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One of my favorite homeschooling stores, Mardels, was having a book sale the day before Keith went back. I was only there to laminate a few things and make a couple of copies and look what we found! Books, books and more books! Most of them were $14.99 regularly and we got them for $1.24 each! They were all marked down and then it was 75% off the marked down price! What a buy! We'll be heading to Germany soon with no t.v. and it will be nice to have a full book shelf! Here's Keith's stack he picked out:
Here's my "small" stack!
Did I say how much I loved Mardels? |
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We printed these off www.pbskids.org today! My kids like Arthur!
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I miss you sweetheart! Things just aren't the same without you home! We love you!
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Today the kids and I drove Keith to the airport to say goodbye again. He had us just drop him off out front. We've decided that long drawn out teary goodbyes only make things harder on all of us. It was very hard watching my husband say goodbye to his children. I can't imagine how he must feel knowing he won't see them again for 4 months. I don't think I could do it, and yet so many men and women do. My daughter just kept saying, "I love you daddy" and my son just cried and cried. Keith watched us leave and all I kept thinking as I watched him in the rear view mirror was backing the car up, loading his bags into the vehicle and driving back home where we could stay a family for a little longer. Just a little longer. One more day. As I checked myself back into reality, we all sobbed the whole way home. I've decided it's okay to do this in front of the children-for one day. They need to know that it's okay that we miss daddy and want him to come back home and sometimes getting a good cry out helps. I went through the Air Force base gate and the guard was extremely rude. I wanted to get out of the car and spew verbal garbage from my mouth, but I kept a lid on it and drove as fast as the speed limit would allow me so that I could get home, shut the door and hide away for the rest of the day. As evening is drawing near now, I can see his keys on the countertop, I see his coat hanging by the doorway, his shoes are by the side of the bed and his empty drink can is in the vehicle. His dirty laundry is in the hamper, a little of his shaven stubble is still behind in the sink (he never does a good job of cleaning it out) and it feels like he's going to walk in the door any second. But I know that he won't. He can't. He's got a job to do that's very important. I know that I'm going to have to go to bed alone and wake up in the morning and take a "big girl pill" and get on with daily life without him. It just never gets easier saying goodbye to him. Along with all of the sad feelings also comes waves and waves of blessings. (You ALWAYS have to look for the blessings, because they ARE there). We fell right back into step as a family unit the second my husband stepped off of that plane and into our arms. We had a wonderful 18 days together and took advantage of every minute. I held my husband as close as I could to me when we went to bed at night. I studied his face while he was sleeping, listened to him breathing and felt his heartbeat. I knew I would need to remember that. Most people take advantage of that every night. I don't. I try not to take anything for granted anymore. There are so many blessings that come with that alone. I trust my husband when he says that we are both under the hands of God. I know that we will get through this deployment and come out stronger on the other side. Please keep Keith in your prayers as he finishes his last four months there. I would greatly appreciate it. |
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Boy does time fly....it doesn't slow down when we want it to and it speeds up at the most inconvenient times! Having Keith home has been so nice. The kids and I have enjoyed our time with him immensely! I was so worried about Aniston reuniting with him. She was a little cold to him last time, but she went right into his arms at the airport! Since then she hasn't let Keith out of her sight. She won't let me do anything for her--it all has to be done by Daddy! I don't mind, I needed the break to be honest. Tyson LOVES being Daddy's little helper and is always waiting to see what Dad's next project is. Let's just say that Keith has enough little hands to help with EVERYTHING!! We recently got back from our infertility appointment in Omaha. We really love our doctor there and feel very comfortable. We set up a game plan and have decided to wait until Keith comes home in September to start our treatments. It's going to be much tougher than it was last time. We'll have to drive nine hours to our doctor and then stay there in Omaha for two weeks so they can monitor me. They have prescribed me injections instead of oral medication, so they have to monitor me with blood work and ultrasounds every other day. Keith and I talked about it and it will just be too hard to do with both kids on my own, so we're waiting until September. I am so happy to have a game plan for the infertility and be on the same page as our doctor, but it looks like this is going to cost us an arm and a leg. We checked on the medications that were prescribed and the costs of the ultrasounds and we're looking at $6,000 per try. That's not including gasoline (we have an Excursion) or the cost of a hotel room and meals for two weeks. Needless to say, we've decided to put off our family vacation. Keith's going to have to use all of his time off that's owed to him with the kids and I in Omaha, so we won't have the extra time to go for two weeks on vacation. I feel aweful about it, but Keith assured me that there's Euro Disney and a Lego Land in Europe and that our kids will be just fine. Our insurance will cover ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! Last time we got some reimbursement on our blood work and ultrasounds, but this time we will pay everything. We know that we have been incredibly blessed and we'll just have to work this out. We've given ourselves a limit of two tries, so if we don't conceive during those tries, we will be thankful for being able to get pregnant twice and look into adoption. I don't want to go into the "poor house" and that's very easy to do while dealing with infertility issues. My parents have been extremely generous by letting us use their car to drive back and forth, so that will help greatly with the gasoline expenses and my mom is also going to be spending some of her time in Omaha during those two weeks to watch the kids while Keith and I are seen by the doctor. Believe me, we are counting our blessings! We have exactly one more week together as a family. Tonight we're eating spaghetti and curling up on the couch for movies. I'm shutting the ringer off on the phone and shutting our blinds and we're going to let the world fade away as we cherish the last few days we have together before Keith leaves again. |
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As most of you know from my constant chatter about it, my husband came home today for R&R!! It was so great to see him! The kids ran and attacked him with hugs and kisses at the airport. I waited my turn and then I did the same! He was very tired, but he was in excellent spirits! His plane was delayed about 15 minutes, and although that doesn't sound like a long time, it seemed like it was 15 hours! When we got home Keith huddled the kids and I around the three bags he brought back and told us he had lots of presents for us! It didn't take long for us all to crowd around him. He opened his bags up and I thought Santa had visited us! The three of us went wild over opening stuff up! Keith bought me a beautiful set of pearls! It came with earrings, a necklace and a bracelet! I guess that's one of the things that Qatar is known for is their pearls! He also brought me a little jewelry box made out of camel bone, a camel ornament and a COACH purse!! I about fell over! Aniston received a set of pink pearls that included earrings, neclace and bracelet, but we'll keep them to the side until she's old enough to appreciate them! She got stuffed animals, a great big camel piggy bank and a princess purse! Tyson got a camel piggy bank, 2 hand held games, a flashlight and four games for his x-box! Then.....the big surpise came.....it was a Wii! Keith bought all the accessories that go with it like the sports pack, guitar hero, etc....(I can't remember what all it has) and he bought 10 games for it! The kids have played it all night. If you don't have one...GET ONE!!! It's the greatest gaming system! He also brought home about 15 movies for us as well! He spoiled us to the max! He also brough lots of candy and fun little stuff for all of us. He said that with all of the trips he's been on he receives a hostile fire pay depending on where they go and he's been saving it to the side so that he could spoil us on his trip home and boy did he. I've said it before and I'll say it again....I HAVE THE SWEETEST HUSBAND!! I love you Keith! |
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We received Tyson's 1st grade curriculum in the mail yesterday! I took the larger books to Office Max to have them put a spiral binding on them. If you haven't ever done that, it makes life so much easier! That way, Tyson can look at one page at a time and not have to worry about the workbook flopping over! Here's a few photos! He's taking Bible, History & Geography, Science, Language, Math and Health!
Happy homeschooling everyone!
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Tyson and I always start our mornings with Language and then he practices his reading. Then in the afternoon we draw and then finish with math! My kids love separating their school subjects with drawing in between!
This is such a good way to keep your kids on task. All I have to do is tell Tyson that as soon as he finishes his work, we get to draw! |
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I cannot believe how quickly my dear son has grown up. He's about to turn 7 and he will be starting 1st grade in September! Where does time get off to? This year we are using LifePac through Alpha Omega Publications. www.aop.com I am so excited to start! This will be the first year where Tyson will be using a full curriculum. He will be studying math, language, social studies, science and bible. Tyson is also starting piano and his elective class deals with health and the body. We ordred that one through Horizons. I am also doing the Veggie Tales bible study on Sundays! I've already ordered everything and it should be arriving in a few days! There's not many things better than getting curriculum in the mail! It's so much fun to open it up and go through it all and start planning the new year! (I never thought I would be excited over homeschool curriculum!) |
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Today we did our normal routine of math and language with schooling and added elephants! I have a children's beginning dictionary that I've gotten out so that I can start showing Tyson how to look things up he is interested in! He loves hearing about different animals and is now showing interest in learning more about things and the way they work! I love watching how his mind is growing!
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We're now at seven days until my darling returns home for a little R&R. He hurt his back pretty badly yesterday. I just can't wait to get him home and resting. He's going to come home a little rough around the edges, but after a few good nights of sleep, some family time and some home cooked meals, he should be ready to go back and finish up his tour. I miss being a complete family. We do everything together when he's home. It's nothing for me to be asked, "Do you and your husband do EVERYTHING together?" The answer is YES!! All couples should. God sent me my perfect match when he sent me my husband. I am so very, very proud of him. Keith and I always have been best friends first. There's no one else I would rather spend time with than my husband. When he's gone, our family just isn't the same. He's the disciplinarian, he's the roll-around-on-the-floor silly guy, he's my comforter. There are so many rolls he fills and when he's gone it just feels empty here. It's just not the same. My children have been raised a good part of their childhoods without their father. I try to instill in them that their daddy is a hero and that if our family and other families didn't make these sacrifices, then we wouldn't be free. My hope is that instead of remembering that daddy wasn't home for their birthday or Christmas, they will remember just how much their daddy was willing to give up to always make sure they have a good life. Tyson LOVES Rescue Heros. He has too many to count! When my husband first deployed, my son asked me, "Mommy, is daddy a Rescue Hero?" After picking my heart up off the floor, I proudly said, "Yes he is!" |
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I wandered over to the Simplicity site a few days ago and was so happy with what they had, I decided to post about it. If you click on the above link, it will take you to their main site. On the right hand side as you scroll down, there's some fun FREE easy-to-sew projects along with FREE Patty Reed Paper Dolls! You can print them out on your computer!
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I saw a pattern for a dress online that I fell in love with! I promptly called my mother-in-law who is a pro at sewing and explained it to her and sent her the link. She made my daughter three dresses. I absolutely love them! She said they were super easy. If you are anything like me, you are sick and tired of seeing little girls with their bellies showing because their shirts are too small, or made to look too small. This is such a good idea because you can take a shirt that you already have and add scraps of fabric to make a dress. If you have a cute shirt for your child that has a stain that won't budge on the bottom, you can just cut it off and sew strips of fabric! Here's a few photos!
Thank you Barbara for making these! I'm sure Aniston will wear them out!
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Twice this week I have been asked to pray with my friends for two people who's lives were taken this week in Iraq. If you feel led, please join me. Angie Dear Father in Heaven, I come to you today with my heart full. Many families are suffering greatly right now at the loss of loved ones from this war. I know that their hearts are full of saddness and grief. These losses affect so many people, Lord. They affect the families, friends and co-workers. Please wrap those that have lost someone close to them in Your loving arms and help carry them through these tough times. Help ease their pain. A pain at which most of us will never know. I pray that you send hedges of angels around our men and women in uniform, who risk their lives everyday for our freedom. We send thanks Lord, for their sacrifice and for Yours. Help us to remember Lord ,that these men and women are willingly sacrificing their lives so that we can raise our children up in a safer place. I would also like to ask You for a watchful eye over the families of the men and women of our military. There are many spouses who sleep in empty beds and many children who are missing their parent(s). Help others to watch their tongues while speaking around these families, for they do not know the hardships we face. Lastly, I thank You for our salvation and the gift of everlasting life. I know that You have already written the book of our lives Lord and I trust that You are always in control. In your loving name I always pray, |
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If you have someone you know or love serving overseas, be sure to take time and write them. There's nothing they like more than getting letters from loved ones in the mail. E-mails are nice, but they're not the same. |
We went to the PX today and had a hat made for Tyson. It's a surprise for when we meet daddy at the airport. The kids and I are so excited!! Two weeks from today!! A retired Vietnam veteran ran a small shop inside the mini mall. He was so nice to the kids. I thanked him for serving. He seemed surpised when I shook his hand. It's too bad he doesn't get told that more.|
Love is...
We're at 15 days until Keith comes home for R&R. I can barely stand waiting. I've been on such a rollercoaster of emotions, I don't even know what mood I'm in from one minute to the next! I just can't wait to have my husband back. My children can't wait to have their father back....even if it is for only 15 days. I had shirts made for the kids to meet him at the airport. I will post photos in a few weeks when we go to pick him up. We have so many things planned to do while he's here. We decided to postpone our Disney trip until September when Keith is home for good. Our tickets are open ended and we are going to be starting infertility treatments, so please keep us in your prayers.
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When you miss him even before he leaves. When you could listen to him talk all night and never get tired of hearing his voice. When the sound of his name sends chills down your spine and you see him smile the second you close your eyes.|
Did you know.... 3 out of 10 people will be affected by a drunk driving CRASH at some point in their lives? Did you know.... The Colorado Crime Victims' Rights Week is April 13-19? Please join me in saying a prayer each day of that week for the victims of drunk drivers and their families who suffered along with them. If you would like to find out more information on how you can help MADD or support their cause, please visit www.madd.org If we can educate our children and others around us about the effects of driving drunk, we can make a difference. |
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I ordered two wonderful books!
My kids love them! We did three different pictures today and here's what we came up with!
They are super easy to use and understand! They are put out by Usborne. I ordered mine through Alpha Omega Publishing. Just click on here or here to order them! Right now AOP is offering a 20% discount through the month of April on all orders, so it's cheaper to buy them there instead of through Usborne. There's also a great set of books that Ed Emberly has written that are fabulous! They are super easy to understand too. I've checked out quite a few from the library! |
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Tyson has been doing so well with homeschooling lately! He's right on track in Kindergarten. We've had some trouble with math. We are doing Lifepac and have absolutely loved it, but he was having trouble understand the way they teach their math. With Lifepac they have kids count items for adding. Tyson didn't do well with that. I turned to a Horizons book that my dear friend Jen gave me and they use a number line. Tyson did so well with this idea! They also have number lines in the back of the book so that you can cut them out and laminate them! Now things are moving smoothly!
Yesterday he was doing a worksheet that asked him to draw something in the sand. Tyson said, "How about a sand castle!" So he drew one with towers and a princess with a crown, complete with a "gate" and a fire breathing dragon!
Now, on to my little Aniston. She's three so excited to do "schoolwork"! She's always sitting at the table when I'm homeschooling Tyson, and lately, it's been exhausting because she wants to be right in the middle of everything. It's hard sometimes because I need the one on one time with Tyson. So, I bought her the Pre-K Hooked on Phonics workbook and set her working yesterday! She was quiet the whole time I was working with Tyson! She's officially started!
I'm so grateful my children are learning at home. God also blessed me with a wonderful husband who wouldn't allow it any other way. |
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I am going to start posting more! I have fallen behind with Keith being deployed again, and I need to keep up with my blog a little better. Here's a start!
When Keith and I went to Mardel's (one of my favorite Christian stores) to pick up Tyson's curriculum for Kindergarten, I saw the Veggie Tales Bible curriculum and I wanted it so badly! The price was $199.99. I about fell over! Keith said to me, "If you think it's important, then I don't care how much it costs, just get it." By the way, that's one of the things I love most about my husband...he puts the kids and I always at the top of his list. Anywho, when I went to Mardel's today, they had my curriculum sitting out and it was 75% off! I grabbed it as quick as I could! Wow! What a buy! I found out the reason it was priced so low was because it was missing the CDROM. The sales clerk opened another one up for me so I could look at the CD and see if it was something I would need. Nope! It just had clip art and extra notes for the teacher! I decided if I needed clip art I could just go to www.bigidea.com and www.bigideafun.com They are excellent websites to go to for children of any age! Here's a photo of Aniston with two of the puppets that came with the curriculum:
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