Home's Cool with One

the beginning of the end.

I hate roller coasters

Peace, Love and Bobby Sherman.

Seven

Grace in a whole new light...

A new view everyday

Fun Reading

Messitis is why smelly socks fill kids' bedrooms.

Call in the biologists. There's a new life force growing in my son's bedroom. And it has intelligence.

It was created long ago when David contracted the disease Messitis, which caused him to suffer the loss of those important brain cells specifically designed to recognize what is and what isn't a mess. He no longer has the ability, for example, to notice that something is lying on the floor in front of him. So it's not his fault that toys and dirty shirts and smelly socks and school papers and McDonald's Happy Meal boxes and plastic packaging from what used to be new toys and dead spiders are overtaking his room. How he gets from his bed to the door without tripping is a mystery to me.

He does clean his room, however -- every Saturday, when we threaten him with no more ice cream ever for the rest of his life until we can see his floor.

On Saturdays, he disappears into the mess, and gradually, when I walk by, I can see more and more of him emerging from the pile. I never see any stuff end up in the garbage, so I have no idea where he puts it all. But I don't ask. And I don't dare look too closely to find out, lest by peering under the bed or into the closet I might give the mess an opportunity to spring out and smother me with dead socks. And when my husband would come looking for me after sensing my absence for some time, all he'd find left of me would be an arm, perhaps a leg sticking out from under the rubble of a room-cleaning gone awry.

I'm sure I was never this messy when I was a kid (although perhaps Messitis obliterated the memory from my brain cells), but I can't get too frustrated with David. His messes have reminded me that sometimes my personal life has gotten pretty messy. Whose hasn't? It's a disease we all inherited from Grandpa Adam and Grandma Eve.

The brain cells that store the memories of what God instills in us take a nap and we fail to notice until too late that our messes have taken on a life of their own. They grow and take up more and more space. They also smother those who come to close. When I've asked Jesus Christ for his help with the messes, they've gotten cleaned up, that is, to the degree I let him throw out the garbage. Messy arguments with my husband, for example. The more I let Jesus take over, the sooner we're hugging again.

Messitis has a cure. The medicine usually doesn't taste good. It's called "repentance" and admitting we need God's help. But the more we avail ourselves of it, the more straightened out our lives become. And if we keep working at it, we can get to the point where we can actually walk through our lives with less tripping! And other people become more willing to move in close.

Like at my house on Saturday nights. I can kiss David good-night in his bed without fear that his shirt sleeves may reach up and grab me around my ankles. But tonight, David gets kissed in the hallway again.

� 1990 by Terry A. Modica

ELEVEN

Eleven?  Where did the time go??

It is hard to truly remember all that took place that day - 11 years ago... September 30, 1996. 

I do, however, remember the overwhelming joy...

My baby DD was born that day.  Oh my! How she has grown since into a sweet kind young lady.  I look back through pictures reminiscing the days that have past - I giggle and sigh...and sometimes find my breath taken away by the awesomeness of who she was - is - and is becoming.  She is remarkable and we are a blessed just knowing her. 

To c elebrate- her- we spent the day at MOA - Mall of America - shopping - eating - riding rides... we surprised her by picking up her best friend - a young girl she has known almost 4 years... they have something very special for girls thier age... it is sweet to watch their bond grow... and even sweeter to see the many friends my daughter has... she has a gift of treating all of her freinds as if they are her best... this year we decided no party... instead this special day and a few 'big' gifts... which was hard for her - she had a list a mile long of friends to invite (over 30) and did not want to leave anyone out.  Can you imagine that people think that socialization is a challenge?? (cough)

the first -- this laptop.  She uses it more than I do right now, with school and all -- so hubby has decided to bless me with a new one -- so my DD benefits greatly (as this is less one than a year old)... she was thrilled, shocked and humbled that we would trust her with such a big gift...

the second -- a guitar.  She has been asking, and has not relented... and had NO IDEA we got her one. A friend's son just bought a newer model and was going to sell this one at a garage sale... talk about timing... she was speechless -- literally. Tears streamed down her cheeks that we really got her a guitar.  It is the coolest thing to see your kids hearts melt when you 'get them' -  really know who they are and understand the desires of thier hearts...

I wonder how it must be for God?  He already knows us!! wow!

We will get lessons for her and I might take some too -- drums?? hmmm....boombadaboombadaboomboomtamm! DD and I talked about starting a rock band -- haha -- the next judds??? lol!!  it will be interesting and hopefully alot of fun to try lessons together -- just another way to bond...

God has graced me beyond belief - with two amazing children. Only 2. Words cannot explain my gratitude that I have these gifts in my life. That He chose me to carry them, to nurture them and to love them - taking care of them as they grow, until such a time they are on their own, only... never alone, because of the foundation we have built under them. They are truly a gift... I love dreaming their dreams with them and helping them find a way to make them come true.

Much like I imagine God does for us too.

Happy Birthday DD... I love you sweetie! 

I have found what I was searching for...

 Peace.

It has been the ONE THING I have been wanting, desiring, seeking.

I have been praying to God, desiring to know Peace.

Peace.

I thought I knew what it would be like. I imagined it. Oh! How I needed it...

Peace.

It came unexpectedly.

Through a phone call.

Devastating news.

Peace.

Letting go was all I could do.

Peace.

It is something that passes all understanding... until you experience it.

Peace.

It comes through Forgiveness.

It comes through Love.

Peace.

It came when I was aching.

It came when I cried out.

It came and overwhlemed me.

It came and gave me strength.

Peace.

Peace.

Still, quiet, knowing.

Peace is comfort; trusting God. 

Peace is resting in the stretched out arms of Jesus.

Peace is the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit

Peace.

Going on Faith...

Please pray as I travel this weekend to Oregon. 

I will be going to visit my mother.  I feel a sense of urgency.

The reality of death hit me square between the eyes yesterday, as a sweet lady from our church went home to be with her beloved Father in Heaven... I prayed for her on Sunday, as she sat in front of me during the sevrice...while God worked on my own heart... showing me, that this could be my mom... before she passed away yesterday...

God knows what we need when we need it...I thank the Lord for His perfect timing.

Pray for this prodigal daughter, as she journeys home, to a place she is not invited.

Pray for God's grace to fill this empty vessel with His love... to overflowing - so that my eyes and my words speak of nothing but love... Let her have eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to understand what God has for me to do. 

I go in Love. I go in Peace.  That is all... God will do the rest.

Pray for my safety on this journey - pray for the flights and the long drive... pray the angels to go before and to surround me as I make my way... there and home again.

I fly out tomorrow afternoon and return on Sunday.

Thank you sisters in Christ... I value those of you, who have not judged me through this, but instead have prayed for God's grace -- there is nothing better than a friend who prays for you...

Blessings to all of you.

Something's gotta give...

I knew the workload with our curriculum was going to be hefty... however, when we add in all the other things on our calendar this week - Keepers @ Home, Academy, JBQ, Science Workshop - well, I had to sit down and pray hard...

I am praying that my DD can accomplish all the tasks assigned to her this week - and keep a good attitude...

What she is learning is amazing, she is genuinely interested and excited each day... I am praying that her enthusiasm continues...

I am also praying that my endurance to teach with grace continues...

What this curriculum has done more than anything, is cause her to respond to my authority at a new level... She has been able to excel with independent learning, while utlizing the time I am available to help to the fullest.

Even though our plate is fuller than the average potluck plate, we are getting it done, we are getting along and we are learning... about God, about exciting new things and about each other...

I am praying that we get into a rythym,  and soon. 

If not, we may have to rethink some of the outside activities coming up... which is tough, since she is an Only at home and thrives on spending time with her friends...

Praying for Wisdom... Grace... Patience.

Have a Blessed week!

Its raining...it's pouring... wish I were snoring!!!

Yes, rain. 

Heavy - bucket full rain today.  Thankfully we live up on a ridge, so flooding is pretty unlikely here...

 It is that time of year again...the  "who knows what kind of weather we will have today " season. 

Last week, we had the fire roaring, our house was so chilly -- we were dressed in layers --refusing to turn the heat on this early in the year when the temps dropped below 30 - in September? 

Then yesterday -- 91 and sunny -- now today the rain...  lots of rain...

If I did not have to teach or have a co-op meeting to night - I would still be snuggled up in the PJ's in a vertical position on the sofa in the theatre room... lol!!!

The air pressure has changed so much lately, my nose can't decided if it wants to run like a river or post a no outlet sign.  One moment, I'm blue from lack of sunlight, next I am covered in God's peace...sitting on the porch listening to the birds.  I feel like a contortionist though... like my body is a revolving door for my clothes... layers matter this time of year... on ---off---socks -- barefeet --- jacket -sweater -coat...  do you have a coat? 

Now just throw in a few  hot flashes -- oh  my word ...  If you are hearin me....Can I get an AMEN ???

We showed up to an Keepers of the Home event to play croquet, in Jeans and long sleeve  t-shirts - plus we had jackets and all...Thankfully - we have live in MN long enough - to know - always bring something else with you, a pair of shorts, flipflops, a tank top... or even a heavy coat and -- oh... I almost forgot -- most Minnesotans have a blanket in our car -- always... 

So... after a few moments standing with the group - in the sweltering sun - in a park with no trees (can you imagineWe snuck away to the car , me and my DD - rolled up our jeans - can you say - INSTANT CAPRIS!!  We took off our shoes and socks, replace them with flip-flops (they used to be called thongs - but well, that might have caused an uproar (my word of the day) ... She had on a cami underneath and I rolled up my sleeves...  whew -- the temp droped 10 degrees!!

This California girl thinks there is something wrong with that picture...

Now today - the rain...  I am not a fan of rain... until we moved to this house - (photo taken by future DIL)

There is something almost magical about our porch...(we actually have three large ones -  we sit high in the trees and the eaves hang 3 feet over the porch railing...allowing for the birds to come and seek shelter from the elements during a rainstorm.  There are days when it rains, that I forget I am in the US... I imagine I am in a tropical forest, surrounded by the lush vegetation... it is calming... which helps with the "light deprivation..." so many trees keeps us shaded - so we were surprsied by the high temps yesterday...

I am looking forward to the coming changes... the leaves are just beginning to change - a few orange and yellow leaves are beginning to peek out.  Everyday it will change a little, with plenty of oooh and ahhhs as we drive up our little gravel road... then the sparseness of winter will bring a whole new scene to our doorstep.  There is nothing like that first heavy snow....

WAKE UP!!!!!  It is still September ... plenty of warm sunny days left - Indian Summer is still out there in October - hopes to be on the golf course during Thanksgiving... it is all good, so long as we load up the suitcase to tote along for the ride as we venture out on those fabulous fall field trips... never knwoing what the weather will bring each day --can you say -- Pecrtin Overdose? 

That is my rambling for today... I might need to catch up on my sleep... I am kind of nutty today. 

Must be the rain.............

First week in review...

Week one of 2007-08 school year is over!!

I have a mixed review of the new curriculm. 

We are using all the features and benefits through Jubilee Academy

Positive Critics:

Ease of use:

Being able to "click - point -assign-grade" -- wow - this is the way to go!!

I admit I have fought any kind of assigned direction - I had prided myself on the spontaniety of our daily life.  No set schedule or deadline. Now, I must say, I am ok with the fact that someone else has put it in the time and effort to make the schedule. And for the first week it worked ok.

I am not jumping up and down, but I am happy with the amount of things DD accomplished...

Portability:

Being able to do the work - online , offline, in the car, at the gym or on the porch worked well for us.

Unexpected:

Science experiements - my DD had to trek to the pond and gather some scum. It was priceless seeing the 'girl' in her squirm... butnthen also seeing the 'thinker' in her try t o find something to obserev once she has her catch.

The negatives:

Preparation:

The supply list and procedure was not emailed to us, even though we inquired, until day one. Which left us a bit unprepared having to run to the store for a few extra items ...  which leads to...

Communication:

So far communicating with Jubilee has been less than par.  Seems they are overwhelmed this year with the number of new registrants - so when we did not recieve all the materials - well, it has been a bit frustrating... trying to communicate and get answers for our dilemma. They have made general announcements to the consumer at large, so I am trying to have grace...

Things not expected:

Jubilee Academy is advertised as a Christian Worldview curriculum, however, alot of secular information is administered from day 1. 

Their thought that all aspects should be learned is something I am trying to get comfortable with.  You see -- I like the bubble we live in. Keeping my DD sheltered -- I had no idea how much that is true! Thankfully - thus far - the Christian side has been presented, and the allowance of her perspective has been encouraged. 

Science and History have been the subjects that I am keeping an eye on. The issue of how  there are differences even within the Christian community is surprising... for instance there are many variations to the creation of the world by God in 7-days -- and how long is a day?   In our house - we stand on 24 hours... seems if we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God.. and we believeThe Word was and the Word is and the Word will be... means whatever was; was, whatever was;is and whatever was ;will be... follow me so far.... so our only conlcusion - if we are believers of the word of God - is if a day today is 24 hours , then it would seem that what a day was - is what a day is and what a day will always be...24 hours. 

I would like to teach my daughter, History, Science and all other things through the eyes of God. I am not inclinced to discount all other beliefs this entire school year...  am praying about this part of the curriculum...  I have 30 days to change my mind on any subject...

Overall assessment fo our first week.

Challenging.  For both my DD and myself.  A few kinks to workout... decisions to pray about.

We'll report back next week.

I read Kelly's schedule and realized we took have booked ourselves solid this fall... whew!!   LOL!!!

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Kellyque777/

Here... is what we have going....

Sundays - Church - I love our church - we are blessed beyond measure with a wonderful God adoring family that serves Him and he blesses all of us each week through them!

Sunday evenings (2 x month) Small group in our home... Kelly, Her hubby and Pure One will join us along with two other couples for a challenging study on God's Grace. 

Mondays - Keepers of the Home (2 x month) 

 http://www.keepersofthefaith.com

Our home school co-op is doing this together...

(If you look back to my first posts, you will see a mom who prayed for firends for my only DD... God is good!

Wednesdays - JBQ Junior Bible Quiz Team through our church! 

http://nationaljbq.org/

My DD is a born competitor - couple that with the Word of God - woo-hoo! It will be hard work, for both of us, the parents are a vital part at home and at competitions.

Fridays - Co-Op ( 2 x month)

Plus the gym everyday (except Sunday)  DD is loving sitting in the cafe' while I workout - she is becoming an independent learner - woohoo!!

I will be posting our first week with Jubilee tomorrow -- all I can say is...wow!!!

Stay Tuned...

Remembering is hard to do...

It is such a tough day, the flags blowing in the wind at half staff, honoring the fallen Americans of 9/11.  I am taken back to that day... the vision so clear where I was when I heard the strange news... Finding ourselves glued to the television, with fear and trepidation permeating our every thought. Even those of us that have a strong resolve, who lean hard on the Lord, found thenselves battling the fear. What is happening? Is this for real? What do we do? What can we do? What will tomorrow hold? Are we safe? Are we at war? Are we going to die? Oh no another plane! Did you see that? No way this is happening! The pentagon? The tower is falling.... oh no.... all those people... Oh God... all those people...Oh Lord what is happening??? God have mercy on us!!!

I have not forgotten that day.

I pray for the families directly effected by this tragedy... so many lives lost. So many families ripped apart.

I pray for all of America to remember that feeling... the one that rose within us that day. The one that pulled us together as ONE NATION - ready to do whatever we could to bring back the security we had lived under for over 200 years... Bless you for remembering.

Hung out to dry...

I did the craziest thing the other day - I washed my phone. It was not intentional... my DD and I took a walk in the woods and I had the phone with me, honestly, it was in case I lost my balance and we might need help... halfway thru the walk, I got hot, so I took off my shirt and wrapped it around my waist. The phone was in the pocket of the shirt. We had a great time, who knew there were so many different kind of mushrooms... I can only imagine how beautiful the woods will be in a few more weeks as the colors begin to change...

When we got back to the house, we took everything off and threw it in the wash -- our woods have a good share of poisin ivy - so the clothes went into the wash and I added soap and turned it on.

About an hour later we were headed to the store when I started looking for my phone... I even called it from the house phone to hear it ring (it is a big house) then...I got that sinking feeling... in the pit of my stomach.

I thought... no way.  I am not dumb enough to have .... no... it couldn't be... I opened the washer, pulled out the shirt - the pocket was empty - there is still hope!! I began taking the rest of the clothes out... and then I heard it -- clunk clang.... and I looked... and there is was... the screen full of water.

Oh man!!

Would you believe that I just renewed my contract a month ago?  yup!

So what have I learned?

That my mind is too full os things to think about... that I do not know any of my friends phone numbers. (they are all stored on my simcard) That I can still retrieve my voicemail (yippee) . I remembered why I never use my home phone (it has a cord) ... I realized I depend on it more than I thought. The past few days I have needed to use the phone and not had it. Thankfully there have been no emergencies.

What did we do before cell phones, email and IM?  It just boggles my mind how much technology has made our life easier... and made the world smaller!

Have a Blessed Church day -- our day is full -- 2 church services, a homeschool co-op picnic, followed by our first Life Group meeting in our home...  We are praying for God to be glorified through it!

Watch THIS!!

I want to share this with as many people as I can.  IT has visually changed my thought process on how much God is there everyday - pulling me back from sin and destruction.  We all sin everyday. Knowing He never lets go -- that is priceless.    I pray that this video will move beyond this place - that it will touch lives, further the Kingdom of God. That the lost will be saved, that the wandering will come home. This generation will witness to more people that ever before because of technology and the imagination of our youth! Rock On!

Facing the Giants

My hubby wanted to watch the movie Facing the Giants the other night - in the middle of the week. Not something we usually do.

Although some may argue, this is a great movie. I believe the acting, directing, writing and all aspects of this film are stellar considering how it was made, using only one camera.... Have you heard the story behind the story?

http://www.facingthegiants.com/resources_web.php

Watching it again, affected me the same as the first time I saw it.  It affected my husband at an even deeper level. So much so, that he found himself up early the next morning watching it again, replaying key scenes. Falling on his face surrendering to God.

Oh! how God prepares us for what is to come, if we will only listen to that small still voice inside.

Hubby needed to meet with the general  (God) - to put on his armor - to prepare for battle.

Which began yesterday.

He will perservere through this storm and we will bring glory to God through it.

Thank you for all who are praying for him. 

Blessings!

Please Pray!

We need your prayer for my hubby and major issues with his job. NO specifics but pray for an overflowing of blessings upon my husband!

Thank you!

New ways to Educate --at home??

Today, we took school to the gym.. 

We brought the laptop & a set of headphones with us, and while I worked out, my DD sat in the cafe and worked on her Typing Tutor program...45 minutes of focused work.  I could see her from the treadmill and she never looked up.

She enjoyed it and between us we decided that we would continue the gym time in the early morning... it helps us get up and get going - which is a good thing, otherwise I could still be in my PJ's @ 3pm! LOL!

We also joined the Junior Bible Quiz team at our church.  This is a big commitment and one I think she is ready for.  So instead of the usual Wed. night church we will be doing JBQ - together - as parents are a crucial part of the team! 

This year her schedule is pretty busy, so long as we can keep it balanced it is going to be a great year!