Life At The Cassells

Our Blog Has A New Address......

2008-05-06T20:41:00.003-04:00

Go to http://www.lifewiththecassells.blogspot.com/ to keep up with us.

2008-05-05T20:04:00.002-04:00

A most unproductive day. School, no. Cleaning, no. Laundry, no. Menu planning, no. Anything of use, NO. Why? I don't know. Nor do I know why my typing is lining up like this.

2008-05-03T09:50:00.007-04:00

Sometimes life's lessons are hard. Sometimes they aren't hard enough. But perhaps one doesn't need to hit rock bottom in order to learn a lesson. Perhaps one does. I do know that the current situation that Jordon has found himself to be in, will without a doubt, be an eye opener. He has been redirected from his high school to another school, The Opportunity School. I can only imagine that it is named that as to imply 'this may be your last opportunity.' In my mind, its a blessing straight from God Himself. Jordon doesn't, won't, and at this point can't see it as that. He has been taken from a high school of 100s to a school of only 30. Seems ideal to me. His education for the remainder of the school year will be computer based, self paced and under constant supervision. There is a teacher and assistant for these 30 students. And for a child that likes to go to the bathroom as an excuse to get out of most situations, he wont be going to even the bathroom without an escort. He will attend this school Monday through Friday from 9am until 4pm. There is little to no socializing at this school. Outside of school, he has had little time hanging out at malls, roaming the streets, etc. Now he will have even less. We have even taken his phone. Perhaps a little harsh??? I consider it a small price to pay for a 14 year old who has admittedly said that if he would just keep his mouth shut, he would never get in trouble. Yes, it could be worse. He could be doing lots of completely undesirable things, and although he has entertained a few things, he hasn't committed to them nor do we want him to.

This guy is so smart but wont apply himself. He would rather cruise than soar. God has gifted him with intelligence and an athletic ability some only dream of. His heart is football. I believe that God wants to give him the desire of his heart where football is concerned, but Jordon must first give God his heart, all of it, not just a part of it when he needs something. I pray that this is just the beginning of God working in Jordon's life so that he can do just that. This will be a most humbling season for Jordon. Not only will he be at this small school with little to no freedom, he has no cell phone, and will have to go to summer school as well. I'm believing that God will move in a mighty way over this next month in Jordon's life.

2008-05-01T17:23:00.002-04:00

What a difference a coat of paint can make. Still not done, but definitely a step in the right direction. We still need to get the crown and baseboard up, as well as paint the doors. (This is the same room, we just rearranged the furniture).

2008-05-01T16:41:00.003-04:00

Today has looked nothing AT ALL like yesterday. We got up early and got Bible and math done before leaving for Bible study. We came home, had lunch and that's about it. I am now heading to the kitchen to get dinner started before Jeff leaves for praise and worship practice at 7:30pm.

2008-04-30T21:42:00.003-04:00

Today was most productive. Good day of schoolwork. Good day of working in the basement. Good evening of working on lesson plans.

Tomorrow, we will rise and shine a little earlier than we have all week. On Thursdays, I have Bible study while Harrison has sign language, Spanish and art classes. It will be Mack's first day of classes and he will be doing a Fit and Fun class as well as Spanish. He will have the last hour with me working on some schoolwork and that way when we get home our school day will be done. I especially enjoy Thursdays as it requires little from me and gives me time with other homeschooling moms while the boys have classes. Something for all of us.

Our afternoon is pretty much open until bedtime. Perhaps a little more work in the basement. I need to work on the menu and grocery list as well. Grey's Anatomy is on at 9pm so I will be front and center to the JVC. With Addison on this episode, it will surely be a good one.

Well, I'm determined to be in bed at 10pm to read tonight, so I must get a move on. Good night.

A Lot of Basement Organizing

2008-04-30T19:21:00.014-04:00

Before.....

.....After

My goodness, we worked ourselves hard down in the dungeon, I mean basement this afternoon. Maybe about 2 hours. We got a great start on just getting things organized in a sensible way, but there is definitely much to go through. With that said, here are a couple before shots as well as after. And this is just the carpeted room. There is another room a little larger and it is in worse shape than this one before we started. I know, its so not a good thing to have this much stuff. Perhaps all this organizing will help me do that garage sale I keep talking about. There is plenty to sell, that is for sure.

2008-04-30T14:59:00.005-04:00

I have decided to participate in This and it is with great horror that I will attempt to organize the basement. As I have not had the nerve to go down there to take "before" pictures, I promise to do so. Although, I may not post them until the organizing is done and that way people are more impressed at the end result versus disgusted with the beginning. Some talk about a table or nightstand being a catch all. Well, our basement is the "hold all". And with the job at hand, I hope to be the "randomly picked entry" that wins the prize.

This is NOT MY story!!!

2008-04-30T12:51:00.004-04:00

Do not try this at home!

One Woman's Tale of Woe - All hair removal methods have tricked women with their promises of easy, painless removal - The epilady, scissors, razors, Nair and now...the wax. My night began as any other normal weeknight. Come home, fix dinner, play with the kids. I then had the thought that would ring painfully in my mind for the next few hours: "Maybe I should pull the waxing kit out of the medicine cabinet." So I headed to the site of my demise: the bathroom. It was one of those "cold wax" kits. No melting a clump of hot wax, you just rub the strips together in your hand, they get warm and you peel them apart and press them to your leg (or wherever else) and you pull the hair right off. No muss, no fuss. How hard can it be? I mean, I'm not a genius, but I am mechanically inclined enough to figure this out. (YA THINK!?!) So I pull one of the thin strips out. Its two strips facing each other stuck together. Instead of rubbing them together, my genius kicks in so I get out the hair dryer and heat it to 1000 degrees. ("Cold wax," yeah...right!) I lay the strip across my thigh. Hold the skin around it tight and pull. It works! OK, so it wasn't the best feeling, but it wasn't too bad. I can do this! Hair removal no longer eludes me! I am She-rah, fighter of all wayward body hair and maker of smooth skin extraordinaire. With my next wax strip I move north. After checking on the kids, I sneak back into the bathroom, for the ultimate hair fighting championship. I drop my panties and place one foot on the toilet. Using the same procedure, I apply the wax strip across the right side of my bikini line, covering the right half of my who-ha and stretching down to the inside of my butt cheek. (Yes, it was a long strip) I inhale deeply and brace myself.........RRRRIIIPPP!!!! I'm blind!!! Blinded from pain!!!!.... OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!! Vision returning, I notice that I've only managed to pull off half the strip. CRAP!!! Another deep breath and RRIIPP!! Everything is swirly and spotted. I think I may pass out...........must stay conscious...Do I hear crashing drums??? Breathe, breathe...OK, back to normal. I want to see my trophy - a wax covered strip, the one that has caused me so much pain, with my hairy pelt sticking to it. I want to revel in the glory that is my triumph over body hair. I hold up the strip! There's no hair on it. Where is the hair??? WHERE IS THE WAX??? Slowly I ease my head down, foot still perched on the toilet. I see the hair. The hair that should be on the strip. I touch. I am touching wax. CRAP! I run my fingers over the most sensitive part of my body, which is now covered in cold wax and matted hair. Then I make the next BIG mistake.......remember my foot is still propped up on the toilet? I know I need to do something. So I put my foot down. DANG!!!!!!!! I hear the slamming of a cell door. Who-Ha? Sealed shut! Butt?? Sealed shut! I penguin walk around the bathroom trying to figure out what to do and think to myself "Please don't let me get the urge to poop. My head may pop off!" What can I do to melt the wax? Hot water!! Hot water melts wax!! I'll run the hottest water I can stand into the bathtub, get in, immerse the wax-covered bits and the wax should melt and I can gently wipe it off, right??? *WRONG!!!!!!!* I get in the tub - the water is slightly hotter than that used to torture prisoners of war or sterilize surgical equipment - I sit. Now, the only thing worse than having your nether regions glued together, is having them glued together and then glued to the bottom of the tub...in scalding hot water. Which, by the way, doesn't melt cold wax. So, now I'm stuck to the bottom of the tub as though I had cement-epoxied myself to the porcelain!! God bless the man who had convinced me a few months ago to have a phone put in the bathroom!!!!! I call my friend, thinking surely she has waxed before and has some secret of how to get me undone. It's a very good conversation starter - "So, my butt and who-ha are glue together to the bottom of the tub!" There is a slight pause. She doesn't know any secret tricks for removal but she does try to hide her laughter from me. She wants to know exactly where the wax is located, "Are we talking cheeks or hole or who-ha?" She's laughing out loud by now.....I can hear her. I give her the rundown and she suggests I call the number on the side of the box. YEAH!!!!! Right!! I should be the joke of someone else's night. While we go through various solutions. I resort to scraping the wax off with a razor. Nothing feels better then to have your girlie goodies covered in hot wax, glued shut, stuck to the tub in super hot water and then dry-shaving the sticky wax off!! By now the brain is not working, dignity has taken a major hike and I'm pretty sure I'm going to need Post-Traumatic Stress counseling for this event. My friend is still talking with me when I finally see my saving grace....the lotion they give you to remove the excess wax. What do I really have to lose at this point? I rub some on and OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! The scream probably woke the kids and scared the dickens out of my friend. It's sooo painful, but I really don't care. "IT WORKS!! It works !!" I get a hearty congratulation from my friend and she hangs up. I successfully remove the remainder of the wax and then notice to my grief and despair....THE HAIR IS STILL THERE.......ALL OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. So I recklessly shave it off. Heck, I'm numb by now. Nothing hurts. I could have amputated my own leg at this point. Next week I'm going to try hair colour......

Warning for Women!!!

2008-04-29T18:26:00.002-04:00

You've heard about people who have been abducted and had their kidneys removed by black-market organ thieves. My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years ago. I went to sleep and woke up with someone else's thighs. It was just that quick. The replacements had the texture of cooked oatmeal. Whose thighs were these and what happened to mine? I spent the entire summer looking for my thighs. Finally, hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my life in jeans. And then the thieves struck again. My butt was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they took pains to match my new rear-end to the thighs they had stuck me with earlier. But my new butt was attached at least three inches lower than my original! I realized I'd have to give up my jeans in favor of long skirts. Two years ago I realized my arms had been switched. One morning I was fixing my hair and was horrified to see the flesh of my upper arm swing to and fro with the motion of the hairbrush. This was really getting scary - my body was being replaced one section at a time. What could they do to me next?When my poor neck suddenly disappeared and was replaced with a turkey neck,I decided to tell my story. Women of the world wake up and smell the coffee! Those 'plastic' surgeons are using REAL replacement body parts-stolen from you and me! The next time someone you know has something 'lifted', look again - was it lifted from you? THIS IS NOT A HOAX. This is happening to women everywhere, every night. Please......WARN YOUR FRIENDS!

P.S. Last year I thought some one had stolen my Boobs. I was lying in bed and they were gone! But when I jumped out of bed, I was relieved to see that they had just been hiding in my armpits as I slept. Now I keep them hidden in my waistband.

2008-04-29T18:04:00.003-04:00

Today has been slightly challenging. All five of us are home and it seemed to make things difficult when it came to school. I gave the boys until 9:30 to get breakfast which, according to my schedule, is about a good hour after we should be starting school, and called them to the table to get the all too predictable, "I'm hungry." Too bad was all I could think of. Well, it worked for a while. Until Jeff made his breakfast and joined us at the table with scrambled eggs and a leftover pork chop warmed up to tempt the children. And then came Jordon with his toast. Harrison was the one that ate breakfast, Mack did not. We let him have crackers as it required no preparation away from the table - a small price to pay for having played a little longer with Legos instead of eating breakfast. As our morning progressed, Jeff was removing hardware from doors to paint them which required a power drill and his phone rang a few times. Jordon was in and out for various reasons. Just a few distractions. We finally wrapped up around 1pm and then. Boredom. Set. In. "I'm bored." " Can I watch cartoons?" "Can I get on the computer?" "There is nothing to do." "Play outside, why its too cold." It was rather unseasonably cool this morning, but it was not cold. At one point, I went out on the deck to sit in the sun to warm up myself, and perhaps to have a little time alone. But I was not successful AT ALL. First was one son. Then two. Both of whom wanted to be on me, which I actually was more than happy to do. So, three of us sat on the deck in the sun in one chair. They pretty much just piled on. All was good, and then that got old and they disappeared. Later, I made another attempt to warm in the sun, and well, pretty much the same thing. Mack joined but claimed his seat on a small side table. Jordon pulled up his own chair. And then, there were three dogs. The only bad part about that was that the heaviest one (Lily) wanted to be in my lap. (More difficult than 2 kids).

I am now waiting on pork chops to thaw so that they can get on the grill and I can get the rest of dinner done. Hopefully, we will be sitting down by 7pm. Children will shower and be in bed come heck or high water by 9pm, Jordon 10pm. In fact, I might try to get them in their rooms about 30 minutes prior to that so they can wind down.

As for our evening, I don't have anything planned. I usually attend a Bible study on Tuesdays but I just don't want to leave the house. Never mind I don't even know where it is this week as I wasn't there last week. I've got several books started, a menu to make as well as the grocery list and laundry to finish up. There is no lack for something to do for sure.

2008-04-28T13:03:00.007-04:00

We had a great first day for our official 'homeschooling two boys'. Mack had been sick last Wednesday and Thursday and was rather depressed at the thought of returning to school on Friday. He literally sat around most of the afternoon looking off in the distance at nothing, very quiet and withdrawn. He has been asking for several weeks to come back home but with it being so close to the end of the year, we wanted him to finish the year. But with the onset of depression, we had to reconsider. And once we told him, he has been like a bouncy ball just bouncing all over the place, happy and giggly, and talking nonstop. I was working on school stuff Friday night in my room and he came in and looked at me and said that he couldn't wait to see me Monday. I said 'why, b/c you will be with me all day' to which he replied yes and took off running to the other end of the house. He has had to deal with a lot of teasing and bullying more and more throughout the year. After the last incident, the child bullying him was suspended. We noticed over Christmas break a change in him after he hadn't been at school for so long upon returning for only 2 days, the angry child returned. The same with Spring break. I truly believe that this was the best decision for us even at this late time in the school year. We were slowly losing him and not liking the person that he was starting to become. He is our sensitive child, perhaps a little too sensitive at times, and he just couldn't rise above what he was dealing with at school. Some kids can handle it well and not be bothered by it, but Mack just couldn't therefore, we had to make the decision based on that and not on where we were in the school year.

Homeschooling is definitely not for everybody. I have learned valuable lessons over the several years that we have done it. Sometimes, people start and stop and then restart. I have known people that have done this multiple times. My downfall last fall when we put the boys in school was that I didn't have a support system and we weren't involved in much that our local homeschool group offers. This fall, when Harrison started asking weekly and then multiple times a week to come back home, I knew that it would have to be done differently this time. That I needed more than just the support of a loving husband and that of a couple of homeschool mom's that I knew. I needed to be involved in as much as my kids needed to be involved. So far this year, we have participated in a PE class at the YMCA, skate day which is once a month, and I started a Bible study that put Harrison in classes with other homeschoolers as well. He is taking art, Spanish, and sign language. When Mack starts this week, he will take a fitness class as well as Spanish. I have also organized 2 used curriculum sales and I am currently working on organizing a Mother's Night Out with other homeschool moms. At the end of May, we will be taking a train trip from Kannapolis to Raleigh and tour several museums and the capital building. I have made so many friends this year that I am able to see God's hand at work in so many areas and that is such a blessing. It was definitely one of my prayer requests when we were just praying about pulling Harrison out. I had to have other homeschooling mom's in my life in a more personal way. God so answered that prayer and for that I am thankful.

Yes, there are good days and there are bad days as with anything. But fortunately, there are more good days and rarely bad days. I am the type of person that feels successful based on what I have done in a day. When it all gets done, its a great day, especially when its done in a timely matter and not dragged out for hours. It is when I can get in a good days work of school with the boy, now boys, and still maintain the order in the house that I feel successful.

2008-04-26T20:19:00.003-04:00

Have you ever left out of the house and felt like you had forgotten something and you just couldn't shake the feeling? Kind of the same feeling as when you are trying to remember a word and you have to run through the entire alphabet trying to remember exactly what word it was - its on the tip of your tongue? Well, I have been walking around like that for 3.5 years although I knew what was missing and felt like there was nothing I could do about it and that it would never change.

Well, great things have happened over the last couple of weeks. I came home from Bible study almost 2 weeks ago and was surprised with an email and was totally caught off guard. I sat at this computer for what seemed like years just looking, checking and re-evaluating what was in front of me b/c it just seemed too good to be true. I must have laid in bed for hours before I could sleep and unfortunately, Jeff was already asleep so I had nobody to talk to about this. Talk about wanting to bust.

There were a few more emails before we got to speak over the phone. I was sent an email with a link to years of pictures which as enjoyable as it was to look at, it was hard on my heart knowing that so many years had passed us by. I was a little nervous, but I made the call. I'm thankful for that.

But more importantly, I thank God for restoring this relationship. We were able to visit yesterday and it was GREAT, albeit short. It is great to be able to pick up and call the person that you have spent so many years growing up with. (We met in 9th grade and despite a few valleys, have been friends for 24 years. That in itself is a blessing.) Simply put, it feels good to just hear her voice.

All Hail Broke Loose!!

2008-04-26T20:13:00.004-04:00

This is what happened right before we sat down to eat dinner. As the daughter of a meteorologist, I can say that I don't think that I have ever experienced such a thing as I surely would remember the lesson he would've taught me if this had happened in the past. Talk about noisy!!!

Fresh Flowers for Mommy!

2008-04-26T20:11:00.002-04:00

I got flowers yesterday - Harrison has always done this for me since he was very little. Somehow, he just knows. And even though they are off the Azalea bush out front, its the thought that counts. He is always thinking of me.

2008-04-26T19:59:00.007-04:00

Jeff started painting and finished it up yesterday (while I was out visiting with Sandy). The color is Dusty Trail although it is looking a little yellow here - it is not. And it looks SO MUCH better than that ugly ole dark paneling. One more thing to mark off of the to-do list. All that remains if new crown molding, door frames, baseboard and exterior doors. This room looks so much better - no more dark and dreary.

And with the room getting painted, perhaps the writing desk and shelves will get finished as well. He is going to paint the sides and face white and stain the shelves the same color as the desk top.

I ended up taking Mack with me to the grocery and Harrison was quite upset that I didnt take him as well. This is what happened while I was gone.

He is so sweet!

2008-04-23T21:34:00.005-04:00

Proof Jordon lives here, he just isnt here much!! I tried to remove the red eye but it didnt work.

Driving Family Crazy Taking Pictures!!!

2008-04-23T20:24:00.003-04:00

Jeff came home from working and was trying to rest b/c his back was hurting but I had the camera IN HIS FACE!!

And here we have Harrison at the computer on candytracks.com???

2008-04-23T13:36:00.007-04:00

Middle Man has the bug today. The headache started last night but he got up this morning with a fever of 101.7 - so we got some medicine in him and sent him back to bed. There has been too much tv watched today but its hard when a child is sick not to just let them zone out in front of it. We did turn it off for an hour and it is going off again at 2pm for a longer period of time. I am going to send him to his bed for rest and so that Little Man and I can get schoolwork done for the day.

And just for a little reality check, Man Child (will get a picture of him today as he deleted the one that I took the other day) will be getting his permit next month. He just finished up his classroom part of driver's ed and will be out driving with the instructor soon. I'm kind of excited as some days I'm in the car so much that I wish I could have him drive now. It will be a help to me.

In The Beginning.....

2008-04-23T12:59:00.001-04:00

In the beginning God covered the earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, with green, yellow and red vegetables of all kinds so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.Then, using God's bountiful gifts, Satan created Dairy Ice Cream and Magnums. And Satan said "You want hot fudge with that?" And Man said "Yes!" And Woman said "I'll have one too with chocolate chips". And lo they gained 10 pounds. And God created the healthy yoghurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 12 to size 14. So God said "Try my fresh green salad". And Satan presented Blue Cheese dressing and garlic croutons on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast. God then said "I have sent you healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them". And Satan brought forth deep fried coconut king prawns, butter-dipped lobster chunks and chicken fried steak, so big it needed its own platter. And Man's cholesterol went through the roof. Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with potassium and good nutrition. Then Satan peeled off the healthy skin and sliced the starchy centre into chips and deep fried them in animal fats adding copious quantities of salt. And Man put on more pounds.God then brought forth running shoes so that his Children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan came forth with a cable TV with remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering light and started wearing stretch jogging suits.Then God gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonalds and the 99p double Cheeseburger. Then Satan said "You want fries with that?" and Man replied "Yes, and super size 'em". And Satan said "It is good." And Man and Woman went into cardiac arrest.God sighed and created quadruple by-pass surgery.And then Satan chuckled and created the National Health Service and MRSA !

THE FINAL WORD ON NUTRITION After an exhaustive review of the research literature, here's the final word on nutrition and health.

1. Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
3. Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
4. Italians and French drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
5. Germans drink beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you!

This Week's Menu

2008-04-22T14:41:00.003-04:00

Since I have not mastered the discipline of cutting, let alone, using coupons, I have decided to pay attention to ingredients more so than what is on sale. So, in order to help keep our food expense down, I have pulled recipes with relatively inexpensive, everyday type of ingredients.

White Bean Chicken Chili with Cornbread
Easy Meatloaf w/ Gingered Broc and potatoes
Fettuccine Alfredo w/ grilled chicken and steamed broc
South of the Border Pie w/ salad
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken w/ white rice and salad
Lasagna w/ salad and garlic bread
Grilled pork chops, steamed veggies and rice pilaf

And as far as salad goes, I'm giving up on the bagged variety as it doesn't seem to last. We will return to the 'no nutritional value' iceberg and throw in cukes and tomatoes and viola! a 'homemade' salad.

I also need to look into finding a good farmer's market and drum roll please.....we are thinking about getting some chickens so that we can have fresh eggs. Not sure how it will work out as we are in the city limits but we're hopeful that since there are horses across the street, that it can be done. They will not be roaming our yard as that would surely drive Lily mad. They will be contained at all times - if it works out. It will prove to be interesting, no doubt.

2008-04-22T13:25:00.003-04:00

Well, the sale last night was not as profitable as one would have hoped. Although I did find a few things for next year. I had several people suggest that we do another one, so I will be trying to organize that for early June. Perhaps since most people will be done with school for the year, there will be more sellers.

As for today, we were finally able to go get the Volvo. It was nice to get back in something smaller and more economical. And with that, the Yukon will be parked and used sparingly for 2 reasons. One, to keep the mileage low and two, b/c gas is ridiculous. It would probably be $85 to fill that thing up. While we were out, we went in Sams and picked up a few things. From there, we came home and ate lunch and I have been cleaning bathrooms and vacuumed. I will need to unload the dishwasher and do what laundry there is. After we pick Mack up and get homework done, we will be heading to Walmart to grab a few things and then home for dinner. Jordon will be ready to be picked up from school at 6:30 and as soon as he gets home, I should be heading out for Bible study but I'm not sure that I'm going at this point. I feel like I have so much to do. I have been in and out yesterday and today. We have a meeting at 8am tomorrow and from there I will be heading to visit with Sandy. I will need to leave from there around 1:30 to get to the school to pick Mack up by 2pm. Tomorrow night is church and Thursday morning is Bible study and class for Harrison. I don't have anything down for Friday and I am hopeful at this point that I can keep it that way. Well, at least not leave the house. If I could get a wild hair, I would love to have a yard sale this weekend to help in getting some stuff out of the basement. Just knowing that its down there starting to stress me out.

Well, one must go - duty calls.

2008-04-20T18:12:00.005-04:00

My baby is still not feeling well. He has been on the couch ALL DAY, several times asking that the tv be turned off b/c it was hurting his head. He has had 3 sips of chicken noodle soup but is doing ok with drinking. Right now he is sleeping.

He looks like he has on pink eye shadow and blush. Before he went to sleep, his fever was 100.

2008-04-20T13:04:00.005-04:00

Looking at this picture reminds me that I still have painting to do as well. Jeff got the Kilz on for me as I learned from the doing a larger wall, that I just wasn't cut out for that mess. Never mind he is more patient and neat when painting....I just want to get the job done.

Time Check - I have at least 98% of the curriculum priced - I cheated and just organized it so that everything is $1 unless otherwise noted. So much easier and faster this way.

2008-04-20T10:05:00.003-04:00

Harrison woke up this morning with a bad headache and fever so he and I will be staying at home and not heading to church. Although, I hate to miss, this does open up an entire new time frame to get more done in preparation for the used curriculum sale. I may go ahead and get the laundry and cleaning done as well which will remove so much more from my 'need to do' list for tomorrow. Getting the menu and grocery list will also need to take place today. I may just do a short one because I really want to get in sync with the sale fliers so that I can try to save more money. The amount of $ we are spending on groceries has jumped a good $30-$40 and I'm not buying anything out of what I normally buy. Will also TRY to use a coupon instead of just clip them.

And since I can only receive email and not send any, I will have to get on the phone with TimeWarner and deal with that as well.

2008-04-19T22:43:00.003-04:00

Dinner was FAB-A-LUS! I had the tofu lettuce wraps (shared with Sharon) and the Crispy Honey Shrimp for dinner. I ate no rice and only half of my dinner as I have learned that my eyes are much larger than my stomach (although you wouldn't know it by looking at me) and I just didn't want to walk around wishing to vomit all evening. That and I wanted to have room for popcorn (the bestest part of going to the movies for me). We ended up seeing Nim's Island. It was just okay. Not sure my kids would even like it. And I cant honestly recommend it to anyone either. But then again, it's a matter of opinion.

Before the movie, I was only able to get a pedicure but it was a good one. I have been going to this place for over a year and the girl doing my toes must have given me the special treatment with the foot and calves massage. I was sooooooo relaxed and then had to go and climb in the car when I would rather have just curled up and slept. I have decided that a massage is so close in my future. Perhaps I will treat myself to one next month. And since I only got the pedicure, I will now have to find time to get the nails done. Fun. I've got much to do just to get ready for the used curriculum sale Monday night so having to do this when I have tons (literally) to price, I just don't see it getting done until later in the week. A girl will surely live.

2008-04-19T15:08:00.003-04:00

Getting ready to head out to get my nails done before I hook up with the girls for dinner at PF Changs. Time permitting, I may squeeze in a pedicure as its been about a month. Today has been most unproductive and I'm in a funk. Constantly falling short is a major buzz kill! Still don't know what movie we are seeing as there is only one probably fit to see and I don't know if I'm in the mood for serious. I need funny!

Does this song playing (if you have your speakers on) move you? In my mind, I'm on the floor sucking carpet. In reality, I'm just thinking about it.

2008-04-18T20:39:00.006-04:00

It's Friday. Overall, it has been a pretty good day. Harrison and I got our school work in with plenty of time to get Mack from school early to go skating. Its more fun each month that we go. I just wish I didn't have spaghetti legs and the wobbles for the first 30 minutes or so. Harrison has gotten quite speedy on his feet as well. And Mack got out there and acted like he was a pro. He was a little set back at wearing 'quads' which is what they call what we called roller skates. He wanted roller blades but settled for quads. I probably put a good 30 minutes in as when you have a bunch of home schooling moms together there's lots to talk about.

From there we came home and I put on my infamous short overalls and gasp! wore them out of the house long enough to pick up one of Jordon's friends and go to the ATM and then take money and said friend back to Jordon's school (he was still there for driver's ed) for a baseball game. Jeff got home and showered and we headed out to pick up more home schooling stuff from a friend at church so that I could get it all priced for her and sell at the used curriculum sale that I helped organize for Monday night. I think I brought home just as much as I did the first trip so I will have plenty to do this weekend to get it all organized and priced.

Tomorrow, we will be working at church getting ready to move as we will be moving at the end of May to our own facility. We have been renting the current location for about 5 years so this is a big move. And aside from that, I will be doing my monthly girl's night out with Becky and Sharon. We will be going to PF Changs at Northlake Mall and then to see a movie - if there are any fit to see. Perhaps Expelled. It received great reviews.

Aside from Sunday morning service, we will be having a special prayer service at our new location Sunday evening. Hopefully, in between the 2, I will get the menu and grocery list made out and a week's worth of lesson plans for little man.

Monday, I will be heading into Charlotte to visit with an old (as in I have known her since 1984, not her/my age). We hit a bump in the road a little more than 3 years ago and we are looking forward to smooth, freshly paved roads in our future. It will surely be a great time of catching up! From there, I will run into Growing Scholars to pick some stuff up for the used curriculum sale and will be out the door headed for it at 5pm. Lord willing, I will find some of what I want for next year and sell most of what I'm taking. Of course, with the amount of stuff that I'm taking for Kimbly, that may be asking for a lot. We shall see!

2008-04-18T09:56:00.002-04:00

2008-04-18T09:30:00.000-04:00

Ronald Edwin Kuhn
01/25/40 - 04/18/07

2008-04-17T20:59:00.001-04:00

If you click on it, it will enlarge and you should be able to read it.

2008-04-17T20:04:00.008-04:00

Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of my father's death. The day that he died, I didn't think I would get through the day, never mind a year. I would like to say that it has been a long year, but it has not. It has gone so fast. Some said that time would heal my pain. Only God could heal that kind of pain and He did. It has been a long time since I shed a tear for my father. I think about it and try to be sad but can't which is evidence of the healing that has taken place. I am filled with joy for I know where he is. For months, he told me that he wanted to die, that he was tired. And for all that time, God was waiting on him. He recommitted his life to the Lord on Easter Sunday and died 8 days later.

I'm thankful for the memories towards the end.......helping him get his coat on, buttoning his shirt, tying his shoes, pulling him up when he was sitting, rubbing his feet. It was a blessing that I was able to do some of the things that he did for me as a child.

He once gave me the following which he clipped out of the paper. At the time, I think I was in my late 20s but my mentality even then was at the age 35 mark. There is truth to this article as I am 38 and fall into the category of the 40 year old. My father taught me a lot and I was fortunate enough to know that before he died and will never feel the way the 50 year old thinks below.

My Father - When I Was
4 - My daddy can do anything
6 - My dad is smarter than your dad
8 - My dad doesn't know exactly everything
10 - In the olden days when my dad grew up, things were sure different
14 - Don't pay any attention to my father. He is so old fashioned.
21 - Him? My Lord, he's hopelessly out of date
25 - Dad knows a little bit about it, but then he should because he has been around so long
30 - Maybe we should ask Dad what he thinks. He's had a lot of experience
35 - I'm not doing a single thing until I talk to my Dad
40 - I wonder how Dad would have handled it. He was so wise and had a world of experience
50 - I'd give anything if Dad were here now so that I could talk this over with him. Too bad I didn't appreciate how smart he was. I could have learned a lot from him.

This was apparently around Father's Day b/c he wrote the following at the bottom of the article:

Thanks for the father's day card and your thoughts - I will keep if forever - This is my reply - you keep it too and see if it comes true - Love Ya, Dad

He did keep the card. My mom found it in his stuff after he died. I now have it framed. It is the above entry.

2008-04-16T16:18:00.002-04:00

We finally got haircuts. I so wish he would comb it to the side instead of straight down. But hey, no more shaggy doo!! Will have to slow Harrison down long enough to take his picture. He is a boy on a mission.

More Riverbanks Zoo Pictures!

2008-04-16T13:48:00.012-04:00

That is jelly fish in the tank. It was set up with a black light so that they would glow. At least that is my explanation.

One smiles, the other doesn't.

Harrison posing with his 'centipede'. He is convinced that there was one on his leg that bit him HERE at the house not too long ago. Perhaps a distant cousin to this critter b/c if this thing was in my house, I wouldn't be.

This was really fun. This was in an enclosed area where you could purchase tiny cups of nectar and these birds would come from all over to get it.

I scored 2 pretty birds.

2008-04-14T15:39:00.004-04:00

Lack of motivation, my heart not being in it and a mind with so much on it one could not possibly make sense to many. One shall remain quiet and isolated, albeit dangerous. It just seems better this way.

RiverBanks Zoo

2008-04-04T19:34:00.019-04:00

This was an outing planned with the homeschool group. The weather that day was questionable so the trip was rescheduled - I just didnt know it. And despite missing a turn and getting there later than planned, we had a great time. Being big fans of Animal Planet, it was a great opportunity for the boys to see all the animals that they usually only get to see on tv. A trip worth taking.

And when, Mack found out we were going, we allowed him to miss school that day so that he could go along with us.

In all seriousness, please ...................

African Elephants

Some kind of bats

Giraffes. Note that the 2 on the left are patterned the same, but the one of the right is not. Different type?

Some kind of Monitor

Tree Kangaroo?

The sea lion that would not stop for a picture.....I almost got em.

These guys were great. They are Howler Monkeys. They are some kind of noisy!!

Lionesses

Wallaby

Tiger

Hyena

King of the Jungle

Aint he perty!

More to come later!

It IS True....

2008-03-31T21:53:00.004-04:00

They are ALL cute when they are puppies!!

And then THIS happens. Sometimes her look changes and she goes with this....

Either way, she has been a great addition to the family. We even had to learn a little sign language as she is deaf. Yes, you can teach a dog sign language.

And I Cut My Hair Off WHY????

2008-03-31T21:37:00.004-04:00

This doesn't even seem real. Why oh why did I cut it off. I HATE my hair short and have considered a wig!! Or perhaps instead of human growth hormone there is hair growth hormone. 15 inches fell to the floor that day. Sad sad day that was! Sad : ( I cut mine off in January 07 and Jeff cut his off in April 07. He looks YEARS younger, me well, uh......no comment.

2008-03-31T21:33:00.002-04:00

Just so it makes sense, all of these old pictures are coming out as I go through all of my pictures on my computer. What a task!!

Before And After

2008-03-31T21:27:00.003-04:00

This is a 'little' project that Jeff did for me many, many months ago. The first is what our room looked like when we first moved in - yuck, what was I thinking with that duvet??? I decided that I wanted our bed coming out from the corner and of course, in my mind, this was to be a very easy project. But....

perhaps several weekends later, this is how it turned out. Much better than my expectations. Throwing in the lighting was a huge bonus.

A year later, and I still have not committed to a paint color for our room. The old 'yellow' really needs to go and soon. Oh, and the crown molding was an added bonus as well. All rooms look so much better with it.

My How We Grew!!

2008-03-31T21:01:00.001-04:00

Jordon's first year playing football was the lower left picture. The following year is the upper right - he really did play, he really didn't cheer - he was just bein' funny. This year was the other 2 which just repeated!

2008-03-31T20:45:00.004-04:00

Another cool website. I spent pain staking amounts of time using the overhead projector after purchasing some stamps at Hobby Lobby with scripture on them. I would stamp the scripture on a transparency and then project it on the wall in the living room ( I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life and nobody comes to the Father except through Me - with a big cross down the middle) or cabinet doors in the kitchen (Man does not live by bread alone but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord). This website is a much better option. Less work, higher cost but worth it!!! Definite time saver, too!

2008-03-31T20:04:00.007-04:00

This is how we did our phonics and spelling rules today. We use the Spell to Write and Read program and have had much success. Check it out here. He was perched high on his stool, wrapped in his favorite blanket, spelling words rapidly and reciting spelling rules and multi-letter phonograms back at me. Of course, in this shot, he was mid sound or rule! He looks strangely small here but he is actually up to my shoulder - with my shoes off - all of my shoes give me at least 2 inches : )

This is Mack doing his 'homework' that he hates, hates, hates to have to do after being in school all day! Won't be a problem next year as he will be right here at home with us.

2008-03-31T20:00:00.005-04:00

I just struck GOLD!!! I came across this website and it couldn't have come at a better time. I have not been pleased with our Bible study choice for school and this is definitely a step up. This will get us through the rest of the year and be so much more fun!!!

2008-03-31T14:41:00.004-04:00

I just had to go a lookin'. This is what I found. Is there a medical term for this affliction of mine? I never feel as if I am organized enough. Like there is always more to do, just one more thing. Yes, I bought it. But, if I don't like it and I will know this IMMEDIATELY, I can return it!!!!

2008-03-30T22:49:00.006-04:00

Today has been most productive. First of all, the praise and worship music at church was AWESOME. Today was the first time in many months that I have felt God's presence and had goose bumps and fought back unexplainable tears - I was almost overcome with the urge to cry. I don't like to cry so I worked very hard to stay in control.

After church and after a quick bite to eat, Jordon and I headed out to get groceries and other things needed. First was Walmart and then Sams. Topped the car off with gas while at Sams. From there we went to Food Lion. With all that done, I only have a few errands to run tomorrow and there will be none the rest of the week.

My intention was to get at least a month of lessons planned out for Harrison but that didn't happen. I did get a week done in great detail. Of course, I just recalled that he has Spanish, sign language and art on Thursday and we will be heading to the Riverbanks Zoo on Friday. All that means is that on Thursday we will only be doing Bible, Math, and he will read to me and then on Friday will be nothing other than the zoo. Which now means I have Monday planned out as well as part of Tuesday. Well actually, there is no public school on Monday and Harrison has his end of grade testing so that will be our day. So, I actually have Tuesday and part of Wednesday planned out.

And I threw the picture below in for a little impact. Kind of scary!!!

2008-03-30T22:32:00.002-04:00

Victory Over The Darkness Highlights, Chapter 4

Being a saint who is alive and free in Christ does not mean spiritual maturity or sinlessness, but it does provide the basis for hope and future growth.
We were born physically alive but spiritually dead. We had neither the presence of God in our lives nor the knowledge of His ways. Consequently, we all learned to live our lives independently of God. This learned independence is one of the chief characteristics of the flesh.
The flesh may be defined as existence apart from God - a life dominated by sin or a drive opposed to God. The flesh is self-reliant rather than God-dependent; it is self-centered rather than Christ-centered.
Christians are no longer in the flesh, but because the characteristics of the flesh remain in believers, they have a choice. The can walk (or live) according to the flesh or they can walk (or live) according to the Spirit.
Spiritual growth in the Christian life requires a relationship with God who is the fountain of spiritual life, a relationship that brings a new seed or root of life. As in nature, unless there is some seed or root of life within the organism, no growth can take place. So unless there is a root of life within the believer, growth is impossible. There is nothing to grow.
If you are a new creation in Christ, have you ever wondered why you still think and feel at times the same way you did before? Because everything you learned before you knew Christ is still programmed into your memory. There is no mental delete button. That is why Paul says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Why do you need the nature of Christ in you? So you can be like Christ, not just act like Him. God has not given us the power to imitate Him. He has made us partakers of His nature so that we can actually be like Him. He must change your nature, give you an entirely new self - the life of Christ in you - which is the grace you need to measure up to His standards.
Jesus is only interested in creating new persons from the inside out by infusing in them a brand new nature and creating in them a new self. Only after He changes who you are and makes you a partaker of His divine nature will YOU be able to change your behavior.
We can not do for ourselves what Christ has already accomplished for us.
It takes time to renew the mind and overcome the patterns of the flesh.
It will take us the rest of our lives to renew our minds, and conform to the image of God.

*Victory Over the Darkness by Neil T. Anderson

Baby Addison

2008-03-29T22:01:00.002-04:00

This is my cousin Sara's daughter, Addison. I recall holding and 'playing' with her mother when she was almost this young.

Pictures From WV Trip

2008-03-29T21:43:00.008-04:00

I was trying to capture all 3 mountain ranges, 4 counting the one Im one - you can barely see the middle one. These are WV mountains. This country is SO beautiful and untouched.

This is actually the Appalachian Mountains as we drove through Virginia.

More Appalachian Mountains.

This is the newest thing on the horizon around the area where my mother lives. Doesn't really go with the scenery AT ALL.

Just to put these babies in perspective for those of you who have never been up close to windmills of this magnitude. The motor which is in the center of the propellers is larger that a city bus. They stand about 100 feet and you can see them for MILES!!!

There are eight in this picture alone!!!

2008-03-29T21:27:00.002-04:00

Well, Jeff made a few phone calls to get a few suggestions about the washing machine. The switch that is connected to the lid is faulty so it will have to be replaced. Fortunately, he rigged it in a temporary fashion that will allow the machine to work appropriately and not allow me to be electrocuted.

I did eventually get away to get the ever so important nails done. This is important b/c it is the one thing that I do for myself.

Dinner went off without a hitch and all turned out well. I did the fettuccine alfredo with grilled chicken and steamed broccoli. Yum-yum. We also had salad and after dinner, coffee and cheesecake. Yum-yum-yum. Although my hips and gut wont benefit from the cheesecake it sure was great going done. The problem now is there are several pieces left and they are yelling for me!!! I will ignore them and I will win this battle.

As for the rest of this night......due to lack of sleep last night (I was wide awake until around 3:30am making out a to-do list and other various lists in hopes of making my life a little easier), I'm feeling right tired now so bedtime is not far away for this chick.

2008-03-29T14:06:00.002-04:00

Lions, and tigers and bears, oh my!

Laundry, and machines and kids, oh my!!

2008-03-29T10:15:00.004-04:00

What's on the dinner menu for the next 8 days.....

Fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken and steamed broccoli
Almond Chicken Dijon, fresh steamed veggies and ?
Prairie Land Pot Roast (roast, potatoes, carrots) green beans
Caesar Orange Roughy and ?
White Bean Chicken Chili with cornbread
Cheesy Manicotti, salad and garlic bread
Rosemary Dijon Porkchops and oven potatoes and ?
Chicken Manicotti (this has broc in it), salad, and garlic bread

Obviously, I still have a little meal planning to do to replace the above ? marks. Will figure that out soon before I head to the grocery...and to get my nails done.

2008-03-29T10:00:00.003-04:00

Looking ahead at April, and well, the rest of March.....

First, the perpetual To-Do List

finish painting the dining room and if any paint left over, paint master bath
sand down kitchen cabinets and paint them
tear out carpet and replace (or just paint sub flooring and live as if we live in a barn, which given all of our pets we kind of do and painted sub flooring is a step up from our carpet)
Volvo back to the garage as it smells inside and out of gasoline (when $ allows)
Clean out basement
Prepare for garage sale
To scrapbook or not to scrapbook - I bought tons of stuff several years ago and have done next to nothing with it. Do it or sell it.
List elliptical on Craigslist - done
Borrow an overhead projector and get VT (Virginia Tech) on Jordon's wall drawn and painted
take laptop to RightClick and get keys replaced
ink for printer
Clean at PPs and DDs as we have all but rented it out for them
Go wireless!!
diagnose and plan accordingly for washing machine - done

Now, for a glance at the next 5 weeks or so.....

04/02 is Harrison's last PE class which is actually a field day
04/03 is One Heart - my bible study and Harrison's Spanish, sign language and art classes - this is every Thursday
04/04 a trip to Riverbanks Zoo with home school group
04/05 we will be working in the basement
04/06 a covered dish lunch at church
04/07 no public school/Harrison's end of year testing
04/08 dental appointment (first of several)/SWR class for me
04/14 SWR class
04/17 One Heart 9:30-12:30p
04/18 Skate Day with the home school group - will be picking Mack up at school at noon to take him with us as this will be an opportunity for him to connect and make friends as he will be home schooled and involved with the group next year.
04/21 - Informational Meeting and Used Curriculum Sale that I am helping organize - so there are other things that I will be doing to get ready for this over the weeks to come/will miss the SWR class on this night
04/24 One Heart 9:30-12:30p

and that is all I have on the schedule for now......for now!

2008-03-29T09:53:00.002-04:00

I started a load of laundry in the washer before I left and never checked on it prior to leaving. Jeff found this load while I was gone this week. The washer is full of laundry and WATER. The washer does NOTHING. No noise, no movement. So, now, I have tons of laundry to do and a washer that is dead - in the water!! It is only 12 years old - I thought these things lasted like 25??? Jeff plans on looking at it and seeing if he can determine what is wrong with it. In the meantime, the idea of going to the laundry mat stresses me out. Especially given all that I already have to do today. And money is tight enough without throwing this in! Meanwhile, visions of a front loading washer are dancing in my head!!!

2008-03-29T00:36:00.003-04:00

I am home. I am tired. Yes, as a matter of fact, it is 12:37am. I cant sleep which seems to be a recurring problem for me. Since I have been home though, I have rested (not slept) on the couch, emptied out the car, and made out the menu for next week. Oh, I did watch a rerun of Grey's Anatomy (its like catching up with an old friend). Now, all I have to do tomorrow is get my nails done, grocery shop, assist the kids with emptying their rooms of everything resembling a toy, getting the Yukon cleaned, making a few phone calls, bathe the dogs - it must be done, cleaning bathrooms, shooting off a few bills and prepare dinner for the family and our pastor and possibly his daughter as wife and son are in Guatemala on a mission trip. Sunday will be the day of lesson plans for Harrison, hopefully at least a month's worth. I will also take some time to look ahead at what the month of April holds. It is not even here yet and I have so much on the schedule already. Will the madness EVER stop???

2008-03-29T00:15:00.005-04:00

I just had to share this - especially given that my son just today (after 16 days w/o his - he was keeping track) got his phone back. There are lots of GREAT points made in this entry that even the most unsuspecting parents might learn from. Even though some one's child might not 'purpose' to use their phone in a questionable way, the intent of those contacting your child might be the unsuspecting open door that nobody considered. Having been through much of what Marybeth mentions with ours, random text checks are a great thing - be sure to check both incoming and outgoing boxes alike.

The following is what spoke to me most in what Marybeth had to say:

They used manipulation: "All the other kids have them and you are making me look bad to my friends." And in the end, I caved. Not because I really put a lot of thought into it. But because, plain and simple, I am a sheep. And sheep do whatever the rest of the flock is doing. If the rest of the flock walks over the side of a cliff, the sheep will get in line and march right over the side with them. That is why the sheep need a shepherd. And my Shepherd has been whispering to me today to stop the madness. To stop blindly following and be set apart-- and to raise kids who are set apart in the process.

This was man child's biggest argument. And as much as we don't want our kids to be like all the other kids, this is just one more way we are promoting it. We say one thing and do another. We aren't to conform to the ways of the world, but......

2008-03-24T19:40:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was not our typical Easter. We left church and went to our favorite Mexican restaurant. Once home, I laid down on the couch to read and the next thing that I knew, Jeff was waking me up at 7pm. I think I laid down somewhere around 3ish - oops!!! As for dinner, Jeff cooked up breakfast - his speciality. We ate that around 9:30pm. Yes, pm and were in bed soon after that. Strange day all around.

Right now, it is 7:45 and I'm waiting on my husband and Pizza Hut to deliver dinner. Yes, I completely took the easy way out. Between being sick, going to Tulsa and heading to my mom's, I've done very little in the last month. Must come back ready to get back on track. Must.

2008-03-24T17:30:00.005-04:00

Although a little blurry, the following are a few pictures I took while flying into Chicago. This is the sun setting while we were still above the clouds.

2008-03-24T16:23:00.005-04:00

And we're off.....didn't I just get back????

The kids and I will be leaving in the morning, hopefully around crack:30 for my mom's. We somehow usually get sidetracked and don't get out until 11am and it makes for a long, long day on the road. Although it is a 7 hour road trip, my kids have made it their entire lives, so it doesn't really phase them. We usually grab snax at the gas station but I informed them today that we will not be doing that this trip. We will pack snax and drinks and only stop to get gas. We have our trip broken down into time spent on different interstates. We will be on 77 for 2 hours and then 81 for 1 1/2 until we get gas. Another hour and a half on 81 after gas and then 2 hours on the 2 lane winding road through the country. It is a beautiful drive these last 2 hours as much of it is unspoiled by people. There are small, small towns that we drive through but even those are beautiful. There are many old and boarded up homes but I entertain myself wondering how the first people that lived there dressed and what their lives were like then. One day I hope to actually take pictures of all the old houses and barns before there are no signs of them anymore. All the years that my parents spent driving these roads and now I do, these places are part of my childhood even if I was just passing through.

So far today, I have made a trip to the bank and cleaned out the Yukon. The kitchen is clean and the laundry is going. I want to run to the jewelry store for when I drove by earlier they had their 'buying gold' sign out. I've seen the commercials on tv and went through my jewelry last week and found some gold that I haven't worn in years that I plan on getting rid of as I don't wear gold at all anymore. No reason other that personal preference. I also need to get my nails done before I leave. The boys have much of their stuff packed. I do not. I have my list made out but that is about it. I do plan on taking my running shoes and giving it a go while I'm there. There is a great park near my mom's. While I was on the marriage retreat last month, someone prayed over my legs (compartment syndrome) as I truly want to start running again. When I went skating the other day, my legs starting hurting but it went away so I'm taking that as a sign that some healing has taken place. We shall see. All I can do is try, right.

My Harley Mom

2008-03-23T14:38:00.002-04:00

No, she didn't drive it she just rode along with a family friend....for an hour!!!

2008-03-23T14:32:00.004-04:00

This is a cool project that Mack did at church on Wednesday night. I have it sitting outside our front door so that while I'm at the computer desk and the front door is open we can see it. Underneath the moss is a small clay pot laying on its side as the cave.

2008-03-22T23:51:00.007-04:00

Since I have been home from Tulsa.....

Wednesday I was still too tired from all the scurrying around in airports, plus the time change which was kind of like undoing our spring forward time change just a few weeks ago - so there was no school Wednesday although I had the BEST of intentions. We didn't make it to PE at the YMCA either.

Thursday was One Heart, the Women's Ministry at Crossroads Church here in Concord. We are studying Victory Over the Darkness by Neil T. Anderson and this takes about 2 hours. During that time is when Harrison has his sign language, Spanish and art classes with other home schooled children and with 3 classes, he doesn't get done until 12:30. This is also the day that we discovered we had no hot water - for some strange reason there was no power in the basement.

Friday Jeff didn't work as he was trying to locate an electrician or some advice. Fortunately we found out that when we have power problems, we have 4 places to check for problems - something I cant explain but Jeff understands so that is ALL that matters. Harrison had skate day with the homeschool group so we went skating. Yes, I put on skates and skated and it was so FUN!!!!

Today we went to PP and DDs rental house off of Mallard Creek (they live in Myrtle Beach now). Jeff has been doing some work for them and I am now the 'property manager' in hopes of renting it out for them. The kids and I went over while Jeff was there and did some clean up. I will be returning sometime next week to do the real cleaning. So far, there are 2 interested parties. We also joined friends from church for a cookout around 4 and got home around 8:30pm. Jeff headed off to church to practice while the boys and I watched The Ten Commandments.

As for tomorrow......no plans. Really. We were invited to someone's for dinner after church but were a little long in replying as Jeff thought that I was going to my mom's before tomorrow so its not going to work out. So, now we will come home after church as usual and do the Resurrection Eggs with the boys and probably watch The Passion of the Christ as we seem to do every Easter. As for any type of Easter dinner. Well, um.......not sure about that one. Are there any restaurants open on Easter???? Really. I'm very serious.

I also need to plan out a few weeks of lessons for Harrison as the boys and I will probably be heading to my mom's Tuesday morning and stay until Saturday. That will give me next Sunday to motivate and get ready to jump back into life at full speed as we have been almost in neutral for too long.

2008-03-22T23:34:00.005-04:00

This is a continuation from this entry - this is chapter 3 of the bible study that I am doing - Victory Over the Darkness by Neil T. Anderson

You need an adequate foundation of truth to live a practical life of faith
Salvation for the believer is past, present and future tense - we have been saved, we are being saved and someday we shall fully be saved from the wrath that is to come
Sanctification in reference to the believer is also past, present, and future tense - we have been sanctified, we are being sanctified and we shall someday be fully sanctified - the process of our sanctification begins at our new birth and ends in our glorification.
We don't serve God to gain His acceptance; we are accepted, so we serve God. We don't follow Him to be loved; we are loved, so we follow Him. It is not what we do that determines who we are; it is who we are that determines what we do.
The truth about who you are in Christ makes such a big difference in your success at handling the challenges and conflicts of life. It is imperative to your growth and maturity that you believe God's truth about who you are.
Our relationship with God is based on the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are saved by how we believe, not by how we behave.
When I trust and obey God I live in harmony with Him. When I don't perfectly respond to God, the harmony of our relationship is disturbed and my life will reflect it.
As important as it is for you to believe in your true identity as a child of God, it is equally important that you perceive other Christians for who they are in Christ and treat them accordingly.
We affect others significantly by what we say about them, and what we say is determined by what we believe about them.
We are not to judge one another; instead, we are called to accept other believers as children of God, and to build up each other.

2008-03-22T01:01:00.003-04:00

I hate it when this happens.....I cant sleep. I've been reading The Organized Homeschool book that I purchased while in Tulsa. I think I would buy almost anything that had that word on it - organize. Most think that I'm organized, I think a little anal, perhaps even obsessive-compulsive. In my eyes, there is always more to organize. I was laying in bed thinking about all that needs to be done that causes chaos in my mind. I need drawer organizers in the bathroom and drawers of the computer desk. I need some long and shallow baskets for in my lower cabinets. I would like to find something to put all of our boardgames in as I have thrown out all the boxes since they were falling apart and causing chaos in my mind. I would like to come up with something for art supplies as well as shelving in the closet. I envision going through everything in this house and getting it right - in my mind. While I was cruising a few blogs, I came across a magazine that I didn't know existed. Its called the Organize Magazine and I subscribed immediately to it. Is this a disease? I also received a cute little questionnaire earlier and the following are a couple of questions that were on it. What is your favorite thing to do? My person that knows me bestest replied - organize. Another question - If you were stranded on an island what one thing would you want to have with you - she replied that I would want my organizer. How true. How sad. Should I seek deliverance???? Even my yard drives me nuts. Anything out of place causes me problems. H-E-L-P-! Its so bad that I have even tried to talk Jeff into selling our Volvo and getting a white one. The swirl marks on the green one are problematic for me. I cant help it, I promise!

A Few More!

2008-03-19T23:15:00.002-04:00

My Trip To Tulsa!!!

2008-03-19T22:38:00.005-04:00

We had a GREAT time together. And, of course, it was entirely too short. While we were together we took in Yuri's AAU tournament games - his team won both. These games were in Oklahoma City so we had some good time on our 2 hour drive there and back. This was an all day event as one game was at 1pm and the other at 6pm. We spent what felt like eternity at McDs just killing time and being tortured in the play area by their idea of kid friendly music. They really should rethink their music choices as the kids arent hearing the music - its the parents - they could make it a little more pleasant. We did some shopping and eating out. The girls got pedicures and manicures. And well, Sammy (the Boxer) fell in love....with me!!! There are no words for the love this dog felt. He either had to be touching me or chewing on my hands or clothes. Apparently, this has NEVER happened with anyone else.

Leaving Honie was as hard as leaving my father that last time.

My flights werent bad at all going. Returning was a little interesting. My flight was scheduled to leave Tulsa at 6:11. I arrived at the airport around 5pm and sat down at my gate and made mention to the lady at the desk my flight time. She immediately offered me a seat on the plane getting ready to take off (this one was supposed to leave at 2:52 - it was now after 5pm) as mine had been delayed until 9pm which meant I would miss my flight from Chicago to Charlotte. But when I arrived in Chicago, I was able to catch an earlier flight as well. Fortunately, I was able to get the flight that departed at 8:40 since I was there earlier as my original flight with its delay wasnt departing until 10:38. In the end, I was on the ground by 11:30pm and on my way to the car to drive home.

As for Honie, I hope to get out there just one more time before she moves back here. If things go the way they appear they are going to go, she and the kids will be back here, living with us temporarily in June 09. We both found comfort knowing that it wouldnt be as long as it had been since we had seen each other - 2 1/2 years. We're looking at 14 months with hopes of getting together at least one more time.

My Father's Hands

2008-03-13T23:54:00.011-04:00

I love hands. I especially loved my father's hands. I can remember holding my father's hand as a child and feeling how big it was as I tried to comfortably fit my hand in his whether walking by his side or standing on top of his feet walking like little kids do. He had strong hands. Hands of a hard working man. His fingers were think, his knuckles large. I'm thankful that I noticed my father's hands.

My husband's hands are very much like my father's hands. Calloused. Scarred. I can look at his hands and feel as if his hands are representative of his life as well. Like my father, his fingers are thick, knuckles large. The hands of a hard working man. And like my father's hands, I love my husband's hands.

It wasn't until after my father died that I became overwhelmed by the fact that I didn't have a picture of his hands. Fortunately, prior to my dad being cremated, my mother shared this with someone that could get a picture of his hands. They took the picture but I have not seen it to this day. My mother has seen it and felt it important to tell me that the hands in the picture were not what I wanted, as they were the color of death. She knew that I would not want that picture to be the last image of his hands etched in my mind.

It wasn't long ago that she began going through thousands of pictures. She came across the one below. I vaguely recall taking this picture and even thinking at the time, how much I loved his hands. And perhaps if I didn't take the picture, its just the familiarity of the hands that causes me to think that I did.

I held my father's hands for a long time those last couple of days, hoping to engrave in my mind forever his hands and what they meant to me. I only hope that I told him before then, just how much I loved his hands.

I'm not sure if my father ever wore his father's wedding band but when Jeff and I got married my father offered me his father's wedding band for Jeff. It was a perfect fit. I took it to be a sign from God.

In Case You Need To Laugh After My Last Entry....

2008-03-13T23:09:00.002-04:00

Check this out. You should absolutely put this blog on your favorites list. Sometimes, I laugh so hard I cry. The kind of laugh that comes from deep, down in ones gut. I can relate to this person, especially on the frog fobia.

You May Need Tissue By the End of This!

2008-03-13T21:41:00.016-04:00

Something a little funny which actually was pretty, well, incredibly upsetting while it was taking place. I'm a little hyper about washing my hands, especially when I am cooking and touching different ingredients and all. Last night, while I was making dinner, I washed my hands and took my rings off. First, understand that this was my mom's engagement ring and wedding band that she gave me this past Thanksgiving (my father died last April and she felt it was time). So with that said, it is near and dear to my heart in a million and one ways and even then, one more. Well, normally when I wash my hands, I take the rings off, dry them and my finger real well and then put them back on. But sometimes, I put them on top of the microwave or on the corner post of my recipe book holder as I know there will be many more hand washings until all is done. Well, by the time that I noticed that I didn't have them on nor did I see them in their normal resting place, I began a complete and total frantic search - through the entire house as well as the Yukon. The longer I looked, the more I cried to the point of almost hyperventilating. Then I had to start walking through all my steps. By this time, I was crying so hard trying to have the conversation that I knew I would have to have with my mother about this, that I could hardly see. Jeff and I went so far as to load the boys up and go into Kannapolis to the Volvo garage as we picked it up yesterday. My thought was perhaps I took them off to put lotion on and laid them in my lap and forgot at which point, when I got out, they would have fallen to the ground. We also drove to one other place that we stopped to look around the parking lot - just in case. I was so utterly devastated by the time we got home EMPTY HANDED that I was almost dry heaving. My chest even hurt. I came in the house and started searching all the places that I had already looked in hopes of having just over looked them. But nothing. Jeff walked into the kitchen shortly after I had and opened a cabinet door and there. They. Were. APPARENTLY, although he has no recollection of it, while Harrison was in the cabinet getting applesauce, he picked my rings up off of the microwave and set them in the cabinet, even had them standing up on their sides as a little boy with a very creative mind might. Jeff just spoke my name and from the tone of his voice, I knew. And again, I broke down and just cried. It was at this point, that I felt so totally overwhelmed with all that is and has been going on in our lives lately. It was at this point Jeff suggested that I just have too much going on and that something has to go. With basketball at its end, we aren't sure even not having that to do is enough. I'm finding more and more that I'm forgetting stuff, like the birthday party Harrison and I were supposed to go to Monday. I'm just over committed to too many things and people. Things have been so busy that I haven't even had time to make a to-do list which is something that I have done for many, many years. So, Jeff has asked that I write down for him all that I am committed to each week and we will decide together what needs to go (this way, I wont feel guilty or like I'm letting someone down). One thing is for sure. I won't be taking on anymore!!

There was a whole lot of thanking God going on around here last night. I probably even went to sleep thanking God!!

As for the rings, I cherish them in a healthy way. My parents marriage, although not perfect as none are, was a marriage of almost 50 years. These rings represent the vows that my parents made that most people make, but all to soon forget. My parents didn't forget that. For richer or for poorer. In sickness and in health. Til death did they part. Knowing all that my father did to be a good provider and all that my mom did during all of the years during the sickness and even to the death, these rings represent true love. Total love, committment and devotion - no matter what came their way during any of those years. My mom's devotion to my father is indescribable to this day. When so many women would have tired from just the sickness part, she stood by his side - through the good, the bad and the ugly. She is a great example of a wife. The type of wife that I believe that God calls all women to be. And for that, I am thankful. She set a great example for her daughter.

This is my favorite picture of my parents. It was taken several years ago when my father still had more good days than bad. I think it is mostly because of the look of love expressed in my father's eyes just simply looking at his wife, my mother.

2008-03-13T21:10:00.011-04:00

Tomorrow is Friday and I leave for Tulsa Saturday. My flight takes off at 12:30 so I aim to be there by 11 at the latest. Between now and then I need to, well hope and want to....

plan out 4 days of lesson plans as this will be the number of days of school for Harrison between tomorrow and next Wednesday-Friday. Spring Break being the following week, we are hoping to head to my mom's for a visit as we haven't been up since Thanksgiving.
pack - well, first make out the list of stuff that I need to pack. This is the one thing I have learned when taking a trip of any length that almost assures me that I forget nothing.
Lunch with Liz tomorrow - time and place undetermined.
pick up Jeff's shirts at the dry cleaners.
bid on an item for Jeff on eBay
basketball game at 8:30pm, arrive at 7:30pm
get my nails done - its time and with using the acetone to get the oil-based paint off of my arms and hands earlier this week, I took off polish as well and it ain't lookin' too good
do a little shopping as it is at times like this that I realize I really need clothes - I can wear the same old thing around the house, just not out and about with the same people
time permitting, a trip to Genesis Herb Garden for a session in the infra-red sauna
tend to any bills that need to be paid before I return late Tuesday evening - I should be walking thru the door here at home before 1am
as the team mom for Mack's basketball team, I need to remind the players of closing ceremonies which will take place while I'm gone - and that they need to bring their uniforms to turn in
run by Mack's school and pick up a few books for Harrison at the Scholastic book fair that is happening at his school
paint the end of the kitchen cabinets the same red that I painted the accent wall - I so love this color (Cabin Red) - its bu-t-full!!
see to it that Jordon gets his work done (bathe dogs, clean bathroom, mow yard, move wood (we had 4 huge trees cut down a couple of months ago and Jeff didnt get it all split - so to cause discomfort, he gets to roll it all up the yard and put it in a nice, neat little pile - hehe! ), clean all debris and make side lot look 'pretty' and anything else that I can come up with to make him miserable while he is at home when he should be in school - dont ask!! I figure that if I keep him busy, busy, busy with grunt work, he will think a little harder and more rationally before doing STUPID stuff!!

Honie and I have nothing major planned. Yuri has a tournament and as long as it is not Sunday morning, we will go to church and then Yuri's game - if it is after church. We do plan on having some pictures made while we are together - even if we are the only ones that want them. Fortunately, she doesnt have school or work while Im there, which worked out perfectly for both of us since we havent been together in over 2 years. It will be nice to just sit and talk like we used to.

I'm still waiting on bible study notes from my Tuesday night bible study. I am hopeful to have this material to read while on the plane and sitting in airports. Starbucks and something good to read!! I have also opted to take Jeff's iPod since mine has yet to surface. I think it will help calm my nerves and distract me from the movement of the plane while way up there!! I just dont do good with that motion. I figure it will also ward off any possible drunks, I mean irritants, that could come up as they did on my last flight.

Well, one must run and do the lesson plan, my packing list and whatever else comes to mind before I get to bed.

Oh, I made the Horseradish Meatloaf tonight as well as the Dijon Scalloped Potatoes. Both recipes were just okay. Not sure I will make either again.

2008-03-13T18:45:00.002-04:00

Today was a perfect day for THIS. I visit this site often as it inspires me to appreciate the simpler things in life. I also really enjoy ALL the great pictures taken mostly by the son. Sometimes, I sit and read and read and read at this location and find that it calms me much.

2008-03-13T10:02:00.000-04:00

At this time on Saturday, I will be on my way to the airport!!! : ) : ) : )

This Week's Menu

2008-03-11T17:44:00.005-04:00

Grilled Citrus Chicken w/ squash/zucchini on the grill, rice, salad
Chicken Bake with grilled Brussels sprouts, baked potato fans and salad
Horseradish Meatloaf with Dijon scalloped potatoes and steamed veggies

That's Shallotta Flavor Spaghetti (Rachel Ray), with salad and garlic bread
Quick Chicken w/ Gouda Gravy and smashed broco-tatoes w/salad
Caesar Orange Roughy with yellow rice, steamed veggies and salad
White Bean Chicken Chili, cornbread and salad

If you want a recipe, let me know. Everything that I make is easy with few ingredients.

*******************

The rest of my week is full, full, full. I volunteered to help with the Scholastic Book Fair at Mack's school. Harrison and I will head there tomorrow around 10:45 to help with that. He has PE class at the Y with the home school group from 1-2pm. Church tomorrow night. Thursday is bible study with Harrison having sign language, Spanish and art class so that will last from 9:30 until 12:30. It usually gives me an hour to read. The basketball tournament starts Thursday evening as well. Friday is our light day with school work but I will probably be busy getting ready for my Tulsa trip. I also hope to get a little more painting done. Jeff will be home Monday and Tuesday with Harrison and he plans on painting then as well. I may come home to a finished room (trim and all - maybe) - yippee!! Then I can start working on rest of the list. Maybe Jeff will even sand down the cabinets for me in the kitchen so I can make that decision and get that room done as well. We shall see.

Countdown to Tulsa!!!

2008-03-11T13:37:00.003-04:00

4 days until take off!!! Keep me in your prayers as I HATE to fly and last year when I flew to Baltimore, it was a nightmare. Not only was the flight on the tail of a hurricane which made for a very turbulent flight, but I had the most unpleasant experience with a drunk and rather perverted man the entire flight up. He made mention of a girl across the isle reading her bible - perhaps I should keep mine handy if it will ward off people like him. Im sure I will be in prayer the entire time as well as a little medicated. This trip is considerably longer with a lay over in Chicago, so I will be taking off 2x in a day as well as landing. I don't know which is worse! But Im going to TULSA!!

2008-03-10T19:47:00.003-04:00

Harrison and I had a most productive day today. We started a new math program as he has finished with his 2nd grade math for the most part. Since he is so far ahead, I thought we would spend the rest of the year improving his speed. We started level 1 of Calculaddar which is so very basic but I really want him to know his math facts to the point that he doesn't have to stop and think about it. We will still start the 3rd grade curriculum that I purchased but will be changing which math program we use next year. I have always used Saxon for all 3 boys when they were all at home. Right now, I'm pretty sure that I will use Horizons Math with Harrison next year but for Mack, we will use Teaching Textbooks. He worked on the 6 grade level (he is in 5th grade now) last week when he was at home one day and really liked it, which is always a good sign. The only other thing that I'm positive about for next year is Sonlight and Winston Grammar for Mack and Shurley English for Harrison.

I did get one wall of that fabulously horrible dark paneling painted. I have since decided that using Kilz is something that I don't prefer and hope that Jeff will do the rest of the walls with it. I can handle the paint, but when it comes to oil based anything that wont come off with a little water, I don't do so well.

And.......I went and got my hair cut. Now, I haven't had a hair cut since I had those 15 inches cut off a year ago and it was long overdue. As usual, I wasn't sure what to do. As usual, what I wanted to do doesn't go well with curly hair. So, I settled for just having 2 inches cut off and layers put back in. Well, my idea of 2 inches was different than that of the stylist's. I would say that hers was more like 4 inches. In a month or so, it will be fine. For now, its just a little short and I will have to figure out what to do with it. It definitely looks healthier.

I also managed to get my information out to the group of ladies that is planning the big informational meeting as well as the used curriculum sale. Im sure that Im not done as it will be a work in progress probably right up to the day of.

2008-03-10T07:55:00.004-04:00

I can finally mark at least part of a project off of my ongoing list. I spent a little time this weekend painting a little in the kitchen. The red accent wall is done, now all I have to do is sand down cabinets (thank goodness Jeff is making new cabinet doors) and paint them (color still undetermined) as well as the 'groovy' dark paneling. I hope to get a wall a day done this week on that room. Oh, and I couldn't take it any longer. The flow of the family room and dining room was not working for me. I had swapped the 2 rooms after Christmas and pretty much hated it the entire time. Now, it feels so much better and is much more appealing to my eye.

You can even see where I have started removing multiple layers of paint off of the face of the cabinet frame under the sink - great look!

Walk Down Memory Lane

2008-03-09T09:25:00.006-04:00

Short explanation......my brother was rewarded with a trip to the Daytona 500 several years ago for two but was unable to go. He gave this trip to my father and Jeff. One of the bonuses for them was getting to drive a driver around the track as they were introduced as well as drive one of the corvettes home from Daytona to my brother's in Myrtle Beach. Rumor has it they only broke 100 mph one time on the way home!!

This was a picture that Jeff took while waiting on the driver's to load up.

2008-03-07T14:46:00.003-05:00

I was thinking about my dad yesterday and CANNOT believe that it has almost been a year since he died. Time really does fly, even when a loved one dies.

2008-03-07T14:34:00.003-05:00

It is a rainy, dreary day here. Not motivated to do much at all. I have come to the conclusion that it is time to get back to my schedule that includes everything from home school to things that need to be done around the house. A Monday through Saturday schedule so that everything has a day in which it will be done. I have fallen away from this and flying by the seat of my pants just isn't working. I feel like everything is in disarray. I had hoped to get the painting done during spring break but have now decided that I will get it done before and that will leave time to clean out the dungeon, uh basement. I would like for the entire basement to be empty other than those things that one would normally store in an attic. Right now, we have enough stuff down there to furnish a small apartment. And there really is NO excuse for that whatsoever. So, if all goes according to my plans, it will be dealt with during spring break. I wont be back from Tulsa until Tuesday at midnight that week, so I'm hopeful that Jeff can work on his tools and materials that he has down there and get them in some kind of organized fashion. Just to give you an idea as to what ALL is down there, I will share just the few things I can think of, some of which will definitely be leaving the property: a Power Wheels Gator and Harley, 2 bookshelves, lots of toys, bikes, sofa and love seat, toys, stuff from my childhood, clothes, gun cabinet, air hockey table, kitchen table, and did I mention toys? I would like to get it to a place that the boys could just go down and hangout down there. That would as well solve the toy dilemma in the bedrooms. A girl could dream......

Well, M has movie night at school tonight and H is going with him. Jeff and Jordon have basketball during the same hours, so I am hopeful that I can get the menu and grocery list done and get to the grocery. Now that I'm feeling better, I'm anxious to try some new recipes.

2008-03-06T21:26:00.002-05:00

Reality Check.....without my shoes on, standing next to Jordon, I am up to his chin. When did this happen???

2008-03-06T21:17:00.003-05:00

Two wonderful things occurred to me tonight. One, I leave for Tulsa in 8 short days. Two, there is only one more basketball game for both boys this season. Not to be selfish, but having 2 playing basketball, well, any sport at the same time is EXHAUSTING!!! My schedule will change quite drastically. Not sure what I will do with all that free time. And nothing to do on Saturdays???? I cant even imagine. It will be fab-a-lus!!

Well, I'm off to work out a menu for a week and a half. If I come across any great new recipes, I will post them.

Great Find!!

2008-03-06T16:43:00.004-05:00

For those that know me well know that I have an obsession with organizers. Well, I just received a new one yesterday and it is GREAT. I found it here and it is called the Kitchen Folio. The possibilities are endless!!

2008-03-06T14:32:00.005-05:00

I mentioned the bible study that I am taking part previously. I just wanted to share several things that have spoken to me, perhaps they will speak to you as well.

Your hope for growth, meaning and fulfillment as a Christian is based on understanding who you are, specifically, your identity in Christ as a child of God.

Your understanding of who God is and who you are in relationship to Him is the critical foundation for your belief system and your behavior patterns as a Christian.

External appearance, accomplishment and recognition don't necessarily reflect - or produce - internal peace and maturity.

We cannot do anything to qualify for the by-product of being loved unconditionally and voluntarily.

In God's kingdom, everyone has exactly the same opportunity for a meaningful life because wholeness and meaning in life are not the products of what you have or don't have, what you've done or haven't done.

The only identity equation that works in God's kingdom is you plus Christ equals wholeness and meaning.

We have been deceived into believing that what we do determines who we are.

Being a child of God who is alive and free in Christ should determine what we do. Then we are working OUT our salvation, not FOR our salvation.

Being created in the image of God is what gives us the capacity to fully think, feel and choose.

To say that the Word became flesh meant that the logos was incarnated, that ultimate knowledge became personal and relational. Jesus embodied the truth b/c He is the truth.

Fear of anything other than God is mutually exclusive to faith in God.

You don't feel your way into good behavior, you behave your way into good feelings.

Apart from the Holy Spirit in your life, the greatest power you possess is the power to choose.

The fruit of the Spirit is not spouse control or staff control or environmental control; it is self control.

Extreme efforts at self discipline without the grace of God often lead to legalism or perfectionism and result in self destruction.

Every temptation is an attempt by the devil to get us to live our lives independently of God - by appealing to our most basic needs.

The most critical needs are the being needs and they are the ones most wonderfully met in Christ.

This Is Not Where I Was Headed.....

2008-03-04T02:26:00.005-05:00

The bible study that I started last week is called Victory Over Darkness. I took the book and study guide to bed with me and started reading and writing. Of course, the further I went, the more I wanted to do but in an effort to not disturb those trying to sleep b/c they have to work tomorrow, I turned off the light and tossed and turned, unable to sleep. So, a little after 2am I decided to make use of this quiet time and get something done. So far, I have untangled all the wires associated with this computer as I knew they were a mess and it was bothering me - for quite some time now. But, at last, it is done. So, I checked email (I actually had a couple at this hour), checked in on a few bloggers to find nothing new going on there either, and then it happened. Im sitting here wondering what's up (other than me) trying to make sense of this as I type and then it happened. As much as my flesh and perhaps satan too dont want me to ponder such a thought, I wondered if perhaps God wasnt prompting me to be in prayer about something or for someone. I prayed that He would reveal this to me. He revealed nobody and nothing. And then, that still small voice quietly said "spend time with Me, Rona".

2008-02-26T16:19:00.001-05:00

2008-02-22T15:12:00.003-05:00

Have you ever lost something? Well, I usually dont and I take great comfort in that. Of course, until that once in a blue moon comes along and I drive myself crazy trying to find something - literally. I will look and look and relook and analyze and try to rewalk my steps weeks in the past. What have I lost? My iPod - the one with hundreds of songs, several movies and 2 seasons Grey's Anatomy. Please offer any suggestions on where you might look for an iPod if you lost one. Im losing my mind over this. Really. Im sure as soon as I go replace it, I will find the missing one. Just my luck.

2008-02-22T13:55:00.003-05:00

Worries are the darkroom in which negatives can develop.

This was on a sign at a local church, not some deep dark thought I was experiencing.

2008-02-21T14:23:00.003-05:00

First of all, Honie has lost 20lbs to date doing weight watchers. Go Honie !!!!!

Since nothing that I'm doing has been productive, I have to assume that this is just the way that God wants me - fat and unhappy about it. Perhaps one day I will find joy in knowing I am what He wants me to be.

Haven't mounted that horse yet today. Decided to take today as a 'get your house back in order' day. The only things that I have accomplished is time on the elliptical, making lunch (a new antipasta salad), unloading and loading the dishwasher, and folded a load of laundry with plenty more to do. And I have showered and dressed and all that stuff. Nothing too productive.

The rest of my day will be spent doing laundry, tending to unruly children especially the one that has yet AGAIN managed to get suspended for 3 days - of course, it isnt his fault, never is. I think he is hell bent on amounting to nothing. I used to be embarrassed by him, now, Im just focused on getting through until he graduates. If he has no interest in putting forth any effort and is dumb enough to believe that all he wants in life will be handed to him, and wont listen to advice from ANYBODY, why should I kill myself trying to make him do it. He will be 15 at the end of May, so technically, there is a little more than 3 years of this.

Anywho.....Mack has basketball tonight and Im hoping that Jeff will be here in time to drop him off for me before he heads to church for praise and worship practice. I need to try to have dinner ready at a descent time so that Mack can eat before he goes - Im aiming for 5pm. We are doing the steak and mushroom kabobs. And if all that goes well, I will pick Mack up from practice at 8:30 and come home and send everyone off to bed or to their rooms until bedtime. Jeff will be late, so getting them to bed so I can have peace is the goal for me. Im just in the mood - to be left alone.

2008-02-20T22:48:00.002-05:00

My fab-a-lus cousin is flying into town next Wednesday to hang with the boys while Jeff and I are at the beach for a marriage retreat. As I look at the schedule for everything going on in our lives right now, Im a little concerned about how overwhelmed she might feel when she sees it on paper. I plan to send her the details after she books her flight so she cant back out. Im kidding. She has been around them and all the other cousins long enough - she will be fine.

Jeff and I were going to leave early Thursday morning but with my new bible study starting which also includes Harrison's spanish and sign language class and possibly an art class, I think that it is important that we make it that first day. And with this schedule change, Jeff and I will have to reschedule our lunch date with my brother and sister-in-law. If our marriage retreat schedule runs like it has the last several years, Jeff and I will have from lunch until dinner free on Friday so perhaps we will run off to meet them for a late lunch/early dinner. I was hoping to have sushi, eat at the Seafood Hut (out of this world GREAT) and grab a greek salad from Kings Pizza but with this change, there wont be time for all of that. So, now it is a matter of deciding between the three. I'm leaning towards sushi. The Bass Pro Shop in Myrtle Beach has a restaurant called Islemarada (sp) and this is where I first tried sushi and have been hooked since. Unfortunately, I havent found sushi even close to what they serve to date, so it is at the top of the list. Now, keep in mind sushi is cooked (except for the roe), sushami is raw. I dont do sushami, just sushi. I am so excited. And perhaps, I can grab that greek salad at Kings on the way back to Oak Island. Looking forward to the entire weekend and just getting away. Our getting away usually happens once a year - for the marriage retreat.

2008-02-20T17:25:00.002-05:00

I've been down and out in the bed with what I think was the flu, although short lived (I usually fight this for a week). I usually get this yearly so I'm familiar with the symptoms but was a little stumped this year. It started out with what I thought was gallbladder attacks but that subsided to a horrible headache and joint aches from the hipsters down. Today started out with just back pain but now there is nothing. So, tomorrow, she will be back in the saddle at full force gettin er done.

I just committed to join the bible study that I mentioned previously. The response has been so great that a third hour has been added so Harrison will have 3 classes that day. I will now have to rework our school schedule for Thursdays to include these 3 classes. Im guessing we will just do bible, math, and english on Thursdays at home with him having spanish, art, and a fit 'n' fun class or sign language class during my bible study time. We shall see.

2008-02-17T21:49:00.004-05:00

This weeks menu.....in no particular order.

Creamy Rice, Chicken and Spinach Dinner w/ salad
Quick Chicken Teriyaki w/ salad
Meatloaf w/ gingered broc, parslied potatoes
Parmesan Baked Salmon w/ lemon herbed green beans and
Pork Chops w/ rice pilaf, steamed veggies
Fetticcine Alfredo w/ steamed broc and grilled chicken
Grilled Citrus Chicken w/ squash, asparagus and zuch steamed on grill
Beef and mushroom kabobs with sweet potatoes and salad.
_____________________________________________________

Tomorrow is President's Day so there is no school. Since Jeff hasnt had much work lately, he will be home with us as well. He is going to my cousin's house in Charlotte to look at some work that needs to be done there. He and Jordon will be bringing the elliptical up for me so I will climb aboard that and see how it goes with the knee. The doctor told me to keep my heart rate at 130-140 for 50 minutes (visions of me gasping for air) and I should see some weight. Not sure what 130-140 looks or feels like but Im a little concerned. He also suggested that I start swimming. Now, although I was on a swim team as a child, this brings horrible images to my mind. Dare I embarrass myself enough to try it publically? I dont know about that - it troubles me greatly to even contemplate trying to figure out how to breath and turn and all that again. I dont know if there is enough room for me to turn - I was much smaller then. S-C-A-R-Y!! And this compartment syndrome that keeps me from running. I keep thinking that I will just run anyway but then thoughts of blood clots breaking free or even developing (not sure either could really happen) convinces me otherwise.

Anywho.....grocery shopping is on the list. The bank would be on the list but it is closed so that will carry over until Tuesday. We could work in the dungeon, I mean basement since we will all be here. Not sure I can handle the condition of the basement. There is a garage sale in my near future.

By the way, I will be doing a candle party this Saturday and there will also be a Silpada Jewelry party happening right along side me so if anybody is interested in either, let me know. You can check out both by clicking on the links to either on my sidebar.

New Hats to Wear

2008-02-16T20:39:00.002-05:00

Its amazing how things can just happen. As you know, the boys, well Mack and Jordon, have been playing basketball again this year but for a different league. Well, now due to Jordon's coach being hospitalized, Jeff will be coaching Jordon's team for the rest of the season. And not only that, Jeff and I were invited to become part of the leadership of this 'league' that the boys have been playing for this year. It is the Apostles Sports Ministry. It is an awesome ministry here in Concord organized and run by a local church that offers basketball, baseball, soccer and cheerleading to ANYONE. The best part about it is that it is free for everyone so that alone gives children that would not normally have the opportunity to play sports to do so.

And I may also be joining up with other homeschool moms in a bible study that will offer classes for Harrison at the same time. He will be able to take art, spanish, sign language, dance/tumbling, or fun and fitness. So that alone will be great in that I can count that part of his day as school time.

Jordon is also trying out for baseball at school which we believe is 'his' sport. He played for the YMCA years ago and was a natural. Although his heart is for football, I believe that he will see that baseball is his calling.

As for Mack, once basketball is over for him, we will see if there is anything else that he wants to pursue. He has enjoyed karate in the past, so maybe we will return to that.

28 days until take off!!!! I leave for Tulsa in 4 weeks. Yippee!!

Oh, and my bloodwork came back. VERY disappointing. As much as I was hoping for a thyroid problem (only b/c it would explain why I cant seem to lose weight) all was normal. Blood pressure great, cholesterol great, thyroid great - all of it - normal. Jeff as my witness, I worked hard for months and saw little to no results. Although the HCG shots that I was taking helped reduced the inches, nothing helped take off the weight. Well, cutting out carbs has been the only thing that I have done that has worked, so guess what Im back doing. Not eating bad carbs. None at all. Today was the first day. As for Weight Watchers, I gave that up. I just cant handle 1 pound in 2 weeks. Thats just a little too slow. And with that, hopefully we will join the YMCA. Im also bringing the elliptical back up and will try to use it as long as my knee doesnt pop. At least until Angela, if she is still planning to, buys it. And if she does, I will be purchasing another treadmill - my knee doesnt pop on that nor does my 'compartment syndrome' act up on it when I run on it - which makes no sense WHATSOEVER!!!

Anywho......

by the way, my spell checker here on the blogspot isnt working and I gave up proofreading years ago when I left Sanger. Pretend there are no mistakes.

2008-02-15T19:36:00.002-05:00

If you noted the 2 new songs playing, you would have to guess that Im having separation anxiety from Grey's Anatomy. I'm contemplating going and renting all 3 seasons just b/c I can. This is the ONE show that I enjoy watching. I've watched it since the very first episode and miss it much!!! I had season 3 on my iPod but since its missing (I think I hid it and now I cant find it ANYWHERE) I cant do this. Oh, but I could watch it from my iTunes library!! Ah-Ha!!

That There Fab-a-lus Recipe I mentioned

2008-02-15T17:39:00.002-05:00

Creamy Rice, Chicken and Spinach Dinner
1/4 cup Kraft Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan Dressing
1lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
1 1/2 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups Minute Brown Rice, uncooked
4 oz Philadelphia Neufchatel Cheese
1 pkg (8oz) baby spinach leaves - 8 cups packed
1 medium tomato, chopped (about one cup)
2T Grated Parmesan Cheese

Heat dressing in large deep skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 3 min. Add broth; bring to boil. Stir in rice; return to boil. Cover. Reduce heat to medium; simmer 5 min.

Stir Neufchatel cheese into rice mixture until melted. Add spinach (skillet will be full); cover. Cook 1 min or until spinach is wilted. Stir rice mixture gently to mix spinach. Cover

Remove from heat; let stand 5 min. Stir in tomatoes; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Makes 4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each.
I would double this even for 5 people

(cal 430, fat 13, carb 40g, fiber 3g, protein 37g)

2008-02-15T15:17:00.003-05:00

It is Friday and I dont feel like I have done jack diddley all week. Of course, the week went so fast that I cant even tell you ALL that I have done. What I can tell you is...... one of my last new recipes was FAB-A-LUS!!...that my hubby surprised me (a rare occurence which makes it all the sweeter!!) with some real perfume (real as in not from Bath and Body which is where I get all mine to coordinate with all the other goodies that I get from there) and roses yesterday......we went to Tsunami last night for a family Valentine's dinner and were well planned out enough to get there before everybody else......Harrison and I had a good full week of schoolwork, as well as PE class and joined others at the local skating rink today for skate day....I had 2 doctors appointments ......I attended 2 bible studies this week, one on Monday and one on Tuesday so that was 2 nights out for me : ) .......I went to church Wednesday evening for the first time in many........ and that Jeff has had VERY little work this week so my load was lightened by him doing basketball with the boys. That actually adds up to be quite a bit. But a GREAT week.

Tulsa, Here I Come!!!!

2008-02-11T09:50:00.001-05:00

Im going to Tulsa. After 2.5 real long years apart, we will finally get to spend some time together. I had planned on being there the weekend of Honie's birthday, but with her work and school schedule it works out better that I go the weekend before. So, in about 4 weeks I will putting all fears and anxiety aside about flying and focus on the end result - spending time with someone near and dear to my heart. For those of you with sisters, imagine not seeing yours for 2.5 years.

I Made Jordon's Bed Today......

2008-02-06T10:26:00.001-05:00

.......and then did this!!! 'This', to my disgust, is dirty clothes including damp towels, dirty dishes (we dont eat in our bedrooms, or at least we arent supposed to), trash - as in empty snack bags, napkins and balled up paper??? 'THIS' happens at least once a month and nothing will break him of it. Any suggestions?

2008-02-05T14:51:00.000-05:00

This week's menu, or at least for the next 6 days.

Winter beef stew with homemade bread - this would be much more appealing if it werent 72 degrees out. Need to check the weather before preparing this.
Creamy rice, chicken and spinach dinner - new recipe but looks easy enough. Will serve with salad.
South of the Border Pie - an old favorite, especially of Jordons - very easy - serving salad here, too.
Quick Chicken Teriyaki - a newby as well but looks like an easy one.
Grilled Pork chops with wild rice, green beans, and salad
And old faithful - spaghetti with garlic bread and salad. Have switched to whole-wheat pasta so I may partake in this meal instead of just eating the salad.

That's all folks............

2008-02-05T14:39:00.001-05:00

Human Body Study - We traced around the boys' bodies on brown paper and each week we will layer on each thing discussed. The boys will be able to lift up the different body parts to see what is underneath another one which will help in learning exactly where it all is.

Week One - The brain, the heart, the kidneys, bladder, pancreas, gall bladder, cells, spleen, and reproductive system.

2008-02-05T13:38:00.000-05:00

I am a planner and I like things neat and in order - to the point that nothing be out of its purposed place unless it is being used at that moment. With that in mind, understand that toys laying all over and even noticing that the carpet needs to be vacuumed (spots on the carpet do the same - this is why I want hardwood floors) drives me nuts. Its chaos to me and often makes me very, very mad and irritated and can cause a little boom to go off in house. Some booms are louder than others. Trying to have school without a plan does the same. I might place way too much importance on that as well as being organized and things being in order, but I dont function well at all if the above doesnt take place. I dont like stuff laying around the yard or even in the car. I dont know how to not be this way. I dont think I should be any other way. Organization and neatness makes me happy. Without it, Im like a kid with sensory overload. Too much to see, hear and do - no control!!