengthening, glowing rays of sunlight subtly conquering the power of darkness As winter loosens its grip on the world, The earth comes alive again After a season of waiting, its almost as if the trees themselves are laughing with joy The mountains seem to soften under a fresh blanket of new growth In the mellow light of spring's pregnant wonder, the peaks seem less imposing, smaller somehow As the fruit of nature's womb awakens, it seems all the earth pays homage to the Great Artist, the Master Creator, the Fountain of Love from which all life springs forth The flowers applaud in a crescendo of color The trees bow with gentle majesty before the King of the Universe Everything that has life looks to the Lord and in humble beauty, gives thanks for the promise of spring. © 2002
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Posted in Secret Sisters
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I had such a wonderful experience with the last session, I'm doing it again. It was fun blessing another hs mom, and fun being blessed in return. Tamara at Training Hearts is the coordinator. Come on, sign up! Katie |