It has been a very busy sumer for me and mine. I am finally starting to get a sense of getting back to routine, at least a little. Now since my son has graduated and has entered college I am only homeschooling my youngest daughter. I can honestly say that it is more difficult at this point with only one than it was all those years with four. Her world is turned upside down with all her siblings basically out of the house at least most of the day. We have been so busy with so much so now we are going to try to get on track with school and schedules. Yes, I admit I am over committed, something I plan on working on also. My main plan is to continue to get organized and find some time for my family, hopefully, for each individual once in awhile, and some much needed me time. I know it sounds bad but I plan on scheduling some "me" time and some time for "me and God".
I hope to get back to blogging soon also but for now I'm still working on organizing. I hope all is well with my blogging friends.
We went to a showing of the movie, "FireProof" at our church, popcorn and all. It was a fun evening with friends and fellow Christians. It was so great to see that more people then expected showed up and we had what was described as a "Full House". They had to keep bringing in more seating and also set up a viewing area in a different part of the church.
The show was very good. It seemed to me that it was based on a secular couple that eventually became Christians but I think all married couples could benefit from seeing the film but mostly from putting it into practice in thier own lives.
My husband and I purchased the book from the movie called, "The Love Dare". We are going to try to work through the book. It is a 40 day journey. You can do this on your own or as a couple. At this point we are doing it as a couple but even if my husband backs out I am committed to continue. I feel that God wants each and everyone of us to be committed to Him, to our Marriages and to our Families. If we can't follow through with our committments then we have no right to expect anyone else to follow through their committments.
We are also having a 6 week class at church based on the movie. I plan on attending. We don't have to attend each session but I do want to attend as many as I can.
If you are able to see this movie and get the book, I recommend it. Many of us have gotten married and feel that everything is just fine. As time goes on things happen. Disagreements, work stress, children, in-laws, financial stress, births, deaths, moves, and the list goes on. I heard a long time ago that marriage takes work. Well that is true. It takes work from both the husband and the wife. It can succeed if only one spouse works on the marriage but it is all the better if both work together on the marriage. It all starts with remembering why you got married in the first place and the committment you made to each other. A Christian marriage is to be a commitment. God is to be the head and the husband and wife make the triangle. Always include God in your commitment. Always include God in all your thoughts and plans. God to Him first.
I/We are on day three of the 40 day journey. I plan to get the DVD so we can watch it over and over again especially if we start to wain on our commitment.
I think it is important to keep our relationship with God the strongest of all but I think it is important to keep our marriages strong. The Bible has a lot to say about marriage, working together and a firm foundation.
I hope to add notes about my journey at least weekly if not daily.
My son graduates this year. Next year I will only have my youngest daughter left to homeschool. I have been doing an online school with them for a couple of years now but because of the economy I am wondering if I should continue or go back to just doing it all on my own like I did for the first two and how I did before doing the online school.
My daughter has some learning issues and I like the way the online school helps keep me accountable but it is not cheap. I would like to do more with her but I am concerned that we will just skip things and become laxed. I have a lot of research and praying to do, in order to finish out this year and to prepare for next year.
I still have to get my son's transcript done and turned into the colleges with his applications. It is so hard to believe he will be graduating in May. Time flies, as they say.
I'm sure everyone has their own life filled with chaos. I have such chaos in my life recently that I am so ready for some peace.
You may have heard of the movie, "Four Weddings and a Funeral", we have had Four Funerals and a Wedding in the past five months. While I haven't watched the movie, my own life has been topsy turvy since last summer especially since August.
My father passed away in August, the only daughter of one of my husband's bosses passed away in October, my mother in law passed away in December, Our oldest daughter was married in January and the father of another of my husband's bosses passed away in February.
Sunday has always seemed like the close of the past and the beginning of the new with me. I finish off my week or put a close to it on Sunday and I start the new week also on Sunday. I feel so refreshed and ready for the week after going to church and feel drained and withdrawn when I miss.
This coming Sunday is the start of a new week and new month. I like to think of a new beginning too. I would like to go through the rest of this year without anymore sadness, illness or tramadic events. I would like to see happiness, peace, things falling into place, and great things take place.
My husband's birthday is Monday. I am planning a nice dinner and family time. We all have to watch our budgets but I think we also need to make sure we don't forget to do all we can to live. Spend time with your friends, your family, your self and especially with God.
I have a busy year this year but I am trying to get my self organized so I can have "Me Time" along with spending time with family and friends but most especially with God.
I started a Bible study on Daniel. It is a Beth Moore Bible Study, which I will write more later. I wanted to share that with this study I have learned that 1. We can be delivered FROM the fire 2. We can be delivered THROUGH the fire (or) 3. We can be delivered BY the fire. God has gotten my family and I though so much these past five months. I praise His name. I could not haven't gotten through my dad's death and funeral or my daughters wedding without Him. Nor could my husband have gotten through his mother's death and funeral without Him. God is faithful and is with us through our trials and tribulations. He is with us in the fire.
When I look at my calendar it scares me. Actually, it doesn't. I am thankful that I have a calendar to help me to schedule myself. I have been so busy with many things lately it isn't funny. On top of all the things scheduled on my calendar many unexpected things have been thrown in. Just two weeks ago I was to be at four different places at the same time. Impossible yes, but I did manange to cancel one thing, get a substitute for another, my son went to the third to represent the rest of the family and then I went with my husband and daughter to the last event. It took some doing by I managed to get organized and have an enjoyable time. My main thing is that I have to learn to say, "NO". I go on guilt trips and I have got to STOP and think. I need to pray and not just ask, "What would Jesus do, but does God want me to do."
At this time I am a little overwhelmed and it is for many reasons but a main reason is because I feel that guilt feeling. I teach and work with children at a couple of MOPS groups. I also help in our church nursery, lead in our local AHG troop, teach during woman's Bible study and homeschool my kids. I started helping with the one Mops group because I thought I would enjoy it, and I do, and to help make a little extra money. Well, I then took on a 2nd MOPs group and then a Women's Bible study. I got a phone call yesterday from yet another MOPS group. I had to politely turn them down. I did give them references. I felt bad but then after my day yesterday was done I thanked the Lord that I didn't feel guilty and felt I did the right thing. I plan on finishing out the 10 weeks of the Women's Bible study and I know they mentioned me coming back in January when they start again but I'm am seriously thinking about NOT. I will continue the MOPS. They don't meet everyweek and they aren't as stressful. I teach 3 year olds at one and take care of 1 year olds at the other.
I need to focus on "ME" a llittle more. I am finding that in scheduling on my calendar there is no time for "ME". Now I don't want this to sound selfish but I got to thinking. With no "ME" time then what good am I. I need time to refocus and regroup. I am no good to anyone if I am run down, worn out and overwhelmed. I am finding that even though I do good things in the church I have little time for God. I do read my Bible but I have put it aside to let other things be put into the forefront too often. I need time for "ME" so I can read my Bible and reflect on what I read. I need time to take care of my personal needs, such as a good long soak in the tub so I can re-focus and clear my head. I need time to relax in the evenings so I can get a good nights sleep. I need time to spend time taking care of myself and my family. I am still working on the re-organization and I had to put a lot off because of the many things that took place this summer.
I have stained my front porch and painted the face plate. I have put away some of my dad's things that I brought home with me. I have been reorganizing my school room. I have moved some furniture in my ohter rooms. I am getting ready to re organize the closets. I have also been working in the garage and basement. I do have the help of my family on most things.
I have many things going on on my calendar like the schooling, MOPS and the childcare for the women's Bible study. I also have my AHG meetings and next weekend I will have a group of girls camping out at my place, the next weekend we are attending a PJ party for AHG and the girls will be working the awards ceremony plans (which I am in charge of), the following weekend some of my husbands relatives are planning a visit (they have never been to this house, and we have lived here two years and they have only been to our old house about 6 times in 25 years with the last time being for about 2-3 hours in 2005), then we have the AHG awards ceremony. Needless to say I am keeping my November as free as possible. My plan for November is to only do the things I have already committed to EXCEPT for one thing. That this is my son's EAGLE ceremony. It will either be in November or early December. I haven't decided yet. I am looking forward to it but it will be a lot of work to prepare so I need some free time to prepare for it.
I need some "ME" time. We all do. I don't think it is being selfish but necessary. I hope you all can find some "ME" time. I will work on this and let you know later how it is working.
We just heard. We were checking my son's emails and there was one marked "Eagle" from his advancement chairperson. We opened it and it said, "Dear Ben, It's official, You are now officially an Eagle Scout." Praise the Lord. We are so happy. After all the long hard work and all the waiting it is now official. The message went on to say it was time to start preparing for the Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony. It is funny because Ben tried to not think about it. He told me many times that he felt like he earned it even if the National turned him down. We decided that we would celebrate anyway. What is funny is today we were on our way home from working at church and Ben said that he was a little concerned about the ceremony and the reception. I asked him why. He said that he was a little afraid to get up in front of everyone to talk and as far as the reception he felt he had to talk to everyone. I told him he could use note cards and he wouldn't have to talk to everyone they talk to each other. It was interesting that he talked positive about the ceremony even without knowing that he was official. Congratulations Ben, on a job well done!
I am sorry to have been away for so long. In August I spent six days in Pennsylvania helping my sister take care of my dad's things while he was in the hospital. I went to visit him and my sister, my husband and I read from the Bible to him while we were there. We went through my dad's things and cleaned out his apartment since the plan was that he would be going into an assisted living facility and wouldn't be able to take all his things. We discussed this with him many times during previous visits.
My sister had called me a few days before this and told me that my dad's health was not doing well. My dad has had many bouts with cancer including throat and lung cancer and he had a bone marrow disorder in which he had to get blood transfusions. He was in a therapy hospital and was taken to the main hospital for an antibiotic for an infection and a transfusion for his bone marrow disorder. The next night I was on the phone with my sister when the hospital called and told her they were moving him to another room because the found a tumor, even though earlier they told her everything showed up fine. They did surgery to put a temporary bag on his side to prepare to take care of the tumor and they found a tear which caused bowel to leak into his stomach. (My dad complained for years about stomach problems and the doctors felt he was just complaining.) His condition stabilized until the day after the relatives visited him, then it went down hill from there. We felt it was important to take care of my dad's things as soon as possible because my sister had been paying for my dad's apartment for the past few months and while he was in the hospital.
While there we visited my dad in the hospital, met with the doctors and called and checked on him many times. The week before my dad was sitting up and visiting with relatives from Florida who hadn't seen him in years. They said he joked and laughed with them. The day after they left his health detearated and he kept his eyes closed. When I got there and called out to him, he opened his eyes but didn't look but straight ahead. I talked to him and he cried. I calmed him down and held his hand, which I don't know if it was allowed. His kidneys were failing and he was full of fluid. His one arm and hand were all bandaged up but I held his other hand and told him I loved him. I then told him I had to leave and he started to cry again but I then again calmed him down and told him I would return. We went back the next day and he again had his eyes opened. My sister was surprised because she had seen him everyday and she said it had been a week since he opened his eyes and he opened them for me.
I called and checked on my dad on Tuesday morning and then we drove home. We went ahead and came home because the past few days they said his condition was stable and nothing changed. We took turns calling at least two times a day. On Wednesday, August, 20, 2008, I didn’t hear from my sister so I decided to call the hospital to check on my dad. I called at 12:40pm. I asked for his nurse. I asked the nurse how my dad was doing and the nurse said, “He passed.” I asked again and the reply was, “He passed, he pass, just now, he passed.”. I was in a bit of shock. I tried calling all my siblings. I got hold of my one brother who is in the military. (He is military police and I found out at the funeral that he was in the middle of a traffic stop but he had to let the guy go because of the phone call and both of us being upset)
He found out that the hospital staff were very surprised because my dad’s condition never changed. His heart stopped and he went to sleep. Our prayers were answered. Dad suffered a lot but he didn’t suffer and struggle in his passing. We prayed that God would heal him or take him peacefully when he was ready. My brother said it was ironic that I just happened to call to check on him the exact moment that he passed away. The official cause of death was listed as respiratory failure from kidney failure even though the hospital told us his heart stopped. We may never really know.
We went back to Pennsylvania on Friday. We had the viewing on Sunday and the funeral on Monday. My sister and I still have a lot to take care of but I am thankful that we did get a lot done already. I had my dad and two of my siblings go to the funeral home two years ago to let my dad make his own arrangements and decisions about his funeral. I felt that he should have things his way. I am so glad now that I did that even though I felt a little guilty at the time. I only did it because my dad’s health has been bad but not critical for years. Also, my dad was 75 years old and I felt that it was best to have those things taken care of so we wouldn’t have to worry about it later.
He had a military funeral and was buried in the family cemetery in his home town. It is still hard for me to think of him as being gone. Many times I think to pick up the phone to give him a call but then catch myself. He didn’t look like himself at the funeral, of course, so that may have something to do with it.
I am putting together a tribute for my dad that I will share soon.
Not because of my dad’s death, but I am seeing some ugliness with my siblings. I am getting ready to write each of them a letter and let them know my thoughts. The Bible says there is no room for bitterness, and we are to be forgiving, etc. My siblings are Christians but they have forgotten these things. I want to make sure I have done my part before anything happens to any of them or me. I don’t want to stand before the Lord and be asked why I didn’t do everything I could to turn them back to God. I know I can only do so much but the Holy Spirit can do anything. I do believe that I have to do my part.
This has been a very difficult time. Loosing a parent or someone close puts a person through many challenges including physical, emotional and spiritual. I trust the Lord to give me peace through it all.
That was our motto and guide these past few weeks. My son ,Benjamin, was struggling with whether to continue to finish the race to earn his Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts. He had ups and downs, encouragements and discouragements. Most recently he had discouragements. He has been really involved in the Boy Scouts. He would spend weekends on outings including teaching, backpacking, caving and camping trips. He hardly ever missed a meeting, which was once a week since he became a Boy Scout. He started as a Weebelo in which he made some friends and they have continue all the way through.
We’ve had many things happening this year and it has been stressful the past few months. My son found it easier to set aside his Boy Scout Eagle things and just participate in the scouts. I had other ideas. I felt it was wrong to get this far and give up. After many talks I found out that he felt under pressure and overwhelmed. He had so many telling him it couldn’t be done. I tried everything I could to encourage him. I felt that he will always look back and wonder, could I have done it? I also felt that if he gave up on this, after reaching for it for so long, then he would be more willing to give up on just about anything that got to be too much. I watched a movie we have, “Facing the Giants”. I asked my son, “How Big is Your God?” I kept asking that and I will keep asking. My son, smiles at me and says, He’s Big.
My son decided to go ahead and try to do it. Give it his best shot. I told him that was all I or God wanted was for him to do his best and give it his all. He had to finish five merit badges, do his project, and make sure he got all the signatures he needed BEFORE his 18th birthday. His project was to build a fire ring with octagon shaped benches surrounding it at our church. To help you understand the stress and pressure he was under, by the time he decided to go for it, he only had about 14 days to get it all done. All along, I kept asking him, “How Big is Your God?” I also, kept reminding him to keep praising and thanking God and I did the same thing.
He worked hard on the badge requirements. He had problems with getting counselors and that was one of the reasons that he put off getting many of the merit badges done. Some of the counselors wouldn’t return phone calls. He was given a new list of counselors and he contacted them. He was able to meet with the new counselors for all the last of the merit badges he needed and got them all signed off.
We felt he had a lack of support from his troop, especially his troop leaders. Many of the leaders either are tired and their sons are already out or they are new and their sons are just starting into the troop. One of his major problems was his new scoutmaster. This new scoutmaster took over the troop in the spring. Ben had been elected to the Senior Patrol Leader position. In that position he was basically in charge of the troop and made the decisions. He was to let the leaders including the scoutmaster know what his plans were, in which he did. The problem was that the scoutmaster would change the plans without telling Ben. That caused issues for the troop. Also, it discouraged my son as to continuing. Ben was to have this scoutmaster sign his merit badge cards and his project paper so he could even start his project. The scoutmaster refused to sign Ben’s paper so he could start his project at one meeting so Ben sent and email stating there may have been misunderstanding. Two days later the scoutmaster sent a response stating the same thing my son told me earlier. I had my son call him and speak to him telling him that he was misunderstanding what the signature was for. ( The scoutmaster thought it was for finishing the project not permission to start it). I then took my son the next day to get his Physical Fitness Merit badge signed off. He had to do some running and ended up getting really sick because he isn’t a runner, especially in the heat. He did get it signed off and interestingly he beat his original time. We then left there to go get the scoutmasters signatures we needed. Ben begged me to just go home, he was so sick. I ended up pulling along side the road for a few minutes and then continued on. He stayed in the van and I went in with all the merit badge cards and the project paper needing signatures. The scoutmaster looked for Ben but I told him, he was sick in the car and I came to get the signatures on his badges and project paper. I bit my tongue many times because he kept saying over and over, “I wish he would have done this six months ago”. (This man wasn’t even the scoutmaster six months ago). He started to walk away with his pen and I reminded him that he had to sign the project paper. I said, “Ben brought this to you on Monday and you didn’t sign it but you have to sign it before he get even start on his project.” Again, he made some comments. There were many things I could have said but I didn’t. I then left and took Ben home to rest up. He rested and then told me that the scoutmaster still didn’t sign all the places he needed to.
Now with the project paper signed was able to prepare to do the project, trying to get donations and volunteers. Of course, the weather man wasn’t as promising. The weather report was for rain and thunderstorms all weekend. He didn’t have a choice so with all the needed signatures he went forward and started on the project. He and my husband went to get he supplies needed and donations the next day on Friday, June 27th.
On Saturday, the 28th, his volunteers showed up at our church and they started working on building the benches. They also dug the holes for the posts, which was a very, very difficult job and took a long time. They had many problems with this part of the project. His scoutmaster told me that he would be there but he didn’t show up. I overheard his son tell someone else that he volunteered somewhere else. Ben’s volunteers worked from about 8:00am. Until about 4:30pm. When lightening started striking and the down pours came. We quickly cleaned everything up and headed home to start the next day. My husband and I started talking and realized that Ben still didn’t have the scoutmasters signature on some of his Merit Badges. We had Ben call the scoutmaster and arrange to go over to his house to get his signatures and get information about his final requirements for his Eagle yet that night because the scoutmaster was leaving the next day for a week out of town. (I need to explain that this has been very stressful and confusing. He didn’t have a lot of troop support but he did have support of some that did show they did care. It was told to me that if Ben didn’t get the scoutmasters signature before the scoutmaster left for summer camp on Sunday then I would have to drive my son to Louisville to the camp just to get the scoutmasters signature - needless to say that had me a little fuming.)
Anyway, my husband took my son to his scoutmasters house. I prayed hard because I didn’t know what was going to happen between my husband and this scoutmaster - by the way - my husband was a good boy. LOL
The scoutmaster signed the Merit Badge cards and gave my son an oral scoutmaster conference. He then told him that the assistant scoutmaster could finish the scoutmaster conference sign all the rest of the paperwork. UGH! Why did they put us through ALL the stress in the first place???
On Sunday, his volunteers met us at the site after church about 1:00pm. We built the campfire pit and finished with the benches. One man from our Sunday school class is in construction and he volunteered to help so he actually became in charge of building the fire ring. We had many from church come to see what we were doing. A lady also came and asked if she could help so she went home, changed and came back to help. We also had mixed concrete to pour down into the holes for the bench posts so they are more stable and sturdy. My husband cut the bench edges to make them smoother and neater looking. Again we worked until the rain came about 5:00pm.
On Monday, we met with just a few that could meet to finish up. We touched up the benches with some wood splints and wood putty, we filled the fire ring with dirt, we touched up the outside of the ring with some more mortar and smoothed it as recommended by the volunteer builder and we had to knock off the support braces that were holding the benches until the concrete set. We actually worked for a little, then it rained and we stopped for a little and took refuge in the youth building then got back to work to finish the project. My husband wasn’t able to help at this point because he had to take a business trip, also many others had to be at work so only those not working could help.
One of Ben’s leaders stopped by to see the project and to get Ben’s Merit badges so she could turn them in. She looked over them and then proceeded to tell Ben that he still was missing a signature. UGH!
Of course, it was the scoutmaster. I was ready to scream at this point. I told her we had been to see him twice at his house and Ben tried to get his signatures at the last scout meeting, what does it take to get him to sign this stuff that would hold Ben back? She told me not to worry about it she would take care of it. I asked her again, what we were to do before she left and she again told me she would take care of it.
The project is now FINISHED. The church signed off on it and it is now belongs to the church. The only thing we want to do is make a landscaping rock with the date, the words “Eagle project, etc. on it. We hope to do that in the next week or so.
My son has got all his paper work filled out then met with the assistant scoutmaster, who couldn’t meet until Wednesday evening to finish his conference and sign off on his project and application for Eagle. He then has to go the committee chairman’s house (which is the husband of the lady I talked with earlier) and have him sign the paperwork and then it will be sent in and it is then up to the council.
Unbelievable but the troop Eagle advisor wanted to meet with my son before he met with the assistant scoutmaster. We were running about 10 minutes late because were expecting to meet an hour later. To top it off my son forgot his book (which could have been signed at a later time). The advisor yelled at my son and was very rude. He made the comment, “You know, people have other things to do” or something like that. (well, we didn’t ask him to show up). Ben then met with the assistant scoutmaster and finally got his papers signed, we thought. We had left there and went to Advancement chairpersons house and found out there were still some mistakes and the assistant scoutmaster missed a signature. Also, he marked up a very important paper that Ben ended up reprinting and having to get the signatures again.
Thursday, July 3rd, my son emailed the assistant scoutmaster and they arranged to meet near the local Kroger to get the signatures. We then left to go get some groceries and proceeded to pick my husband up at the airport. After that we headed home but stopped off at the Advancement chairpersons house to get the last signature and then turned it all over to them. So it is now in the hands of the Boy Scouts of America.
My husband said to me that he would like to spend our anniversary enjoying ourselves instead of being so stressed like this. I told him we could celebrate later, this is important for our son.
By the way, a boy wanting to earn Eagle must have everything completed and all his signatures before his 18th birthday. My son turned 18 on July 3rd, 2008 and he was finally able to get it all turned in approximately 9:30pm. He was born at 10:05pm. How Big is Your GOD?
I was searching the web and also playing around with my blog. I found this and thought it would be nice to share with everyone else. I have sat and enjoyed watching Mark Lowry Videos today and I hope you can enjoy this one. As being homeschool teachers and with many of us going to public school ourselves I think this can be appreciated. It also gives an interesting perspective of active children, like many of us have.
My husband is back at work and he likes his job. It is important to him to be able to support his family. It has been nice that he has been able to get home at a decent hour. We sometimes watch a movie together or read books together. The kids like having their dad home for meals and to be able to watch a movie with too.
I know many men work hard to provide for their families but I am so proud of my husband and I love and appreciate him very much. He not only works hard but he does it with health issues.
My husband loves me and our kids and wants the best for us. Mostly he loves Jesus and wants to do what is right.
I am trying to be the wife and mother the Lord wants me to be and the wife and mother my husband and children need.
I thank God every night for my husband. I ask God every night to bless my husband. I ask God to guide and direct my husband to be the man, husband and father that God wants him to be.
I think it is important that we always support our husbands but not only support them but keep praying for them. I think that is part of our job as their helpmate.
I think we all need to remember our husbands in our prayers and be there for them always. Many husbands are under a lot of stress. Keep praying and offer your support. God will guide and direct you.
As many of you know many of us were shook out of bed because of the Earthquake shaking the ground. Well, last week we were again shaken but this time because of Tornado warnings. For two days we had the warnings and the not so pleasant weather. There is damage to our barn and our trees but we can be thankful for God's blessing of protecting us. My husband was across the country at the time. The first day my two oldest were at work and were put on lockdown because of a tornado being spotted. The second day my oldest went to Ohio and the second oldest was at work. Again there was a lock down at work and of course, both days the younger two and I took precautions and went to our basement. After the storm on the second day, I drove to another location and heated up a Pizza and took back to our place to eat because we didnt' have any electricity. A large tree actually went through our neighbor's house. I contacted my older daughters and told them they had to get home right away. There was damage everywhere and I didn't want them out after dark. Of course, we had a VERY DARK house for the night. Funny thing is, at about 3:00am. the television and lights came on, waking everyone in the house. At least at that point we could see what was going on. I recommend that every remember to have some food put away for emergencies such as these. I also recommend that you have a plan in place and practice with your children so everyone knows the plan for emergencies. Don't forget to have flashlights, blankets and anything extra you may need including some medication and important papers. I usually grab my Bible also, if we have a warning and take it to our safe location.
My oldest daughter will be 24 years old this year and I just got brave enough to allow her to cut my hair. Understand that I have come home and cut it after going to the beautyshop because they didn't do it right. I recently went to have my hair cut and they didn't cut much and I wasn't happy with the result. It had a bushiness to it and I couldn't do much with it. Well, my daughter came to me to have me trim her hair and when I was done and said well, why don't you cut mine now. She did a really good job, of course she didn't attempt my bangs especially since they are feathered back. My hair has a natural body and slight curl to it. Now that it is shorter it looks so much nicer and even makes me look younger. Ladies, I am telling you, when your children keep getting older it feels good to look a bit younger at times. By the way, my hair is natural. I have not colored it and my husband and children do not want me to either. They remind me that the Bible says: "Gray hair is a crowning glory". My hair is mostly light brown but the gray is catching up quickly. I think that if a person wants to color their hair it is their decision but I can tell you that my mother colored her hair so much at one time it turned "GREEN". I think I will keep mine natural.
It is time to re-organize and get back on track. God has blessed me with being a wife and mother. I have friends that may have more than I have and I have friends that may have less than I have. One thing we all have is Jesus as our BEST FRIEND and that is something I can cherish. I have been blessed with what I do have and for that I am thankful. We are not in this world to compare and worry about what we have or don't have. We are to be thankful for what we have and know that God has blessed us. My friends and I do not compare what we have or don't have. We are there for each other. If one of us has something we can share we do that. After all, isn't that what Jesus would do? All we have belongs to Jesus and it is only in our care while on this earth. What we do with it and how we act affects our eternity. Just like it says in Martina McBrides song, "Blessed", I have been blessed.
With the economy the way it is and with my family growing older daily (LOL), I need to start on re-organization. I have found out that what works for one family won't necessarily work for another famiy. Also, I have said all along that every person (child) is different just as every situation is different. So, what I may expect from one of my children I may expect something else from another depending on the child and the circumstances. I also haven't been able to do the things I was able to do when I was younger so I must just do what I can and go from there. I do believe that a family should help each other out especially if they live together. The Bible talks about two or more helping each other and all things working together.
I am in the process of working on a plan that is beneficial to the family. Gone are the days when the kids were little and you could actually get them to do things around the house without too much whinning and complaining. Gone are the days when the messes were small. I have come to find out the bigger and older they are, the bigger the messes and the less they do to help. Everyone is so busy getting on with their lives. I need to be the mom and remind everyone that we are a family and we will work together. (No one told me what it was like when kids get older)
I will be working on my Re-Organization plan this summer and I hope to add it to my listing as soon as I have it in place. I will then tweak it as I go along and hopefully it will be beneficial and a blessing to others too.
They say that Bad Habits are easy to develop and hard to break. Well, Good Habits take work and time to develop. All in all, in developing Good Habits you are improving your life.
I heard the other day about rights and priveledges. We have rights such as: a place to sleep, protection from danger, food to eat, an education and we have privledges such as: reading books, playing games, using the computer, etc. With this in mind I have told my kids that we will use that as a base. They have certain rights and we will list them. They can earn privledges and we will list them. They cannot loose their rights but they can loose their privledges.
I am also working on a monthly menu and planning on purchasing groceries and making up at least partial meals to be frozen so that when I am really busy we can still eat at a decent time of day.
My hope is to get myself and my family a little more scheduled so we can be more organized.
These are just a few of the things I am starting to work on. I have a friend that is also working on the same stuff. We plan to write up recipes and teach our 13 year olds how to cook and bake also. I am please to say that my daughter made our whole meal the other night. She did an excellent job and was so pleased with herself. I'm looking forward to teaching her more and having her make more meals. We also plan on sharing our plans with each other and helping each other to make improvements and add or take away from the plans wherever necessary.
We will be implementing these things this summer and hopefully, by the time school starts we can be fairly organized to get our school year started off to a good start.
I believe if we can work together to implement our Re-Organization it will be a great benefit and blessing to the whole family.
When I had my first child I was so excited. We were unseperable. You see my husband worked and I stayed at home with my daughter. My family lived about 8 hours away. I had more children through the years and I have always felt close to all of them.
My daughter was very smart. When she was 5 years old, the summer before going to Kindergarten, we were in California with my husband on a job site. We got together with some others that worked with my husband. A nice lady came to me and said what a wonderful daughter I had. The lady was amazed at how smart my daughter was. She showed me how my daughter took a little book and could read the book to the lady. I was surprised and then I had to laugh and explain what happened. I had to explain to everyone at the gathering because the lady was so surprised she wanted to share this wonderful information. My daughter was "reading" her little books to this nice lady. The key word is "reading". My daughter had taken some of her little books with her to the get together. She was sitting alone when the lady asked her about her books and my daughter offered to "read" to the lady. The lady was quite amazed. I was also until I realized what was happening. Everyone got quiet and we had my daughter "read" her book. I then giggled and explained that I had read the books so much to my daughter that she had "memorized" the stories. It was easier to convince the lady that my daughter could "read" instead of convincing her that my daughter memorized the books. My daughter was very smart knowing her numbers, colors, shapes, etc. but she didn't know how to "read" books at that age.
My oldest daughter went to public school until the end of third grade. At that point we started home schooling all our children. It is sad but she never learned to read in the public school. I was fooled thinking she could read also. Since she was in the care of the public school for all those hours during the day, I made the mistake of thinking they taught her to read. Instead they had her memorize what they wanted her to know. When I started home schooling her I had to teach her and her sister at the Kindergarten level of the ABeka curriculum so she could learn to read.
During my daughters time in the public school system she had many problems. She and I had always got along great. We started having issues in which she would argue with me, be grumpy, have a belly ache and not want to go to school. I took her to the doctor and found out the doctor put her on stomach ulcer medication and told me I needed to get her away from that school and the teachers who were causing her stomach problems. I had often asked for prayer in our MOPS group about the school issue. Many told me to homeschool so after a lot of prayer and talking to my husband and others we decided to homeschool and have continued ever since.
When my oldest daughter graduated high school it was such a wonderful feeling of immense pleasure. She had struggled and overcome leaving the public school system to be home schooled. She overcome her learning issues. She did well being home schooled and graduated with honors in our state home school graduation.
My oldest daughter has now achieved a higher level by graduating from college. She has done well and achieved much during her time in college. She has graduated from college with a degree in Business with a minor in Entrepenourship. She is in the process of looking for a job relating to her field of study. Only family was at her graduation but the following week we had a party for her. We had friends and family. Some of our family was as far away as Pennsylvania. It really meant a lot for them to visit. We had a graduation party and many of her friends and family friends were able to visit and offer their well wishes. Some even stopped by before heading to a homeschool graduation. It was really nice because two of the people who stopped by were the ones who encouraged me to homeschool in the first place so it had special meaning.
Northern Kentucky Graduation 2008
Grandma was able to travel from Pennsylvania to come to the graduation party. She missed the graduation but wanted to be able to share the party and congratulations.
My oldest daughter is now working full time and is also looking for a job in her field of study. She is also helping aournd the house as much as she can.
When I look back at the pictures of her over the years there were many happy times. They grow up so fast and even though it is sad in a way it is a joyous time also. It is good to see them grow up and get started on the rest of their lives.
When your child graduates from high school you see they have reached the goals you have set for them. When they graduate from college you see they have reached the goals they have set for themselves. Seeing your child grow up before your eyes and achieve successes you are happy to see them move on with their lives and be the people God wants them to be.
I found this while doing some searching. I find that I need to be reminded of Scripture and applying it to my life daily. I am so busy with so much going on at this time, my life is a bit overwhelmed right now. I am not the only one that is so busy. For many of us some things can be under our control and some things are not. We need to choose, when we can, to take time for God and find the peace He freely offers us. I found these Bible verses and I have been encouraged to add it to my blog and share it will all who will read it. These verses help to remind me that God is in control and we just need to pray and as I always tell my kids, "Let Go and Let God". I need to wait upon the Lord because I am weary and tired. These are daily readings and I hope for myself and all who read this that these readings will add more encouragement, comfort and revival in our lives to live and serve the Lord always. I am putting this on my blog as a reminder to myself but hopefully an encouragement to everyone who visits that you are loved and God is there for us always, we just need to Let Go and Let God.
My daughter, Cassandra, has beautiful locks and donates them out of love. This isn't the first time she has donated her hair. She has/had long, thick, beautiful hair. She had it cut and donated at Great Clips for Locks of Love.
You have to have at least 10" of hair to donate. They cut off 12" plus from Cassie. As you can see she still has plenty left. She can still pull it back in a pony tail.
I use to keep my hair long when I was younger and so did my other daughters. Now they all have their hair shorter. I'm not sure but Cassie will probably grow her hair out again so she can donate again. It is such a good cause. She was so happy to be able to do a good deed.
We decided that once we moved we would get another dog. We already had one dog and two cats. We moved further out in the country and wanted another dog. My husband wanted a German Shepherd because he said he wanted a "man's" dog. Well, I got on Petfinder.com and found these adorable Husky/Shepherd mix puppies. I was actually looking for a female but they were all already spoken for. We decided to forget it. For some reason I drove to my husbands place of work and met him and said let's just go look at them. This place was at least an hours drive one way but he agreed. We went and fell in love with two of the most adorable puppies. They actually were cuter than their sisters. Well, it was difficult but we had to choose only one but we sure were tempted to bring both hom with us. In the slideshow you can see how much our puppy has grown in his first year. He is a good dog and very lovable. We named him, Seth. He gets along great with our other dog and our cats. I don't think he realizes how big he actually is.
I have some really good friends and I would like to start this blog by thanking them for their support and encouragement. Life can really be stressful at times but with good friends and the Lord we can get though it. I believe that the Lord puts people in our lives to help us, support us, encourage us and help us to be molded and polished.
I have some friends that I talk to on a regular basis. Some homeschool and some do not. We all have husbands and we all have kids. Some of our kids are close in age and others are not. These friends have been there for me when I am having issues dealing with my marriage and family and I am there for them too. I only say that because that is what they have told me. It really helps when you are having a bad day with your kids that you have someone that can relate and understand and offer suggestions and encouragement. We help each other in this way. Even if our kids are not in the same age catagory we are able to help with support, suggestions and encouragement. It is also nice that we can feel comfortable to talk about our marriages with each other. We offer a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen to each other. We offer suggestions, support and encouragement the same as with the kids. Many of our wonderful husbands are overworked and very stressed out. It helps to talk with someone to help you keep things in perspective. By having friends that you can share with that also share with you is a God given gift. I think many marriages struggle and break because there is no one to help in a godly way. My friends are fellow Christians and we help each other in a Christian way. God is the head of our families and we are Christian brothers and sisters. We are supportive of each other and help each other even if it is to lend an ear out of Christian love.
I share this with you because I think everyone needs a friend. I know of many that don't have Christian friends and when they have problems, whether large or small they tend to lean on non-Christian friends who then lead them on the wrong path. I believe it is good to have Christian friends and I am so thankful that I have them.
I want to say a BIG THANK YOU, to all my friends, all my Christian Brothers and Sisters.
Country Blessings...When I think of that I think of the country but I also think of my blessings. God has blessed me in many ways everyday. I have been blessed with living in the country. I have been blessed with my husband and our children. I have been blessed with many Christian friends. I feel it is important to count our blessings everyday. I think if people would count their blessings everyday and thank God for them, the world would be a better place. I have such a good feeling when I think of the country and of all my blessings. Many don't feel they have many blessings. You'd be surprised once you start naming them just how many blessings you have. Here is a start you may have: Even though I have to wear glasses I have my sight. Even if I walk with a limp, I can walk. Even if I don't have a mansion, I have a house to call my own. Even if I don't have children at home any more I did have children or I work with children. Even if I have to get up and go to work, I have a job to go to...get the idea. Many of us see the negative. We need to see the positive because negative thoughts lead to negative actions. Positive thoughts lead to positive actions. Think of it this way: a negitive person always looks grumpy and a positive person has a smile on their face.
May God give you peace and comfort and may you remember to count your blessings.
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I have been home schooling our children since 1992. My oldest graduated in May 2008 from Northern Kentucky College. My second oldest is still in college. I am still homeschooling my only son and youngest daughter. With many ups and downs both in home schooling and life in general we keep moving forward with the Lords guidance and strength. I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13.
I am very busy with volunteering and helping where I can. I am a leader in our local American Heritage Girls Scouting Organization. My youngest daughter is in the American Heritage Girls and my son is in the Boy Scouts. I believe it is important to help others when you can but most important is family.
The 23rd Pslam is my favorite even though I have many favorites I know that when I recite or read the 23rd Pslam I feel such a closeness with God. I feel like this Pslam is a comfort for me like a childs security blanket. I am a Precious One to my Lord and he is with me always. I chose Precious One as my user name to remind me that in Gods sight I am His Precious One and to let you all know that your too are Precious to the Lord.
After all the long hard work and all the waiting it is now official. The message went on to say it was time to start preparing for the Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony. It is funny because Ben tried to not think about it. He told me many times that he felt like he earned it even if the National turned him down. We decided that we would celebrate anyway. What is funny is today we were on our way home from working at church and Ben said that he was a little concerned about the ceremony and the reception. I asked him why. He said that he was a little afraid to get up in front of everyone to talk and as far as the reception he felt he had to talk to everyone. I told him he could use note cards and he wouldn't have to talk to everyone they talk to each other. It was interesting that he talked positive about the ceremony even without knowing that he was official. Congratulations Ben, on a job well done!
I am sorry to have been away for so long. In August I spent six days in Pennsylvania helping my sister take care of my dad's things while he was in the hospital. I went to visit him and my sister, my husband and I read from the Bible to him while we were there. We went through my dad's things and cleaned out his apartment since the plan was that he would be going into an assisted living facility and wouldn't be able to take all his things. We discussed this with him many times during previous visits. 
