Ok, so my son and his cousins are at it again. Camo Plaid Revolution 2 strikes again with a great series of season 1 episodes.
Check them out:
http://camoplaidrevolution2.thruhere.net:8000/cpr2/cpr2home.html
This is boy humor at it's best....if you are not into that sort of thing...don't watch, however, they are so funny and random.
They did an excellent job on editing and producing...I think that is Micah's speciality. Way to go boys...can't wait for season 2 next Buckeye Christmas.
By the way, my favorite episode is number #4...it has my dad in it. :-D
The boys in these video shorts are: Micah Jayne of MD, David Jayne of VA, and Michael Knipp of NE. Ask the sheriff in KY what he thinks of these boys. :-D LOL
Monday, December 1, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Scrapbook Update
On Saturday, I was able to square away some time to scrapbook. Much was accomplished. Maddie made many cards and I worked through the beginning of the month of May on my mom's scrapbook. I did layouts, and will go back later to fill in the journaling. I like some handwriting, but I am going to experiment with some fonts from dafonts, the site my friend Joy recommended.The scrapbooks given this year will be a litle more artistic than last year. I hope I can improve a little every year.I have decided that my favorite paper company is DCWVI love the paper they sell. I will be on a mission to get the Christmas Stack for next year's scrapbooks. Hmmm...maybe that would be a good Christmas gift, if my "family drawn name" is reading this...there's another idea. :-D
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The one about time....flying by....
Oh my word! I just looked at my calendar and realized...
next Wednesday is October 1st. That is blowing my mind!
It seems like I just got back from my trip to Ohio in August.
Where is the time going?
next Wednesday is October 1st. That is blowing my mind!
It seems like I just got back from my trip to Ohio in August.
Where is the time going?
The one about being crafty....
Ok, so I am NOT the craft queen. However, I do enjoy doing crafty things. I actually have a fun time, usually.
Well, the other night Maddie and I went to my friend, Lisa's house. Lisa sells Stampin' Up products. I have several Stampin' Up sets from the past, and I do enjoy stamping, but I do not make enough time for it. Anyway, at Lisa's house I made two cards that I am extremely proud of. Maddie made the same cards and also a cute little bag. The ideas I learned that night have put me in the mood to try to be creative again! :-D
Last year, I started a tradition. I gave my mother and Mickey's mother a scrapbook of "our year" for Christmas.
My mom knows just about everything the kids do; so the photos are a "hard copy" of the memories and things she's been hearing about.
Mickey's mom is very busy and doesn't get to hear about all these things, so the scrapbook is a "window to our world" here in NE.
I enjoy doing the books and they contain most of the same pictures. (My mom's has photos of Buckeye Christmas...the official Jayne Family Celebration of Christmas at Thanksgiving.)
Last year, I decided to do the albums just about a month before Thanksgiving and they were not nearly as creative as I would have liked them to be. SO, I was determined to be better this year. I got off to the right start and even "scrapbooked" all day with my friend Joy and her sister in law one day at Archivers... in March. Well, I'm sorry to say...that was the last day I worked on the scrapbook. SO...
Maddie and I have set aside Saturday as our scrapbook day. Maddie likes to make cards and scrapbook, so I don't know what projects she will decide to work on, but I will be dedicating the day to the scrapbooks! I don't know how much I will be able to accomplish, but I'm going to work a lot. This afternoon in preparation for Saturday, I will be going through photos and also ordering new ones so I will have plenty to work with. :-)
So, I am collecting things and looking for ideas to get these scrapbooks ready. The cards I made at Lisa's house inspired me with ways to embellish my pages. My friend Joy is also a great "scrapbooker", and so I have been inspired by her designs as well.
So...this weekend it's time to get crafty....scrapbooking...here we come! :-D
Well, the other night Maddie and I went to my friend, Lisa's house. Lisa sells Stampin' Up products. I have several Stampin' Up sets from the past, and I do enjoy stamping, but I do not make enough time for it. Anyway, at Lisa's house I made two cards that I am extremely proud of. Maddie made the same cards and also a cute little bag. The ideas I learned that night have put me in the mood to try to be creative again! :-D
Last year, I started a tradition. I gave my mother and Mickey's mother a scrapbook of "our year" for Christmas.
My mom knows just about everything the kids do; so the photos are a "hard copy" of the memories and things she's been hearing about.
Mickey's mom is very busy and doesn't get to hear about all these things, so the scrapbook is a "window to our world" here in NE.
I enjoy doing the books and they contain most of the same pictures. (My mom's has photos of Buckeye Christmas...the official Jayne Family Celebration of Christmas at Thanksgiving.)
Last year, I decided to do the albums just about a month before Thanksgiving and they were not nearly as creative as I would have liked them to be. SO, I was determined to be better this year. I got off to the right start and even "scrapbooked" all day with my friend Joy and her sister in law one day at Archivers... in March. Well, I'm sorry to say...that was the last day I worked on the scrapbook. SO...
Maddie and I have set aside Saturday as our scrapbook day. Maddie likes to make cards and scrapbook, so I don't know what projects she will decide to work on, but I will be dedicating the day to the scrapbooks! I don't know how much I will be able to accomplish, but I'm going to work a lot. This afternoon in preparation for Saturday, I will be going through photos and also ordering new ones so I will have plenty to work with. :-)
So, I am collecting things and looking for ideas to get these scrapbooks ready. The cards I made at Lisa's house inspired me with ways to embellish my pages. My friend Joy is also a great "scrapbooker", and so I have been inspired by her designs as well.
So...this weekend it's time to get crafty....scrapbooking...here we come! :-D
Monday, September 22, 2008
The one about my great kids....
I have the best kids in the world. They really do keep me going. Mickey has had to be away from our family for various periods of time for the last 17 years. The Lord has blessed me with children that prod me along spiritually (having to be on my toes) and emotionally.
I have to try to keep it together for them.
Do I?
LOL...not all the time. We've shared a lot of tears and frustration through the years of separation from the Mickster, but that's part of how we have grown closer. They've seen me fall apart when the sink gets stopped up, the toilet's leaking, the car breaks down, and I get a runner in my pantyhose on the morning I have to be up front at church...they know how mom can have a "meltdown". They also know (and we've learned together) how sweet the comfort of our relationships with each other and the relationships with our Heavenly Father can be.
We've also had some fun times: private jokes, game time, dinnertime conversations, late night talks, etc. that had been very precious to me and to them. I've watched them go from little toddlers that I talk to; become little people that I can talk with.
Would I prefer it that Mickey didn't travel? YES, YES, and YES! However, I am blessed for the times that I can look back and see that we've grown together as a family. God's always been faithful, and He's given me children who yes...can test me at times, but who love me unconditionally and encourage me. Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
I have to try to keep it together for them.
Do I?
LOL...not all the time. We've shared a lot of tears and frustration through the years of separation from the Mickster, but that's part of how we have grown closer. They've seen me fall apart when the sink gets stopped up, the toilet's leaking, the car breaks down, and I get a runner in my pantyhose on the morning I have to be up front at church...they know how mom can have a "meltdown". They also know (and we've learned together) how sweet the comfort of our relationships with each other and the relationships with our Heavenly Father can be.
We've also had some fun times: private jokes, game time, dinnertime conversations, late night talks, etc. that had been very precious to me and to them. I've watched them go from little toddlers that I talk to; become little people that I can talk with.
Would I prefer it that Mickey didn't travel? YES, YES, and YES! However, I am blessed for the times that I can look back and see that we've grown together as a family. God's always been faithful, and He's given me children who yes...can test me at times, but who love me unconditionally and encourage me. Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The one about Wednesday night prayer meeting....
Ok, so I want to first make it clear how much I love my church. I love the Pastor, and his wife, I love the deacons and their families. I love the people that we serve with side by side. We are a small church compared to some now, but our pastor is great about preaching God's Word in an uncompromising way and also very applicable. (at least that's the way I see it)
However, one of my favorite things about our church is Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting. I love our Wednesday night prayer meetings! :-D
Normally when you go to a Baptist church on a Wednesday night for prayer meeting one would sing a few songs, listen to some missionary letters, share prayer requests, and then have two or three men pray, followed by a Bible study. Our Wednesday night is not drastically different but it is different.
The service is a more casual type service. People are coming in during their busy weeks and are weary, but Wednesday is such a pick me up. Pastor opens the night by asking, "What's new and exciting this week?" People volunteer different praises or things new happening in their lives. It's just a neat time to share. Somethings relate to spiritual matters, some things are more of the "everyday" Tonight one of the ladies who is attending college shared that she was nominated for some very good scholarships that will help pay her school bill. YAY! I pray she gets that.
Then we pass the benevolence plate. Wednesday night offerings go to our church's benevolence fund. After that our Pastor shares a brief message. We've been talking about some key doctrines. Tonight was different veiws on the inspriation of the scripture and which views hold true to God's Word being totally true. After that we have a closing prayer (for the message part of the evening)
Then our prayer sheets are passed out. We have some in our church that are fighting illness...they are on the prayer list. Our missionaries, unsaved friends and loved ones are listed, church ministry requests are listed and then there are blanks to fill in with other needs.
After sharing requests, someone volunteers to take the kids out and then the women and men split up. The men usually pray in three or four groups. So there's like four to six men in a prayer group. We ladies will sometimes share more personal requests after the men exit the room. I think the men may do that also....I'm not up there so I don't know. :-D Everyone is invited to pray, but if you would rather pray silently, that is ok too.
We break up into small groups of two or three and lift the burdens and praises up to the Lord. I have to tell you, I get great blessing in hearing the voices praying. I know they are praying for me and my family and for each other. They're praying for dear Mr. Bohnett who has been afflicated with cancer, and Zac who has been having headaches. They are praying for Mrs. Schunke who is unsaved and going through another back surgery. It is a sweet sound to hear my sisters in Christ praying for each other's needs.
Tonight, I got to pray with my friend Sherry. Sherry is the neatest, most well dressed, and organized lady. I love her. Besides her outstanding "outside qualities" she has a tender heart for people and we got to share some more requests together tonight and then Sherry and I prayed. And while she was praying for me I was so gently reminded of how my husband is away, but...it's not by chance. And no matter how hard it is and difficult it is at times, God has put Mickey where he is for a purpose. I needed to be so gently reminded of that tonight. I was blessed to hear that. I so needed to hear that. It was an encouragement to me. To be reminded while he is gone, that I do have a Heavenly Father who I can call on to and He will love me and carry me through this time.
Sherry was able to share some things with me, and I prayed about them tonight and will continue to pray about them. I hope I can be a fraction of the blessing that she has been to me. Christian fellowship like that is such a precious thing. I'm so thankful for Wednesday nights! :-D
Do you have a time to pray with other believers about your personal requests? I hope so. :-D
However, one of my favorite things about our church is Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting. I love our Wednesday night prayer meetings! :-D
Normally when you go to a Baptist church on a Wednesday night for prayer meeting one would sing a few songs, listen to some missionary letters, share prayer requests, and then have two or three men pray, followed by a Bible study. Our Wednesday night is not drastically different but it is different.
The service is a more casual type service. People are coming in during their busy weeks and are weary, but Wednesday is such a pick me up. Pastor opens the night by asking, "What's new and exciting this week?" People volunteer different praises or things new happening in their lives. It's just a neat time to share. Somethings relate to spiritual matters, some things are more of the "everyday" Tonight one of the ladies who is attending college shared that she was nominated for some very good scholarships that will help pay her school bill. YAY! I pray she gets that.
Then we pass the benevolence plate. Wednesday night offerings go to our church's benevolence fund. After that our Pastor shares a brief message. We've been talking about some key doctrines. Tonight was different veiws on the inspriation of the scripture and which views hold true to God's Word being totally true. After that we have a closing prayer (for the message part of the evening)
Then our prayer sheets are passed out. We have some in our church that are fighting illness...they are on the prayer list. Our missionaries, unsaved friends and loved ones are listed, church ministry requests are listed and then there are blanks to fill in with other needs.
After sharing requests, someone volunteers to take the kids out and then the women and men split up. The men usually pray in three or four groups. So there's like four to six men in a prayer group. We ladies will sometimes share more personal requests after the men exit the room. I think the men may do that also....I'm not up there so I don't know. :-D Everyone is invited to pray, but if you would rather pray silently, that is ok too.
We break up into small groups of two or three and lift the burdens and praises up to the Lord. I have to tell you, I get great blessing in hearing the voices praying. I know they are praying for me and my family and for each other. They're praying for dear Mr. Bohnett who has been afflicated with cancer, and Zac who has been having headaches. They are praying for Mrs. Schunke who is unsaved and going through another back surgery. It is a sweet sound to hear my sisters in Christ praying for each other's needs.
Tonight, I got to pray with my friend Sherry. Sherry is the neatest, most well dressed, and organized lady. I love her. Besides her outstanding "outside qualities" she has a tender heart for people and we got to share some more requests together tonight and then Sherry and I prayed. And while she was praying for me I was so gently reminded of how my husband is away, but...it's not by chance. And no matter how hard it is and difficult it is at times, God has put Mickey where he is for a purpose. I needed to be so gently reminded of that tonight. I was blessed to hear that. I so needed to hear that. It was an encouragement to me. To be reminded while he is gone, that I do have a Heavenly Father who I can call on to and He will love me and carry me through this time.
Sherry was able to share some things with me, and I prayed about them tonight and will continue to pray about them. I hope I can be a fraction of the blessing that she has been to me. Christian fellowship like that is such a precious thing. I'm so thankful for Wednesday nights! :-D
Do you have a time to pray with other believers about your personal requests? I hope so. :-D
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The one about hyper links...
Ok, so check out the post below, because I learned to do hyper links and the there are quite a few in the post below. If they "become" underlined as you point to them, if you click...they will take you to a page describing that book, course, or curriculum.
(that explanation is for those that read my blog who are not Internet-savvy)
I do not mean to insult my readers. :-D
(that explanation is for those that read my blog who are not Internet-savvy)
I do not mean to insult my readers. :-D
The one about the new school year....
Ok, so school has started for us.
Some have asked if Michael is still doing homeschool since he's taking college classes...the answer is YES! He has not graduated our homeschool yet. He will be taking government (which will consist of reading and paraphrasing the constitution) with a small unit study on elections, an auto repair course, intro to physics, and whatever else I decide to throw at him. :-D At Metro this quarter he is taking his 3rd CISCO networking class along with College Algebra.
Maddie is taking:
Bible Doctrines-Abeka's 10th grade course
History-All American History vol 1 &2
Science-Exploring Creation through General Science by Jay Wile
Math- Teaching Textbooks
Grammar- a combination of Easy Grammar Plus and Abeka's 9th grade Grammar & Comp Text
She and Marcus will be taking two electives every eight weeks. For Maddie volleyball and and an elections study will be her electives this eight weeks.
Marcus:
Bible Doctrines- Abeka's 10th grade course
History- All American History 1&2
Grammar-First Language Lessons-Level 3
Science-Developing Critical Thinking Through Science (Critical Thinking Press--this was recommended to us by Dr. Jay Wile who authors Apologia High School Courses)
Math-Teaching Textbooks along with some drill books-Times Tales & Two + Two Does not Equal 5
Marcus is also working on a program for his dyslexia with me. We are working on his handwriting issues also. We are using Handwriting Without Tears.
He is doing two electives this quarter: Life Skills & Elections.
We do Bible Doctrines and History together (Maddie, Marcus, and me) along with our Read Aloud time. During our Read Aloud time we are reading the recommended reading with our History program. Currently we are reading, "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare. (We also use the Progeny Press guides that go along with our Read Alouds, so I guess they are taking literature units also, but most of the work is done orally. I'm a huge fan of Progeny Press Literature Guides. If you have not checked them out before, I highly recommend them. They look at literature from a Biblical Worldview.
So that catches you up on our new school year. :-D
Some have asked if Michael is still doing homeschool since he's taking college classes...the answer is YES! He has not graduated our homeschool yet. He will be taking government (which will consist of reading and paraphrasing the constitution) with a small unit study on elections, an auto repair course, intro to physics, and whatever else I decide to throw at him. :-D At Metro this quarter he is taking his 3rd CISCO networking class along with College Algebra.
Maddie is taking:
Bible Doctrines-Abeka's 10th grade course
History-All American History vol 1 &2
Science-Exploring Creation through General Science by Jay Wile
Math- Teaching Textbooks
Grammar- a combination of Easy Grammar Plus and Abeka's 9th grade Grammar & Comp Text
She and Marcus will be taking two electives every eight weeks. For Maddie volleyball and and an elections study will be her electives this eight weeks.
Marcus:
Bible Doctrines- Abeka's 10th grade course
History- All American History 1&2
Grammar-First Language Lessons-Level 3
Science-Developing Critical Thinking Through Science (Critical Thinking Press--this was recommended to us by Dr. Jay Wile who authors Apologia High School Courses)
Math-Teaching Textbooks along with some drill books-Times Tales & Two + Two Does not Equal 5
Marcus is also working on a program for his dyslexia with me. We are working on his handwriting issues also. We are using Handwriting Without Tears.
He is doing two electives this quarter: Life Skills & Elections.
We do Bible Doctrines and History together (Maddie, Marcus, and me) along with our Read Aloud time. During our Read Aloud time we are reading the recommended reading with our History program. Currently we are reading, "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare. (We also use the Progeny Press guides that go along with our Read Alouds, so I guess they are taking literature units also, but most of the work is done orally. I'm a huge fan of Progeny Press Literature Guides. If you have not checked them out before, I highly recommend them. They look at literature from a Biblical Worldview.
So that catches you up on our new school year. :-D
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The one about email not being enough...
So like I said I have tons of things swirling through my head and they continue to swim around there. I have a lot of things I want to discuss with my leader, my lord, my great and wonderful husband. While I'm very thankful for email, there are just some things that are too detailed to discuss with email.
You cannot hear someone's tone of voice, you cannot see someone's tears, you cannot feel them reach out to you in a passionate discussion of ideas. Good grief. It is very frustrating.
I know. I know. I should be thankful that we can at least iron down the details of our basic lives. He'll know when Maddie's first volleyball game is, what Marcus did in school, and the latest goings on with Michael and Amanda. But there are other life issues I really want to be able to discuss right now that just can't be done. So I'm praying to my heavenly Father...and I know...I know...I can and should go to Him all along, but I also know of the husband's role in a family and to his wife, and I want to be able to talk to mine.
End of vent.
You cannot hear someone's tone of voice, you cannot see someone's tears, you cannot feel them reach out to you in a passionate discussion of ideas. Good grief. It is very frustrating.
I know. I know. I should be thankful that we can at least iron down the details of our basic lives. He'll know when Maddie's first volleyball game is, what Marcus did in school, and the latest goings on with Michael and Amanda. But there are other life issues I really want to be able to discuss right now that just can't be done. So I'm praying to my heavenly Father...and I know...I know...I can and should go to Him all along, but I also know of the husband's role in a family and to his wife, and I want to be able to talk to mine.
End of vent.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The one about so many thoughts crowding my mind...
I'm at a loss for words. I have too many things swirling around in my mind.
AND...I miss Mickey!
AND...I miss Mickey!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The one about my trip to Ohio...
Well, I'm home!
Two years ago, when my dad turned 75 I told him I would visit he and my mom in Ohio on his birthday every year. This year I didn't get there until the 21st, (his b-day is the 17th) but he knew I was on my way.
Mickey bought me an airline ticket as it was cheaper than buying gas for the van! I was gone from home from 8/20-8/30. It was a long time for me to be away from my family, but I had a great trip to Ohio.
My brother in law, Mike picked me up from the airport in Columbus, OH. I had been quite nervous about the flight, as I have never flown by myself. I don't at all really mind flying, but I was concerned, I would miss a plane or mess something up. When I've flown in the past without Mickey, I always had small children (now you know it's been awhile since I've flown) People have always been very gracious to me, since I had such adorable little people traveling with me. This time I knew I was on my own and I couldn't rely on their sweet faces to get me out of a jam! :-D
However, everything went smoothly. I stayed with Mike and Becky through Thursday; then Becky took me down to Southern Ohio for a time with my parents. I got to see Debbie (who lives with them), my sister Leah, her husband Mike, and boys (Nicholas, Jacob, and Brock), and my brother Tim and his wife Tonda. I also got to see my niece Marisa, her husband, Adam, and my new little niece Chloe. She took after her mother and cried every time I held her. I'm excited to see how content she will be in Uncle Mickey's arms at Buckeye Christmas. Marisa always preferred Uncle Mickey to me, and I think Chloe will be the same.
I also got to spend some time with Mickey's family. I saw almost everyone: Glenna and Homer, (my mother and father in law), my sister in law Ruth and her two boys: Noah and Malachai. I got to see P.D., Mickey's brother and his wife, April. Their two children are Parker and Aubrey and I got to spend time with them also. The kids have really grown and they were so much fun to
see. :-D
During most of this time, my kids were in CA visiting their friends the Wilson's. When scheduling everything, it wasn't really apparent to me, that the kids wouldn't be able to go with me to OH. I haven't visited my parents alone in over 21 years. So that was different, but I did enjoy it. We played Scrabble, we talked, we went out to eat, we went to Community Day at their church, and attended church services together. It was very quiet and peaceful, and so pleasant.
I missed Mickey and the kids very much and I think I will enjoy their company the next time I make the trip, but I wouldn't trade this memory for anything.
Two years ago, when my dad turned 75 I told him I would visit he and my mom in Ohio on his birthday every year. This year I didn't get there until the 21st, (his b-day is the 17th) but he knew I was on my way.
Mickey bought me an airline ticket as it was cheaper than buying gas for the van! I was gone from home from 8/20-8/30. It was a long time for me to be away from my family, but I had a great trip to Ohio.
My brother in law, Mike picked me up from the airport in Columbus, OH. I had been quite nervous about the flight, as I have never flown by myself. I don't at all really mind flying, but I was concerned, I would miss a plane or mess something up. When I've flown in the past without Mickey, I always had small children (now you know it's been awhile since I've flown) People have always been very gracious to me, since I had such adorable little people traveling with me. This time I knew I was on my own and I couldn't rely on their sweet faces to get me out of a jam! :-D
However, everything went smoothly. I stayed with Mike and Becky through Thursday; then Becky took me down to Southern Ohio for a time with my parents. I got to see Debbie (who lives with them), my sister Leah, her husband Mike, and boys (Nicholas, Jacob, and Brock), and my brother Tim and his wife Tonda. I also got to see my niece Marisa, her husband, Adam, and my new little niece Chloe. She took after her mother and cried every time I held her. I'm excited to see how content she will be in Uncle Mickey's arms at Buckeye Christmas. Marisa always preferred Uncle Mickey to me, and I think Chloe will be the same.
I also got to spend some time with Mickey's family. I saw almost everyone: Glenna and Homer, (my mother and father in law), my sister in law Ruth and her two boys: Noah and Malachai. I got to see P.D., Mickey's brother and his wife, April. Their two children are Parker and Aubrey and I got to spend time with them also. The kids have really grown and they were so much fun to
see. :-D
During most of this time, my kids were in CA visiting their friends the Wilson's. When scheduling everything, it wasn't really apparent to me, that the kids wouldn't be able to go with me to OH. I haven't visited my parents alone in over 21 years. So that was different, but I did enjoy it. We played Scrabble, we talked, we went out to eat, we went to Community Day at their church, and attended church services together. It was very quiet and peaceful, and so pleasant.
I missed Mickey and the kids very much and I think I will enjoy their company the next time I make the trip, but I wouldn't trade this memory for anything.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The one about being so behind on my fighter verses....
Ok, so I'm like totally behind on my fighter verses for this summer...like I've been lazy all summer. So the challenge for this week is to get back on the wagon and memorize.
This week's verse for me is:
Romans 12:17-19
Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, as far as it depend on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
So, like...hold me accountable for studying this and learning it. If you see me...ask me about my fighter verse and get me to say what I know so far. Sharpen me up, fellow brothers and sisters! :-D
By the way, you can view the list of this year's fighter verses at:
http://c4.atomicplaypen.com/sites/BBC/resources/images/70209.pdf
Bethlehem Baptist Church Fighter Verses Set C 2008
You will of course, see how far behind I am. :-D
This week's verse for me is:
Romans 12:17-19
Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, as far as it depend on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
So, like...hold me accountable for studying this and learning it. If you see me...ask me about my fighter verse and get me to say what I know so far. Sharpen me up, fellow brothers and sisters! :-D
By the way, you can view the list of this year's fighter verses at:
http://c4.atomicplaypen.com/sites/BBC/resources/images/70209.pdf
Bethlehem Baptist Church Fighter Verses Set C 2008
You will of course, see how far behind I am. :-D
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The one about busy-ness, activity, and productivity
Well, all three comments about my last post talked about how busy our summer was. That is exactly what I think it wasn't. When I looked back at the list, this was spread out over a 3 month period...beginning May to August. I deliberately didn't make our schedules "busy" this summer because I wanted to enjoy this summer.
However, I would submit that we were productive and got things done that I had been wanting the kids to do, and we had fun while doing it.
If anyone had a "busy" summer in our family, it has been Michael and Mickey. Michael took 13.5 hours worth of classes at Metro while working his job at the golf course. He's maintaining an "A" average.
Mickey does more than I could ever remember to write here, but Mickey is the kind of guy who is always fidgeting or working on something. He has never been the kind of guy who comes home and sits on the couch all night doing nothing, ignoring his wife and kids. He is a mover and a shaker. This man works (puts in time at L-3), then comes home and helps me and helps other people, helps the church, Pastor, or whoever needs it...but that's not just in the summer...that's all the time. He's a very active and productive individual.
I'm so proud that Mickey is passing his work ethic on to Michael. (and Marcus) I appreciate what he does for me. It makes me proud to be married to a man that sees the needs of others and wants to help them. He cuts grass almost every week for the church. That's a 3-3.5 hour job. He makes sure time is put in at his job during the week, so that he can take off early on Friday afternoons and get the church's lawn care done, so that it doesn't take away time with the family and me.
He is not a workaholic working for the almight dollar. He's a helper.
So I wonder...how about you all...are you "busy" or are you "productive"? I think there is a big difference in the terms.
I don't want to be busy, I want to be productive. :-D
However, I would submit that we were productive and got things done that I had been wanting the kids to do, and we had fun while doing it.
If anyone had a "busy" summer in our family, it has been Michael and Mickey. Michael took 13.5 hours worth of classes at Metro while working his job at the golf course. He's maintaining an "A" average.
Mickey does more than I could ever remember to write here, but Mickey is the kind of guy who is always fidgeting or working on something. He has never been the kind of guy who comes home and sits on the couch all night doing nothing, ignoring his wife and kids. He is a mover and a shaker. This man works (puts in time at L-3), then comes home and helps me and helps other people, helps the church, Pastor, or whoever needs it...but that's not just in the summer...that's all the time. He's a very active and productive individual.
I'm so proud that Mickey is passing his work ethic on to Michael. (and Marcus) I appreciate what he does for me. It makes me proud to be married to a man that sees the needs of others and wants to help them. He cuts grass almost every week for the church. That's a 3-3.5 hour job. He makes sure time is put in at his job during the week, so that he can take off early on Friday afternoons and get the church's lawn care done, so that it doesn't take away time with the family and me.
He is not a workaholic working for the almight dollar. He's a helper.
So I wonder...how about you all...are you "busy" or are you "productive"? I think there is a big difference in the terms.
I don't want to be busy, I want to be productive. :-D
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The one about a new blog post...
Well, I've been given some "subtle" hints and some "not so subtle" hints that it is time to update my blog! :-D
However, as I've looked at the summer there have been so many things I should have written about and didn't and now my brain is muddled. :-D
It's been a great summer. The best thing about it, is that Mickey has been home for the whole summer. He got home right after his birthday in May and has been here since! We are thrilled!
Some fun summer facts:
1. We made jam (see previous blog post)
2. We accomplished the huge task of IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) This is a four day writing intensive. This was great for Maddie and Marcus and they will use the writing techniques they learned in various school subjects this year.
3. Michael took two classes at Metro: CISCO 2 and Operating Systems 2 and is doing very well
4. We got caught up on ortho appts, dentist appts, allergy shots, and physicals :-D
5. We met with some of our homeschooling friends for some fun play dates and "mom time"
6. I am getting the chance to coordinate Dawn Phillips and David Parkin's wedding.
7. We have continued to visit the nursing home with some of our homeschool friends and change out their calendars every month at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Bellevue
8. We went camping in Missouri and we floated/tubed down the Current River. A river that is freezing but we had a blast with the Kerseys and Nupsons. Fun times!
9. Mickey protested the over $18,000 hike in our housing assessment tax and won. It was reduced by over half! Way to go, Mickster!
1o. I got to babysit three adorable redheads because their grandmothers had other things to do and we had a great morning playing with our bird and making cookies!
11. Maddie and I went to Dawn Phillips bridal shower and Micaela Capello's baby shower. :-D
12. Our church held a 5 Day Bible Club and we reached several neighborhood families and had excellent support from everyone. It was a great summer memory!
13. Mickey's Care Group from church had a get together with almost everyone there, and then another get together and it has been really great getting to know everyone a little better!
14. I've been looking at wedding songs all summer for Alaina and Josh's wedding. That is something that doesn't have closure. We are still looking....
15. Mickey bought me a plane ticket to go visit my family in Ohio. I will be leaving August 20th and coming back on August 30th. In 17 1/2 years I haven't visited my family without any children with me. It will be so different to not have the kids with me. I will miss Mickey and the kiddoes very much! I plan to get in a lot of Scrabble games with Mom though...and maybe Dad...if he'll play.
16. Maddie taught 7-5 Day Bible Clubs
17. Times with the Fabulous Folkens
Things we are looking forward to:
1. The CEF picnic this Saturday
2. Maddie is looking forward to going to World's of Fun this Thursday...I am looking forward to spending some time with Sidney and Isaiah.
3. I'm looking forward to getting my hair cut next Monday....I scheduled it too far between appointments...nobody is as good with my hair as Deb Warga in Plattsmouth!
4. David and Dawn's wedding
5. The kids are excited to see some friends later in August
6. My trip to Ohio
7. Starting back with our homeschool
8. Annual church picnic (Sept. 6)
9.. CEF training for Mickey, Michael, and I
10. Maddie playing volleyball with her friend Kristen
11. Being together
So that about catches you all up and I did it without "talking" too much! I hope you all have enjoyed your summer.
What kind of activities have filled your summer?
However, as I've looked at the summer there have been so many things I should have written about and didn't and now my brain is muddled. :-D
It's been a great summer. The best thing about it, is that Mickey has been home for the whole summer. He got home right after his birthday in May and has been here since! We are thrilled!
Some fun summer facts:
1. We made jam (see previous blog post)
2. We accomplished the huge task of IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) This is a four day writing intensive. This was great for Maddie and Marcus and they will use the writing techniques they learned in various school subjects this year.
3. Michael took two classes at Metro: CISCO 2 and Operating Systems 2 and is doing very well
4. We got caught up on ortho appts, dentist appts, allergy shots, and physicals :-D
5. We met with some of our homeschooling friends for some fun play dates and "mom time"
6. I am getting the chance to coordinate Dawn Phillips and David Parkin's wedding.
7. We have continued to visit the nursing home with some of our homeschool friends and change out their calendars every month at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Bellevue
8. We went camping in Missouri and we floated/tubed down the Current River. A river that is freezing but we had a blast with the Kerseys and Nupsons. Fun times!
9. Mickey protested the over $18,000 hike in our housing assessment tax and won. It was reduced by over half! Way to go, Mickster!
1o. I got to babysit three adorable redheads because their grandmothers had other things to do and we had a great morning playing with our bird and making cookies!
11. Maddie and I went to Dawn Phillips bridal shower and Micaela Capello's baby shower. :-D
12. Our church held a 5 Day Bible Club and we reached several neighborhood families and had excellent support from everyone. It was a great summer memory!
13. Mickey's Care Group from church had a get together with almost everyone there, and then another get together and it has been really great getting to know everyone a little better!
14. I've been looking at wedding songs all summer for Alaina and Josh's wedding. That is something that doesn't have closure. We are still looking....
15. Mickey bought me a plane ticket to go visit my family in Ohio. I will be leaving August 20th and coming back on August 30th. In 17 1/2 years I haven't visited my family without any children with me. It will be so different to not have the kids with me. I will miss Mickey and the kiddoes very much! I plan to get in a lot of Scrabble games with Mom though...and maybe Dad...if he'll play.
16. Maddie taught 7-5 Day Bible Clubs
17. Times with the Fabulous Folkens
Things we are looking forward to:
1. The CEF picnic this Saturday
2. Maddie is looking forward to going to World's of Fun this Thursday...I am looking forward to spending some time with Sidney and Isaiah.
3. I'm looking forward to getting my hair cut next Monday....I scheduled it too far between appointments...nobody is as good with my hair as Deb Warga in Plattsmouth!
4. David and Dawn's wedding
5. The kids are excited to see some friends later in August
6. My trip to Ohio
7. Starting back with our homeschool
8. Annual church picnic (Sept. 6)
9.. CEF training for Mickey, Michael, and I
10. Maddie playing volleyball with her friend Kristen
11. Being together
So that about catches you all up and I did it without "talking" too much! I hope you all have enjoyed your summer.
What kind of activities have filled your summer?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The one about strawberry jam...
Well, we've made it through the first part of June. Now that I look back, it passed so quickly. Mickey has been working evening shift for all of June which means he has spent a lot more time at home. We are loving it.
Michael is working at the golf course and finishing Algebra 2. Maddie and Marc are hanging out here and doing Math and History and enjoying the summer.
Mickey just finished fixing up and putting new batteries in the motor scooters. So they will get more use now. Maddie and Mickey have also embarked on a challenge to run a 5K at the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot in Kentucky. So, training has begun for that whlie we have been finding ways to stay busy.
HOWEVER...the big news of June is the strawberries have been picked, cleaned, and made into freezer jam. The kids and I go strawberry picking every year. It's become a family tradition. We pick the berries, and they help clean and then we make jam. The jam goes into the freezer and then is handed out at Christmas as gifts to their Sunday School teachers, AWANA workers, and other friends. We take pride in our berry picking and jam making skills.
I'm proud to say that this year, every one was totally involved...even Mickey. Because of working evening shift, this year he was involved in every part of the process. This hasn't happened before. It was a fun and memory making time for all, except the kids have caught on that berry picking isn't just fun anymore, but it's work. Especially when I like to bring home about 30 lbs. of berries. :-D
The funniest part was we paid a little more to pick this year than normal. The day after we had finished our big jam making project, we walked into the commissary and they had berries for 26 cents cheaper than the ones we had to pick ourselves. Go figure. Anyway, I still enjoy the family tradition. The kids worked hard, Mickey worked hard and I worked hard, but we have a freezer full of jam.
This year was a record year. We put up 22 cup jars, 22 pint jars, and 8 quart jars. YAY!!
Michael is working at the golf course and finishing Algebra 2. Maddie and Marc are hanging out here and doing Math and History and enjoying the summer.
Mickey just finished fixing up and putting new batteries in the motor scooters. So they will get more use now. Maddie and Mickey have also embarked on a challenge to run a 5K at the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot in Kentucky. So, training has begun for that whlie we have been finding ways to stay busy.
HOWEVER...the big news of June is the strawberries have been picked, cleaned, and made into freezer jam. The kids and I go strawberry picking every year. It's become a family tradition. We pick the berries, and they help clean and then we make jam. The jam goes into the freezer and then is handed out at Christmas as gifts to their Sunday School teachers, AWANA workers, and other friends. We take pride in our berry picking and jam making skills.
I'm proud to say that this year, every one was totally involved...even Mickey. Because of working evening shift, this year he was involved in every part of the process. This hasn't happened before. It was a fun and memory making time for all, except the kids have caught on that berry picking isn't just fun anymore, but it's work. Especially when I like to bring home about 30 lbs. of berries. :-D
The funniest part was we paid a little more to pick this year than normal. The day after we had finished our big jam making project, we walked into the commissary and they had berries for 26 cents cheaper than the ones we had to pick ourselves. Go figure. Anyway, I still enjoy the family tradition. The kids worked hard, Mickey worked hard and I worked hard, but we have a freezer full of jam.
This year was a record year. We put up 22 cup jars, 22 pint jars, and 8 quart jars. YAY!!
Monday, June 9, 2008
The one about Maddie going to camp...
Last week, our daughter Maddie was at camp. It was her first time to go to camp so I was a little anxious for her. She went to CYIA (Christian Youth In Action) camp.
The original plan had been for Michael and Maddie to go to camp together. This would have given me a little peace of mind, to know Michael was there with Maddie during her first camp week. However, Michael got a job at the golf course, and was unable to attend because of work.
So the debate began between Mickey and I as to if we should send Maddie or not. We knew she would only know two people there for sure, so it would be a little more difficult than if she were going with Michael or going to camp with her youth group.
However, we really felt like it would benefit Maddie so much to receive the training she would get at CYIA.
The whole purpose of the camp is to train teenagers to work in 5 Day Clubs or Backyard Bible Clubs sponsored by C.E.F. (Child Evangelism Fellowship) http://www.cefonline.com/
CEF is the largest mission group for reaching children. They are a Biblically sound group, taking the gospel to children who have never heard of Jesus and His sacrifice. (Check out the video on the website)
While at camp, we knew Maddie would be trained in:
1. How to lead a child to Christ using the Wordless Book
2. Teaching missionary stories
3. Techniques on helping children learn a memory verse from God's Word
4. How to maintain club order
5. Teaching Bible songs to children so they can praise the Lord.
The training is something she would have with her the rest of her life. She can use the Wordless book in leading anyone to Christ, not just a child.
But...we knew Maddie can be very shy when thrust into a new situation. So we debated and prayed, and finally decided she was going.
She was nervous at first, but when she called Monday night, she said she knew we made the right decision.
Last night, Jackie Weiss, the local coordinator for CEF came to our church and Maddie was able to give a brief testimony about CYIA. She was nervous, but I was so proud of her, as it was her first public speech in front of adults EVER! Mickey and I were thrilled with her willingness to speak about what she had learned.
She is already committing to going back next year. Way to go, Madd!!!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The one about ice cream bucket lasagna...
Our family likes lasagna. My sister in law Susan, calls the cottage cheese and sauce part: "The guts". That's the best part of lasagna. Well, we like to eat lasagna, but it can be tedious to make and while this isn't always the method I use when making lasagna, this is the method I use for those quick everyday type meals. :-D I got this recipe off a freezer meal yahoo group that I frequent. If your family will eat things from the freezer and then things that have been cooked in the crockpot, you may want to try it.
The kids always help me put it all together in assembly line fashion. Usually Maddie and Marcus help, but today Michael got to help since Maddie was gone. Marcus felt good, because he knew the routine, and he was telling Michael what to do next. :-D
Enjoy! :-D
Ice Cream Bucket Lazagna
~
5 lbs hamburger (I don't use this much hamburger...and also sausage is a nice variation)
tomato sauce spices, whatever you normally prefer
2 containers large size cottage cheese (I use more of this)
4 eggs salt pepper
mozzarela cheese, shredded, at least 4-6 cups (I use the big bag of monz, cheddar, and provolone from Sam's Club)
2 packages lasagna noodles ( I end up using about 3 boxes instead of two)
6 ice cream buckets (good for 5qt.size crockpots, or any freezer/crockpot compatable one gallon containers
Cook a large package of hamburger (approx 5 lbs), drain.
Place it back in the pan you cooked it in, (don't dirty another pan)
Add tomato sauce and spices as you like it.
In another large bowl, mix two large containers of cottage cheese, four eggs, and salt and pepper. A third bowl has a large quantity of shredded mozzarella. (I don't dirty a bowl for this, but just use a measuring cup and get the cheese directly from the bag.)
Open two packages of lasagna noodles, cook as directed on box. (I don't pre cook the noodles, this saves time)
Place all the ingredient bowls and pans in a row on the counter.
Then take 6 (one gallon) ice cream buckets or similar container.
Layer as follows: noodles, sauce, cheese and repeat til done.
That is it! You end up with six lasagnas, and only 3 dirty pans.
Freeze until completely solid.
Then slip from the ice cream bucket and place in gallon Ziploc bags.
Then store back in the freezer, this way takes up much less space.
Using the ice cream bucket makes it the exact size and shape for a round 5 quart crockpot.
You might find another container that works better for you. When you decide to cook, just pop it in the crockot on LOW all day.
The one about new templates and blog features and famliy updates.....
Well, some of my friends have excited me into changing the blog a bit. I created a playlist, and changed the template. Later I will add a favorite book list. I also added more links to friend's blogs and other blogs of interest. Please check out Angie's Blog. She is the wife of Selah singer, Todd. It is very thought and prayer provoking.
Also, check out some of my new friend's blogs. My friends Lisa and Kristin (sisters) have new blogs and great templates. Amanda and Bethany also updated their blog templates and they have a great new look.
My sister changed her blog address, but the link will take you there. (Debbie's Blog)
Also, facebook, now has an app, called Mirror Blog where all your blog posts will be mirrored onto your facebook. Pretty cool, for those who only like checking one thing. :-D
Oh, Alaina changed her blog a lot. Jacob, her brother, of course, helped, and it looks GREAT! I need to make Michael sit down and help me with mine. I'd love to have a slideshow going on here someday. :-D
We are enjoying summer. Maddie is away at camp and we miss her but are encouraged every night by her calls. We got bad weather last night, here in NE, but I was thrilled to learn that Maddie had a storm cellar to go to if needed.
Michael is working at the golf course, and is still enjoying it. Marcus is just enjoying the summer. He hasn't had to do History since he and Maddie to that together and Maddie is gone. However, Math has been done.
I got the filing organized! Big project! Now today on the list: Change out summer clothes/Put winter clothes away and clean the linen closet. I have been putting off the linen closet for some time, and let me tell you, it doesn't get any better the longer I put it off.
Also, I found out that strawberry season is here and the Berry Farm http://www.bellevueberryfarm.com/
opens for picking tomorrow. I won't go until next week when I have all three kids, but we will do our annual trek to the farm. I'm hoping Mickey is on night shift next week and I can get him to come with us! Then it's time to make the jam! I love this time of year. It gets hectic in the kitchen, but it is such a satisfying feeling to put up all those jars of jam and have them to pass out to friends at Christmas!
Also, check out some of my new friend's blogs. My friends Lisa and Kristin (sisters) have new blogs and great templates. Amanda and Bethany also updated their blog templates and they have a great new look.
My sister changed her blog address, but the link will take you there. (Debbie's Blog)
Also, facebook, now has an app, called Mirror Blog where all your blog posts will be mirrored onto your facebook. Pretty cool, for those who only like checking one thing. :-D
Oh, Alaina changed her blog a lot. Jacob, her brother, of course, helped, and it looks GREAT! I need to make Michael sit down and help me with mine. I'd love to have a slideshow going on here someday. :-D
We are enjoying summer. Maddie is away at camp and we miss her but are encouraged every night by her calls. We got bad weather last night, here in NE, but I was thrilled to learn that Maddie had a storm cellar to go to if needed.
Michael is working at the golf course, and is still enjoying it. Marcus is just enjoying the summer. He hasn't had to do History since he and Maddie to that together and Maddie is gone. However, Math has been done.
I got the filing organized! Big project! Now today on the list: Change out summer clothes/Put winter clothes away and clean the linen closet. I have been putting off the linen closet for some time, and let me tell you, it doesn't get any better the longer I put it off.
Also, I found out that strawberry season is here and the Berry Farm http://www.bellevueberryfarm.com/
opens for picking tomorrow. I won't go until next week when I have all three kids, but we will do our annual trek to the farm. I'm hoping Mickey is on night shift next week and I can get him to come with us! Then it's time to make the jam! I love this time of year. It gets hectic in the kitchen, but it is such a satisfying feeling to put up all those jars of jam and have them to pass out to friends at Christmas!
Monday, May 19, 2008
The one about the start of summertime for the Knipps...
Wow, I think I can officially say, "summer is here." I don't even know the exact dates of summer, but traditionally summer begins with Memorial Day Weekend and that is next weekend, but for the Knipps, we've already shifted into our summer schedule. We are doing Math and History through the summer. Michael and Maddie are learning Bible Study Methods and so they will be working on those this summer also. Marcus and I are going through the Faith To Grow on Devotional for kids this summer. We are staying up a little later....which we tend to do anyway, and getting up a little later and enjoying the weather!
Michael got a job, pending a background check, so that is exciting news for him.
Mickey went to Diego but got home surpisingly early and we are thankful for that. Our Memorial Day trip to Ohio got cancelled, since I didn't want to leave as long as Mick was in town, but we will get there later this summer.
(Mickey being home is the reason why I haven't posted for awhile.)
OH! and the big news is that Mickey and I are now parents for TWO teenaged children. Maddie joined the ranks yesterday, May 18th, as she turned 13. She is growing up so fast!! Happy Birthday, Maddie!
Michael got a job, pending a background check, so that is exciting news for him.
Mickey went to Diego but got home surpisingly early and we are thankful for that. Our Memorial Day trip to Ohio got cancelled, since I didn't want to leave as long as Mick was in town, but we will get there later this summer.
(Mickey being home is the reason why I haven't posted for awhile.)
OH! and the big news is that Mickey and I are now parents for TWO teenaged children. Maddie joined the ranks yesterday, May 18th, as she turned 13. She is growing up so fast!! Happy Birthday, Maddie!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The one about Mickey ....
Mickey, my husband, has traveled with his job for the last 16 years. We never know how long he will be gone when he leaves. Sometimes he is gone for 1 1/2 weeks but he has been gone up to 3 months at a time.
One thing I have always appreciated about the differences in our personalities is that he thinks about so many things I don't think about. I think about things he doesn't think about. We compliment each other, so when one of us is out the mix around here, things just happen.
For instance, this week, my computer crashed. It had been acting up for awhile and Mickey and Michael had been discussing it and they knew it was only a matter of time. However, if Mickey had been here, I know he would have been premptive in saving some things that got lost. (some WORD documents were lost, that will take me some time to build again)
Another thing that happened this week had to do with Mickey's car. Michael has been driving the car, and I had asked him to park it on the street. Well, he did. After driving the other day, he also left the windows down. He parked where I couldn't see the car. (I'm very visual, and so I didn't think about it-it was out of sight....Mickey would have however) Anyway, thank goodness our Pastor called the next morning to let me know the windows were down after a night of rain. Yes, seats and floor did get wet.
Mickey would have checked the windows or would have reminded Michael to check them. That is just the way he thinks. I might have remembered the windows if I could have seen the car from the house where it was parked. That is not a guarantee however.
Anyway, these things happen, and none of us like Mickey being gone, but for some reason this is where the Lord has us for this season in our lives. Maybe it's to help train me and grow me. I don't know. Whatever the reason, besides his fun personality, good insight, companionship, being the best husband in the world, Mickey is missed for the practical side of his being.
Tomorrow is his 41st birthday. I do so wish he would be here for us to celebrate his special day, but alas, he is stuck in Diego Garcia, the BIOT (British Indian Ocean Territory-arial view at left) island that is just a few degrees south of the equator. It is approximately 1,000 miles southwest of India.
Happy Birthday, Love Doctor, we miss you in so many different ways!
Love,
Lovie Bear (smile)
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The one about learning from each other...
My son came home from his Wednesday youth meeting a couple of months ago. A new teacher had taken over their studies. I thought his comments were good and also taught him a valuable lesson. He had experienced two teachers (the one from the past and the new one) who didn't teach fluff but taught deeper things. This was something he appreciated in them both.
However their teaching styles are very different. Their illustrations are very different. Their personalities are very different. Yet he was able to appreciate them both and accept them for who they were.
I think this is a good lesson. We can learn a lot from each other on this pilgrimage of life, even though some folks are very different from ourselves. I know I have a lot of different friends who I glean and learn from. They are from different backgrounds and different family styles. Some are homeschoolers like myself who have devoted a lot of their time to being at home, while others are career women and and yet still mothers, wives, and sisters like myself. They are not carbon copies of each other or myself. I would miss out on some great blessings if I only stuck with "one type" of friend.
I was thankful that Michael is learning this lesson even at his young age. I hope he continues to stretch and learn and grow. I hope I keep stretching and learning and growing too.
However their teaching styles are very different. Their illustrations are very different. Their personalities are very different. Yet he was able to appreciate them both and accept them for who they were.
I think this is a good lesson. We can learn a lot from each other on this pilgrimage of life, even though some folks are very different from ourselves. I know I have a lot of different friends who I glean and learn from. They are from different backgrounds and different family styles. Some are homeschoolers like myself who have devoted a lot of their time to being at home, while others are career women and and yet still mothers, wives, and sisters like myself. They are not carbon copies of each other or myself. I would miss out on some great blessings if I only stuck with "one type" of friend.
I was thankful that Michael is learning this lesson even at his young age. I hope he continues to stretch and learn and grow. I hope I keep stretching and learning and growing too.
The one about quote collecting...
I have never been one to collect quotes, but the more I read really good ones, the more I think I should have a notebook where I write them down and read over them periodically.
I think one of the reasons I at first bristled to collecting quotes was that sometimes, I find a good quote, but I know I totally disagree with the person in other areas, like worldview, polictical view, etc. However, I don't want to be one that throws the baby out with the bath water...so....I am going to start collecting quotes.
I came across a good quote about two weeks ago and thought I would share with you.
This is from John Piper. I don't know what many of you think of him. I honestly don't know a lot about him. I've never personally read any of his books However, two things I do know about him are:
#1. His church's website is where I got my Fighter Verses that I memorize
#2. He uses the ESV, one of my favorite Bible translations.
So, that being said, here's the quote:
“Anxiety shows that we are too close to the world and too far from God. So don’t be anxious—the world has nothing eternal to offer, and your loving heavenly Father knows your needs now and forever.”~ John Piper
Isn't that good!
I think one of the reasons I at first bristled to collecting quotes was that sometimes, I find a good quote, but I know I totally disagree with the person in other areas, like worldview, polictical view, etc. However, I don't want to be one that throws the baby out with the bath water...so....I am going to start collecting quotes.
I came across a good quote about two weeks ago and thought I would share with you.
This is from John Piper. I don't know what many of you think of him. I honestly don't know a lot about him. I've never personally read any of his books However, two things I do know about him are:
#1. His church's website is where I got my Fighter Verses that I memorize
#2. He uses the ESV, one of my favorite Bible translations.
So, that being said, here's the quote:
“Anxiety shows that we are too close to the world and too far from God. So don’t be anxious—the world has nothing eternal to offer, and your loving heavenly Father knows your needs now and forever.”~ John Piper
Isn't that good!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The one about being sorry...
Sorry the new posts are so long! Can you tell my husband is gone. (smile...tears...smile)
The one about reading aloud to my kids....
Ok, so a huge part of homeschooling is reading. We love to read great stories and my oldest son Michael was a early, fast, and voracious reader. So, I must admit I didn't read aloud to him hardly at all. But I did provide him with plenty of books and good stories.
Then came Maddie and Marcus. They are closer in age and there are so many good stories out there that I wanted them to hear and share with them. So I was committed to reading aloud more. Well, it's is a gift. There are some who are just such great readers. I procrastinated for awhile but then finally committed to learning the art of reading aloud. I still have a long way to go, but I am getting better, and the rewards are great.
My mom was one who read aloud to us and told us great stories. I loved listening to her read to us. She would read to us almost every night especially during the fall and winter months. (summer we played outside more) Our ears were trained for auditory listening by listening to the radio with my mom. I am one of seven children and we grew up in the days of polyester. (cheaper material than can make the stylish clothes of today) My mother made dresses and prom suits (the leisure suit) and all sorts of clothing items for us. She can sew anything and she would have the radio on while she sewed. Debbie and I would go up on her bed while she sewed (her machine was in her bedroom) and we'd lay on the bed and talk and just listen to the radio. We listened to Stories of Great Christians, and I especially remember listening to Kitty My Rib about Martin Luther's wife.
But I digress...
I wanted to have those kinds of memories of reading to the Littles (Maddie and Marcus), so I committed to working on reading aloud. It is something that needs to be practiced for those it doesn't come easy to. I got the Sonlight catalog and used their lists of read aloud selections as a resource for picking good stories. http://www.sonlight.com/featured.html
Another good resource is this book list of 1000 books for children to read, but some I read aloud to them: http://www.classical-homeschooling.org/celoop/1000.html
So, I am plugging along and it is getting easier. You can get a feel for the author's rhythm after awhile and flow along with the language of the book. It has been enjoyable to read to them and her them giggle at the funny parts or stop to make comments about the characters and how they feel or react to the things happening in the story. There is just something about having a child on either side of me while we are reading together on the comfy couch and sharing time together and a wonderful story.
My kids are getting older but they still love a good story. I've read that you shouldn't stop reading to your kids just because they are getting a little older. It's a bonding time with them, and I am experiencing it now. I love it. There are even some cute picture books we are reading through, that we didn't read through when they were younger. I've told Maddie she will be able to find stories she will really like and be able to use them when she starts to babysit more as she gets older. She can read them to the kids she's sitting with and teach them to enjoy a good story too. She is almost 13 and Marcus is 10 but they still enjoy good literature.
Currently we are reading My Father's Dragon and Prince Caspian. We just finished reading Sign of the Beaver and Dr. Dolittle. I loved Sign of the Beaver and reading it fron an adult perspective I cried at the end when the family was reunited. Of course, the kids laugh when I cry. They know mom is emotional. (smile) However, I hope I'm creating memories like the ones I have that are dear to me.... of a mom who took time out of sewing and cleaning and caring for a family of seven to read to the little kids.
Then came Maddie and Marcus. They are closer in age and there are so many good stories out there that I wanted them to hear and share with them. So I was committed to reading aloud more. Well, it's is a gift. There are some who are just such great readers. I procrastinated for awhile but then finally committed to learning the art of reading aloud. I still have a long way to go, but I am getting better, and the rewards are great.
My mom was one who read aloud to us and told us great stories. I loved listening to her read to us. She would read to us almost every night especially during the fall and winter months. (summer we played outside more) Our ears were trained for auditory listening by listening to the radio with my mom. I am one of seven children and we grew up in the days of polyester. (cheaper material than can make the stylish clothes of today) My mother made dresses and prom suits (the leisure suit) and all sorts of clothing items for us. She can sew anything and she would have the radio on while she sewed. Debbie and I would go up on her bed while she sewed (her machine was in her bedroom) and we'd lay on the bed and talk and just listen to the radio. We listened to Stories of Great Christians, and I especially remember listening to Kitty My Rib about Martin Luther's wife.
But I digress...
I wanted to have those kinds of memories of reading to the Littles (Maddie and Marcus), so I committed to working on reading aloud. It is something that needs to be practiced for those it doesn't come easy to. I got the Sonlight catalog and used their lists of read aloud selections as a resource for picking good stories. http://www.sonlight.com/featured.html
Another good resource is this book list of 1000 books for children to read, but some I read aloud to them: http://www.classical-homeschooling.org/celoop/1000.html
So, I am plugging along and it is getting easier. You can get a feel for the author's rhythm after awhile and flow along with the language of the book. It has been enjoyable to read to them and her them giggle at the funny parts or stop to make comments about the characters and how they feel or react to the things happening in the story. There is just something about having a child on either side of me while we are reading together on the comfy couch and sharing time together and a wonderful story.
My kids are getting older but they still love a good story. I've read that you shouldn't stop reading to your kids just because they are getting a little older. It's a bonding time with them, and I am experiencing it now. I love it. There are even some cute picture books we are reading through, that we didn't read through when they were younger. I've told Maddie she will be able to find stories she will really like and be able to use them when she starts to babysit more as she gets older. She can read them to the kids she's sitting with and teach them to enjoy a good story too. She is almost 13 and Marcus is 10 but they still enjoy good literature.
Currently we are reading My Father's Dragon and Prince Caspian. We just finished reading Sign of the Beaver and Dr. Dolittle. I loved Sign of the Beaver and reading it fron an adult perspective I cried at the end when the family was reunited. Of course, the kids laugh when I cry. They know mom is emotional. (smile) However, I hope I'm creating memories like the ones I have that are dear to me.... of a mom who took time out of sewing and cleaning and caring for a family of seven to read to the little kids.
The one about blogging...
I love to blog. I'm not sure if it's because it helps me to organize my random thoughts and crazily-wired brain or what. I just love reading my blogging friend's posts too. They make me think about things I would never have been challenged to think about. It's a brain stretching activity sometimes.
I don't know that I even following all the blogging etiquette. I mean, I'm very random at times, and I don't always blog about one subject, I tend to probably "journal" more than blog, but it is very satisfying. I like to go back and read older posts and see the things that have happened.
I took the class "Experiencing God" back in like 1998. I really enjoyed the course, and we were challenged to "make memorials" like they did in the old testament about how the Lord grew us in a certain period in our lives or carried us through other times. I'm really not good at doing that kind of thing in hard copy form...in a journal, but the blog has sort of at times been that kind of a memorial for me.
Now, of course, I blog about funny and educational things, and about just "normal" times in our lives. But the "normal times" are still times when we are being carried through by the Lord, and the educational and funny times are blessings from Him too, so I guess all posts are memorials in their own way.
I love to read your comments. If you read the blog, please post. My friend Sue has been trying to post...(hang in there, girl)...but the comments are great feedback and they can make you think also. So keep commenting.
I don't know that I even following all the blogging etiquette. I mean, I'm very random at times, and I don't always blog about one subject, I tend to probably "journal" more than blog, but it is very satisfying. I like to go back and read older posts and see the things that have happened.
I took the class "Experiencing God" back in like 1998. I really enjoyed the course, and we were challenged to "make memorials" like they did in the old testament about how the Lord grew us in a certain period in our lives or carried us through other times. I'm really not good at doing that kind of thing in hard copy form...in a journal, but the blog has sort of at times been that kind of a memorial for me.
Now, of course, I blog about funny and educational things, and about just "normal" times in our lives. But the "normal times" are still times when we are being carried through by the Lord, and the educational and funny times are blessings from Him too, so I guess all posts are memorials in their own way.
I love to read your comments. If you read the blog, please post. My friend Sue has been trying to post...(hang in there, girl)...but the comments are great feedback and they can make you think also. So keep commenting.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
The one about God's Unseen Protection....
We know that the Lord keeps us safe in so many unseen circumstances, but on Friday we saw fruit of that fact. We had our furnace and air conditioner replaced on Friday. Randy Burton and Jerry Magill, two Christian HVAC guys we hired came in and put in a brand new furnace and heat pump. They look so nice, don't they?
After dis-assembling the old furnace unit Jerry called Mickey outside and showed him SEVEN cracks in the old furnace. We have carbon monoxide detectors in our basement, because we knew the furnace was old. They have never sounded their alarm. However, we know it's God's protection. That could have been a very dangerous situation. Thank you, Lord for watching over things we don't even see.
Friday, May 2, 2008
The one about allergy testing...
Well, today was Maddie's big day. She had her allergy test done. When I made the appointment, they had told me that Maddie could not have her normal allergy medicines for 72 hours prior. So, yesterday was one of the most gorgeous days of the year and we had our windows open and she played outside some, but by evening, between being a little anxious about the tests, and then not having allergy medicine for almost 3 days, we was dragging.
So today was the big day!
We got to Dr. Nair's office at Boys Town Pediatrics and the staff was very friendly. That always helps when you are anxious about things. The nurse named Shirley was very sweet and very informative. She explained the whole process to Maddie. We had heard how they used to do it, but the procedure she went through was different from what we had initially heard about. Shirley asked us questions about the symptoms Maddie has and then we waited on the doctor.
Dr. Nair was great. She talked to us some more about symptoms. (Mickey and I were both at the appointment with her...we helped answer questions) Maddie was quiet. She was very nervous about this appointment and all the possible needle sticks.
So this is how it all happened....
They cleaned the inside of her fore arms first, then put numbers up and down on the inside of her forearm. She got 30 pricks with 30 small needles concentrated with different allergen substances. We were left alone in the exam room to wait for 15 minutes while things developed. It was quite interesting to watch her these little spots appear on her arm. Some reacted very visibly and a few not at all. When the nurses came in they said, "WOW!" It was a good reaction as far as the test was working and providing the information they needed. They measured all the reactionary places on her arm and the ones that didn't react they called out negative. One nurse measured while the other wrote down all the information. Now, Maddie's arm was reacting during that 15 minutes from concentrated areas of things she is allergic to. Her arms were really itching, but she could do nothing about it. Poor girl. While we were waiting she said, "Am I going to get a treat for this?" Carmel coffee from Panera was then brought up in the conversation. (smile)
Well, next they have to retest the things that didn't react. This is where it got really interesting.
The nurse came back in and gave her some anti itch cream...not antihistamine cream because she still couldn't have that....more testing. But then she brought a tray in and there were real needles this time. I stood in front of Maddie holding her hand ...that upper arm got 12 more sticks with the needle under the skin. Maddie leaned into her Daddy and hid her face so she couldn't see. She was a trooper and didn't flinch, but held very still. (I'm so thankful that they didn't' do this when she was younger...it wouldn't have gone so smoothly) LOL Anyway, we did get some reaction out of those other marks.
I commented about wishing I had taken my camera to get pics of this. I could do a scrapbook page on this. Well, the nurse went a got a Polaroid camera and took one picture for me. (We took more when we got home)
So the result was that Dr. Nair came back into the office and Maddie is allergic to about everything that blooms. If it is a plant and grows she is allergic to these things. She recommended weekly shots. Mickey and I had already discussed this with Maddie and we knew this was the next step to try to give her some relief. Normally patients go with the shots for 3-5 years and their allergies go away. This also helps prevent allergy type asthma. So, we felt like we needed to go ahead. We called our insurance and everything is covered so the shots start next week.
Dr. Nair's office is on 88th and Center street, but she said she would mail Maddie's shots to her pediatrician's office in Bellevue so she could get her shots in town without the drive. She said Maddie just needs to see her about once a year.
In the consultation after the tests, Dr. Nair commented on the change in Maddie's personality after all the needle work was done. She said, "We would have made good friends over the years with you coming here getting your shots. You are smiling and happy now that all that needle stuff is over." She commented then about how quiet Maddie had been before the tests because of being nervous. She then told Maddie the shots are not as painful as the sticks she received today. The doctor said the needles were very small and not at all as uncomfortable as the testing. (Maddie loved hearing that!)
So this was a good experience. I'm so thankful for that. No one wants to see their children suffer and throughout it all Maddie was a trooper! Way to go, Mad!
So today was the big day!
We got to Dr. Nair's office at Boys Town Pediatrics and the staff was very friendly. That always helps when you are anxious about things. The nurse named Shirley was very sweet and very informative. She explained the whole process to Maddie. We had heard how they used to do it, but the procedure she went through was different from what we had initially heard about. Shirley asked us questions about the symptoms Maddie has and then we waited on the doctor.
Dr. Nair was great. She talked to us some more about symptoms. (Mickey and I were both at the appointment with her...we helped answer questions) Maddie was quiet. She was very nervous about this appointment and all the possible needle sticks.
So this is how it all happened....
They cleaned the inside of her fore arms first, then put numbers up and down on the inside of her forearm. She got 30 pricks with 30 small needles concentrated with different allergen substances. We were left alone in the exam room to wait for 15 minutes while things developed. It was quite interesting to watch her these little spots appear on her arm. Some reacted very visibly and a few not at all. When the nurses came in they said, "WOW!" It was a good reaction as far as the test was working and providing the information they needed. They measured all the reactionary places on her arm and the ones that didn't react they called out negative. One nurse measured while the other wrote down all the information. Now, Maddie's arm was reacting during that 15 minutes from concentrated areas of things she is allergic to. Her arms were really itching, but she could do nothing about it. Poor girl. While we were waiting she said, "Am I going to get a treat for this?" Carmel coffee from Panera was then brought up in the conversation. (smile)
Well, next they have to retest the things that didn't react. This is where it got really interesting.
The nurse came back in and gave her some anti itch cream...not antihistamine cream because she still couldn't have that....more testing. But then she brought a tray in and there were real needles this time. I stood in front of Maddie holding her hand ...that upper arm got 12 more sticks with the needle under the skin. Maddie leaned into her Daddy and hid her face so she couldn't see. She was a trooper and didn't flinch, but held very still. (I'm so thankful that they didn't' do this when she was younger...it wouldn't have gone so smoothly) LOL Anyway, we did get some reaction out of those other marks.
I commented about wishing I had taken my camera to get pics of this. I could do a scrapbook page on this. Well, the nurse went a got a Polaroid camera and took one picture for me. (We took more when we got home)
So the result was that Dr. Nair came back into the office and Maddie is allergic to about everything that blooms. If it is a plant and grows she is allergic to these things. She recommended weekly shots. Mickey and I had already discussed this with Maddie and we knew this was the next step to try to give her some relief. Normally patients go with the shots for 3-5 years and their allergies go away. This also helps prevent allergy type asthma. So, we felt like we needed to go ahead. We called our insurance and everything is covered so the shots start next week.
Dr. Nair's office is on 88th and Center street, but she said she would mail Maddie's shots to her pediatrician's office in Bellevue so she could get her shots in town without the drive. She said Maddie just needs to see her about once a year.
In the consultation after the tests, Dr. Nair commented on the change in Maddie's personality after all the needle work was done. She said, "We would have made good friends over the years with you coming here getting your shots. You are smiling and happy now that all that needle stuff is over." She commented then about how quiet Maddie had been before the tests because of being nervous. She then told Maddie the shots are not as painful as the sticks she received today. The doctor said the needles were very small and not at all as uncomfortable as the testing. (Maddie loved hearing that!)
So this was a good experience. I'm so thankful for that. No one wants to see their children suffer and throughout it all Maddie was a trooper! Way to go, Mad!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The one about belated Easter pics...
Maybe one of the reasons I am so impatient for spring this year is that Resurrection Day (Easter)was so early this year. I think once that came around on the calendar I expected the weather to warm up quickly. It has not.
Because of that, I think I am behind in putting up some spring pictures, which I will try to remedy now. Here are a few pics from our Resurrection Day....
Because of that, I think I am behind in putting up some spring pictures, which I will try to remedy now. Here are a few pics from our Resurrection Day....
The one about a happy spirng...?
I'd like to say that, "Happy Spring!" but I just don't feel like it has arrived yet. We get a few great warm days and then the weather turns cold and rainy again and just gets plain cold. It's going to happen again in a few more days:
http://www.wowt.com/weather
My tulips say it's spring. My grape hycnthia say it's spring, but I do not say it's spring yet.
I told someone the other day that I wasn't even going to attempt spring cleaning until we had five days of 70 degree of above weather.
http://www.wowt.com/weather
My tulips say it's spring. My grape hycnthia say it's spring, but I do not say it's spring yet.
I told someone the other day that I wasn't even going to attempt spring cleaning until we had five days of 70 degree of above weather.
Monday, April 14, 2008
The one about verses for this week...
Romans 12:9-13
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
ESV
Ok, so over the next four weeks I will be memorizing a chunk of verse out of Romans chapter 12. It looks as though I'll be memorizing verses 8-21 through May 11th. I hope I can stay on target with this. It will be hard, but worth the effort, of course.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
ESV
Ok, so over the next four weeks I will be memorizing a chunk of verse out of Romans chapter 12. It looks as though I'll be memorizing verses 8-21 through May 11th. I hope I can stay on target with this. It will be hard, but worth the effort, of course.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The one about a new verse...struggle, and blessing.....
Well, I had gotten behind again on my fighter verses, but last night I said two of them to my pastor and caught myself up for the week, so I am now working on the
verse(s) that are due for Sunday the 13th.
Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
It makes me think about how our words really do affect people and how we are affected by others words. I was affected by some words spoken to me by a "friend" the other night (hurt, felt degraded) and I can say it's been something I have been struggling with all week. I don't like it that I let what was said and how it was said, "get to me" and it shows me how weak I am about not just letting go and just forgiving others...whether they ask for it or not. I am NOT to hold on to bitterness or let it take root in my heart.
It also makes me think of the many times I've opened my big mouth and said things that were out of line and how much mercy and grace I've received over the years. I need to exhibit some of that now!!
I feel like these verses need to be tatoo'd to my heart, brain, and tongue so I remember how I felt and to really guard my mouth, because I do not want to make anyone feel the way I felt the other night, and have been feeling this last week. It reminds me of another verse:
James 1:19
Know this my beloved brothers, let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. (ESV)
By the way, I was blessed this week with a new English Standard Version Bible from a very kind friend. I have wanted one for awhile and I'm VERY thankful! If you are reading this....thank you for the blessing!!!
verse(s) that are due for Sunday the 13th.
Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
It makes me think about how our words really do affect people and how we are affected by others words. I was affected by some words spoken to me by a "friend" the other night (hurt, felt degraded) and I can say it's been something I have been struggling with all week. I don't like it that I let what was said and how it was said, "get to me" and it shows me how weak I am about not just letting go and just forgiving others...whether they ask for it or not. I am NOT to hold on to bitterness or let it take root in my heart.
It also makes me think of the many times I've opened my big mouth and said things that were out of line and how much mercy and grace I've received over the years. I need to exhibit some of that now!!
I feel like these verses need to be tatoo'd to my heart, brain, and tongue so I remember how I felt and to really guard my mouth, because I do not want to make anyone feel the way I felt the other night, and have been feeling this last week. It reminds me of another verse:
James 1:19
Know this my beloved brothers, let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. (ESV)
By the way, I was blessed this week with a new English Standard Version Bible from a very kind friend. I have wanted one for awhile and I'm VERY thankful! If you are reading this....thank you for the blessing!!!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The one about wednesdays...
Wednesdays are "interrupted" days as far as our school schedule goes. Maddie and Marcus have classes at the Omaha Homeschool Learning Center on Wednesday afternoons. http://omahahomeschool.com/index.shtml
It is located at Benson Baptist Church in the Benson area of North Omaha and is put together by Jack and Holly Donnolly. Check out the website for more information.
So, anyway, we have to get all our school work finished before we go up there. Sometimes we find we need to cut the day's work a little shorter than I would like.
So I have started to work our schedule around Wednesday afternoons a little better.
Maddie is taking an entrepeneur class at the Learning Center. She wants to start a dog walking business. As she is taking the class though, she is coming up with a lot more ideas for different ways she could make money. She's talked about decorating dog collars, because she likes to work with jewelry. Last night, we had friends come over and she discovered they liked her popcorn. So today as she was working on her homework for the class and she said, "Maybe I could sell my popcorn." I thought that was so cute. She wants to earn money so she can save up for a plane ticket to visit Bethany Wilson her friend (and adopted sister) in California.
Marcus is taking a woodworking class. He's is starting to get more enjoyment out of the class as he sees it all coming together. He's building what would be classified as an 1800's type doll house. It is giving him the insight on how a house is put together with framing and floors and such. He is finally working on the roof now. It's fun to hear him come home and tell me about what he will be doing to his house next. He will tell some that he doesn't like the class, but he is proud of what he has accomplished so far. That's a neat kind of satisfaction.
It is located at Benson Baptist Church in the Benson area of North Omaha and is put together by Jack and Holly Donnolly. Check out the website for more information.
So, anyway, we have to get all our school work finished before we go up there. Sometimes we find we need to cut the day's work a little shorter than I would like.
So I have started to work our schedule around Wednesday afternoons a little better.
Maddie is taking an entrepeneur class at the Learning Center. She wants to start a dog walking business. As she is taking the class though, she is coming up with a lot more ideas for different ways she could make money. She's talked about decorating dog collars, because she likes to work with jewelry. Last night, we had friends come over and she discovered they liked her popcorn. So today as she was working on her homework for the class and she said, "Maybe I could sell my popcorn." I thought that was so cute. She wants to earn money so she can save up for a plane ticket to visit Bethany Wilson her friend (and adopted sister) in California.
Marcus is taking a woodworking class. He's is starting to get more enjoyment out of the class as he sees it all coming together. He's building what would be classified as an 1800's type doll house. It is giving him the insight on how a house is put together with framing and floors and such. He is finally working on the roof now. It's fun to hear him come home and tell me about what he will be doing to his house next. He will tell some that he doesn't like the class, but he is proud of what he has accomplished so far. That's a neat kind of satisfaction.
Monday, March 24, 2008
The one about a new verse for the week...
Matthew 20:26b-28
”But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
This is the verse I'm memorizing this week.
Yesterday was a great day. Mr. Folken...I can't call him by his first name, because I don't want to disrespect him, had an amazing set of songs lined up for morning worship. Most excellent.
One of the praise and worship team, (who shall remain nameless), told me I needed to stop showing so much emotion as I sang with the congregation. It was something else. Our Savior He's alive and well.
This song has also been going through my head all week. As I said before, I love "The Loving Kind"....here's the lyrics to this song that I love.
Oh and just for the record. I like the song Yahweh, but if I had my choice yesterday I would have sang "Praise the King" I would sing it every Resurrection Sunday if I could!
"Alive and Well"
Words by Cindy Morgan and Andrew Ramsey
Music by Michael W. Smith
Mark 16: 1-8
Who did you call Him
When the people ran to His strong healing hands
Do you know
Who did you call Him
When the children danced in the warmth of His glance
Do you know
You raised your voices in doubt
His blood is falling on you
Do you know
Chorus:
Shattered darkness brought the Light
Poured the blood and pierced the night
Sweet salvation shine the Light
My Savior He's alive and well
Shattered darkness brought the Light
Poured the blood and pierced the night
Sweet salvation shine the Light
My Savior He's alive
Who did you call Him
When He raised the dead and all of Hell's demons fled
Do you know
Who did you call Him
Did He demand your all and in your pride
Now you fall once again
I've touched the wounds in His side
And He dried the tears in my eyes
And He's Alive
(chorus)
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelu, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelu, hallelujah
He's alive. hallelujah.
Do you believe it He's alive, He's alive and well
Shattered darkness brought the Light
Poured the blood and pierced the night
Oh won't you lift your voices and sing
Yeah sweet salvation
(chorus)
”But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
This is the verse I'm memorizing this week.
Yesterday was a great day. Mr. Folken...I can't call him by his first name, because I don't want to disrespect him, had an amazing set of songs lined up for morning worship. Most excellent.
One of the praise and worship team, (who shall remain nameless), told me I needed to stop showing so much emotion as I sang with the congregation. It was something else. Our Savior He's alive and well.
This song has also been going through my head all week. As I said before, I love "The Loving Kind"....here's the lyrics to this song that I love.
Oh and just for the record. I like the song Yahweh, but if I had my choice yesterday I would have sang "Praise the King" I would sing it every Resurrection Sunday if I could!
"Alive and Well"
Words by Cindy Morgan and Andrew Ramsey
Music by Michael W. Smith
Mark 16: 1-8
Who did you call Him
When the people ran to His strong healing hands
Do you know
Who did you call Him
When the children danced in the warmth of His glance
Do you know
You raised your voices in doubt
His blood is falling on you
Do you know
Chorus:
Shattered darkness brought the Light
Poured the blood and pierced the night
Sweet salvation shine the Light
My Savior He's alive and well
Shattered darkness brought the Light
Poured the blood and pierced the night
Sweet salvation shine the Light
My Savior He's alive
Who did you call Him
When He raised the dead and all of Hell's demons fled
Do you know
Who did you call Him
Did He demand your all and in your pride
Now you fall once again
I've touched the wounds in His side
And He dried the tears in my eyes
And He's Alive
(chorus)
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelu, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelu, hallelujah
He's alive. hallelujah.
Do you believe it He's alive, He's alive and well
Shattered darkness brought the Light
Poured the blood and pierced the night
Oh won't you lift your voices and sing
Yeah sweet salvation
(chorus)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The one about a new verse for the week and a bunch of randomness......
Psalm 32:8-9
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. (ESV)
Just a quick update: Marcus started doing "tracking chains". They help him with his phonemic awareness. He's caught on quite well, and when I see his success I'm encouraged at progress with his reading.
So, it's almost spring and Easter is Sunday. I love spring and I love the focus during this time of year...not the world's focus but at our church with the hymns and songs, and in our home. One of my favorite CD's is Cindy Morgan's The Loving Kind. It's a great CD to listen to around this time of year as the whole album is about the week before the crucifixtion and then on through the resurrection. It's a beautiful piece of work. If you can...listen to a copy of it this week and read the liner notes.
I'll be scrapbooking on Saturday with my friend Joy and her sister in law Chastity. I'm really looking forward to learning a lot from these girls who know a lot more about scrapbooking than I do. I think it will be a lot of fun.
When I get home on Saturday night, we will read with the kids, do our homemade version of resurrection eggs, and then color eggs with the kids. I will hopefully get Michael to sing "Up From the Grave He Arose" as he has done since he was a little guy of the age of two. (We have video!) We do these things every year and maybe I will even make scones and lemon curd for Easter morning breakfast. (Or I may buy lemon curd this year...I found it at the commissary) (grin)
Everyone got new Easter clothes this year. (except for me...so far) I always wait until the last minute. It surprises me all the time at the choices my boys make. They made some fun choices and will look sharp as we go to church on Sunday. I love that they love to dress up. It's fun. We went out for the trek for Easter clothes last Friday night...this is how it went....
Our excursion for Easter clothes this year all started on Friday night after our annual Lent trip to Sorintinos. We love their pizza but for some reason we usually only go there during Lent. It's because that they are usually less busy on Friday nights then, because all the Catholics are at the fish fry's all over town. But this year Sorintinos caught on and are now offering fish sandwiches and some other seafood choices, so I'm afraid to say it was still crowded but a good time was had by all!
Then we headed to Burlington Coat Factory. I don't shop there often, but we've had success there at Easter for several years. Marcus wanted a suit again this year. When Michael was his age he never wanted a suit, but I love that Marc wants to look like our Pastor, so again we got him a suit. Now, he had a certain color picked out and I will leave that as a surprise, but he'll be stylin'. Maddie started trying on dresses in the girl's deparment and this was our realization that we had to move to juniors. As soon as we walked into the juniors deparment, Mickey said, "Oh, when they get to this age, they wear a lot less clothing, huh?!" How true but how sad. He showed Maddie an article of clothing and commented about it being a nightie, and Maddie had to correct him and tell him it was a dress. Poor Mickey. However, Maddie knows all about modesty and has good guidelines for herself. She picked out a cute little number and we headed to Kohl's to take care of Mickey and Michael. I always get Michael and Mickey a new shirt and tie for Easter. This year, though, Michael got something extra and Mickey decided he needed a new pair of khakis. Mickey doesn't ask for new clothes very often, so when he mentions needing something I try to jump on it and buy it for him.
So I am left to buy for new clothes for Easter. I figure I'll go out on Thursday evening and do my annual CJ Banks trip. Maddie said she would accompany me. She is great about running back and forth and getting me different sizes. She's a good little matcher too. I showed her how to look at the color lots on the CJ Banks tags and she's become quite adept in helping out picking things and putting them together.
These traditions of Easter shopping are our own. When I grew up I always had a new dress for Easter but it was never store bought. My mother is a master at making clothes and she would sew all four of us girls new Easter dresses every year and managed to do so on a budget. These days material/pattern prices are sometimes outrageous, but my mom was always thinking ahead and bought things on sale and still had time to make everything. Back in those days, she would even make suits for my brothers as polyester was a big deal and everyone had polyester suits. I don't know how she had time for it all and was still able to be a good Pastor's wife to my dad and keep our house neat and clean. It still amazes me. I had some great Easter dresses too. Two of my favorites were a mint green peasant dress with an very pretty inset in the bodice. I loved that dress. Another was one Mom worked on even the day before Easter. Crunch time sewing is not fun for me, but Mom did that year and it was another blue/green patterned dress. It had swirls or a feathery pattern to it. I loved it. I don't know if our kids will remember their Easter outfits the way I remember mine. They are just store bought clothing, but I do hope they remember the fun we had while out shopping and eating out together as a family. We have a good time when we are together.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. (ESV)
Just a quick update: Marcus started doing "tracking chains". They help him with his phonemic awareness. He's caught on quite well, and when I see his success I'm encouraged at progress with his reading.
So, it's almost spring and Easter is Sunday. I love spring and I love the focus during this time of year...not the world's focus but at our church with the hymns and songs, and in our home. One of my favorite CD's is Cindy Morgan's The Loving Kind. It's a great CD to listen to around this time of year as the whole album is about the week before the crucifixtion and then on through the resurrection. It's a beautiful piece of work. If you can...listen to a copy of it this week and read the liner notes.
I'll be scrapbooking on Saturday with my friend Joy and her sister in law Chastity. I'm really looking forward to learning a lot from these girls who know a lot more about scrapbooking than I do. I think it will be a lot of fun.
When I get home on Saturday night, we will read with the kids, do our homemade version of resurrection eggs, and then color eggs with the kids. I will hopefully get Michael to sing "Up From the Grave He Arose" as he has done since he was a little guy of the age of two. (We have video!) We do these things every year and maybe I will even make scones and lemon curd for Easter morning breakfast. (Or I may buy lemon curd this year...I found it at the commissary) (grin)
Everyone got new Easter clothes this year. (except for me...so far) I always wait until the last minute. It surprises me all the time at the choices my boys make. They made some fun choices and will look sharp as we go to church on Sunday. I love that they love to dress up. It's fun. We went out for the trek for Easter clothes last Friday night...this is how it went....
Our excursion for Easter clothes this year all started on Friday night after our annual Lent trip to Sorintinos. We love their pizza but for some reason we usually only go there during Lent. It's because that they are usually less busy on Friday nights then, because all the Catholics are at the fish fry's all over town. But this year Sorintinos caught on and are now offering fish sandwiches and some other seafood choices, so I'm afraid to say it was still crowded but a good time was had by all!
Then we headed to Burlington Coat Factory. I don't shop there often, but we've had success there at Easter for several years. Marcus wanted a suit again this year. When Michael was his age he never wanted a suit, but I love that Marc wants to look like our Pastor, so again we got him a suit. Now, he had a certain color picked out and I will leave that as a surprise, but he'll be stylin'. Maddie started trying on dresses in the girl's deparment and this was our realization that we had to move to juniors. As soon as we walked into the juniors deparment, Mickey said, "Oh, when they get to this age, they wear a lot less clothing, huh?!" How true but how sad. He showed Maddie an article of clothing and commented about it being a nightie, and Maddie had to correct him and tell him it was a dress. Poor Mickey. However, Maddie knows all about modesty and has good guidelines for herself. She picked out a cute little number and we headed to Kohl's to take care of Mickey and Michael. I always get Michael and Mickey a new shirt and tie for Easter. This year, though, Michael got something extra and Mickey decided he needed a new pair of khakis. Mickey doesn't ask for new clothes very often, so when he mentions needing something I try to jump on it and buy it for him.
So I am left to buy for new clothes for Easter. I figure I'll go out on Thursday evening and do my annual CJ Banks trip. Maddie said she would accompany me. She is great about running back and forth and getting me different sizes. She's a good little matcher too. I showed her how to look at the color lots on the CJ Banks tags and she's become quite adept in helping out picking things and putting them together.
These traditions of Easter shopping are our own. When I grew up I always had a new dress for Easter but it was never store bought. My mother is a master at making clothes and she would sew all four of us girls new Easter dresses every year and managed to do so on a budget. These days material/pattern prices are sometimes outrageous, but my mom was always thinking ahead and bought things on sale and still had time to make everything. Back in those days, she would even make suits for my brothers as polyester was a big deal and everyone had polyester suits. I don't know how she had time for it all and was still able to be a good Pastor's wife to my dad and keep our house neat and clean. It still amazes me. I had some great Easter dresses too. Two of my favorites were a mint green peasant dress with an very pretty inset in the bodice. I loved that dress. Another was one Mom worked on even the day before Easter. Crunch time sewing is not fun for me, but Mom did that year and it was another blue/green patterned dress. It had swirls or a feathery pattern to it. I loved it. I don't know if our kids will remember their Easter outfits the way I remember mine. They are just store bought clothing, but I do hope they remember the fun we had while out shopping and eating out together as a family. We have a good time when we are together.
Monday, March 10, 2008
The one about being a little queasy but up and around...and a new verse
Well, Friday turned into quite a day. I went to my friend Mary's house on Friday afternoon. I had lunch and it never did quite "sit" right. As the afternoon progressed, my stomach just was not feeling well.
Mickey and I had plans to take our two kids plus Andrew and Brittany Hall to Lincoln to a CYIA activity to get information about CYIA camp this year and let our kids meet some of the other kids. Well...as I was driving to the Halls, my stomach really started to feel bad. I dropped Marcus off and picked up Andrew and Brittany. (The Halls sweetly watched Marcus for us that night) As I was driving I thought I might need to pull over, but I don't think any of the kids realized how bad I felt. I gave them directions about the dinner that was in the crockpot and I went upstairs. I had Michael call Mickey and he said he could take the kids himself. I went to bed. I was freezing. I had been cold all afternoon, but that is something I have struggled with all winter and Friday was a terribly cold day. Well, I collapsed in the bed. I was chilling and Mickey gave me some tylenol and I laid there miserably. He left for Lincoln with the kids. My temp went up to 102.7 I think. I was taking it off and on and ended up taking some extra motrin. The big temp finally broke sometime during the night, but I continued to have a sick stomach and low grade temp for the remainder of the weekend. I had to miss church again. However, I did get to hear Sunday morning's message as Mickey called me on the cell phone and put it on speaker so I could listen. I heard most of it. YAY!
So, today I am up and around, but still feeling a little queasy. Thank goodness the fever is gone! I don't know what kind of nasty bug that was, but I hope no one else in the family gets it.
So today is the start of another work week...even though Sunday is the actual start of a new week.
And so I have a new verse to memorize this week. (I had to call Pastor last night before he left for his conference today, to say last week's verse.)
This week is:
Psalm 30:4-5
Sing praises to the LORD, O you His saints, and give thanks to His Holy Name. For His anger is but for a moment and His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Mickey and I had plans to take our two kids plus Andrew and Brittany Hall to Lincoln to a CYIA activity to get information about CYIA camp this year and let our kids meet some of the other kids. Well...as I was driving to the Halls, my stomach really started to feel bad. I dropped Marcus off and picked up Andrew and Brittany. (The Halls sweetly watched Marcus for us that night) As I was driving I thought I might need to pull over, but I don't think any of the kids realized how bad I felt. I gave them directions about the dinner that was in the crockpot and I went upstairs. I had Michael call Mickey and he said he could take the kids himself. I went to bed. I was freezing. I had been cold all afternoon, but that is something I have struggled with all winter and Friday was a terribly cold day. Well, I collapsed in the bed. I was chilling and Mickey gave me some tylenol and I laid there miserably. He left for Lincoln with the kids. My temp went up to 102.7 I think. I was taking it off and on and ended up taking some extra motrin. The big temp finally broke sometime during the night, but I continued to have a sick stomach and low grade temp for the remainder of the weekend. I had to miss church again. However, I did get to hear Sunday morning's message as Mickey called me on the cell phone and put it on speaker so I could listen. I heard most of it. YAY!
So, today I am up and around, but still feeling a little queasy. Thank goodness the fever is gone! I don't know what kind of nasty bug that was, but I hope no one else in the family gets it.
So today is the start of another work week...even though Sunday is the actual start of a new week.
And so I have a new verse to memorize this week. (I had to call Pastor last night before he left for his conference today, to say last week's verse.)
This week is:
Psalm 30:4-5
Sing praises to the LORD, O you His saints, and give thanks to His Holy Name. For His anger is but for a moment and His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The one about surprises, surprises...!
I got quite a surprise last night.My husband walked in the door. I was on the phone with him at the time.
It was so funny, because I had talked with him off and on yesterday and had no idea he was on his way. I knew he was probably coming in early from Texas...sometime before Friday, but I had no idea that he would be in yesterday!
Anyway, I was on the phone with him last evening as we we were talking, our dog was barking here. The thought ran through my head, that I thought I could hear the dog barking even in Mickey's phone, but I didn't say anything. I just figured it was a bad echo thing. I was sitting at the computer desk in the lower level, butI could see part of the front door.
Well, I called to the kids to go and see why the dog was barking so fiercely, and while they were moving towards the door, (from my downstairs position) I saw the front door open and close and I said in a slightly more firm voice, "Someone just came in here." Mickey on the phone said, "What?" (In my head, that was now trying to think quickly, I wondered if it was my friend Mary Cutler who might come in, if she had seen me at the computer desk through the window.)
Well, as the kids moved faster then, they started to yell, "Daddy's home!"I was shocked.
Mickey is quite proud of himself for this feat. I think he should be. I am pretty hard to surprise.
Needless to say, Marcus is stuck to Mickey almost like glue and we are all very happy.
Even sick Michael is thrilled to have Daddy home!
It was good surprise.
It was so funny, because I had talked with him off and on yesterday and had no idea he was on his way. I knew he was probably coming in early from Texas...sometime before Friday, but I had no idea that he would be in yesterday!
Anyway, I was on the phone with him last evening as we we were talking, our dog was barking here. The thought ran through my head, that I thought I could hear the dog barking even in Mickey's phone, but I didn't say anything. I just figured it was a bad echo thing. I was sitting at the computer desk in the lower level, butI could see part of the front door.
Well, I called to the kids to go and see why the dog was barking so fiercely, and while they were moving towards the door, (from my downstairs position) I saw the front door open and close and I said in a slightly more firm voice, "Someone just came in here." Mickey on the phone said, "What?" (In my head, that was now trying to think quickly, I wondered if it was my friend Mary Cutler who might come in, if she had seen me at the computer desk through the window.)
Well, as the kids moved faster then, they started to yell, "Daddy's home!"I was shocked.
Mickey is quite proud of himself for this feat. I think he should be. I am pretty hard to surprise.
Needless to say, Marcus is stuck to Mickey almost like glue and we are all very happy.
Even sick Michael is thrilled to have Daddy home!
It was good surprise.
The FIRST one about surprises, surprises!
I got quite a surprise last night.
My husband walked in the door. I was on the phone with him at the time.
It was so funny, because I had talked with him on and off yesterday and had no idea he was on his way. I knew he was probably coming in early...sometime before Friday, but I had no idea that he would be in yesterday!
Anyway, I was on the phone with him last evening as we we were talking, our dog was barking here. The thought ran through my head, that I thought I could hear the dog barking even in Mickey's phone, but I didn't say anything. I just figured it was a bad echo thing. Well, I called to the kids to go and see what the dog was barking at, and while they were moving towards the door, I saw the front door open and close and I said, "Someone just came in here." Well, as the kids moved faster then, they started to yell, "Daddy's home!"
I was shocked. Mickey is quite proud of himself for this feat. I think he should be. I am pretty hard to surprise.
Needless to say, Marcus is stuck to Mickey almost like glue and we are all very happy. Even sick Michael is thrilled to have Daddy home! :-)
I was shocked. Mickey is quite proud of himself for this feat. I think he should be. I am pretty hard to surprise.
Needless to say, Marcus is stuck to Mickey almost like glue and we are all very happy. Even sick Michael is thrilled to have Daddy home! :-)
Sunday, March 2, 2008
The one about a New Verse for the Week...
Ok, so I said my verse for this week to my pastor this morning at church. So, now it is time for verse number 3. It's one of my favorite passages of scripture, but I must admit, I've learned it at different times from different Bible versions and haven't gotten a consistent memory of it down. So I will be learning it in the ESV.
It's Philippians 4:6-8:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
If you want to check out the Fighter verse schedule:
http://www.hopeingod.org/VerseOfTheWeek.aspx
I am working on Schedule C.
It's Philippians 4:6-8:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
If you want to check out the Fighter verse schedule:
http://www.hopeingod.org/VerseOfTheWeek.aspx
I am working on Schedule C.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
The one about a beautiful day...
Totally random post....
Well, it's a beautiful day in NE. I have spent it inside and observing it from my living room. I came home from my doc appt. and errands on Thursday and collapsed in the bed. I thought I might be getting strep throat, but that tenderness has gone away. I'm taking Mucinex D per P.A. Reis advising from my appt. on Friday. Do you think the Folkens passed this illness our way. I sure hope not! But I am feeling like I can venture out tomorrow after two days in bed.
I was supposed to sing at a funeral last night, but was unable to even attend the funeral. I was able to stay at home and pray for those who were involved and those who were grieving.
It has been such an interesting week. I hope that spring is really on our horizon.
It is hard to believe that today is March 1st. Where did January and February go? Before you know it will be planning vacations and activities for the summer. Whew!
Anyway, we are in the final countdown and I sure hope that Mickey will be returning home this coming Friday. I can't wait! I miss him so much when he is away from our family. We do our best at holdling down the fort, but he is such an intregal part we will just have to celebrate for awhile when he gets back!
Well, it's a beautiful day in NE. I have spent it inside and observing it from my living room. I came home from my doc appt. and errands on Thursday and collapsed in the bed. I thought I might be getting strep throat, but that tenderness has gone away. I'm taking Mucinex D per P.A. Reis advising from my appt. on Friday. Do you think the Folkens passed this illness our way. I sure hope not! But I am feeling like I can venture out tomorrow after two days in bed.
I was supposed to sing at a funeral last night, but was unable to even attend the funeral. I was able to stay at home and pray for those who were involved and those who were grieving.
It has been such an interesting week. I hope that spring is really on our horizon.
It is hard to believe that today is March 1st. Where did January and February go? Before you know it will be planning vacations and activities for the summer. Whew!
Anyway, we are in the final countdown and I sure hope that Mickey will be returning home this coming Friday. I can't wait! I miss him so much when he is away from our family. We do our best at holdling down the fort, but he is such an intregal part we will just have to celebrate for awhile when he gets back!
Monday, February 25, 2008
The one about good results...
Well, the pathology reports are in and they were normal. I just got a phone call from my doctor's nurse. This is good news! YEA!
I was just thinking about one of my new facebook friends today. We were friends in Okinawa many years ago. She was the one who reminded me about how the Lord had taken care of me, during the whole Graves disease thing while we were stationed in Okinawa. It was so excellent for that memory to be revived.
Well, it just so happens that in this process of reconnecting with her on facebook, that I came to know she had experienced some of the problems I had been having. I know, I know...glamorus talk, right! LOL But isn't it so cool, how the Lord knew I would need guidance through some things I hadn't navigated before, and sent Maribeth at just the right time. It was no accident. I am constantly amazed how at these inner-actions with others take place.
The thing is, I wonder how many of these things that I don't pick up on. I am not known for being the most observant person in the world. I mean, for goodness sake, I was in the middle of my fifth grade year before I realized at the end of the chapter, we would have a test. DUH! But, how many things do I miss in seeing the way the Lord cares for us each day. His provision is so much greater than we see. Isn't that so comforting!
It is to me!
I was just thinking about one of my new facebook friends today. We were friends in Okinawa many years ago. She was the one who reminded me about how the Lord had taken care of me, during the whole Graves disease thing while we were stationed in Okinawa. It was so excellent for that memory to be revived.
Well, it just so happens that in this process of reconnecting with her on facebook, that I came to know she had experienced some of the problems I had been having. I know, I know...glamorus talk, right! LOL But isn't it so cool, how the Lord knew I would need guidance through some things I hadn't navigated before, and sent Maribeth at just the right time. It was no accident. I am constantly amazed how at these inner-actions with others take place.
The thing is, I wonder how many of these things that I don't pick up on. I am not known for being the most observant person in the world. I mean, for goodness sake, I was in the middle of my fifth grade year before I realized at the end of the chapter, we would have a test. DUH! But, how many things do I miss in seeing the way the Lord cares for us each day. His provision is so much greater than we see. Isn't that so comforting!
It is to me!
The one about the verse for the week Philippians 2:10B-11
At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The one about being tired...
Today I was very tired. I slept for a long time this afternoon. As tired as I was today, I can't believe I contemplated going out yesterday. Isn't that funny what a day makes. I miss Mickey very much today. I prayed for him a lot. He has been sick and I'm frustated that so many things are going on right now.
I realize that I need to keep trusting the Lord, and I so want to glorify Him through all seasons of my life, but today was a sad day, I felt. However, as it is ending, I am blessed once again through the kind things people have done for us and also the reminders we heard today through scripture and testimony of things we saw on television. No matter how uncomfortable or difficult things may seem here, the war was won when Jesus died for me and my sins, and that has already been taken care of. Isn't it amazing how in our culture is is so easy to get impatient until God gives you a wake up call!
Right now I am thankful for the provision God has provided in the absence from my husband and for the practical side of things that have been provided. I'm not sure yet I'm ready to say I'm thankful for this trial yet, though. It's still very hard at some points throughout these long days, but I know my Redeemer liveth! That will pull me through!
I realize that I need to keep trusting the Lord, and I so want to glorify Him through all seasons of my life, but today was a sad day, I felt. However, as it is ending, I am blessed once again through the kind things people have done for us and also the reminders we heard today through scripture and testimony of things we saw on television. No matter how uncomfortable or difficult things may seem here, the war was won when Jesus died for me and my sins, and that has already been taken care of. Isn't it amazing how in our culture is is so easy to get impatient until God gives you a wake up call!
Right now I am thankful for the provision God has provided in the absence from my husband and for the practical side of things that have been provided. I'm not sure yet I'm ready to say I'm thankful for this trial yet, though. It's still very hard at some points throughout these long days, but I know my Redeemer liveth! That will pull me through!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The one about the procedure....
Well, I did have a procedure yesterday, but not the one I went it for. Do to details, that most of you don't want to read about, I ended up having a D and C. You can look that up yourself. Let's just say, I got cleaned out. LOL Anyway, I am a little sore. My neck hurts today and a friend told me that is from the breathing tube that was down my throat. I'm sure my head must have been stablized, so that is probably part of the soreness. I must give glory to the Lord though, because while everything didn't go as planned, He was there with me and the staff that He provided to take care of me was so sweet.
The nurses had a hard time putting in my IV. In fact, I got poked five times before they got the IV in. Now, before they tried each IV insertion, they numbed me. I totally believe that helped, because then I didn't feel the "digging" in feeling of them trying to get into my viens. So, I tried to make them as comfortable as possible. The nurse told me that my skin didn't look as tough as it was. I thought that was funny. A friend told me later that smokers tend to have tougher skin and so I've been questioned to the fact of, if I'm a closet smoker. I am not. :-) But that was something to laugh about. I have some good bruises on my arm and hand from the iv attempts. But like I said, they didn't hurt nearly as bad as if they hadn't numbed me before.
I vaguely remember going into the actual operating room. I vaguely remmeber scooting over on the table. Then that's it from the operating room. I woke up in recovery and heard Doctor Zigenbein say that they couldn't do the ablation but they did a D& C instead. Then I went fuzzy again. I remember having the breathing tube in my throat and then I remember it being out, but I don't remember them taking it out. The first thing I remember saying was I was "I'm cold", and they wanted me to make an appt, with Doctor Z and I remember saying, "not Wednesday afternoon." The nurse gave me water and ice and some juice as I was coming out of the fog. She put warm blankets on me and then put this machine hose under my blankets that blew in hot air. It felt so good to get warm. My blood pressure and temp was ok and she bascially dressed me while I was on the table. It was pretty funny with her working around my IV and then me just being "out of it" Then I remember her saying she was going to move me to the recliner and I didn't say anything, but in my mind I was thinking, my legs still feel like jello and I don't know how I can do that. But I did with her help. She was one of the best nurses. Very upbeat and just so helpful and good about explaining each step of what I would do next. Good nurses are truly a special gift. I don't know that I have the patience or guts to do the job, but boy I'm so thankful for those that do.
My friend Susanne accompanied me yesterday morning and she stayed with me last night. They wanted an adult to be at the house with me since I had gone under. So that was so good of her husband to let her stay with me. She fixed me soup and served me and just sat and talked with me. She is such a sweet friend to me.
The kids enjoyed my "loopiness" yesterday. They laughed at me. I don't really feel that I was that loopy, but they seem to think I was.
I'm moving around today. I really want to go to church tonight, but I've been advised by my oldest "sissy", that lives in Ohio, to stay home. My friend Patty also said, just to stay in. It's very cold here in NE today and since Mickey is gone and not around just to help me I'll stay home and rest. Also since I did have an outpatient surgery yesterday, I feel like maybe I should stay in. I will miss being at church. I do love my church family and pastor and wife, and I don't like not being there. However, we (marcus and I) will have a time of prayer here while Michael and Maddie are at church.
Oh and yesterday I was surprised when I got home. My friend Beth crocheted me the cutest pillow. It has crocheted flowers on it. It looks so happy. Then she brought me a flower pot and the flowers in the pot are crocheted. So they will never go bad. It is a happy little pot sitting on my coffee table. It is so sweet to have friends who care for you. I feel so humbled and undeserving but genuinely blessed.
Thanks to everyone who prayed for me. i'm tired now, so I'll go rest, but that's the update.
The nurses had a hard time putting in my IV. In fact, I got poked five times before they got the IV in. Now, before they tried each IV insertion, they numbed me. I totally believe that helped, because then I didn't feel the "digging" in feeling of them trying to get into my viens. So, I tried to make them as comfortable as possible. The nurse told me that my skin didn't look as tough as it was. I thought that was funny. A friend told me later that smokers tend to have tougher skin and so I've been questioned to the fact of, if I'm a closet smoker. I am not. :-) But that was something to laugh about. I have some good bruises on my arm and hand from the iv attempts. But like I said, they didn't hurt nearly as bad as if they hadn't numbed me before.
I vaguely remember going into the actual operating room. I vaguely remmeber scooting over on the table. Then that's it from the operating room. I woke up in recovery and heard Doctor Zigenbein say that they couldn't do the ablation but they did a D& C instead. Then I went fuzzy again. I remember having the breathing tube in my throat and then I remember it being out, but I don't remember them taking it out. The first thing I remember saying was I was "I'm cold", and they wanted me to make an appt, with Doctor Z and I remember saying, "not Wednesday afternoon." The nurse gave me water and ice and some juice as I was coming out of the fog. She put warm blankets on me and then put this machine hose under my blankets that blew in hot air. It felt so good to get warm. My blood pressure and temp was ok and she bascially dressed me while I was on the table. It was pretty funny with her working around my IV and then me just being "out of it" Then I remember her saying she was going to move me to the recliner and I didn't say anything, but in my mind I was thinking, my legs still feel like jello and I don't know how I can do that. But I did with her help. She was one of the best nurses. Very upbeat and just so helpful and good about explaining each step of what I would do next. Good nurses are truly a special gift. I don't know that I have the patience or guts to do the job, but boy I'm so thankful for those that do.
My friend Susanne accompanied me yesterday morning and she stayed with me last night. They wanted an adult to be at the house with me since I had gone under. So that was so good of her husband to let her stay with me. She fixed me soup and served me and just sat and talked with me. She is such a sweet friend to me.
The kids enjoyed my "loopiness" yesterday. They laughed at me. I don't really feel that I was that loopy, but they seem to think I was.
I'm moving around today. I really want to go to church tonight, but I've been advised by my oldest "sissy", that lives in Ohio, to stay home. My friend Patty also said, just to stay in. It's very cold here in NE today and since Mickey is gone and not around just to help me I'll stay home and rest. Also since I did have an outpatient surgery yesterday, I feel like maybe I should stay in. I will miss being at church. I do love my church family and pastor and wife, and I don't like not being there. However, we (marcus and I) will have a time of prayer here while Michael and Maddie are at church.
Oh and yesterday I was surprised when I got home. My friend Beth crocheted me the cutest pillow. It has crocheted flowers on it. It looks so happy. Then she brought me a flower pot and the flowers in the pot are crocheted. So they will never go bad. It is a happy little pot sitting on my coffee table. It is so sweet to have friends who care for you. I feel so humbled and undeserving but genuinely blessed.
Thanks to everyone who prayed for me. i'm tired now, so I'll go rest, but that's the update.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The one about the verse for the Week Psalm 27:13-14
Psalm 27:13-14
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
ESV
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
ESV
Saturday, February 16, 2008
The one about procedures...procedures...
Well, I have to go to the doctor on Tuesday to have a procedure done. It's of the feminine nature, so to not make anyone uncomfortable, I'll just leave it at that.
I will have to be put under, so I will not be able to drive home. My son, Michael was going to drive me, but since my friend Susanne is off work, she will take me instead. This way, Michael can be home with Marc and Maddie. It's very neat to know that Susanne usually works on Tuesdays, but is off. She said it was not an accident. This is true.
My sister Leah, had offered to come out here with me, if I could postpone the procedure. It was very sweet of her, but due to the nature of why I'm having this procedure, I really don't want to postpone it. I'm already at the point where I can't even really leave my house for any length of time.
So anyway, I'm a little nervous, about the whole thing. I would really like Mickey to be the one taking me to Clarkson West on Tuesday, even though I'm glad that Susanne is available! But a dear friend just reminded me this morning of another time when Mickey was not around. We were living in Okinawa at the time and I was diagnosed with Graves Disease. Besides the side effects of this disease, I was really having a hard time because during all that, of course, Mickey was gone. I was trying to care for Michael, our only child at the time, but because of what Graves does to a person, it was a very trying time. The Lord put some very special people in my life to walk through the whole thing with me. Mickey did finally arrive in time to watch Michael will I was med-evac'd to Hawaii for treatment. Through it all, the Lord was with me, as He always is, and provided physical beings to help me through the situation.
Now as I face this next little health hurdle, it was good for my friend to remind me of how the Lord helped me during that time in Okinawa. He helps me all the time, and I know it, but that memorial of His nearness was one, that I'm sorry to say I had filed away and not remembered. The jogging of my memory is one I am thankful for.
However, I'm just feeling so blessed that this memory was brought back, because the Lord was very real to me during that time. Carrying me through....and I know, He'll do it again.
Psalm 37
I will have to be put under, so I will not be able to drive home. My son, Michael was going to drive me, but since my friend Susanne is off work, she will take me instead. This way, Michael can be home with Marc and Maddie. It's very neat to know that Susanne usually works on Tuesdays, but is off. She said it was not an accident. This is true.
My sister Leah, had offered to come out here with me, if I could postpone the procedure. It was very sweet of her, but due to the nature of why I'm having this procedure, I really don't want to postpone it. I'm already at the point where I can't even really leave my house for any length of time.
So anyway, I'm a little nervous, about the whole thing. I would really like Mickey to be the one taking me to Clarkson West on Tuesday, even though I'm glad that Susanne is available! But a dear friend just reminded me this morning of another time when Mickey was not around. We were living in Okinawa at the time and I was diagnosed with Graves Disease. Besides the side effects of this disease, I was really having a hard time because during all that, of course, Mickey was gone. I was trying to care for Michael, our only child at the time, but because of what Graves does to a person, it was a very trying time. The Lord put some very special people in my life to walk through the whole thing with me. Mickey did finally arrive in time to watch Michael will I was med-evac'd to Hawaii for treatment. Through it all, the Lord was with me, as He always is, and provided physical beings to help me through the situation.
Now as I face this next little health hurdle, it was good for my friend to remind me of how the Lord helped me during that time in Okinawa. He helps me all the time, and I know it, but that memorial of His nearness was one, that I'm sorry to say I had filed away and not remembered. The jogging of my memory is one I am thankful for.
However, I'm just feeling so blessed that this memory was brought back, because the Lord was very real to me during that time. Carrying me through....and I know, He'll do it again.
Psalm 37
Friday, February 15, 2008
the one about it's going to be in the 40's next week!...
This is good news for people like me who are so tired of winter. I used to actually like winter and the snow, but the last two years I have not enjoyed them at all.
So, I'm seeing a slight trend that even though we are still having cold spells that the temperature is slowly, ever so slightly, climbing.
Yesterday was very cold though. I had to go to the doctor after speaking to the nurse yesterday morning. Upon leaving the house I realized I had to get gas. UGH! The wind was stinging. It was such a strong gusty wind that brought another artic blast. I had to get blood drawn and I thought the lab was cold. I finally got up to my doc's office and it was warm there. I was glad.
I didn't have that long of an appt. and I was thankful because the car hadn't gotten too cold. Since I went by myself, there was no one there to warm it for me. :-)
So anyway, I got up this morning and was happy to see the forecast of some warm temperatures next week.
So, I'm seeing a slight trend that even though we are still having cold spells that the temperature is slowly, ever so slightly, climbing.
Yesterday was very cold though. I had to go to the doctor after speaking to the nurse yesterday morning. Upon leaving the house I realized I had to get gas. UGH! The wind was stinging. It was such a strong gusty wind that brought another artic blast. I had to get blood drawn and I thought the lab was cold. I finally got up to my doc's office and it was warm there. I was glad.
I didn't have that long of an appt. and I was thankful because the car hadn't gotten too cold. Since I went by myself, there was no one there to warm it for me. :-)
So anyway, I got up this morning and was happy to see the forecast of some warm temperatures next week.
Monday, February 11, 2008
The one about Is Spring Ever Going to Come?
Here's our 7 day forecast. Ugh. I'm so ready for spring....
http://www.wowt.com/weather
I wish I knew how to copy the little weather box, but alas, I don't. Just be forewarned...it's going to be cold here in Nebraska. For this girl who grew up in Ohio, where it wasn't this cold for this long.....and then went to Okinawa for five years and grew quite accustomed to a sub tropical climate....I'm COLD!
http://www.wowt.com/weather
I wish I knew how to copy the little weather box, but alas, I don't. Just be forewarned...it's going to be cold here in Nebraska. For this girl who grew up in Ohio, where it wasn't this cold for this long.....and then went to Okinawa for five years and grew quite accustomed to a sub tropical climate....I'm COLD!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
The one about My Space...
While the kids have been doing their independent work this morning, I was working on some grmmar rule reference cards for Maddie.
In the process of this I was on and off the internet while working in MSWord.
While working this morning, I made the decision to delete my myspace account. I had established it to keep in communication with my neice in Ohio, but she wasn't writing me all that much, and myspace just became very .....tired to me.
While I already realize some of the negative aspects of myspace and the issues that have already been raised in the media concerning abuse of minors, explicit photos, etc. I have some very practical reasons for not liking it.
It's tacky and trashy looking. Most people don't know how to build their space with the proper use of graphics. You can barely read some pages without highlighting the text because there are so many graphics in the background.
It's very gaudy looking. Most spaces have common features, but they are just unorganized.
Facebook keeps things in neat boxes, you don't have the trashy backgrounds, but can one can still design a facebook to reflect one's personality.
So, i'm a facebook girl.
Now back to school....
In the process of this I was on and off the internet while working in MSWord.
While working this morning, I made the decision to delete my myspace account. I had established it to keep in communication with my neice in Ohio, but she wasn't writing me all that much, and myspace just became very .....tired to me.
While I already realize some of the negative aspects of myspace and the issues that have already been raised in the media concerning abuse of minors, explicit photos, etc. I have some very practical reasons for not liking it.
It's tacky and trashy looking. Most people don't know how to build their space with the proper use of graphics. You can barely read some pages without highlighting the text because there are so many graphics in the background.
It's very gaudy looking. Most spaces have common features, but they are just unorganized.
Facebook keeps things in neat boxes, you don't have the trashy backgrounds, but can one can still design a facebook to reflect one's personality.
So, i'm a facebook girl.
Now back to school....
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The one about Super Tuesday being over...thank goodness!
Well, I just have to say, I'm rather tiring of all this election coverage. I think it's good to be informed and I think we need to carry out our civic responsibilities, but I do think there is some big time over-kill going on here. The media seems to be fixed upon who will be our next president. I think it's easy to get caught up in the parade of information and predictions. We do not need to put our trust in a man, but in God.
No matter how much speculating there is....the man or "oh no,"...I hate to say it...even woman that God allows to be president will be president. It will not be a surprise to HIM.
So, do your duty. Vote, but more importantly pray and keep those who are leading now in your prayers, and trust in the God who is in control.
I just had to get that off my chest.
In the meantime....go HUCK beat McCain and Romney!
No matter how much speculating there is....the man or "oh no,"...I hate to say it...even woman that God allows to be president will be president. It will not be a surprise to HIM.
So, do your duty. Vote, but more importantly pray and keep those who are leading now in your prayers, and trust in the God who is in control.
I just had to get that off my chest.
In the meantime....go HUCK beat McCain and Romney!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
The one about MATH...
Ok, ok, so I am starting to re-evaluate our homeschooling progress this year and also begin my research for what we will attempt to accomplish with our studies next school year. This always starts in February for me. It's almost a "rush" of an experience to see the new educational products offered directly to the homeschool marketplace.
Well, this year as far as our Math studies go, I don't have to research any longer. We've found Teaching Textbooks. http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/
It is an expensive program but well worth the money. Michael is doing so much better since we switched from another program to Teaching Textbooks. Not only do they provided solutions to every practice, homework, and test problem in the set, but they are just a few clicks away. I have correspondended with them via email and always received an answer within 12 hours. Their customer service can't be beat!
I have already discussed with Mickey putting Marcus into the program next year for Math 5. We were going to wait until 7th grade math, but I have decided that the visual teaching on the computer will be great for his learning style.
Another Math help that we own, was recommended to me by my friend Janie. The FlashMaster. Now I always call it by the wrong name. I always call it Math Flasher, but all my kids know to what I am referring to. This has been a lifesaver as far as math facts drilling. It has saved hours of printing off worksheets (paper saved, ink saved, time saved)- (calculadders). The Flasher comes with a grid for keeping track of progress. It stores the scores for the eight previous drills, so you can record them at your convenience. Plus, my kids don't grumble about it, the way they did the drills sheets. It's really been an amazing supplement to our Math curriculum. Check it out: http://www.flashmaster.com/
Enough blogging for the day...now I have to actually get to our school! Have a wonderful day!
Well, this year as far as our Math studies go, I don't have to research any longer. We've found Teaching Textbooks. http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/
It is an expensive program but well worth the money. Michael is doing so much better since we switched from another program to Teaching Textbooks. Not only do they provided solutions to every practice, homework, and test problem in the set, but they are just a few clicks away. I have correspondended with them via email and always received an answer within 12 hours. Their customer service can't be beat!
I have already discussed with Mickey putting Marcus into the program next year for Math 5. We were going to wait until 7th grade math, but I have decided that the visual teaching on the computer will be great for his learning style.
Another Math help that we own, was recommended to me by my friend Janie. The FlashMaster. Now I always call it by the wrong name. I always call it Math Flasher, but all my kids know to what I am referring to. This has been a lifesaver as far as math facts drilling. It has saved hours of printing off worksheets (paper saved, ink saved, time saved)- (calculadders). The Flasher comes with a grid for keeping track of progress. It stores the scores for the eight previous drills, so you can record them at your convenience. Plus, my kids don't grumble about it, the way they did the drills sheets. It's really been an amazing supplement to our Math curriculum. Check it out: http://www.flashmaster.com/
Enough blogging for the day...now I have to actually get to our school! Have a wonderful day!
The one about lapbooking.....
One trend in homeschooling is having students create "lapbooks." I first heard of this about five years ago at a conference. I liked the idea but lacked the creativity to actually put one together. I'm sure other homeschool moms felt the same way. Homeschool parents are usually very creative and industrious. So I knew it was only a matter of time until somebody would be to my rescue.
We are doing Apologia Ministries Astronomy course this year with Maddie and Marcus. I wanted to do some sort of notebooking/lapbooking so I was sure they got the main ideas and understood the content, without just doing a worksheet or something. To meet my needs: Live and Learn Press.
http://liveandlearnpress.com/
This is a great little company. They have taken all the hard work out of planning a great notebook with great graphics. I bought the CD-Rom and just print out great little books, that the children fill in with all kinds of information that they have learned. They have samples on their site. Check them out!!
Now other companies are springing up around us. I found Knowledge Box through another web site that my friend Keri sent me. They look to have some interesting products also. I'm very interested in ordering their Election studies for my kids during this Election year.
http://www.knowledgeboxcentral.com/index.html
Knowledge Box is in the process of updating their site, so they don't have all their samples up and running yet. The great thing about Knowledge Box is that you can download the books once you've paid for them and have them immediately as an e book. I've ordered several of these e books from other companies and one from KB already and they have worked out very well.
Another great company with incredible lapbooks for History is Amy Pak's "Homeschool in the Woods." http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/
Amy Pak has designed some incredible timeline figures, but has recently expanded into the lapbooking market with her new Time Travelers Series. This is a fabulous History study. I highly recommend it! Lots of fun activities and projects as well as creating a nifty lapbook to show off all the work you accomplished during one's studies.
Check out Time Travelers: http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/
She has also added a line of "Hands-On History Activity Packs": http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/HTTA/AP/
These kinds of things enhance a homeschool and give you something to show for the effort put into a study and also to review after you have completed a study.
Another new site that is not about lapbooking but is very intriguing to me is Trigger Memory Systems: http://www.triggermemorysystem.com/index.html
I am interested in three different products: The Times Tales (for Marcus), Zone Cleaning and Bedroom Cleaning (for all of my children), and also Grocery Cart Math- for all of my kids...even though the ages are labeled for younger than my children. You can never have enough Math practice in the store!
If you want something to do on a snowy or stormy day, check out these sites on the web and see if you will not be intrigued by some of these great products.
We are doing Apologia Ministries Astronomy course this year with Maddie and Marcus. I wanted to do some sort of notebooking/lapbooking so I was sure they got the main ideas and understood the content, without just doing a worksheet or something. To meet my needs: Live and Learn Press.
http://liveandlearnpress.com/
This is a great little company. They have taken all the hard work out of planning a great notebook with great graphics. I bought the CD-Rom and just print out great little books, that the children fill in with all kinds of information that they have learned. They have samples on their site. Check them out!!
Now other companies are springing up around us. I found Knowledge Box through another web site that my friend Keri sent me. They look to have some interesting products also. I'm very interested in ordering their Election studies for my kids during this Election year.
http://www.knowledgeboxcentral.com/index.html
Knowledge Box is in the process of updating their site, so they don't have all their samples up and running yet. The great thing about Knowledge Box is that you can download the books once you've paid for them and have them immediately as an e book. I've ordered several of these e books from other companies and one from KB already and they have worked out very well.
Another great company with incredible lapbooks for History is Amy Pak's "Homeschool in the Woods." http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/
Amy Pak has designed some incredible timeline figures, but has recently expanded into the lapbooking market with her new Time Travelers Series. This is a fabulous History study. I highly recommend it! Lots of fun activities and projects as well as creating a nifty lapbook to show off all the work you accomplished during one's studies.
Check out Time Travelers: http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/
She has also added a line of "Hands-On History Activity Packs": http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/HTTA/AP/
These kinds of things enhance a homeschool and give you something to show for the effort put into a study and also to review after you have completed a study.
Another new site that is not about lapbooking but is very intriguing to me is Trigger Memory Systems: http://www.triggermemorysystem.com/index.html
I am interested in three different products: The Times Tales (for Marcus), Zone Cleaning and Bedroom Cleaning (for all of my children), and also Grocery Cart Math- for all of my kids...even though the ages are labeled for younger than my children. You can never have enough Math practice in the store!
If you want something to do on a snowy or stormy day, check out these sites on the web and see if you will not be intrigued by some of these great products.
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