Hearts to Heaven

• Mar. 24, 2007
Home, Sweet Home

Cincinnati was great, but East or West, home is best.

Honeybee and I went to the Cincinnati Homeschool Convention this weekend. I learned so much...and I'm so very tired.

The highlight was hearing Richard "Little Bear" Wheeler speak on history. If you've never seen or heard him, I'd encourage you to visit his website by clicking here. He makes history come to life--with the empahasis on providence and HIS Story.

I bought several books and educational toys for the girls. We must have walked through the vendors' booths a bizillion times, seeing something new with each pass.

The whole thing was a bit overwhelming, but I'm still looking forward to next year's convention!

• Mar. 15, 2007
Goats, and Chickens, and a Pig! Oh, My!

Posted in A Day in the Life

The girls and I had a fabulous day visiting with Kim and her wonderful family--including the aforementioned animals!

Kim and I had originally planned to get together to sew. It's something we both enjoy doing, but don't seem to have enough time to do. So, we scheduled it. I arrived late, of course. The kids immediately started running around, playing, and tormenting each other. Ok, my kids did more tormenting than her's did. Anyway, we chatted, corrected, corraled, and cackled.

After lunch we went out to see the animals. I don't know if my girls have ever been that close to an animal other than a dog or a cat. Brandie was quickly drawn to the baby pig, Bobby (as in "Bobby-Q"...or a dinner at a later date). She wanted to pet him, but Bobby wanted nothing to do with a little girl. She chased him all around the yard. I think Bobby learned she was afraid of the chickens so he was safe around them.

I thought the goats were adorable. Robin and Billy, the adult goats, were nice....but Buster, the baby, was so cute! He's scheduled to be dinner later this fall, so I'm sure "cute" wasn't what the family was thinking when he was born. We couldn't get Brandie or Haleigh to pet the goats. Haleigh kept calling them "doggie". She's a bit confused.

We also got to try raw goats milk. It was delicious! Granted, I drink ultra-pasteurized, skim, cow's milk (with chocolate, thank you very much) at home, so I wasn't sure what to expect. It was great in coffee after lunch, too. (Honey, can we get a goat???)

The girls were exhausted by the time we left. They both fell asleep on the way home. Neither Kim nor I got any sewing done. We didn't even get the stuff out. We did, however, decide to get together every other week, sans kidlets, to sew and fellowship. I'm really looking forward to it.

I'll take my coffee with a splash of goat's milk, thank you very much! Pass the scissors, please!

• Mar. 15, 2007
I Have a Dream

Posted in Just for Fun

I have a dream....

This dream has been forming since we found out the girls' adoptions were really going to happen. Part of the dream is about homeschooling, of course, but it's about more than that....

1. In my dream, the girls grow up in a church "community", a place where their relationship with Jesus Christ is the center of their lives, a way of life, and not just something they "do" on Sundays. It's a place where we all know our gifts and use them to the glory of God. Our prayer lives are the witness to a living, breathing, work-in-progress, relationship with Jesus Christ.

2. In the dream, we live a much simpler life. It's simplified in many ways, but the bottom line is this: We have fewer posessions so that we manage our posessions and they don't manage us. We have what we need, but not to excess. We are able to give to others out of any excess as God lays on our hearts. We trust God to meet our daily needs and this gives us peace as we go about serving Him. Thankfulness for this provision is also a way of life, not just a day on the calendar.

3. Homeschooling works well for us in the dream. The girls are eager to learn and we have fun doing school "outside the box". The girls learn as much about lifeskills as they do about reading, writing, and arithmetic. They learn to care for a home and all that entails. We are able to incorporate serving others into our schooling as to be a witness for our faith.

4. Dreaming on, courtship is a given. The girls never date, but instead enter into courtships as God leads them to the person to whom they are to be a helpmeet.

And, last, but not least...

5. The girls stop fighing over toys. They go to sleep at night without an arguement. They sleep all night long. The television goes out the window. The car never breaks down. We never get sick. The cats stop puking up hairballs at the most inopportune times and in the most obvious places. Everybody likes everything we're having for dinner. Litter boxes clean themselves out. Chocolate is named one of the Four Basic Food Groups and we each have a daily requirement the has to be met.

Utopic? Perhaps. But a girl can dream, can't she?

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• Mar. 13, 2007
SLACKER!!!

Posted in A Day in the Life

Shanda (best-friend-what-would-I-do-without-her) would say I've been a SLACKER! Really, I haven't. Honestly. Ok, a little bit of a slacker. My only excuse is that our computer has been in being worked on. In the meantime, I had our old, slower-than-molasses computer. Everytime I'd write an entry it would get lost out there in cyberspace, never to be seen again. I hate it when that happens.

We've been doing a bit of home remodeling. It's been a long time coming. First thing we did was to get a new bed. It's one of those Sleep Number beds that you hear Rush Limbaugh or Paul Harvey talking about. (Yes, we listen to a lot of radio around here.) Rick wanted it because of his back problems. Now I don't think I could sleep without it. I picked out a new bed frame and new curtains. It's starting to look like a real bedroom for adults.

We've hired a contractor/construction company to re-do the girls' room. The room has a 3/4 wall and no door. They are going to rip out that wall, rebuild it, add another wall, put in a door, rip out the existing closet, rebuild the closet, install wiring into the ceiling, and hang a ceiling fan with a light. WHEW! We got a call saying they'd be here day after tomorrow to start! YIKES! That means I have to totally clear the room, including the closet. Where am I going to put everything? I think we'll be living with a real mess for at least a week. After the construction, the room will need to be painted. Have I ever mentioned that I hate painting? I love the thought of painting, I just hate the process--and the mess. It will, however, be great to get both girls into one room--and be able to close the door. I forgot to mention carpeting... (Mental note to self: Go look at carpeting!)

It's the middle of the night, but I should be working on clearing the room instead of typing away.

Just over a week until Honeybee and I go to the Cincinnati Homeschool Convention! It's my first homeschool convention, and I can hardly wait! Does anyone out there have any tips for a first-time convention goer? Anything I should be certain to do or see? I'd love to hear from you if you have any thoughts!

• Feb. 21, 2007
Our Anniversary...sort of

Posted in A Day in the Life

February 21st is the sixth anniversary of the day Rick and I met.

We met online.

Let me rephrase that: We met online before we met in person. February 21st is the sixth anniversary of the first time we met in person.

While I don't recommend meeting online for everyone, it certainly has worked for us. We started chatting through a message board about cats. Yes, cats. He had three, and I had one. When we got married (just over six months later) we had a blended family, of sorts.

A lot has happened to us in that short amount of time--a good part of it is medical: two heart attacks, one heart catheterization, one 5x heart bypass surgery, four back surgeries, one knee surgery, two miscarriages, death of one parent, one tubal ligation (because of the heart stuff), deciding to become foster parents, seven subsequent foster children, two adoptions, one scare with lung cancer, ongoing monitoring of said lung problems, ongoing heart monitoring, job gains, job losses, medical leaves, financial stress, two moves, buying a house, death of two cats, two more strays who are now part of the family, roof problems, plumbing problems, car problems, two gastric bypass surgeries, dealing with issues that arise when weight loss happens quickly, two hernia sugeries, two car accidents (neither was our fault!), one case of pneumonia, and two broken ribs. The two things that have remained constant are our love for each other and our love for God.

I can't imagine how people who have no faith make it through these tough times. Where do you go when you don't have prayer? Where do you turn when you don't have faith? What do you do when you don't have hope? I can't imagine our lives if Jesus Christ was not at the center of it. Our marriage wouldn't have had a prayer if it hadn't been for prayer. Our circumstances may change, as they seem to do, but God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. That much we can count on.

We can't imagine what the next six years hold for us!

• Feb. 14, 2007
Happy "Balance Times" Day

Posted in A Day in the Life

Brandie has spent the day making impromptu "balance times" for everyone she knows. I've never been a fan of valentines (maybe it comes from being single for many many moons), but it was sweet to hear her talking about "balance times" today.

We've had extreme weather lately. Yesterday we had half of an inch of ice before it started to snow.

Then the power went out.

It was still daylight, so it wasn't bad. We lit candles just to try to maintain the temperature in the living room. It was just starting to get chilly when the power came back on. It had only been forty minutes, but seemed like an eternity. My maternal instincts were kicked into high gear trying to figure out how to keep the kids warm if the electricity stayed off. Kim called and offered to come and get us if the power went out again. I was so touched! That would mean risking their lives--literally!

But back to "Balance Times" Day. Things are back to mostly normal now. Rick chiseled the van out from under the ice today. We haven't been anywhere, but we could go somewhere if we had to. I didn't get Rick a valentines present....but he got a Mother's ring for me with the girls' birthstones and their names engraved on the band. I think I'll keep him around! :-)

• Feb. 1, 2007
Security

Posted in A Day in the Life

I guess my girls feel secure. Rick and I spent the night away from home last night because he's having back surgery--at this very minute! I called to check on the girls, who are staying with G-ma (they actually call her "Gee-ma"). I asked G-ma if she thought Brandie would get upset if I talked with her. She didn't think so, so she called Brandie to the phone.

"Hi Mom JayCee came over to play good night I love you, too."

That was it! It was all one long sentence! I guess she feels secure with her grandma--and I'm glad.

I just wish they'd miss me a LITTLE!

• Jan. 27, 2007
Goodbye Aunt June

Goodbye, Aunt June. You will be truly missed. When Rick told Brandie that you are now in Heaven with Jesus, she wanted to know if you had to go alone. Her daddy assured her that the angels came and took you there. She was comforted by that. She still wants you to find her fish--and pet it. You don't have to go that far.

I hope you didn't mind my singing. I sang some of every song I knew from the hymnal, even though some thought you could no longer hear or understand. I was concerned that you started to cry when I sang "I Come to the Garden Alone." I wiped your tears and continued in the book. Then I started from the beginning of the book again. I came to "I Come to the Garden Alone" again. You cried one solitary tear. I wiped it with my fingers as it slid down your cheek.

Later that evening I told Betty about singing the song. She said that song was sung at your mother's funeral several years before. Now I KNEW you could hear me!

The phone has been ringing off the hook. Relatives are coming from all over the state. We've been remembering funny stories and talking about good times. Yes, we will miss you.....

• Jan. 27, 2007
Soon to be Safe in the Arms of Jesus

Posted in A Day in the Life

Yesterday morning one of Brandie's fish died. Rick scooped it out and gave it a "burial at sea". When I told Brandie about her fish and that it was in Heaven with Jesus (what exactly do you TELL a three year old when one of her fish passes?), she stated, rather matter-of-factly, "I think I'll have to go check that out." and went on with her breakfast. Nothing more was said.

I spent about twelve hours at the nursing home yesterday to be with Rick's aunt who is expected to pass on at any time now. I took a hymnal and sang to her. I read to her from the Bible. She is mostly unresponsive. At 7:00 last night the hospice nurse said she'd probably only last a few more hours. We stayed until midnight. She was peacefully resting so we all went home to get some rest ourselves. The next few days will be stressful as we watch and wait. She had a living will and wanted no artificial means to keep her alive. She doesn't appear to be in any pain, for which we are thankful. She is a Christian so we know she'll soon be in a much better place--in the arms of Jesus.

Brandie wants her to say hello to her fish.

• Jan. 25, 2007
Bad News and Good News

Posted in A Day in the Life

First, the bad news: the van broke down! Rick was driving home from running some errands when it just QUIT! Turns out that the mechanic can't look at it until the middle of next week--so we are without a vehicle for now. This isn't a bad thing except Rick was supposed to see his orthopaedic surgeon tomorrow in preparation for his surgery next week. Somehow, it will all work out.

The good news: We found out this week that Rick is receiving a small amount of money from a lawsuit that was filed a few years ago that centered around a car accident. My dad estimates the car repair will be just about what Rick is getting from the insurance. God is good!

• Jan. 24, 2007
Unschooling

I've been hearing and reading about "unschooling" lately. It seems to be a buzzword in homeschool circles these days. Hate to admit it, but I don't understand the concept at all. If someone is reading this who DOES understand it and can explain it to me or point me to a website with a good explaination, I'd appreciate it!

• Jan. 24, 2007
I've Been Tagged!

Posted in Just for Fun

Thanks to all who have responded to being tagged......I didn't know 7 people here so I just looked through the members list and chose people with recent activity. I hope that was ok with all of you! If you want to participate read below. Thank you!

The rules: Each player writes a blog stating this rule clearly and listing 7 weird things about themselves. You then need to choose and list 7 people to be tagged, leaving a comment on their blogs telling them they have been tagged and to read your blog for further info.

Here are my 7 weird things:

1. I can't stand the FEEL of cottage cheese. The thought of it touching my tongue makes me gag. Same goes for ricotta.

2. If I watch a Colts game, they loose. This means I will NOT be watching the Superbowl on Feb 4th!

3. I've never ridden a roller coaster.

4. I actually LIKE The Lawrence Welk Show! Gotta dig those groovy threads!

5. I've never touched a worm. ICK!

6. I like to listen to Christmas music year 'round.

and last, but not least...

7. At our home, we eat dry spaghetti sauce mix sprinkled over popcorn. YUMMO!

• Jan. 22, 2007
Reminder to Myself: She's Only Three!

Posted in Homeschool Lite

Breathe deeply and repeat slowly....

"She's only three..."

Why do I put pressure on MYSELF to teach things to Brandie that she may not be ready for? For some reason, I expect her to be able to do things that most kindergarteners can't!

Today we worked on cutting. (See the post on the trials of working with a left-handed kidlet when you are not!) She did fairly well--for about 90 seconds--and then she got frustrated. I then worked with her on how to hold the scissors (with her left hand...) and we tried it again. In the end we did cut paper into little pieces. She ended up having more fun gluing the pieces to another piece of green paper. At least she'll remember having fun.

I need to constantly remind myself that she is ONLY three! We have a long time to master things like cutting, addresses, phone numbers, the alphabet, counting, memorizing short Bible verses, and so on. I want her to have a childhood that isn't totally focused on learning new things purposefully. I want her to have FUN! It isn't fun when Mom is constantly worried that you need to be learning something new. Every experience does not have to be a learning experience. I don't want her childhood to slip away and be regretful that we didn't have more fun.

"She's only three..."

• Jan. 20, 2007
Can You Read This???

Posted in Just for Fun

I received this in an email and thought it was interesting. Can you read this?

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too. Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to arscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres ina wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer bein the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and Iawlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs forwrad it .

• Jan. 18, 2007
Me CASA....You CASA....

Posted in A Day in the Life

No, I'm not trying out for a part in the next hit Mexican musical. (...Although....that might be kinda fun....!) I've started training classes to become a CASA which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Basically, the CASAs look out for the best interests of children who have been removed from their home due to neglect, abuse, educational neglect, and so on. The CASA is on the side of the child. I think our children deserve someone who can be impartial who will look out for them in the court proceedings.

I've wanted to be a CASA for a long time but we had to wait until our girls' adoptions were finalized. I'm REALLY looking forward to the next session!

• Jan. 17, 2007
Are Left-Handed People in their Right Mind? ;-)

Posted in A Day in the Life

Today was rather eclectic. We started out by braving the cold to make it to our early morning WIC appointment. Both girls had to have their fingers pricked to check their iron. Brandie howled like she'd been shot, and Haleigh just looked at her finger and said, "BooBoo?". Their iron levels were exactly the same--and both were low. We've come to the conclusion that it's just in their genes, because they both have good diets.

Brandie and I made more granola this afternoon. We put away laundry, picked up toys, read books, played with a tube that the speech therapist left, and lounged around.

We were playing with the Magna-Doodle when I had the bright idea to try to get Brandie to write by using the toy. It didn't work. She just isn't interested in writing yet. She seems to get frustrated easily. Part of the problem may be that she's left-handed. When I try to show her something she tries to copy me by using her right hand. I may have to learn how to write left-handed. We'll keep plugging along. Maybe we'll both end up being ambidextrous by the time it's over.

• Jan. 16, 2007
Granola Anyone?

Posted in Learning at My Feet

Brandie and I made Peanut Butter Granola the other day. It's a big hit around here--and very easy to make!

Peanut Butter Granola

5 cups quick oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup chunky peanut butter

3/4 cup (1/2 a can) 100% apple juice concentrate

1/4 cup oil--but I substitued unsweetened applesauce

Mix oats and brown sugar together in a large bowl. Whisk remaining ingredients in a separate bowl. Pour over oat mixture. Mix with a spoon until it gets very stiff. Finish mixing with your hands. It will be like a stiff cookie dough. Spread on a cookie sheet. Toast at 225 for an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. When it's done you'll have large clumps that are great for snacking and flakes that are wonderful as a cereal with milk.

Just to be different, I made a batch yesterday substituing pumpkin puree from a can for the peanut butter and adding in some cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little pinch of cloves. It was moister so I baked it at 250 for an hour and 15 minutes, still stirring every 15 minutes. When it was finished I added craisins (dried cranberries) and chopped walnuts. With the exception of the nuts, this version is fat free!

• Jan. 16, 2007
Is This Just a Stage? Who's on First?

Posted in A Day in the Life

Brandie has become ~~concerned~~ obsessed with knowing who's everyone's mommy or daddy, grandma or grandpa. Sometimes she asks just to be asking. She knows who her mommy and daddy are. And she knows who Mommy's mommy and daddy are. She knows who Daddy's mommy is. (Did you follow that? Who's on First?)

Sometimes she'll ask about someone who is deceased. That's not always a problem. I can say that my paternal grandfather "is in Heaven with Jesus." Rick's father is a different story. He died not being saved, to my knowledge. It's hard to know what to say to her when she asks about Daddy's daddy. We can't even take her to a grave an say that he's there because he was cremated and his ashes were scattered. She's only three so I don't want to give her more information than she's ready for. Nor do I want to feed this obsession and make it worse.

Is this just a phase?

• Jan. 14, 2007
Family-isms

Posted in Just for Fun

I think every family has what I call "Family-isms". A Family-ism is a word that means something that only your family knows or originated with your family. Here are some of ours:

Flat cheese means American (or any sliced) cheese

Stick cheese is String cheese

Shakey cheese is Parmesan

Ookies are cookies

Wooden Boy is "Pinocchio"

The Lizard is "The Wizard of Oz"

Mickle Donal's is McDonald's

We can't be the only people with Family-isms. What are yours?