Well, we are back from our 10 day mission trip to Nicaragua and have begun to settle into a routine!  WOW, I can't believe how long it took us to recuperate.  Well, that could have been because of the illnesses that took us by surprise once home....LOL!  Our dd came home with an upper respiratory thing and ear infection, but two of my dss and yours truly contracted a relentless GI bug...or was it from being in Central America...who knows.  We are all vertical at present though and THANKS be to God for that!

Our trip was really a blessing.  We spent Saturday and Sunday visiting and playing with the kids from the Orphanage on the property that houses us when there.  Each person/family was assigned a child for the day and ours was Benito.  His translator told him he was to stay with us, our "familia" and I think he mistook her to say we WERE his familia!  He connected with Paul in a big way.  What a cutey! 

Monday we had a medical clinic and VBS with the kids of one of the neighborhoods.  That was amazing.  5000 people lived in there and the school and community center were relatively small.  Tuesday was cattle vaccination day and more medical clinics.  I was so blessed to work with Paul that day.  He had called me into see one of the patients he had seen last time he was in Nicaragua.  It was an infertility patient, but it was the husband.  He had asked me to pray with him and it was such a blessing to me.  Paul, the husband, the translator and I all prayed for them.  It was very special.

Thursday was by far the hardest day.  We went to the dump and fed many people.  There is a pastor there who has a ministry to the people who live there and he knows who to feed.  Seeing all those families, waiting to see if they'd get fed that day was just heartbreaking.  We also handed out bags of groceries. 

All in all we put together hundreds of bags of food, made 1000 sandwiches, fed lots of children, had medical clinics, had pap smear clinics and had VBS for so many sweet and beautiful children. 

Since getting home, we have tried to reclaim the house, and the laundry!  Wouldn't you know in the midst of trying to get the "I have been in HOT, tropical climates, with no air conditioning, two inches from the equator " out of our clothes, my washer died.  Sheesh.....anyway, my Mom is thankfully letting me use hers until we replace it.  Hopefully tomorrow.  Does anyone have a front loading washer that they could offer recommendations for (or against)?

Also, I got a new horse this weekend.  She is a wonderful 14 yo Sorrel Tennessee Walking Horse.  She was trained for trail riding and is absolutely fabulous!  I need to come up with a name for her as her name is currently Lady and I don't care for it....it doesn't fit her...though she is very much the lady:)  We went on a trail ride today and she didn't miss a beat!  Even with coming upon sheep and a snake (I think) she did fantastic!  I am so proud of her and sooooo happy to have her:)

Any name suggestions????

I have been thinking a lot about things with the recent death of my dear Grandfather.  We have been very involved in helping my Grandmother take care of things that, while difficult, are necessary.   One of the bittersweet parts of all of this has been selling the tack from his sale barn.  It has been so much fun to sit and reminisce with his buddies as they would come to visit and just hang out.  This barn is sort of the cowboy equivilent of "Cheers".....when the doors are open, folks are coming in to talk, or shop...but mostly talk.  I know we have had no less than 605 cowboys in as we sorted through things to be kept and sold.  One precious friend, Mr. Sam even told my sister and me after one full day, "Call me tomorrow and I will come hang out with you again."  I love that.  I think Pawpaw would too.  His granddaughters at his barn wheeling and dealing....and remembering fun times.  You know what it boils down to in my mind?  People like connections.  I love the connection to the past, and things that have held us in good stead that my Pawpaw represented to me.  I like knowing that I can still talk to people who knew him and my father well.  I like hearing all the funny stories that they all shared together.  My children like that too.  Children in particular need connections to things of the past I think.  Things that remind them what is important.  In my sons' case, things that show them how to be men.  I like that there is no shortage of men, who were Pawpaw's friends to show them those things, and remind me of the great times with my Grandfather. 

Speaking of Pawpaw, we always had a tradition of planting tomatoes.  He always planted them for us (mostly because he didn't think women in his life should have to work too hard....he was such a provider and protector) in containers...This year, it was up to me.  I bought my plants today and have prepared my soil to his secret specifications.  Man, he could grow some good tomatoes.  I also planted purple petunias, yellow and purple million bells, yellow Osteospermum, purple nemesia and white impatiens.  It has been a great day here today, beautiful weather for planting. 

My children have discovered a new litter of kittens in the hayroom.  Just what we needed.  We have 11 without the newest ones!  Oh well, I haven't any snakes in my barn!  LOL!!!  They have tried to convince me all day that they are hungry because the Mama won't feed them.  They really want them in the house....and I really don't...LOL!! 

Peace to you~

Have you ever known anyone who seemed bigger than life?  I have.  This man was a father to me in many ways...but a grandfather by birth.  While I know we are all but dust, he seemed invincible somehow....the world seemed safer because he was in it... certainly brighter and much more fun.  He made life somehow easier for those he loved.  He made a person feel beautiful when the world might not, he made a man feel stronger and he encouraged others to be more than they were....without causing one to feel inadequate.  He was a cowboy of the truest kind.  Noble, hard working, a man of his word.  Integrity to spare. 

There was a glorious homecoming Friday morning at 7:15, when Pawpaw was called home.  We who love him on this earth grieve, all the while praising God for our time with him and for the precious legacy he left us.  My life is forever changed for the better by him....as are my husband's and children's lives.  Our God mercifully gave us days with Pawpaw to reminisce, laugh, hug, talk....just sit and hold his hand and look at him:).  He gave us the chance to hear a fantastic testimony by a man who knew God had spared him twice....once in WWll and presently.  By his own admission, he was a changed man, he was going to be a better man from now on!  (Which is fairly laughable because all who knew him would tell you he was the kindest, most honorable man...his word was his word)...but when you have seen the Lord and His glory....our righteousness is as filthy rags isn't it?  

 God's faithfulness, His great love and unending mercy are astounding.  He is so good, he is so big....so intimately involved in His children's lives.  I am reminded of the Psalm that says, "Who is man that You are mindful of him?"  And yet, He is. 

We had the great privilege of remembering Pawpaw's life on Saturday.  Many friends came, many sweet cowboys carried his casket for us, my BIL gave an amazing eulogy, and a pastor and dear friend of his gave a wonderful look into his life.  The military came to honor this soldier as we laid him to rest in a breathtaking service, speaking of his love for his country and the sacrifice he gave as one of the men who  landed on Normandy Beach on D-Day all those years ago. 

We have been so blessed.  I have never spent one day unsure of his love, never one moment not feeling cherished by him.  

My God astounds me, He has given me everything through His Son, and yet He knew I needed my Pawpaw and all the ways he could meet my needs and answer those important questions in a little girl's life that demand answers.  God's provision is abundant, and I am ever grateful.

Bigger than life?  Yes.  Pawpaw is now living out of enemy territory...he is living in our Reality, as Christians.  We here on this earth, are not living in reality,  this is but a  vapor of what is to come.  God is bigger than life (and thanks be to God, bigger than death!), and what He does in the lives of His children is bigger than life. 

My beloved Pawpaw--  Thank you for a lifetime of love and a legacy that is so much more than I deserve.

A real man, who really lived.  I love you with all my heart.

"My chains fell off, my heart was
free; I rose, went forth and
followed Thee...Amazing Love how
can it be that Thou, my God
shouldst die for me!"
Charles Wesley

Many of you know that our last three weeks have been unbelievably difficult.  My beloved Grandfather, who is like a Daddy to me, got very ill on April 21 in the wee hours of the morning.  He was airlifted from their small town to our larger hospital (where we are rated one of the top 100 in the nation...thank the Lord) where he was treated for a heart attack, pulmonary edema, and essentially cardiogenic shock.  He received, during his course of stay in CCU, a balloon pump, dialysis, a blood transfusion, a ventilator, being treated as a diabetic, and so many other things.  During all of this, the Lord was so gracious to show our family many things.  None of which, at present, I feel I can aptly put into words. 

As  a bit of history on Pawpaw (which might help you to understand why we love and appreciate him so:).......  He grew up in a self sufficient family- with a police man for a father.  His Dad was shot on the job and from the time he was a young boy, he worked to provide for his family.  At the tender age of 17, he was drafted into WWII and landed on Normandy Beach on D-Day.  He served his country for three years, being wounded and MIA for months at one time.  He has since been awarded the Purple Heart for that service (along with other medals of honor).  Since his war experience, which was very painful emotionally, he has never wanted to be away from home and had a fear of being somewhere and not being able to get back.  All of that is important because during his hospitalization, I (and I am sure others also)constantly prayed for his peace while he was not at home and that the Holy Spirit would minister to him in such a way that he felt that amazing presence of the Lord.   God gave us confirmation that He had indeed done that through Pawpaw's own testimony later on:)

One week ago, after prayers of so many, Pawpaw's condition (which had been given to us as a 95% mortality rate) began to change for the better.  His body was finally beginning to work again, and he is now off all of those life support machines and in a step down unit where we believe he will go home early next week.    I wrote this update to friends and family tonight and wanted to include it in this post for others to know where we are today.

I feel such a need to honor this special man in some way.  Those of you who know me are aware of the fact that my Father (Pawpaw's only son) died very young of alcoholism.  He was not always available to me as a Dad, but where I had needs, Pawpaw stepped in and filled them.  I have never  in my life doubted that by that man I was loved and cherished.  He answered questions left unanswered by my Father so beautifully that I have been able to go on to be fairly productive in this life and marry a wonderful man, who is very much like Pawpaw (even sharing the same initials)  Without his love and care I'd likely still be a little scared girl standing in a corner somewhere afraid of everything around her.  He taught me to be different. God intervened in my life through him (and others) and taught me to be different.  I am ever grateful.

Today is my Grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary.  Isn't that amazing?  He is a WW11 vet and she is a retired  Social worker for the state.  While they have had their share of trials, what a fine example they have been for my sister and me.  I am very grateful for that legacy.

It has been a whirwind week.  After starting off to visit my Grandparent's today, then turning around due to area flooding, I came home and took the children to lunch and a movie.  Then after coming home I helped a friend video tape her level one assessment for Parelli to send in to our instructor.  She used my Missouri Fox Trotter Diamond who is a trooper and so sweet.  She did great with him and I know they will do very well with their assessment.

Tomorrow I have a class all day with our local health food store's owner.  She is a friend of mine who is so very knowledgeable and I am looking forward to this class...there will be four classes, one each month and I am sure will be chock full of valuable information.  Then my friend, Phyllis and I are going to pick up a mare who may become part of our Equine family.  She is a Spotted Saddle horse and I can't wait to meet her.  I will try to post a picture later tomorrow.  She has been used for trails mostly, and is about 10 years old I think.  She is supposed to be solid as a rock and that would be great for our family:) I hope you have all had a great week!

Peace to you~

We have had so much fun with the horses and in this wonderful weather this week (and past weekend).  It was 75 today and we all got to ride and play with the horses for a long time.  In fact, I totally lost track of time and we played right up to dinner! 

We mainly rode my horse Diamond (the spotted Missouri Foxtrotter)

and Chelsea.

This is Diamond showing my friend, who is riding, how he can stand on the stump...he is such a character!

I rode my friend's Saddle Horse, Chelsea...and she is such a sweet girl, it was truly a carefree ride:)

David also rode all the horses and had such fun.  He is my horse lover as far as riding goes....and the baby will be too as she has named herself "Bronco".....(personally, I think that is prophetic!)

We had a great but busy week last week.  We started with a King Method seminar which was outstanding.  Then our ND was here and we had evaluations.  Our oldest made great progress and we are thrilled with it!  I am so encouraged because not only did we see that improvement on paper, but also in attitude and maturity:)

Peace to you~

Well, whether its a word or not, we did get a "wintry mix"!  And, boy was it fun:)  Our kids haven't seen a big enough snow (or wet enough) to actually make snowballs and have snowball fights so this was a big (and beautiful) treat:

Even Tilly the Wonderdog got into the action, only with the cat...LOL!

As pretty as the snow was so, it was also fairly slippery....and we did have to get out in it.  It was pretty trecherous there for a time too but we made it.  We had a small group dinner to attend and we were so glad we forged ahead through ice and snow because the fellowship with our friends was much needed:)

I also attended a King method seminar which our Neurodevelopmentalist taught.  As usual, it was so informative and I have signed up for one in the fall!  I really appreciate the results this method gets.  The testimonies are fantastic.

This week begins our ND week so we will be pretty busy, but good busy;)

Peace to you~

I know this won't sound terrible exciting to most, but I am so glad to be feeling better and one week post-op from the reversal, that I just had to journal what we did today.

First, I fed the horses!  It was a gorgeous day....upper 50's and sunny:)  The horses were all laying about in the sun's rays and soaking it up.  Its a good thing because the rest of the week is cold with major chances of  some *Wintry mix* (is Wintry really a word????).  They all seemed as grateful for the beautiful day as I was.

My Grandparents, Sister and her chidren, my sweet neices- came over today for lunch.  It was great to see them and I got to spend a few extra hours with my oldest neice.  I am her Godmother (not of the fairy variety darn....I'd like a magic wand from time to time....) and I loved spending time with her one on one.  We went to have an Ioncleanse, then a spent some time at Chick-fil-A talking...she is growing up and growing so in her relationship to her Lord.  I love seeing that!  Then we went to the local Christian radio station where she was interviewed about the importance of Christian concerts in the area.  What a beautiful young lady:)  

I also got my latest order of Essential oils and played around with making a bath gel.  That was soooo much fun.  It smelled awesome and was so silky! 

Peace to you~

I had the strangest thought today....those of you who know me, aren't alarmed by that bit of info I am sure....but here goes....

My kids got Webkinz for Christmas this year and have gone hog wild!  They love 'em.  They check on them daily, play with them, feed them, put them to bed at night.  Makes me tired just thinking about it.  But I overheard a conversation between my two oldest talking about their webkinz and whether their "hearts were full to 100%"  (which depends on, from my novice understanding of webkinz,  whether or not  they have had attention from you today, are they cared for, played with, etc).  As  the weight of that comment settled on me, I felt the need to go flat before the Lord.  My children, the four of them, are pretty full as a group in my estimation....I think they know they are provided for, loved, taught at home out of that love, and cared for in general...but they are four separate individuals.  They need to be loved and cared for individually, in their love language to perceive that love.  Are each of those precious "hearts full to 100%"? 

I think, like my sons, I need a friend who will ask me regularly if my children's hearts are full-as a reminder.  Do each of them, individually, know they are cherished and desperately wanted?  Do they feel special to me? They are insanely special to me and yes, desperately wanted and cherished, but do they perceive it?  Do I show them that I truly care what matters to them, be it ways of relating spiritually and daily on a more general basis, recognizing particulars of personalities, desires, sensitivities, wishes and dreams, and just simply things they prefer (like what pillow or stuffed animal they like to sleep with)?  I  am really convicted to be sure, absolutely sure, when my head hits the pillow each night, that I have spent some individual time making sure those matters are settled in their hearts.

Peace to you~

I need to add a small PS here;)  I know that God alone is the only One that can fill us to 100%....but generally speaking, we Mom's have a job before us to meet the needs of our children as best as possible....those things within our areas of influence are what I am speaking about today:)  May God richly bless our familes as we strive to know Him more and hopefully become more like His Beloved Son.

We have all heard a lot about this Proverbs 31 woman....in our Christian and homeschooling circles especially.  I don't know about you, but to me, she seems a tad elusive.  I must admit my inadequecies here and tell you that I read about her so much because I fail so miserably in being her.  But, you know what occurred to me as I read through those scriptures this time?  Yes, I should and do aspire to be a Proverbs 31 woman, but as a Mama my desire is four-fold regarding her.

For my precious Sons:

1.  I want them to desire a Proverbs 31 woman for their own wife.  How do I teach them to find those qualities attractive and desirable ,and

2.  How to become men who are attractive TO a Proverbs 31 woman.

My answer, I believe, lies certainly in prayer....but also in setting that as a godly and desirable example! Therein lies the rub, huh?

And for my sweet daughter....I so desire for her to also aspire to be Proverbs 31-like....and for her to attract a husband that vaues those qualities!

I have just never considered, outside what this example in scripture means to me (did I mention being a selfish little clot before...sheesh....here we go again in self absorbtion!), what ramifications this lady has on my children!  God, help us all to raise our boys and girls to your honor above all else.   And, that they (and we) would all be examples of this type of godly living.

Peace to you~

Did I mention here that my Grandmother had been in a car accident?  She was on her way to shop with a friend and a car hit them, knocked them down an embankment and into a tree!  She is 80 (think 60 when I say that and is spry as a spring chicken) and her friend is 83.  They needed some new duds I guess.....well, she broke her wrists.  This is the first broken bone she's had and she despises "being disabled" (her words)....LOL!!   I went over to her house on Monday to help her bathe, fix her hair, clean her house a bit and wash some clothes and dishes for her.  You know, I was soooo tired from hubbie being on his Mission trip and at first got a little "huffy" when I decided I had to go over to help her.  How selfish is THAT?  This lady has selflessly given to me all my life and I can't give up one day to help her?  I am such a loser sometimes.  When do I get to prioritize my wants over someone elses needs?  There is a line in a Shane and Shane song called "Beg" that goes like this:

"I'm haunted by God who has the right to ask me what, by the nature of my rebellion I can not give?" 

I love that.  I was reminded of it on my hour drive to her house.  You know, after I got there and started doing some things for her, I felt so much better....not that the way I felt was the important part, but she and Pawpaw appreciated it so much, and I felt so good that I could "sacrifice" for someone else and give them something they truly needed. 

Yours truly can be such a  selfish little clot, though I do aim for the mark  to show others the grace God has shown to  me.....I am not so quick  a study though. 

We had a terrible storm last night!  It has been a long time since I heard wind like that.  We had 60 mile an hour gusts,  hail and we lost power for several hours.  We went to eat in neighboring town thinking we might need to stay in a hotel overnight.  The temperature went from 60 to 20 in a few short hours and I was afraid we might really get too cold with the heat out.  I forgot to ask Paul to show me how to work the generator before he left for Nicaragua.....silly girl.  I have since figured it out though.  What a vulnerable feeling to not know these things!  I have come to realize and accept how dependent I have become on dear hubbie.  You know, at first when my flesh realized that I rebelled and detested that notion.  Then, after truly considering it, I realized part of my "one flesh" is not here.....of course I'd be lacking!  That is God's design.  Isn't it amazing how our flesh can rise up and in one minute we can be thinking we have lost our all important independence....when God didn't design us to be independent anyway?  Boy was I blown away at how my "worldview" could change according to my emotions.  God has so much work yet to be done in this vessel.  Y'all should probably pray for me;)

I also noticed that my wonderful QH, Billy Bob (here is a picture of him isn't he a doll), has what appears to be a bout of laminitis.  I don't know why that should surprise me, seems like if a horse isn't lame when we buy it, it becomes that way here! Good GRIEF!  Poor thing...he is normally so exuberant and extroverted, it hurts me to see him downcast:(

Oh and I have been meaning to post this sweet picture of my boys with my Parelli level 3 partner, Sonata....this is the best pony hug ever!:

She is such a fun girl and I am crazy about her:)

Peace to you all~

Is January almost over really?  I can't believe how quickly this month has flown by....isnt' that a tell tale sign that I am getting old?   We have been crazy busy and I don't like living like that.  Paul and I have talked and decided some things that we are going to pare out of our lives so that our focus is once again, more refined.  Easier said than done though, right?

Last week I had a stomach bug.  It was awful and I hope no one else gets it.  Did I mention it was awful....., I could tell you how awful  but I'll spare you the disgusting details. 

We are half way through with Upwards Basket ball and Cheerleading.  It has been a great experience and I think the children have learned a lot.  But, I will also be ready for a break through summer.

As for Homeschooling, we are doing some things new for this year beginning January).  I am beginning an Election unit with the children.  I am so suprised at how interested they are this year in the election process.  Of course we do talk about it a lot, but I thought the unit would be a good idea to do something more solid.  Here's what we are working on so far:

We are discussing what qualities make a good leader and what, is the definition of lead and leader?

We are briefly looking  at what types of governments exist and also tying in our Old Testament (Ancient History) studies with what types of ruling Israel had.

We are looking at the idea of representation and why that is important...again pulling in scripture to support that.  And then we talked about the qualities of a good President....

I bought some cute books about the election process that use mice (think The Hamster's History of Britain)  I also purchases a few Weekly Readers in my search to find some information on the whole process.  They were amazingly economical.  I hope I am not bothered by any content:/

In Ancient History, we are using (and have been for a while) Story of the Ancient World and it is excellent!  It ties in nicely with our Diana Waring Ancient Civilization and the Bible.  We have really enjoyed her elementary series in the past and are finishing up as I have one child who will move on the the next level.   This week has been particularly fun because we went outside and measured how big the ark would have been.  No one could imagine that!  We also worked on word searches, mazes, and coded messages pertaining to Creation, the Flood, Bable, Nimrod, Sumer, Abraham and Ur...today we are working on making a coil pot.  It looks awsome!  I won't be able to post pictures just yet because Paul has my USB cord with him in Nicaragua (more on that later)... We are planning to dramatize the Tower of Babel Monday:)

As I mentioned, Paul is in Nicaragua.  He left for a mission trip for 12 days!  Yikes.....we have never beeen apart for that long and we have no telephone communication:(  But, he has wanted to go for a while now and I am proud of him for doing it:)   He is helping to open a clinic while there to provide Woman's health care for the ladies of Nica.  He has worked so hard on that and I am so glad to see that come to fruition.  He took a camera (and my cable...LOL) so he could send pictures of the country and people.  I will share some when he gets back.  Please pray for his safety and for us as he is absent in our day to day activities and we miss him:(

Peace to you~

Well, she was right...it was fun.  I had to eat my words...(not the first time either, by the way).  I will try to post pictures later.   I loved catching up with everyone and their families, and even won the award for "Most Children"....how's that?  LOL!

We enjoyed a fairly lazy day today.  I wanted to get my Christmas tree down, but ended up playing with my horses instead;)  They have been long neglected in the grooming/riding department.  I am finding I miss my "school schedule"....my boys are in need of some running around time and I think some focused activity would be good. 

I am trying to work on training them to take the initiative to do some of those waking/going to bed things on their own.  I find it hard to adjust my own thinking about them growing into young men....I still think of them as so little:)  I rather think it is time to train them to responibility to go to bed at a reasonable hour and awaken themselves to shower and dress without me shouting to them, "The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber.....The night is nearly over, the day is almost here!".. (though that is solidly found in Scripture....LOL!!! ......check out Romans 13)  Oh well, they are only 11 and 9.....I don't have to have a panic attack over it just yet I suppose.

I am excited to begin this new year.  Our preacher reminded us today that while "7" is the number of completion, "8" is the number for new beginnings...(I didn't know that about *8*, did you?).  I like that.  There are some things I'd love new beginnings for in my life.    I'd like to look my children in the eyes more when they talk ....I'd like  to read to them more on the sofa all cuddled up.  I would like to be a better example of Christ to them....and I'd like to give Him a chance to make me more like His son.  I don't believe in New Year's resolutions personally, but these are some things I plan to be more mindful of as I get the blessing of beginning a new year with my family.

 Peace to you~

Well, I gave this yogurt thing another shot.....so far, it looks like its going better.  I have ordered a yogurt starter, but it hasn't arrived so I used store bought organic.  Here is the milk warming:

And here is what it looks like in my Donvier yogurt maker:

I will let you know in ten hours how it turned out.  It was amazingly easy....but I hope the flavor is good.  If anyone has any good yogurt recipes and wants to share, I'd LOVE to hear them!

I will post what my "freeze dried" Kefir grains look like after this second wakening period....I have to do one more "wakening" then we can consume what we make:)

And, I just had to add this one because my man is so cute and professional looking as he talks on the phone (doing business on his day off):

Isn't he darlin'!

Today my MIL and SIL came in to visit over Christmas.  We have talked, put together puzzles, eaten, played games, eaten, watched movies, listened to Christmas music, (did I mention eaten???) and the kids opened Christmas presents.  We watched the "Nativity Story".  It never fails to move me.  Especially at the end when the wise men bring their gifts.  The one, in the movie, who doubted and struggled with his faith bringing the myrrh for the offering of the sacrifice, prophetically.....just moves me beyond words.  I love to see people who will struggle with their faith openly and honestly before the Lord and others.  It builds my own faith to see God working that in others.  Well, the Queen of the Non-Sequiter struck again.  I am calling it a night.

Peace to you~