Homeschooling from the Heart

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November 21, 2007 - I haven't blogged in awhile....

...because I haven't been inspired. But I think that is changing a little.

Some updates on us:

I'm an Avon lady now! My first order should be in tomorrow. I'm excited about this opportunity to hopefully earn a little extra money for myself and our family. I'm hoping to save enough money to get my first sled dog. The breed I'm interested in is a Chinook. (It's pronounced SHIN-ook, I always tend to say it wrong.) The price tag is a little high (about $1000) but I'm finding that most quality bred dogs are not cheap. Even a rescue or shelter dog will run around $200 in adoption fees plus any vet care that it will most likely need. I had the opportunity to visit my aunt in Alaska during a summer when I was still in high school and while I was there I saw mushers racing dogs using carts much like this. It wasn't long before I started dreaming about getting my own dogs, and since I lived in the snowy Upper Peninsula it seemed like a good hobby to get into when the typical snow season is 5-6 months long. I no longer live that far north but that desire is still there. This breed of dog is good for families, but are also bred to pull. The history on the Chinook is fascinating, as they were started from one dog named Chinook , and one of the first sledding teams of Chinooks took part in exploring Antarctica in the early 1900s. I recently met a couple of local Chinooks and I am planning on attending the annual UKC Chinook Specialty in Kalamazoo this summer to meet more dogs and breeders. Hopefully, the timing will be right so that we can get our own puppy later in 2008. I just need to have the funds and there has to be a litter of puppies not too far away (with one of them for me!) at the same time.

We are getting ready to head back to Hawaii to visit Anthony's family. Soon his parents will be moving here to the mainland to live closer to us now that they've retired. It will be cheaper for them to live here on a retirement income and they'll have easier access to their grandchildren. I'm looking forward to 3 weeks in Hawaii with my husband free from the distractions of his job and home improvement projects. Our most stressful decision over there will be what to eat.

Also! I recently learned that my great-aunt Doris lives on the same island as my mil and fil now. She was living on Maui and we did get to visit her there about 7 years ago. It will be nice to see her again and I intend to add to my genealogy records if I can get enough time to visit with her. She is the sister of my father's mother, named Kathleen. Kathleen passed away in 1982 at the age of 55 from colon cancer when I was 5. I have a few fuzzy memories of her and a couple of pictures of her and I together. All my memories are of a smiling face, warm hugs, and lots of love. She was the mother of 9 children (8 of them boys!), my dad was the 5th boy, then the daughter came after him. When she wasn't taking care of her family, she was playing the organ at the little country church and singing her heart out for the Lord.

Here are some of my favorite pictures of me with my Muumuu (a Finnish term for grandma):

The one of the two of us sitting on the organ bench in our Easter dresses I remember clear as day. One thing I've learned from not having her in my life growing up and now, is how important it is for us as mothers to take care of ourselves and not let our health deteriorate. We need to eat well, exercise and pray hard, not hold on to grudges or anything that keeps us from being the best that we can be for the Lord and our families.

I better stop now. This is what I get for trying to blog after a long absence when I can't sleep. I hardly make sense to myself. Congratulate yourself if you followed me down this little bunny trail.....

November 22, 2007 - Hi

Posted by layla7

I just left a comment on your Oct 7 post. Didn't realized it'd been that long since I've "stopped by" your blog -- or your house for that matter. :-) Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheryl

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January 31, 2008 - Tag! You're it!

Posted by momto4beauties

You've just been tagged for homeschool blogger scattegories! Go to my blog to play the game! Have fun!

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About Me

I am a Christian wife and mother of 3 in Michigan. This is where I will be sharing our experiences in homeschooling our children. I welcome comments and look forward to hearing from my readers!