...had the sheer joy of watching my sons' faces as they laid their hands on my belly to try to feel the baby move (one did feel the baby). At nearly 5 months, movement is becoming more frequent...and of course, my bladder is never empty enough.
...cleaned the upstairs bedrooms, and boy did they need it! I removed one full bag of trash from Coy's room alone - broken toys, broken board game boxes, a book which somehow was torn from it's cover....and he and I sorted through his clothing drawer, removing the summer clothes and replacing them with winter clothes. Then I weeded through the remaining clothes, taking out what I have never seen him wear but a time or two.
...and I have tackled Mount Laundry - which is a daily event at our house. It has been raining off and on for the last few days, and so I have held off washing in the hopes that the skies would clear so I could hang some clothes out (thus saving some money). Wouldn't you now it - as soon as I hung the clothes on the line, it began to drizzle....sigh....
...I finished canning the bear brisket we've had soaking in the fridge. This recipe is great, although I admit I do not like the look of jars of canned meat sitting out. (thank you Calvin for doing most of the work on this)
...purchased some more of Coy's Abeka curriculum from a sweet lady on Ebay....we have only a few items remaining to purchase:
Language Arts 5 Student Test Book #65048
Investigating God's World 5 Student Quiz Book #65102
Rosa #59668
Noah Webster: A Man who Loved Words #59676
History & Geography 5 Answer Key #66915
Arithmetic 5 Student Book #25690
Spelling Vocabulary & Poetry 5 Student text
...and, I managed to lay down for a brief nap while the girls napped, and the boys watched a movie.
Once a month, a group of Ladies from my church meet to have a devotion and fellowship. The lady hosting the fellowship give the devotion as well - this month, I am giving the devotion which will be held at our Pastor's house...( I know, I said the lady hosting it....but it is easier fro hubby to keep the children at home than to have to lug them around town with him for four hours.)
Here is a copy of the devotion God has given me to share with my sisters:
God's Blessing, and some of the roles he has for us
We all know that God provides for us.We are reminded of this by our fellow Christians when we face a hardship.But, when we hear and see and experience his provision in our lives, it only strengthens and reinforces our belief and trust in him.This past few weeks, we have witnessed God move in a mighty way.He took a seemingly impossible situation, and blessed more abundantly than we could imagine.And not just once.
Answered prayers/blessings are all around us when we begin to recognize them
- a healing from an ailment
- a widow being blessed with a husband
- a child's heart turning towards the Lord
- a mother of 5 diagnosed with leukemia and now in full remission
- finances unavailable for a vehicle, provided for by God through his faithful people
- a motherless child blessed with a child of her own
- victory over a sin someone has struggled to overcome
It is for us to recognize them, and give God the Glory He deserves.
For a child of Christ, young of age or old, it is vital that we hear of and recognize God’s provision and blessings.Growing up, I can only recall one instance of an answered prayer.My grandmother had a heart attack, and us children were filled with the fear she would not live.We gathered in my aunt’s bedroom, and three of us grandchildren held hands, cried, and prayed.She made it through the heart attack, and lived for some years afterwards…but I was not surrounded by a Christian family.I did not have anyone to reinforce to me that this was an answered prayer from GOD.The glory of her survival was credited to the Drs who cared for her.
I make it a point of sharing those answered prayers with my children.An answered prayer can become a testimony, and for a child who has a hard time grasping exactly all God entails, answered prayers make Him real.These answered prayers help provide a basis for Christian growth – a motivation for knowing and trusting God.We can grow by fulfilling the roles God has laid out for us.
God’s role for us, the work he has laid before us, is ever changing.While there are some set roles, ones we will go through irregardless of outside experiences, there are some laid out ones as well:
As a youth, we are to learn, grow, and obey – EPHESIANS 6:1Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Constantly through our life we are called to share God with others (Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:)
As a mother, we are called to teach our children (PROVERBS 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.)
As a wife, we are to love, obey, respect our husband (EPHESIANS 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.)
As older ladies, we are to help the younger ladies in our communities (TITUS 2:3-5 The aged women likewise,… That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, [To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.)
We are called to ever be working – in and outside our homes (PROVERBS 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.)
In EVERYTHING we are called to abide in Christ (JOHN 15 4-10 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.)
Why?
Without god, we are nothing….and we can do nothing (Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.)
Men/Women won’t like you when you are not abiding in Christ – as person who isn’t abiding in Christ can suffer all sorts of ailments – irritability, laziness, unhappiness, quick to anger, hard to please, unreasonable, lacking peace and joy.
God will bless us for our obedience.He will provide for us, care fot us, meet ALL our needs.
HOW to abide in Christ – simple – keep my commandments – (John 14:15 Ifyeloveme, keep my commandments).
Now that's an odd combination - Athlete's feet and Baby Dolls. Let me explain.
About a month ago, little Isabella was diagnosed with Athlete's feet. We tried the over the counter cream, and it wasn't working. I was giving the poor child benadryl nightly to relieve the itching so she could sleep. In desperation, I called a friend who enjoys learning about and using herbal and homeopathic remedies. She looked in her books, and made a few suggestions. I chose to use garlic first for the Athlete's feet, and I must say, I was IMPRESSED. Within 2 days, it began to clear up, and Isabella was sleeping without awakening due to itchy feet.
Now, Isabella asks for garlic for any little boo boo......and, for her baby dolls as well. the other day, Isabella came into the kitchen and asked for some garlic for her baby doll - her baby doll apparently has athlete's feet now. So I told her we would pretend - and I pretended to get some garlic out and give her some, which she pretended to accept.
After a bit, I went to check on her, and she had sneaked back into the kitchen at some point and gotten all the garlic I had...she had bitten the largest bulb and rubbed it on her baby's feet, and was in the process of peeling another one! I asked her if it was hot, and she shrugged her shoulders and said 'yeah'.
Perhaps she will have a future in the health care field?
Hearing of other's blessings - we know this AWESOME family of God - dad is a Pastor, mom is a Proverbs 31 lady, the children are blessings to be around - a wonderful family. Well, their two vehicles were on their LAST - and I mean last legs, and finally died recently. There was no fix in sight. They were told with one of the vehicles that it never should have been on the road...well, people began to pray, and blessings began to happen. In the end, over $8000 was given to this family to help with the purchase of a newer, more reliable vehicle! $8000! Can you imagine what a blessing that was! It humbles me to hear things like this - to know for sure, without a doubt, that our God DOES know our needs, AND, He provides for us in ways we could never understand or expect!
Dancing with my baby - little Sarah is one now, and LOVES to spin around and around when music is on. She even tries to sing along...what a joy to scoop her up in my arms and dance with her!
Witnessing God move in my son - Coy is 10 now, still a boy, but quickly growing into a man. I am seeing him take on more initiative and responsibility. He is developing a gentle sweetness when he plays with the girls, and leading his brother.
Seeing how loving Garret's heart is - there are times he is tried to the end with his little sister Isabella, and then there are times when he just plays so well with her. It is touching to see him 'take her fishing' as they throw the stuffed fish around and scoop them up, or 'take her hunting' as they stalk the stuffed deer and bear in our living room! And yes, there are times when he plays with the baby dolls with her.
Watching the total excitement and awe in Isabella's eyes as she grows - Like when she sees a bird - who knew a crow could cause such excitement! Or hearing her play quietly with her dolls, tucking them in my fabric boxes and feeding them.
Knowing that I can count on my husband - whom is such a blessing to me. He is a hardworking and loving man. It is mid September, and all of our wood is cut, corded, and ready for the long, cold winter. He is instilling in the boys a strong work ethic, not allowing them to play or watch TV while he tended the wood. He took them with him for every load, supervising as Coy ran the skitter, guiding them as they piled the wood, working beside them, not watching them work.
Canning and Preserving - I am really getting the hang of this. We have been blessed with much produce this summer, all of which has been eaten or preserved in some way or another.
My oldest son, Coy, is FINALLY old enough to hunt in Maine. Yes, we've taken him deer and bird hunting, but he has never been the hunter - he was only along for the experience. That all changed this year. My big brother, Rudy (Ted as the family calls him), baits bear with a buddy of his. He offered to set up a bait for my son, and we eagerly accepted. After just a few hours on the stand, the night began to settle and Coy became cold, and tired....but as any hunter knows, all that dissappears when an animal is close...and Calvin nudged Coy to tell him a bear was coming....and here is the fruit of their harvest:
And here is Calvin on the Left, Coy, and to the right is my brother, Ted, whom we owe this hunt (and a big Lobstah dinner) to!
Wonder what we're going to do with the meat? Well, we are going to make Corned Bear Meat with it, and enjoy every morsel!
It is Gardening season, or should I say Harvesting season. This past Spring, hubby was bound and determined to have a great garden. He even agreed to use the sunny spot in the front yard which I've been yearning to plant a garden in....and then it rained....and rained....and rained some more. It rained to the point that I was reminding the children of God's promise to never flood the earth again as he did in Noah's days! Seriously friends, IT RAINED....and our garden did not thrive...it didn't even grow in reality. thankfully, we have been able to harvest a few Jalapeno Peppers, Summer Squash, Zucchini, and we have some Green Peppers and Carrots growing....but the Butter Beans, Tomatoes, and Okra (didn't think that would grow too well up hear anyway, but we had to try), have been long lost....
Heartbreaking as it is, God always has a greater blessing than we can ever imagine in store for us....Our Pastor plants a garden every year, and more than he and his wife need. This is one way that God uses them to be a blessing to others....they give and give out of their Garden.
And so, for that past week, I have been canning all I have been given, and freezing some as well. To date, I have frozen 12 quart bags of beet greens. I have canned (with the help of my WONDERFUL husband) 10 quarts of beets, 8 quarts of pickled beets, 4 quarts of Bread and Butter Pickles, and 14 pints of carrots.
In my sink as I write are 2 more batches of Bread and Butter Pickles, waiting to be completed. I cannot tell you what a blessing our Pastor and his wife are to us. I can only hope to one day grow a garden as well as they do, so I too can pass on the bountiful harvest!
It is afternoon, a quiet time at our house. The baby went down for a nap without a word, and I can hear Isabella signing to herself - it won't be long until she too falls asleep. My boys are outside, one running around in swim trunks, jumping in and out of the little pool, and the other wishing he could get in the water....he could have, had he not gotten into trouble earlier....
And now I can hear the waterfaucet being turned on ever so slowly. I imaging they are filling up a bucket or cups or something, and drenching each other. They normally aren't allowed to play with the water, but, I think I'll let this one pass....after all, it is HOT outside Mom! And they are turning it off, not letting it run.
In a bit I'll call them in and maybe attempt to make a milkshake - though I don't have any yogurt or ice cream...I have milk, and eggs - I've heard of protein drinks with raw eggs - but UGH! the idea of raw eggs turns my stomach - always has...I'm sure it is safe, but I can't get past the idea of a slimy, runny egg in my beverage. Maybe I'll find some frozen blueberries in the freezer - I could just make ice milk with a little jam in it, if all else fails....or I have pudding...wonder how a shake would taste with just milk and pudding mix in it? Maybe I've stumbled onto the newest and greatest thing - pudding shakes?
SO now that Garrett has had the Chicken Pox, little Isabella has been next to get them. We did take her to the Dr as well, and yes it is chicken pox. It is odd though, because when you google Chicken Pox Photos, you see these blistering spots, and Isabella never had the blisters. She did have a few spots come up which looked more like bug bites than blisters. And she has this horrible dark pink rash after the first few days....
First the spots:
Then the dark pink rash:
(never mind the red stamps on her legs:)
I find it odd that there weren't the blisters - I really expected blisters. I will be taking these photos to the Dr to show here the various stages of it. It lasted all in all about a week and a half. She was VERY itchy with it, to the point that Benadryl was not helping, so I called and the Dr gave us a prescription for another 'itch' medicine. This other one gave her good relief.
The baby, who is nearly a year, has not broken out in any spots or rash yet. I'm contributing this to the antibodies she received from me when I was Breastfeeding her. I just stopped nursing her when she was about 11 months, so I am assuming this is why she hasn't broken out...I will ask my Dr what she thinks though.
And our oldest never broke out either, but he and Garrett were vaccinated against the virus. So, it seems that his body took to the vaccine better than his brother's did - which only means that he'll have the virus later on in life. I'm really hoping this will be before he enters the workforce.
A few years ago, before the decision to homeschool was final, a Pediatrician informed me that the Chicken Pox Vaccine was mandatory for public school in Maine (it is not, by the way). And so, I had my two oldest children vaccinated, since gosh, it was mandatory right? Only later did I find out that it is not mandatory (though it is preferred that children be vaccinated).
fast forward to Garrett's rash:
I took him to our family Dr, whom I absolutely love, and yes, it is Chicken Pox. When the children are vaccinated, they are not given full immunity - they will more than likely develop what is called an attenuated case of Chicken Pox. Essentially, this is a milder case.
I don't see this as a mild case. He is getting Benadryl for the itching, and there is no place on his body without spots.
Since we were at church yesterday morning, I have called all the families with children and told them about the Chicken Pox. I thank God for their kindness. They would have been within their rights to be upset about this, since Garrett had some spots yesterday, but, they were all loving and gentle about it.
And yes, when the girls get the Chicken Pox (should be a week or two), we will be having a play date with a few other families - including our Doctor (who doesn't vaccinate her children for Chicken Pox either).
Our summer has been full of sports, camping, visits, fishing, family time, Bible Time, and leisure time...we have had a fair share of 'illnesses' this summer as well. Garrett started with Poison Ivy a few weeks ago, and then some mystery rash - the Dr said it was more than likely simply an immune reaction to the allergic reaction to the Poison Ivy. Then Isabella began with a high fever - remaining 103 after Motrin. Of course, I took her to the ER for this, and the physician diagnosed her with Pharyngitis, with the probability of Strep Throat. He couldn't be certain it was Strep because she wouldn't allow him to look in her throat very well. And so, since the fever was so high, and all else ruled out, he treated her with Amoxicillin. Within 24 hours, the fever subsided. She is much better now, though she too had a small rash for a while, but not like Garrett's was....
And for the last 2 days, Garrett has another rash on him. He is very itchy, and has spots ALL OVER his abdomen, back, and chest. We will be going to the Dr this morning to see what this is...I can say it is NOT the same rash he had after the poison ivy - that one was in patches here and there.
I am riddled with Nausea this morning. This is the worst day I've had in about 2 weeks. I'm afraid to eat anything for fear of upchucking, though I know this isn't good for me. I haven't any crackers in the house, or else I would be chomping on some. Perhaps I'll try some dry toast?
Calvin will be moving to 2nd shift for a couple of months. I am looking forward to this...I feel he will be around the house more, and thus will be able to help tend the children while we homeschool. We are praying he is able to remain on this shift, but we won't know for certain for a while.
I have much to share with you in the coming months - I suppose it is good that I've not been blogging regularly. It has allowed me to 'save up' topics.
Last week, the children and I went on a field trip to Fort Knox State Park (no, not the one with all the money:). Jim and Trisha organized this field trip for members of Guilford Christian Academy.
It was a wonderful trip, the weather was nice, the children were cheerful, and enjoyed discovering the Fort. We were given a tour by one of their employees, Roger, and he did an outstanding job informing us.
There is also the Penobscot Narrows Bridge there, with an Observatory. While we were walking down the sidewalk to the Observatory, we saw a Seal rolling in the river. I think that was actually the highlight of the Observatory trip. Once we reached the top of the elevator, we were met with a solid glass wall, which reveals amazing views. However, this triggered a Migraine Headache for me. I thank God that we had a good friend along with us, who was able to drive home for me.
I have had a long, emotional day. I have been prayer off and on throughout this day. I ask you to join me in praying after you read this entry.
Tuesday night, on the way home from a ball game, a young family, the Buzzards, and 2 other vehicles were involved in a horrific car accident. This young family has now lost their little girl, Alyssa. She has gone on to be with our Lord and Savior at the tender age of 5. Her brother remains in critical condition. Two other children - a friend, and a younger sibling, are in the hospital in fair condition.
My heart is breaking for this family. I do not know them. Have never before heard of them. And though I have never been through such tragedy, I am feeling for them as though I know them. I cannot imagine the pain these parents are feeling. You can read more about this accident at our local TV station .
Another burden is pressing upon me tonight. A young mother I know through homeschooling has recently been diagnosed with Leukemia. She is in the hospital undergoing treatment and has developed Pneumonia. Daphne and her husband have 5 children. I imagine these children are hurting deeply right now, missing their mother, and not understanding why she cannot come home.
Please pray for these two families - the Buzzards, and the Davis'. That God may embrace these families with loving people, comfort their pain, and strengthen them during their struggles.
This weekend, I witnessed a familiar event, one that took place in cemeteries across America this Memorial Day weekend. I watched as 21 former soldiers from the surrounding towns participated in the Memorial Day ceremony at Cross Lake Cemetery, complete with Taps, and the Salute of Arms. These 21 Veterans went to seven different cemeteries today to honor their fallen comrades - those who died in battle, or during service, or who have since passed on.
I can remember being a little girl and gathering on Memorial day to watch the Legion members perform this ceremony. My cousins,brothers and I would scramble for the spent bullet casings and spend the next few days whistling with them. When I was 17 years old, I left home to join the United States Air Force. I served just shy of 4 years, opting for an early out to pursue college. I have great pride in my family heritage, and all people who have ever served in our Armed Forces.
I come from a long line of soldiers. Fresh out of high school, my father enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served for 4 years. In 1976, he joined the National Guard and he served a total of 21 years. During this time, he was called to Active Duty in the Army and served in the Persian Gulf war from November 11, 1990 until May 10, 1991. He is now serving as the Commander of the American Legion Post in Stockholm, Maine.
Before him, his father served in the Army for one year, during which he landed on the Normandy Beach and he was grazed by a bullet on the left side of his head, nearest his eye. Growing up, I knew my Grandfather, or Pepere as we call him in our local Franco-American dialect - had served in the war, but it is only recently that I learned he was wounded at Normandy Beach.
I encourage you to pray for our Soldiers - for those on Active Duty and the Reserves serving now to protect America as well as for those Veterans living around us who have served in years past. Give thanks to God for those forgotten, fallen soldiers. And pray for our continued protection as a Nation.
I spent most of yesterday at a park watching around 20 other homeschool children play together, while us mothers enjoyed the friendship of kindred spirits.
This morning, I am still rejoicing in the blessing of friends. It was a true joy to see all these children gather together and play.
I recently had a lady on ETSY create a variety pack of Christian cards for me. Though I haven't received them as of yet, she shared photos of the cards with me, and I am so anxious to receive them. Her Etsy store is Coasters and Cards. She has some really great Father's Day cards listed right now!
This morning, I began reading her blog, and I am very quiet. I have been touched in more ways than I can express in words. For you to better understand why I am feeling as I am, I wish for you to read her blog as well. She has been through some trials I have never endured, and I sense no bitterness about her.
When you are finished there, I encourage you to visit one of the blogs she follows, To Write Their Names In Sand, you will be deeply touched upon visiting. Please remember to keep this family, the Burgess's, and the families represented on To Write Their Names in Sand in your prayers.
Often times, I tell myself something needs to get done (usually while accomplishing another chore) only to forget what it was I needed to do. Then by the time I remember it, it is when I've laid my head down for the night. So, I've decided to make a list of goals for the week, starting on Monday.
Monday:
process the Fiddlehead Pickles we started soaking yesterday
laundry
school the children
make Maple Granola
make bread
finish sewing: XL diaper, Large All In Ones, Wool Covers Order
drop off Coy's Little League Permission slip
Tuesday:
clean the bathrooms
sweep the stairs
set out dinner for the week
vacuum the floors
clean the windows
finish sewing the Longies
list new items in the store
school the children
Wednesday:
mailing day - go to the Post Office
laundry
work on Custom Orders
review and pay the week's bills
school the children
clean the porch
clean the children's rooms
Thursday:
school the children
clean the play room
empty Kitty Litter (yay)
mop the floors
laundry
Friday:
cook for Saturday's Ladies Fellowship
short school day for the children
laundry
grocery shopping
This is just a brief rundown, and by NO MEANS is it set in stone:) The laundry will depend upon the weather ( I hang the clothing out as often as possible to save a little money on the electric bill). the sewing will depend upon how well school goes, and how Sarah fares (she is cutting teeth). I'll check back in to let you know how this outline works for me.
Happy Mother's Day to all....I hope everyone is enjoying their blessings, big and small.
This Mother's Day, I find myself humbled by my many blessings....and gifts I have received. Here's a brief list:
2 Lilac Bushes (Calvin and kids)
1 Gardenia and 1 hardy Azalea (Mom and Dad)
A collection of white rocks (Coy)
A bucket full of dirt with a smiley face made of rocks and ferns used as the hair (Garrett)
lots of Happy Mother's Day well wishes (friends and family)
Carmel chocolates and a card (Calvin)
AND the greatest gift of all, my son Garrett is being Baptized today. He accepted the Lord as his Savior last year, and recently began to feel the need to be Baptized.
So it is with much happiness that I celebrate today. I am so thankful for my home, my children, my husband, my salvation. God is so good!
My Mother LOVES the scent of Plumeria....lotion, candles, sprays....anything Plumeria.
Imagine my excitement when I found a Plumeria plant to purchase for her! I ordered it from a fellow Etsian: Kim at Griffith Gardens She only has a few left, so if you want one....hurry!
As for me, Calvin and the kids bought me some Lilac Bushes...I have wanted some for a while now, but we thought this house would have sold by now...so there was no sense in planting some. Now that we've decided to stay here a while, I have 2 small Lilac Bushes, just waiting to grow! I can't wait for them to bloom - though I think I'll have to wait a year before they do.
We got a kick out of this....link is at the bottom - great grammar practice!
Ladies and gentlemen, on this crazy occasion, it is a privilege to address such a/an funny-looking group of captains. I can tell from your smiling sandwiches that you will support my mighty program in the coming election. I promise that, if elected, there will be a/an cotton candy in every band and two airplanes in every garage. I want to warn you against my horrible opponent, Mr. Coy. This man is nothing but a/an wide-eyed snow. He has a/an shaggy character and is working apple in glove with the criminal element. If elected, I promise to eliminate vice. I will keep the mosquitoes in the public till. I promise you magnificent government, damaged taxes, and tired schools.
I have been working hard at finishing the appearance of it. Since I know virtually nothing about HTML and all that computer stuff, this has been challenging....thank goodness for premade templates!
At present, I have stocked some adorable Pink and Teal wool diaper covers, a few fitted diapers, longies, burb cloths, washcloths....I am so excited to be on the web in a location other than Etsy. Etsy is great, but I like the idea of having my own domain name. And with Etsy, I was limited to sell only what I made. While the majority of my items will continue to be handmade by me, I have also enlisted the help of my mother, Leigh. She will be doing the majority of knitting and crocheting for me.
You can look for items from my mom such as Longies, washcloths, slippers, perhaps a few baby items as well...we'll see how much she is able to do!
I am trying to come up with a sale deal....perhaps a free gift with purchase, or a percentage off...not sure yet. Maybe a few free for shipping items...where all you pay is shipping...any suggestions?
