Former southern girl, former northern girl, presently in the south again. Teaching 5 of our 7 children. I enjoy the ocean, the wind, the rain, the sun, and spending time together as a family. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:50:00 -0600 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:50:00 -0600 As a mom and a believer, it is my desire to live my life in ways that are constantly seeking HIM, and growing in HIM. My time on this planet is numbered. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. I blink and another year has past, and the older I get, it seems this process just gets faster and faster. Some days are a blur. Some days are slower. But all in all, it is but a vapor, a breath, a fleeting moment in time. That reality hits me every day..... But............the moment I surrendered my life to Christ, I began living in eternity...the death to my old self brought new life that will never end....my life will not end when this flesh dies. My desire today is to grasp this idea, this truth. That what I do today is all a part of a larger picture. An eternal picture. I am thankful that I learned early on how to have a relationship with Jesus. I am thankful that I can experience Him for REAL. I am thankful that His Spirit is alive in me. Not everyone who believes really understands that.  Sometimes, a person really believes.....but they never get to experience the fullness of HIM. I knew someone like that. He loved Jesus. He really did. But because of mental anguish, disease, and the darts of the enemy, he could never ever really experience Christ how he could have. He suffered so much within himself, that he couldn't see past his suffering. He overcame so many obstacles in his life, but he just had such a hard time. I so wanted him to know Christ like I did. I held onto the hope that the work that began in him, would one day be completed. I knew in my heart that one day, he would know Jesus so personally and intimately, that even I would crave HIM in a more personal way. On November 20, a prayer was sent out to God on his behalf. That he would be healed. 9 weeks before, we discovered that cancer had taken over his body. He was going through radical treatments but it was clear that his body couldn't take it much longer. We knew that Jesus  was The Great Physician and could heal anyone. We had seen it! We had read about it! Some people I knew had even experienced it first hand! So a child's prayer whispered in the ear of God...and He heard...and He answered... On November 21, 2009, my dad discovered first hand what it meant to live in the Fullness of Christ. He took his last earthly breathe on noon that day. At that moment, Jesus became completely real to him! He not only understood the mystery of Christ, but from that moment on into eternity, he will experience my Jesus, his Jesus, first hand! I am glad, Dad, that you can finally taste and see that He is Good! For me, I am thankful that I don't have to wait until I shed my earthly shell. I can experience Christ right here, right now, every second of every minute. He is alive and He is Real. I do long for the day when I can be done with the flesh. To no longer be hindered by the things of this world, and to be rid of all the pain it has to offer. I miss my true home, and I long for it everyday. But for now, in the busyness of this life, I will continue to run the race....until the work that began in me is complete.....then, I will continue on into the eternity that began the day I met Him.....See you soon Dad.....we will have so much to talk about! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/750996/ Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:50:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/750996/ Today I found myself reading old posts. I began to get lost in it all, and had to stop. Memories can be fun to visit, but today, I just can't. I am happy to announce, though, that this new school year has brought three of my five kids at home, back to home schooling. Jessica-7th grade, Thomas-8th Grade, and Robbie-10th grade, are now doing an online school! they are accountable to "the system", but for now, it has to be that way. They have live lessons, and are in constant contact with their teachers. I am still very much involved, which works out perfectly especially on days when they have to learn about the big bang (which was discussed on day 1). David and Johnny are still attending a Private Christian school for now. They are all thriving! I am still very busy as I help MIke run the business, and am currently on staff at my church. Beach Church in Myrtle Beach, just in case any of my readers travel. I am constantly juggling my time, and am diligently praying for better time management skills. This year, my dad passed away. In fact, he died on November 21. It is still very fresh. I think about him a lot. He was a very good grand pa to his 10 grand kids...for that, I am thankful. Off to work...another busy day.... nice to visit you  again oh blog of mine......i have missed our times together.... Today in Myrtle Beach, it is 70 degrees! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/750721/ Wed, 9 Dec 2009 10:44:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/750721/ I have not been to this site for a very long time. I have been so out of it.... Here is my story.... Mike and I moved down here when he got transferred with his company. To make extra money, we started working for a woman who owned her own cleaning company. It was Mike who was actually on her payroll, I just came with the deal. So, we worked very hard the summer of 07. My kids even helped out, and Robbie even got hired. Well, when the off season came, I just knew I needed to get back to schooling the children. So, I stopped working for her. Mike stayed one weekend, then she helped us get our own units to take care of. We had five. That was perfect. Mike and I could take care of them ourselves! As the off season continued, the company that hired us began to give us more and more responsiblity. Plus, we had to get all the things in order for a business: insurance, warehouse, bank account, etc. Schooling the kids was not going how I thought it should. Spring came, and our employer wanted to give us even more responsibilties, which meant we needed to hire A Lot of people. We did. We trained them and gave them work. Summer came and we were extremely busy. Busy is good. Our business continued to grow. When summer was just about over, Alexx, our 20 year old daughter, and Mike, got to thinking that the five children at home needed to go to school. My world completely changed. So did theirs. This decision came about in July 08, and in August we began to move forward with the idea. I was never really on board with it, but regardless, the five kids entered a private Christian school. On being tested, each of them needed to be held back a few grades. It embarrasses me to even write this, but it's the truth. Because of the busyness, and the business, I just didn't do what I was suppossed to do book wise. We did a ton of other things, and for that, I have no regrets. They are where they need to be right now. They are learning and moving forward. It is now Dec. 08 and I think I am almost ok with it all. It took them a very long time to adjust to the whole routine thing, But I'm sure it's for the best. It is a small school, which is good for them for now. Plus to send them there, we got a scholarship and for the remainder of the cost, Mike and I clean it in the evenings. Sometimes I help him, sometimes we pay an employee to help. Regardless, Mike is working very hard for this.In my heart, I wish that they were still here..... But in reality, there is nothing I can do..... I have kept this blog. But maybe I should just put it on something to save it. I don't really know..... I still want to write..... Basically when the kids come home, I am still homeschooling them. It's just crazy. It is hard. Sending them is hard. I won't get any deeper into this story as there are many different roads I could take right now. I will contemplate and maybe write it later. I know that Carmon still comes here to check. So, that is cool. I may even put the link up on my facebook page so more people can read it. ANd maybe get the word out on homeschooling. It didn't work for my family, but I know tons of success stories, and maybe someone out there will chose to do it on account of visiting the homeschool blogger. Whatever happems, I don't regret ever having the kids home. I do regret not being more organized, and more diligent. I have to run the race that is before me. I wasn't expecting these results, but it's for the kids. As you can see, sometimes I am still not settled about it.(sigh) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/632378/ Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:02:01 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/632378/ I am full tonight. Our business is booming, our kids are happy, the sun is shining(well actually, it's dark out but only because its nighttime). I had a good day at work today. We have begun to clean homes, now. Vacation homes on Saturdays, and now residential homes. I took two of my cleaners with me today, and we had a time. We took so much longer than we had anticipated, but then went out to lunch. I have so many wonderful employees. I see the potential in so many of them. I have always known that we would have a business. It is truely an amazing adventure. I found out today, that because she works for me, she is buying her groceries and making her car payment! Plus, we have a blast! We laugh, we pray, we talk. Oh, and we work. And somewhere in there, we do get paid. sometimes I think the girls make more than me. But most of our money goes back into the business, and now to Mike. I do pay him now. And, he was able to quit his regular job. WhooHoo. So now he works full time for the company. what a huge load off of my plate. We are loving it. He is finally living the dream. Dreams do come true. Dream on girl friends! never give up and never surrender(well only to Jesus) never settle for less. when you hear Him speak, listen!!!!  Thanks for tuning in. Gosh, I still have soooo much to say. but for now, i will rest. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/553214/ Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:52:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/553214/ Just a note to all who pass by: Just keep doing what you were called to do. Every day is a new learning experience for you and your children. No matter what season you are in. If you feel like you are behind, just ask yourself,"who is it that I think I am behind anyway?" This is Your journey. These are Your kids. Hang on! And, enjoy the ride!!!! Press on readers!!!! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/528319/ Tue, 6 May 2008 22:08:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/528319/ I had the pleasure of attending a childrens ministry conference in Atlanta on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. It was absolutely amazing. I have attended conferences for women before, but never for children. I would have to say that this was my favorite. The way they worshiped God, the way they taught, the skits, the fun.... It was so real, and so easy to grasp. There were 9 of us. We took 2 vehicles. The church paid for the entire event. I was completely blessed. I know that God has called me to minister to children. Whether they are babies in the nursery, or teens going through the tough things that teens go through. I just love children. I am so blessed to be able to finally serve in church again. That was the hardest part about not having a church home I think. Not being able to serve somewhere where I know that God has called me. Of course my #1 is my family. And the great thing about home schooling, is they can serve with me as I serve them. Being an example is the best way I can do it. And I believe, that my kids do love kids as well. In fact, Jessie was asked to serve in the 2 year old room on Sunday, and joyfully said YES! Who could say no? I believe if everyone just served once, the volunteer problem at ALL churches would be solved. But even more importantly, the growth from the ones who choose to serve will be phenominal. I can not express enough how serving in the local church is a major growing experience for ALL believers. When people who get saved drift away from God, I seriously believe that part of that is they don't do anything with their faith. Just sitting and "watching" is not gonna grow you. Believe me, I love attending service on Sunday. But serving on the children side is also sweet. I have said it before and I will say it again: I can Worship God anywhere. And I do. I have even been in dead churches where I invited Him in and I think He visited. Well, attending service for me, is a time to tithe, sing, be with fellow believers, and serve Him! Attending the Children section is a time to help them learn how to love God, serve Him, sing to Him, learn about Him, show the kids that people that care, and give them a safe place to go. Well, I am so full, that I just had to share it here. Wherever you are in your journey with Christ, always remember you have NOT arrived. God created you for a purpose, and it's not just to warm a pew! Go and tell! Go and Show! Go and Live! There is a child out there waiting to see the Jesus in you! God speed as you go!   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/527679/ Mon, 5 May 2008 20:58:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/527679/ I woke up this morning to my phone alarm going off. This was one of those calls from an employee that I appreciated. I was accidentally sleeping in, and she was calling with a question. The problem was, I was dreaming that I was at the church babysitting. So, as far as I knew, I was awake. When I awoke, I realized it had all been a very bad dream. The entire community had come, and there weren't enough childcare providers. Well, we got to the church in time. One of the workers did not show. wow. what's new? Church volunteers,employees, etc. Does no one take their position in life seriously? I could never just not show up. Call someone. Let someone know. Preferrably ahead of time. Doesn't anyone take responsibility anymore. Well, just another thing to teach my children. When you have a job to do, do it. if you can't, find someone else to do it. take responsibility. step up. There is so much more to life than what we see. Service is so important. Serving with a willing heart is even more important. God certainly does love a cheerful giver. So, how do we teach our kids to serve and give of themselves cheerfully? By doing it ourselves. And certainly when I am frustrated with the worker not showing, I can not complain, but patiently practice grace. My kids will learn more about serving others through what they see me doing. So, the lesson for the week: Thinking about others, and what we can do for them. and practicing grace. so forgive me folks for "complaining" about the worker not showing. now I will go and practice. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/520416/ Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:28:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/520416/ This week, Alexx's mom-in-law had an opportunity to come down, and took it and surprised Brian. We had a great visit with her as well. She got to come to our church and Jess gave her a tour of the nursery area(Laura is the coordinator for nursery at her church). Then the whole gang got together for a "grill out" as they refer to cook outs down south. The sun was out, and it was fun. Then we took her for a small beach house tour. Mike and I had some things to pick up as we had cleaners cleaning houses yesterday. So we showed her our business. Then we got 5 different flavors of ice cream, and watched a movie. It was a lot of fun. Laura has been a part of our family since 1994, so it was nice to be together again. During the movie, David and Johnny sat on her lap in our oversized chair. It was an image I will remember. She loves the kids so much. When we lived in NY, she would take them ALL at least once a month. Brian and Alexx have somewhat taken her place down here. They have had them all on occasion, and sometimes just a few. But for those of you out there with large families,  you will agree, it makes a huge difference in the dynamics of the family when just one of them is out of the house. So, this morning, I am here alone. (except for the dogs)(and the tortoise) I will take advantage of this time to hustle around and take care of some business. Then we will meet at the beach. Mind you, Alexx and Brian have a 2 bedroom apartment. There are 8 people in it right now. Wow. These are memories they will cherish for a long time. Well, off I go............ When I write again, nobody knows...............busy, busy, and having fun.........the clouds just broke.............here comes the sun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Whoo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/519606/ Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:33:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/519606/ Thanks to you girls who posted a comment yesterday. This week I will spend some time catching up on my reading of blogs. That can be so fun. I learn so many new things, and meet so many women. It's like I have this network of friends. How fun is that! Today, my 2 daughters and I will go and babysit for a moms group at our church. I absolutely love it. In fact, they have asked me to coordinate the childcare end of things. Ha Ha. Nothing like the most challenging job!!! I did this in NY with MOPS. I was the MOPPETS coordinators. Wow! This program is set up a bit different, so it should be easier to find servers. It is a blessing, that is all I know. Now, Alexx, our oldest daughter wants to help too. Jessica has been helping all along. She so looks forward to it. So, together we will serve The Lord. Is that not the whole point of living!!!!! And to be able to do it with my girls! I am a blessed woman. I hope you ladies out there have a most joyous, and blessed day. Keep looking up. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/512502/ Tue, 8 Apr 2008 07:08:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/512502/ It is so nice to have a computer back that works again. It is used for so many things. I am not talking about idleness, but real life things. Our personal information, our business, our school, contacts. The list goes on. Just like in the old days, we used manila files. Now we use technology. Like any tool, when used correctly, is a great resource. I have missed writing........ The last few months have been very busy for me. With "slow season" or "off season" in the vacation rental world, that just means more work for those of us who care for the houses. For instance, now is the time for owner checkins. So, we need to get in there and not only make the house pretty, but clean it when they leave. Also for us, starting out with only 5 houses in September, and now having 40, we had to go into every single unit, and clean up after other companies. Not bad clean up, but we have a standard that not everyone does. So, with Mike still working at his full-time job, I have taken on a lot of the duties. It has been an amazing experience. I do look forward to Saturday only work, though. The children have been experiencing what I call a different summer vacation. They have had quite a bit of time off this spring. This means, that soon, they will resume their regular lessons. They will also be schooling in the summer. The reactions I get when I tell others that is pretty weird. For one, there are so many tourists here in the summer, I don't feel that we will miss out on festivities. We enjoy going to the beach when the crowds are low. We try to get our fun in before the visitors come. And, it gets so hot here, most of our time is spent indoors, unless we are at the pool. They will be done schooling by noon anyhow. So, I don't see a problem with it. Every family has to do what is right for them. That is the beauty of home schooling. I have heard of public schools out west that school all year round. They just get different vacations at different intervals. So, I try not to let the opinions of others discourage me. Everyone has an opinion. That is fine. And disagreeing with it is fine too. I have learned that when someone disagrees with your opinion, it doesn't mean they stop loving you. I never knew that before. (deep story for another time) I am happy to have learned that. It is freeing. So often we can get trapped by our own thoughts. So, if I say something on my blog that you don't agree with, I hope you will still read. One day I may say something that you do agree with. If we all thought the same, what a boring world we would live in. I am happy that my 7 children have different personalities and opinions. I am happy that my husband is completely different than I am. Wow would I go insane if I was married to anyone like me! I mean I like myself and all, but sometimes I get on my own nerves. I think that is why most of my friends have softer and quieter personalities than me. We balance each other out. Funny, I had no intention of writing all this. Guess my fingers and my brain have really missed just talking. I will write about other things later. Thank you to all my faithful readers for not giving up on me. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/511887/ Mon, 7 Apr 2008 08:41:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Doverspike1/511887/