Dec 30, 2009

Be an advocate for your health

I have seen first hand how important it is to be your own advocate especially in the area of health care.  If a dear sweet lady at church who is only about 10 years older than me had not pushed and persevered, most likely her cancer would not have been found in time and maybe the treatment she is now receiving would not have been as effective.

To that end, I sat down today to make a spreadsheet to track everything I need to keep up with. 
  • Blood sugars, check at least 4 times daily
  • Lung function. check several times a week
  • Migraines, how often, what triggered them, how I treated them, etc

It's a lot of info to keep up with, BUT in the long run it will help me stay in better control of my health and help my doctors.  I do wish I had thought of this sooner. But better late than never.

I have been tracking things seperately, just not in one big spread sheet.

I've got it all printed out for the year and in a 3-ring binder.  It's bulky, but will also be too big to misplace, I hope.

Of course I keep thinking of other info I could have added to it, but my goodness, it's already 14 pages long and 11 columns wide.  I think I'll just jot in my weekly weight check like I have already been doing.

So, what does this have to do with being your own health advocate?  Well, the way I see it, you can't stand up for yourself if you don't have evidence.  The log will be my evidence.

It will also help to keep me on track and hold me accountable.  Don't you hate that word?

Dec 24, 2009

My Husband is My HERO!!




My dear, sweet, hardworking husband does NOT like to do plumbing jobs. Yet yesterday he cheerfully, tirelessly, successfully fixed the leaky faucet in the master bathroom!


This was not an easy task. The original, 1960 era faucet was frozen to the sink and was stubbornly refusing to go. It was very happy where it was and wanted to stay forever. It seemed that it was going to win the battle. But my husband was unwilling to give in. So he went above and beyond and did the unthinkable!

First he tore out the cheap cabinet that appeared to be supporting the sink and banished it from our home. Then he unhooked the water lines that were so friendly with the leaky faucet. Finally, with a mighty heave, he lifted the sink from its mooring and took it to the kitchen where he placed it on his workmate workbench to perform the necessary surgery.

It was an ugly sight. But we all remained calm and fetched whatever the intrepid surgeon needed and in just a quarter of an hour the patient was returned to its home, reunited with the plumbing, and providing us once again with a leak free place to wash our hands.

Thank you darling, you did a wonderful job.







Dec 19, 2009

MIGRAINE RELIEF!!!

After months of non-stop migraine I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I have known for a while the MSG was a big trigger as were almost all chemical odors. I had been avoiding MSG as it was listed in foods, but was still having lots of headaches. Then I picked up a book at the library's used book sale about food sensitivity in kids who have ADD. Lo and behold, there are a lot of the same sensitivities. So using the info in the book, I fine-tuned my diet and within 3 days, of very strictly avoiding the many names that MSG can hide behind I was 95% headache free and have stayed that way now for 3 weeks!



I see a new neurologist on 12/31 and I hope that I will be able to start weaning off of some of my preventive meds.


For anyone reading this, please take the time to do a really thorough migraine diary. I know it is hard to do, but it is so worth it to find the triggers and to eliminate them if at all possible.

Great Migraine Community
Migraine Tools

Dec 15, 2009

A Simple Christmas


In keeping with our belief that Christmas is about Christ we have always focused on simple gifts. We seek to give gifts that came from the heart instead of from the pocketbook. Sometimes the gifts appear to have been costly.


An example is the year both children received full size mountain bikes. But if you look closer you can see that the bikes are second hand. They were fixed up by the kids and their dad. So not only did they get a bike, they also received the gift of working with their dad doing something they all enjoy and learning skills that will serve them in latter years.

Some of my most treasured possessions are items made for me by the children and David. The stained glass jewelry box David gave me when we were dating. The welcome sign for the front door Sarah made for me. The earrings Daniel has made for me.

Treasures all, costly none.

This year once again we are crafting and creating. Plans are made and secrets kept. Photos printed, yarn crocheted, wood carved. What will be created by their hands? How are they using the skills and imagination God has given them? Only time will tell.


The photos were taken at Polk Memorial


Dec 14, 2009

Humility & Prayer

By Bayless Conley
Humility is a very important key to effective prayer. In 1 Peter 5:5-6 we read this,

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

God resists the proud. He gives grace to the humble.

Humility, more than anything else, is an attitude of the heart that says, "I recognize I am not self-sufficient. I am open, I am teachable, I am thankful. God, I am willing to bow my heart before You and confess that I am in utter need of Your assistance."
Contrary to what some people say and think, humility is not to be equated with lack of courage. In fact, it takes great courage for a person to admit they have need. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is a sign of strength.

King David said in Psalm 18:35, Your gentleness (or Your meekness) has made me great. Moses was called the meekest or the humblest man on the face of the earth, and yet we don't think of him as a weak person. He is one of the greatest leaders to ever step out of the pages of the Bible, and very few people in history have had power with God in the place of prayer like Moses did.

Jesus, our Savior, said, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart" (KJV). Friend, that ought to be one of the hallmark qualities of our lives - especially when we are praying. It is a key to effective prayer.

Dec 9, 2009

Writers

My children both enjoy writing. Writing for school assignments is one thing. They do it and do it well. But writing on their own, from their heart produces a completely different style and finished product. 

I quite often find one or the other huddle in some corner writing in a journal.  When I call them to history (science, math...) they are certain to ask for five more minutes to finish their thoughts.  How can I refuse?  This is NOT time wasted.  Most often the writing they are doing (from what I have been allowed to see) has been praise to our Father!

This writing I do not ask to see. I do not correct for spelling or grammar. I do not comment upon. And since I do not ask I am often given the privilege of a tiny glimpse of what they have written.


That is how the previous post came to be on the blog. I didn't ask or suggest. Sarah, for some reason known only to her, wanted to share. And for that I am most blessed.




Writing by Sarah, shared with her permission

As I walk through the valley of death You are with me Oh Lord.
As I praise You in a storm Your hand is on me.
Every step of the way You are with me.
When I stumble You pick me up.
When the hard times are over You will still be there every day.
Through it all You are there.
You are my GOD and I will praise you in the storms of my life.

Sarah, age 11
12/08/2009

Dec 3, 2009

Christmas is coming

Christmas is coming,
The goose is getting fat
Please put a penny in the old man's hat
If you haven't got a penny, a ha' penny will do,
If you haven't got a ha' penny,
Then God bless you
     Christmas is coming. For many this time of year does not bring joy and anticipation. It does not bring time with family and friend. Instead it brings only anxiety and loneliness.
     For some it brings an annual visit to church. Or maybe it is their semi-annual visit with Easter being the other.
     As true followers of Christ, how do we respond to all the hype and commercialization of Christmas? The fall equinox has hardly passed before the carols are starting to play, (I LOVE the music), the decoration are going up, the advertisements are playing on the TV, What are we to do?
     I think it is fitting that the Founding Fathers placed Thanksgiving Day just a few short weeks prior to the celebration of Christ’s birth. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is just a tiny blip, a day of stuffing the turkey and ourselves, but forgetting to really give thanks. Yes we prayed and asked His blessing. But did we take time to share our thankfulness with the ones we gathered with?
     I know I didn’t. Am I thankful? Yes.
     That leads me to the reason for this post.
  
   As I was practicing the piano this morning I was playing a song by Steve & Vikki Cook entitled “Hide Away in the Love of Jesus, (You can hear a beautiful piano rendition of it by clicking on the title.)



Come, weary saints, though tired and weak
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Your strength will return by His quiet streams
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Come, wandering souls, and find your home
Hide away in the love of Jesus
He offers the rest that you yearn to know
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Hear Him calling your name
See the depths of His love
In the wounds of His grace
Hide away
Come, guilty ones weighed down with sin
Hide away in the love of Jesus
The freedom you long for is found in Him
Hide away in the love of Jesus

Come, hopeless hearts, do not despair
Hide away in the love of Jesus
For ten thousand joys await you there
Hide away in the love of Jesus

© 2008 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Worship(ASCAP)


How many of us this Christmas season are weary? Weighed down? Counting on works that we do?

O how we need to listen for His voice and see the true depth of His love and allow His grace to cover our sin.



Matthew 11:28-30
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Jude 1:21
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

1 Peter 1:8-9
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.




Nov 28, 2009

Chemo Cap and Scarf



I just finished a cap and scarf set for a dear lady at church who is battling cancer. This is the first of several sets I hope to make for her.
This set was made using Lion Brand Homespun, it is a very easy care yarn and comes in many colors. One skein made the cap and a 34” scarf. This scarf has a keyhole to allow the wearer to pull the opposite end through thus keeping it securely around the neck..
I hope Melinda will like it and I hope that this is one way I can bless her during this time.
Please keep her in your prayers.

Just a tidbit of info:  if you don't have a mannequin head on which to display your crocheted hat and scarf set, 2 rolls of toilet tissue work just fine!




Nov 27, 2009

Another Crochet Post, but hey, it's my current favorite hobby!




This is the 6th crocheted purse that I have made and only the 3rd that I have kept for myself for use as a purse.




 Purse 1 was a felted purse that ended up way too big, so I used it as a tote for a while and then donated it.

 Purse 2 was also a felted purse made along the same lines as #1, but I’m not happy with the straps. Since I like everything else about it I am considering removing the straps as soon as I figure out what I want to replace them with.

 Purse 3 is perfect except for the yarn I used. Too easily snagged, pilled, etc. for daily use. I’ll keep it though for a dressy winter purse.

 Purse 4 was an experiment using the type of yarn you find in commercially available crocheted purses. I gave it to my sister. The initial 4 all followed to some extent a pattern I found on the internet for free.



 Purse 5 was entirely my own creation; it is now my daughters.



 Purse 6 is my most recent and so far my favorite. I found the yarn in a box of mill ends at the A.C. Moore in Concord Mills Mall. I’m fairly sure that it is acrylic. I used a double strand throughout and single crocheted to give the purse a very sturdy body. It would not have needed any lining at all, but I like to have pockets.



I learn something with every purse I make. With purse 6 I learned that I can ruin 3 zippers very easily and that Velcro is NOT my closure of choice. (The zippers were reclaimed from worn out other things) I also learned that there is available a very nifty closure that is a hinge contraption that I plan on looking into.







Happy Thanksgiving

Psalm 100



A Psalm of thanksgiving.


Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: give thanks unto Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good; His mercy endureth for ever; and His faithfulness unto all generations.


I hope everyone  had a wonderful day of giving thanks. We certainly have plenty to be thankful for.

    • A roof over our heads.
    • Food to eat.
    • Clothes to wear
    • Books to read
    • A library close by with GREAT Staff!
    • Heat in the winter
    • Air conditioning in the summer
    • Freedom to worship
    • Freedom to homeschool
    • Freedom of speech
    • Parents that love me
    • America is free
    • Computers games for pc (son)
    • The internet and the ease it allows me to find and share info
    • Alarm clock
    • To have made it through 1 year of a job that is more demanding than I ever dreamed (husband)
    • That I was diagnosed with asthma before it killed me (after many years of symptoms)
    • Our new church family and their genuine love for us and each other
    • Christian friends that love me in spite of the problems I have
    • Honest friends that don't judge us for moving on and leaving 'their' church, these are true friends
    • God is in still in control in the World, in America and in our lives
    • Cars that run
    • That our children have both claimed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and are starting to bear fruit
    • That my husband loves me, encourages me and challenges me no matter what.
    • Twenty years of marriage and looking forward to many more.

There are so many more things to be thankful for. Too many things to list all at once. Let us not forget to give thanks in all things. Give thanks in the good times. That is easy. Give thanks in the bad times because it is ALL in His control.


He Gives AND Takes Away
my heart will CHOOSE to say
"Blessed be the name of the LORD"
Being Thankful does not always come easily. But every day is a new chance to make a new choice to be thankful.

The Apostle Paul put it this way in Philippians chapter 4, "... I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.  I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot.  In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content..."


Nov 14, 2009

Another Finished Project



This time the project was a short story for a contest.




It had to be science fiction or some other type of imaginary story and both D and S entered. They were due to write a short story in several weeks for their writing class in school, so I just rearranged the schedule and had them do the short story to coincide with the contest.

S wrote a story about a boy struggling with his geography homework. As he gazes at the map trying to remember the answers he finds himself suddenly in Turkey….

D wrote a story about a monster that had been terrorizing a village in the Sahara and how it was defeated.

D’s story won second place and S’s story won third place.

CONGRATULATIONS KIDS!!



Tartan Museum

Entry to the Museum

Mary Queen of Scots








yarn used to weave the kilts



The Tartan Museum in Franklin is small, but I thought it was very thorough and interesting. We probably spent an hour there; the first time through I took photos of almost every exhibit. (I haven't posted them here.) Then I went back through and paid attention to the exhibits without the camera.


For those that might be interested, David is Scottish. Clan Gordon on his maternal side and Clan Buchanan on his paternal side.





Nov 11, 2009

Deep calls to deep at the roar of YOUR waterfalls; Psalm 42:7

Day One

Mingo Falls
Qualla Indian Reservation

After climbing 170 stairs.walking about a block over a rocky, muddy path, while hearing the thundering of the falls, we finally saw it.
It was so worth it. 

I don't think we have ever climbed to a waterfall and been disappointed.  Once again we were awestruck at the glory and the majesty displayed
by our glorious God. 

The whole earth is full of His glory. Isaiah 6:3

The voice of Jehovah is upon the waters:  The God of glory thundereth...
Psalm 29:3  ASV


We had our choice here, but twilight was fast approaching and after the climb earlier in the day to Mingo my ankle was NOT up to much so we opted for the closest waterfall.  Not as spectacular but still beautiful and the trail was wide and smooth.





David shooting Tom Branch Falls







Tom Branch Falls
Great Smoky Mountains National Park


Day Two


The Waterfalls of the Cullasaja River Gorge



Cullasaja Falls



View of US 64 from the car.   This is where we stopped to photograph Cullasaja.  There is barely enough room to pull the car off the road and exit the car safely.




Dry Falls


The last 2 photos are from behind the falls



Bridal Veil Falls



Nov 9, 2009

Twenty Years of Wedded Bliss

otherwise known as:
Our Second Honeymoon

We stayed at Mountainbrook Cottages, cottage #5.  Little has changed in twenty years.  It was a much needed step back in time.  No T.V., No PC, No telephone, not even any cell service. 







The cottages are equipped with a basic kitchen.  The only trouble I had was getting used to electric burners.
We brought some groceries from home and purchased a few things that I had forgotten in town at the super Wal-Mart.
I almost forgot to take any pictures of the cottage until we were loading the car to come home on Saturday. Hence the couch full of bags, boxes and luggage.
Our front porch greeter.
Maqelle & Poppy the long-hair Chihuahua who took great care of us upon arrival.  I wanted to bring Poppy home with me!

Oct 20, 2009

Congratulations SARAH!!!

And the winner is........


Sarah

"Best Quilt Square Depicting the Artists Life"




The topic for the contest was based on a book that the library reading club was doing titled "On Agate Hill" by Lee Smith


The contestants were asked to design a quilt block that represented something in their life. They could use any medium to create their design.  Sarah's idea was a question mark  with the words who, what, how & why in the borders.


They also had to write a brief description of the block tying it to their life.  Sarah wrote about her love of learning and how asking questions and finding the answer is a great way to learn.


Out of the 5 winners, she was 1 of 2 who made an actual fabric quilt block.  The other was made by an adult. 




Oct 17, 2009

Felted Slippers Finished!!

  Before felting.  The color is bad. Felted, the gray suede patches are there for reference.  They will be attached in the final stage to the sole of the slippers.

The finished slipper! Here the color is good, a little light.

Here you can see the suede patches attached.  They were the most expensive part of this project and I think worth it.  I'm already wearing my new slippers, (it's nippy here in NC) and they are pretty no slip on the kitchen floor.

So there you have it, my newest creation.

Oct 6, 2009

Random Stripe Maker Tool

I just found a really helpful tool while I was browsing on Crochetville.

 Check out this random stripe making tool.

http://www.kissyourshadow.com/stripe_maker.php

It was designed with knitters in mind. But the uses are endless.

Currently I am crocheting a baby afghan and I've been adding a stripe here and there but I found that it wasn't as random looking as I wanted. This tool will let you preview your color choices and fiddle with the pattern until you get it just right. Check it out.

Oct 5, 2009

Baby Sweater


I just finished a baby sweater. Of course I can't remember where I found the pattern, but I didn't follow the pattern much either. I usually view patterns as a guide, I do use the size recommendations, but the stitch patterns etc I make up a lot as I go.


This one was a lot of fun and really very easy to make. I do plan on jotting down the changes I made to the pattern before I give it to someone, I would like to be able to make this one again.




Sep 24, 2009

Happy Birthday to.... Me!

In keeping with tradition I will post about my birthday. I turned 45 this past Thursday. As usual David took the day off and as usual, (I'm not complaining) since he's in the middle of buying all the vehicles for his company, he ended up doing a lot of work from home.

In an unusual way that was good. The kids and I got to see how dedicated to doing his best he is. How much he cares about the details of the job and how he goes the extra mile to get the job done.

So, how did we celebrate?

  • I got my drivers license renewed.


  • I got a new 'Stir Crazy' popcorn popper


  • I got a new synch cradle for my Palm Zire 71 that friends gave me


  • I got the 3rd Sovereign Grace songbook
  • I got 'Sense & Sensibility' on DVD (much to the chagrin of the males in the house)
  • I got $$ from my in-laws and I ordered yarn today from knitpicks. I'm going to make a pair of felted slippers and a dressy short sleeved sweater.
  • I got to spend the day with my family and even though David was working, he was home and that made the day very special.
So 'Happy Birthday to Me, and I don't feel a day older, but hopefully I AM becoming wiser



consumer search: love what you buy

Several months ago I discovered this website. It was probably a link from one of the many yahoo groups I belong to. Since I have found it to be so helpful, and informative and, best of all, FREE! I thought I would tell you, my loyal followers about it.
It's the same idea as 'Consumer Reports' magazine, but free.

Sep 9, 2009

Heart of Dakota, Creation to Christ

This year we are actually following a preplanned curriculum. I love it!! Everything is laid out in the teachers manual with a two page spread for each day. Each unit takes four days. We are using a variety of publishers such as Apologia for science, Rod & Staff for grammar, Write with the Best for writing, Saxon for math.

If you go to the web site, http://heartofdakota.com/ you can download samples of all levels of the curriculum, order a catalog, and join a message board. The author is active on the message board and also answers emails with questions.

We are three weeks into the year and are really enjoying every minute of it. The only thing I have added to our day have been Latin vocabulary, spelling, and guitar. With guitar my goal is to have Daniel continue to improve and teach me at the same time. We'll see how that goes. My fingers do not want to form the chords as easily as he makes it look.

The biggest things I love about this curriculum?

1. Everything is SPELLED OUT! In the event that I am sick, or when David and I go out of town in a few weeks, anyone will be able to take over.

2. The children can self-teach. Really! It's that well planned out!

3. It's completely biblical. All the history and Bible lessons flow together chronologically.

4. Even though I bought more books this year than I have ever bought for school in my life, I was able to buy almost every thing second hand. AND these books are worth keeping. As Charlotte Mason says, "No twaddle".

5. It is leading us into a deeper understanding of who GOD is, it is challenging us to think for ourselves.

' One of the most wonderful things about knowing GOD is that there's always so much more to know, so much more to discover. Just when we least expect it, He intrudes into our neat and tidy notions about who He is and how He works.'
Joni Eareckson Tada

Sep 6, 2009

Happy Birthday Daniel



WOW, Daniel is 13. He was a Labor Day baby in 1996. Our pastor at the time stopped by the hospital on the way out of town to pray with us. Fortunately Daniel had made his entrance by then!




It's hard to believe that only thirteen years ago he was a tiny 7# infant and now he is becoming a young man. (No 'teenagers' allowed in the Gibson household, only young men and ladies).




To celebrate we spent the day with Dad, and went bowling. I think it will soon become a favorite pasttime. We went to Fryes Lake Lanes, where if you go at the right time, (Thursday after 1pm) Eddie will probably be there, and if you ask he will give you tips on improving your game. Eddie is one of those guys who loves the game and wants to see young people do well form the start.








Hopefully the kiddos and I will be able to bowl at least a couple of times a month during the day and David will be able to join us on his days off.





To all my 'FRIENDS' on facebook

I am closing my facebook account. If, in the future, you want to know what I am up to, then please feel free to call me or even write me a letter. I am home most of the time. Since we homeschool, afternoons are best for phone calls, and it does usually take me at least a few days to respond to a letter. But I will respond. And I LOVE getting a real letter in the mail.
If it is urgent, an email is okay, but definitely not my preferred method of communication.
You may be wondering why I am choosing to quite using something so easy to use such as facebook. Did you read the article I linked in my previous post? No? Then here is the link again...http://voices.allthingsd.com/20090825/how-facebook-ruins-friendships/ read it.
If you truly are my friend, then we will work to maintain our relationship. How many people do you have on your 'friends' list. 100? more? Can that many people truly be your friend? Acquaintance maybe, but FRIEND? Come on, people, get real. Friendships take work. Facebook doesn't require any effort.
Neither does blogging for that matter. BUT, I am going to keep my blog, because it is an easy way to get pictures to Aunt C whom we call regularly as well as to other real friends that are now in other states and to whom we either write or call.
So, good-bye Facebook. it was fun for a while, but not worth the isolation that it caused, or the 'fake' friendships that it encouraged.
Join me if you dare in building real relationships, full of life, promise, trust, and encouragement.






How Facebook Ruins Friendships

Read the article I've linked and tell me what you think.

Aug 21, 2009

First week of school under our belts...

and it's been a good week. I did not realize how much we were 'unschoolers' until we started following a preplanned curriculum. I love Heart of Dakota! http://www.heartofdakota.com/

I can't say enough about it. It is steeped in the Bible, I think the only class that doesn't use God's Word in some way is math. In fact yesterday on of the kids noticed that everything we read and did pointed back to scripture and commented about it. When I assured them that this was indeed the case, they wondered if it wouldn't be confusing, so I pointed out that everything followed the same timeline, Creation to Christ and now they are seeing how it all ties together.

We are using resources by Ken Ham, Ruth Beechick, and Diana Waring to name a few. We are studying the geography of the holy land and we are using Apologia for science and learning all about zoology.

I do have to admit, the first 2 days, I taught like I was used to doing, and I was exhausted. Then I realized, this curriculum is designed to be done more independently, and why am I making it so hard on myself? With that in mind, the last 2 days have been easier.

We are still not doing everything that is scheduled. One reason is I just discovered that I overlooked the dictation assignment for this week in our Language Arts section. And we are also waiting on the student book to arrive for our reading program. I think that by week 3 we will be up to snuff so to speak.

Even though I'm tired, I'm really pleased with how the kiddos have taken charge of their learning this week. They are getting started on their individual classes on their own, not waiting on me to say 'get to work'. I have a 2-page excel spread sheet that I fill in for them to check off their assignments, it is semi-detailed and has them refer to the teachers manual for specifics. So far this is working well, I'll probably tweak it a little, but my thought was to give me a printed record of what we did this year and also be able to sell my teachers manual to help finance next years books if it is in His will that we continue homeschooling.

Now the only thing I really need to figure out is how to create a spreadsheet for grades. I think David can help me there.

Jul 2, 2009

Is summer break already over???

Tonight, at 10.30 pm, my children dug out their math books and started working on math for the 2009-2010 school year. Sarah couldn't find the math book she wanted so decided to work on spelling instead.

This after only 4 weeks of "summer break". I am no where near ready to resume teaching. Shoot, I still have to reorganize all the bookcases, order the books we need, and my teacher's guide for next year isn't even going to ship until August 1. (I plan on officially starting on August 17).

Daniel asked if he worked all day tomorrow on books would I count it as school. "NO"!

Sarah is also in the process of writing a preschool curriculum. I'm trying to encourage her to stick with it. After all, isn't that where a lot of the great homeschooling products have come from to begin with? Other homeschoolers? Why shouldn't she be one more author? She loves children and is really good with them. She seems to be a natural teacher. She has some really good ideas, now to get them on paper, organized and eventually submitted to a publisher...

Daniel on the other hand has a mind for computers and music and story telling. Who knows where God will take him with those interests and skills.

During these next few years, we are really focusing on helping them to grow in the areas where they have interests and skill, to become stronger in their weak areas and to grow in their love for Christ and for others. Sometimes it seems that it is all for naught. We cannot see the future. But our Father is in control and we have committed these children to Him from before they were born. They belong to Him. We are only temporary parents, hopefully teaching them to serve and to love as the Father has loved us.

Jun 8, 2009

Health Update

Went to see my Doctor today. Good news. No wheezing in my lungs, so no new meds for my asthma, just use my rescue inhaler as needed and call her if I think I'm using it too often. I've lost 12 pounds!! in the past few weeks, that's really exciting for me. Especially since everything else seems to have been going the other direction! She did increase my medicine for my diabetes, BUT it's the same medication and it's one that does NOT cause weight gain, instead it helps with weight loss. That's a good thing.

So, I'm praying for good air quality days so I can be out working in the yard and going for walks with the kids and Oscar. For continued weight loss and improved blood sugars and improved health.

The one thing that continues to be tricky is the migraine disease. We still have to find the perfect combo of preventive and rescue meds. But I hope we are on the right track there as well.

We're on a 2 month school break, so hopefully when we start back on August, I will be feeling better, more organized, and able to be the wife and mom God has called me to be. And if I'm not where I think I should be, I need to remember that God is in control, and His ways are higher than mine.

Blessed be the name of the Lord

May 17, 2009

Happy Birthday Sarah



Today is Sarah Kate's 11th birthday!




Our pastor announced it at the close of the service before the benediction and since we've only been at the church since the Sunday after Easter, I got a lot of well wishes from folks who mistook me for her, when I corrected them, one lovely grandpa said it was a special day for me as well.




Indeed it is.




Happy Birthday sweetie. We love you.

May 4, 2009

Happy Anniversary

Today marks the 25th anniversary of my first date with my sweet hubby!
In November we will celebrate 20 years of marriage.
That's right we dated for 5 1/2 years.
We both wish we knew then what we know now.
There are a lot of things we should have done differently in the first 15 or so years of our relationship.
But GOD has been patient with me and has grown and changed me.
There are 2 books that GOD in HIS wisdom placed in my life that really had an impact on me.
The first is, "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace.
The second is "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas
I chose to read the first book when I was asked to lead a monthly ladies Bible Study at church. Teaching something always has a huge effect on the teacher.
The second book was used as a small group study we were in at another church. It was harder for me. The reading was harder, maybe it was my heart that was not ready to listen. But in the end it is another book I would highly recommend to young couples.
But regardless of the reason those books came into my life, GOD used them to help change my attitude, my thinking, and my life.
So now that I am the "perfect" (NOT), wife... I can tell y'all how to be the perfect Proverbs 31 woman.
NOT A CHANCE!!

May 2, 2009

Thunderstorms


We are having a thunderstorm right now. Oscar, pictured above does not like thunder, he pants and is visibly stressed by it.
Psalm 29

A psalm of David.

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of HIS holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6 HE makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion
like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
10 The LORD sits
enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
11 The LORD gives strength to HIS people; the LORD blesses HIS people with peace.
Personally I enjoy a thunderstorm, when I'm awake. If awakened in the night by one, they at first terrify me. But once awake, I can once again enjoy the voice of the Lord.
Oscar on the other hand is a dog, he will never be able to enjoy the majesty of God's voice in the thunder. He doesn't have the capability of understanding.
But I do.
You do.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of HIS holiness.
For a wonderful recording of thunder, consider the above mentioned album.
It has a 30 minute track of a thunderstorm. We have it on vinyl, I need to get it for David on CD.

Apr 21, 2009

Book Mooch

Can you ever have too many books? I don't think so. But it can get expensive to purchase all the books you want. Is there a solution? There is and it's called...
BOOKMOOCH
I use a web site called BookMooch to exchange books with others.
http://bookmooch.com
I have found it a useful way to get rid of my old books, and get books for free in exchange.
The site is commercial free and costs nothing to use.
You can see my bio page here:http://bookmooch.com/bio/swymm89

Apr 15, 2009

Autumn Colors Purse w/ detachable flower


Here is my newest purse. It has a detachable flower with a beaded center, an outer zipper pocket, 2 inside pockets and webbing straps. It is made of a combination of new and recycled materials and is hand washable, dry flat.