Looks like I have neglected this blog.
It has been an awesome year with some big challenges. The homeschooling goes really well... most days. And other days we scrap it and just play.
Time to start afresh with the blog though I think.
Updates:
DH: has been diligent with his desire to pursue a healthier diet. I'm very proud of the efforts he's been making! His job has added stress, and our relationship has good and bad days, but yet my beloved has stayed the course very well. He is a great provider, a dear friend, and a really good leader of his little flock.
DS: has had a great year with band/ jazz band. He is a very gifted musician. Even with a broken arm, he managed to pick up two new instruments and play at a very proficient level. Normally he plays trombone. He picked up the vibraphone, and euphonium. Yeah... about that broken arm... It occurred during a short-lived attempt by HCH Academy P.E. at the local skating rink. Session number two, this 6 foot tall giant man/boy fell perfectly to fracture his radius about an inch below the growth plate of his left wrist. His faith has deepened as he matures from elementary reasoning into more collegiate reasoning. He is very helpful and protective. We truly enjoy his humor and insights.
oDD: Has had some very fun times with band and choir (even picking up the tenor sax instead of the clarinet) . Her grades have steadily improved, and she is showing a lot of aptitude in the sciences. She is an awesome big sister and loves being creative with bedroom design and hairstyles. She is a joy!
mDD: Has had some identity issues displayed through attitude missteps. She is a gentle, trusting, loving spirit. So disciplining her is challenging. Schoolwise I'm so stinkin proud of her!!! Her reading and comprehension is up to grade level. She is enjoying learning math and science concepts & her creative expression has increased in beauty. She is a blessing!
yDD: Has had some fun times. If she could be, I think she'd be a wood elf. She has such a love of being outside & "in the forest". Academically she has progressed quite well this year. She can recognize numbers and do simple addition and subtraction. She recognizes all the letters of the alphabet, and knows how they sound. She can copy any writing we put in front of her. We are working on building her sight words vocabulary. She keeps us on her toes!
MIL: Her health has continued improvement. Her kidney and diabetes are still under great control-even still improving (A1c is under 7.0 & kidney function has improved beyond doctor's expectations). She has had a few set-backs emotionally as she is dealing with the eminent death of her mom who has been her only consistent companion and friend for her entire life. Although, she has been very appropriate at and enjoys the ladies group we attend together at church once a month... so I have great hope for a full life for her retirement years.
Myself: this has been a year of discovering renewed strength. I have fallen more deeply in love with my husband than I thought possible. I have continued couponing, and have refined the shopping to once a month major with one or two minor trips at the end of the month. I thoroughly enjoy teaching my children academically, spiritually, and helping them discover & develop their character. We attend a different church, and we are quite at home there. I feel very fulfilled.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Thursday, May 20, 2010
13 yo learning contentment with food and clothing
Ok, So...DS is having an issue with getting to the breakfast table at 8 a.m. DH suggested that breakfast be on the table ready for him, i.e. milk in the cereal, or breakfast hot and ready. If he isn't down on time, throw it away. That was his breakfast today. He didn't like it. Nope, not one bit!
So DS and I talked about why he needed to be at the table ready to begin his day at a specific time. I listened to several years of built up angst. It's interesting to view the world from a 13 yo perspective again. A lot of what he has pent up angst about deals with lack of time, money, and energy to follow through with some of the things mentioned in passing over the years. Wistful things, said in haste or dream that haven't come to pass. Through our discussion he came to the following three conclusions: Time is finite- only 24 hrs in a day. Money is finite- only what the LORD has blessed us with. Energy- is finite to a degree... the amount of energy DH and I have is slowly and steadily increasing with the new food and activity journey we are on.
In bringing the discussion back around to his gift of and management of time, talent, and treasure, I opened my NIV study bible. After a brief foray in the topical index, I opened to I Timothy chapter 6. I Timothy chapter 6 does NOT talk about time, talent, or treasure management, but instead the first two verses open with slavery finishing the topic in chapter 5 followed with admonishment about materialism.
Paul writes to Timothy in verses 3-5: "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. "
HMMM... Anyone else see any parallels with today's prosperity preachers who would have their followers believe that people who are not materialistically rich are not in line with the word of God or are being punished? I'm thinking about Joyce Meyers, Joel Osteen, Paula White, TD Jakes and other TBN preachers. But I'm getting off topic.
DS and I discussed the distraction and negativity of envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, constant friction. Also how these things erode the mind, jading it against the beauty, love, and joy of an open heart that is not lured into satan's trap of the quest for materialism.
Further we discussed the following verses:
1 Timothy 6:6-8
We come into this world via birth from our mother's loins-we are small, cute, crying, hungry, and naked. The only thing was come into this world with are demands. When we leave this world it is only our soul and spirit in the condition of all we have learned- that leave, no pockets for material things (DS adds-like a 9mm "celtic" Kal-tec (DH has graciously LOL corrected me on this) and ammo).
Verse 8: But if we have food and clothing we can be content with that... And further, we do not need to concern ourselves with what the food is, as long as it nourishes us...nor what name brand or style the clothes are as long as we are not naked. There's a peace that comes with throwing off materialism. What will the video games, nerf guns, 39 clues books really profit? They may be fun, but in essence are nothing but a distraction from the beauty, joy, and love God has so freely poured out for us through His Son, Jesus Christ, which we are privileged to share with others.
~I love teachable moments. May God be praised!
So DS and I talked about why he needed to be at the table ready to begin his day at a specific time. I listened to several years of built up angst. It's interesting to view the world from a 13 yo perspective again. A lot of what he has pent up angst about deals with lack of time, money, and energy to follow through with some of the things mentioned in passing over the years. Wistful things, said in haste or dream that haven't come to pass. Through our discussion he came to the following three conclusions: Time is finite- only 24 hrs in a day. Money is finite- only what the LORD has blessed us with. Energy- is finite to a degree... the amount of energy DH and I have is slowly and steadily increasing with the new food and activity journey we are on.
In bringing the discussion back around to his gift of and management of time, talent, and treasure, I opened my NIV study bible. After a brief foray in the topical index, I opened to I Timothy chapter 6. I Timothy chapter 6 does NOT talk about time, talent, or treasure management, but instead the first two verses open with slavery finishing the topic in chapter 5 followed with admonishment about materialism.
Paul writes to Timothy in verses 3-5: "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. "
HMMM... Anyone else see any parallels with today's prosperity preachers who would have their followers believe that people who are not materialistically rich are not in line with the word of God or are being punished? I'm thinking about Joyce Meyers, Joel Osteen, Paula White, TD Jakes and other TBN preachers. But I'm getting off topic.
DS and I discussed the distraction and negativity of envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, constant friction. Also how these things erode the mind, jading it against the beauty, love, and joy of an open heart that is not lured into satan's trap of the quest for materialism.
Further we discussed the following verses:
1 Timothy 6:6-8
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
We discussed what is godliness. DS concluded this is striving to be like God. What contentment is- being happy with what you have and not wanting anything else. Great gain-to get something that's very big to you.We come into this world via birth from our mother's loins-we are small, cute, crying, hungry, and naked. The only thing was come into this world with are demands. When we leave this world it is only our soul and spirit in the condition of all we have learned- that leave, no pockets for material things (DS adds-like a 9mm "celtic" Kal-tec (DH has graciously LOL corrected me on this) and ammo).
Verse 8: But if we have food and clothing we can be content with that... And further, we do not need to concern ourselves with what the food is, as long as it nourishes us...nor what name brand or style the clothes are as long as we are not naked. There's a peace that comes with throwing off materialism. What will the video games, nerf guns, 39 clues books really profit? They may be fun, but in essence are nothing but a distraction from the beauty, joy, and love God has so freely poured out for us through His Son, Jesus Christ, which we are privileged to share with others.
~I love teachable moments. May God be praised!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Playing catch-up & I just might get a nap.
Had a busy weekend and last few days. Come journey with me...
Thursday and Friday we had nice warm weather and Viki and I spent a lot of time out-of-doors. Also, since i was so hot we ate mostly cold foods. Apparently, these meals didn't quite please dh. SO frustrating when you work so hard only to be put down. But I am doing my best to keep things in a positive perspective and learn from what is being said. The key points are that dh has stated he does not know how to eat and what is normal for him is unhealthy. He keeps using the illustration of not knowing the difference between a Tbsp of food and 4 Big Macs. Not sure i get the illustration, but clearly he's referencing portions. We got loud with one of our discussions, and my feelings did get hurt so I lashed out at him verbally. I was about to fold like a cheap deck of cards, and stop trying to do my part towards the nutritional health of our family. I had it past here! Apparently, I didn't make any good meals, they were too small. I didn't understand what hungry feels like. I was not making even caloric meals. Well... it ALL got talked out and we are OK now. I have decided to ignore his complaints. I will just make nutritious meals of appropriate size and leave it at that. I am no longer enabling him in his food addiction or encouraging that behavior in myself or our children.
It was Selah days this weekend.
Saturday morning, I was awake early and set my chairs out in the shade along the parade route. A dear friend, Jenn, and two of her children used the house as base camp. Her daughter was marching in the parade. Selah's parade is always awesome! Lasted a GOOD 2 hrs. DS, OD and YD sat with me in the shade. MD went across the street and sat with her BFF and their family. There was an octogenarian couple next to our left, and a yuppie couple on our right. The elderly couple was a blast, as he was out there scrambling for the candy with the kids. Not one handout didn't land in his hands. She just giggled. If you're as old as you feel, they are teenagers in that ooshy-gooshy love. I hope DH and I can keep that kindled into our 80's. Ran into a friend of mine i had lost touch with and learned our mutual friend has moved to California. She was such an inspiration to many, a true prayer warrior. Jenn and I were hot and thirsty afterward, so she came in for iced tea and to sit in front of the fan. It was like 88 degrees, funny because in a few weeks that's going to feel nice and cool. LOL.
Saturday afternoon we just stayed at the house. Chores were neglected, as the children frolicked outside. I let it slide, since we had so much rain and wind lately. They needed the fresh air. Saturday evening, was the fireworks display. I love the location of our house. We can watch the full fireworks from our driveway. No traffic, no drunks on the blanket next to you. Comfy bathrooms, free food and drink. YD is afraid of the fireworks though, which i find sweet. It's like she just can't arrange in her mind the noise and lights. She'll grow out of it.
Sunday morning we started getting prepared to go head for the hills. All 7 of us piled into the van armed with camp chairs, bug spray,walkie-talkies, DH and my sidearms (his 9mm and my .38 snubbed-nose revolver), the .22, ammo, a light picnic, gallon of water, gallon of iced tea, and a couple of books. We went to one of our favorite spots and hung out for several hours. The camp area isn't officially opened yet, so it was just us in the campground. OD was searching out flora we haven't identified yet and took pictures so we could ID what's out there. YD and MD got scraped a little as they were playing on a make-shift teeter-totter. YD loves to go log walking on the downed enormous pines. DS went for a walk across the dry part of the reservoir basin. He was content to just go out and through stuff in the water, observe the insects, and skip a few rocks. MIL even enjoyed gather kindling, pine cones, dry moss, and some small logs and sticks for a campfire (which we didn't light).
When we had enough of the campground, we decided to explore some of the side roads along HWY 12 for a safe place to put some rounds through our firearms. What beautiful country! The OD, MD and I climbed a 150 ft ridge and looked out across the reservoir. We were looking straight across to the peak of Mt. Adams. AMAZING! Lots of snow pack still in place. Hopefully there will be enough moisture to fill the basin since most of the agri-businesses rely on irrigation from the reservoirs and mountain streams. Yakima Valley is known as the nations fruit bowl growing apples, peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, wine grapes, asparagus (not a fruit but grown here), strawberries, blueberries, and more I probably don't know about. Spring's fresh fruit seasons begin in Chile, then the California fruit, then Yakima then towards the various orchards in the U.S. interior west, then south, middle, then east.
We climbed down and drove on finding a perfect quiet place to blast off some rounds. We all took turns. Everyone did an excellent job of following "range rules". The girls built pretend campfire rings behind the van. They found kindling and used last fall's leaves as "fire". Ds found a path to explore and found some waterfalls. There were a few deer ticks out there, which we didn't realize until i found one crawling on my head on the way home. Oops, guess we should have used the bug spray we brought along. A thorough check when we got home only yielded two more of the little buggers. One was in my underwear, must have found its way in when i used an open-air privy. LOL.
We were exhausted when we got home around 7:30.
Two more days to go and we're up to date...
Monday was a recovery day. I made bread and we lazed. DS did the kitchen, and Bible study. YD and I did alphabet work in chalk on the porch. Apparently, for a 4yo, letters are BORING. We sing a song to explain why we have to learn boring letters. "Letters make words and words make sentences and sentences make stories." Later in the morning she amazed me by writing random recognizable letters then "reading" the story to me. I LOVE BEING HER TEACHER AND SHARING THESE A-HA MOMENTS!!! CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE ALL MY CHICKS IN THE NEST LEARNING AND SHARING DISCOVERIES OF A-HA TOGETHER! *GRIN* COME ON JUNE 11TH!
Tuesday, yesterday... MIL had her day with her mom in town came home riled-up going on about AIDS, Prince Charles, and diabetic test strips. I got her calmed down and found out that she doesn't want to attend a family reunion coming up in July. She decided, however, that it would be better to attend the gathering for 5-10 minutes instead of having them "pop" over for a visit.
DS had full load of homework, two separate bike rides, chores, band followed by jazz band, and youth group.
OD stayed home (again :(. DH and I think we've narrowed down her syndrome to RAP-Reoccurring Abdominal Pain- manifesting itself as Stomach Migraine rooted in the anxiety she feels towards being in the school system. I've located some biofeedback tools including a relaxation script for stomach anxiety I'm going to work through with her for her next flare up. I'm so grateful to my mom for sending me to biofeedback appointments to manage my migraines as a teen. Now, 20 years later, I can apply those techniques on my daughter. (Slow-deep breathing to increase oxygen, raising core body temp, slow methodical relaxing
MD had a great day yesterday. Came home, played. Did a quick thorough job of her chore and played some more. She did some reading and crayoning with YD under the dining room table. LOVE THAT!!!
YD had a lazy day yesterday. She and I brought DH his lunch at work, then stopped to pick up some eggs, carrots, cukes, and box of cereal. Got home and she and OD watched a couple of movies, sat outside on the porch, crayoned a few pictures with MD... The payoff was that since she had such a lazy day, she didn't want to sleep last night. She didn't settle in until 10 or so.
OK so that brings us current. It's Wednesday 5/19/10 at 10 a.m. DH, OD, MD are off for the day with breakfast in their bellies and DH with a veggie salad with croutons for lunch. Grain is soaking for bread. DS is in the middle of his math assignment. YD is on her 2nd dress change of the day getting ready to go for a walk with me and the dog. Two loads of laundry run through the machines with next one ready to go. Living room picked up and straightened, Kitchen straightened. Supper tonight will be pasta with Garlicky bread and lettuce salad.
NO activities planned for the evening. I just might get a nap this afternoon :).
Thursday and Friday we had nice warm weather and Viki and I spent a lot of time out-of-doors. Also, since i was so hot we ate mostly cold foods. Apparently, these meals didn't quite please dh. SO frustrating when you work so hard only to be put down. But I am doing my best to keep things in a positive perspective and learn from what is being said. The key points are that dh has stated he does not know how to eat and what is normal for him is unhealthy. He keeps using the illustration of not knowing the difference between a Tbsp of food and 4 Big Macs. Not sure i get the illustration, but clearly he's referencing portions. We got loud with one of our discussions, and my feelings did get hurt so I lashed out at him verbally. I was about to fold like a cheap deck of cards, and stop trying to do my part towards the nutritional health of our family. I had it past here! Apparently, I didn't make any good meals, they were too small. I didn't understand what hungry feels like. I was not making even caloric meals. Well... it ALL got talked out and we are OK now. I have decided to ignore his complaints. I will just make nutritious meals of appropriate size and leave it at that. I am no longer enabling him in his food addiction or encouraging that behavior in myself or our children.
It was Selah days this weekend.
Saturday morning, I was awake early and set my chairs out in the shade along the parade route. A dear friend, Jenn, and two of her children used the house as base camp. Her daughter was marching in the parade. Selah's parade is always awesome! Lasted a GOOD 2 hrs. DS, OD and YD sat with me in the shade. MD went across the street and sat with her BFF and their family. There was an octogenarian couple next to our left, and a yuppie couple on our right. The elderly couple was a blast, as he was out there scrambling for the candy with the kids. Not one handout didn't land in his hands. She just giggled. If you're as old as you feel, they are teenagers in that ooshy-gooshy love. I hope DH and I can keep that kindled into our 80's. Ran into a friend of mine i had lost touch with and learned our mutual friend has moved to California. She was such an inspiration to many, a true prayer warrior. Jenn and I were hot and thirsty afterward, so she came in for iced tea and to sit in front of the fan. It was like 88 degrees, funny because in a few weeks that's going to feel nice and cool. LOL.
Saturday afternoon we just stayed at the house. Chores were neglected, as the children frolicked outside. I let it slide, since we had so much rain and wind lately. They needed the fresh air. Saturday evening, was the fireworks display. I love the location of our house. We can watch the full fireworks from our driveway. No traffic, no drunks on the blanket next to you. Comfy bathrooms, free food and drink. YD is afraid of the fireworks though, which i find sweet. It's like she just can't arrange in her mind the noise and lights. She'll grow out of it.
Sunday morning we started getting prepared to go head for the hills. All 7 of us piled into the van armed with camp chairs, bug spray,walkie-talkies, DH and my sidearms (his 9mm and my .38 snubbed-nose revolver), the .22, ammo, a light picnic, gallon of water, gallon of iced tea, and a couple of books. We went to one of our favorite spots and hung out for several hours. The camp area isn't officially opened yet, so it was just us in the campground. OD was searching out flora we haven't identified yet and took pictures so we could ID what's out there. YD and MD got scraped a little as they were playing on a make-shift teeter-totter. YD loves to go log walking on the downed enormous pines. DS went for a walk across the dry part of the reservoir basin. He was content to just go out and through stuff in the water, observe the insects, and skip a few rocks. MIL even enjoyed gather kindling, pine cones, dry moss, and some small logs and sticks for a campfire (which we didn't light).
When we had enough of the campground, we decided to explore some of the side roads along HWY 12 for a safe place to put some rounds through our firearms. What beautiful country! The OD, MD and I climbed a 150 ft ridge and looked out across the reservoir. We were looking straight across to the peak of Mt. Adams. AMAZING! Lots of snow pack still in place. Hopefully there will be enough moisture to fill the basin since most of the agri-businesses rely on irrigation from the reservoirs and mountain streams. Yakima Valley is known as the nations fruit bowl growing apples, peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, wine grapes, asparagus (not a fruit but grown here), strawberries, blueberries, and more I probably don't know about. Spring's fresh fruit seasons begin in Chile, then the California fruit, then Yakima then towards the various orchards in the U.S. interior west, then south, middle, then east.
We climbed down and drove on finding a perfect quiet place to blast off some rounds. We all took turns. Everyone did an excellent job of following "range rules". The girls built pretend campfire rings behind the van. They found kindling and used last fall's leaves as "fire". Ds found a path to explore and found some waterfalls. There were a few deer ticks out there, which we didn't realize until i found one crawling on my head on the way home. Oops, guess we should have used the bug spray we brought along. A thorough check when we got home only yielded two more of the little buggers. One was in my underwear, must have found its way in when i used an open-air privy. LOL.
We were exhausted when we got home around 7:30.
Two more days to go and we're up to date...
Monday was a recovery day. I made bread and we lazed. DS did the kitchen, and Bible study. YD and I did alphabet work in chalk on the porch. Apparently, for a 4yo, letters are BORING. We sing a song to explain why we have to learn boring letters. "Letters make words and words make sentences and sentences make stories." Later in the morning she amazed me by writing random recognizable letters then "reading" the story to me. I LOVE BEING HER TEACHER AND SHARING THESE A-HA MOMENTS!!! CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE ALL MY CHICKS IN THE NEST LEARNING AND SHARING DISCOVERIES OF A-HA TOGETHER! *GRIN* COME ON JUNE 11TH!
Tuesday, yesterday... MIL had her day with her mom in town came home riled-up going on about AIDS, Prince Charles, and diabetic test strips. I got her calmed down and found out that she doesn't want to attend a family reunion coming up in July. She decided, however, that it would be better to attend the gathering for 5-10 minutes instead of having them "pop" over for a visit.
DS had full load of homework, two separate bike rides, chores, band followed by jazz band, and youth group.
OD stayed home (again :(. DH and I think we've narrowed down her syndrome to RAP-Reoccurring Abdominal Pain- manifesting itself as Stomach Migraine rooted in the anxiety she feels towards being in the school system. I've located some biofeedback tools including a relaxation script for stomach anxiety I'm going to work through with her for her next flare up. I'm so grateful to my mom for sending me to biofeedback appointments to manage my migraines as a teen. Now, 20 years later, I can apply those techniques on my daughter. (Slow-deep breathing to increase oxygen, raising core body temp, slow methodical relaxing
MD had a great day yesterday. Came home, played. Did a quick thorough job of her chore and played some more. She did some reading and crayoning with YD under the dining room table. LOVE THAT!!!
YD had a lazy day yesterday. She and I brought DH his lunch at work, then stopped to pick up some eggs, carrots, cukes, and box of cereal. Got home and she and OD watched a couple of movies, sat outside on the porch, crayoned a few pictures with MD... The payoff was that since she had such a lazy day, she didn't want to sleep last night. She didn't settle in until 10 or so.
OK so that brings us current. It's Wednesday 5/19/10 at 10 a.m. DH, OD, MD are off for the day with breakfast in their bellies and DH with a veggie salad with croutons for lunch. Grain is soaking for bread. DS is in the middle of his math assignment. YD is on her 2nd dress change of the day getting ready to go for a walk with me and the dog. Two loads of laundry run through the machines with next one ready to go. Living room picked up and straightened, Kitchen straightened. Supper tonight will be pasta with Garlicky bread and lettuce salad.
NO activities planned for the evening. I just might get a nap this afternoon :).
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Farm Fun day
Yesterday was a busy day. The morning was filled with nursing OD through a migraine and DS with growing pains, planting sunflowers and marigolds, playing in the front yard with YD, getting MIL spend-down squared away with DSHS (what a crazy bureaucratic MESS) and making lunch. Buzzed over to Farm Fun day with MD and YD.
Farm Fun day runs in conjunction with our towns city celebration. The high school FFA brings in farm animals and sets up booths with farm activities. There was lasso throwing, bucking bronco jumper, assembling toy wooden tractors, a grinding station with a knife sharpener-a crank lightbulb- and wheat grinding. Got a little too much sun. But the experience had a great set-up. We will definitely be attending next year. Was a little disappointed with the teacher as the kids weren't prepped for what they might see- there was no back story or history. She didn't take advantage of any teachable moments. I couldn't let it go, they were so curious so I talked to the kids about pigs-in-mud and how a pigs hair looks like it would be soft but is bristly. I also talked to the kids about the different uses for pigs hair, chicken feathers, and why farm animals aren't allowed in city limits (they were noticing the ah-hem smells and mess). She basically let them roam around and tried to keep all 20 kids together, but did manage to panic as they loaded the hay wagon ride back to the bus and couldn't find a couple of students (they were found and loaded). Clearly, the farm days experience reinforced my need to homeschool.
After we got back to the house, we cooled down with icees and an ice cream cone.
DS made supper last night. His menu was Taco Ghoulash, Raw carrots, and sliced strawberries. DH wasn't thrilled with it at all. Although he did reluctantly eat. DH has now prepared a list of foods he's willing to eat-but it will have to be tweaked and the recipes reformulated to be sure there's no fat, and that one portion will be enough calories.
The kids and I then went on to AWANA awards night. The girls all got participation awards and DS enjoyed his last night of LIT assistance in the cubbies room. Re-connected with a local family who also has 4 kids the same ages. Inf fact they lived on our street until a week ago. We discussed the pros and cons of homeschooling.
Whew what a day!
We are headed out to the park... looks like highs near 80 again today. Suntea brewing :)
Farm Fun day runs in conjunction with our towns city celebration. The high school FFA brings in farm animals and sets up booths with farm activities. There was lasso throwing, bucking bronco jumper, assembling toy wooden tractors, a grinding station with a knife sharpener-a crank lightbulb- and wheat grinding. Got a little too much sun. But the experience had a great set-up. We will definitely be attending next year. Was a little disappointed with the teacher as the kids weren't prepped for what they might see- there was no back story or history. She didn't take advantage of any teachable moments. I couldn't let it go, they were so curious so I talked to the kids about pigs-in-mud and how a pigs hair looks like it would be soft but is bristly. I also talked to the kids about the different uses for pigs hair, chicken feathers, and why farm animals aren't allowed in city limits (they were noticing the ah-hem smells and mess). She basically let them roam around and tried to keep all 20 kids together, but did manage to panic as they loaded the hay wagon ride back to the bus and couldn't find a couple of students (they were found and loaded). Clearly, the farm days experience reinforced my need to homeschool.
After we got back to the house, we cooled down with icees and an ice cream cone.
DS made supper last night. His menu was Taco Ghoulash, Raw carrots, and sliced strawberries. DH wasn't thrilled with it at all. Although he did reluctantly eat. DH has now prepared a list of foods he's willing to eat-but it will have to be tweaked and the recipes reformulated to be sure there's no fat, and that one portion will be enough calories.
The kids and I then went on to AWANA awards night. The girls all got participation awards and DS enjoyed his last night of LIT assistance in the cubbies room. Re-connected with a local family who also has 4 kids the same ages. Inf fact they lived on our street until a week ago. We discussed the pros and cons of homeschooling.
Whew what a day!
We are headed out to the park... looks like highs near 80 again today. Suntea brewing :)
Monday, May 10, 2010
New doctor invited me to DH appt
Well an interesting appointment this morning with DH new Dr... Gonna get the weight and diabetes under control! Amen! DH gave a commitment to "jumping in with both feet". NO dietary fat! NO snacking! 3 equally sized, equally spaced meals eaten at the table. It's a stewardship issue, whether we wear out this body we've been given before we've accomplished all we've been sent here to accomplish or if we are fully and healthfully able to carry out God's will. With God's help we can do this in the name of Jesus, without God's help this will be another failed attempt at getting our family to healthy sustainable weight goals.
Food consumption today:
Breakfast: one McSkillet Burrito from McD's
Lunch: Hummus and flat bread crackers for me... DH had two thin sliced pastrami and turkey sandwiches, cucumber, dried apricots.
Supper: Red Romain lettuce, a vegetable salad with cucumber, red and yellow sweet peppers, tomatoes, celery and lemon juice, steamed chicken breast, homemade (no fat) bread, and steamed artichoke with lemon-butter. DH passed on the artichoke-wouldn't take the butter.
After a lengthy conversation of why lettuce and vegetables do/don't make a meal, I gently asked DH how many calories he consumed at each meal. He got quiet and considered the question thoughtfully. The response was about 500-600 at each meal. He conceded stating he doesn't know how or what to eat. But is committed for the rest of his life to healthy eating with instruction on what that is by Dr. Dave- as committed as he is to our marriage. Hallelujah!
I am cautiously optimistic that this is a new beginning for our whole family. Praise the Lord!
Food consumption today:
Breakfast: one McSkillet Burrito from McD's
Lunch: Hummus and flat bread crackers for me... DH had two thin sliced pastrami and turkey sandwiches, cucumber, dried apricots.
Supper: Red Romain lettuce, a vegetable salad with cucumber, red and yellow sweet peppers, tomatoes, celery and lemon juice, steamed chicken breast, homemade (no fat) bread, and steamed artichoke with lemon-butter. DH passed on the artichoke-wouldn't take the butter.
After a lengthy conversation of why lettuce and vegetables do/don't make a meal, I gently asked DH how many calories he consumed at each meal. He got quiet and considered the question thoughtfully. The response was about 500-600 at each meal. He conceded stating he doesn't know how or what to eat. But is committed for the rest of his life to healthy eating with instruction on what that is by Dr. Dave- as committed as he is to our marriage. Hallelujah!
I am cautiously optimistic that this is a new beginning for our whole family. Praise the Lord!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day
Here we are Mother's Day 2010. With four amazing children (don't all moms say that? LOL). DS13, OD10, MD8, YD4...DH and MIL and Tucker John our pound puppy, we make quite an interesting household. I can smell the girls making "mother's day breakfast" upstairs, there's a load of towels in the dryer, and DH is snoring away on the bed. MIL spent the night with her mom so it's just the kids and I up and moving around this morning.
I have been doing some reminiscing lately. Good reminiscing. Cousins have been posting some old photos onto facebook. We are a very fortunate bunch to have been raised with such a strong sense of family. Mother's day is an appropriate day to thank God the Father for allowing me to be born to a strong, patient, loving mother. Mom made sure we always had what we needed- family and belonging. I'm sure her mom Grandma June made sure her children were instilled with this as well. I feel so blessed to have been born into a family that did not have a legacy of monetary wealth, but does have a legacy of love and familial wealth. I have parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, children, nieces and nephews who- despite differences and distance- would all do whatever they could to help anyone of the above list. We link together for prayer chains. We feel hurt when things happen to someone and we weren't "in the loop" so we could at least pray and give our love and support to each other.
My husband grew up with a very different sense of family, hence the snoring that's heard on most holidays as the children and I work to continue the legacy of love and familial wealth. Most families from our little MN-IA border town also took great pains to instill similar values in their children. Work hard, enjoy the little delights in life, be content with what you have been blessed with. Sometimes it's hard to relate to someone with no clue what this is like. Makes me all the more grateful for my mom, grandma, aunts, cousins, sisters- All the women in my life who embody the fruits of the Spirit with encouragement, love, prayer, support for each other we can't help but spread this legacy for future generations.
I have been doing some reminiscing lately. Good reminiscing. Cousins have been posting some old photos onto facebook. We are a very fortunate bunch to have been raised with such a strong sense of family. Mother's day is an appropriate day to thank God the Father for allowing me to be born to a strong, patient, loving mother. Mom made sure we always had what we needed- family and belonging. I'm sure her mom Grandma June made sure her children were instilled with this as well. I feel so blessed to have been born into a family that did not have a legacy of monetary wealth, but does have a legacy of love and familial wealth. I have parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, children, nieces and nephews who- despite differences and distance- would all do whatever they could to help anyone of the above list. We link together for prayer chains. We feel hurt when things happen to someone and we weren't "in the loop" so we could at least pray and give our love and support to each other.
My husband grew up with a very different sense of family, hence the snoring that's heard on most holidays as the children and I work to continue the legacy of love and familial wealth. Most families from our little MN-IA border town also took great pains to instill similar values in their children. Work hard, enjoy the little delights in life, be content with what you have been blessed with. Sometimes it's hard to relate to someone with no clue what this is like. Makes me all the more grateful for my mom, grandma, aunts, cousins, sisters- All the women in my life who embody the fruits of the Spirit with encouragement, love, prayer, support for each other we can't help but spread this legacy for future generations.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
