You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted on how you are all doing, and how we might pray.

Deb

I just got to know Missey in the past couple days through reading her blog. What a blessing she was to your children and you. God Bless YOU!!

I know the pain you suffer and I know you will get through this. I send my love and prayers and wishes to you and your beautiful children for a strong future together. You will come through this. I am so sure you will come through this. Crying in tears of sadness and hope,

Elderfairy.

I didn't know Missey except from the message boards but from looking at her blog I can see what a special person she was, what a wonderful mother, wife, and godly woman. I am deeply saddened by her loss and pray the God of all comfort will keep your family in his care.

Jane R.

for sharing your family and wife with us all. We are all better people for the life you shared with us. May the Lord continually bless you and your family and may you know His peace and love is always with you.

Dawn ; )

for your loss...please accept our condolences. Prayers will be lifted during Prayers and Concerns during our local church serivce tomorrow morning.
Sue

Your strength overwhelms me. I pray that you have comfort and strength in the future. Your wife was an inspiration to a lot of us.

Blessings

Tom, I am unsure of how to email you, so could you please contact me when you have a chance? I am in the process of writing a book about children's hearts and would like your permission to dedicate it to Missey.

amy@dandelionseeds.com

In Him,
Amy

I am so sorry for your loss... your wife's life touched so many people. I didn't have the privilege of knowing Missey, but reading her posts over the past few days have touched me deeply. I am praying for you and the children, and Missey's life and death have made me re-think so many things in my own life.

I will be making a post in her honor (tomorrow), as well as setting aside the week (beginning on Monday) to spend with my children as Missey did in December.

You are in my family's prayers,
Amy Verlennich

You and your precious children are in all my prayers.

Thank you for your kind words and taking the time from your life and time with your children and family to share with Missey's cyber family.

I want you to know, through the last 5 years I'd known Missey, that she shared her love of you to her circle of friends, through various emails. It was because of your love of her and her love of the Lord and you, that she strived to actively be the helpmeet that the Lord intended her to be. She shared challenges and laughs with us, making wives life myself see that there truly can be a balance.

I will never forget one of the earlier conversations her and I had had in email, about how neither of us liked being on email lists or with other wives that "bad mouthed" their husbands to other people. She had the kindest, most gentlest way of sharing to wives that might not see things from a Godly point of view, how to change their way of seeing things, to better understand their own husband. She was the pure example to me of how a wife should honor her husband. I always looked up to her in that aspect.

I know that nothing anyone can do, say, or give to your family will ever remotely come close to filling the void left with Missey's earthly absence. I know, however, at least for me, having known Missey for the years that I did, doesn't now leave me feeling empty, but rather leaves me filling a bit fuller in my heart. Knowing that I had the opportunity and blessing to have known her and shared day to day events with her, even though just over the internet.

You and your family will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

Angi B.
Honolulu, HI

I just wanted you to know that I am permanently adding your family to my prayer list. We send our love and are so sad by your loss. May each and every one of you be comforted by the Lord and kept in His perfect peace. My prayer is that you never forget that she is waiting on you in heaven. God bless each of you.

Love in Christ,
Heather aka Sprittibee (blog name)

Isaiah 57

Tom,

Just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you. I don't know you, but through the "web", I came across the sad news of your wife. I'm praying specifically for:

For the daily things that won't be easy. The newborn keeping you up at night, and the children asking questions that your wife used to handle. For your finances, as things will change now... praying for the strong health of the new baby. For your older children to turn to God for strength, and not to turn from God in anger.

I cannot imagine what you are going through, but my heart is heavy with grief for you.

~Another family of Believers in Alaska

Tom,

Thank you so much for giving us a part of your family in Missey. She was so helpful with so many people and it appears she was an amazing wife and mother. My heart sank and I cried when I heard about her death as did hundreds of other moms out here in cyberspace. She served the Lord faithfully and touched so many people. Again, thank you for allowing us a glimpse of your wonderful wife and congratulations on the arrival of your daughter. Missey left an untouchable legacy for your children and for all of us.

In His Service,
Angel Petersen
www.homeschoolblogger.com/amlp311

Dear Tom and children,
Your wife and mother was a wonderful, loving, dear, sweet woman that so many of us looked up to. She'd often bring a smile to my face. She was a SHINING example of a wife and mother. I know you will miss her beyond comprehension. Please know that I have adopted you all in prayer. I am now and will continue to lift you all up in prayer. May our precious Heavenly Father wrap you all in His arms and carry you through this time of grief. May He surround you with His love and mercy. In His name I pray,
Tara

Dear Tom, Nathaniel, Samantha, Susan, Natalie, and Baby Melissa,
I pray that God wraps His arms around you and holds all of you ever so tightly. I pray that the warm and loving memories of this precious wife and mother glow in your heart and bring you joy everlasting. It's not very often that a someone like your Mom comes along and touches so many lives. She made the world a better place. Her legacy lives on in each of you. May her gentle whisper remind you that this is not goodbye. . . it's only until then.

God Bless,
Tina in Kentucky

I knew Missey through a few different email groups. I knew from the start she was someone I wanted to know better. She was always SO kind and helpful and never failed to show her joyful spirit in her letters and helpful suggestions. I am not surprised at the outpouring of love everyone has shown.....she was a special lady and we all feel priviledged to have known her. I find it very inspiring that, even through death, Missey is continuing to encourage and help so many people. Her love, joy, encouragement and untimely death has really made ME aware just how precious life is and how much I want to live it as I saw Missey doing. I will continue to pray for you and your dear family and ask that you let the homeschool community know how we can help in any way.
Blessings to you~
Janine

I was so saddened to hear of you loss and have been praying for all of you. Missey was such a blessing to my homeschooling endeavors on the AmblesideOnline group. I have many of her emails saved. She share much wisdom and she obviously cared deeply for all of you. You and your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers in the weeks to come.

Melisa H. & family

Tom, thank you for posting. We will be continuing in prayer for you and your dear children. Missey has left such a legacy of wisdom, faith, love, and encouragement for us all. Please know that she will always be appreciated and remembered.

My prayers are with you. I did not know your wife personally I found her blog just the other day. May God giveyou that peace that no one can understand.My heart is greiving for all of you at this moment.I cry every time I read her blog or think of all of you.Even though I do not know you if you need anything please let me know I would love to be used by our Lord.I will be praying for you may God bless you and hold you and your family in His loving arms
In His Love,cha
my blog is mommytofour j's

Tom,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write to us! Missey helped me out in a very great way just this week, when she posted new homeschool schedules on the Ambleside Online Yahoo group. I was feeling overwhelmed, trying to figure out how to teach my own children (four, all the same ages as your four older ones), and Missey's help was exactly what I needed most. Only a few days ago, she posted those schedules, and I am so grateful to her for that. I really wish I had sent her the thank you email that I had planned on sending.

Thank you also for allowing her to share herself with the online community. So many of us do not have someone local to turn to when we have questions. There is always a need for people like Missey who are willing to share themselves, and husbands like you who are willing to share their wives with others.

You have blessed us all.

Lori Seaborg

Tom:
You and your children will remain in our prayers. May God grant you strength and peace as you move forward. Missey touched so many lives...she will be loved and remembered.
Michelle

I was part of Missey's Ruth Beechick group for a while (then we moved), read her posts on FIAR and am now a part of AO. I have been greatly blessed by her generosity and willingness to help, she helped our family in many ways.
Because we have just made a major move (to another continent) I was having trouble re-focusing, well, just last week I read a post from Missey that helped me to get back on track.
We are praying for you,
Angelique, Hanno, Matthew(9) and Lukas(5)
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tom,

Thank you for posting.

We continue to keep you and your family in our prayers.

Our littlest has been whiny and uncooperative, for some time now; but since we've started up again our ritual of snuggling together for a bedtime story, all of a sudden a lot of issues have "resolved themselves". I can thank Missey's example and advice for this change, for making me think more of relationships than "busyness" and for reminding me how quickly this time goes, how quickly the little ones grow up, and how these days are a time to treasure and build memories.

I would like to quote some of Missey's posts, about tying heart-strings, in our homeschool newsletter, if you'd allow. Not all of our members have internet access, but I know they would be touched by this story, and provoked to deep thought by Missey's example and words of encouragement.

May the Lord bless you and hold you very close in His heart.

In Him,
Jean

Tom I am in tears over hearing just now of Missey's death. May God grant extra portions of strength and grace to you as you bear this terrible loss, and as you become a sole parent to your lovely children. This will not be easy for you but I trust the knowledge so many all over the world are praying will strengthen you.

grieving with you and the children

Emma in Australia

I just wanted to say that you and your family are in my prayers.

Oh sweet dear Tom, Thank you for writing to us to let us know. Mate know that I am praying for you and your family. Tom reading your post was such a blessing to me it broke my heart Sweet sweet Man. I just prayer for you all and especially you as you go through this hardest transition that no man needs to go through. But I trust God he has a special purpose in his life for you and right at this moment he is holding you all near to him.
Blessings and prayers to you Sweet man.
bye Toni

I live in Singapore with my husband Tee Chiou and our 3 children, Alethea, Timothy and Nathalie. That's halfway across the globe, but our Lord is the same omnipresent, wonderful God who is everywhere at anytime and when we pray for your family, Tom, we know we are heard! We've been praying since we heard of Missey's passing away and we will continue to pray ... that the Lord will give you a double measure of wisdom, and that He will be mother to your lovely children even as He has promised to be father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5). Even though I have never met Missey, her mature advice which belied her age has never failed to help me in my homeschool journey and her love for her family always shone through. We will meet in glory, and then I will give her a well-deserved thank you hug! Till the, we continue to pray ...

With all our love for His sake, Angie

Tom and Family ~

I sang and recorded this hymn for my mother when she was sick. I wanted to share it with your family, in hopes that it might minister something to your hearts.

(high speed internet necessary -- copy and paste link to access)
http://tinyurl.com/pavsz

I am soo sorry for your loss.

Chrissy

Thank you for taking time to post. I just want to let you know we are, and will continue to pray for your family.
Blessings upon you all,
-Tammy

Thank you for taking time to post here. I am one of the many that did not know your dear wife, personally, but still have been deeply impacted by her legacy. It is obvious to me that she was a good example of a Proverbs 31 woman....

"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idlenss.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."
Proverbs 31:25-28

With Love In Christ,
Rebecca
(Continuing to pray for Missey's family and friends)

Missey, Thank you for your helpful charts on combining years in the AO program, they are just what I needed! You are brilliant! My five children will be blessed by this work of yours. I enjoyed being at the AO conference with you and your family last July. You have sacrificed so much for your family and now you have given the ultimate sacrifice, bringing your sweet daughter into this world. Blessings to you in the Heavenly places, fellow sister in Christ. May there truly be no tears there for you...we will take care of the crying part down here.

Tom and the children, tears, shock, and confussion flood me. A loss of unfathomable proportions has befallen you. Her love will always be so real to you all. Everytime you look into one another's eyes, you will see her there. And baby Melissa will be her ultimate gift to you all. She will bring a new light into your home that will illumine your spirits.

Much love to you,
Mom2the5rs
www.amblesidewiththe5rs.blogspot.com, www.pwoprah.blogspot.com

Dear Tom,

A friend of mine from my church in Minnesota informed me of your loss of your wife. Though we don't know each other, my heart joins you in grief. My wife of 26 years died on January 7th while attending a wedding. We have five children ages 24 - 11 and have homeschooled them from birth. We have known the comfort of the body of Christ around us and I feel very much like J Hudson Tayloer said after loosing his wife.

"When I think of my loss, my heart, nigh to breaking rises in thankfulness to Him who has spared her such sorrow and made her so unspeakably happy." May God comfort you and your dear children in these hours of sorrow.

If you care to correspond further, my email address is kbmmn@yahoo.com.

God bless you,

Val Yoder

I did not know your wife, but from what I have read and from the smilw on her face, she was one of a kind. A rare jewel in the treasure box.

I can't do much from Chicago, but know that I am praying for your and your beautifully blessed children.

LaTara Ham-Ying

although I do not know you or Missy, since hearing about what has happened to you, I have prayed for you and your family. I also asked for prayer for you all today at Sunday School.



I am praying you feel all of the Love surrounding you.

Dear Tom and precious children,
I'm so sorry for your loss and grief. Please know that my family is praying for your family. HollyM

I don't know what to say, she was a blessing to many of us and will be greatly missed. I will keep your family in prayer.
Linda<><

Tom and precious children,
Thank you so much for taking time to post. I cannot even fathom the grief you are feeling right now. I did not "know" Missey, but heard about your loss on an e-mail loop I am on. I immediately read her blog, went to the Ambleside and Beechick sites and read everything she had contributed to them. What an amazing wife and mother! Please know that even in death, she has blessed many, many more people. I wish I had found out about these sites earlier, in order to have actually gotten to know Missey, but I thank the Lord that she had such a giving heart.
Please know that you all are in our family's prayers and will remain in them.
Kathy in TX

I know that there a no words to take away the pain. I will be praying for your family.

Praying for you and your family...your story has travelled to great lengths as the Lord touches our hearts to pray for you and your angels.

I have posted "A Mother's T.R.E.K." in honor of Missey. Please read the post and pass it on for those who would like to celebrate her life in this way as well.

In Him,
Amy

My heartfelt prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Rachelle

I do not know your wife, nor anything about the Homeschool thing. But I heard about our Wife's passing from a mom group I belong to and I am truly truly sorry for what you and your children must be going through right now. I wish duck tape was as simple as it may sound but we all know that is not the truth.
Though I am sure positive thoughs and inspiration from others and your children will help you to grow and know that you will always be loved by missy and that no matter what you will be able to go on knowing that.
My heart goes out to you
Kirsten Cisco
Mom of 3
Long Island NY
kcisco@verizon.net

Our family just wanted to let you know that you have our prayers and thoughts. May God cover you with His wings and bring you great comfort with the knowledge that Missey is in Heaven with Him. I know many people are crying with your family, Missey will truly be greatly missed.

Michele

Dear Tom,

I am so sorry to hear about your wife.

I didn't know her [I come here from someone else on a group posting about it] but I want to let you know that I'll be praying for you and your family.

Though I didn't know Missey, I can see that she was an amazing woman and very much loved.

God bless you!

Love,

Jennelle

I never got to know Missy but through this tragedy I have been so encouraged by her legacy that she leaves. There is no doubt that she was a wonderful wife and mother. Your family is in our prayers. Please keep us posted on your situation.

Love in Jesus!
Brenda

Our church prayed for you Sunday. I can't imagine what you are feeling right now, and I wish I were there to hold the children and comfort them. Please know you are in our prayers and please let us know if you need anything at all.
Karla in Indiana

Dear Tom and family,
I too am in tears hearing about your loss. I too along with the hundreds of people touched by Missy's life, loves and legacy will pray for you and your family. I can not understand at all why this happened but I know this new precious child will help heal the hurts your family has endured and that the Lord Jesus has you in the centre of his palm. He will never leave nor forsake you and I pray you will lean on him for your strength. I know you and your family will be in my heart for a very long time. Bless you.

Dear Tom and your precious children,

Missey's early homecoming has sent shock waves of grief throughout the homeschooling community. I know Missey is home in heaven, but she will be greatly missed on earth. God has used your wife and mother to impact many. You have many reasons to be proud!

Missey and I exchanged books through the Rak (Random Acts of Kindness) group she started. What a blessing it has been for homeschool moms to give and receive curriculum because of Missey's vision and leadership. She took time to email me personally when I had questions about how to do Language Arts the Beechick way. I appreciated her willingness to help woman like me who needed guidance and encouragement as they began their homeschool journey.

My heart is grieving with you. I will pray for you and your children whenever the Lord brings you to mind in the days, months, and years ahead.

Until that day when we will rejoice together in eternity, May the Lord sustain you with His grace and He care.

Isaiah 41:10
'Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

We are praying for you as well. I only got to know Missey after she passed, through reading her blog. I am excited about homeschooling my children when the time comes.

Just remember - she is feeling none of the pain and sadness that you are feeling - she is in the PRESENCE of Jesus Christ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rachel
rach.typepad.com

Our thoughts and Prayers are with you now in this difficult time. May the lord bless you with peace and strength on your journey. Your family has brought so much love to so many!!! God be with you now and always!

I don't know you-- just got a prayer request on the CCM homeschooling list and saw the link to Missey's blog & wanted to let you know I am praying. My heart aches for you and your family. I will be storming heaven with prayers and asking others to pray, as well. May His Angels surround and comfort you all at this sad time...May He fill you with the grace needed to get through this trial. May He grant you the peace that passes all understanding. We do not know why these things happen, but God does....

God Bless you,

Pattie
homeschooling mom of 3

My prayers are with you and your family. I didn't have the privilege of meeting Missey before she went home to Jesus, but I have been blessed by what I've read since then, especially her December 19th post which has embedded itself into my heart. May God wrap His tender, loving arms around you and your family in a way you've never felt before. He holds your family and Missey both in the palms of His hands, just for now you are in separate hands.

Blessings,
Drewe Llyn

I am so sorry for your loss. May God pour His grace over you and your family. You're in my prayers.

Tom, I am so sorry that you and your children are having to go through such a heart wrenching time. I am sure Missey is missed so much more than can be conceived.

I just wanted to send (( hugs )) to your family.

Just know that more prayers are covering you. May you experience a peace and healing that can only come from our loving and knowing God.

I didn't know Missey online or off, however, I often frequented her blog and learned a great deal here. I am a mother of 3 girls and one little boy and am expecting #5 also. I am so very sorry for your loss and please know that we are lifting your family up with so much prayer and love. How I wish we could reach you in this world! May God' heart and hand, which are a million times more capable than ours, touch your lives and provide the mercy and comfort so desperately needed. You are absolutely in our prayers and our hearts. ~Becca & Family

I am one of the many who do not know you, but am sincerely touched by all that I have read. Please know that I pray for your family at this most difficult time. May you truly feel that you are held in the palm of God's hand.

A rose once stood where all could see,
sheltered beside a garden wall.
And as the days passed quickly by,
it spread its branches straight and tall.

One day a beam of light shone through,
a crevice that had opened wide.
The rose bent gently toward its warmth,
Then passed beyond to the other side.

For those who greatly feel its loss,
be comforted the rose blooms there.
Its beauty even greater now,
Nurtured by God's own loving care.

With out deepest sympathy for your loss,
The Rickerts

Our sincerest hope for you is that Jesus will heal and restore your joy and peace in Him. "I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor powers nor principalities, nor things above, nor things below, nor any other created thing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus."

Dear Tom -

"A man's wife is the reflection of his glory" That's why Missey is who she is...

I do not know Missey personally except through the yahoo groups and reading her blog. But I felt like I've known her all my life. My husband is a Music Director of our church and I ask him to sing "I can only Imagine" this sunday in memory of Missey. I don't know what it is about cyberfriends, some people may never understand why I grieve so much for somebody I don't really know or never meet personally. I have been crying and still crying everytime I remember her and when I see my baby I think about your new baby and how sad that must be for her to grow up without her Mom. I lost my Mom when I was 22 years old, I am 35 now but to this day I never understand why God took her away from us. It was the biggest pain of my life. I have been bitter and angry in the past but it's over now. I still cry when I remember my Mom but I don't blame God or ask Him "WHY" anymore, I just put my trust in Him even if it doesn't make sense because God is always in control. "Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last" By reading through her blog and the message boards, I can tell that she really did a LOT for her Christ. I can really see Christ in her. I pray that I can be just like her, to live my life each day for Christ and be a blessing to my husband, my kids, my family & friends. My prayers are with you and the kids. I can tell that you are a great husband to her. My condolences to you and your family. May God hold you ALL in His arms.

Love in Jesus,
Melanie
www.WestDecrepito.com

I don't know you, but I found out about you from Sprittibee. I'm praying that the Holy Spirit would comfort you during this time. Best wishes, Douglas Bass

We are praying for your family.

It's hard to know what to say.With the lost of a love one. My heart goes out to you and your family. My the Lord watch over you during this most time in need.

Our prayer's go out to you and your family.

I am saddened by her loss. I don't even know her, while I don't grieve for her because she IS in a better place, I grieve for you and for your dear children. I am a Mom of four and I cannot fathom the heartbreak and the loss they feel. I am only a guest but I will say with all sincerity in my heart that me and my family will be praying for you guys.

I notice others did not mention this, but you may want to make sure this blog is paid (I think it could be free) and there is a way for you to save all the postings and put it away one day for your children to read and see how special their Mommy IS.

In prayer
Julie Ann Lanz

Dear Tom . . .

I never had the pleasure of knowing your lovely wife Missey, but my heart goes out to you and your family at this time. I too am a homeschooling mom and I know the love and devotion that your dear Missey gave to the wonderful children you both brought into this world. Words can't express the thoughts in my heart that I'd love to pass to you and your family at this time. Please know that there are so many who are grieving with you and who are thanking God for her many contributions to this world.

May God bless you and your children at this very difficult time and may you feel His embrace and His comfort.

With deepest sympathy . . .

Lyn Cablk and family

Just wanted to say that we are praying for Tom and the children... there are no words to express how very sorry we are for your loss...

You'll never know how much you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. I didn't realize just what a close-knit family the homeschooling community is until Missey passed away. She and her family were being talked about and prayed for by people from all parts of the country and all walks of live. You and your family remain in our prayers.

to let you know we are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. We just want you to know we care. We have lost 3 children. We have also mourned 20 friends and family members in the last three years. Look to God for your comfort and direction and you will stay above the sea of grief that seems to surround you. When the day gets so difficult you want to quit, remember tomorrow should be easier. And if not tomorrow, then tomorrow's tomorrow. It does get easier.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:7-8

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

God comforts us in all our afflictions so we in turn maybe able to comfort
those with the comfort where with we are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

If there is something we can do to help you in any way, please let us know.

Clint & Wendy Asbell
contentmentacres@yahoo.com

For the past 6 years, I have known and loved Missey. She has been and will continue to be my #1 homeschooling mentor. I was completely shocked to hear of her death, and grieved deeply for 3 days. I still grieve her passing, however I have come to that place of acceptance, and knowing that the Lord knows what is best for Missey and her family.

I am so very sorry Tom for the loss of your wife, and mother of your beautiful children. I can't imagine what you are going through, but please know that many people are praying you through this difficult time. Missey was such an encourager! She was the one person I also went to first when I need answers or advice regarding homeschooling. She has truly taught many the art of 'Heartschooling'. So that I will do, each day that the Lord allows me with my children...in the Spirit of Missey.

My love and admiration goes with her always. :)

Dear Tom and Children,

Missey will be so missed-- she was a sweet spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family-- I know the Lord will provide grace and comfort for each of you.

In Christ,
Janice Campbell

PS-- You may want to read my March 4 memorial to Missey at my blog-- janicecampbell. blogspot. com.

I am a member of Crossgate Church and homeschooling group. I am sure that I've met Missey before.
Please accept my condolences and love from our family to yours... our prayers also.
God be with you and your children. If you ever need anything locally, please email me at shackgini@cablelynx.com.
Much love to your sweet children,
Gini Shackelford
Hot Springs

Wanted to clarify for Tom's sake....the person in Missey's sidebar named 'HomeSchooling4Jesus' is me...I changed my blog and she never had a chance to update her template....I sure do miss that lady! :(