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God is GREAT! Right now we are going through a bit of 'tough times' financially and it's been really hard.......but GOD is GREAT! I have been worrying a lot about school -- like I always do, I mean honestly who doesn't.

Guess what? God is GREAT! Yes HE Is!

I have everything I need in my school cabinet  to homeschool Luke!! Now don't get me wrong, it's not that I found stuff, books, that will "work"  -- I have everything I wanted to school Luke!

I know!! It's a bit crazy! But it's True!

The past few days I have been writing down my list of books for Luke and I've been praying - oh I've been praying. I mean it's tight right now for us.......tight. Tighter then it's been in years. I don't want to 'make due' if you know what I mean - I want to school with the books I feel are right, for each of my children. I have my list and I want it * not out of greed but out of the heart of a Mother. Out of MY HEART for my child/children.

Well today I went out to our school cabinet to get, The Well Trained Mind,  and I saw on the top shelf tucked back to the left side, The Story of the World (and wkshts). I sat down. I felt quiet.  I started going through all the books (boy oh boy have we collected quite a few school books over the years) and * I kid you not * I have everything! Yep! Everything!

I'm so Thankful I never got rid of books that didn't work out for Isaiah and Sis. I always said to myself, well maybe it will work for one of our younger Blessings. Honestly I hoped that,  but Really it just made me feel better since I spent the money and we all know that once you buy (most school books) there yours to keep!

I mean I just know God was looking down on me saying, don't be troubled - for I Am here. Ask and I will provide. Come to Me - Give Me your burdens -- stop worrying.

I'm so thankful for Him.

Thank You Lord God, Father,  * for YOU are Great.

Blessings,
EMichelle

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I'm so SO excited for Luke this year! I just feel G*R*E*A*T! about his year! I know that he's going to have a super-fun year.....I can just feel it!

Here's an outline for Luke, WOW he's going to be in 2nd grade!!

Bible: AWANA * Everyday Scripture Writing

Math: Saxon 2 (1/2 way through :)

Science: Hands On Science * Jr. Scientist

History: Story of the World

Geography: Trail Guide to US Geography

Grammar: First Language Lessons * 2nd Grade (I'm so excited that there's one for 3rd grade now!!)

Spelling: Spelling Workout B (just finishing up and then on to C :)

Reading: I can not keep up with him! He reads all the time! This 'school year' I'm going to have him keep a running list of books he's read :)

Co-op: Learning Spanish and Puzzled (a class to work on critical thinking skills in varies subjects)

Luke will be taking Taekwondo classes this school year and hopefully swim classes too :) He'll be in AWANA and I believe we will all be attending 5 different plays!

Isn't 2nd Grade Lots of FUN!!!

Blessings,
EMichelle

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Well - I'm changin' a little again. I do this often but isn't that what summer's for :-)  I feel real good about the changes ~ I guess you can say or I can say, I feel a real peace about it.

To be completely honest -- I've been a bit stressed about 7th grade -- there I said it. I keep worrying and wondering and worrying and wondering and then today I decided to just stop and pray. And that's what I did - in my heart I told God that I have no idea what to do or where to go -- I was even questioning being an eclectic homeschooler -- and there were a few times I questioned homeschooling Isaiah at all?? Am I up to schooling Isaiah in 7th grade and all of our other Blessings? God showed me I am up to it and I am very VERY Thankful.  For this is what I truly want.  and He gently reminded me to go open my dusty 'The Well Trained Mind' book and I did. I spent the afternoon reading and highlighting and rereading and highlighting more in it -- and now I have to say I feel more confident then ever :)

Praise the Lord!

((and Jessie & Susan Wise Bauer wink!wink!)

I know that I can not homeschool without my Lord -- why I thought I could plan without Him I'm not quite sure.........

Still prayin' about what Bible Study to do -- my heart is for BSF but we'll see.

I have Isaiah's Curric. picked out -- not all bought but we're working on that.

For the first time I'm not sure what we'll be using for Bible Study for Isaiah. That's a Huge Prayer right now. I know that we'll find something just not sure what..........we've always used the awana books as a starting point for studying and memorizing Scripture * which in turn got him sudying and learning from the Bible. But now that that chapter in his life is complete we are moving on to new ground.

Bible... BSF? Everyday Scripture Writing

Math: Saxon Algebra 1/2

Spelling: Spelling Workout G (he's almost done with) then he'll move into H

Grammar: Abeka Grammar Comp. I

Writing: Writing Strands 3

Science: Apologia General Science *Co-op

History: Abeka 7th Grade

Foreign Language:  Power Glide Spanish

Reading -- the list is forever growing! He reads a min. of an hour a day

Co-op = Apologia General Science & American Wars

Isaiah will complete 2 reports this year: 1 will be on an animal and 1 will be on a country

Typing is on the agenda as well :)

He'll be teaching hands on science to his 2 younger brothers this year :) that'll be fun & messy!!!!! He's going to continue taking Taekwondo and teaching it and he'll be an AWANA leader this year.

So there it is ~ he'll start '7th Grade' Sept. 29th!

Blessings,
EMichelle

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Oh My Jellybeans!!

I can not believe my husband did this!!! For the first time (goin' on 13 years!) he put together a date!!!! I'm so SO excited!!

We haven't been on a date since......right before I had our last little guy. So that was about 14 months ago!

We are true-blue Football Fans and we've never been to a game * that is until now! We are going to the pre-season game Seahawks and Bears! I get to see the Bears!!!! This Saturday!!!!! I can't believe it!

He set up everything even a sitter!

To end this I'm going to sign-off with something funny but true!

Yeah for Me!!! (wink!)

EMichelle

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Well I went in for my check-up with my hands and I'm going to be seeing a hand specialist/surgeon.........yikes! The only thing that really helped was when I took a six day steriod pack, it reduced the swelling in my left hand and it reduced some of the swelling in my right. The braces I wear help a little but not as much as the neurologist would've liked to have seen. 

Just becuase I'm seeing a 'specialist/surgeon' doesn't mean that I will be getting surgery but it does mean that I might need a steriod shot right into my wrist. That doesn't sound pleasant. The less I use my hands the better and that's just impossible. They still hurt when I drive and to be on the computer takes a lot out of them. It's not fun -- but it is what it is and it really is minor compaired to some of my other friend's health issues.

When I went to lay my Noah down for bed, we said our prayers together and then he grabbed my arms and kissed them. He said, "I'm sorry Moma your hands hurt. I love them."

Thank You for all your prayers,

Blessings,
EMichelle

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Here are pics of our day at the Air Show * it was the first time McChord hosted it in 3 years!

Daddy & Luke in front of a A-10 Warthog

I love this pic -- Daddy sharing his knowledge with his boys.

Look at those muscles....I mean missiles (wink!)

Old School Plane ~ Isaiah liked the gunner 'cage' up top

This was a great moment in our day ~ when asked if he was a

pilot this wizo said, no pilots row the boat * I shoot the ducks. We

all thought that that was very clever.

Hi Pretty Girl!

B2 Stealth Bomber

Very few people see this plane -- my husband was looking

forward to this all day!

The Army was there too -- Smile Kiddos

Hi Boys!

Luke loves helicopters!!

What a cutie!!!! The Thunderbirds didn't even phase him

This plane was so top secret that they wouldn't even tell us

how many people worked in it  or what it did for that matter.

This was as close to it one could get.

This is a C-5 Galaxy -- it's the biggest plane in the Air Force.

A full size semi-truck can be transported inside the plane.

Now that's BIG!

Here's the E3-B Century -- we were a little disappointed that we

missed the tour times for it -- still cool to look at :)

Here's Sis ~ waitin' for the start of the Thunderbird Show 

Ohhhh look Daddy it's a...........

C-17!!!

Hope you enjoyed all the pics! It was a super-fun family day!!

Blessings,

EMichelle

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How cute is he! Noah has been waiting and waiting to be 4 so he can take Taekwondo like his older brothers!! And the day finally arrived. One day after he turned 4 he went to his first class! He was so excited all day! He kept asking, "now can I put on my uniform!?!" He was so proud of himself when he put it on!

When we got to class all of his excitement quickly changed and he froze * Stiff * at the door.  I couldn't believe it - he was suddenly so nervous. After a few words of encouragement from his big brother Isaiah (who helps teach in the class) he walked in very s-l-o-w-l-y, squeezing my hand with all of his strength. I held out 'our' hands to Isaiah and he quickly transfered his tight, little, grip. He shyly walked up to his 'spot' in line and looked around.

I stood there quietly watching him, and I know he's only 4, but I went down memory lane. I was thinking about his 4 wonderful years. On the outside I was smiling from ear to ear, every time he'd look back my way. On the inside I was wiping away my tears * thinking about how big he's getting, thinking about how fast time really does go by.

After he did all his warm-ups he turned and said, and I quote, "can you go sit out on the blue bench?" On the outside I gave him two thumbs up and smiled excitedly as I exited the room to go watch with the other parents through the glass window. On the inside, I was wiping away tears that my little guy, in his own way, told me basically * Mom - I'm good. You can go now.

I do have to say, with a huge smile, that every time he did something - a kick, a block, a punch - he excitedly looked at me and waved!! AND when class was over he ran out of the room and jumped into my arms and as I was saying, "I'm so proud of you! You did so good!!" he was rubbing my cheek saying, "did you see me Mama ?!? I did real good!!" On the outside I was grinning ear to ear ** on the inside I was wiping away tears of love and joy!

Blessings,
EMichelle

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On a side note: As you can see I've changed my template -- again. I started out with the sunflower and I loved it but when I loaded my pic it went kooky and I still can't get it to load right. So I loaded the silly coffee * I thought it was funny but everytime I clicked 'view blog' it just didn't feel like me, I'm really not that bright of a person, I'm more mellow -- the colors in my house are all earth tones. Then I loaded the crayons and I don't know if it's just my mood today or what but when I saw it this morning I just knew I neededo change it. So I've spent some time going over all the different templates and I kept coming back to this one. It reminds me of my early childhood. It also speaks volumes to my heart -- I would absolutely love to wake up every morning to this outside my kitchen window. I've always dreamed (and still do) of having a beautiful, old farmhouse, with a cow, chickens, and pigs.....just the thought makes me smile.

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I AM THANKFUL FOR..................................

MY BEAUTIFUL, TALENTED, SWEET*LOVING
DAUGHTER. SHE MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET BOY * NOAH!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Isn't he just the sweetest boy!

I can hardly believe Noah turned 4, yesterday!!!!

He is truly a light of love in my life ~ in all of our lives!

He's our only little one born on base, without Daddy ** but with

that said, when Daddy came home exactly a week later Noah was

in his arms and to this day Daddy and him are quite the pair!!!!

He had a fun little party * all decorated in dinosaurs! He just loves

dinosaurs!!!

His big gift was his very own razor scooter * he loves to

go superman fast!!!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy of Mine ~ I

love you. I love you. I love you.

Blessings,
Mama

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I got high-fives from my kiddos!!!

Besides adding links ~ I have not been able to figure out how to personalize my blog. That is until now!!!! I put in a bookshelf and I have to say I like it.

Blessings,
EMichelle

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Praise! I have our School Days counted for next year. 180 Days. Monday, Sept. 29th to Friday, July 3rd. I do look at the 180 like a regular school 180 -- if that makes sense. What I mean is if we have a sick day or a dental appt. I don't  add on any days * just like if they were in the school system and they missed a day due to a cold or appt. their teacher there wouldn't have them stay in school until July 4th etc. etc. They would be done at the same time everyone else would be done. So that's what I do -- count out the days and feel good that I'm following the law.

Out here in the beautiful Pacific NW we are required to have 180 school days. Now don't get me wrong, no one comes knocking on my door to check, but it is in the law. So every year I sit down and start counting. This year was no different except one thing I really REALLY felt (feel) it is important that our oldest son, who is in 7th grade, be done with his math curric. by SAT Testing and he will be! Now that's a PRAISE!!!! I was thinking at first that he would need to start his math in Sept. but that isn't so!! Yeah! I got a big hug from him when I told him :-) love the hug - I love the kid!!!

Out here in the beautiful Pacific NW when our children reach the age of 8 or complete the 2nd grade, whichever comes first, we are required to have them tested yearly. The test results come straight to us and no one else. It's really an "honor system" because once again no one comes knocking on my door asking me if I have tested. I actually like having my children tested  * it shows me where they are compared to other kids in their grade/age. It really just gives me a peace about their education. I don't stress about it, I just tell them to do their best.

Out here in the beautiful Pacific NW Sept is a gorgeous warm month! and the sun never really shines until July! I love Homeschooling.

So ~ that's accomplished and that feels great!

Blessings,
EMichelle

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Elijah looked right at me this morning and said, "Mama" and then he smiled and laid his head on me!!!! I've waited for a year (wink! he just turned 1) to hear him say Mama and now my heart is over-flowing with happiness!!

The last time I saw my Father it was the day before he passed away and it was the first time I had seen him in almost 20 years. I saw him in a hospital room with about 6 other family members, it was a surreal time. When everyone left the room and it was just me and him I reached out and held his hand. His hands were just as I remembered,  they were strong, hard working. He was a true 'blue-collar' man. I always respected him for his hard working ways. Every negative and confused feeling I had quickly vanished. My heart was filled with compassion, love and forgiveness. All the questions I was going to ask him vanished.

As we tried to visit, he could barely say two wds without gasping for air and I could tell that his attention span was almost gone, I told him that I think about him everyday. He looked at me with a look of, yeah right. And so I said  I really do Dad. Everyday I sing a song you sung to me when I was a little girl to one of my children. I hold it dear to my heart just like I hold you dear to my heart. His eyes filled with tears and he looked away. I laid my head on his shoulder, held his hand and sang the song he use to sing to me. I knew then that I would never see him again on this earth * but I pray deeply and believe with my whole heart that I will see him again in Heaven.

You have to know that my Dad was a man's man - if that makes any sense. He was 6'2 and probably 250-300lbs. He worked hard his whole life. He fought for me through a nasty divorce and he was awarded custody of me at 2 years old. So here was this big guy, raising a little girl by himself. And until he remarried, when I was 8, I vividly remember him singing this song to me.

He used the word Papa where I use the word Mama. And since I have 1 girl and 4 boys I do change that when singing to my boys. When I sang it to him I used the word Papa.

The song goes like this:

I once had a doll that was all dressed in white. I called her my baby and I held her tight. Her eyes were so blue and her cheeks were so red. And I loved it most of all each time that she said, Papa....Hmmmm, Papa......Hmmmmm. One little word she knew. Papa.....Hmmm, Papa.....Hmmm. To me it meant, I Love You.

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If this song is familiar to you please don't tell me for in my heart it is a song that only my daddy sang to me. Thank You.

Blessings,

EMichelle

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This morning I went on a wonderful, soul cleansing walk. The sky is crystal blue now and the sun is shining bright. My walk was so refreshing. I thought to myself, This is the day the Lord has made, how can one not rejoice and be glad in it!?!

Blessings,

EMichelle

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Noah held his breath underwater today!!!! Way to go Bubbs!

He actually left swimming class saying that he loved it!

We call him Bubbs * when he was real small we would call him Bubbas ( yes with an s :)  When I say 'we' I am talking about me and Sis. Daddy and Brothers call him.....Noah. (smile!)

This is HUGE! I'm talkin' MONUMENTAL! It's time to CELEBRATE!

Noah will be 4 next week and for the past 4 years bath time has been a struggle. We've tried everything, everything! He's not 'afraid' of the water he's just screamin' mad when it gets on his face * yeah even a drop. You read right, a drop. Believe me we've tried everything and we've said everything, time and time again.

We did Parent & Me classes in the pool when he was just a babe -- fun for the 1st class and then not so fun. So we stoppped going - I felt so bad for all the other lil' wanna be swimmers.

When he turned 3 we enrolled him in 'big boy' classes, um yeah he screamed, crazy scream! He wouldn't even dip his toes in the pool. But we stuck it out for the session.

We've always, even at 3, taught our kids that if they start something they need to finish it unless it's harmful to their physical, emotional or spiritual growth.  And after the 2 times a week for 4 weeks was over I was feelin' like all 3 of those were harmed for me (wink!!)

Noah & I were exhausted. So we waited until he was 3 1/2.....yeah no luck then either. Not sure why I thought 6 months would make a "huge" difference. I assumed that when he was 5 we would try again :) Honestly that's what I thought.

But I decided to just ask him * and to throw in that Sis would be taking her swim class at the same time! Surprisingly, he said yes! He watched the clock all day today! I admit I was not looking forward to it -- at all. I thought more then once, 'E!?! what are you thinking?!?" Isn't that selfish of me? Well it is. And what I have to say about that is.......it is what it is or  was, or however you say that and it's truth. I was dreading it -- he can really scream.

But fears aside * courage put to the test -- for both of us (wink!!) -- he proudly walked off with his new swim teacher! I watched waiting for him to stop walking and start crying but to my EXCITED surprise! He went out on deck! Then I held my breath, knowing that he was next in line to take a little shower. Phew! No fussin'!!!! Oh my goodness!!! He's doing great!

I watched my little guy, go in the pool with a HUGE smile! He was having so much fun!!!! I couldn't believe it! He was a splashin' and kickin'! All with a smile! And then the best part came -- his teacher brought the class to the toddler pool to play for the last 5 minutes of class and I watched our not so little anymore Noah hold his breath and go under the water! At first I gasped (I really did gasp!) not allowing myself to accept the fact that he meant to do it -- but then he did it again and again and then I saw him get his teacher's attention and say, 'watch me!' and he did it one more time.

I admit I got a little teary eyed. I know it sounds weird, after all the struggle.  Sometimes when your kiddos "grow-up" a little, grow up as in getting their face wet without causing the biggest scene ever seen at the local y!  it's a surprising hit of reality -- they do grow up!  It was simple for us * please get your face wet. Please learn how to hold your breath underwater! Introduce those chubby toes to pool water!!!!! And yet when Noah did today I felt a little sad twang in my heart -- because this was just a little more proof that he is growing up.  Hmmmmmm.....4 next week.

I don't want my kids to be Olympic Gold Medalists in swimming, if they don't want to be. I do however want my kids to be able to swim to the edge of a pool or dock if they were ever to be pushed in or loose their balance and fall in. That's all I want. I don't want them to be afraid of water, I do want them to respect water,  but not be 'afraid' of it. 

When Noah was all done I couldn't wait to see him and tell him how proud I was/am of him!!!!

"Did you see me??" he said, all wrapped cute in his froggy towel. "I held my breath!!!!"

" I did!"  I exclaimed as I swooped him up in my arms to give him a big hug!! "I'm so proud of You Son! You were so brave!"

"Yeah," he said, "I'm not a baby like Elijah anymore. I'm big like Luke and Isaiah!"

And now the never - ending drama has ended.

              WAY TO GO BIG KID!  

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I haven't had a GOTCHA! moment with my husband in a l-o-n-g time but I did last night!! (wink!)

Our Pastor is teaching on Love & Respect right now -- last week we didn't make it to church but we did this week!

Last week the topic was Men 101 and he said that he used the acc. CHAIR.

This week the topic was on Women 101 and he used the acc. COUPLE.  It was a real good sermon filled with laughter, playful nudging, soft almost silent sighs, nodding, and lots of hand*holding.

COUPLE stands for (remember this is Women 101:) C = closeness O = openness U = understanding  P = peacemaker  L = loyalty E = esteem

So later that day my husband was out working in the garage * he'd been out there quite sometime, and when I would pop in to say hi I was starting to notice that his stress level was increasing with his truck. He's so close to getting it to run * I'm so proud of him, bless his heart.

Well back to his stress level * so I thought to myself how can I make him laugh, even if for just a moment? How can I help distract him and show him I love him? This is how {{smile}}

"Hi Sweetie! How's it going?" I said as I started sitting down on the steps into the garage.

"Not so good. I've been working on this for hours and it's just not budging. This is so frusterating." He said, not really looking my way, still working.

"Well I was thinking......well the kids are all playing and E's resting and.... I don't know just with the great sermon today........." oh my goodness I almost laughed here because I could see his mind starting to swirl! ".....I was wondering, well could we talk about us right now? I mean I'll just sit here while you work and we can just you know talk about our relationship, our marriage. Would that be ok?" Oh my jellybeans I about busted up laughing, but I didn't.

My sweet husband could barely look my way, I could read his mind --- are you kidding me? right now? she wants to talk about us right now?  what do I say? Why is she doing this right now? She never does this -- it must be because of the sermon today. How do I handle this and still say, 'not particularly right now' without sounding rude --- oh how I could read his mind.

And then he looked at me and as soon as our eyes met I just started laughing like crazy and he just stared. He looked so cute laying under his truck, filthy dirty. His face was one of wonder. And then his shoulders relaxed and he gave me the smile that I claim to be only mine and said, "You Got Me! You Really Got Me."

"Oh I just wanted to break the tension between you and your transmission. Did it work?"

"Yes, that was a good one."

While we were getting ready for bed I said, "Soooo I really got you today??"

And he said, "Yes you did! That was a good one."

"What were you thinking?" I asked.

"I was thinking, I wish we would've went to church last week and learned what CHAIR stood for," he said playfully.

I am so in love with you, Chris * You are truly my Best Friend.

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Wow ~ I can hardly believe it * Luke and Noah are both riding bikes!!!! I never thought I would see Luke ride a bike without training wheels......wink! Deep down I guess I did (way down). He just refused for so long - I eventually gave up asking. 

Then on Thursday, July 24th 2008 we had this brief discussion.

"Mom!?!"

"Yes, Son."

"I think I want to ride a bike today."

"Really? That's Great!"

"Sooooo how should I do it?"

"I think you should strap on your helmet, hop on the bike and go!"

"OK -- I'm going to do that."

And that's just what he did! I couldn't believe it and he couldn't either!

I was clapping and shouting, "You're Doing It! You're Doing It!"

He was shouting, "I'm Doing It! I'm Doing It! Are You Watching!?! I Can't Wait To Show Dad!!"

With All the excitement Noah came out to see what was going on and he said, "I want to ride a big bike too and so he hopped on the infamous hot wheel bike (with training wheels) and took off down the sidewalk.!  All our boys, so far, have learned on this bike -- hopefully Elijah will too! 

It's so great to have them all outside riding bikes together!

It's times like these when I am reminded how blessed I am to be able to be a stay-at-home mom! I get to see my children grow and learn! Conquer their fears!

Blessings,

EMichelle

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