Homeschooling a Houseful

The price of gas

2:43 PM, Jun. 20, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

No purpose for my post today, except for me to mark the last time I think we will pay under $4.00 for a gallon of gas. We filled up both vehicles today for $3.97. That is all. I just want to be able to say, I remember when gas was less than $4.00 a gallon.

One minute

6:43 PM, Jun. 2, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

I know, I know. I haven't been blogging. Partly because of not having time, and partly because there is too much to talk about and I can't decide. From homeschooling laws being threatened, gay marriage being approved and in Colorado, they want to make it so that bathrooms can't be men's or women's. Just crazy. So, when this e-mail landed in my inbox today, THANK YOU JURENE!!!, I thought the timing was perfect and I would share... If you are willing to participate with me, leave me a comment.

One Minute Each Night.

In these very difficult times, it won't hurt to remind each other how much we need to pray for our nation, our leaders, and the grave decisions we are to make in the next several months.

In WWII, there was an adviser to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped! There is now a group of people who are organizing the same thing here in America.

If you would like to participate it could not be simpler! Each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, our leaders and for peaceful conditions.

If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along. Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. [AMEN!]

Our prayer is the most powerful asset we have. Please pass this on to anyone who you think will pray for our nation ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT.

Getting the home back in order

7:18 AM, Apr. 17, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

The past four months have had me busy with many things. It all began in December with my dad's failing health. My mom needed more help, I am so thankful that I was able to be there for the last two weeks of my dad's life. I would not have wanted it any other way. Then in January we were busy with the final wedding details for our oldest daughter's wedding, which was a wonderful and fun day. In the midst of all the joys of wedding preparations we also found ourselves dealing with a health issue for my husband. 10 days after the wedding, Dan had brain surgery. February found me trying to run a home and take care of my husband who was home recovering from surgery. Not an easy task and I still was not on top of some things that really were beginning to need some attention. In March I found myself busy with preparations for the Inland Northwest Homeschool Conference. What an amazing weekend this was. I had a great time being involved in the planning of this conference and we were thrilled when we realized that more that 1/3 of our attendees were dads. 351 people attended this conference and many people said it really changed their lives. I can't wait to begin work on next year's conference.

That brings me to the last three weeks. If you plant a garden, weeds will take over if you don't tend to it regularly. Well, like a garden, my family had become overgrown with weeds. The weeds I am referring to are SIN. I was reaping the results of my distractions. I wouldn't really say I blame myself. The situation was what it was and there was nothing I could do differently. Things were happening in our life that needed to be dealt with. The sin I was seeing wouldn't have gotten so out of hand had we not had so many things right after another, but we did and I now needed to deal with it.

So, I realized it was time to batten down the hatchets and get to work. It begins with a talk that lets the children know that things, they are a changin'. Momma is back and she is in charge and we are going to get things around here running so that the Lord is glorified in all we do. It really involves more change for me than anyone else. It means I remove all distractions. Ministry work, that will have to wait until all the chidren are in bed. Blogging, e-mailing, scrapbooking, TV, all things things will take a back seat. Doing this always help me to turn my heart back toward my children. Spending time with them and not allowing myself to be distracted allows me to catch sinful behavior immediately and correct it on the spot. It has been a few weeks and though I am tired, actually drained, I am seeing the benefits. I am seeing children with improved attitudes and an improved work ethic. We still have work to do, but that is true until we see Heaven.

So, if you have wondered where I have been, this is the explanation, my garden needed tending too and the weeds were thick.

There is a battle

2:22 PM, Mar. 21, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

This battle that is raging on today is amazing to watch.

It is a battle between

Winter and Spring.
So far...Winter is winning.

Parental rights

2:12 PM, Mar. 7, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

If you are concerned about parental rights in our country, you need to listen to the following:

Focus on the Family Broadcast

Then you need to sign this petition

Read here for the HSLDA Reponse on this issue.

Read this if you want to see the legal document.

This is NOT a homeschool only issue. This issue is crucial for every, EVERY parent. Please, listen, read and sign.

Has it really been over a month?

9:52 PM, Mar. 6, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

I love my husband, I really do. I am amazed though, at how much work it is to have him home. I had to chuckle at myself when I realized that I, am mom who has had 10 children being raised in her home at one time, and I was having a hard time keeping things running with my hubby home. We have survived though and Dan is doing well. Here are a couple current pictures...

He is home!!!

2:59 PM, Jan. 31, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

26 Staples

9:08 PM, Jan. 30, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

Dan is doing so much better today. They switched his pain meds which really helped eliminate the nausea.
He has 26 staples in his head, those of course will come out. He also has 4 screws, those will stay. Ewww.
He is really being a trooper. He did have some swelling as the day went on, but he is doing very well.

This picture was taken at 10 this morning.

Want to see the staples? You know you do....

Surgery

8:10 PM, Jan. 29, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

Surgery went well. It took 3 1/2 hours. When the doctor came to talk to me he said everything went well, but when he got inside it was "interesting". I felt like I was going to faint. Besides having a whole in his eye socket, which in itself is interesting, there was actually a whole in the outer lining of the brain, so the next layer was bulging out past it. He didn't expect that. The next surprise came when I was checking in after lunch to be sure he was still in recovery, he was and then the gal said, did you know he was going to ICU. Um, no, they said he was going to a regular room. Nope, ICU. Momentary panic then I told myself that since they did operate inside his head, maybe ICU makes sense. When he made it to ICU I asked the nurse if this is normal to be in ICU after surgery, she said NO. She said everything looked good and her thinking is that because of the uniqueness of the surgery the doctor wanted him closely watched. She had never seen his surgery before, and the doctor hadn't either.

So, all went well but it was an exhausting day for me.

I am going to put a picture on my blog of what Dan looked like when I left today. Poor guy, he was really sick and tonight is still feeling nauseous.

Dan will have a CT in the morning and if everything is OK then he should be moved into a regular room.

Thank you to all who have been praying for us. We really appreciate it. God is good, and even though there were some moments where I felt overwhelmed, I always knew that God is in control and nothing surprises Him.

Here is a picture of Dan from this afternoon. Poor guy....

As if we didn't have enough to do

11:27 PM, Jan. 22, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

I haven't posted what has been going on, because, well, because we have had what seems like a lot going on. My dad passing away on Dec. 15. A wedding on January 19 and inbetween a health issue for my husband.
Here is what has been happening.

Dan started have some extreme head pain/pressure on Jan 1. He went to the doc at 9 am on the 2nd and we went straight from the doctors office to a CT scan. 2 hours later the doctor called to say that Dan had a cyst behind his eye.

He then had a MRI on the 4th and the doctor called in the evening to say that there is some bone missing and the cyst.

Then another CT Scan on the 10th and another evening call from the Doctor. He at that point said that a neurosurgeon had seen all the reports and wanted to see Dan in his office the next week. The doctor told Dan that nobody at this points thinks this is cancer. Whew. He also told Dan that even though he would be seeing the nuerosugeon next week, they wouldn't need to do anything until after the wedding...which btw was the most wonderful, fun wedding. Everything went very well, except for Dan not feeling well.

Ok, we saw the nuerosurgeon on the 16th and he explained it very well. You have an eye socket, it is bone. At the top of that socket Dan is missing bone. The hole is bigger than a dime, smaller than a nickle. Through that hole is....brain. Yep, brain, we could see it. The brain of course is in a sack with fluid around it, so that is bulging too. Actually the doc used the word pooching, we have brain pooching out through the hole. The doc is great. He spoke in words I could understand. That hole in Dan's head, probably been there his whole life. Why is this an issue now? We don't know. Doc says we can wait a couple weeks and see if symptoms subside.

The doc will cut a hole in the side of Dan's head, he will lift the brain and put something in to block the hole. Then the brain should hold that in place and scar tissue will develop and it should never be a problem again. Has the doctor ever seen this before? No, not with the hole in the eye socket. Usually it is over the nose. He says Dan will only need about 4 weeks off of work.

Dan was having so much pain during the wedding that we decided to go ahead and get surgery scheduled, so he is having surgery on the 29th, next Tuesday.

A Wonderful Wedding

9:05 PM, Jan. 22, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

The day is beyond words for me. It was absolutely perfect. Well, almost. I did forget my husbands shirt, but it all worked out as we were not too far from home and he was able to go and get it. I took it pretty hard though, I do not like making mistakes.

I am having a difficult time choosing which pictures to share. I unfortunately didn't get many good pictures. A lot were blurry. I can't wait to get the CD from the photographer. He will have great pics for us.

Heather and Esther go over the checklist.

A hug between sisters.

Dad helps move the plane.

I help Heather with her necklace.

I just think this mirror image is pretty neat.

Someday one of us will learn how to tie a tie.

A hug between sisters.

A sweet moment between sisters.

A secret between sisters.

Reaction to the secret.

A sweet moment.

A pre-wedding dance.

And a twirl.

Ahhhh...

Aren't they beautiful???

Dan reads his vows.

Dan gives Heather her ring.

Dan gives Heather her vows, he had a pocket and was holding them for her.

Heather reads her vows.

Heather gives Dan his ring.

I do, I do.

KISS!!!

Presenting Mr. & Mrs. Milligan.

The couple share a dance.

Hilarie steals the spotlight.

Hilarie tries to show them how it's done.

Hilarie dances with her sister and new brother.

6:32 PM, Dec. 16, 2007 .. 5 comments .. Link

My dad breathed his last breath at 2:30 pm on Saturday, December 15, 2007. He was surrounded by those who loved him. My mom, he was looking into her eyes and I really believe he was telling her how much he loved her. He was thanking her for sticking with him all these years. He was thanking her for taking such faithful care of him during this difficult time. He loved her and he looked at her and breathed his last.

This was an experience that was so difficult, but at the same time I am so glad I was a part of it. It was a special time for my brother, my mom and I.

We stayed with mom last night and then came home today. I was surprised how difficult it was to leave my parents house. I stared at the house as we pulled away and thought to myself, "My dad doesn't live there anymore."

We have known this day was coming, we have known it for a year. We knew it before Thanksgiving. But is was so hard. As he took those final breaths there was a battle within myself that just wanted each breath to be the last, but also wanted there to be one more breath. It was so strange. I was telling him to let go, yet holding on so tightly hoping he would stay.

The hardest day of all

6:48 PM, Dec. 14, 2007 .. 1 comments .. Link

I am not sure what happened to me today, but I have found myself in tears at the strangest times. It all began this morning when I was im'ing my friend Brenda. All she did was ask how things were going. I found myself in tears at my computer as we chatted. Ahh, that was good. I have this tendency to always be OK, and to always be strong and not to emotional. I have not learned how to be strong in the Lord, yet cry at the same time.

As I was driving into my parents I found myself crying while driving. It really hit me that I am not ready for Christmas, my daughter is getting married in ONE MONTH and my father is dying. My dad has been sick for so long, and I have been aware that he has been dying for a long time, but the time is here and it is hard. My heart breaks for my mom, she is losing the love of her life and I just can't imagine how horrible that must feel. She has taken such great care of dad.

When I got to my parents my dad was sleeping. Well, we say sleeping but he really isn't asleep. He is very aware of what is going on, he hears us. He briefly will open his eyes when he hears a familiar voice. He is in a state of unconsciousness. His breathing is labored, but he seems peaceful. He looks comfortable, until it is time for meds.

The morning was busy with visitors. Two of dad's sisters came today and a nephew. There were more visitors too.

My brother was also able to spend the whole day. It was nice to have time with just the four of us this afternoon. We just sat and talked. We sat and stared into space. We sat and talked to Dad. We talked about what is to come and who we will need to call.

I told my mom how wonderful she has been to daddy. I told her how sorry I was that she is losing the love of her life. She has taken such great care of him and she is so worried that she is failing. I tried and tried to reassure her that the way to take care of him now is to give him his meds and hold his hands and let him be. I say let him be, because it is too hard to say let him go. Mom realizes today that dad will probably not be with us for Christmas. She has really been holding onto Christmas.

One day at a time. I cannot let myself get overwhelmed at what this next week holds for our family. The Lord my God will carry me through this. I am so thankful that I have that comfort from Him. It does seem overwhelming at times when I think of all that is happening for our family in the next month. I must keep reminding myself to just do the next thing and not worry about how we will take care of tomorrow's needs. Christmas, 3 birthdays and a wedding...all to occur in the next month and

saying good-bye to my daddy.

Thursday

6:44 PM, Dec. 13, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

Another change today. Last night while mom and dad were eating dinner mom said he had what looked like a stroke, bigger than what we have been seeing. He then pretty much closed his eyes and he has been "sleeping" all day. I didn't go to see them today because I really needed a day at home. Mom says he opens his eyes briefly, but that is all. All his meds have been stopped because he can't swallow. He is now only receiving medicine for pain and for anxiety. Dan (my hubby) spent some special time with them today. My mom seems to really be able to open up to Dan and they had a good visit. I am so glad that he is able to see my parents on the days I can't be there.

Wednesday

8:35 PM, Dec. 12, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

Okay, I think it is really starting to sink in. Dad was having what seemed like stroke after stroke today. It is such a strange thing to watch. He is very, very sleepy today but when he is awake and trying to talk you can see him all of a sudden stop, he stops talking, he stops moving, he seems like he is not there and then he comes back.
The hospice social worker stopped by today. Dad really enjoys all the hospice workers that come. He brightened just a little today when he came in. I guess in the months previously dad has commented on how much he likes Jeff's (name has been changed because I don't know if it is appropriate to share the name without permission) hat. So today Jeff brought dad a hat. My dad loved it. He looks so cute in the hat. Here is a picture.

You will have to excuse the little mess on dad's shirt. He was having a little milkshake this morning and he made a little mess. I am so proud of my mom, she is really working hard to back away and not fuss over dad so much. He doesn't like it when she fusses much and it causes him stress. This was a very brief time where dad was alert today. The rest of the day he pretty much dozed off and on.

Monday

6:29 PM, Dec. 10, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

I did not visit mom and dad over the weekend, and found myself missing them. Monday was not too different than the Friday before except dad is much more quiet. His eyes look distant and he is continuing to have little strokes. He looks sad. On Friday he was asking what had happened and what can be done. As the nurse was telling him about the strokes I could see his demeaner change as he began to understand he will not be getting better.
I wonder today, as I watch him, if he has finally come to peace with what is happening, maybe coming to peace isn't the right word, but maybe is has quit fighting it. I do not know if he has made peace with God. Dad has never been open to hearing about the Lord. The Hospice chaplain has talked to my dad, and dad has not given his life to the Lord. I pray that in these days to come, that the Lord will draw my dad to him.

Jonathan came with me today so that he could read to Papa. Jonathan adores his Papa and my dad adores him. I remember when Jonathan was born. Some time had gone by and my dad had not been to see Jonathan. I believe my mom mentioned to me that dad was a little scared. Well, I grabbed my baby and got in the van and drove straight to see my dad. I walked in the door and put my baby boy into my dad's arms. His heart melted. My dad saw that he is was just a baby, like all babies. Jonathan and Papa had a special relationship.

9:25 PM, Dec. 7, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

I am so thankful that I have that picture of my dad and I on Wednesday. That was the last day he was really alert and able to smile. As each day goes by he has become quieter and quieter. I walked into the house today and immediately noticed the look on his face. He seemed sad, distant, withdrawn. The hospice nurse came and we were able to get dad into a chair for a bit. She discovered that he had diminished ability on his left side. I had noticed his mouth to be a bit droopy on the left side but thought it was my imagination. Another stroke has taken a little bit more of my dad. I don't know how long this road will be, but I am confident that God will give me the strength to take the next step.

My Daddy

6:29 PM, Dec. 5, 2007 .. 1 comments .. Link

My dad has been on hospice care since earlier this year. One week after Thanksgiving he took a turn for the worse. Looks like he might have had a small stroke (or more than one). He was able to move around a bit with a walker before and now his legs will not hold him up. A hospital bed was brought in on Friday and it was a very difficult weekend as he and mom tried to figure out what the new normal is. I have been going in every morning this week to help where needed and just be some company for my mom. Today dad was doing better. More alert, he is aware he can't stand which is frustrating him. His speech was better today and he was able to have some decent conversations.

Mom took this picture just before I left today and printed it out on her new Epson Picture Mate. I brought it home and scanned it and I just want to share with my readers.

Wordless Wednesday

8:35 PM, Dec. 4, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

A Bridal Shower

9:39 PM, Dec. 1, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

The date is approaching fast. The wedding is NEXT MONTH. The ladies at Dan's church had a shower for Heather last night. It was so much fun. What a great group of ladies.