moffittzoo - Homeschool Blogger

I'm still around...

Fri, 2 Jan 2009 21:49:00 -0600

I haven't fallen off of the earth!! Have I been completely deserted, I mean it's been months since I've been blogging. I miss it but life has been busy. It always is in the fall. Holidays, an anniversary and 5 kiddos and a hubby with a bday. Not to mention jumping back into school, co-op, choir, gymnastics, royal rangers and missionettes! It's been a whirlwind. I'm not saying that is a good thing. Believe me, I'd rather be home. It is a struggle to draw the line with what to do and what not to do. The kids have individual desires and things they love, My hubby and I have things that are meaningful to us, bible studies and small group meetings. I just try to focus on what God wants me to be doing and looking for things that are really meaningful.

I have been growing closer to our Lord and he has been teaching me and opening my eyes and it' s been hard to come out of my comfort zone sometimes, it's been hard to be disturbed from my normal thinking but it is sooo good to feel God pulling me closer to him as I desire more and more to be closer to Him! I could say a million things about that and yet no words do it justice.

We are all doing well at the Moffittzoo. School has been going great this year. I'm telling ya....I love My Fathers World. It's simplicity is a delight. Elizabeth is reading more and more and Joey has begun short a and u words...yay!! He has caught on well.

Emma and Jake (3 and 22 months) are sometimes hard to manage. Emma is a fire-y little thing. Jake is my snugglebug but he has a bit of a tude these days. We are all on a screwed up schedule....such is life. I'm trying.

Hey, it's a new year, right?!?!?!

I have several resolutions. My schedule is always one. I want to lose weight as does most of the world, sigh. I want to read through the Old Testament and most important I want hear God and obey. I want to read His word and obey, like James 1:22 says: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

So let me know I'm not alone in blogger world and my deepest apologies for all of those times you hit my link and saw September.....something.

Happy New Year!!

Jesus, Joey and the sun

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:59:00 -0500

Here's a kids say the darndest things story...

I am teaching Joey (5) about the sun this week. We are doing MFW and everything weaves together. So for Bible I read to him John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

We were discussing how just like the sun helps us to see where we are going and helps us not to stumble and get hurt or lost so does Jesus, if we will follow Him.

My usual goof-ball child looked at me so seriously and said, "But, I don't know where he's going to."

His innocence blessed me and so did the laughter!

BFS assignment #101

Tue, 9 Sep 2008 18:05:00 -0500

Assignment: This would be a good week to tell about your worst struggles with a lifestyle of homeschooling. Tell about something you’ve struggled with and how God’s mercies gave us the strength to get past it. Also, share any curriculum/homeschool methods that have been a relief to you, i.e., a particular Teacher’s Manual or Homeschooling method that’s been easier for your family. Talk about how you felt when the burden was lifted and Oh, What a Relief it is!

Oh, goodness, the struggles have definitely varied year to year. Everything from trying to become a morning person, which is a losing battle:), to new baby fatigue to what to do with a toddler. The hardest fought struggle was last year though. My oldest son was 12 and in 6^th grade. He started youth group at church and no one there homeschooled. Talk about peer pressure being made real to us. I just never expected it to come from our church family. Derek was fighting my husband and I fiercely to go to school. I truly didn’t know what to do. I was waffling on the issue. In the winter I caved internally and fully expected him to go to the middle school this year. I certainly didn’t feel any peace about the conclusion I had come to. But, nonetheless, it was the only solution I could see.

When I gave up trying to figure out what to do the Lord stepped in!

I don’t recall when the following happened but it was a real eye-opener. I was at our local library/park just as schools were letting out. Jr. High and Sr. High school students were gathering around. I was disgusted with their conversations. I observed one girl call her mother and lie and then get off the phone cursing when she didn’t get her way, their language was filthy. I began talking to one group of kids about their language and asked them some questions. Do you think there is anything inappropriate about talking that way around small children? What would your mom say if she heard you? What about your teachers? We sat and talked a little bit and when I turned to leave I thought,”There is no way my kids are going to that school!”

Then God spoke to me a message that shook me to my core. He was telling me to be prepared. To study His word and teach it to my children. That it is what’s important. He is what is important. It is something that resounds in my spirit since. That was when my purpose on this journey was shown clearly to me. I am raising up warriors for Gods Kingdom. I believe God is raising up a generation unto Him and I have a small role in this.

Then in May I went to our homeschool convention. The keynote speaker was Voddie Baucham. I had never heard of him before but let me tell you…The Lord used him to confirm some things to me and to bless me. When he spoke of kids getting older he said something along the lines of, “Don’t ship them out, don’t give up on your kids during the time they most need you.” That really touched me. I had been ready to give up.

With the Lords help I had a new resolve and I was digging my heels in.

Now can I tell you that this year has been a complete turn around! Yes, there is still attitude from time to time but my son has given up his fight for “real school.” I really feel that during my time of indecision, the enemy was attacking on all sides. Once I had a new resolve and committed it to the Lord, peace returned.

This year I started a new curriculum that fits in perfectly with my new goals and ideas of what homeschooling really means to us.

It’s not about academics, even though I wholeheartedly believe I can teach my children better than the p.s. It’s about being a family, living life…real life, and learning as much as possible about our creator.

Our load is lighter but I don’t think my kids will learn any less. I put off higher level science for my oldest so that we can still all do science together. I put off pre-algebra a year so that I am sure his foundation in math is solid.

But the real purpose is to make our foundation in God solid. To know that he is the core of our family and each one of our lives. Matthew 7:24-27 says it best….

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."

Oh, Lord Jesus, I am sooo thankful for your ever present help and guidance and grace!

routines

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 22:28:00 -0500

I had wanted to post my actual schedule but didn't take the time to do it. Then today I came across "Homeschool Memoirs" and the current assignment is to post your schedule. Well, it motivated me. I have only posted for the 4 actually schooling. Emma likes to play with manipulatives or any other "school" I give her to do. We alternate Thursday and Fridays as being a light day. Every other Thursday is co-op and Every other Friday is light with a nature study activity. Sometimes Joey finishes his reading and science activity in our morning time so then the afternoon is free. Also, Dad has been doing read-alouds at night, that eliminates that from the day as well.

	Derek(12)	Sam(8)	Elizabeth(7)	Joey(5)
8:00	Bible	Bible	Bible	Bible
8:30	M,T,W: English Th, F: Writing	English	English
8:45	Spelling	Math	Math
9:00	History	Reading	Reading
9:30	M,W,Th: Science	M,W,Th: Science T: Music F: Art	M,W,Th: Science T: Music F: Art
9:50	Arabic	History	History
10:15	Chores	Play with Emma and Jake	Play with Emma and Jake	Reading Lesson
10:45	Music, Art or Reading	Spelling	Phonics
11:00	Math	Chores	Chores	Storytime
12:00	Lunch/read-aloud	Lunch/read-aloud	Lunch/read-aloud	Lunch/read-aloud
1:00	Finish up time	Finish up time	Finish up time	Science lesson

my menu

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 20:34:00 -0500

First I want to tell you that one of my most un-favorite chores is grocery shopping. I try to plan everything out for a month and get as much as possible up front. Of course there are the runs for milk, fresh veggies and if we have company or have a pot-luck party then I will have to make an extra trip. Otherwise I try not to shop during the month. Some months I do better than others :)

So, today I planned my menu and shopped. Do you want to know what we're eating?

First, let me explain that I don't usually schedule sides. I always have plenty of potatoes, veggies and rice on hand. Also, we like variety. Atleast I do. Except favorites we don't usually have the same thing twice in a month. The meals marked with a (F) I will make a double batch and freeze one for next month or it was a recipe that I froze last month.

Shepherds pie (F)

Tacos (F)

Pizza

Italian Crockpot Chicken with pasta

Cheesy Pepper Soup and Quesadillas

Pork Chops with wild rice stuffing

Chicken Pot Pie (F)

Meatloaf (F)

Chicken Parmesan (F)

Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce (F)

Taquitos and Spanish Rice

Keilbasa

Swiss Steak (F)

Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken Chili (F)

Enchilada casserole (F)

Cabbage roll casserole (F)

Stuffed Pepper casserole (F)

Western Quiche (F)

Chicken on Cornbread (F)

Autumn Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup (F)

Chicken Tetrazzini

BLT's

Burgers (F)

Meatball Subs

Breakfast Dinner

And That's it!

want to be a fly on the wall?

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 19:12:00 -0500

Well, almost.

I thought I'd share a play by play with anyone who cares to read it. Let's get real.

I woke up around 7:20, very hesitantly. I am not a morning person. I threw on some clothes and mixed up some pancake batter for breakfast. I just like the feeling of cooking breakfast. Things flow nicer and everyone shows up to the table at the same time.

I plopped on the couch a few minutes before waking everyone. I kissed hubby good-bye and then woke up the kids and while they got themselves together I started breakfast. Do you think I was greeted by good mornings and thank you mom for making us pancakes. No, It sounded more like...

Kids, "awwwwww, I wanted cookie crisp. "

Mom, "I'm making pancakes."

Kids, "But you said we could have cereal today."

Mom, "Well, I thought you'd like pancakes, we'll save the cereal for a rushed morning."

Kids, "I really want cookie crisp...blah, blah, blah."

Mom, " Whatever, go ahead, but just because there's a box of cereal in the house doesn't mean you have to eat it right away. I'm not going to buy it anymore...blah, blah, blah."

So, there went my peaceful morning, instead I got grumbling.

We went down stairs to start school a little before 8. The 2 youngest were still sleeping and I let them be.

I sat down for 1 minute and was irritated with my 12 year olds lack of thinking things through and then I heard a snippy remark and my attitude sunk. One thing I find tough to deal with is a 12 year olds attitude. My son has been a completely different beast. I told the kids to stay there I will be back. I went upstairs to pray. I asked the Lord to set my mind straight, to give me a gentle spirit so that our time together would be fruitful, and that my focus would be on Him and His kingdom.

Then I went back down to do Bible with the kids. Derek is doing most things on his own. So when I say we I mean me and the middle 3 kids, Sam, Elizabeth and Joey. Derek joins us for science and some Bible. We started talking about the meanings of names yesterday, so today I talked with the kids about the meanings of their names. I told each one how we came up with their name and the meaning and where their name is in the Bible, if applicable. I gave each one a promise of God to go with their name. It was a sweet time.

Then we did our calendars and math. Sam is working in his workbook, Elizabeth has been doing practice worksheets I found online and Joey did Design Discoveries from Discovery toys. Dereks' curriculum hasn't arrived yet so he is doing timed times table sheets.

From math we moved onto reading. Elizabeth is reading through the "Now, I'm Reading" beginners book series. She is doing beautifully after several years of struggling. Sam took Pedro's Journal to read to himself and I went up to dress and feed the little ones. Emma went downstairs and Elizabeth read her a book while I was busy. I love those little moments!

The little ones didn't complain about eating pancakes! Although they did get syrup in their hair :)

I went back downstairs and we are very laid back in science to start. We read Psalm 24 and then the words to the hymn This is My Fathers World. We discussed what things meant and how we can see God in all creation and learn about the character of God by looking at nature.

While I did History with the little ones, Derek had time to do some chores and play with Jake, about 25 minutes. Emma sat quietly and did an "I Can Paste" activity. It went wonderfully smooth.

Elizabeth and Sam took Jake and Emma outside to do sidewalk chalk and play on the swingset (I will miss this when cold weather moves in) while I gave Joey his reading and creation lesson. This is one of the highlights of my day. Joey is so pleasant to work with. He has a hunger to learn. We are using My Fathers World Kindergarten and it is absolutely dear.

10:45 We did an art lesson from ICan Do All Things and we were done by 11:10.

Daddy has been doing their Read-Aloud, Viking Adventure and we haven't started our formal English yet.

This was only our second day but I am so pleased with how my schedule is working. I had really prayed about it.

We will have co-op every other Thursday and Elizabeth will have gymnastics every Thursday afternoon. I found a homeschool gymnastics program so I didn't need to use an evening or Saturday. I have designated Thursday afternoons errand time.

Oh yeah, back to the day...I made quesadillas for lunch. Jake went down for nap by 12 and we had a laid back afternoon. I took the kids out to the fruit market for peaches and apples and we got ice cream cones while we were out. I came home put dinner in the oven and sliced up a dozen or so green peppers from the garden to freeze. After dinner my hubby left for his bible study and I am blogging while the kids are watching Beauty and the Beast and getting ready for bed...soon, very soon :)

I will do some planning for tomorrow and that's it. So how'd you like your day in life of a homeschooling mom of 6. Pretty plain, huh? But I wouldn't trade it!

BFS Assignment #100 - Oh What a Feeling

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 10:20:00 -0500

My first writing assignment, wow, I haven't had one of these in a quite sometime. I do appreciate the prompt to get me thinking though.

I can first remember thinking about homeschooling when my oldest son was 3. I don't know why I even thought of it. Except to say it was God. I vaguely knew only 1 family that homeschooled and had never heard of any specifics. I was immediately open to the concept. This was about 10 years ago and I knew things were happening in our schools that I didn't find acceptable. I knew the things that I experienced in school. I did teach my son, Derek, at home those preschool years. I had our 2nd son when Derek was 4 and 3 months later I was pregnant with #3. So when Derek was ready for Kindergarten I had a 1 1/2 year old and a 9 month old. It wasn't really a decision making process. I just figured I couldn't do it and sent him to Kindergarten.

Of course, now I know I could of done it. If only I had opened my eyes more, educated myself on homeschooling and of course paid more attention to God's leading. So Kindergarten...Derek was very bored with school. He would come home and have his work from the day and say, "Mom, we've already done all of this together." he was right. He was bringing home things we had done when he was 3. He was reading within 2 or 3 months of starting school. By the end of his K year they wanted to test him for gifted and talented. By 1st grade he was really bored. His teacher told me they were unable to find his reading level because they could only give him material the rest of the class could keep up with.

"Socially" things weren't desirable either. He would come home asking me what words meant. There was alot of bullying as well. I am not a person who thinks bullying is one of those things that kids have to learn to deal with. I believe it breaks their spirit. It changes who they are.

After 1st grade we were moving and I had baby #4. I began looking into christian schools but I didn't think we could pull that off financially. Then the old thoughts of homeschooling came back to me. I ordered a copy of So You're Thinking About Homeschooling, by Lisa Welchel. That was it, I finished that book knowing that homeschooling was for us. There was no 2nd guessing. My husband was 100% supportive. I began looking for a literature-rich curriculum. My son was an avid reader. I found Sonlight and we enjoyed using it for 5 years.

Every year has been very different. My first year I had an infant and a 2nd grader with an attitude! I turned to the Bible for help with disciplining and I saw a new child emerge that year. The 2 nd year I had a toddler and was pregnant by mid-year. I was incredibly sick that spring. That was certainly my hardest year yet. Since then we have added 2 more children to my family and as they grew they began schooling as well. Every year has been different.

This year I am schooling 4 children in grades K, 2, 3 and 7. I also am teaching, loving and occupying a 1 1/2 and 3 year old.

I have learned so much over the years. Not just about homeschooling but about living, about serving the Lord, being a mom and a wife. How to stretch dollars and minutes. How to forget unrealistic expectations and focus on the Kingdom of God. I have had to gain a vision for my future and figure out what my purpose was in this whole endeavor. The Lord has sustained me and strengthened me and given me my purpose. It is all to His glory and it is His grace that floods my life.

I have also learned lots on prepositions and pronouns. History and Science. I have gained a love for literature that I have never had. I look at things differently and in awe of our creator.

My life is fuller than I ever could have imagined. I don't mean full in the sense of busyness but full of love and life....just overflowing with Gods goodness.

So what feelings come to mind when I think about it....gratitude first and foremost. But I have had every emotion in the book over the years. Just take a look at my next post when I write about our first days of school this year!

blogger friend school

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:45:00 -0500

I'm getting back into the school mindset and thought I'd sign up for the blogger friend school. I figure it may actually encourage me to write something meaningful????

They have a back to school contest that you can check out by clicking the thingy to the right!

Back-to-school in 6 days!

my-not-so-wonderful-camping weekend

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:52:00 -0500

We are home from our weekend camping trip. It was something else.....for a lack of words to describe it. I was really looking forward to it but it didn't turned out like I had hoped. The first evening was great. We had trouble getting Emma to bed but then she finally settled and Chris and I sat at the fire for awhile. Around midnight people pulled up to the site next to us. The campground clearly state in the rules no check ins after 11. So these 3 college age guys get out of this big ol diesel truck that was shining it's lights right into our tent and begin very noisily fumbling around setting up 2 tents. I was getting nervous they would wake up Emma. I went over to them and told them the rules say 11-7 is quiet hours and could they please keep it down there are children sleeping. I gave them my lantern to help them set up and went back to sit with Chris. It took them til 1ish to set up. Then they went to a neighboring site to sit at the fire so we fell asleep. Then we woke up at 3 with Emma screaming and headlights shining in our tent. Here, another car pulled up and they were setting up another tent next door. The rules say no more than \2 tents per site. Chris took Emma into the car and slept with her there. I couldn't sleep from all of their racket and at 4, yet another car and another tent. I was soooooo irritated. In the morning, I talked with Jen, my sis, who was right across the road from them. They woke up Brady, her almost 2 yr old, and she said she came out and screamed "Be Quiet"......totally out of Jens character! She put Brady in the car to drive him and she said one of the guys jumped in front of her car with a 6-pack. So right away we went to the rangers office. They sent out the head rangers and the state police to our site. We told them what happened and they evicted the 2 sites involved and wrote them citations for disorderly conduct.
We were exhausted!
The next night, it was nice and quiet and Emma was in bed by 9 we all sat by the fire and Chris and I went to bed at 12. We woke up at 3 to thunder, hurried outside to throw stuff in the truck and started getting rained on just as we finished up. It thundered so loud. It was a fierce storm. I was worried about leaks but everything seemed to be holding up. At 6:30 we woke up to torrential rains and booming thunder that woke up all the kids. The tent had a few small leaks from this....drips here and there mostly. Chris got up and went around the perimeter of the tent looking for leaks. It was raining so hard it was like a water bed under the tent. When he moved the boys bag, rain was coming in through a torn seam like a hose! We stopped it up with towels and Chris went outside and shoved in a trash bag. Dereks pillow and sleeping bag was drenched. We all fell back to sleep til 8:30 and the rain had passed. Everything was a damp and muddy mess.
Needless to say I was tired and ready to go home!
We packed up, went out for a hot, dry lunch and then did take a short hike to the river before heading home.
I was never so happy to get home and sleep in my soft, dry, warm bed!
I learned alot about camping for next time....yes, I'm sure there will be a next time in spite of all of this.
#1....I will never, ever, ever willingly sleep in a sleeping bag on the ground. Those tent pads are like concrete. I had the best sleep during our weekend on a beach towel at the playground. I had about a 1/2 hour nap on the soft grass! I actually dreamed about the chiropractor.
#2....Bring more blankets than you think you need.
#3....Bring a dust pan and broom.
#4....This isn't specific but I will not be a minimalist during camping...I always try to pack light for vacations, but that doesn't work so well for camping.
Well, I've got my mountain of laundry done but need to fold and I am working through the sleeping bags.

Here's my hubby finishing setting up the tent

Sitting aroung the campfire. My parents and 3 sisters were all camping with us. There are 13 kids between us.....14 total but 1 stayed home.

Chapman and Derek (my son) walking on the beach area of Deep Creek Lake. They are less than 2 years apart!!

My kids in the playground area.....all except Jake.

kid's camp

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:40:00 -0500

Well, I've been back from camp for a week....seems like a month. This has been one busy summer.

We had a great time at camp. I had never been but this was oldest, Derek's 5th year. i was so impressed. Everything surpassed my expectation. I really enjoyed being with the kids. Playing with them, encouraging, comforting and praying with them. I blessed by the opportunity. Tubing down the creek was probably my fav. We spent lots of time at the pool and on the playground playing tetherball. Whew....that is a fierce game. My fore arms were so sore. The inflatibles were fun. Especially the obstacle course. The kids were always asking to race and the chaperones too! I was a mess by the time I finished it. The services were outstanding. The Daugherty's (from Texas)ministered to the children in 2 services a day. They were spectacular. The children's hearts were so moved. Watching them worship and pray for eachother...it was inspiring. I noticed 3 little girls huddled together on the floor during an alter call, one was really crying. I went over and asked them if I could pray with them. When we finished they were so emotional and one little girl said, " I think this is so awesome, seeing all these people just trusting in God."

Another time my daughter, Elizabeth, looked at me and said what are we s'pose to pray about? That evening the focus was trusting Jesus through your problems. She said,"but I don't have any problems." So, I told her she could go and pray for her friends. She came back maybe 15 minutes later sobbing. She didn't know why though. I told her it was just God touching her heart. It took her probably 45 minutes before she returned to normal. It was so sweet.

It was just a great time and when we got back, I immediatly said to sign my up for next year!

Here is picture of our group............

These are the girls that were in my room. My daughter was also with me.

Megan and Elizabeth (my daughter). They became great friends.

Derek coming out of the water slide.

Joshua and Sam (my son) in a game of tetherball.

going to camp

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:56:00 -0500

Guess where I'm going today....to camp! I'm so excited. I am going to be a chaperone with our church's kids camp. My 3 oldest are going also. This will be my first time ever at camp and I am like a big kid with anticipation. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store. I'll be back in a week!

my birthday

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 13:57:00 -0500

I haven't written in quite sometime. Believe me, it's not for a lack of things to write about. It's just summer!! That wonderful time of year when routines fly out the window and life is lived on a whim! Waking up as we please, spending lots of time with friends and being outside and on the go as we please!

The kids have enjoyed bell camp and VBS, having picnics with friends, swimming, the carnival and parade, fireworks at River Valley Ranch and several cookouts so far.

But, what I want to write about today is that I celebrated my 30th birthday on Tuesday! Can I just say that I was so excited to be turning 30! I so look forward to the next decade of my life. Maybe I just wanted to join the club of thirty-somethings because all of my friends have already joined or passed that club. Whatever the reason it was a great day. That morning I woke up and checked email to find a scavenger hunt poem from my friend, Becky.....how fun and clever. It was all written in rhyme. So first I had an envelope to open and it led me to starbucks for a mint chocolately chip frap....yum! Then I had directions that led me to a spa for a pedicure. That was wonderful, I've been wanting one for awhile now. Then I was told to go to my sisters. Becky met us there and they took me to Capt. Bobs for all-you-can-eat crabs....They were wonderful! It was really a nice evening. We went to get dessert afterwards. They tried to get a pic of my on my bday but I have a really bad photo prob....I always close my eyes. It is very annoying. So after several shots we got very silly and here is a pic of my cake and me laughing so hard I could hardly breathe.

Repost.....a home birth story

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 19:37:00 -0500

I've had several people interested in my home birth story so I thought I'd repost it so you don't have to hunt for it. I give all the glory to God for giving me the experience of a lifetime and showing me that His timing is perfect and filling my heart with thanksgiving.

Mar. 5, 2007 - Jake's Birth Story

Before my memory fails me and I get busy taking care of house and kids again I want to take the time to write just how Jake made his way into this world.

Well after days of waiting my due date, Feb 20^th finally came...and went. It was very hard to keep seeing the days pass by and no labor yet. At 41 weeks I had an appointment with Mary, my midwife. I was 2 cm, 80% effaced and Jake was at +1. This was all good news but when would my contractions finally kick into gear? She made an appointment for me to have an ultrasound on Friday, March 2^nd. I kept thinking I do not want to go to this appointment. I thought for sure I would have him before that. Well Thursday was pretty uneventful so I figured I’d be going to my ultrasound in the morning.

We drove to Camp Hill for the u/s. Jake looked great. He was very active, taking breaths and his heart rate was great. My fluid levels, cord blood, placenta all looked great. So we left and went to lunch. Chris and I rarely get out alone so it was nice to share that meal. We got home and Chris left for work.

Later that evening my in-laws came over for dinner. I was exhausted. It was the first day in awhile that I hadn’t found time to nap. The kids are always busy and excited to see Papaw and Grandma so the evening was pretty busy. I was having contractions but nothing I hadn’t seen already in this pregnancy.

Chris got home from work around 8:30 after spending 6 hours on the road. We were both tired. We went into the bedroom to talk and no sooner than we sat down his phone rang. It was Peach Bottom and they needed him to come into work from 12 til 7. The river was dirty from all the rain and the system needed constant attention. Now he usually is on call for the weekends but has never been assigned a shift like that. He said okay and hung up. I did not want him to go. He had already had a long day and been on the road for so long. It would be another hour drive to the power plant. I didn’t think he’d be alert enough to drive. There also is no cell phone service around the plant and it would be hard for me to reach him. Not to mention the delay in getting a hold of him, him waiting for a replacement and the drive home. Not a good situation for an overdue pregnant woman. He insisted he should go so I left him to get some rest while I played a few games with the kids and then put them in bed at 10:00, later than usual.

Shortly after that Chris came out and said he decided not to go in. This news wasn’t accepted well and he felt badly but I felt much better. He was told to come in at 7am. I jokingly told him I’d have the baby for him so he wouldn’t need to feel guilty and then he wouldn’t have to work the next morning either.

We both sat on the sofa and I quickly fell asleep.

Around 11:30 I was awakened by a pop. It was such a strong feeling that I thought I heard it. Nothing had happened and it puzzled me. Chris told me I should go to bed but I wanted to wait for him. I fell back to sleep.

At midnight we both went to bed.

I was awakened by a strong contraction. I couldn’t see the clock so I hit Chris and asked what time it was....12:18.

I fell back to sleep.

Another contraction woke me up. I bumped him again... What time is it? 12:28. I immediately dozed back off.

Another contraction soon followed. This time I got up. It was 12:41 and they were feeling pretty strong. I went to the bathroom where I found a little blood. More contractions followed. I realized okay these aren’t going to go away so I decided to watch the clock a few minutes and then call my midwife. I went to lay down and Chris sat on the edge of the bed. 12:55, 1:03, 1:07. Okay give me the phone. I was ready to call. I debated on whether to call Jen or wait til after Mary got there. I decided to call.

Chris and I set into motion to get ready for baby.

Chris stripped our bed and put on the plastic cover, older sheets, and pads. I was laying out needed supplies for the delivery. We went into the kitchen and were putting things away. When I had a contraction I would just lean on whatever I was near and breathe through it and then keep on moving. I sorted some laundry and got a load started. I had a contraction while at the washer and put both my hands onto it and just began to thank God. I knew these contractions were finally going to bring my Jake into the world. Everytime I got a contraction after that I would say to myself thank you Jesus.

I remembered that I didn’t have a picture of my gigantic stomach so I posed for a picture in between contractions. I had to lean on the wall for one while Chris remembered how to use the zoom. Then we continued straightening up.

The contractions were about every 3 minutes by this point and I felt a mild desire to push and that scared me because Mary was not there yet. So I laid down in bed around 2:15. In about 5 minutes Mary arrived. She listened to the baby’s heartbeat and checked my blood pressure. She then arranged her supplies. In the meantime Jen arrived with orange juice and donuts for the morning.

Then Mary checked me....I was 10 cm. I couldn’t believe it. How did that happen so quickly? My water hadn’t broke so I decided to get up and walk around and see what happened. We went into the kitchen and were talking. Jen stood at the table folding clothes. I tried to help but the contractions were coming to quickly. I had to hold onto the counter.

The house was quiet and dim. The kids were fast asleep in their beds. Just how I had hoped it would happen.

Chris and I went to the bathroom so that I could pee and I still felt mildly pushy but not the overwhelming strong desire that I was used to. I gave a few small pulsating pushes to see what would happen ... he was right there.

I decided to lay down and give a push just to see....as soon as I did my water broke and his head was ready to come out.

I pushed harder with Jake than with any other to get that head out. We would soon find out why. Then the shoulders. They were a very tight fit as was the rest of him. Jen held him as he came out and she laid him on my stomach. All of this happened in about 3 minutes...I was told. I was to busy to pay attention to time or anything else for that matter.

Everything happened perfectly and I needed no stitches...praise God!

I was very sore though.

Everyone knew he would be a big boy but we were all in disbelief to see he was 11 pounds even and 22 ½ inches long. That’s why I felt like I was delivering a train.

He was born at 3:33 am.

I got up to take a shower and Jen changed to bedding. When I got out, around 4am my parents were there to see us. I got back in bed and Jake did not need any help in the breastfeeding department. He was ravenous.

I felt like everything was a dream. It went so perfectly and quickly. I was just awestruck by the whole experience and how awesome it was to be home in my own bed. My in-laws arrived around 6:20 and Mary and Jen went home to get some rest themselves.

Emma was the first one to wake up. About 6:30. Absolutely priceless. Her jaw dropped to the floor as she saw me and Jake in the bed. Her sleepy eyes and rooster hair and that big smile!

Then Elizabeth woke up very confused at the sight of Papaw and Grandma. Then Derek. He looked into my room and said,"You mean I missed it." Next was Sam and minutes later Joey. They were all shocked. It was the coolest thing to have them wander into my room one by one and see their surprise to see their baby brother had arrived in the night. It was incredible and it was all Gods plan. I couldn’t have planned the details any better. And yes, Chris got to stay home that morning!

things I learned on vacation

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 18:38:00 -0500

Some things I learned on vacation......

1. I learned alot about Jake. I saw what an independent little boy he is. I found out he loves the water and sand. I found out he is a pretty heavy sleeper although he doesn't like sleeping in the car which makes him cranky. A thud and crying in the middle of the night taught me he can climb out of playpens. It was also confirmed to me that he is just the cutest, lovable little boy!

2. Emma....let's see. I learned that she also is a beach lover. The last time we went she was to little to play. I learned she likes being with big girls when they are around. I learned that she is getting more mature and fun to explore with. It was also confirmed that she truly is full of life...fun and joyful and a true free spirit. May that never disappear! Did I ever mention God has given her the gift of perseverence also!

3. Joey. Joey is also independent. I already knew that but I can't really think of anything else. He along with the other kids made me proud with their politeness and being a good guest in someone's home.

4. Elizabeth..oh my, let me just say she is a little boy crazy right now. She developed a crush on our friends son and has asked to call him several times on our ride home. She is 7! Oh my.

5. Sam....he showed his extrovert side.

6. Derek, showed he is growing up which I knew already. He wanted to be on the go constantly, which we couldn't do. One morning he took off to the lake and went fishing before anyone else was awake. He also taught himself several songs on the piano while we were there just from ear. I was impressed. Yup he is definately turning into a young man.

7. My hubby....I wouldn't say learned but it was pressed upon me how much I love him and how well he provides for us. His self-sacrifice, thoughtfullness, playfulness. Sure we also got on each others nerves being in the car for hours but that's okay too. (Did I mention we're in the car now)

I also felt the holy spirit revealing some things to me. He layed the community we were in on my heart. I have commited to keep them in prayer. I saw how there are places in the US that are spiritually dry. I saw how we need missionaries in our homeland, not only overseas. I felt the importance of prayer....magnified. I saw our God is still a God of healing.

The Lord touched me as I worshipped in a little Baptist church this morning. I felt the freedom that comes with obeying Gods prodding of our hearts. Freedom, sweet freedom..

I sensed the great power of our Lord and that he is working on and preparing his people. We are His creation and he is calling all of us to him. Lord, allow me to be your hands and feet...send me to the spiritually oppressed...prepare my heart oh Lord. He is awesome.

He can turn a little family beach vacation into a time of spiritual blessings!

our last day

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 18:25:00 -0500

For our last full day we headed back to Oak Island. It turned out to be our fav beach. There was a sand bar which was perfect for the little ones. When the tide came in the older ones enjoyed all the waves and splashing in the surf.

This little boy ate more sand than you can imagine. He must've liked it....yuck!

My hubby tried to teach me to use the boogie board....I never did catch a wave....

making tracks in sand........

our bucketful of treasures...............

dancing in the surf......

bye bye beach.........

Southport

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 17:16:00 -0500

We took a stroll along the Cape Fear River in Southport. It is a sweet, quaint little town. I loved the old southern houses along the river and the big old live oaks.

USS North Carolina

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 17:08:00 -0500

On Day 4 Daddy took the boys to the USS North Carolina in Wilmington and the girls stayed with a friend and baked and had great girl time.

Fort Fisher

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 16:57:00 -0500

Fort Fisher is a beautiful beach. They also have a great civil war fort and aquarium to visit.

The waves were pretty fierce this day. The kids could barely go in from the under tow but they had fun running from the waves and building forts.

Emma kept doing some sort of beach yoga. It was quite amusing.

Carolina Beach

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 16:47:00 -0500

Day 3 we took a ferry to Pleasure Island and went to Carolina beach and Fort Fisher. I was so thankful to see Gods glorious creation...beautiful!

Feeding gulls from the back of the ferry. It was like playing catch. It was amazing how they's swoop in and catch it every time.

If you ever make it to Carolina beach you absolutely must visit Britt's donuts. Oh how yummy.

Here's Derek, he can be so hard to get a pic of. He always hides. I snuck this one.

Here are the children bogged down with all of our beach gear. They were all saying...come on Mom!

Oak Island

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 16:35:00 -0500

Day 2 we headed back to Oak Island for some fun, waves, sand and sun!

Are all kids born to love the beach? Mine certainly were.

This cup kept him busy for the longest time....fill and dump and repeat