|
Well, we have the chicken coop 95% done. It has been a lot of fun seeing DH and DS11 working together on this project. DD7 is the run girl( go get this and that). I even was on the chicken coop roof helping DH. Oh it was so much fun. We will be getting our chicks next week. DS11 and DD7 have a speech tournament and we will be in and out a lot that week so we have decided to wait until the weekend. The kiddos are so excited. This simplified way of life is SO REFRESHING to me. I will blog about that more later, changes we are making in our home |
|
My goodness where I live you never know what to expect with the weather. Last night I was sitting and watching the radar screen with the weather....as I saw things I was just amazed! To the south there were tornado warnings all around and then to the west of us less than 100 miles there were blizzard like conditions. Yep, that (state) for you! Blink and the weather changes! Well, some good news too! DD7 went to her 4-H regional speech tournament Saturday and she took "purple" ribbon which is the top placement! Daddy and I are so proud of her! She does VERY well with her speech tournaments. DS11 and DD7 are involved in a speech and debate club, they both are preparing for a tournament in March. They are doing a duo together and then they have individual speechs too. This is a talent dd7 has and ds11 needs the experience. He is very much stepping out of his comfort zone. Seeing him do this is so rewarding, especially when I know he is nervous. FaithnFamilynFriends~
|
|
We are so excited! We live in the city and SO want to be in the country, but due to some debt we are unable to move. Our children are involved in 4-H and have always wanted to raise some animals. After checking and talking with our 4-H office and other families we decided to check with our city to see if we can raise chickens. We found out that "yes" we can have chickens So today we are marking out our garden and designing are chicken coop! What a GREAT DAY! FaithFamilyandFriends~ |
, but that can not be free roaming
. Oh well we can't have everything! The kids are so excited and so am I. Today we have WONDERFUL weather ( though Saturday we are to have thunderstorms and Sunday snow
)|
Have you ever had times in your life when you can really feel God presences? I am such a stuborne person that it has taken me a really long time to understand what it means to be silent and listen to God. I am really listening to God, he is pruning me right now! He has my heart, he is showing me area in my life as a mom that I need to change. There are so many times that I feel the children are being lazy and not giving me 100% and I start to become frustrated with their laziness. The other day God asked me" Have you given me 100%? I will post more on what God is teaching me. Oh his presence is a wonderful thing. |
|
It seems that this has been a REALLY hard month for learning! I think it is due to the bitterly cold weather that we have had and the fact the ds11, dd7 and ds2 has NOT been able to get out and really excersice and get all their wiggles out. I have bundled them up several times and told them to run the fence line out back 3 or 4 times. I ready for new attitudes here at home but, at the same time I have to make sure my mind and attitude is fresh and willing to focus too! |
|
Yesterday the kids and I attended our weekly Homeschooling CO-OP classes and as we got ready to leave I stepped outside and noticed how nice the weather was. I turned to my dh and said "WOW this weather is WONDERFUL". He said , yes it is supose to be 60 today Rachelle |
. I said "ARE YOUR SERIOUS"? Well this made me NOT want to spend the day indoors. I asked dh to be sure and take ds2 outside to enjoy the day. Well after 4 hours of CO-OP classes, we were FREE to be outside. When we got home I sent ds11 and dd7 out to play and there they were till dark. Well, today it is a lovely 25, yes you read correctly after 60 we are now enjoying
25!|
Wow it has been such a long time since I posted! Life just seemed to get really busy here and something had to go! We have had a fantastic school year so far, I think that this has been our best! We are involved in a Tuesday CO-OP and I am teaching 3 classes. 1. FIAR , 2. Geography and 3. Speech. It has been a lot of fun. DS11 is doing very well with school this year, we are really focusing on his math and reading the two area that he lacks self confidence. DD7 is very active in our speech club and has no fears of presentation. DS2 is just hanging out and is really starting to talk a lot. Well, wanted to say hello.
Rachelle |
|
My goodness, it has been a long time. Life here has been in 5th gear since we started school. We homeschool year round, though the summer is a little lighter. Our August here was HOT! HOT! HOT! to the point where it truly was not safe to be outside. So instead of wasting those days We set a goal of August 1 to get back into the full swing of school again, and we did. We have had a FANTASTIC month. The curriculum that dh and chose is truly what our family needed, it is something that I prayed about, researched and chated with other home schooling moms. With the busyness of school, ds is still swimming 3 days a week, dd is playing soccer, singing in the children's choir at church. My crock pot is plugged in at least 4 out of the 7 days.
I have to say I am really excited about this school year. I am also on a committee that has started a new CO-OP in our area. I am teaching two classes.... Five in a Row and a Speech class. The group that I am working with are fun, uplifting women. We have a lot of variety. Chapel, Apologitics , Latin , Science, Spanish , Art (lower and upper grade) Choir, Health and Fitness, and Five in a Row. We are excited about our first semester, we were blessed by a church offering their building free of charge, as long as they could provide a chapel time at the very beginning of the day. So see I have not forgotten about you my friends, life has just been PLAIN NUTS! DH's normal work hours are 4 - 10 hour day ( though usually 12-13 hrs) but his boss asked him if we would work his day off and we hated to pass that up because if you work your day off it is time and a half ( no brainer HUH?) the curse was his day off was our co-op day and he was going to watch BUBBIE, well my mom offered to watch Bubbie for me! So we have had to get use to daddy working 5 days a week too! He has not done that in 7 years. Well, better close as you can see life is good and crazy!
Until Next time ~ Rachelle |
|
I think that I have mentioned that I am not a person that cries easily. Today the kiddos and I were running a few errands this song came on the christian radion station and it sent me into non - stop tear mode. The song is by Mark Harris, it is called "Find Your Wings". If you get a chance to listen to it, please do so. It is now my theme song for our family! |
|
Last night ( Sunday) our dd6 asked us if she could look at our wedding pictures, this is something that we have not shown our dc. So I dug them out and it was funny to be off in the distances and listen to the kids remarks. DS10 "Dad's glasses are big", DD6 "Daddy had hair in 1992" and DD6 " I wish mom and dad would of taken us to there wedding, oh they were probably afraid we would be too loud", oh that's right God did not bless mom and dad with children until 1995, that's when you T-man was born. So today I surprised the kids with our wedding video! OH MY GOSH did they laugh! For me I sat there and cried, no not because of the actual wedding but, because of SO MANY people that attended our wedding and now they are no longer with us! Wonderful people that oh I wish that our children could have met and sat with to learn from! So when I would seen individuals in the video I would pause the tape and tell the kiddos of this wonderful person. Also, looking back it reminded me of the love that dh and I had in 1992 but, to see how far we have come, what obsticles we have faced and how blessed I am to have such a Godly husband, if it wasn't for his strength and firm faith looking back would not be as precious! |
|
Wow! IT IS HOT HERE in KANSAS! Life here on the home front has NOT been boring! Oh were do I start. Have you ever had a moment when you sit back,stretch and say "WOW! Life is going really well, we're doing great!" That is just what dear hubby and I did on Wednesday. Then Thursday night we had a TERRIBLE thunderstorm roll in and for some ODD reason I could not sleep so I stayed up and read. Around midnight I headed to bed and I happen to look over at the couch as I turned off the light and I noticed a drip from the ceiling. OH NO! I ran up stairs and woke dh up at midnight ( he has to be up for work at 3:30 am), he climbed up into the attic....long story short is we CAN NOT find the leak. UG! Then Friday on the way home from the children's swim practice the "CHECK ENGINE" light came on in our car. SO when I got home I had to tell DH about the car. His response to me was PLEASE don't speak to me again UNLESS you have positive news. As he walks outside to look at the car he is laughing. As for the car....... the light DID NOT come on for him all weekend when he drove it! AAAARRRRRR! Oh and the ac went out in the car too!Well, so much for ....WOW everything is going well. It really is going well it's just a MAJOR set back for us as far as the goals we have set for ourselves! Rachelle |
|
On June 26th, a friend that I have been mentoring to went in to have her 4th child. This dear friend has been through a lot but the good Lord has wrapped his loving arms around her and her husband. I told her that on this day if she needed anything especially help with her other children just to call me. Well, that day I was pacing the floor here at home, I guess I was making dh nervous because he told me to head to the hospital and see how things were going, one thing that you need to know that my friends husband IS VERY FAINT at needles, medical terminology ect... When I got to the hospital not much was happening, my friends dh was going to grab lunch, so I stayed and dear friend and I laughed,cried and prayed. Well, the hours passed by, we all walked the floors, prayed for the babe and mommy. Around 8:00pm things started to happen and I felt it was my time to exit, as I was gathering my things my friend and her hubby asked me to stay for the birth. I said no that this was their special time, but they insisted because they felt myself and dh had been such their source of strength during trials in their life that they wanted me there. I was SO honored. So at 8:43pm I witnessed the birth of their son. I cried and celebrated with them. To witness the birth of a child JUST brings me to my knees, of course I have birthed 3 myself but, to be their JUST to witness is amazing. God's miracles just awe me! I felt so blessed to be able to witness such a miracle of life. |
|
I know that I AM having a hard time letting go, today I "REALLY" stepped out of my comfort zone. Even dh was proud of me! A friend called to see if T-Man (ds10) could go to our new aquatic center here in town, with her and her 3 sons. T-Man and B have gotten to know each other over the past several months. B is a really neat young man. I wasn't fearful of sending T-Man with my friend, it was the control issue of not being there "IF" something went wrong, what if T-Man needs me..... all the what ifs. Well, T-Man went and had a great time. I knew he would. Before he left we went over all our safty rules. I keep reminding myself that I need to loosen the apron strings! I think it is the realization that T-Man is growing up! |
|
This is a day that I must brag, and I feel blessed to be able to share this "GOOD NEWS" with you. About a year ago, T-Man(ds10) and Boo(dd6) had come to dh and I and expressed interest in getting baptized. We talked with them and layed out some guidelines that we felt they needed to achieve before we went forward with the baptisim. They guidelines was to memorize certain scriputures that we felt were important and to be able to explain to us what it means to walk the faithful walk. We wanted to also be sure that this was a true desire and not one because " friends" were being baptized. Well, they both accomplished the goals that were set and yesterday their daddy baptized T-Man and Boo. Oh what joy was in dh and mine hearts yesterday. The celebration actually started Saturday, we had bought both kids bibles and books on purity. May I highly recommend those books to all of you if you have never heard of them. For Girls... "The Princess and the Kiss" For Boys..."The Squire and the Scroll" both by Jennie Bishop. DH and I sat and read the books to the kids Saturday evening and prayed with them. We all so made "shields of Faith" and on Sunday took those to church and friends and family that attended the service signed the shields, we will hang these in the children's rooms along with a picture of their baptism. After they were baptisized as a family we took communion together, dh and I presented T-man and Boo with a purity ring. We had also asked certain family members, certain friends of all age groups to write a letter of encouragment, to share their favorite bible verse and maybe advice to get thru the "tough" times. Those members presented T-Man and Boo with their letters and then we all circled the kids and prayed over them. Oh my heart is full of joy. Dh and I tried to make this day a day that would NEVER be forgotten. We did take some of our ideas from the book" Raising a Modern Day Knight", I recommend that book too! Just had to share our Fantastic Father's Day with all of you! p.s. many have asked how I am doing and how Bubbie's doing. I am doing well, just REALLY trying to trust God in all of this. That is my daily prayer. Bubbie is doing well, he is trying to sign more to us everyday and THAT is a PRAISE TOO! Rachelle |
|
Hello Friends~ I called the Drs. office on Monday and I knew things were not going to be right when the nurse told me that Dr. R would be calling me after his last patient. So here is what we found out..... Dr. R spoke with the pediatric cardiologist Dr. G and Bubbie has what is called Aortic Stenosis which is the narrowing of the aortic valve opening that increases the resistance of the blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta and causes the aortic valve and heart to thicken and causes the heart to increase in size. We go into see Dr. G to review the diagnosis and to talk about treatment options. There is not a RX that can be taken. There is a procedure called Cardiac Catheterization that can be done. There are 3 degrees mild,moderate and severe. Bubbie is at moderate. We are feeling overwhelmed and scared. From my previous post you know how I don't deal well with complete "trust" so I do consider this a time of stretching of my faith. It also amazes me during times of trials you find out who your true friends are and that is another area dh and I are dealing with, those who we thought we were "doing life" together, are know where to be found. So thank you all for your ~HUGS~ and ~PRAYERS~! I feel blessed by you. I will update you after we meet with Dr. G. Also, our appointment with the speech therapist and occupational therapist is next Tuesday. Thanks Again! R |
|
Well, I took Bubbie back to the doctor and we went forward with all of the test. We had an EKG and a sonogram of his heart. He was a real trooper. I was amazed at how well he did with his sono. He layed real still until the last 5 mins, and to know Bubbie, stillness is real not in his vocabulary. Of course it will be a few days until we know all the results, Memorial Days has pushed the results back a bit. I have real peace, and to know me. I am a worrier, I experience anxiety attacks ALOT. We did have to cancel our trip to Colorado. We were going to family camp with a large group from our church. The doctor advised us not to go due to the fact that we truly do not know what we are dealing with. The altitude could affect Bubbie. Though, it truly was our decission. We decided to not go. Better to be safe than to put Bubbie in a situation that could affect him. At a later day I want to share with you how God has been with us through ALL of this, it has been amazing. We just got back from camping, I am finishing up laundry and we head out tomorrow for another trip (3 days) though, we will be staying in hotels this time. Well, I will update you on the test results when we get them! Thank You to all that have been praying for Bubbie and the family. I have felt the presence of the Lord and what a peaceful feeling it has been. Rachelle |
|
Have you ever felt like God was preparing you for a test or a "life's lesson?" I am really feeling this way! For some reason I just feel like I am being molded for what is to come. What bother's me is I do not know if I am ready for what he has in store.
This is why I'm feeling tested..... Friday I took Bubbie19mnths in for his 18mnth check up, dh and I had made a list of questions that we had for our pediatrician. There were things that Bubbie was not doing and things he does that we just did not understand. After an hour of discussion with the doctor, he told me that he thinks that Bubbie has tendency's of Autisim. WOW. What is a "God Moment" is that the night before I could not sleep, the word autisim kept coming to my mind so I got up went to the computer and looked and read, yep there was a list of charactieristics of Bubbie. Looking back I know God was preparing me for what was to be spoken Friday. Then, on top of "autisim" Dr. heard a strong heart murmer for the first time. I know that heart murmmers can be no big deal, my Boo6 has one and she is just fine. Though, Bubbies is strong in sound. So, this Friday (5-19) we go back to the dr.,if he hears it and it is strong in sound then we will go for an ekg and a sono of his heart. Oh, I have NEVER been a woman complete trust, I seem to always hold on enough to feel in control. I'm really struggling today, I am angry, frustrated and even bitter. My prayer is that I can be the best mommy that Bubbie needs. |
|
It seems like forever since I have posted. There are days that go by that I think that I need to post but, trying to find the time is hard. We have been plugging along with school. I must say that this has been one of our best years. I am hoping to have school finished up by the 26th of May. Then we will return to our studies in July. We will be on vacation the end of May and then we have a week of vacation bible school. T-Man10 has a week of basketball camp and BOO6, she has a week of art camp. I really like to school year round it is easier for me and our kids to MUCH bettter when we stick to our routine. I have choosen our curriculum our next session. I am REALLY excited and I do think that it will make our day much easier.
This is what we will be using... Bible~Studing the book of Acts History~ Beautiful Feet(we just started and I love it) Science~Considering Gods Creation Language~Rod and Staff Vocabulary~Wordly Wise Math~Modern Curriculum Press(using but,still searching) Spelling~Spelling Workout Handwriting~D'Nealian Handwriting
Wow, It looks like a lot! We stay busy but, we have a lot of fun too!
|
|
Wow! My sister had a GREAT garage sale. We had it only on Friday, it worked out great the two older kiddos participated at our church with a track and field camp for the day. So I only had the baby to keep happy and that was PLENTY, during our busy times. DH and I had decided that we would use the money to put back for our vacation at the end of May. We were going to use it for fuel ( are your prices crazy)? Then we realized that we both needed some new summer clothes. He only had one pair of shorts and I only had one pair and only 3 short sleeve shirts. So we took our money and went shopping today. It was such a good feeling to pay cash for our items. Our Easter Sunday is going to be busy, I am not looking forward to it! To much in one day. I do not do well with this kind of schedule and either does our ds18mnths. I really do think he has sensory issues. I am reading on this issue. He does not do well with change, crowded rooms, business. He is very clingy and much more. I get SO frustrated when individuals comment on his grumpiness or the statement" He is such a mommas/daddy's boy. Yes, he is not happy in public but, you get him in his own enviroment and he is fairly happy. Give him his space to wander and be by himself and he is happy. Well, blessings! |
|
We are starting to wrap up most of our studies here. Though, we do homeschool year round. I do try to set a goal as to when I would like our current grade completed, then we break for a month and then the cycle starts again. I have been searching and researching new curriculum. I have been praying for guidance and really trying to figure out our favorite way of teaching and learning here at home. I must say that this is my first year where I have felt comfortable with homeschooling, where I have seen my children grow and learn in their studies. I have purchased most of our curriculum for our next phase, I am pleased and excited with what I have purchased. We will finish most of our current studies by Memorial Day. Then our family is heading to Colorado for a week, our church has a "Family Camp", and we decided this would be a great week for our family. The kids are REALLY excited. This is our first BIG vacation. We always camp during the summer but, this will be in the mountains with so much to do! I'm also getting ready for a big garage sale with my mom and sister. I am embrassed to see how much "STUFF" I have. I told dear hubby that it is crazy to see all this stuff. It has really made me step back and realize that we really don't need a lot to be a happy family. I dream would be to live off the land and truly appreciate what our pioneers did so long ago. I truly want to research and see what it would take to live off the land, even though we live in the city I think I could implement some of those practices into our life, that would be a great study for our children. Well, better wrap it up! As you can see, I've been researching and will continue. I am really serious about this "live off the land" I think it would be so much fun. I'll let you know what I find out! |