The Sunday Tooth

I realize that it is still the same day of my last post, but much has happened. E's 3rd tooth, (a front one no less) has "fallen" (has been pulled) out today! We have been working on this bubba tooth for a while now. It would cross over the other front one, push back behind it, it even stuck way out over his lip at times (hence Bubba). We used dental floss and twisting and got it so it was so crooked it was hilarious! After frustrated (almost) tears of can we quit now, this mama does not give up. I couldn't send him out looking like this now! I told him, "just go over to the mirror and try yanking real hard." And out it came! He was so excited...it just took a little perseverance. So we then practiced our "s" and our "th" and sometimes "f". It was so fun to hear his "new" sounding letters! Oh well, just had to share.

OH, I can't forget: I came home from church fully expecting a double ear infection for E, and the whole deal. He met me in the garage, jumping up and down. "God healed me," he said, "yeah for my God!" And I believe it.

I just washed my hair with beer!

Wow, I never realized bar soap would work so well on hair. Especially my thin, flat, do nothing hair. Prairie Land Herbs is my new store. And I know there's nothing nasty entering my skin. Alleluia. My bar of choice was the Ginger and Beer bar, as they suggested. I heard they were going to be at the downtown winters market, so I hightailed it down there a couple weeks ago (slight fever and all) just to check it out. I'm going to add them as an official link on my linky-do's soon.
Note on health: unfortunately, the pukes passed through (so to speak) all of us. L was Wed., E was Thurs, and hubby and I were Fri. Now, E has an ear ache and is now sleeping on the couch. (We had to be fair after all). When E has been congested (which he has), it generally goes into the ears for him. I try to treat it at home with garlic oil and heat pads, but most end up as trips to the clinic. On another note, L's sickness usually ends up in wheezing, for which he has been on the nebulizer on and off these last few days. Can I just say that December has been crap? Just plain crap. We've never been so sick. I always pride myself on my kids being the only ones not sick! (Maybe I needed to be brought down a notch?) Anyway, that's our crappy health update. Just how many times can I say crap in one blog. It's quite fun.

A question to all you bloggers out there: how does one find other's blogs? Is there a way to search by name/profile? I usually link off others, but would like to do a search on my own. Our day today will hopefully be uneventful. I sing for our worship service today, and it probably will be only me going to church. As http://mytotalpv.blogspot.com suggests, I have made a list of organizational things for this year:
1) Papers, papers, papers. I let them pile up, mail, kids' stuff, it doesn't matter. It runs my life!
2) Go through kids' toy room and fit all Christmas goodies into it.
3) Take down Christmas decor--fully. I don't want to find bits and pieces of it in July. Like usual.
4) Addition done--that's more on hubby's to do list.

*These aren't in any particular order

What's yours?

Of Christmas thoughts and food replacement

What a whirlwind. Going to 3 Christmas functions 3 consecutive nights. Maybe I'm getting old and fuddy duddy, but do we have to please everyone? By the time we got to our Christmas morning presents, I was burnt out, and the kids had opened more than their fair share the previous 2 nights. Gah. I hope to do it differently next year. With in laws, how do you change things? So, we'll see. All in all, I always enjoy Christmas. Maybe I'm partial, but I always enjoy my family gathering (Gpa Dennis) as it is calm. It's so peaceful. We sit and talk, eat, and exchange a few presents. There are no other kids. There is the only child coming out in me! It's nice that my kids get all the attention, darn it. They are the only grandchildren/great grandchildren on my side.

My kidneys are getting better, so to speak. I didn't post for a while, as I had fevers of 103 on and off the past 3-4 weeks. Finally, an antibiotic later, and I'm feeling great. No long term solution, until insurance kicks in and I can go see a urologist. I just hate talking about my health. But if this is to be an online journal of sorts, I really can't avoid it. So sorry for the non blogging--that's how you know I'm having some health issues.

Speaking of health issues, my little one threw up about the last half of the day. None of us are sick in that way, and he still seems hydrated, so we're just waiting it out. He is currently sleeping on the floor in the living room in blankets. He was so sweet and asked, "Mommy, will you sleep out here with me?" Of course! How cute is that little guy. Big bro thought it was unfair that he had to sleep in his bed, so I told him that if he pukes he can sleep out there too. Gee, I hope that wasn't an encouragement.

Since interesting things all happen in threes, here is number 3: Does everyone have little dials on their fridge to tell them what the temp is? Yeah, everyone has something. Well, ours are out in front when you open the fridge, and apparently someone had turned them all the way down. Pink liquid was leaking out of our fridge, so when hubby came home, he investigated and found that our candy cane ice cream had melted all the way down our fridge and was leaking out onto the floor. Oh glorious day when you have to go to the store to replace the whole contents of your fridge. Hehe.

I'm very excited about the new year. Always my opportunity to become and organized person. We'll see what happens this year.

My "Last Minute Shopping"

I generally do not "make" things. I really want to be that way, and I'm getting better. I'm just not there yet. I did the long haul of gifts for the kids from a random toy website today. Sorry for the non-postings...Internet Explorer has been down. There are still some things that Toys R Us will help out with, but we usually end up spending about $300 or so on the kids all together. Considering the crazy in-debtness that goes on at Christmas, we definitely don't go that far. We've learned our lesson, and are no longer in debt (except our house).
We have already purchased "our" gift. Hubby and I have already gotten our "we won't get anything for each other if we get this" gift purchased. The only thing left is our stockings. So that is our "budget" per se. We have yet to get items for family we are getting together with. I am not so stressed knowing that we have the kids taken care of.

The kids have been really wanting to go sledding, so they will get some daddy time on Saturday. That will be great. There's also a winter farmers market downtown, so yeah for me. I love those things. I'm so excited for Christmas. We still have much to do, and I'm still working on the ginormous pile of dishes that stacked up for me while I was sick. I should take a pic...you wouldn't believe it.

E's first front tooth is just about to come out. It better happen soon. I've never seen such a stubborn (and silly looking) thing. It's actually starting to cross over the other one! The poor boy will have to become good friends with the dentist. I have thumb-suckers. Even at age 6 1/2 he isn't giving it up.

I am well!

Sorry for the delay, folks. As yesterday went on, I felt better and better. We struggled with the decision of going to urgent care or not, and I'm glad we didn't. ($70 for the urine test, $80 for the visit.) We self pay, you see. It's so interesting when you're not covered under insurance. When you ask doctors, "how much will that be," they look at you as if you were a freak. I want to say, "I'm sorry, did you expect me not to care about the bill, because you thought I'd only be paying a small portion or none? Medical costs in this country are nuts. For whatever the reason. I believe it's because we're all so damn unhealthy! Needless to say, my usual kidney supplement, Naked Power C, and water did the trick. I realized it was my own fault for not drinking the water I should. My Power C's are $2.99 a pop, but having even 2 of those a day beats the cost of the doc visit (and better for me than antibiotics--oh yeah, those aren't free either!)

On to normal things. My in-laws moved this weekend. Yeah. Fun. We were there most of the day yesterday, so I entered their house as crazy-lady, wrapped in my down blanket, flannel one around my face, my knit cap, and slightly delusional from fever. You should have seen it. LOL. Just before I came in, my hubby says, oh yeah, there are people you don't know here from my dad's work. Whaaa? I had to tell everyone that I really wasn't crazy, and that I'd be taking my leave to go lie down in the other room...nice to meet you?

I always see pink everything when my fever gets high. The room also bends. Quite '70's really. Now it's your turn to tell of horrible sick stories...I'll be reading your blogs!

I've Done All I Can

I tried my home remedies, and it's just not working! I will be going in to the clinic tonight. I apologize for not visiting here twice yesterday, but I was in a delusional feverish state. This will be a short post, as I must get ready to go. I'm ready to do the rest of my shopping--online. This is the point of the year when I don't visit anymore stores. Especially with the shootings and all. Our weather is crazy, and we're supposed to get another snow storm. It's so fun to be inside while all of this goes on. Any of you out there of the praying variety, please pray for my kidney situation. It's a little scary that these things keep happening.

I missed a day!

I'm so bummed I missed, so I'll post today at 2 different times. I do have good reason, though. I usually post late--after midnight, so I'm not taking up the kids' time on the computer during the day. Last night (graffic content) I was puking my guts out. How horrible it was. My muscles already don't work right, then they are forced to work even harder. Man, am I achy. I'm a self diagnosis person, so I can say that I have a kidney infection, which upsets my stomach. The 2 times I had gone to the doctor for these, they told me that vomiting is common. This one came on strong. Thankfully, it happened after Awanas. Hubby had already been throwing up all Wed., so he wasn't too keen on taking care of me, too.
On to a better topic--Cubbies. I teach the 3 & 4 yr olds in Awanas. Their class is called Cubbies. Without hubby there, it was a bit crazy, but with our wonderful helper it went a little smoothly. All Cubbies (except one) said their verses. It was great. We have a lesson, craft, snack, game time. We have a theme song, we say the Pledge of Allegance, they have a great time.

Well, the big snow storm is to happen today, so I checked out some documentaries (thanks to http://mylittlesoapbox.blogspot.com for the ideas). It's nice that the WDM library lets you have media items for 3 weeks. We're going to curl up and learn el TV style. We only have the TV on for specific shows throughout the day. PBS is the only station I let the kids watch, so it's Cyberchase, Word World (sometimes), and Dragontales/Super Reader if they're up in time. Usually we miss these 2 since we are just waking up and getting breakfast and such.
Well, time for kids to do their lessons...talk to you later!

Ticked Off!

I just spent a long time blogging, for Blogger to erase my work. Needless to say, this one will be short. Our dinner with Shawn consisted of talking about how messed up we are, being a product of the 70's and and 80's and all. Everything from divorce, quasi only-childness, to abuse and family relationships. Yipee! It's good introspection, though. It's good to get it all out and realize that we are becoming better parents/people. Also, for anyone out there, Shawn is in search of a Christian hippie-type lady. Hard to come by, I know, but in the blogosphere, anything is possible!

As for the bulk of my day, the kids and I went to the library to check out loads of books. We also hit the new Mustard's kiosk to have lunch. Yum-eee. I love these days. Having fun, reading, doing our school work on the computer. I've boycotted all curriculum for the time being. I do actually use it sparingly, but I'm non-committal. (80's child?) LOL. Anyway, we got to visit with my misunderstood neighbor. He helped us salt our iceway, I mean driveway. It was good to have the opportunity to talk to him. He is good hearted, but as a grandfather, he does not agree with homeschooling. He has told his grandson (who is E's age) that homeschooled kids are screwed up. I have to laugh at that. I suppose that's not the first comments we'll get! I wonder, though, as homeschooling gets more and more popular, there has to be some kind of educational change going on in our kids generation. It will be interesting to see where it all ends up.

I was going to answer http://lifedreamed.blogspot.com on the soccer coach, but that will have to be a future post. So here's the list of future blogs:

1) Boys curtains and my craftiness
2) Soccer coach from hell
3) The new organization in the school/play room

PS--http://mytotalpv.blogspot.com, you can post pics of my kids from the card crafting!

We're Up Late Tonight

Almost forgot to blog for the day, my friends! We had a guest over for dinner tonight. He is a long time, SINGLE friend, who's name is Shawn. (I didn't ask him if I could use his name, but oh well). Hubby works with Shawn, and he has been a friend to us from a previous church we went to when we were new parents. Shawn is single (I say again) and never been married. I will plug that from time to time...OK, I will end here and see you in a few minutes to tell you about our night and day. (After all, it's almost Dec. 4th!)

My Previously Mentioned Secret

Most of you that know me already know this, but we have built an addition. Yahoo! This has been our dream since we moved here in 2000. Patience is a virtue. It all happened so suddenly, and this is how: my long-time friend from junior high, flips houses, along with her husband. They were in the midst of buying an acreage to live in and wanted our hot tub. Hmmm, I thought, "what's it worth to ya?" Needless to say, her husband is an engineer and has built houses, so 2 weekends later, we have a shell. Now we (husband) just has to finish the inside. I have much faith in him. We had hoped to finish by the end of the year, but did not want to use credit cards, so it may be after the new year.

We have been thinking a lot about the future, how are we going to retire, etc. Landowning (free and clear) seems the only thought we are OK with. Investments are risky and social security, HA. There are savings accounts with 4+ interest, and while we know that can't compare to inflation over the years, we'll start out there (and paying off our house, of course). Any thoughts out there on retirement? What are your plans? It would be so amazing to own, free and clear, our little house on the southside. To own that house well into our retirement age. Who does that these days? I look at my grandparents, who built and owned their house for over 40 years. I'm sure they got a pretty penny when they sold. They also owned other land, and gramps was an insurance man--I'm sure we was well insured. Grandma seems to be getting along great, able to live in a retirement home with independence. When you can still send money to the great grandchildren, I consider that a generational heritage. I want to be like that! The grandma that all the kids are excited to get a card from! (Not only that, but she used to hand-make her cards). I begged her for that creative ability when we went up to see her and she just laughed. (I guess I'll have to rely on God for that one).

We are in the midst of an ice storm, and there is no place that I'd rather be. I love being "stuck" at home. Listening to Christmas music (since Oct. 18th, by the way) and drinking hot beverages. Playing games with the kids, watching all of the Veggietale Christmas videos. My oldest knows about every x-mas song, and especially likes Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. The kids take turns swinging around (real fast) in my wheelchair and it is great fun.

I guess I'd better sign off, as it is getting late. And to all you bloggers out there, this is your challenge--to write every day in December (and to hold me accountable, too!)

An Inspiration

A lot of my blog friends have been challenging themselves to post every day in November. Well, I'm going to do that for December. And here's number 1.

I'm Still Alive!

Yes, I fell off the blog train. NO, the scary guy didn't get me. Where do I start? I guess first, with Thanksgiving. This is the first year my dad asked us down for Thanksgiving. I was very glad to get away as we are always with my in laws. That is usually fine, except that we didn't have turkey. I think this is the 2nd or 3rd year now, and I'm going to have to talk to the powers that be. So, thank you good old dad, for providing us turkey, and leftovers.

We are thinking of getting a dog for the boys. We want a free one. And it has to be good with kids. We'd like to start with a puppy that grows to a medium size, but that means we have to train it. Ugh. Angie shalt not train dogs. Angie has not had a dog since she was 4. Dog/pup shall be a female since I am already outnumbered. Those are my own personal requirements. I'm so picky :)

I will update soon, but in the meantime, shoot me some ideas on this!

Scary guy at the store

I've always loved going to the store at night. Especially now that I have kids, there is no disagreements about sugary cereal and the like. One downfall: scary people. The minute I rolled into the store hear, "do I know you from somewhere?" Maybe I'm too nice. I should have just said no and rolled away. 5 minutes later he is telling me about his ex-girlfriend. After my shopping, he is at the checkout. NOT checking out, BTW. He's just standing there watching everyone checkout. Thankfully the checkout guy notices that I'm uneasy and has someone walk out with me.

Not in the clear yet, as scary dude is standing there at his bike; I decide to not wait, but to high tail it out of there. As I turn onto the main road, he starts his bike towards me! Aaaah!! I speed, I mean SPEED down the street to make it safely home. I live very close to the store, but there is enough turns that I could definitely lose someone if I had to. This may turn into an interesting blog. Did you know this has happened to me before? Seriously, scary guys coming after me: at a QT while in college and at my apartment (while riding my bike) when I was in grade school. God has protected me thus far, and don't think He'll stop now. I still sit here though, uneasy, thinking what if this guy knows where I live? Now that I have kids, I have more irrational fear. I think of my defense: this guy has a bike, I have a minivan and a powerful $26k wheelchair. He has no chance!

There is so much more going on right now that I can't tell as of yet, so I will leave you hangin' with that!

My little man is 4!

So 10 days is the approx. time I feel like blogging again. I really have to get a wild hair to get it done. It seems, though, that timing couldn't be more perfect. Our youngest turns 4 today. Oct. 19th, 2007. We stayed up tonight making pumpkin muffins, playing with his new toys, and listening to Christmas music (it gets earlier every year!)

Here is my reflection on how this little guy lights up my life:
1. When he wakes up, and it is still dark (more often than not). He asks: is it the day (or today) yet? I say no, it's still dark, so you should go back to sleep.
2. Whenever he caused a spill/hurt his brother etc. he immediately says "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry....I said I'm sorry!!!" (He really wants us to know)
3. He has always been fascinated with his lips since birth. The moment he started sucking his thumb (at 6 mos.) he noticed them. Now it has moved to others. It's like his comfort blanket. He wants to be able to feel our lips if he is laying down to sleep, watching a movie, etc. Big brother's lips will also do.
4. He is still small enough to cuddle on my lap. (Tears)
5. He said he still wants to nap even though he is 4 now.
6. He is thorough. He will finish an activity book/maze/connect the dot to the end. Hours I tell you!

I love this kid and can't imagine our life without him!

Worship Leaders...again?

Ok, so it's just temporary. While our church looks for a full time leader, a few of us are going to "fill in the gap". It's pretty exciting. I admit, we can't stay out of direct church involvement for long! It is a part of our life, and always will be. The kids love their Awanas groups, and I am really liking the age group I teach. I had real doubts. Pre-K isn't my strong suit. You know what, though? They have a very similar schedule each week, and it's nice. They really need that security, and so do I.

Other things going on: we went to WI to visit grandma last weekend. It was nice. I think we tired her out, but we got to see the fall leaves (as they already are changing up north). We also got to see the house she grew up in. And yes, my grandma did walk to school 3 mi. one way. I'd say that's a big proponent for homeschooling! Can you imagine the central WI winters, and having you and 7 other siblings walking to school each day? Yikes!

Tonight we went to Dennis' house. He is the only family (in my family) that I have close by. It's so funny that a man that was married to my mom for the last 3 years of her life has become one of the closest members of our family. He is very special to us. He also challenges us on our conservative ways, in the same way we challenge him on his liberal ones. It's fun!

My youngest will be 4 in 11 days...where does the time go? I've recently started enjoying this age, where I was so uptight before. He will only be 3 for a short time, then no more. Tears well up as I type, knowing I will have no more of my own. God, don't let me take this time for granted. Sooner than I want, they will be men. God help us to do a good job raising them.

Lost Tooth #2

For being an online journal, I really haven't been very faithful! Either I have no life and, thus, nothing to write about, or I'm just lazy. Probably the latter. Don't you just like to read about other people? I have to force myself to write about myself. (Does that make sense?) Well, the tooth losing seems to happen on Sundays. Sept. 23rd. About 6 weeks after the first one. Much excitement. E then had a double header in soccer that day. It was quite a crazy day. Little one has been on the nebulizer, and I think he is past the bad part.

I am having trouble with the growing mound on my kitchen table. It's like we try to homeschool, and I don't have the supplies, then the mail comes, then we have to eat... It may not sound like a big deal, but that stuff overwhelms me. I have been having this annoying headache the past 2 days, then there's the gutting of our bathroom. Oh, haven't I mentioned this? That's right, our friend and contractor came over to install an exhaust fan. We knew that paint/drywall was peeling off our walls from water damage and mold, we just didn't know the extent. We knew, right then, that we needed to just gut the whole thing. It should be done sometime next week.

We are planning to leave today for WI to see my grandma. It will be good to get out of this house. Hanging out by the lake, looking at the changing leaves, and the best: eating at Chet and Amos. All you can eat, family style--so much for cutting calories. But it's worth it for my grandma. It's certainly not the same since my grandfather passed away Jan. 2006. I feel like grandma is all alone up there, eventhough she now lives in a retirement community. She is such an amazing woman. I love talking to her.

Well, I hope everyone is doing great, and I'll talk to you again in October!

Random Musings

OK--now for a more positive post! We had an interesting experience that I'll tell you about: we saw the RV that will be driven on the Live Lightly Tour. This amazing family converted their RV and personal vehicle to run on veggie oil. What's amazing is that they totally rely on God to meet their needs by traveling full time. How many of us out there would abandon our house, lifestyle, job to just just travel? I would so love to do that someday. These people have done this, and here's my plug to support them.

Another thing on my mind: What happens from age 3 to age 4? My almost 4 year old is testing testing testing his independence. I admit, I yell. In my case, just picking him up out of the trouble does not work. Corner time and taking things away is what we use at this point. I definitely tell him the times that he is being good...maybe not as often as I should? Maybe because it hasn't been happening very often. Aaaaah! But I love him.

How sad is it when you hear of someone your age dying? Recently, there was a car accident up by Ames in which the deceased was a guy from my graduating class. I will be going to the funeral tomorrow. I didn't even know him well, but I remember at my mom's funeral, I wanted as many people there. There's something about a lot of people making time in their day...people who have been touched by the person, even if they've only ever heard their name. It's comforting as human beings that we can go up to someone we don't even know and say, "I'm sorry for your loss."

Next stage of house remodel: we are gutting our bathroom. Yipee. Our original plan was to just install an exhaust/heat/light dealy-bob. But, if you've seen our bathroom, and most everyone reading this has never seen our master bath (if you can call our 5x8 a master). The drywall is peeling because of 7 yrs w/o this said fan/exhaust thingy. Hence, there is mold. Everywhere. Not the dangerous black stuff, but the let's quick put this bathroom in to bring up the house value and skimp and not put in an exhaust fan kind of mold. So we go from a $50 fan to $3000 renovation. Yikes. But, we like our little house. It teaches us daily that things are not important. Not material goods, space, things.

Thanks for listening.

It's 9/11, and I'm still uneasy

I have been up way too late studying up on my terrorist knowledge. I believe I've become a bit paranoid since having children. No one would have believed that 9/11 would ever happen. To America, no less. After all, who would attack America? Here is some history and some current events. Use them as you will. March 2007: threat that terrorists may hijack buses in the U.S. We are told they are still the safest mode of transportation for millions of American children. Sept. 2004, Russian school attacked by Islamic terrorists, 334 students killed: I won't give you the details. Sept. 2001, World Trade Center attacked by Islamic terrorists. A trend, perhaps? Now onto current events: In the Austin/Houston area there are 20-some buses that have disappeared. Aaaaaaah! Is this an every 3 year event? And is America next, again?

Thank you, Lord that our kids are not in school. I say a prayer for every child in every school.
Surely we cannot be blind again. Thank you to my dh who loves talk radio and fills me in on the important stuff. Even if it keeps me up until 2:30am.

Sick sick and more sick

Does this cycle ever end? I don't remember a single time that we have all been ill so often. Both hubby and my youngest have had allergy/asthma related sickness. Youngest was even thought to have had pneumonia! What the...? Needless to say, they have been both living on the nebulizer, and are now only in the phlemy cough stage. Ya hoo. This is all after the oldest had the ear infection/throat sore thing. In the midst of all of this, Saturday, my kidney really started to hurt in the evening. I told it to go away. I seriously said...God, I do not want this and I'm not having it. The next day it was gone. Now today, I've had a mild fever and both kidneys were hurting. They are feeling better now, though. I went on with life like nothing was wrong, and I plan to dang it. I'm sick of this (pun).

So, now that you know all our aches and pains, I'll share some good news. We have officially started homeschooling as of Tues. (with curriculum and stuff). It's fun! Pretty soon we'll get it down to where it won't actually take a full day! Poor youngest, he watched a lot of TV today and I feel horrible. I've just got to learn to multitask the boys. It's so great, though. I am loving them even more every day.

Wow, and Awanas. I am officially going to be the director of the Cubbies. (That is the pre-K). I feel like this is the time. I know it, too, because we are getting attacked with sickness so badly. I was about to give up, but then remembered all the support at this church. Everyone will be learning. It won't just be me. All this starts in 1 week! Also, flag football is starting for the boys on Sat. I have learned that I do really thrive on being busy. I don't like deadlines, but I do like knowing that I'm being a productive member of society.

Fall is approaching...leaves, thanksgiving, pumpkin farms, corn mazes. It is a truly wonderful time of year. Get out and enjoy!

Nice Award!

OK, so it's taken me 10 days to figure out how to get this image into my blog. It's quite a lovely award, isn't it? I thank Heather over at Mini Memoirs for awarding me with this. She is a wonderful friend, and just announced the news that she is expecting #4! The neat thing about her is that she is so strong. I am not just talking physically, people. She can handle and conquer about anything that comes her way. She is the kind of friend would do anything for you. I'm so glad I met her, and get to spend even more time with her on this journey of life.

So now it's time for the awardees...I'll try not to nominate people who have already been nominated, although it's hard!

1st) D. at http://mytotalpv.blogspot.com/. What a sweet mama to a smart as a whip toddler! She is the epitome of "being there" for a child if I've ever seen one. She is always ready and willing to make every moment a teaching moment. I love just watching her in action. I really enjoy spending time with her, even if she is ten times smarter than me!

2nd) Abby at http://lifebysugarcreek.blogspot.com/. Wow, we've known each other for about 6 yrs now. I'm so glad that we were "reacquainted" after a time. We've come to a place that our values, and just generally life have meshed, with kids, marriage, house, loss of parents--all the things you encounter "growing up". She is also a friend that would do anything for you, and I thank her for making herself and her home feel like home to me.

3rd) Sara at http://walkslowlylivewildly.blogspot.com/. It's just crazy when you, by chance, find someones blog that would change your life. From her Christian walk, to her declutter/compact experience, I have learned immensely from her. It's great fun that I've actually run into her twice in Des Moines. God is just awesome like that. She is truly someone that I could become friends with, and I am excited about her journey into a new season of traveling and relying on the Lord.

4th) Another Sarah, at http://theviewfromhere.wordpress.com/. This is someone I haven't actually met, but "know" through mutual friends. I love her personality and her perseverance as she waits on the Lord. She is so fun to read, and I just pray blessings for her throughout her life.

Teaching Meme

This was passed to me from my friend Laura:

Teaching Meme

1. I am a good teacher because… I guess I persevere and make my kids do the same. I don't know that it really makes me a good teacher, but it's been my life song, so it kind of weaves throughout everything I do.

2. If I weren’t a teacher I would be a… mom, a pursuer of better health, a volunteer for Hospice or other organizations.

3. My teaching style is… I need structure. A beginning and an end. I use a lot of repetition, especially with the youngest. We make up silly stuff, songs, and rhyming tricks. I really don't feel like I've actually started!

4. My classroom is… the world (OK, so I'm stealing that from Heather and Laura). I would love for our classroom to be a traveling one. Let's learn about the Grand Canyon--then travel there.

5. My lesson plans are… So far I don't have any. I picked my curriculum for the year, and I've taught the basics out of workbooks I've picked up from here or there.

6. One of my teaching goals… is to raise a person who knows who he is, what he knows, and how to learn what he doesn't know. (OK, I'm definitely stealing from Laura on this one.)

7. The toughest part of teaching is… keeping organized and on task. Oh wait, are we talking about life or teaching? Also, working on patience.

8. The thing I love about teaching is… definitely when the light bulb comes on. It's neat that I get to see that with my own kids as they progress through their academics.

9. A common misconception about teaching is… that you have to know what you're teaching. It is good to learn together. (I am so stealing this one again!)

10. The most important thing I’ve learned since I started teaching is… I am not perfect, so I shouldn't expect my kids to be.

$2000 and a lot of days later

Wow, somehow my last 2 blogs were lost in blogger space. I went to look at my saved drafts, and apparently, that's all they were. Sorry about that. On with the current events. A week ago, we had some serious work done on my van. Oh, the lengths you will go to to keep a 40,000 van running. About 4 days at home, and I was ready to go out. So, a friend and I went to see Stardust the night I got the van back. Good movie.

Next day, Aug. 11, we went up to the repub. straw poll in Ames. What an inspiring thing to see and hear. People who still have faith and the fight to return America to it's original values. I never tire of hearing about the original values speech. Back to family, morals, fiscal conservatism...let's add environment to that. I realize that the party I most commonly align myself with, is not very strong on the environment. I do think that it is a concern, and we cannot rely on foreign oil. I also know that this party is big on life, business (particularly small business) and getting out of debt. That pretty much sums up my life in the last 7 years. So, of course I'm going to align myself with people that I meet my core values. Another bonus, is that our guy placed 2nd in the poll...he's also a HUGE home school supporter.

Next day, we went to Rockford, IL for a family reunion. It was great to catch up on family I don't see very often. I again, stop to marvel at my grandmother for her strength and positive attitude. I love her dearly. That woman never has a complaint...and she's nearly 82! I can't wait to see her again in Sept. And for the kicker...I reconnected with a somewhat estranged uncle, who is by the way, my God parent. He travels around in a $93,000 rv, just floating from one place to the next. Neat, and quirky guy. I found out some very horrible things about my grandma's side of the family. That was an eye opener, and it really made me reflect on what kind of generational curses exist in our family history. Yikes.

Well, I'll have more later..it's late, and I'm filled with thoughts of having to prepare for our homeschooling lessons and the fact that I'm putting that off.

White rice and maggots look the same

So I'm not great at the green thumb/gardening thing, but I'm getting better. I have a huge load of lettuce already turning back to seed! That's right, I planted so much lettuce that we couldn't use it all. Even offering it out, we still had too much. Then I thought, every gardener has to have a compost pile. Now being a perfectionist oldest/only child, I did not want to just dump things in the corner of my yard without the proper bin etc. But waiting until everything is perfect to do something, is just procrastination. So, I have an open compost pile in the corner of my yard. It certainly did cut down on garbage! And, oh, the maggots. How I did not realize the grossness (is this a word?) After dh stirred my "pile," he lovingly dumped the spoon in the sink that I was already washing dishes in. The title of this blog says it all. I would not reach my hands in that sink for anything. Thankfully, dh, is not squirmish with these things.

Herein, a life lesson for me. I didn't know how to parent, and still am not perfect. I found out that the gross things that others think are cute about parenting (vomit, poop), are still gross to me. I thought that I would not have the nurturing instinct. I do...I don't know if it's overprotectiveness, but I don't care. There are quirky things that I do/don't allow my kids to do, and it's starting to be noticed by the in-laws. I don't let the kids watch more than an hour of tv per day (except for sickness). I am a hawk about what they eat. I am anal about them washing their hands. I can hear what's going on in the other room, and know what's going on in the other room. I hope it doesn't come back to bite me, I just don't want things from dh and my past to be present in their lives. I want more for them. So this all from a simply 4x8 raised bed garden...go figure!

I'm back!

Well, after a spell of our computer being on the fritz, I'm back to blogging. With our desktop telling us it was performing a "physical memory dump" we thought, that does not sound like a good thing. So, when we lost the internet on it, we were for sure that it was going to crash. While backing up our files like mad, we used the laptop, which was incredibly uncomfortable to type on for any length of time. Hubby was doing some computer work today, so he tried reinstalling our internet software back on, and low and behold it worked! We'll see for how long!



Let's see, updates...I am finally done with the horse pill antibiotic. Yeeaahhh! Now I have to keep up the water consumption. Someone recommended a naturopath doc that works in 3 different towns. I believe that Des Moines, or a city close by, was one of them. If you were the person who recommended him, please leave me a message.

School and AWANAS are starting up soon. I'm pumped. Heather recommended "Learn at Home" curriculum. Just looking at the first few pages, I know that it's exactly what we need. I need structure. Always have. We get our lesson done, and we can add to it with anything--games, field trips; I'm starting to really love homeschooling, and I'm not even official yet! As for AWANAS, it looks like I will be one of the preschool teachers. That will be a stretch for me. Even though I have a child at that age, it's not my strong suit to teach them. But, that's why God likes to stretch us to do things we wouldn't, on our own, be comfortable doing.



I'm going to sign off for now, but I'll be back with more details. Just tired, and I have to go drink the rest of my water allotment for the day. Yipee.

On the Road to Recovery

What an eventful week. I'd started having a fever Thurs, then Fri. It seemed higher than normal for me. I had pain in my kidney. (My husband always laughs at this. He thinks it's funny that I know what ORGAN is hurting. I guess it's like saying, oohh, my pancreas). For real though, it's always that right kidney. I don't know if I put pressure on it or what, but I'm going to have to change my lifestyle a bit. I've decided, I will drink 5 oz of water an hour. I hate water. No, I loathe water. I'll come back to that...

So, the diagnosis was that I have a kidney infection. It freaked me out; it still freaks me out. The Dr. was very serious that I don't want another one of these. I'm on these huge antibiotics that make my throat sore. And, I can't be out in the SUN :( What timing...July. Hubby's b-day is coming up this week. I want to make it good. He's very special. He's quite a guy to deal with my sickliness...again. During church today, I just wept and wept during worship. It's just what I needed. I just have to quiet myself to hear Him, too.

So about the water, I have to drink "plenty of water" with this med. Isn't that specific? I could go the whole day and not drink a thing, and now I have to drink loads of this stuff. Help me Lord, I'm going to have to do it. It's a lifestyle change for sure. I've pretty much stopped eating meat. There's too many weird stuff with meat, and the fact that it stays in the body for so long, that it's easier to avoid it. So that's another change. I also may start taking milk thistle and dandelion (detoxin), but I'm up for suggestions. I just have to make sure I am getting rid of toxins.

On a 2nd? 3rd? note, I don't know what we're doing for school this fall, so I better get my butt in gear now that my butt is not 102.7 degrees.

I Feel Like a Kid Again!

It's so fun having an amusement park pass. Thanks to Laura, she inspired us to purchase a year pass for our family and have since used it twice this month. I was kind of bummed after the first visit, to have paid full price for a year pass and only be able to ride the Ferris wheel. But alas, it was only fear stopping me! I thought if I rode anything remotely crazy, I would for sure end up with broken bones. Well, when we went yesterday, I rode the upside down roller coaster, the Space Shot (it shoots you into the air), and many more.

We have a quite interesting situation in our family. Me, the one in the wheelchair, will ride anything. My big strong husband? Not so much. So when E wants to ride the big ones, who has to go? We have to pick between actual safety of my body, or my husband hurling up his lunch. I feel really great that I took a chance, showing my son that "mommy can do it, too". Hubby actually rode some that he swore he never would go on. Then, he swore when he went on them. It was hilarious. The greatest was probably when the amusement park employees offered to watch the kids while hubby went on the Space Shot. Man, did he try to get out of that one. But, he rode. What a man! He does feel bad, however, about the number of times he said "shit" sitting next to 8 & 9 year olds. If you know my husband, you know that he hardly ever cusses.

Moving on, our day today at home was great. It is nice when you're on the go all the time, to just not have anywhere to be. I could tell the kids got a little restless by the end of the day, though. Our window a/c DID NOT keep up with this heat. It was 85 in our house most of the day. Yikes! I'm excited about our upcoming planning meeting this Fri. for our home school group. I'm excited and a little anxious about this school year. It's our first "official" one. I'm so glad we are in the group we are. There are co-ops, and great people. One common goal of educating our children. No hidden agendas. That's how it should be.

A Day of Firsts

July 8th, 2007 will go down in history for my E. In one day, he lost is first tooth and learned how to ride a bike. I tell you, this kid has the knack for picking up anything sporty. He was on this [2 wheel] bike for, not kidding, 5 minutes, and he'd ridden a half block. On the way back to our house, he rode the whole way down our street. Yeah hoo, another 6 yr old milestone!

We are, as a family, attempting an actual sabbath day. For a long time, we haven't really rested and enjoyed each other because of this or that. While it doesn't matter what day you choose to do this, we chose Sunday. We spent the day playing games, and eating mexican straw hats (another of my hubby's "recipes"). It's basically tortilla chips and every possible taco fixin' dumped on them. That evening we went to Grays Lake, for an impromptu bike ride/bbq. Since it was so impromptu, we didn't bring silverware/napkins/plates. We only had our meat, a bag of frozen corn, watermelon, a knife, and foil. We made those little camping out packets of food. I'd never heard of them until I met my husband. (I was a suburban girl). All in all, a very good time.

To catch you up on today, we went to the wading pool with some home school friends. What a great time. I just love Mondays at this new park. Even though the kids come back semi-burnt, we all have a ball. It doesn't seem to matter how much sunscreen I put on the boys, it always rubs off. I'm going to invest in a different kind, with more natural ingredients, but more waterproofing if that's possible. Any suggestions?

Aaaaah, the smell of paint!

Yes, we're at it again. We went to the Bondurant waste facility to collect paint for the kids' bedrooms. Yes, that's right folks. We's here paint our house for FREE; we spare no expense. One will be a park theme (with slide, swing). One will be a schoolroom/toy room (with city/superhero theme). A good friend came over (the one that will be doing the actual artistic painting). And she will be here all tomorrow, too. Some bad news: hubby went to mix the white paint for the base coat and realized that is is a hazy, 1970's greenish-white. So, that is the color of one room. Oh well, it will go with the general chaos that is already in that room. So I am sitting here smelling paint fumes. Again. You know what, though? Our house is going to rock. Maybe not according to proper decorating standards, but I think the kids are going to really like it. So here's to redecorating. It's not so fun while your in the thick of it, but it feels great when you're done!
My friend H mentioned that she had her kids watch(ed) Rescue Heroes. WHAT A GREAT SERIES! It not only teaches things (like what to do in an electrical storm). It shows how and what they do to actually save people (in cartoon language). They are my new fave, and E is just sure he is going to be a fireman. I think he really is serious this time. I can see in his eyes the desire to help people. "To save that little Billy Blazes from the burning building." We just had so much fun today. While L took a nap, E and I went for an outing. I am trying to get in the habit of taking them both out individually. They are together so often, that I want them to figure out their own likes/dislikes and who they are as a person. Anyway, while on our outing, we went to Salvation Army and picked up the aforementioned movie as well as a much wanted Magic School Bus and When Harry Met Sally (ok, that was for me). We also went to Starbucks and played checkers. It's funny, E always goes up to the counter and asks for a strawberry latte. They look at me like, he orders lattes'? Why yes, yes he does. What he really means is that strawberry frappe thing with all the whipped cream. Yeah, like I'd let my 6 yr old go up and order himself a latte. It's funny, because they look at me with confusion every time. And we go to the same Starbucks every time we go! I just take true delight in E's outgoingness (is this even a word?) I have realized, though, that L is not like that as much. He is in subtle ways, but I was noticing that with his cousins, he just did what they wanted. Not good. I want for my kids to have a mind of their own, to stand up for their beliefs. It could be that they are just different kids, but I think parents shape their kids more than they'll ever know. Heck, I didn't grow up with my dad, but I am still tight with money and stubborn as hell. So what does that say about genetics?
Well, I guess it's getting late, I'll update everyone on the room adventure. You never know what color our house will end up next!

Happy 4th!

I won't delve into it here, but for anyone who would like to know the facts about Francis Scott Key, please look it up. You will be amazed at the bravery, the pride, that Americans can have. Do we still have the pride and sacrifice it takes to make this country great, I mean really great? That's my only deep question on this day that "the bombs bursting in air" once again happens, to remind us of the ones that went before us to make this country great.
So moving on to our day! We had a pleasant day. It started out with meeting a friend for a parade, then we got confused about the meeting place. So, we sat with family. I say that in a kind of down tone and this is why: I have no family left close by. I do have my step-dad close by, but he's not a go out with the fam type of guy. We usually go over to his house for dinner about 2x per month. Our only option is my inlaws, and since I'm not at liberty to complain, I'll just say that I was glad for the day to finally end. I guess I feel hemmed in at others' house the whole day. I can't get around, check on the kids, make my own food. I feel like an invalid. But the kids had fun, and we did light fireworks when in got dark.
One awesome bit of news: my sis called me during fireworks to tell me that she is engaged! Her fiance is such a great guy, and I am just tickled that I was 2nd in line to hear about the news (after parents). We actually have different mothers, for those of you who didn't know. Although my sis and I did not grow up together, I had always hoped for us to be close. I am so glad we are. I always wonder how it was growing up knowing that your dad had been married to someone else and had had a child. I only know about it from the other end, being without my dad.
Oh well, I guess it's late and I'm rambling. I'll close it for tonight and dream up something for the next day I post. Hugs to all!

I See the Clouds' Butts

So, as we were looking up at the sun-setting sky on our way home today, the 3 year old from the backseat says: "I See the Clouds' Butts" That got quite a chuckle. I realized today how different my boys are. 3 year old: cautious, not taking risks, sensitive, never knowing what he is thinking. 6 year old: exact opposite. Although, they are both sensitive and caring, especially when someone needs help. That could be due to me being in a wheelchair. E has been praying at the end of every prayer: "...and help mommy." Translated, this means, help her to walk. I believe someday I will...be it by medicine (God), God himself, or when I get to heaven, eventually I'll be healed.
We had such a full day today, from swim lessons, to movie theater, to park/lunch. After some time at home for nap and school, we went off to the new play area/jump equipment night at the mall. I just love having things to do. Our marvelous a/c units don't quite keep up during the day, so we plan to be gone a lot! Yesterday we had a full day with a brief jaunt at park day, to lunch, to the historical building. It was a lot of fun, plus I got to know a homeschool mom a little better. L had his last bam bam ball game on Mon. night, so we have an end of season party tomorrow night. I guess I am the parent that's in charge of putting together something for the coach. (And you know how creative I am!) I guess that's all for now. I updated the blogroll, so check out the people that give me insight on life.

Continuation

Well, exciting things sure did happen throughout the day! We lost our power from the horrendous storm that blew though here, at about 5:00. Just, might I add, as I was starting supper. We snacked for a while, played Chutes and Ladders by candlelight, then just got plain hungry. So off to the mall we went. A good food court and play area date. It was good for all of us. One bad thing that happened: when the aforementioned dinner cooking was beginning to happen, I had just turned the burner to high to start the rice boiling. When the power went out, you see, I did not turn the burner off. While we were at the mall, the power did come back on. Thank you Lord that you spared our house. It was filled with smoke and the smell of burning wild rice! We figured out it had been boiling (and burning) on high for 53 min.
So, all in all, a pretty eventful day. I have to admit, my patience level for the boys was at a low today. Lord, help me do better tomorrow.

More about teeth...

This is good news, and just want to log it: E has a loose tooth! We discovered it Tues. June 19. In the midst of flossing his teeth, I saw an adult tooth popping through. We hadn't even discovered the loose tooth yet. I figured, it was probably loose, too. We tried it, and low and behold...looseness. I about cried. I'm sort of emotional. My first baby, his first loose tooth. OK, I'm done with the tooth bit.
I'm pretty excited, we now have a system in our hottub that is virtually chemical free. Just in time for the homeschool BBQ. I'll go ahead and post now, then pluck my brain for better things later.

30 days of no complaining

This means to friends, in my own head, etc. etc. I have a family heritage of complaining, so God, please help me to be positive. I realized that I sounded a bit negative in my last blog, but I truly am thankful for free lunch...yippee! So at the start of a new week, with a great Father's Day having been had, I shall, at the end of this blog name 10 things that I'm thankful for. Going back to Father's Day, I had a semi-long conversation with my dad today. It was nice. He has given me a heritage of frugality, and stubborne...determination (had to change that as to not sound negative ;) I appreciate the talks we have, as I did not grow up with him. Nor did I see him in the best light growing up. As an adult, it's neat to get to know someone who essentially gave me life!
I have not blogged about my oldest's b-day party. We had about 19 kids present. Yikes. It was loads of fun. Pirate themed, treasure hunting, pinata, the works. I'm sorry if you're reading this and you were not invited. We had to trim the guess list, and it ended up being mainly home school friends. My oldest son has quite the outgoing personality; it's a good thing we are "socializing" him properly. LOL.
We are looking forward to an exciting summer of swim lessons, park days, killing gardens, then begging my friend Abby for some of her produce. I cherish this hot weather, but I'm not good at watering my photosynthetic friends. I plan to also hit some farmers markets this week, a birthday party, a bam bam practice and game, taking my father-in-law out for Father's Day, and finishing this house up in preparation for the home school barbecue. Sorry if this sounds like a diary. I just want to be able to look back at this journal and see what was going on in this part of my life. Sometimes I need to do that--mentally plan, or go over what's already been done. I guess it's part of my only/oldest child perfectionist in me. I sometimes over-plan, then if plans fall through, I'm disappointed. God is helping me with this. He is also helping me with patience. Especially with my children. I'm a SAHM for goodness sake, shouldn't I have patience? It (I) am a work in progress, as we all are.
Thank you for listening to my rant/non-complaining/electronic journal...and for your endurance, here is my list of 10 things for which I am thankful:
1. God, that He loves me even if I am not perfect
2. My husband, that he loves me even if I am not perfect
3. My children, that they love me even if I am not perfect (I sense a theme...)
4. The family I have not under this roof
5. My wonderful friends
6. Organic food
7. Hot summer days
8. Our country, and the freedom it stands for
9. Garage sales/thrift shopping
10. Yummy yummy tea

Now it's your turn...10 things for which you are thankful!

Free Lunch!

Where have I been--this is the first I have heard about the free lunch program through the summer. Today was the first day of our free government hand out venture. Here's how it went:
I have to say, it's amazing that public schools have not changed since I was in school. For the most part, this elementary school looked the same as mine did in the early 80's. I find that to be really sad. We have new government buildings, shelters for the homeless, etc. etc., but can not scrounge up the finances to update a school. Smells of fresh paint wafted into the lunch room. (I left with a head ache). Star Wars posters hung all over the walls. Is this an educational center, or a dropping zone for busy parents? Yikes. I'm so glad we homeschool. Not to mention the lunch lady...man they haven't changed either. A woman? that strikes fear into any 6 year old heart. OK, hear ends the negative. Now the positive: free lunch. OK. So, we'll be going to the park next time free lunch rolls around. I figure that we have to pay property taxes for the school, we don't use the school, so we should go for free lunch (at least we're paying for something). Folks, I want everyone to research the beginning of public school, how it was all started. Tell me if you don't find that it has its roots in socialism...indoctrinating...check out this blog: http://www.mommylife.net/archives/2007/05/a_wake_up_call.html
Pray for our nation. Pray for our children.

My Mom

I try to be light hearted, and maybe even a little witty on this blog, but if this is a blog about real life, one can't always be that way. Some history: I lost my wonderful mother just over 3 years ago to breast cancer. Last night, I had a dream with my mom in it. It was like she was really there, you know. And in a dream, you don't know what's real, so it all seems real. In the dream, it was as if she had been gone for a long time, just getting treatment or something. I remember I was walking in the dream (which is normal because I did walk up until 6 or so years ago.) I was in my grandparents bathroom, struggling to get dressed. I needed a shower but didn't have time since everyone was waiting for me. I have to say, here, that whenever I can't do something physically, I've always turned to my mom. She was my main support, my helper, my...beloved mother. I remember dressing haphazardly in a white Disney sweatshirt, greasy hair, and just feeling depressed that I could do nothing else for myself. Then, we were at the restaurant with all her family from Virginia...Dennis (her husband), Erin (my cousin), her brothers, her mother. And then she was there. It's like she was making the rounds, seeing everyone after her long sabbatical. When she got to me, all I could do was hold her. I love you, I love you, I love you was all I could tell her. Never leave me again. I need you. She says, it's OK honey, I'll help you get ready, I'm here now. Oh GOD this dream hurts me so much. I ache so badly for her at times, and it's dreams like this that bring it all back. I guess maybe someday my kids will feel that about me. I pray we have a bond as strong as my mom and I.
Mom, I know you've always been proud of me. You told me numerous times. I'm OK, and I'm being taken care of. I know you wouldn't have died if I weren't...you're that strong. I sob when I think that you can't hold your grandchildren. E remembers you. He remembers throwing the ball with you in the front yard. And, he even thinks he sees you sometimes because someone looks like you at the mall or something. Then it all comes back. L talks about you as if he knows you, and it's so cute. We all miss you.
OK, now it's time to take your advise. For all the times you told me to clean my damn room. I have a big pile of papers I have to go through before the kids wake up. And I know how you hated clutter. I am (and was) the clutter queen. Maybe that's why we butt heads so often? :) You will always be with me. Maybe God will give me more dreams. Although it hurts so badly, it feels good to have you in my arms again. Until we meet in heaven...

Fever or fiction?

OK, so the title only has a half to do with the blog today, but I thought it was cute. I was, in fact, suffering from a fever last week. I know why, because I like to self diagnose. My temp was still under 100, so I rode out the storm. There are two bodily things that God blessed me with on this earth: a strong bladder, and an excellent immune system. OK, so there you have it.

More medical news: I am apparently a bad mother, and my childrens' teeth are rotting. We brush, yet we don't drink tap water. I have never had a cavity in my life, and I think hubby had his 1st one a few years ago. I do have mixed feelings about ingesting fluoride, since there are reports from various towns newspapers, and well, it's not all that documented on what it does to a body, just on teeth. I can't justify downing fluoride just to save my kids' teeth. I'd rather them die with rotten teeth than have them die early of cancer etc. etc.

OK, so issue number 2: do I go the route of filling cavities with the ever evil mercury? Well, according to the kids' dentist, there was no other viable option. I do sound a bit anti-establishment, but mercury, brain damage...why would I want to put that in my child's teeth? I was given the "Oh, we've been using it for years..." So that makes it OK? If I remember correctly from my education, in the history of the U.S. the medical field thought that washing one's hands was unnecessary. Yet, people kept dying of infection. If that were to have never been changed, we may not even be here today. Seriously folks, even if proof is readily available to the medical community about a certain drug/food etc. that is dangerous, it's the attitudes and the way "people have always done it" that is hard to change.

So, to make a long story even longer, we found an excellent dentist in...Omaha, NE. Yes, we have traveled 8 hours thus far to get my little guy taken care of. No, the dentist is not on our plan, but I don't care. He's the only one that uses non-mercury fillings. Not only does he not use them, he doesn't use gas. I found this out AFTER the procedure. And you know what? My son wanted to come back because he told the dentist that he loved him. (Tears welling up) My son is very loving, yes, but man, what did this dentist do? He's amazing. Toys helped. Him being a Christian helped. Everyone was so great there, I just wanted a big group hug.

Anyway, I wanted to post a home school item, but I don't have it readily available. So, I'll end with this. Oldest son comes up behind me and says: (hand gestures like he really put some thought into this) "So if you have the word crap and "e" then does that make crappee?"
Man, the things kids say. After stifling a laugh, I had to correct that crappy is a word, but it does not end with an "e", it just sounds like it. I'm afraid at what word is next!

A day full of fencing

Today started the project of Jericho, ok so maybe it's not the wall, but a nice wooden privacy fence. This is the year we are improving our house. It's just time. We feel like we are going to be here for a while, even though we have been wavering on whether to move or stay. This is what I think: Why, if we are finally NOT house-poor, would we want to move up, just so we could be poor again? I say psha to "keeping up with the jones'." What about getting out of debt and saving for retirement, and vacation, and giving to charities, living outside oneself. Oh the veritable list goes on. Back to the fence: pray for no rain, and lots of friends to help. Hubby took the day off so he could work for 2 straight days on this project, (plus his van was so full, there was no way he could use his van for work tomorrow).
I'm pretty pumped about the home school craft day tomorrow. It's always nice to do something crafty since I'm not so good at it :) I love my home school mama friends, and I learn so much from them. We also just visited the "new" central library today. I know, I live in Des Moines and I had not yet been to this beautiful library. We will be going there more often. The kids love it, and I just love the sights/sounds/smells of downtown. I am truly a city girl, but like the privacy of the country, hence, the privacy fence.
Well, we will all be eating breakfast as a family in the morning, and I'm looking forward to that. Oh, how my pleasures have become so simple. Maybe I can go to my favorite tea store tomorrow. I'll let ya know how it turns out!

I don't want to perish...

So even though I have an irregular posting (it's been a month), I'm really going to try. I've not changed since I was a child...3-4 diaries, started, never filled. I think I'm growing up now? Anyway, I've realized that my kids may want some record of the cute things they've done/said. Blogging is a great way to capture those things. These are some things that are of late, from the mouths of my babes:

Here's some background: We had an outstanding Easter play at our church, and a Good Friday service. Ethan's age group were in the sanctuary, not in their regular classes. This particular pastor quoted John 3:16 from the King James version. If you're not familiar, it uses the word "perish". After explaining this word to Ethan, he seemed fine, and nothing more was said.
Enter Ethan, a few days later...I had asked him to do something, and this was his response:
"I don't want to perish, so I'll be a good boy and do what you say."
We'll see how long this lasts, eh? If only DHS could hear our oldest say, don't kill me, I'll do it!

Next child, Luke, and his funny antics: We were reading one of his board books (Dora, to be specific). We were identifying some shells Dora had found at the beach. We had to name the color, etc. One of the shells was a brown color (you know where I'm going with this), so he named it the poop shell. To make it better, in his 3 yr old language, he added an "o" to the shell, making it poop shello. So, when anything remotely looks like this said shell, or when something minor goes wrong in his little life, it is affectionately called, "poop shello". We then break down in laughter, and realize the funniness in whatever situation.

So that's why I love my kids. I can be high strung at times, but God gave me them to make me find the humor in anything we may endure.

I love my friends!

Where would we be without friends? There is a special friend that I go on "girly" dates with, and tonight happened to be our night to go. It doesn't matter how busy life gets, we schedule at least one night a month to see a movie and go to Starbucks (don't tell the other shops). Tonight was "Norbit," we really wanted to see Blades of Glory (with Will Ferrell), but found out it doesn't come out until March 30. Boo-hoo. On a scale of one to ten, I'd give Norbit a five. Some funny parts, but maybe it was Eddie Murphy overkill, or bad writing. It is just lovely to sit and talk, play a game, catch up. God is so good to give us friends.
So tomorrow is supposed to be killer (in a good way) weather, and I'm planning on taking the kids to the zoo. A nice "field trip." Getting ready for our Omaha trip--less than 2 weeks away. I love travelling. All things leading up to travelling, bad. Getting there, good. Not growing up in a large family, I have learned (still learning) how to pack. Did my mom always do this for me? Is it my only/oldest child freaky-ness that, 10 minutes down the road I start in with: "Did you remember their shoes, and did I remember underwear?" This will go on for about 5 minutes, until hubby says, "if we don't have it, we'll buy it." And sometimes still, an hour down the road, "did you remember the camera?" Sheesh, what's wrong with me?

4 Hours

That's right, folks. I'm not one to go to the doctor, and here's the reason: the appointment was 4 hours long. Is there anyone else out there that goes to the doctor that long? Let me know. My reason for going is to get my driver's license renewed. So I can't walk, and have limited strength (scared yet?), but this lady wants a driver's license. Don't worry everyone...my vehicle is fully pimped with all the gadgets that would make us laugh if anyone ever stole it. Just imagine: man or woman, driving on their knees (there is no driver's seat); trying desperately to get it into drive (gear shift is unusable, it's push-button); then the low effort steering (you over steer and you're in the ditch in an instant). It makes me smile just thinking about it (is that mean?)

Things happen that are funny all the time, you just have to find the humor in it. Like this: Last night we were driving over to my stepdad's house for dinner (don't worry, it gets better). Almost there, we hear this dragging and scraping under our van. Hubby says, "oh no, I think the muffler just fell off." Well, it didn't quite fall off. It was holding on by just a bolt, probably dangling and dancing, as if just to make fun of us. At that moment, we stop at a light and start to hear honking behind us. As if we weren't already embarrassed, the person behind us decided to let the whole line of cars know of our plight. So we pull over to examine the damage. I'm thinking, I am now a southsider, driving a minivan that sounds like a race car. Am I receiving penance for all of my years growing up in suburbia? My question, when things break , could they just fully break and be done with it? Then we can be the people who see the muffler on the side of the road and say: "who would let their muffler get so rusty that it would fall off?" I guess I just liked sounding like a race car.

Paper hats and Cyberchase

Hello! Welcome to my new blog--it's good to "meet" you. Forgive my occasional bad grammer/punctuation. It's been a while since I've been in school, since being in kid zone for the last 5 1/2 years. Yes, that's right, we're homeschoolers, self-employed, travelin', people lovin', Jesus worshipin', Survivor watchin', internet surfin', organic food eatin', adapters to life.

I knew as I started to read other blogs, that I should start my own. God help me, He's the one who gave me that inkling (sp?). I thought what's an oldest/only child, perfectionist (in weird ways) doing starting a blog? It's gonna take me 2 hours just posting one blog, from editin' and all. This is a test in being more easy going. I know God's testing me on this. Patience. Temper. None of the first, a lot of the second.

You're probably wondering, what's with the title of my blog? For those of you that know me, you already know, for those of you that don't: I'm in a wheelchair. Well now that it's out, follow me along to witness the crazy stories, normal stuff, help me in the day to day...
Tomorrow I'll post more, and promise to be more interesting!