Mary's World

Update

2011-03-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

Just checking in to be accountable for some of my New Year's goals.

READING

Two days late but I did finish How People Change and Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands. Both excellent reads, but I'll have to admit I'm partial to How People Change. Both books will be books that I'll be continuing to go back to.... marking in them some more, taking more notes, referencing the recommended scriptures, and continuing to digest their information and counsel.

Great challenges and convictions were shown to me through reading these books.

For March, my reading goal is to read the book The Peacemaker by Ken Sande. I only have one book a month scheduled on my reading list until August, but if time permits and with no particular goal date, I'm adding Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens to my reading list. It is also a book by Paul David Tripp.

Also, I'm continuing to read Proverbs monthly. Two months down, ten more to go. I also continue to read the Psalms chronologically. I should be finishing those by the end of March. Then the next book I want to read through and study is James. (then Romans)

REVELATION SERIES by Ryan McKee

I've listened to all the messages to the churches, except Sardis. So, I still need to download that, and then progress to the next part of the series. Great series and highly recommended.

EXERCISE

Haven't been as consistent as I would like. Been shredding, but I missed several days. However, I'm happy to report my eating is getting back under control. (somewhat) :-D

Maddie is begging me to get the new Jillian Michael's DVD: Ripped in 30, and I think I'm going to do it. It looks beastly, but something I think I would like to challenge myself to conquer. I'll keep you posted.

CRAFTS

I finished my Swiffer cover. I haven't worked on much more than that. I do have a Christmas gift I need to pick up working on again. Can't say much about that, as it is for a family member and some of them read this blog, so let's just say, if you want to encourage me....say, "Get busy, Mary!"

HOMESCHOOLING

On another note, if you are a homeschooler and looking for a grammar program, may I suggest to you, Analytical Grammar. What a great program. My daughter is parsing and diagramming sentences, and also doing some summarizing. She has a better grasp of the mechanics of gramar more than ever before.

I don't have time in this blog to tell you everything I love about this program, but go to their site with a cup of hot coffee or tea, and plan to spend some time watching the videos about their products. My daughter actually said, "I love diagramming." WOO HOO! Not since Peace Hill Press published their four levels of First Language Lessons, have I been this excited about a grammar program. I LOVE First Language Lessons, and I think there is NO BETTER elementary grammar program for homeschoolers....or any child, for that matter. I've not had anything to recommend for those who finish FLL except Abeka, which, let's face it....it NOT for every child. So check out Analytical Grammar.

Valentine Dinner

2011-02-17T06:40:00.000-08:00

On Friday evening, we had a pleasant time at the Valentine Dinner for the Young Married's Class at our church. We are grateful that even though we are not young and have been married almost twice as long as some of the couples in the class, that they welcome us into their fellowship. :-)

The teens from our church did all the serving for the banquet. They did such a wonderful job! Our server Sharon W. was most excellent!

Of course, my two favorite servers were: Maddie and Marcus

The newlyweds to be in our family looked spectacular.

Thanks to all the hard work our Sunday School class teachers did in planning and decorating. The cooks prepared marvelous food. The servers waited on us so graciously. The clean up committee did a fabulous job! A fun night was had by all. :-)

I'm going green

2011-02-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't say I'm really going green, but one small effort.....

I do like my Swiffer mop, but hate buying the refills sheets for it. When I saw the pattern for this cover, I immediately wanted to make it. I'm very proud of it, and to top it off....I did it completely on my own. No phones calls or email requests to my crochet mentors for help. This was a start to finish effort of my own.

One contribution to going green....not purchasing the refill sheets anymore.

Also, when this cover is sullied, I can take if off, turn it wrong side out and use it some more before washing it in the washing machine. I have one cover made and I'm working on a second.

I love how crocheters are so ingenious. The leaders in the field come up with some of the best and cutest ideas. Those who come up with these concepts --then write ---then share the patterns ----for FREE, are part of what makes crochet a great hobby. People are always so willing to help!

FINISHED!

2011-01-31T10:47:00.000-08:00

This weekend, I was able to finish Competent to Counsel by Jay Adams. YAY! Now on to the next two books on my list. They need to be finished by the end of February. Whew! I hope I can get it done!

First up: How People Change followed by Instruments in the Redeemer's Hand.

On another goal related note, I did read the book of Proverbs this month. I'll be reading it again during February along with continuing to read Psalms chronologically. :-D

A Baby Coocoon

2011-01-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

So, here is my latest finished project. I made it for Baby James. However, he weighed over 9 lbs. so I'm not sure he'll be able to fit into it; but...he will have a keepsake. :-)

Checking In.

2011-01-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

So the new year is a time for goals. I have challenged myself in several different areas. (See post New Year-New Look for reference.)

Let's see how I'm doing:

Bible Reading: I'm on track with reading Psalms (Chronologically) and Proverbs by the end of March. Actually, if I stay on track I will have read Proverbs three times by the end of March.

NANC Reading: I still have not finished Competent to Counsel. UGH! I have not devoted the time to it like I should since I didn't make the goal I had set for myself by finishing it before the new year. So, I need to whip that out. I do still want to have read How People Change and Instruments in the Redeemer's Hand by the end of February. I need to step it up on this. I want to read every counseling text book on the NANC recommended reading list by the beginning of August. These books include: Competent to Counsel by Jay Adams, The Christian Counselor's Manual by Jay Adams, Counseling-How to Counsel Biblically by John MacArthur, Seeing with New Eyes by David Powlison, The Peacemaker by Ken Sande, and Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul Tripp. All the while working through Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie. (Basic Theology will NOT be finished by the beginning of August) :-D

Revelation series: I'm behind on listening to the Revelation messages from Mamre Baptist Church. There is something wrong with the volume on either their end or my end and so I'm not able to just listen to them while sitting at my computer. I'll have to put them on my MP3 player and listen so I can get the volume loud enough for me to understand. So, I need to work on that one.

Exercise: I set the goal of doing the 30 Day Shred again along with the new ab DVD by Jillian Michaels and going to spin class. I've been doing the 30 Day Shred. I need to work on fitting the ab video into my workout routine. I have done it twice, but need to be more consistent. It is a great routine. I do like it.

The spin class is another story. Mickey is changing shifts, so he will be home with me during the mornings when spin class is going on. I do not want to commit myself to being out of the house three mornings a week when that is supposed to be when we are having our devotions and prayer time together. SO...for now, spin class is out.

(However when he's out of town...I'll be heading to spin class in the mornings.) :-D

Crafts: Crochet projects are on target and maybe soon I will be able to post a few pics. We'll see....

My new favorite crochet resource, besides the Internet is Crochet Today.

Did any of you make any goals/resolutions for 2011? Are you staying on track? Are you giving yourself time to evaluate how you are doing and where you need to make adjustments?

Until next time.

~MAK

Cleaning....

2011-01-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

So, I'm cleaning today. I like to clean on Fridays. I like to have the house nice for the weekend. We are having some people over tonight, though and I feel like I haven't cleaned in forever. With the holidays here and the girls visiting, I haven't done anything like I normally do. I feel like I'm playing catch up.

What are your cleaning routines? Do you have a set day you clean the whole house, or do you clean a little bit every day? Do any of you follow www.flylady.net ?

Just curious.

January 5, 2011 Another sad day in Omaha, Nebraska

2011-01-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

Millard South shooting: Suspension ignited fury

By Henry J. Cordes and John Ferak
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITERS

Robert Butler Jr. was pulled from his first-period class Wednesday at Millard South High School, summoned to the school office to face the music.

A school security camera had caught the 17-year-old senior — who transferred to the school this past fall — driving across a school football field. Assistant Principal Vicki Kaspar informed him of his penalty: a 19-day suspension.

Butler was escorted out of the school. Sometime afterward, he posted an item on Facebook about the “evil'' that the school had driven him to.

As the lunch period wound down in the suburban Omaha school's buzzing halls, the meaning of those words became clear.

Butler returned to Kaspar's office, this time brandishing a handgun. He shot the 58-year-old administrator, mortally wounding her, then fired on Principal Curtis Case.

Butler, the son of an Omaha police officer, then fled by car. Omaha police found him about 35 minutes later in a parking lot, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot Kaspar, described by colleagues as a consummate professional devoted to kids, was rushed from the school by helicopter but died hours later. Case, 44, was in serious condition and expected to survive the shooting that rocked the school, the district and the city.

It is believed to be the worst school shooting incident in Nebraska history. After Wednesday, Millard South joins the long, sobering list of schools around the globe that have been devastated by disaffected students with guns.

For many in Omaha, it also was a haunting reminder of the Von Maur shooting spree, which on a similar wintry weekday in December 2007 left eight victims dead.

“We had tragedy descend on our city,'' Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle said Wednesday.

None of the other students in the high school at 149th and Q Streets was hurt, but they endured an ordeal of terror.

After the gunfire rang out, students were ordered to huddle in the back of darkened, locked-down classrooms.

“Someone was shot. I'm not dead,'' one student texted her mother.

Another texted this message: “If I don't make it out, I love you.”

Panic-stricken parents rushed to the school based on such contacts and breaking news reports, fearing for their children's lives. Hundreds gathered in a church parking lot set up as a staging area, looking east to Millard South and nervously checking cell phones and messages.

Parents were quickly assured that their kids were safe, but it took hours before all the students were finally released.

All other Millard schools also had been ordered into lockdown. Even kindergartners went through the sadly common school drill — one that this time was for real.

Butler's father is Robert Butler Sr., an Omaha police detective. Omaha police officials released no details on the handgun that the young Butler used, though The World-Herald has been told it was his father's Glock .40, a common police service weapon.

Police and school officials also released few details on what transpired inside the school.

But interviews with students who knew Butler and two people familiar with the case provided an account of a good but unhappy student who struggled with the move to a new school.

Butler had transferred to Millard South in October from Lincoln Southwest High School. The midyear move to a new city and school had been difficult for Butler, his friends said. A source said Butler was upset about the transfer.

Butler appeared to reference his negative feelings in his Wednesday posting on Facebook, the social networking website. Omaha had changed him, he said, and his new school was “even worse.''

For Millard students, Wednesday was the first day back from Christmas break. Two sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said Butler and another student were seen Wednesday morning driving a car across an athletic field at the school, damaging it.

Butler, who reportedly had not had previous disciplinary problems at the school, was pulled from his first class by a school security officer and brought to Kaspar's office between 8 and 8:30 a.m. She imposed the suspension after the damage to school property. Kaspar also called Butler's father in his presence.

Butler was escorted out of the school building. His father did not pick him up, so it was unclear how he left the school or where he went.

It also was unclear what time Butler made his Facebook posting. The indefinite time stamp for the status update, made via a cell phone, makes it appear that it could have been either just before or just after the shootings. Either way, the words he wrote are chilling.

“ur gomna here about the evil s--- I did but that f---- school drove me to this,'' he wrote. “I greatly affected the lives of families ruined but I'm sorry. goodbye.''

Butler reappeared on the school campus about 12:45 p.m. He walked past an unarmed security guard and into the main attendance office, where Assistant Principal Kaspar worked. He opened a latch to get behind a counter where four secretaries are stationed and walked into Kaspar's office, just feet away.

Without saying a word, Butler shot Kaspar with a handgun as she sat behind her desk, hitting her three or four times in the upper torso.

Responding to the commotion, Principal Case bolted out of his office across the hall. Butler exited Kaspar's office and shot Case two or three times from about five feet away, hitting the principal in the back and hip.

As Butler left the school office, he fired wildly twice down the hall, one shot lodging in a wall about 15 feet from Case.

Through a window, the school security officer saw Butler leaving the office and crouched down behind his desk to protect himself. Butler saw the officer and pointed the gun at him, but did not fire.

Butler then left the school, and the officer ran into the office to check on the victims.

The whole incident lasted less than two minutes.

Kaspar was found down behind her desk, bleeding profusely. “Help me,” she pleaded.

Over the intercom, students said, another assistant principal announced a “code red,'' the signal for a lockdown. It requires students to stay in their rooms and take cover.

“It's not a drill,'' he said in a shaky voice.

The first call to 911 came at 12:50 p.m. A school resource officer at Millard South put out a “Help an Officer” call, and several Omaha officers rushed to the scene, the first arriving in seconds.

Responding officers learned that the suspect had fled in a red Honda Accord. Butler's name and description were quickly broadcast. Since it was not yet known how many suspects there were, officers, including some in tactical gear, entered the school to conduct a sweep.

Police found the red Accord about 1:25 p.m. in a parking lot near 148th and D Streets, about a mile from the school.
Officers approached the car and found Butler dead behind the wheel from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police announced about 9 p.m. Wednesday that Kaspar, too, had died of her wounds.

Millard South remained a crime scene into Wednesday evening, the school roped off, the cars of students and staff remaining in the parking lot.

Classes at Millard South were canceled for Thursday. The school district was making counselors available to talk to students and staff.

The shooting incident is only the second in a Nebraska school in the state's modern history. In 1995, a seventh-grader in Chadron shot and wounded a teacher.

But as with the Von Maur shootings three years earlier, Omaha received a grim reminder that such senseless violence can happen anywhere, anytime.

Said parent Milton Lopez: “I'd never expected this to happen in a little town like Omaha.''

Contact the writer:
402-444-1130, henry.cordes@owh.com

New Year -New Look

2011-01-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

Joyful- 2011!

Starting the year off with a new look for an old blog that has been left to the dust it might seem. Maybe this year I will be able to put a little more time into it.

This seems to be shaping up to be a year of new beginnings.

Our oldest son, Michael was engaged to a wonderful girl, Amanda last August. They will be married this August 27th. We are very much looking forward to this event in their lives.

My niece was also engaged this year to a great guy...Nate. So, we have two family weddings.

So far, I know of at least two other weddings coming up this year. It's going to be a very exciting August. :D

I want to read through the Pslams and Proverbs the first quarter of this year. Also, as soon as I finish reading Competent to Counsel by Jay Adams, I'll be reading How People Change and Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands both by Paul David Tripp. My goal is to have those books completed by the end of February.

In our Read Aloud time with the kids, we'll be tackling Do Hard Things by the Harris brothers. I've owned that book for some time and am looking forward to finally conquering it with the kids.

On the Bible study front, I'm setting the goal to listen to the Revelation series of messages by Ryan McKee of Mamre Baptist Church. http://www.mamre.org/content.cfm?id=213

(If you would like to join me, make sure you check the dates of the messages to listen to the book study in order)

On the physical front, I'll be working out. Back to doing the 30 Day Shred and also hitting spin class three times a week. Jillian Michael's has a new video for 6 Weeks to 6 Pack Abs. Well, I have more than 6 weeks of "cushion" to work through, but I'll be doing the ab video also.

I have a list of crochet projects I want to finish by next December. Some of those are gifts, so I won't be mentioning them in full detail. Maybe at the end of the year I'll be able to post some pics of the finished projects.

Our family is engaging in a new ministry of leading the children's church program at our church. We are excited about this and had a great initial kick off day. One thing that I'm so excited we were able to find was the Classic version of music for children. Thanks to God's Kids Worship:

http://www.godskidsworship.com/default.aspx If you are involved in Children's Ministry check it out!

I do wish you a joyful new year. May we all grow to be more like the Savior, Jesus Christ in this year.

Bistro Soup

2010-10-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe my brother recently posted on his facebook per many requests.

Enjoy!

Bistro Soup

1 can of diced tomatoes

1 big can of tomato sauce(then fill it up and add a can of water

2 cans of French onion soup

1 jar of salsa(whatever you like-hot medium etc.)

3 bags of mixed vegetables

1lb.-Kilbasa sausage

Tuscan Soup/ Cabbage Soup

2010-02-04T05:13:00.000-08:00

So our friend from high school band, is following our blog, and we are following her blog. :-D
She recently posted some excellent and yummy soup recipes. We have gained permission to post them here. Enjoy!

Tuscan Soup
2 lbs. sausage chunks
Diced potatoes and carrots
Beef broth
Minced celery and onion
Can of cream corn
Garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley to taste

TIP-When our friend, Michelle made this recently she sauteed the ingredients in some left over from breakfast bacon grease (more flavor)

Another TIP from Michelle: You can mix a slurry to thicken the soup or use her secret ingredient: flaked instant potatoes. They work perfect for any chowder type soups. This gives a creamy texture.

Cabbage Soup

1 head of cabbage diced
2 boxes of beef broth
2-3 cans of tomato soup
2 lbs. ground sausage (She recommends 1 lb spicy, 1 lb. mild)-browned and drained
2 cans diced tomatoes with green chili peppers
chopped celery and onion to taste

Put in crock pot and cook all day long until cabbage is tender. Season with garlic and parsley.

Thanks Michelle, for letting us post these great soup recipes!

I haven't blogged in too long....

2009-09-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

This year has been flying right by before my very eyes.
It hasn't always been a year of great things either...some great sorrows have taken place during this year. I think that is why I haven't blogged a lot. Some things have been too hard to write about. There have been some good things this year....don't get the wrong idea....it's just been a difficult year.

However, I'd like to get back into the swing of things. So this is the first post back....

Camo Plaid Revolution 2 Rocks!

2008-12-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

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

Scrapbook Update

2008-10-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

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

The one about time....flying by....

2008-09-24T15:49:00.001-07:00

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?

The one about being crafty....

2008-09-24T05:46:00.001-07:00

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

The one about my great kids....

2008-09-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

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....

The one about Wednesday night prayer meeting....

2008-09-17T19:25:00.002-07:00

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

The one about hyper links...

2008-09-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

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

The one about the new school year....

2008-09-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

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

The one about email not being enough...

2008-09-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

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.

The one about so many thoughts crowding my mind...

2008-09-09T19:50:00.001-07:00

I'm at a loss for words. I have too many things swirling around in my mind.
AND...I miss Mickey!

The one about my trip to Ohio...

2008-09-04T06:30:00.001-07:00

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.

The one about being so behind on my fighter verses....

2008-08-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

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

The one about busy-ness, activity, and productivity

2008-08-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

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

The one about a new blog post...

2008-08-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

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?

The one about strawberry jam...

2008-06-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

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!!

The one about Maddie going to camp...

2008-06-09T15:47:00.001-07:00

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!!!

The one about ice cream bucket lasagna...

2008-06-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

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.....

2008-06-05T07:13:00.000-07:00

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!

The one about the start of summertime for the Knipps...

2008-05-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

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!

The one about Mickey ....

2008-05-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

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)

The one about learning from each other...

2008-05-08T07:49:00.001-07:00

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.

The one about quote collecting...

2008-05-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

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!

The one about being sorry...

2008-05-07T19:58:00.001-07:00

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....

2008-05-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

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.

The one about blogging...

2008-05-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

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.

The one about God's Unseen Protection....

2008-05-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

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.

The one about allergy testing...

2008-05-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

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!

The one about belated Easter pics...

2008-04-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

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....

The one about a happy spirng...?

2008-04-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

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.

The one about verses for this week...

2008-04-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

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.

The one about a new verse...struggle, and blessing.....

2008-04-10T07:18:00.001-07:00

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!!!

The one about wednesdays...

2008-03-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

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.

The one about a new verse for the week...

2008-03-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

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)

The one about a new verse for the week and a bunch of randomness......

2008-03-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

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.

The one about being a little queasy but up and around...and a new verse

2008-03-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

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.

The one about surprises, surprises...!

2008-03-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

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.

The FIRST one about surprises, surprises!

2008-03-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

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! :-)

The one about a New Verse for the Week...

2008-03-02T12:54:00.001-08:00

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.

The one about a beautiful day...

2008-03-01T15:11:00.001-08:00

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!

The one about good results...

2008-02-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

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!

The one about the verse for the week Philippians 2:10B-11

2008-02-25T08:39:00.000-08:00

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.

The one about being tired...

2008-02-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

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!

The one about the procedure....

2008-02-20T15:47:00.000-08:00

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 one about the verse for the Week Psalm 27:13-14

2008-02-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

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

The one about procedures...procedures...

2008-02-16T07:00:00.001-08:00

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

the one about it's going to be in the 40's next week!...

2008-02-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

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.

The one about Is Spring Ever Going to Come?

2008-02-11T09:28:00.001-08:00

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!

The one about My Space...

2008-02-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

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....

The one about Super Tuesday being over...thank goodness!

2008-02-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

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!

The one about MATH...

2008-02-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

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!

The one about lapbooking.....

2008-02-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

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.

The one about How Great Is Our God is...

2008-02-03T19:54:00.000-08:00

Isn't is a wonder (awe inspiring) that our God is so big and so great that...
He created and is in control of the universe, and still He cares about me and the things in my life. It's amazing grace!

How Great Is Our God LyricsArtist(Band):Chris Tomlin
The splendor of a King,
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice,
All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light,
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at his voice,
And trembles at his voice

How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all who sing
How great,
How great Is our God

Age to age he stands
And time is in His Hands
Beginning and the End,
Beginning and the End
The Godhead, Three in one
Father, Spirit, Son
The Lion and the Lamb,
The Lion and the Lamb

How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all who sing
How great, How greatIs our God

Name above all names
You are Worthy of all praiseand
My heart will sing how great
Is our God

How great is our God,
Sing with me
How great is our God,
and all who sing
How great,
How greatIs our God!

The one about no more moderation for me....

2008-02-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

Well, at least when it comes to blogging. Everyone wants to be able to see their comments right away, so I have taken off the moderator block. I'm not sure why I turned it on. It didn't used to be like that, but for whatever reason, I did it. I like the more immediate feedback wtihout the moderator status, and apparently so do you posters. So, now I have set it so you can post and see it right away.

The message today was very good. Please check out our church web page. I think soon the sermons will be updated, but whatever you can listen to will be good!
Check them out!

http://www.heartland-baptist.org/

The one about the Weird Funk...

2008-01-31T12:15:00.000-08:00

Well, in the Knipp house four out of five of us are ready for spring already. The one out of the five that loves the winter, is currently in Texas where the weather is: 46 degrees and sunny....the irony of it all.
Anyway, this week the rest of us have been sort of in a funk. Maddie woke up on Tuesday a.m. with a temp, and chills. I kept her in bed all day with plenty of fluids. She felt better on Wed. morning and during the day, to the point that she and I went to the gym for our workout.
Last night, as we were readying for Wednesday evening prayer service, Michael mentioned he was cold. I knew something was up. He's never cold. Then he said he had a headache. Marc chimed in and said, "yea and my throat has kinda hurt today too, but I wasn't going to say anything yet." I got out the thermometer and took Michael's temp. It was 99.9. Now that is not a high temp, but a temp and our ear thermomenter usually runs low, so I figured it was higher than that. Then I took Marc's and his was 99.7. Marc always run cooler than the rest of us. So I said, "That's it, you boys are staying home. " Maddie was glad because she could go, but I thought, I'd better check hers just in case. Well, she had a low grade, but she said she felt fine. Then I checked mine and it was 100.1. Now, I wasn't feeling sick, but off and on this week I haven't felt my best. Then Maddie reminded us that we had been around two people that had continued on with their normal activites even though they had ran temps last week, but because they hadn't felt, totally horrible were out and about with their regular routine, but obviously with some kind of disturbance in their immune system. I told Maddie we would all stay home. I didn't want to get exposed to something while my immune system could be compromised and I didn't want the same for her either. She was pretty upset. She really wanted to go to church.
(My kids enjoy going to church)
So, we stayed in last night. Today we are getting all our schooling accomplished, but just at a much slower rate. We're having more chicken noodle soup too.
I hope no one else gets this weird funk going around, and for heaven's sake...if you have a temperature, stay home! Don't spread the love.

Oh, how many more days until spring????

The one about someone moving my trash cans...praise God!

2008-01-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

I got up this morning to the ringing of my cell phone, that was saying, "Call from...the Love Doctor." Yes, Mickey programmed my cell phone to ring like that whenever he was calling me. It has been quite embarrassing at times, like in the library, when I forgot to turn the ringer to vibrate.... However, I do like to know when it's a call from my special hubby. So anyway, I got up and got ready for the gym and as I was heading out the door, realized that I could not find the little card carrier that held: my military i.d., my driver's license, my debit card, and my bank card. Needless to say I was quite panicky! I stood in the kitchen and just prayed, "Lord, I need Your help to find this... You know how much important information is on those cards, please help me to look where I need to look to find them." Now, I hadn't seen or used the cards since we went out to eat Sunday evening after church. We had gone to Moe's Southwestern Grill, what used to be one of my favorite places to eat...but that's another story. Anyway, I didn't want to have to go to Moe's again and I especially didn't want the people there, to have that kind of personal information. (that's part of the other story) So anyway, I checked the van, I checked my coat three times, I checked my purse, and I just kept praying, "Lord help me know where to look." Then I went upstairs and woke up Michael and asked him if he had seen it yesterday in the van. (I hadn't left the house since Sunday evening, so I hadn't missed it, but Michael had driven yesterday) He said he hadn't seen it in the van at all yesterday. I went into my bedroom to ask Maddie, (she was sleeping on an air matress on the floor....shes's sad because her daddy's is gone.) She hadn't seen the card holder either. Then I caught a glimpse of my jean jacket hanging on the closet door. I had worn that jacket also on Sunday night and had it at the restaurant. YES! the card holder was in the jean jacket. Thank you, Lord for the card holder not falling into the wrong hands! So, then I was off to the gym.
Now the weather here is terribly cold again this a.m. and blowing snow is causing some snow advisories. Well, last night was trash night. so my trash cans were out by the road, but this morning when I opened the garage doors, my cans had already been put back by my garage door. Our trash men come very early...like at 5:30 a.m. so my cans could have been blowing all over the neighborhood, but one of my kind neighbors had already gotten them from the curb, or wherever they might have blown and brought them to the safety of my carport where they could be blocked from blowing away. It's really quite a simple gesture, but it saved me from having to bring them in or chase them around the neighborhood. I called our Pastor to see if he was the one who did it, but it wasn't him. In fact, he said he didn't notice them out when he left, so it had most likely been done earlier. I'm guessing it might have been Luke, the neighbor across the street or his father. Mickey has been talking about a lot of hunting strategies and what-not with them and they are buliding a friendship. Luke has been coming to church a lot more regularly and so I wonder if he didn't know Mickey was gone and did this kind deed for me. Whoever it was, I'm grateful that "someone moved my trash cans."

While at the commissary picking up a few items, after my workout at the gym, I got a call from Maddie and discovered that she wasn't feeling so I told her to rest in bed until I got home. I then went back around the store and stocked up on chicken noodle soup, juice, and gatorade.

Now, I have to cover AWANA for tonight. I do not want to leave her at home by herself with her feeling lightheaded and running a temperature. So I'm off to conquer another challenge for the day.
I feel good and amazingly envigorated despite the cold, which I have come to loathe this year while living here in Nebraska, and I can't help but think it has something to do with the exercise at the gym this morning. I have been exercising regularly for just a little over a week.

So, because of some advice from the doctor, I was able to find my card holder, my trash cans had been put back, I was able to go to the commissary this morning and get juice and things, and then was there when I got the call about Maddie so I was able to get soup and juice for her. Isn't it amazing at how the Lord had been ordering my steps to get me where I need to be today, and blessed me in many "little" ways along the path.
This is my God:

For He is the living God and enduring forever, And
His kingdom is one which
will not be destroyed, And His dominion will be
forever. He delivers and rescues and performs
signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has also delivered
Daniel from the power of the lions."

That same God is my God.

The one about Updates!

2008-01-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

There are some (who shall remain nameless) who consider me to be a very "lame blogger" because I don't post enough. I'll say that up until the homeschool alert which I posted the other day, that I have been a "blog user". Ok, ok I admit it. However, I do love reading blogs as it gives me much to reflect upon as well as challenge my own thinking and opinions about different and varied topics. So I appreciate all you bloggers out there and your patience with me while I lurk. HAHA!

To update on a few things:
Marcus and I have finally started using the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech (LiPS Program) and Seeing Stars books in our attempt to beat this dyslexia challenge. I've had to take Marc back to some foundational things that to many of us just come naturally. I still need to read the book, Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level - Sally Md Shaywitz. However, I did get the training to implement the LiPS and SS programs with Marcus, and so we have begun. I went through the training in early November. It was an intensive two day session with a few other ladies and our educational therapist. I am not trained to do this teaching with other children or certified in any way, but I have been taught, so I can teach Marcus.
We decided to wait to begin this instruction after the many breaks that would have to be taken during the holiday season. It's best to have consistency for this. So, now we have begun and are progressing a long. So far it has been so good. I would covet prayers as I teach and as Marcus.

Dyslexic chlidren are smart, but their brains are wired a little differently. So, many things that come naturally with the "run of the mill phonics programs", do not click with dyslexics. We have learned that Marcus doesn't have phonemic awareness. So we are going back to the very basics. This is a multi-sensory program. We introduced parts of the brain and how different parts did different functions. Then transitioned to using the different parts our of our brains to learn these sounds. We use our eyes as well as our ears. The way we form the sounds we hear...what our lips and tongue are doing as the sounds are produced.
Tomorrow we will be tracking sounds and tracking a lot as we progress through the program. It's actually primary if I am going to teach Marcus to decode words.

What is so amazing is the great amount of research that has been put into putting this program together. I am almost overwhelmed as I learn about new things; to discover so many things that people have really put into their life's work. At times I feel very inadequate at knowing a little bit about several different subjects, but not knowing a lot about any certain subject.
But I digress....that is the update on where we are with Marcus and our journey to teach him to decode words for himself so he can learn to read fluently.

Boy! that was longer than I had originally intended it to be.
A few more updates...

Michael was hospitalized with salmonella in October. Our pediatrician was excellent in flagging that it was something that needed to be dealt with and not put off until later. Mickey was gone, and the Lord through L-3 brought him home just when I needed him. Praise God!
Our dear friends the Wilsons came to visit at the same time and they were wonderful to have around. Oh to live close to each other again ....maybe someday!

We had a wonderful Buckeye Christmas celebration in Ohio and besides celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas, we celebrated my niece Karis's graduation from high school with everyone. You can go to my facebook and see pictures of all the fun. We even taught my family how to play Mafia at this time. What a hoot! They are addicted as I am. LOL

We also got to see the new Knipp editions to the family. Little Aubrey and little Noah.... the new neice and nephew. Aubrey was born to Mickey's brother Paul David and his wife April. Noah was born to Mickey's sister Ruth and her husband Nick. They are too cute!!! Parker and Malachai are both being good big brothers to their new little siblings.

The new year has come and the we are still doing school and serving at Heartland Baptist Church, HBC. We love our church family and friends here and are so thankful for them.

OH yea, and I've had a few little medical "issues" that have also kicked me in the rear and I am now back on a regular exercise/eating program. Maddie is the best gym partner and has kept me going. Yea Maddie!

Also, for those who know me well, you know that I am about 50-75% gray as far as haircolor goes. Well, I was letting all the gray come out, but I grew tired of people asking me if I was tired. I am convinced that the gray hair was not helping, so I have colored my hair once again. It has been interesting to hear the comments that have come from this. I enjoy them. My husband's comment was the funniest, as he said he thinks he will grow a ponytail now. We'll see.

So, to anyone out there who reads the blog... you have been updated. I will try to do better at posting. I am not a great writer or even a great thinker but I will pour my thoughts and ramblings into the pot. I hope we can all make life a little more interesting and fun for each other.

Grace to you!
~Mary (Ann)

The one about an Update...

2008-01-27T05:47:00.000-08:00

I just re read some things on my blog and wanted to update a few things.
In January, when we started back to school, we started working on Marcus with his phonemic awareness. We are using the Linda Mood Bell and Seeing Stars program to do this. I took an intensive two day training from our Educational Therpist in November to be able to teach Marc. Because of the holidays, we waited until January so we could have consistency and no interruption.
So far, things are going ok. We are going back to the root of things of how our mouth is positioned as we make certain sounds. The placement of our lips, tongue, teech, etc. He is catching on. He really is a bright little boy. I'll update further as we move along.

Buckeye Christmas was fabulous. We went to Ohio and had a great time. We were able to see all of our siblings and the neices and nephews on both sides. We have two new "Knipp" additions. PD and April have a new baby, Aubrey' Ruth and Nick have a new baby, Noah. They are both precious. We got to see an ultra sound picture of my neice Mariss's new baby. She and Adam are expecting in May. The first "Jayne" great grandchild. Woohoo!

In October, Michael got sick and was diagnosed with salmonella. Our pediatrician did an excellent job of knowing he needed to be hospitalized. It was a hard time. Mickey had been gone for about two and a half months, but he was able to come home early because of the hospitalization. Thank the Lord! Michael has been recovering quite nicely. He still hasn't regained all hs weight, but is very close!

I'll try to do better at updating. It is good for me to write. The Lord is so patient and merciful to me, if anything, I need to proclaim that more!

Have a wonderful day in the Lord. We are off to church!

The one about the New Bill that threatens Nebraska Homeschoolers...

2008-01-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

Well the homeschool email tress having been posting info all week on a new bill. Our state organization sent out another email today that I will post. Please pray that we can get this bill defeated in the unicameral...or even before. This is part of an alert we received from NCHEA (Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association)Here are the details:

The bill contains the following:

- standardized testing with Nebraska Department of Education oversight

- certified teacher oversight

- home visits from your school district

- school work/project portfolio review

- lesson plan review

Any change in Nebraska's home education statutes that restricts or reduces home education freedoms in Nebraska is unacceptable to the NCHEA's directors, officers and representatives.

We request that you take the following action.

Pray that God would grant wisdom to the NCHEA representatives as they attempt to persuade the senator from introducing the legislation.
Pray that God would work on the heart of the senator resulting in a decision not to introduce the legislation.
Pray for wisdom for NCHEA leadership and staff as we monitor the legislature and carry out our duties and responsibilities in NCHEA leadership and as spouses, parents and employees.
Pray for God?s protection of Nebraska homeschooling freedom.
Pass this message on to as many homeschoolers as you know and encourage them to pray.

The one about Bebe and Cece...

2007-10-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I just found out that one of my favorite duos of the 80's and 90's has a new compilation project.
So, I'm definately going to add it to my collection. Now, Michael may not remmeber that he used to sing and dance to this song with me, when he was a baby, but...he did! I love to hear them praise, and here's one of the old favorites....enjoy...get your hands up! get them up!!!!

The one about encouragement...

2007-10-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Isn't it amazing how just a few encouraging words to someone can make a difference? I have tried to be more encouraging to people, and when I appreciate something they do, I have been trying to tell them. Well, in August I visited my parents and in- laws in Ohio and was able to visit some of the area churches. I was able to hear some people speak that I hadn't heard speak before and some that I hadn't heard in several years. It was such a blessing to hear these young guys preaching God's Word uncompromisingly. So, I decided I would write notes of encouragement to them. So, I have gotten some of them mailed, but not all of them. I still have one to write...but my mom told me the other day her pastor had gotten his card. He appreciated the kind words and I'm glad. He mentioned it to my mom. So my mom was relaying this story to me, and I was glad that Matt appreciated the card, but then I was the recipient of kind words. Mom told me that she had appreciated reaidng the blog of late and was glad to see how the Lord has been working in my life and appreciated me sharing. I always love to hear a kind word, but I especially always love to hear the praise of my parents. So, thank you, Mother! May I say I had the best example of a trusting Mom who let the Lord lead her through seven children and handling that preacher/pastor daddy of mine. (Smile) I love you, Mom! Thanks!

the one about the tea pot and cozies....

2007-10-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I received a belated 40th birthday present this last Friday. I am tickled pink with it. I got a new tea pot. Now the tea pot itself matches my kitchen. It has grapes on it, which I love. My kitchen has hunter green counters and cherry cabinets. When I saw this, I thought grapes would go wonderful in my kitchen. Well, I got some purple colored tea towels, and gradually I've added a few things. I tried to do some painting on the wall area above the cabinets, but it didn't turn out too well. I still need to paint over that, but alas I'm getting side tracked. My mom got me some cermaic and wooden items that go with a cannister set I bought. Then my sister got me a tablecloth and placements with the grape theme.
So...my 40th b-day has arrived and my friend Beth gives me a teapot with grapes on it. It's really cute....see....

But Beth likes to do things to the max, so that wasn't enough...she made me a purple cozy for my tea pot that has the cutest little buttons as a trim around the top...

She didn't stop there though, she thought the tea pot needed a fall cozy, with sweet little fall colored leaves and some squash buttons....

Is Beth done yet....no...don't forget about a Christmas cozy adorned with snowflakes and gingerbread men....

I think these are just the cutest things. I love tea too, and the cozies are just sweet. So, I would publicly like to thank Beth for these sweet gifts. She even included an infuser with my bag of goodies. I love them all!

The one about the weird Day...

2007-09-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was quite an interesting day. I can't go into a lot of details in the blog, but needless to say it was a day full of different emotions. I was frustrated about some things I observed with a situation, and it was just very discouraging.

I really feel as if our church is on the brink of revival (we have really been praying for it!) but at the same time, I do feel that Satan is fighting against it and causing division wherever he can. I see "little fires of contention" as I label them and a close friend of mine and I are, and have been, praying about these things. They are not big things that people get disgruntled over, but small picky things, that in the big scheme of things should not cause division, but should be looked upon as differences of opinion. They are not doctrinal in nature. So, as I witnessed yet another "mini fire of contention" I was so discouraged. I don't know if it was because of my having a lot on my plate right now with Mickey being gone, or what, but I was just ready to throw in the towel.

HOWEVER, I was encouraged last night by my close friend to remember to pray and rebuke Satan in these circumstances. Something I had failed to do. Instead of praying, I just sat in shock and dismay and with great sadness and frustration. As I was talking to this friend, I then realized, another weakness in my armor. I need to be ready to hold the shield of faith to quench those darts of the evil one and I also was not. I also was not, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." I was once again getting my own onion peeled, as I shared this with my friend. I'm thankful yet again, that no matter how painful, it was something that needs to be concentrated on in my life. I am also thankful for my sisters in Christ who are there to nudge me along and sharpen me.
It is a good thing. I won't add that it was an older woman teaching younger woman. :-) There's not that much difference in our ages....she may not like that.

The one about why love my husband and I appreciate him too...

2007-09-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

My husband Mickey is the hardest working man that I know. He thrives on physical labor and being able to fix things. It's really a great thing to be his wife. One of the things he's very talented at is taking such good care of our lawn. He does a great job. When he is out of the country, like he is now, Michael usually takes up all the responsibility of mowing. Michael does a good job too, except Mickey has not taught him how to use our weedeater. It is a very tempramental weed eater that sometimes has a mind of it's own.
The lawn at our house has gotten quite out of control of late though, because Michael has been extremely busy. He's carrying 13.5 hours at Metro, plus he is still taking the following subjects at home: Algebra 2, American History, Bible Doctrines, a literature course based on movies (it's a fun course, but does require a lot of writing), and two electives: Life Skills and Communication Skills. On top of that, he started picking up a lot of soccer games to referee for extra spending money. Then he has his youth and church activities and he has also become an AWANA leader this year. He is VERY busy. So, he has not had a lot of free time to mow the lawn. However, a few minutes came open on Friday and I said, "Michael is you will mow as quickly as you can the front yard...I will mow the back for you." Now I have not mowed at this house since we moved in three and a half years ago. Michael or Mickey has always done it. So, as of today, I think we should seriously look into getting our yard level! :-) It is full of slopes and weird angles. Then, half way through the mowing process, I realize...oh I forgot, this mower is self propelled. Boy, the whole thing would have been so much easier, if I had remembered that before!!! :-) BIG BLONDE MOMENT!
boy, Mickey I really missed your muscles and Pop-Eye arms today!!!

And Michael...thanks for mowing the front yard. I know you had to hurry and it was hard work because it was so long, but you were great about it...thanks!!! I sure missed you today!

The place Mickey is in now, has a computer cafe where he can get on the computer and chat with me. They have web cams so I can see him too. Well, I saw him first on Thursday. I was surprised, because he hadn't shaved or gotten a hair cut since he left here over a month ago...and it kinda needed cut before he left. I was very surprised last night when he got on and had gotten a great hair cut and trimmed his beard up. He looked great! He looks great with the long hair and beard too, but I prefer it cut and trimmed. I'm thankful to at least be able to see his face and the kids love it when he makes faces at them while they are looking at him over my shoulder.

The kids have been great today. Maddie went outside while I was messing around and planting bulbs in the flower beds. She went and weeded the area by the mailboxes and then weeded in the back yard for me. WAY TO GO, MADDIE! Thanks so much!

Marcus was also a helper today...to Melissa Emory. Melissa has started back to college and she had a paper due today and needed some time to herself. (Ken and kids are at a competition of some sort) So, Melissa called to see if Kyle could come over and play. Marcus was pumped! He loves when Kyle comes over. So he got to play video games with Kyle this afternoon. Way to be a helper for Mrs. Emory, Marc!

I have so much in which to be thankful. My family is great. Lord, thank you so much for fitting us together and working in us and helping us to compliment each other with our gifts and talents. You are so GREAT!!!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praies Him above ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The one about loving my kids plus some random thoughts.....

2007-09-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

I have great kids. I don't tell them often enough, but I really do have great kids. They have a fun sense of humor...very dry at times....I think that is a Jayne side thing. Also, they do exemplify something that I think is a great thing. They are merciful to me as their mother....I make mistakes daily. They are quick to forgive. It is truly a blessing to be their mother.
However, all this said, they are not organized and tend not to clean up after themselves. So, I am on a campaign to train them a bit better in that area of their lives. Stay tuned for more posts.
Now, to train them, I myself have to be more disciplined and more routined. I'm not talking about every half hour incremented, but I do have some daily disciplines that I would like to implement and maintain. So, I too will be undergoing some transformation, hopefully.
I don't every want to get to the place where I'm totally satisfied becuase I think that if I think I've "arrived" I would not be teachable...in all areas. OH may the Lord continue to mold me and shape me to be more like HIM, and through my job as a wife and mother may I teach my children the discipline needed to be productive for more time for HIM!

Now...I'm off to get my haircut. It is hard to say what I will come home with....maybe if it's not too bad, I will post some pics. We'll see....definately though the gray is here to stay. I cannot afford to pay the prices for the hair stylist that I have found. While I really like what she does, her prices are a bit ....a BIG bit...too high for the hair coloring part of the procedures she does for this client. So I will continue to go to her for styling and cuts, but I will no longer let her color my hair. Besides, that is one thing that I just don't have the time and energy to do on my own. So, here comes the gray! :-) Mickey will be pleased...for some weird reason, he likes my gray hair.

The one about one of my favorite songs...

2007-09-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

As I have posted before, I have been through a sort of pruning/growing process these last few months. While driving home from Ohio, I put in the Russ Taff CD and this song finally made it's way to the player. I raised my hands and sang and let the tears of rejoicing flow as we have a mighty God. I want my life to always praise Him. My brothers sing this song and they sing it better than even the original recording in my humble opinion, but they aren't here, so here's Russ Taff:

The one about the lighter side...do I have a celebrity type brother?

2007-09-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

The kids and I recently went to Jimmy Teutschmann's football game. They won...way to go, Jim... then the kids and I had an interesting conversation after the game that carried on to the way home. It was pretty funny. That lead to the following email that I sent to my family. Pretty funny indeed....

Hi everyone. I just wanted to touch base with you to reminisce and share about a recent conversation I had with the kids.

Last night, we went to a junior high football game. Now we don't have a homeschool football team so this game was at a public school. My kids don't get to do this a lot, like we did when we were kids, so this is an exciting event and we have a lot of fun.

So, anyway, after the game I was talking to the kids about going to football games every week when I was a kid, and Michael assumed we were going to see Uncle Paul play. I told him, yes, Uncle Paul played, but first we had to go and see Uncle David play. He said to me, "Uncle David played football?"
This was quite a shock to him. He knows David is a runner, but didn't realize the athletic prowess his uncle possessed (possesses). I went on to tell him Uncle David was quite an accomplished football player. He was quite the athlete and held many records for Oak Hill in track. I said, "When he was in high school, the basketball team won the conference."
He was pleasantly surprised, but still couldn't believe that Uncle Paul wasn't the biggest football player on the field. I said, "Uncle Paul got his big growth spurt after high school...that is when he really got into lifting weights." He just couldn't imagine Uncle Paul as a small guy.

I went on to tell him how Paul wasn't the biggest man physically on campus, but did have a way with the ladies. Everyone loved his sweetness. I related how he dated one of the most popular girls in school, Debbie Crabtree.
He's grinning all the time while hearing about the exploits of Uncle Paul.

Then I went on to tell him a bit about David's high school career as I remember it. All the girls liked David. We all know that David has always been mom's favorite and it was the same with our friends....David was the football star, (we got blackberry cobbler when he scored the touch downs), all my friends thought David was just the cutest, David's team won the OVC championship while he was on the team...he was a basketball star. Then to beat all, he starred in the high school musical. He played the part of George Washington, our country's first leader in the musical, "Let George Do It." I had to sing a few lines of "Let George Do IT...He Can" for the kids then.

It was then that the startling observation was made. David Jayne was the Troy Bolton (High School Musical star) of the 70's! He was good looking, a jock, and a singer. Our brother/uncle/dad was the Zach Efron of his generation. Did Disney steal the whole idea from David???? My kids all have seen High School Musical 1 and 2 and while Michael isn't a huge fan of the musicals themselves, they are a part of our kid's pop culture. I know many of your kids or friend's kids must be into the whole craze...but just think...we knew a guy just like Troy, way back in the 70's and had the privilege of being related to him. Karis and Micah, you guys must be so proud of your dad, and how he rocks!

Grin!
Love you guys!
Mary and kids in Nebraska

The one about brokeness...

2007-09-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

O God, You are my God,
And I will ever praise You,
O God, You are my God,
And I will ever praise You,
I will seek you in the morning,
And I will learn to walk in Your ways,
And step by step, You'll lead me,
And I will follow You all of my days!

That is my prayer, and the Lord knows my heart. He knows I am being broken right now to give up some of the things of my flesh that I buck against constantly.

Being quick to hear, and slow to anger
Being careful to squash the pride in my heart
Changing me to not serve myself but to serve others
Speaking in a tone of voice that is gentle and not filled with anxiousness
Being more nurturing to my children
Keeping my mouth shut

I'm not sure why, but the fall is always a time when it seems the Lord really likes to just nail me in a lot of areas in my life. I have often heard it compared to the peeling of an onion and I like that example. The peeling of an onion has to take place in order to get to the flavor to enhance the dishes it will be used for. In the process of peeling that onion tears are often shed and eyes burn because it can almost be a painful experience, but oh the flavor that it can add to some dishes, makes it so worth it. Well, this fall, I am once again having my onion peeled, spiritually speaking. I have been challenged in my lack of faith, my patience, my perseverance, my occupation as a help-mate and mother. It's a tough season, but with the difficulty comes blessing of knowing that I know I am loved with an ever lasting LOVE and the Lord is continuing to refine me. He does this, because He loves me. What a peace to know that the Lord loves and cares about me. Not only enough to save me...which is the greatest blessing of all, but to know that He cares about making me more like HIM. OH what blessing.

Father, thank YOU for your love and your mercy! Thank YOU for using this vessel. Thank YOU for giving me the life that YOU have given me here, and thank YOU for YOUR Word which continues to teach me. Thank YOU for friends who sharpen and challenge me as I live my life for YOUR glory. Help me not to forget how precious life is and to use every minute to teach my children of YOUR GREATNESS, Your Power, and Your Mercy!

The one about the perfect mother and wife...

2007-09-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

As I posted yesterday, the small homeschool group I belong to had a mom's support meeting last night. The idea around the meeting was that some of the younger homeschooling moms were wanting ideas and suggestions about homeschooling. You can read their questions in the post entitled: Long Day.
Well, the group had a field trip and picnic today. Some of us "older" moms were talking about the topics and it reminded me of the devotion that I read today. It was called, "No pain, no gain" The verse for the day was:

Hebrews 12:11 "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

The idea behind the devotion was that we would all like to have the faith of Moses, the heart of David, and the spiritual impact of Paul; without going through the 40 years in the wilderness, the blisters from shoveling sheep manure, or the five times Paul was beaten 39 lashes. No pain, no gain. "In spiritual terms, your stomach is the residence where courage resides. Courage makes tough decisions---hard choices. It is said of a courageous person, "He has guts." But our soceity is flabby at the waistline. We don't want to go against the flow; we want comfort."
Now here's the jump....
As I talked with some of the older moms today, we talked about how every child is different, Every household is different. There is no perfect schedule and no "normal" household. Some may look at our kids and see good kids and say "how did you do it?" There was trial and error along the way. We had to find out what works for us. The Lord was growing us when we were young mothers and because things may look easier now, they weren't always easy. We were being grown and disciplined by the Heavenly Father, as we tried to grow and discipline our children that He blessed us with. We are still being stretched as our chlidren may all be potty trained and may have cut all their teeth, but there are different issues and circumstances to deal with as they get older. The gains come, but not without the pain. We are all on the journey and the grass is not always greener. Receivng someones tips or suggestions may not magically make your household calm.
The best solution for raising children and being a godly wife is the PRAY. Pray about everything. The God of all creation wants that close relationship with you. It's when we are seeking HIM and following after HIM, that we are pruned into being more like him and we "yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness."

The one about God's Grace...

2007-09-21T19:23:00.001-07:00

There's no other word for it but AMAZING! My friend Caryn's daughter, Hannah has an amazing post and video....please check it out. The title of the post I'm referring to is entitled, Life is Not Fair:

http://graceystory.blogspot.com/

Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that can pardon and cleanse within
Grace, grace, God's grace
Grace that is greater than all my sin!

The one about the long day...

2007-09-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

This day has been a long one. Much has been accomplished so it hasn't all been in vain.

Tonight, there is a mom's support meeting for the small homeschool group to which I belong. I really wanted to go, but for a number of reasons, I decided that no matter how badly I wanted to go, my priority for this night was to be at home. The new leader of our homeschool group submitted questions that had been proposed by some of the Mom's that have younger children. I thought I would share with you these questions and my answers to them.
Have a great evening and enjoy your families!

SCHEDULES
1. When you had young children what was your schedule like?
We tried a few different things…you have to do what works for your family. Some kids like to school in the morning when they are well rested. In that case, the younger ones would sit in the high chair and “do school” with us. Whether we gave them coloring, Cheerios, or toys, they were in the room with us and we laughed at their distractions. That is part of homeschooling. Sometimes, the baby is the lesson. J Other times, we would wait until the baby was napping before we attempted school work. It is different for everyone. Try and see what fits best for your family.

2. When do you get your house work done?
You mean that is supposed to get done? HAHA! Whenever I could, I do find that if I rise before the kids…yes that is very early for some, that I could get a couple of chores done before they woke up if I was quiet. J

3. Who has a set time? To start/end. Days.
The state has regulations, but I follow them loosely. Homeschooling is 24-7. So, if I added all those hours up I would well exceed the state’s requirements. I do fill out paper work with our tentative schedule, but I don’t stress if we get a little behind.

4. Do you have an order of events like an opening?
Always pray. When the kids were little we also did the pledge and sang patriotic songs.

5. I’ve seen very elaborate schedules. Does anyone fill one out completely putting snacks/lunch/cleaning in it?
I do not. But they work for other people. They do not work for us. We found that if I have a regimented schedule that it would stress me and the children, plus I had a hard time balancing the ministry opportunities that would arise. If I adhered to the schedule, I would miss out on those opportunities to teach my children to serve and miss the blessing myself of serving others.

HOMESCHOOLING
1. When schooling more than one child do you combine them or do they still do their own subjects and grade level?
We combine if they are close. Maddie and Marcus do the same Science and History. Because we don’t do the canned curriculum like BJ or Abeka it is good and general and multi leveled. We learn as a family and that seems to work very well for us. Michael is 4 ½ years older than Maddie…that gap was a little much, but in hindsight, I would have let Maddie do a lot more with us if I had it to do over. She definitely would have been in the room where she could listen.

2. How did you keep your children focused while cleaning their rooms at an early age?
How do you do it when they are at an old age? J I made picture charts. A laundry hamper for making sure clothes were put away in the hamper, a toy box to show picking up toys and putting them away. An excellent resource is a book called: Life Skills for Kids by Christine Field

3. How do you keep the children focused while schooling and not wanting to do something else?
Some things my children learned by there not being another option. School needed to be done. That was their job. Sometimes, you have to just keep in mind who is in charge and make sure they know it too. This needs to happen at a young age but you have to remind them gently as they grow older too.

4. Does anyone have a set room to homeschool in?
Well, we have tried that, but the dining table always worked best. However, I was frustrated with cleaning up to eat and the constant array of books. So, now we are homeschooling in the basement. It’s the family room, but we do have a table there and Maddie and Marcus still school there. Michael schools at the table upstairs, because he needs more quiet for concentration. When we do our History, Science, or Read Alouds, we (Maddie, Marcus, and I) go over to the couch in the family room, where Maddie and Marc will still curl up beside me while I read. That’s my favorite part of homeschooling. J

5. What do you do when your child doesn’t seem ready for a subject but he’s falling behind “normal standards”
What is normal? The best thing about homeschooling is you get to do what is good for your child. Marcus is going to turn 10. He has struggled with reading from the beginning of phonics instruction and still struggles with it…to the point that we have now had to call in some outside help and we are still in the process of finding a solution for teaching him. However, he has not stopped learning. I read to him orally and he answers a lot of questions orally. I haven’t given up on subjects that are hard for him, because he is a sponge as children are at that age. I keep pouring the information in him and asking him to narrate it back to me. (then I know he grasp the ideas and concepts) Also, though, don’t let the public schools decide what is normal. If you had a really bright child, you wouldn’t hold them back because of what “normal” kids did. You would feed them more info and let them grow. Like I said….what is normal?

6. What do you do when your child has no interest in a subject but has to learn it.
It’s a life lesson. You tell them they have to learn some things. Life is like that. There are some things that we just have to know. I do try to make it as fun as possible. For instance, Science is not Maddie’s favorite subject, but this year I found some lap booking supplements especially for our Science curriculum. It has made all the difference in the world for her, because she is a very visual and hands on learner. She is retaining the information much better…and finding she even likes knowing some things. Try to supplement with things that they will be attracted to.

OTHER
1. What is the best way to make sure hubby is not “forgotten” while raising children, keeping house, and homeschooling?
Pray and commit it to the Lord. I have asked the Lord to specifically “help me be ready for my husband’s romantic mood” that I know would be coming later that evening. I have prayed for stamina and energy when I’m tired. Without seeking the Lord first, you are trying in the flesh. Prayer is the key to homeschooling. I have learned over the years that I need to pray about everything. Things that I didn’t consider “worthy” of praying about, I’ve found are very worthy of spending time with my Heavenly Father about…from schedules, and scheduling ideas, to curriculum decisions, to the order in which I teach subjects. He really gives answers. I think I wasted a lot of time in the beginning by not praying about those circumstances.

2. Do you turn the answering machine on while schooling or do you answer the phone?
I do not turn my answering machine on, but I do screen my calls. If I know it’s a person that I could end up in a long conversation I will not answer. I have to be very careful about that, because my children like to take that opportunity of a long conversation to sneak away from the table. I’m sure no one else has that problem, but I do, so I’m very careful. Mickey even changed our voice mail message to say we are either not at home or are homeschooling, so people understand that I have a job in the home with teaching my children. Also, if you have a good friend…Mary C. knows, when I say I can only talk for a sec, she knows I usually mean it….sometimes, we will still take more time than originally needed, but we usually know, when we say we have to go, that we need to go. If you have a friend like that, then you can probably answer the phone. Always think twice before calling a fellow homeschool mom…..email them instead. If they aren’t busy they will get it.

MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE In my opinion:
Pray, pray, and pray! Seek the Lord about all kinds of decisions. Pray for your fellow homeschooling moms and friends. We are all on this journey together. He will guide you through the decision making of motherhood. You need to seek Him first though. Also, remember it’s ok to say no to things. Even when it’s something you really want to do. I really want to be there tonight with you ladies. There was a time when I would have almost broken all our necks for me to make it there. I crave the support from other homeschooling moms too, but one of the reasons I’ve stepped back is because my children don’t need to be rushed so I can do something I want to do, even if it’s a good thing. (Good things can be a distraction and time waster for your families). I am my husband’s help mate and one of the ways I help him is by making sure I take the best possible care of the children to which He has entrusted to us. I will only have my kids for a short time in comparison with a long life. (Lord willing) We have so short of an amount of time to teach them so many things. So seek the Lord about things you volunteer for so that you don’t become too busy with things that take you away from your husband and family.

the one about Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia...

2007-09-19T07:41:00.001-07:00

Well for the last two weeks, my son Marcus has been going to an Educational Therapist to be evaluated for learning disabilities and possible dyslexia. It is a whole new world in terms of anything Mickey and I have ever dealt with while we have been on our homeschooling journey. Please pray with us as we make decisions concerning Marc's education. We feel truly blessed to have found the educational therapist we have found. She totally endorses homeschooling and I have met several other homeschool moms from our homeschooling community while at the center waiting on Marcus.
We want to open up the world of reading for him, and right now, he feels very closed off from that world. Thanks for your prayers!

The one about more on AWANA...

2007-09-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

I just have to say that our workers in Sparkies are like the best ever!
First of all Zac was not able to be there last night so Chris Smith filled in. How great was that. Chris stepped up to the plate in a big way. He was ready to announce awards at the end of the night and did a bang up job!
Hannah W. was able to come and keep score for us, so that freed up some leaders for us to work with each team.
Sara did the songs last night and passed her LEADER TEST! Way to go Sara! She has been an invaluable asset as she has good observations about the kids AND she is the only other female i the Sparky program. We girls have to stick together!
On a side note...Michael also passed his AWANA leader's test, so he can officially sign off sections.
I praise You, Lord for the workers you have given Mickey and I as we attempt to be directors this first year of Sparks. Thank YOU for that blessing!

The one about AWANA...

2007-09-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the second night of AWANA. This year provides a new experience for me in AWANA. I have worked in Cubbies. I have worked in T & T, but up until now, I have never worked in Sparkies. Well, this year, Mickey and I volunteered to be Sparky Directors. I took my test last Wednesday and I am a "real" director.
We have a very great crew to work with this year. Sara Winter and Zac Tegeder are our veteran workers. Sara will be taking her offical leader test tonight. Zac took his last year. Steveo has been tasked as Game Director besides helping Sara in the Skipper room. Chris Smith took his leader test this weekend and passed with flying colors. He is assisting Zac who is our Sparky secretary.
Sue T has been helped last week and also will help this week to make sure the secretarial part is secure with the guys.
It was easy to be director last week, because the team God has given us to work with is so fantastic. Pray that our club continues to go well as we present the gospel to kids and also help them as they memorize God's Word in their hearts.

The one about time to Update...

2007-09-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I won't reveal any names, but let's just say I have been told I need to update my blog.
I guess since I haven't posted since the beginning of August, it is time.
August went by very quickly. We took a quick trip to surpise our in laws and my parents in ohio, (The kids and I did), I underwent some medical testing...everything has turned out ok, Mickey left again for an overseas trip with his work, and the Wilson girls came for a visit.

It has been a great month.
Now it is September. We have started school. Marcus is undergoing some tests for learning disabilites and possible dyslexia. This is all a very new thing for us. I have a booklet on phonemic awareness that I need to read. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around some of these new terms. In the meantime we are doing as much schooling as we can.
For Maddie and Marcus that means:

Maddie:
Language: Great Source Write Source 2000
Math: Horizons and eventually Teaching Textbooks
Writing: Understanding Writing
Bible: Bible Study for All Ages
Science: Apologia Astronomy
History: All American History (Bright Ideas Press) vol 1
She is also doing a book and tape set on listening skills. Something I think would be good for every pre teen or teenager.

Marcus:
Bible: Same as Maddie
Grammar/Spelling: First Langauge Lessons Level 3/ Spelling Solutions
Math: Horizons
Science: same as Maddie
History: same as Maddie
Writing: Understanding Writing

They are supposed to be using the Typing Tutor cd rom on the computer and also a P.E. activity, do some type of composition work (blogging, letter writing, etc.), geography game with Mom, Current Events with God's World News. Maddie is doing some Home Ec. work also.

Michael's schedule is:
Metro: Electricity 1010
PC Troubleshooting

At home:
Math: Algebra 2 Teaching Textbooks
Literature: Movies As Literature by Kathryn Stout
History: All American History vol 1 and 2 plus extra reading
Bible: Major Bible Themes by Walvord
Life Skills notebook: This is a compliatin of workI'm having him to.
I'm also making him take a Communication elective from me.
Michael is also still taking piano lessons.

I'm praying this is a great year. I'm trusting the Lord I will become even more accountable for what my children know of HIM. That is the greatest thing I teach them....God's Word. Mickey and I have both felt that becoming an incredibly bigger tasks as we see and hear about young people falling away from the church and our Savior. So we are trying to teach more Bible at home and also not just making sure they have the head knowledge but teaching them how to apply it to their own hearts and lives. If you think about it, won't you pray with us.

Until next time....
Mary from Mary's World

The one about CEF...

2007-08-02T06:18:00.000-07:00

This week the kids and I are hosting a 5 Day Bible Club for Child Evangelism Fellowship. We haven't had the great turnout that we did two years ago, but there are kids coming. If you would like more information about CEF go to:
http://www.cefonline.com/

The one about good morning, blue!

2007-07-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I changed the color scheme of my blog. I like this fresh new blue look, but I've posted a poll to the left, so you can voice your opinion. What do you think? What color is best?
Blue is Mickey's favorite color, so I was thinking of him also when I picked this.

Michael got home from Hawaii yesterday. It is so good to have him home. If you check out his blog you won't find pictures though. He took two pictures. Apparently, he was having way too much fun. He's relying on Dave Kersey to make a disc of pics for him. :-) Hopefully, we'll get those soon and he can share them.

No matter what, it's good to have him home! We've all missed him very much!!!

the one about California Pics...

2007-07-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are some pics from our recent trip to CA. The one on the left is a picture out the windowof the van, of my new favorite state, Wyoming!

Carmel-By-The-Sea

Here is a pic of Brent, Janie, Mickey, and myself on the beach at Carmel.

Marcus at Carmel.

Here is a picture of our last California meal. Brent grilled steaks and garlic-buttered shrimp. Janie fixed pilaf and Mickey and Brent stopped at a road-side stand and bought a ton of fresh fruit and veggies: strawberries, bing cherries, blackberries, tomatoes, and pistachios :-)

The Three Amigos! Great friends! Great friends!

Great friends!

Maybe tomorrow I'll post about the trip home. :-)

the one about OUR TRIP TO CALIFORNIA

2007-07-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

What a great time we had.
Here's the low down:

Tuesday, Day 1- Drove to Wendover, Utah. We drove through western Nebraska, Wyoming, and almost all of Utah before we got there. We stayed at a Best Western Hotel there. It took us about 14 1/2 hours to get there.

Wednesday, Day 2- Drove to Fresno with a stop in Lodi, California to visit with my friend Janie's mother Barbara and see her vineyards. Beautiful!! Barbara had refreshments for us and it was great to get to visit with her and see her place. We got to pick apricots from her tree and take them with us to the Wilsoms. (Thanks for the fun time, Barbara) We loaded back up in the van and headed back down to Lodi.Got to Fresno around 6:30 pm (California time....I think.) Grandma and Grandpa Wilsom (Jim and Joan) were there also waiting on us. We grilled out and just started to catch up on how everyone was. The kids had grown and the house was great. What a great time! The kids swam!!!

Thursday, Day 3-More catching up and visiting. Michael drove Amanda, Bethany, and Maddie to Starbucks. It was just too hot to walk! Mickey and Brent started some projects around the house and went shopping for electronic stuff. That night we went out to eat at Javier's. (Their version of our La Mesa) On the way home we noticed the power people with their flashing lights working. Well, the power was out. You see, this was the hottest day of the summer thus far in California, so there was a lot of air conditioners running. Brent called Jim and Joan to see if they had power and they did, so we grabbed some ice cream and headed over to their house to do some more visiting and catching up. We stayed there until about 10:30. Joan needed some rest though, as she had to go to work the next day. So we all went back to Brent and Janie’s to a dark house. We sat around talking for a bit, with flashlights and candles, but by that time the time-difference had started to catch up with me. I hit the sack. I think the kids might have gone swimming. I’m not sure. All I know is the electricity didn’t come back on until 4 a.m. No fans, or any movement of air was happening, and I heard some people had trouble sleeping, but not me. I was out like the lights.

Friday, Day 4-I was sitting by the pool watching the boys swim. They splashed me so much, I just jumped in clothes and all. More visiting and catching up with Janie. Michael drove the kids to Blockbuster and they rented movies. They watched a lot of movies!

Saturday, Day 5-We went to Hume Lake Christian Camp.
Hume Lake Christian Camp:
http://www.humelake.org/
The guys: Brent, Mickey, Blake, John, and Marcus went ahead of us in Brent’s truck. They went up early to cut and split some wood for their wood stove they had installed last fall. The rest of us: Janie, Amanda, Michael, Bethany, Maddie, and myself went a little later to give the guys a head start. Well, Hume Lake Christian Camp is in the middle of Sequoia National Forest. You go to the entrance to the Forest and tell them you are going to the Christian Camp and they normally give you a sticker for your window. One is then supposed to go straight to the camp. Otherwise, you could get a ticket for not paying to enter the forest. Well, we missed one of the turns to the camp, and drove farther into the forest before realizing it. We had to turn around and find our way back. However, the best thing about missing the turn, was I saw the biggest trees I’ve ever seen in my life! I was actually glad we missed that turn, because of the view we got. The Sequoia’s are wonderful!
After we left Hume Lake we headed back to Fresno and had dinner with Jim and Joan at their house. It was delicious and it was good to do some more catching up with the “older” Wilsons. Michael got on the computer and showed Jim and Joan the pictures from the HBC youth group’s mission trip to Mexico. It was fun for them to see how everyone had changed since they had seen them last.
For your own glance, check out this link:
http://en.oremundo.org/Trips/photos/mia062307/index.html

Joan had also gotten several photo albums together for the girls, Bethany and Amanda. We had a blast looking at them and seeing how the kids had changed over the years.

Sunday, Day 6-We attended Riverpark Bible Church. http://www.riverpark.org/
We decided to change up the traveling arrangements and so we had a kid vehicle and an adult vehicle. That was nice as we could all visit as adults together. Michael drove our van as the kid car and we took the Yaris for us adults.

We had an excellent time at the church through worship and teaching. We got to meet several of Janie and Brent’s friends. It was a great day. We went to Dicicco’s for lunch. http://www.diciccos.com/

It was a great Italian meal, and for once, Michael didn’t totally wolf down his meal and the leftovers of those around him. He got the biggest calzone I had ever seen and couldn’t finish it all. Maybe he filled up on the bread before the meal, but it was surprising that we had to take home leftovers for him. We went back home and hung out until church that night. During the evening service, the high school choir, Chosen Generation, was leading the service. They had just returned from their mission trip to Sacramento where they helped in food kitchens and did some street ministries and concerts. They were a great choir to listen to and sing with. It was a wonderful night of worshipping the Lord for me personally. My tears flowed freely as we lifted up our voices in “How Great is Our God” and “How Great Thou Art” Amazing!

Monday, Day 7- We journeyed to the sea; Carmel-by-the-Sea that is. We drove up in our normal groups of: Brent, Mickey, Blake, John, and Marc in one vehicle, and Janie, Amanda, Michael, Bethany, Maddie, and myself in the other vehicle. We didn’t want Michael to have to navigate too many unfamiliar roads. If you check out the kids blogs there are pictures from inside the car during this trip. Maddie and Bethany were trying on sunglasses and playing “Miss Hollywood.” Then there was the singing…that got worse on the trip home…thanks Michael! J
Anyway, we got to Carmel. http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/
When we first arrived we went to the Hog’s Breath Inn: http://www.hogsbreathinn.net/
This is the restaurant that was owned by Clint Eastwood at one time. It was delicious!!! Then we all split up and explored. The guys took the boys down to the ocean to play. Michael, Amanda, Bethany, and Maddie went exploring at the ocean and then in the shops, while Janie and I shopped and talked! It was a lot of fun. Before we got in our cars for the trip home, we went down and took some pictures by the ocean. It was great fun. Then Janie drove us along and we got to see some of the great beach cottages of Carmel. So much fun!!! On the way home from Carmel we stopped in Los Banos. We were going to get a meal at a Basque restaurant (Wool Growers), but it was closed on Mondays. We opted instead for Espanos Restaurant. It was very good Mexican food. I am always up for Mexican.
http://www.restaurants.com/US/DetailPage.asp?RefNo=2098265121&Sponsor=1
I think the kids went swimming when we got home. They were out in the pool one night until like 11 pm. J I just can't remember which night. :-)

Tuesday, Day 8- Mickey got to play with Brent’s new jack hammer as they busted up some cement. Janie’s homeschool group, the Greenhouse group, had a meeting at her house. The kids all came over and swam in the pool while the mom’s had their meeting. I loved meeting the ladies in the Greenhouse group. This is an exclusive smaller homeschool group providing social/learning experiences and character training/Bible studies for their children. They were meeting every Thursday afternoon, but may be changing their meeting time to accommodate new activities. I really liked getting to hear about their plans; makes me desire something like this especially for my younger two children.
I also got to use Janie’s new HE front-load washing machine as I had to do laundry before we left on Wednesday.

Wednesday, Day 9- Time to say good-bye. L I hate good-byes! The good thing was plans were already being made for when we could meet again. The girls are flying to Nebraska in August, and we are so excited about having them here. We can hardly wait. We have also talked about some other times we could possibly get together. It was such a great time!!!
We thanked the Lord as we drove away for the blessing of friends who are so much like a second family, for safety and traveling mercies, and for a wonderful visit. We headed back to Wendover for a stay at Best Western. Michael got to drive a lot in Nevada this time. On the way there he drove a lot in Wyoming. So he actually drove in every state we visited. (NE, WY, UT, NV, CA)
I realized I hadn’t driven since we left Nebraska. I didn’t drive at all on the trip. That was relaxing!!!

Thursday, Day 10- This was our extremely long day. We didn’t get to Hasting, NE until about 1 am. That was because we stopped at the Great Salt Lake, in Salt Lake City, UT. We all got in the lake or played in the mud around it. (Thanks, Michael) Our feet were all smelly when we got out as it was very smelly around it…not the water, but the ground around the lake smelled extremely bad.
This dip in the lake costs us in travel time, but it was well worth it. The kids had an experience they won’t forget.
As we started driving Mickey saw tons of wildlife….prong-horned deer to be exact. That was fun for him to watch for as he drove. I watched a lot of the back of my eyelids between crocheting and reading. J

Friday- Day 11- We went to the Stuhr Museum in Hastings, NE. http://www.stuhrmuseum.org/
That was a lot of fun. Maddie and Marc got to visit with the blacksmith and the tin smith. At the tinsmith’s they got to make tinsel ornaments. We will hang them on our Christmas tree this year. We also went to the soda shop for refreshment and Michael and I got root-beer floats. Marc and Mickey got a hotdog. Maddie just had a root-beer. We meandered through the museum and then headed back to Bellevue. On our way home, we stopped and had hilarious time at Taco John’s in I think, York, NE. After that we piled into the van and I slept the rest of the way home! J
It was a great trip! Tomorrow I will attempt to post some pictures of the trip.

The one about "Let's Pack Up and Go to CALIFORNIA!!!"

2007-07-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

Well, for the first time in my life I have seen Western Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and CALIFORNIA! We are in CALIFORNIA with our great friends the Wilsons. We have been having a blast just catching up and see the sights.
Tomorrow we will head to the Sequoia National Forest area and go to Hume Lake Christian Camp. Sunday will be church and on Monday we will head to the coast and go to Carmel.
We will leave here on Wednesday. Plans are already being made for our next time of getting together as families. I can't wait.
It will be sad leaving here as it has been so much fun, but we will look back on the memories we've made and look forward to the times together soon.

I will post more pictures when we get back to NE.
Live, Laugh, and Love Always!
Mary Ann

The one about crocheting and catching up...

2007-03-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted in Mary's World.

The sap has quit flowing and hopefully soon I will post some picture so us canning syrup. (We are waiting for the arrival of my husband from an overseas trip to do that.) In the meantime, the syrup is being stored in the refrigerator.

However, even though the sap slowed down, things have still been busy in Mary's World...

Last week I was working on crocheting. I am not a big crocheter. It has been something that has been very hard for me to learn. BUT, my friend Beth taught me how to do a basic granny square, and now I'm hooked!

I will be posting some pictures later this afternoon of a granny square project that the ladies in our homeschool group worked on for a ministry project we were doing. We made a lovely granny square piece with squares crocheted by our different members. It came together so beautifully; a true example of many hands coming together for a beautiful work of art.

So, I encourage you to check out the granny square pattern that we used. It's on this page and it was the second pattern on the page...
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/lds-humanitarian-square.html

I want to learn how to make the other square on the above page also, but I have a baby afghan that I want to work on for a co worker of my husband's first. I had started knitting them a blanket, but have already taken it out and started on granny squares. :-) I just am hooked on them now. :-)

Time out from, Mary's World. :-)

The one about another interesting site...

2007-03-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

My friend Sue "reminded" me of one of my favorite sites and said I should post it.
This is who I refer to as my "internet pastor." He's one of my favorite speakers.
Check out James MacDonald and Walk in the Word:
http://www.walkintheword.com/index.aspx

The one about Sunday Services...

2007-03-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day. Our morning worship service was something else! I have never been so moved during our music service as I was yesterday. We sang some great hymns and the people were all singing out in one accord. I cannot even put it into words.
When we got home it was the topic of conversation. Michael said he didn't think he'd been in a service like that in some time. He said, "Mom, when we were singing IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL, I thought I might just start crying. I teared up. It was just something."
Now, our church is always good, but something happened there that I just haven't been a part of in quite awhile.
Amen!

The one about Spring Syrup...

2007-03-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

Well, the Syrup Master tells me that the beginning of this week will not bring a lot of sap from our maple tree. Our temperatures are really warming up, so the sap will slow down a lot. However, it will get down to freezing later this week and that should bring things up to speed again. We don't have a lot planned on Saturday so that is good...we'll be boiling sap and making syrup. I boiled down the last bit of sap I had this morning and it was beautiful and tasted good too.

I will tell you that early Saturday morning I did burn a batch. It smelled!! I hated that because we have worked so hard, but I got sidetracked with a lot of morning activity. However, life goes on.

The Syrup Master has asked that I send over some pics of the kids as he is going to make lables so we can put the syrup we've made into bottles. These are some of the pics I took while trying to get a good pic for the label.

The one about the AWANA Games

2007-03-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 10th was a day of great activity for our two youngest kids. They participated in the AWANA games. Both of their teams came in fourth place but they had a great time and played hard.

Below are some pictures from the day.

The one about More Syrup Info

2007-03-08T18:21:00.000-08:00

My friend Dave, who tapped my trees, got to visit Mary's World blog yesterday and he said to add this comment. (He was unable to because of internet restrictions at his work....why was he on the internet at work....who knows?) Anyway... this is what Dave had to say about making maple syrup.

"It takes 40 gallons of sap for us to make 1 gallon of syrup. On a nice day, we
can get 5 gallons of sap from our tree! We don't use a hydrometer to measure the
final sugar level. We use our "professional" taste buds to make sure the Brix
level is 66 (66 percent solids). In the end, our syrup is 100 times better and
fresher than anything you can buy. Right now we're making Grade A
Light-to-Medium Amber syrup."
David K.

The one about the name of Mary's World

2007-03-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

I must tell you about where the name came from for my blog. About 15 years ago there was a movie that came out called Wayne's World. I must admit I never saw it, but did see a lot of previews for it. The move was about two guys who had a cable access show they filmed in their basement. They were geeky metal heads....from what I can gather. Anyway, they chanted in the theme to their cable access show, "Wayne's World, Wayne's World, Partytime, Excellent!"
So anyway, back to the story. Mickey, Michael (age 1), and I were visitng my sissy Becky and her husband Mike in Ohio. There was some kind of intelligent conversation going on and something went over my head. Mike made the comment, "What's it like living in Mary's World?", and then went on to chant, "Mary's World, Mary's World." Since then, every once in a while my husband will remind me of my sometimes "spacey" moments with the Mary's World chant. So that is where Mary's World comes from.
:-)

The one about the syrup pictures

2007-03-08T13:12:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics....more will be coming soon... of our sap harvesting. We are making maple syrup!!!! These pictures are of Maddie getting the sap from the milk jug that is connected to tubing and collecting the sap.

Maddie then pours the sap into the "sap bucket".

After we have gotten about five gallons worth of sap, we start boiling in the kitchen. The sap bucket is taken into the kitchen, we start boiling the water out of the sap on the stove.

Our friends who make syrup boil it over an open fire. So their syrup is flavored with the open air "smokey" taste. It's good, but I must say, I like our syrup too!

the one about more Favorite Sites....

2007-03-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

Don't be disappointed in a movie again...always check it out before you go see it. Here are my two favorite sites for Christian movie reviews:
http://www.christiananswers.net/spotlight/
or
http://www.pluggedinonline.com/
Hope these will help you make wise decisions for your family.

OT...sap collection pictures coming soon! :-)