Nov. 28, 2006 - The Homeschool Mom's Sorority

I got a call today.  The caller ID said "unknown number" and my first reaction was to ignore the ringing.  But that only lasted a split second.  I answered and it was a woman I had never met before but within minutes I was offering to meet her in town, help her with her children or whatever she needed.

It was Robin in Colorado, a fellow FIAR mom who was passing through my town and ended up at the emergency room with her husband having a possible heart attack.

My thoughts instantly went to, "Oh my gosh, there she is in an unfamiliar town, her husband ill, she has a baby and three little girls with no help, far away from home."

Thankful that the homeschooling community is a closeknit one, I was able to meet her in real life although it was under circumstances that were not so good.

The doctors decided to keep her husband overnight for observation and tests.  She was able to get a room in a motel close to the hospital.  We had supper together at our town's favorite home-town-not-a-chain-drive-in-hamburger-spot.

I was so glad that she felt comfortable enough to call me when she needed me to request prayers on the FIAR board's Prayer Place and when she needed a hug.

I know that I could travel quite a few directions and if I had run up against a crisis (or just wanted to stop and visit) I know I could call on my FIAR Sisters!

Love ya Robin!

Nov. 25, 2006 -

Nov. 25, 2006 - Nature Study Totes

I'm adding some information about the Nature Study Totes that I design and personalize.  They might make a good Christmas gift for a homeschooling family you know. 

Nov. 6, 2006 - REAL BEAUTY!

I just had to share this.  Please take a look at the video at this link.  Amazing!  It really puts things into perspective.

REAL BEAUTY

Be blessed!
Oney~ who has creases around her eyes and is curvy in all the wrong places but loves herself anyway!!

Nov. 2, 2006 - The Back Seat

We took our daughter on a road trip to visit colleges a few days ago.  Well, actually, that isn't completely true.  We funded the trip but her boyfriend actually did the driving.  It was a fun day but I learned something that I wasn't quite ready for. 

We've taken a back seat in our daughter's life.  Literally.  Schweetie (that's what I call my daughter's boyfriend) offered to take his car (mini vans must give him the cooties or something) and we bought the gas.  He drove and she sat in the front. 

Hubby and I were relegated to the back seat.  Schweetie drove us around Denver and to one of the best little out-of-the-way taco places.   We bought lunch. He drove us to the mall and around and they sat in the front, just riding.  I had to bite my tongue to keep from asking in a whiny voice, "are we there yet?" 

It was our daughter and her Schweetie that went up to the college hosts and did the talking.  Hubby and I just stood back and watched.  That's when it really hit me.  My baby girl doesn't need me so much anymore.  I've taken a back seat in her life.  Hubby just hugged me when I told him my revelation.  He whispered, "And that's okay.  We're supposed to."  She has another "man" in her life but I don't think Hubby has really let that one sink in yet. 

Schweetie drove us to Olive Garden where we met his dad and his family for dinner.  We bought dinner.  Schweetie's dad and family are nice people.

I'm so proud of my baby girl.  I guess we've done a good job raising her.

Oct. 27, 2006 - Living

If I had only a few months to live

I would not travel...

alone.

I would ask my children and husband where they wanted to go and we would take many mangificent trips--all of us--laughing, taking pictures, finding utter JOY in each and every second.

I would not sleep...

alone.

I would buy the biggest bed available and the most comfy pj's and the softest blankets for each of us and we'd all sleep together, cuddle, pray, cry and rest.

I would not eat...

alone.

I would cook with my kids and we'd make sure we had all of our favorites well stocked even if they weren't health foods.  We would savor every bite and every sip while looking across the table into each others' souls.

And I certainly wouldn't waste time reading books...

alone.

I would pile the best of the best books all around us and I would read to them with enthusiasm, without yawns.  I would bring the books to life with character voices and rhythm and intonation and inflection so that my voice would be impressed upon their minds.

I would not sing...

alone.

I would have our favorite praise music playing and we would all sing and learn the words and praise Him for the time and love we were able to share.

I would not take pictures of my kids...

alone.

I would have someone else take pictures of me and my husband and my kids:  living, eating, traveling, reading, singing, praying, laughing, loving and living all together.

I would not let my kids go out to play...

alone.

I would run, jump, ride dirt bikes, fish, hunt, shop, cook, make lists, play board games, play tag, play cars, play beauty shop, play Barbies~anything they wanted to play I'd be first in line. 

One game I wouldn't play would be

hide and seek.

I would not pray or go to church...

alone.

My kids wouldn't go to Sunday School or Children's Church or Youth Group.  Instead, we would be in the sanctuary, sitting in the same pew, holding hands, lifting them to our Father worshipping and praising Him for our life together.

I would not die...

alone.

I would have my loved ones surrounding me and as the Savior came for me I would lift up my arms and reach for Him and my loved ones would see the pure joy light upon my face and they would know that I was in paradise with the Father.  I would wait for them in Heaven and would pray they wouldn't live another day...

alone.