• Dec. 25, 2009 - White Christmas
Posted By Plain Jane in
Farm
For all of you that are just DREAMING of a white Christmas...
This morning, heading out to the barn. It's hard to say how much snow we have now with some blowing & drifting. Some places only show 12"....
And other places, like our front yard, measure 15 - 20". At any rate...it's still snowing!
We'll be here all day - why don't you stop in for a sledding party and some leftovers.
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• Dec. 24, 2009 - Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to all of you! We are counting our Christmas blessings here and just loving being together as a family. Noah isn't as stable as we would like and is needing a boatload of extra medical care every day, but he is handling it like a real hero and being a very good sport about it all.
We were able to do some Christmas shopping for the children thanks to the generosity of some of you - thank you so very, very much! A precious friend just came by with a lovely hot lunch for us to enjoy, giving me some extra time with my precious family - thank you, Zana! We also just got a call from some dear friends who did something amazing for us. There is a zoo not far from Greenville where they train animals for movies and things. The animals are tamer than most zoo animals, and they have ZEBRAS that will eat out of your hand. We've wanted for a long time to take Noah there, and hoped to do so this fall - but Noah was too sick. Now we can't even think about affording the tickets. Well, as a surprise, our friends called the zoo and told them a bit about Noah. We got a call this morning saying that the zoo wants to wish Noah a merry Christmas and that we can bring our WHOLE family there next week for free - and our friends can come too! I am just blown away by the generosity of people who have never met my son but want to give him the chance to meet a zebra up close and personal. PLEASE pray that he is well enough and stable enough to go. Please pray for our little friend Eithene (link in sidebar) who is HOME for Christmas but is also struggling with multiple issues at home. Little Emerson (link in sidebar) is very gravely ill and in PICU right now.
We (actually our company) "adopted" a lonely senior citizen and bought her a few simple Christmas gifts which need to be delivered after lunch. We'll be heading to my parent's in a little while for presents and fun, then we will drive around and look at lights (finally LOL) on our way home. Tomorrow morning will be the best sort of hunkering down together to enjoy being together, opening gifts, and just treasuring each other. Then we'll head to my mom's for a big Christmas dinner - Jeff is smoking some chicken (yum) and I'm sure we'll all eat more than we need to. :-) Doesn't that sound like the most lovely couple of days possible???
Please just continue to pray that Noah will hold his own and start to do better. Also please pray for joy for him today and tomorrow. He is pretty clingy because of not feeling too good. He is also convinced that he is getting "Spike the Ultra Dinosaur" which he saw and played with in the store once - it is a very expensive Fisher Price remote control dinosaur that we just couldn't possibly afford. He is getting some very nice toys and we are praying that he will be happy with them and not upset about Spike. He really truly doesn't need a Spike but we haven't been successful in explaining to him that he isn't getting it. (He is a pretty typical 3 year old with a pretty determined mindset LOL) We are just praying for a spirit of contentment and joy and excitement for him and we know that the Lord can do this for him!! We did find Spike's "little brother" for $15 but haven't decided if we are better off giving it to him and hoping that he will accept it as a smaller, more basic version of Spike - or if it will just upset him because it isn't really want he wanted - we are praying for wisdom there and know we will get it.
Timothy had a wonderful, happy 11th birthday yesterday. I have a bunch of photos of our December birthdays, cookie fun, and (will have) pictures of tonight and tomorrow. I hope to get photos and/or a slideshow up this weekend!!!
Merry Christmas to all of you dear friends.
Blessings,
Kate |
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• Dec. 24, 2009 - No Homeschooling, No Christmas for the Johansson Family
Posted By Gena Suarez, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
As you celebrate Christmas this year, please remember all the parents who are still fighting for their right to homeschool, and for parents who have had their children taken from them by force without just cause because they homeschooled their children--like the Johansson family of Sweden. This Christmas we can rest easy knowing that the gifts that we bought for our children will help further their education or offer a new way for your family to have fun together. The Johanssons have been denied Christmas with their only child, and so much more.
Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB |
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• Dec. 24, 2009 - Communication Corner ~ Last Few Days of my Video Countdown to Christmas!
I've done this each year for a few years now. These are the final days of my Video Countdown to Christmas that started on December 15th. Each day I'm uploading an inspirational or comedic video that shares the spirit of Christmas with my readers. Check it out on Communication FUNdamentals!
And Merry CHRISTmas everyone! |
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• Dec. 23, 2009 - Homeschooling Through High School ~ Merry Christmas!
 Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
I want to share a couple of video clips which I located on YouTube...they are from a Public Television show that I have seen many Decembers over, titled, "Rick Steve's Christmas in Europe." These two clips share my favorite parts of the show. I love the peacefulness, the simplicity, and the picture of the family generations coming together. I hope you enjoy it, too!
Rick Steve's Christmas in Europe ~ Part 9
Rick Steve's Christmas in Europe ~ Part 10
May God bless you and your families as you focus on the beauty of God's plan for His children, and all that "Emmanuel" means to you.
~Lori
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• Dec. 22, 2009 - It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year?
Posted By BookwormMN
Here are some little known (or maybe unknown) facts that are not paid much attention to (I didn't just write this up on my own - I was looking on the internet and such, I can't not take all the credit on having these ideas  ).
How Christmas got started: It did not start out with Jesus being born in the manger or Santa Claus giving gifts. It was actually a pagan holiday of worshiping the sun!
Gift Giving: We may say we're following what the wise men did or after God's Gift to us - but we're giving them to each other - not to Jesus.
The Christmas Tree: Jeremiah 10:2-5 "Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must not go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good." I also read that the wreath was used to decorate the buildings for worship.
Then, I and most people just think that they're making it into a Christian holiday now, so it's ok. But check out a few more verses.. Matthew 15:9 "In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Mark 7:9 "Full well lye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
The Candy Cane Legend
Look at the Candy Cane
What do you see?
Stripes that are red
Like the blood shed for me
White is for my Savior
Who's sinless and pure!
"J" is for Jesus, My Lord, that's for sure!
Turn it around
And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd
Was born for Me!
(Finally, something Christmas started as Christian!!)
Well, with all that startling news (and only two days until Christmas ), how shall we end this? Well, I read something in a magazine that was talking on the same thing, that I sort of liked. It went something like this... If you feel that you should not do Christmas, then don't. But don't treat badly the ones that do.
Well, have a very Merry Christmas!! We're planning to have family over at our house both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but there is also supposed to be a big snow storm starting tomorrow night, I sure hope that doesn't affect to many things!!!
God Bless, Amber
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• Dec. 21, 2009 - What should I post about?
Posted By ALadybug
Hi Everyone!
Sorry, I haven't posted much! Any ideas on what to post about???
I do have some pictures of Elsa but aren't loaded onto the computer yet.
What are you all doing for Christmas? On Christmas Eve we will have my da's family over, wich is only my Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle, cousin and Uncle. :) We'll see how much snow we get though, Hopefully not Enough to cancel it!! And on Christmas Day our Grandma will come over! FUN!
Maybe I will do this tag from Naenut!!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, but mostly wrappign paper.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? Dec. 2nd :p Dec. 1st is my dad's b-day
4. When do you take the tree down? After christmas :P I don't know!
5. Do you like eggnog? Never had it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmm..probably a talking grill. But it wasn't working so we retured it and didn'tget another one, I was SO SAD! I think I got a talking stove or something too!! (but we returned it too. :( )
7. Hardest person to buy for? Probably dad, or mom
8. Easiest person to buy for? Sister, Amber
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail!! But a few by e - mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Umm.. I didn't get any 'bad' gifts! LOL
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Charlie Brown Christmas? IDK! LOL
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Umm, IDK
16. Lights on the tree? Of course!!!
17. Favorite Christmas song? Mary Did you know? Or, O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay at home usually Or just liek 30 min, away and On Christmas day usually 1 hr. away, But this year, stay home!! YAY!
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? no
20. Angel on treetop or star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both :) Ones from parents on Christmas Eve.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Idk
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? None
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? You just asked what my fav. thing to eat on Christmas was and I said IDK, I still say that. LOL
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Hmmm...IDK
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? I don't know!
27. Who is least likely to respond to this? I don't know!
You can do this if you want, If you do, please tell me!!
Love,
Anna
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• Dec. 21, 2009 - The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, December 21st, 2009
For Today, Monday, December 21st, 2009
Winter begins at 11:47 a.m. today
Outside My Window... took Elsa out at around 5:00 a.m. and all was dark & peaceful. I love the quiet of country living. It's a relatively warm 19 degrees with no wind, looking for highs in the mid-20's this week and snow Wednesday through Friday. Today's normal hi/low is 25/9.
I'm thinking... grateful that Elsa is laying down, giving me a little time on the computer.
From the learning rooms....school is out for the year. Yeah!
I am thankful for...renewed heath and a good night's sleep.
From the kitchen...
M - Chicken on the grill
T - Amber's Choice
W - Spaghetti
TH - Christmas Eve at our house with all the traditional foods - feeding 10
F - Christmas Day at our house - mom is coming - more of the same
S - More leftovers, yum!
S - Soup
I am wearing... jammies yet, sports socks, hair is long.
I am reading... Thru the Bible Each Year...
This week: OT: Micah - Haggai; NT: Revelation, KJB
also, more about pet nutrition
I am hoping... for a productive day.
I am creating... memories for my girls.
I am hearing... Elsa chewing on her raw meaty bone (will post more about that later).
Around the house & barn... baking & cleaning, cleaning & baking.
One of my favorite things... a happy, peaceful home
I am going... to the store today to pick up all the food-stuff I need for Christmas.
A few plans for the rest of the week (besides school)...
M - Laundry & iron, Clean basement & barn & oven, bake cookies
T - More Ironing (I'm way behind), Clean top floor & shampoo bedroom carpets, bake cookies
W - More Ironing, Clean main floor & shampoo carpet, bake cookies
TH - Cooking, feasting, enjoying family
F - More feasting, enjoying family
S - Resting & Family Time
S - Church & Family Time
A picture thought I am sharing with you...
Anna sledding down our hill yesterday (photo taken from our familyroom).
That's all for today!
Thanks for stopping! Have a Blessed Week!
Much thanks to our hostess Peggy for the Simple Woman's Daybook |
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• Dec. 20, 2009 - There and back again
Soooo . . . Noah was indeed discharged on Friday night. Got home, got him settled, made cookie dough, and then I collapsed gratefully in my own bed. :-) Got up Saturday and baked a bazillion (actually about 250) sugar and gingerbread cookies and made 18 graham cracker gingerbread houses with my children. A little while later our friends arrived and we all had a blast decorating and eating and laughing.
As the evening wore on, Noah's output from his g-tube increased a lot and we realized he hadn't really been wetting his diapers as much as he should. A round of phone calls between us and his nurse and some doctors resulted in Noah being admitted to Greenville last night. Yep - home Friday, back Saturday.
We had a long and tiring night, but after a lot of fluid his labs looked good this morning and his output was waaaay down - so much so that his g-tube drainage bag was removed to see if he could manage without it. He's had some retching and gagging but hasn't vomited, so we are going home! Yep - home Friday, back Saturday, home Sunday.
We don't actually have a plan right now. We just have a boy who is once again stable enough to leave. We don't know what will happen when he is allowed to drink or eat, we don't know if we can restart g-tube feeds or what will happen if we do. Half of his medications are given by g-tube and he hasn't had them in a week and a half, and we still don't know if he will be able to tolerate them, BUT we can try to figure this stuff out at home rather than sitting here for who knows how long trying to figure it out while inpatient.
The wonderful Dr. B, (Noah's pediatrician) is going to be in contact with GI tomorrow to start figuring out a plan. We just don't know if we are in the clear here, and it's possible that we will keep yo-yo-ing from home to hospital. We just don't know yet. If he starts to throw up or if he is retching enough to be miserable, Dr. B wants him brought to Abbeville hospital (the one much closer to home).
I've got to tell you that it is really and truly exhausting to keep being catapulted from home life to hospital life over and over without warning, but I would still rather go home knowing that we could end up back inpatient as opposed to staying here. Noah looks "OK." His nurse and I noticed that he was, for back of a better word, "wobbly" on his feet yesterday. He slept in until 11:30 this morning which was fair enough considering his rough night - but he's had lots of rough nights without sleeping in that late, AND he is sleeping again now. He played on his bed for a little while then just wanted to lie down and fell asleep. This isn't typical, but it also isn't a big enough deal for us to keep him here. It's just going to be a matter of watching and waiting and seeing how he does.
I'll try to post some photos of our cookie and gingerbread house decorating fun. Even Noah got into it and really enjoyed himself. :-)
Please pray for crystal clear guidance for and from the doctors and for peace and healing for Noah. He hasn't been able to eat since a week ago Thursday, and he hasn't been able to even sip water since last night - and won't be able to drink anything until we get a plan worked out at some point tomorrow. I'm praying that we don't have some sort of meltdown with him asking for a drink and being denied, and I'm hoping that he will be able to drink tomorrow without vomiting or retching. (His TPN keeps him hydrated if he has no other fluid loss but he still enjoys drinking.)
Off to finish getting ready to leave.
Blessings,
Kate |
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• Saturday, December 19, 2009 - Washing Dishes By Hand
Posted By Alison
Sometimes progress isn't always the best thing. For several years we've used the dishwasher to wash our dishes. Well, most of them. Of course there were always the dishes left over that couldn't go in the dishwasher for one reason or another, so my sister (or Mom) was stuck washing them. Why not me? you ask. Ha. It was my sister's job, that's why!  Up until recently, it was my job to empty the dishwasher. This happened daily, sometimes twice a day.
Well, a few months ago, Mom decided we were going to quit using the dishwasher. Just an experiment to see if it made any difference on our electric bill. We kids (I was, at least) were skeptical, but went along with it cheerfully enough. Surprisingly - I found I love washing dishes! We quickly worked out a schedule. Emily is to wash the breakfast dishes, Elisabeth and I do the lunch dishes, and Amy and Mom do the supper dishes. It works out pretty well!
One more thing - we don't run out of knives anymore! That might not seem like a big deal. But we used to be running out of knives constantly, it seems. Now that the dishes get washes more often than once a day (in theory at least, right?), the cupboards are more full of dishes.
So you see, technology isn't always that much better. In this case, I think washing by hand is better. That doesn't mean I'm going to start washing clothes by hand, though. Don't get any funny ideas. |
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