Jul. 7, 2005 Where has my creativity gone?
Did it just slip away when I wasn't
looking? I started a new medication for my chronic migraines last
week, and since then, I feel - well - weird. I don't know if this
is an expected side effect. Loss of creativity is not usually
listed along side "dry mouth, fatigue, etc...
Maybe it is just temporary.
There is of course a silver lining. I don't have a headache
today. I didn't have a headache yesterday either. That is
pretty significant progress!
Hmm. Have I misplaced my sense of humor as well? Now that I
think about it...oh, no, I did make Dave laugh once the other
day. I completely spaced out mid-conversation. Then today,
I called him at work and completely forgot why. I know I had a specific
reason. I don't usually do these kind of things!
Is a cure for my physical pain really worth the cost to my personality?
This medication produces a very dull blogger. So sorry, friends! Please pray for me to be myself again!
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Jul. 5, 2005 Please advise me!
I need to make a decision. I have
been putting it off for a long time. Please share with me your
favorite language arts curriculum for first grade! There is so
much out there to choose from. I have chosen almost everything
else for the coming year. Chloe is 5.5, and just begining to
read. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
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Jul. 5, 2005 Organizing Binge!
I have been so busy reorganizing my house that I have not had time for my blog. Okay, my original
goal was to do the entire house in two weeks, but after day one I
realized how completely unrealistic that idea was! Chloe is
in pony camp until Friday- and that is my deadline to finish. I
started with dh's closet - the largest in the house - and it took me
all day! Are you wondering why dh has the biggest, nicest closet?
Hmmm....me too....
I have narrowed down the essentials that need to get done.
I finished the Mbr. Worked a little in the kitchen and family
room. I organized our photographs, which was fun, but I felt so guilty
that I don't have as many pics of child #2 as I do of #1. I know,
everyone says they have the same problem, but I swore I wouldn't do
that! After all, I am a #2 child myself.
I am currently working on the office - soon to be "school room."
That keeps me motivated! The children's bedrooms will have to
wait. The basement is of course, a project for another year.
As one God has blessed with a home....
My duty is to create and maintain a space that honors God, nurtures the spirit, enhances growth, and ministers to others.
My delight is to enjoy the home I've shaped and the sense of accomplishment that comes from obedience.
by Donna Otto
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Jul. 1, 2005 Grace Upon Grace
I have been thinking about this all week.
"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another" (John 1:16)
That captures my heart and fills me with reverance and adoration.
I look at my life and I can see it. I am so blessed. And it
just keeps coming. And I am so very thankful.
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Jul. 1, 2005 Chloe's Camp Days
Chloe started pony camp this week and has
been coming home with questions. Lots of them. And not
about horses. (Those I would happily answer). It seems the other
children at camp watch Spongebob, Star Wars and Spiderman. Why can't
she? Why do they serve red water at lunch? She brings her
own regular water. They
also have attitudes. Chloe has quickly absorbed this new language
and is testing it out on me. I am so naive. I really
thought that this would be a wonderful social experience for her.
She knows the names of all the ponies. She only knows the names
of the children she doesn't care for. She is getting to ride
every pony in the barn and she is the most experienced rider in the
group, so she is happy. I guess we will deal with the acquired
attitude as we go.
Sometimes I think I should keep her completely isolated from the
outside world. I struggle with this so much. She is
learning on her own though, that everyone isn't kind and
generous. She seems a bit sad about it. I am sad about it
too.
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Jun. 27, 2005 Sleep Issues
The biggest sleep issue at our house is
that I don't get enough! I can't get the kids to sleep at a
decent hour anymore. I can't get Mikaela (19 months) to stay
asleep all night. In fact, last night she woke up at 3 am, smiled at me
and said in that sweet little voice that is loveable even at that awful
hour, "stairs?" That meant she wanted to go downstairs to
the family room and play. How do you fight with a toddler?
And really, what is the
point? I never win the battle. IF I were to choose to do
battle over this at 3 am we would surely wake up Chloe (5) who would
gladly get up and play at a moments notice.
So I gave in.
She played happily and peacefully for an hour, then climbed up on
the couch with me and went to sleep in my arms. Oh, how sweet it is!
I know it violates many well accepted theories on childrens'
sleep-needs. Eh. I have never been a follower of Ferber, or
any other sleep guru for that matter. I follow my heart.
And although this method rarely provides an adequate night of sleep for
me, my children always seem well rested and ready for the day.
I get by on an extra cup of coffee and some chocolate in the
afternoon. Oh, the sacrifices I make for my dear little
ones. 
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Jun. 26, 2005 A Home Built on Holy Ground
The
following is an excerpt from "Finding Your Purpose as a Mom - How to
Build Your Home on Holy Ground," by Donna Otto. The focus of this
book is on creating a loving and relaxing environment for your family
to feel safe and peaceful. It has really inspired me to nourish the bodies and souls of my family.
She addresses these topics in a very practical way - which is essential
for me to be able to put her great ideas into action!
What is a Home?
Home can be...
an arcade, a theater, a museum, an office, a classroom,
a laundry, a restaurant, a garden center or workshop
a storage unit or hotel
or even a battleground.
Home can be all these things - in part.
But none of these things are the essence of home.
Home is a place of shelter, safe and warm.
It's a growing place, a teaching institution, first church and seminary.
Home is a hospitality center, a mission field.
It's a base for traditions and memories,
A place to return to with joy.
Home is a place where God lives.
This home -your home- is holy ground.
Take off your shoes.
By Donna Otto
Since
many of us are focused on organizing our homes and preparing for the
next homeschool year, I thought the following might be helpful to
keep in mind...
The beauty of a home is order.
The blessing of a home is contentment.
The glory of a home is hospitality.
The crown of a home is godliness.
Source unknown
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Jun. 26, 2005 Turning over a new leaf...
This may sound strange, but I don't cook a
big dinner every night. I don't cook most nights, really. I
make dinner for the kids around 5:30. They are picky eaters, but
they like the same things, so it works. Dave doesn't get home
from work until after 8:00 at which point I am in the very long
process of getting the kids to sleep. Lately, we have just been
snacking at 9:00. I am way too tired to even think about cooking!
Obviously, a little bit of planning would really help!
So this week, I am committed to taking better care of Dave and I.
And the kids will have to eat whatever I make. I am not going to
take into account everyone's particular tastes, because I know I will
never win! Even Dave and I have very different tastes. He
wants meat meat meat and I prefer lighter fare.
I think I get caught up feeling sorry for myself because we never get
to have a family dinner. I alternate when I eat - sometimes
early, with the girls - sometimes late with Dave. I haven't
figured that part out yet, but I know I need to let go of the wish to
have something that isn't going to happen.
Eating chips and salsa for dinner at 9 just isn't working. I am getting tired of frozen pizza too!
I have to admit, I am not a very well trained cook. I guess most women
learn these skills from their mothers, but my mom hates cooking.
We ate out alot.
The stress of all of this is quiet heavy. It has been hanging
over me for a long time now. Something so simple for most people
is a really big deal for me!
So I am turning over a new leaf. This week I am determined to
work it out! There is something so wonderful about a homecooked meal to
look forward to at the end of the day. I want my kids to look
forward to it. I want to look forward to it!
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Jun. 24, 2005 How many friends does a child need?
My 5 year-old has one good buddy. At
the moment, that is pretty much it! Although this is fine with
me, I wonder if I should force her to branch out. We get together
weekly with a small group of homeschoolers, but Chloe is the oldest,
and doesn't enjoy the group very much. I have been forcing her to go. I think my motives are selfish. I really like the other moms!
She left school in February. Her "best friend" for
the last two years is no longer a part of her life, and I know this has
been hard for her. This little girl's mom was a good friend of
mine too. She has choosen a different path and they no longer
have time for us.
Does anyone have any advice? Is one friend enough?
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Jun. 23, 2005 Ten Things I Learned From My Grandmother
I have learned far more from my grandmother
than this list contains. My grandmother is 87 years old, and has
been an essential part of my life - always. Here are some of the
things Nan taught me:
- To knit. She taught
me when I was seven. I took it up again about 5 years ago and
since she was lived with me and my family, we were able to compare
notes. Mostly, we would just sit and knit and chat.
- To appreciate every little bit of nature.
Every little bird. Every tiny flower in her garden. They
were all special. She can find beauty and joy in every season.
- To camp. I was
three the first time she and Papa took me camping. I loved
camping out by the river. She would tell me stories while I
played in the sand, wadded in the water and climbed on the exposed
roots of trees that looked ancient. It was a little bit of
heaven, being with her.
- To make ravioli.
Now, I don't remember clearly how to do this anymore, but I remember
the day she taught me. It was so fun and exciting. At six,
this was my favorite food.
- The chicken pox don't itch as badly if you have a really good book to read.
I stayed at her house when I was sick because my mom worked. Nan
brought me breakfast in bed and gave me "Alice's Adventures
Underground" to read. It was an old, beautiful, illustrated
edition. I wish I could find it now, to keep forever.
- Afternoon naps are a great thing. Especially on hot summer days. Keep a fan nearby and a cat to cuddle!
- To play cards and games. All kinds. She knew at least 20 different ways to play solitare. Scrabble and the Game of the States were our favorite games. She never grew bored playing.
- Patience.
- History. Everything
I know about the Depression, WWI and II, and the presidents, I
learned form her. Family history is another favorite topic of hers.
- How to love unconditionally.
This is how she loved me. I knew it as a child, that this
was the way to love and be loved. (My mom says that she has
always been in denial, that she simply doesn't see the faults in her
grandchildren. I have always appreciated it, regardless.)
She is dear to me. She went into a nursing home about a year ago.
I had no say in that decision, and I miss her terribly. I am
sorry that my girls won't get to spend time with her like I did.
I make every effort to pass on the knowledge that she generously shared
with me. Especially the love.
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Jun. 22, 2005 What I love about my husband... Jun. 22, 2005 Tagged by Angi!
How many pictures of you do you have?
I can't say exactly, but I know there aren't many from the past 5
years! I have many from my high school/college days. Posing
was my job for a while, so I do have some nice ones!
How many times have you moved?
I lived in the same house for the first 23 years of my life! I
lived in NYC for a short time. I have moved 3 times since
then. We bought our dream house 3 years ago, and are planning to
stay awhile!
How old were you when you learned your ABC's?
I have no idea! I would ask my mom, but she doesn't remember these things either!
Do you think these questions are too hard?
No. then again, I haven't been precise in my answers!
How many computers are in your house?
2. One doesn't work too well. There are some ancient things
in the attic that resemble computers. Dh refused to throw them away.
I am tagging these three people:
NotquiteJuneCleaver
Leebenvic
VictoriaCarrington
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Jun. 21, 2005 A Bit of Complaining
I promised myself I would not use this blog to complain. Never.
Well, that didn't last long. My kids have been fighting all
day. They have been up since 5:30 and they haven't gotten along
at all. Mikae (18mos) mastered the word "mine" today and has been
screaming it at her sister. The noise level around here can be
hard to tolerate. I do step in of course. It doesn't always
work out well. Chloe keeps grabbing her sister, pretending she is going
to hug her, but squeezing really hard.
We are supposed to go meet
Grandma later for rollerskating - I can barely stand up, I am so
tired. Luckily, my mom is a real skater, so maybe I'll just
watch!
Yes, my mom has way more energy than I do. She
was quite the disco skater back in the 70's. Now, she has moved
on to riding horses. She also drives a convertible, wears
lipstick and is generally well dressed. (I drive a mini-van. I haven't
had my nails done since my wedding. My uniform is Levi's and a
t-shirt. I put on a limited amout of make-up first thing in the
morning, but it is usually smushed off by 10AM).
Well, there is
something to be thankful for! I am going to see my mom. She
is a pretty cool Grandma and she has always been one of my closest
friends. Isn't that a great thing about moms? My mom is
always interested in what I have to say, and will listen to all the
little things that no one else wants to hear about. And I listen
to her.
Great! I will spare you any further whining. I am off to bother my mom!
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Jun. 20, 2005 Can I really do this?
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Last night we celebrated
Father's Day at "the best B-B-Q restaurant in CT." I know
all the Southerners are laughing at that one! It's dh's
favorite. He would eat meat exclusively if I would cook it for
him. Anyway, while Mikaela (18mos) was busy throwing sugar
packets and trying to dowse us all in hot sauce, Chloe declared
that she wants to be a veternarian when she grows up. This is a
big deal because until last night, she insisted that she never wanted
to work! (Girl after my own heart).
Suddenly, for the first time since we began homeschooling, I was
terrified. My head started to spin as my negative thoughts banded
together and multiplied themselves. Would I really be able to
prepare her to get into a college pre-veterinary program?
Okay. I know. She is only five. This dream could change. She may want to become a rocket scientist instead.
It took until this morning for my optimism to return. I know that she can do it. My insecurity is about me.
Homeschooling isn't about me! There are so many options when they are
teens, right? There will be plenty of ways for her to
achieve her goals without having to go to a high school.
Right? Right. Of course. And maybe I will get over my
own insecurity in the process.
As for our little celebration? Well, the ribs were great, but the
girls were a little rowdy. Dave made a declararion of his own
when we left the restaurant. "I am not going out to dinner with
them again until they are old enough to pay!" Oh well. I
guess being a father is hard work even on Father's Day.
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Jun. 17, 2005 Writer's Workshops
I just wanted to share this site I came
across that does online interactive writing workshops. They
have a programs for homeschooled teens and full-grown learners!
(Full-grown? Where did I get that?)
Check out www.writershelper.org
if you are interested. They are "dedicated to christian
writers and their dreams." It is fairly affordable, even with a
personal mentor. Prices range from $25-$60 per 4-6 week
workshop. There are even a couple of free workshops. I
started one last week, but have been a bit busy blogging so I haven't
completed my assignments! 
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