I found this story today....maybe some of you read it too. It amazes me how far some will go to make their lives "okay". Suing Bible publishers??? Shouldn't this person just send his summons to The Lord, Himself??!!
I am sitting out in the yard, listening to the crickets and enjoying the coolness. It was so hot today, but now all is calm and cool and pleasant. It helps that I can chat with my dear friend, Patti. If you think of it, pray for Patti, as she took a fall today and hurt her hip! Technology....I said it before, how facinating it all is. We can sit here and chat and feel like we are together...I love instant chatting!
Today, Shirley's daughter, had her baby. It was the usual pain and waiting before the precious miracle arrived! Kylie Ann is here...well, sort of...she is far away in The Lone Star State, but I sense her presence. It will be sweet to hold her one of these days. I am enjoying my calm night, but I am guessing that Kristin and Kylie Ann are enjoying their night even more....a new Momma and her sweet baby girl. ---sigh---
Things are coming together here at our new home. It doesn't "feel" like home yet, but it will. Change happens and it just takes time to get used to it all. I need to take pictures. I have gotten out of my snap happy habit that I used to have. Why is that? Why do we go through periods of time where we never take photos? Strange. I have to get back into the groove.
Well, it is getting late and I should go inside. There are dishes to be done. Have a restful night and a wonderful tomorrow! Smile and be thankful for all you have....God is good!
Today is a good day to ponder what we will do for school this next year. I have been thinking of that for a while, but, for some reason, today is the day for decisions! We use Saxon Math and we love it. I know, many have a love/hate...some just hate relationship with Saxon, but it has suited us well. Bryan finished 76 and I planned on buying 87 for this year. But, I am changing my mind. There are many people that skipped 87 and went to Algebra 1/2, saying that students who have gone through the other books and do well could handle it. Interesting! Is there anyone out there in Blog World that has done this?? How did it work for you? Hubby and I are thinking we will be rebels and skip!! We will work a lot on History and Science this year. I have said it before, we are not strong in those areas. Eighth grade!!!! So many subjects to cover!! We are planning to use Further Up and Further In this year for the fun of it and I have heard good things about it. More Narnia is always a good thing!! Does anyone have ideas about History?? Ever heard of "The Mystery of History"? We also like to use Christian Liberty Press. My list is growing.
In case you are wondering, the ant problem is getting better. We have stopped most from getting in and I have conquered many a hill in our yard! I am determined to be ant free!!!!
Well, that is the extent of my thinking today. Life here in the new digs is okay and we are getting used to the change. I found my swimming suit in the move...now I miss the pool! Be well and have a wonderful day.
We did it! The move took place without a hitch....well, actually, there was a hitch involved to move Da Cabin from point A to point B. Michael and Shirley arrived around 11:30 Saturday morning. We had most things ready to go, but like anytime you move, there is so much to do right at the end. We had lots of help from Patti and Frank and Eli. The nice thing about living in an RV, is that you can toss all of your stuff inside, lock the door and hit the road. When you get to your new digs, open the door, unload and WAALAA! HOME!! It is so strange waking up the next morning. You are in your same house, but have different sounds and a different view. Our little spot here is nice. We have a yard and bushes and even grape vines. Very homey! After we add our homey touches, I think we will have a cozy little respite.
The worst thing about leaving The Cove is leaving our dear friends. That was heart breaking. They are more than friends, they are family and always will be. Patti and Frank, Eli and Elaine are so wonderful. We grew to be so close. Patti and Frank spoil Bryan like he is one of their own. They bought an electric scooter, a fun little contraption that allows one to zip and zoom about. Well, Bryan rode the thing quite a bit this past week...with permission, of course. He fell in love with it. The last day we were there, Patti tried and tried to get Frank to part with the thing...so she could give it to Bryan! She wanted him to have it, but Frank was using it to go to work and back! With the price of gas, it made for a cheap transport!! Frank finally took Patti aside and agreed to let Bryan have the scooter. How wonderful was that!! I could be wrong, but, I think Frank worked out a deal that will still allow for some motorized fun to be had!!!! So,Bryan is now the owner of a pretty cool ride. We went to the park tonight so he coud zip along the pathways and he had the biggest smile! It helps with the sting of missing The Cove. Thank you Patti and Frank! It will be hard not hearing Eli walking about, visiting and walking the dogs and to not be able to chat with Elaine. Pood misses his grass and his hugs and smooches. Sigh...change is hard. We have moved so much and God blesses us with good people around us. Leaving is always sad, but I have to remember that all happens for a reason and we have many seasons that comes and go. God provides love and support whereever we go. As we move in another direction, we will keep the connection to loves ones.
Along with the sadness of missing friends, we also have the joy of being near our dear friends The Disbrows!! We are closer to them now and that is a good thing. Now we can drive up the road to visit!! Also, Kent is closer to work and he can come home more often now. Another good thing! This space is a nice one, but we still pray it will only be a short time before we can get into a home. If you think of it, pray for us as we search. I would appreciate it.
Oh...guess what I have been fighting since moving in! ANTS! MANY ANTS! It is the first time we have been invaded like this and I mean invaded! They found a way in and you know what that means....lines and lines of the black pests! I have been spraying and killing and squishing little creepy crawlies for 2 days. The strangest thing was staring at my laptop and seeing ants pour from the jacks and keyboard! Talk about having a bug on your computer! It took awhile to clear them out!! We found a great spray to use. It is organic...cinnamon, spearmint and rosemary oils...it works really well, but it is a strong odor! It is pretty concentrated!!
Well, enough for tonight. I pray that you are well and healthy! Take all things in stride...you'll probably laugh about it all next week.
Things are happening. Another page is turning for us, starting a new chapter in the Sands lives. It was a year ago that I started talking about moving from our sweet place here at The Cove. We have searched and searched for homes and dealt with financial issues that thwarted our efforts. We have been driven to find something, to move out of our trusty Cabin, the trailer that has been home for 3 years. It isn't easy finding a place that we can afford. As you know, life is expensive and it just gets worse! Even so, we are confident that God has our best in mind and that all will work out just fine. We didn't find the home we desire, but we found a place for Da Cabin. After months of looking and waiting and praying, things are happening.
This past weekend, Kent and I found a nice little park in the area we want to move to. We drove into the park on a whim, just so Kent could see what I was looking at. Lo, and behold, a space had just opened! We put down a deposit and plans for the big move began. Just like that. We will be closer to our dear friends, The Disbrows, and Kent will be 2 hours closer to work! We are hopeful that this will allow Kent to be home more often, when he is driving in the area. So, this Saturday, Da Cabin will pull out of it's comfortable spot and hit the road for a new home. Gone will be our beautiful view of the pond and the critters that live there.
All of this is exciting....it is also sad knowing we have to leave our friends here at The Cove. We have developed lifetime friendships here. There have been many laughs and good times. We all got through the Crazy 19 phase and now that that problem is resolved, the air is so sweet here, even though it is smokey from nearby fires. So, leaving is hard. We will stay in touch, though, and in God, we are all together.
Another thing I am thinking about, is the school year. We will be near a good charter school and I am tempted to enroll Bryan. There is good and bad about that. I am praying about that whole thing, trying to make a wise decision.
That is the news from The Cove....I am still a member until Saturday! Take care and enjoy your day!
Life is funny. We travel through our lives, meeting people, going through experiences...all of it helps to make us who we are today, good and bad. Think of all the people you have known. My grama and I had a talk, not too long ago, about how many people each one of us touches in our lifetime. Family, friends, strangers...so many that we meet and influence in whatever way. We remembered that when Grampa died, there were so many people that came to his funeral. I remember looking back, from the car we rode in to the cemetery, and watching the line of cars, headlights beaming, winding along the route. It was a long, long line of people making their way to pay their final respects and it struck me that Grampa knew so many people! That thought stayed with me.
In the last 6 months, I have connected, thanks to technology, with people that I lost touch with years ago. Two of them were dear to me and I thought they were gone forever. Thanks to an invention called Facebook, familiar faces have been found. Lisa, a close friend from college, found me back in December and that was so exciting! We have found that over the years, we have both looked for each other and came up empty. Finally, we connected and it has been great to be in touch again. A friend from high school sent me a message a few months ago and that was a surprise. And, now, Julie!! Julie was my stepsister, but our parents divorced in the 80's and our paths went in different directions. That happens. The common bond between us split and we went from being close friends/sisters to strangers. I believe people come and go for a reason. They are a apart of our lives for a season and then, time marches on. Julie, my sister, Samantha and I had some good times. I am remembering many happy memories. It was a shock to see Julie's face in a Facebook message...I didn't recognize her at first. How awesome it is to hear from her and learn how life has been all of these years. I am so happy to learn she homeschooled her children too!! All of this is because of technology! Nowadays, with computers and satelites, we can find almost anyone!! It is truly amazing!! Type in a name, a school, so many ways, and you can find your long lost pal! I love it.
I have this picture of Kristopher, Julie's son, and he was barely walking. It was taken on one of the college lawns, the Fall Julie and I went to Seattle Pacific University. Kristopher had on a pair of sunglasses and was soooo cute! Everyone loved having the little guy around. I remember that time like it was yesterday and tonight I learned that Kristopher is now a US Marine serving in Europe. Wow!
It has been a nice couple of weeks. We left Da Cabin and headed for The Disbrows 2 weeks ago and have had a wonderful time. Yesterday, we drove to see our other dear friends in Nevada for a birthday party. It was nice to visit and hang out with Andy and Renee and their boys. The little guys get cuter and cuter! Devon turns 15 tomorrow and his parents had a party for him to celebrate this time in his life....a time of entering manhood and learning what it is to be a Godly man in this crazy world. They had several men stand up and offer words or wisdom to Devon. It isn't a common way to celebrate a 15 year old's birthday, but one that more people might want to consider. Very touching and uplifting!
We came back to Michael and Shirley's today and it felt so good to be home. God has blessed us in so many ways. We have friendships that are more valuable than gold and silver!! This week, we start hunting again for houses or a place to park Da Cabin. Maybe we will just bring the box to a park in the area as we look for our new home. Hard to know what to do. There are so many sweet friends at The Cove, it will be sad to leave them when the time comes. Something will come up and God will direct us as He usuallly does. All is good!! Take care and find time to laugh until you cry! It is medicinal to laugh, you know.
July 3rd is coming...Kent and I will have been married for 15 years on that day! Amazing how time just marches on. I like to think back on how crazy times were when we were first together. It was not easy adjusting to marriage, especially, because we were older and set in our ways. Can any of you relate? But, God has really blessed us and has helped us in our walk together. It all works out, but it takes work. We are trying to decide on something to do to celebrate...what a boring couple! Probably, we will have dinner and go home. Not much imagination, I am afraid!!!!!!
We are at The Disbrows again...it is our home away from home and we are happy to be back. I am not sure for how long, but we are thankful to be here again. May you all be blessed and have a fabulous day!!
Well, it is offical, Ron Paul has ended his campaigning for the presidency. I knew he wouldn't win, but I sure hoped all of this time that he could somehow make it. I had faith. Now, who will I support? I do not trust the 2 candidates representing the major parties. I cannot in good faith vote for them. I have always been a rebublican, I was born into the party, as my grama used to say. But, the GOP just ain't what it used to be anymore. It is a strange year for politics. It is a strange time for a lot of things! Like, the gas prices, grocery prices, disasters around the world....times are tough aren't they!! Well, the Bible tells us that things will change, that is for sure, and there is something big afoot, I believe!!
Today, we did something I never thought I would do. Never dreamed of it!! Are you curious?? Bryan and I were invited to go to the Bodies Revealed exhibit, by our sweet neighbor Elaine. Have you neard of it? Oh my...it was a strange, yet facinating, thing to see! Real bodies, preserved in a way that allows one to see their insides, all of the glory of God's creation! We saw muscles, ligaments, nerves, organs, bones, all of it! Truly amazing!! How can anyone look at the body and believe that it came from some pond ooze...or that it just...happened...POOF! There is no way! None!!! It is so obvious that there is an intelligent Grand Designer, our Creator and God, that knit each body, each living thing together with love and care. It was facinating to move through the exhibit, each of us in awe! Well, that was a good way to end the 7th grade! A huge science lesson in anatomy! I have to share something, a little embarrassing, but, well....here goes. We were standing there, looking at the skeletons and talking about it all. There was one hanging, you know, like you see in the Dr's office? Well, I looked around to see if there was a sign and I never saw one, nothing saying 'DO NOT TOUCH'. So, me being me, I took the skeletal hand in mine and introduced myself. Of course, Bryan did it too! It was then that Elaine whispered," It says DO NOT TOUCH!" We let go quickly and I had to stop the arm from swinging!! Sure enough, right below the, er, gentleman's foot, was a clearly displayed sign with the instruction I missed. I felt to stupid! No harm was done, thankfully...can you imagine if....I do not want to go there! We moved on with no longer existant ancestral tails between our legs!! Isn't science grand!
I hope you are having a good week, wherever you are. Take care and take the time to enjoy God's splendor! He is so amazing and so generous to us all!
It was a beautiful day yesterday. We had a picnic/potluck for a few of us here at The Cove. It was nice to hear laughter and funny stories as we fellowshipped on the lawn. Good food and good friends always make for good times. We were wondering what took us so long to have a get-together!
Our search still continues for a house. When did I first mention we were planning to move?? It seems like forever ago! We have looked at many places, some wonderful and some not so nice, but nothing has gone our way. We are not unhappy where we are, this is the best neighborhood we have ever, ever lived in! I am constantly amazed at how blessed we are to have so many good people around us. But our goal has been to be closer to our dear friends, The Disbrows, and also be a little closer to Kent's work. Our two families have been through a lot together and we sure miss them. So, we continue to look. I have been waiting for 3 or so weeks now on a house in the mountains...so cute!...but there has been no word. I have called and the owner assured me he would call as soon as his decision was made. Well.....I think it is time to move on since that call has not come. We found another hopeful today. Pray for us, if you will. We just want to have a home with more room to spread out. Just today, I have whacked my knee 3 times, due to the lack of space around me. I am not whining, well, maybe I am a alittle, but...a gal just wants to have a house!! Hopefully, all will come together before long.
I guess that is all I have for today. Take care, enjoy your coffee and enjoy the view, wherever you are!
Happy Birthday to sweet Katey Grace! If there is one 13 year old girl that has it going on it is Katey! She and I love to sneak downstairs, late at night, and grab a spoonfull of peanut butter!! It is a grand celebration for the tastebuds and so sweet to share that with Katey.
OOOPS
I don't think I was supposed to share that! Oh well!
Katey, we love you and miss you and wish so much that we were there to celebrate you!!!! We will have to make up for it when we get back to town, back home.
What a beautiful day!! I love it when it isn't too hot and a nice breeze blows through. Bryan and I sat outside with Patti and Cyndi, chatting and sharing stories. Good stuff. It is so good to sit and relish moments like that. After all of the drama we have had around here lately, it was nice to have the calm.
My laptop arrived too! I sent it in to HP 2 weeks ago to be fixed. For someone who spends a lot of time on her laptop, it was driving me crazy to be without it. So, when it arrived, I was happy!! Yahoo!! The joy was short lived...one problem was fixed but the main issue had not been resolved. They did not address it at all! So, after another hour and a half with a technician, they said to send it in again. Aaargh! A frustration to be sure, but, I am thankful for warranties!
I just talked to Kent, my truck drivin', pedal to the metal, man. He had a scare today. If you live near Sacramento, you know about the freeway closures. It is not fun to navigate, I hear, and if you are in a big rig, you do not want to miss your detour exit.....I repeat...you DO NOT want to miss it! Well, Kent missed it. He said the sun was glaring in his eyes and he missed the sign for the exit. As he drove by it, he realized, "OH OH!" He took another exit, praying it was a street he could get through without too much problem, and was ready to call the police to help him get back on the right detour for trucks. Well, all went well, and after a few extra heavy heartbeats, he managed to get back on track. Ain't road construction grand!!!
I am praying for my dear friend, Shirley. She is having a rough time right now and she could use prayer. If you think of it, pray for her and her family as they go through these times. It will all come out okay, but trials are trials! I am also praying that we hear soon on the house. Still, no word and I am thinking it is not a good sign. We shall see.
Be well, and as my mom likes to say, "May your days be filled with green lights and blue skies!"
How many times have you, as homeschooling families, had to deal with naysayers...those that cannot stand the fact you school at home and are surely ruining the next generation? It really amazes me, how some can believe that children would do so much better in a public school. I have friends that always refer to public schools as Government Training Grounds. I may giggle at that description, but I wouldn't go THAT far...or would I??
Well, we have had to deal with such people, but that is the price for being different. Those that swim against the flow have to expect a bit of flack every now and again. Our latest trial is with a neighbor. One who lives here at The Cove, but is not a part of The Cove, if you know what I mean. He has expressed his views to us, a few times, about how much damage we are doing to our son by not letting him go to a local school, where he can be bullied and maybe, beaten up, so the boy will know how to deal with life. Isn't that an interesting way to look at life. Well, I suppose without God, that is how life can seem. Survival of the fittest and all of that stuff.
We are thankful for our choices and the life we live. God takes care of us and He has blessed Bryan with knowledge and understanding. Bryan has a thirst for God that is refreshing and wonderful! I love watching him grow and learn. And as for his social skills....he does very well, with all people, of all ages. Bryan treats people with repect and honor. Isn't that a part of what citizenship is? Aren't we supposed to teach our children to be respectful and kind, helping others and living a life free from mischief! To be a grounded person, one does not need to have to be bullied and bloodied. I know, I know...let it go...it's just that my feathers get ruffled when I have to listen to some.
One thing I have learned in my life thus far is that when the attacks come from those around you, it is a good indication that you are doing things right and living a life closer to God. At least, that is what I have noticed. So, maybe, the evil one is trying to stir up trouble to get us all fired up and full of bad ju ju! I ain't going to happen! We are praising God all the more! School is still in session in our house and we are thankful for it!
Well, how do you like my revamped blog?? I spent the day working on it and, if I do say so myself, it looks pretty snazzy. I have a few more things to update, but, other than that, this is it!!
Whew! Changing templates take a lot of work! I am still no expert with html code, but I managed to figure things out.
We went to see Prince Caspian the other day..it was so good! We loved it! It is wonderful that they are making the Narnia movies. I know that they are not as true to the story as they could be, but overall, they have done a good job. Seeing the movie and then talking to Bryan about the storyline has made me remember the Further Up and Further In curriculum. I have wanted to use it, but put it off. I think we will plan on doing the Narnia study next year. It seems like fun. Have any of you used it? What did you think? Saxon is our choice for math, and we buy the DIVE CD's, which have been a blessing for me! I am a math illiterate and need all the help I can get in teaching it. That is far as I have gotten in my choices for 8th grade. Any suggestions?? I am always open to advice and suggestions.
Today has been a nice day. The sun was warm and plentiful, the grass is mowed and so green, (thank you Frank!) and it was good to chat and watch Darth zip and zoom all over the place. He thinks he is a big dog. All 4 pounds of him tried to attack a very large black Lab this afternoon! Thank goodness the Lab did not see Darth as "lunch". It is nice here at The Cove!
Bryan had show and Tell today too. He had fun showing his knife and sword collection. Everyone was duly impressed.
Darth Pood got a haircut! Anyone who has seen the pooch lately can attest to the fact that the boy was getting mangy! So, now Darth is looking spiffy with his new doo..including a moustache.
Isn't he adorable!! Just so smucious and sweeter than pie! Yoshi, don't be jealous! It is not becomming of a prince to show such emotion!!
May is flying by us, isn't it! Bryan is busy trying to finish up his subjects, anxious to end the 7th grade. I find that funny. We have never put much stock in the whole grade system, leaving that for the public schoolers. But, kids need to have the label, their "place" in life, I guess. So, my 7th grader is anxious to be called an 8th grader and I am just thankful my son loves learning. Books are great, but today, was another one of those days that makes my heart swell with love and gratefullness for my son. He told me that he felt God's joy today, so overwhelming it sent him to his knees. My son has more going for him than any book or field trip can offer! I am so thankful. God is good!
We also had a visit to the vet today. Darth was miserable and shaking his head in a frenzy. I suspected something in his ear and asked for help from our dear neighbors. We could not find the offending matter and I had to take The Pood to the vet...to the emergency hospital, that is. We had to go, but why...WHY did this happen on a Sunday afternoon? After hours? -sigh- The doctor found a foxtail that had wedged itself into my baby's eardrum. No wonder he was in such pain! They said they had many dogs today with that very problem. Rotten stickers! Darth was cooperative and he allowed the doctor to remove the pokey thing and have medicine rubbed into his ears. The bill was hefty, and I stood at the desk wondering how I could pay it today. I would have to dip into our house fund (a savings we have to move us into the house we are planning to find). I prayed for God's help and wished I could be billed. That would be the best thing for me. A few minutes later, a woman came out from the back and said the computer was down and they would have to bill us. I laughed out loud and she must have thought I was a nut!! I told her that was just fine with me and we left. Praise God! He worked it out for us in a big way.
So, today, was a great day at Da Cabin. It may be sweltering hot and it is tough to stay cool here at the park, but, the refreshing and loving Spirit of The Lord touches us and lifts our spirits high! We have been loving life and I am always amazed at how things work out. We are blessed daily. Enjoy your week...remember to thank God for His grace and love!!
Happy Mother's Day to you all! Isn't wonderful to be honored! I love it. There is nothing better than being honored by your child(ren) and husband. I love thinking back on previous Mother's Days, remembering the breakfasts and time with my family. I remember when Bryan used to sit near me and watch every mouthful of the breakfast he helped Daddy make. This morning, Bryan made me the most delicious skillet. It was FABULOUS! and the coffee....mmmmmm....I wish we could have that meal again....right now! Kent was able to stay home most of the day before leaving for work and that was nice. It was a good day and one that will linger in my pleasant thoughts for quite awhile.
It was sweet talking with my mom and grama this morning too. Both are so important to me and I cherish them so much. I am the mother I am, because of my mom and grama. Thank you both!!
For all of you that are mothers, whether with children at home or raised and on their way, or even for those of you who just found out you are carrying a new little one in the safety of your belly, enjoy! Relish every moment with your precious one(s). What a wonderful job God has given us!
Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. -Isaiah 40:31
It was so hot today, but now all is calm and cool and pleasant. It helps that I can chat with my dear friend, Patti. If you think of it, pray for Patti, as she took a fall today and hurt her hip! Technology....I said it before, how facinating it all is. We can sit here and chat and feel like we are together...I love instant chatting!
Today is a good day to ponder what we will do for school this next year. I have been thinking of that for a while, but, for some reason, today is the day for decisions! We use Saxon Math and we love it. I know, many have a love/hate...some just hate relationship with Saxon, but it has suited us well. Bryan finished 76 and I planned on buying 87 for this year. But, I am changing my mind. There are many people that skipped 87 and went to Algebra 1/2, saying that students who have gone through the other books and do well could handle it. Interesting! Is there anyone out there in Blog World that has done this?? How did it work for you? Hubby and I are thinking we will be rebels and skip!! We will work a lot on History and Science this year. I have said it before, we are not strong in those areas. Eighth grade!!!! So many subjects to cover!! We are planning to use Further Up and Further In this year for the fun of it and I have heard good things about it. More Narnia is always a good thing!! Does anyone have ideas about History?? Ever heard of "The Mystery of History"? We also like to use Christian Liberty Press. My list is growing.
He had a scare today. If you live near Sacramento, you know about the freeway closures. It is not fun to navigate, I hear, and if you are in a big rig, you do not want to miss your detour exit.....I repeat...you DO NOT want to miss it! Well, Kent missed it. He said the sun was glaring in his eyes and he missed the sign for the exit. As he drove by it, he realized, "OH OH!" He took another exit, praying it was a street he could get through without too much problem, and was ready to call the police to help him get back on the right detour for trucks. Well, all went well, and after a few extra heavy heartbeats, he managed to get back on track. Ain't road construction grand!!!
Isn't he adorable!! Just so smucious and sweeter than pie! Yoshi, don't be jealous! It is not becomming of a prince to show such emotion!!
