So Long Great Expectations

Belated Happy Mother's Day to all of you mommies in blog land!

I read on a blog this morning about a mom who used to have such high hopes for Mother's Day. I can relate. She stated that most of us moms care about the planning of our loved ones' special days. I can relate. She mentioned that it matters to us that party plates match the cake. I can relate. It matters that we've planned ahead and had such happy anticipations for that persons' day. I can relate. Then she told her story of expecting such a return on Mother's Day yet feeling hopelessly disappointed at the end of the day. I can relate.

Can you?

It's not that our men and kids don't love us as much. It's not that they haven't thought about Mother's Day at all. I think it's just how we are wired. And, there is nothing wrong with that. Don't misunderstand me. I've always been acknowledged on this day, just not how it played out in my mind. And seriously, why do we do that to ourselves? Great expectations of going out for brunch (Ha! Back in the day with 3 little, rambunctious boys...not too fun but I dreamed of it anyway!), getting a long nap, not having to tend to the needs of anyone but myself, maybe a pedi or massage squeezed in, and finally a wonderful dinner out with my family (or one cooked & cleaned up by them).

Also, when we lived in California, I always worried about making sure my mom and mom-in-law were put first. That we planned something special with them. Then I'd feel jipped by the end of the day and usually exhausted. I'll admit, moving out-of-state sure did change Mother's Day for me. Don't get me wrong. I would love to be with my moms on this day, but I've come to that place after getting some of the Mother's Days to myself for the past 9 years! I've also come to let go of my great expectations and either talk about what I would like for the day to look like and/or plan something for myself. All the while not really expecting too much.

So, in saying all of that, yesterday was perfect! I had scheduled my own 1 & 1/2 hour massage the prior week. My husband brought me breakfast in bed before the kids were up and then left for a bike ride while I went back to sleep :) My youngest boy crawled in bed with me at some point and sweetly wished me a happy mommy's day. One by one the other 3 woke up, found me somewhere in the house, and did the same. Doug came home while I was folding a load of laundry and nicely told me to stop, that I shouldn't be doing this, and that he would :) Before I left for my massage I told him my wishes for the day: Laundry done, a carpets vacuumed. He said, "Just let us bless you"! OK, say no more! I came home to a clean house and laundry just about finished. We piled in the car, did a little shopping, ate dinner, and came home to watch some hockey. (Yes, I loved it!)

No big expectations=no big let downs. There's nothing wrong with making plans for yourself. I felt loved and appreciated. Win-win for all :)

Now, back to reality.....it's Monday.

Little Mister

I didn't see this coming. My house has been filled with baby toys lurking here and there. Diapers are stacked neatly on the table in the guest room and there is a car seat base in my car. My days have returned to planning around naps, wearing my hair in a pony tail, living in yoga pants most of my days, and the occasional smell of spit up somewhere on me. My days have also returned to coos, giggles & smiles during games of peek-a-boo, and the sweetness of a sleeping baby in my arms.

Back at the beginning of April I began taking care of a friends' then 4 month little guy I have fondly nicknamed Mister. He's 5 months old today and such a love. There's nothing like the sweet little fuzzy blonde head of hair and blues eyes to take me back to my little guys. I'm 11 years older than when my youngest boy was this age. Let me tell ya' what a difference a decade+ makes! I find myself more tired by the end of the day. My back hurts as does my shoulder at times (did I mention this 5 month old weighs in at 18+ lbs?!). Yet, I also find that having some years on me and only one little one to care for, as opposed to 3 little boys to care for, I am slowing down to enjoy more of the fun moments. His huge smiles warm my heart. His laugh is contagious. His conversation enamoring.

His parents are teachers so I'll be doing this until school gets out for the summer. Doug & I decided that as much fun as this is, it is a lot of work! I won't be continuing this next school year...which a lot of days that breaks my heart because I'm quite fond of Mister. But, on top of running the business and homeschooling I find I am losing ground on my workouts and personal time. I guess I've earned that by now :) Done my time, although my time is never done as my kids' needs have just changed.

For now I am soaking up the love and coos little Mister brings me and let if fill my heart like nothing else can. Babies just do that to me. I can't help myself :)

The 19th Wife

In no way do I consider myself a well versed book critic, but I do adore reading. Blog land allows me to express my small opinion of books I read so here I go.

The 19th Wife is two stories in one. The genre is historical fiction. The story, is about Ann Eliza, also known as Brigham Young's "19th" wife, and how she escaped the cult of polygamy in the 1800's. Parts of her biography are intertwined into this book. It is also a story in current times of a son who was kicked out of a polygamous compound in Utah, but goes back to prove his mother is innocent of murder.

It wasn't a book that I couldn't put down, in fact sometimes I had to because of the depiction of these poor women and children's lives. It was disturbing to read at times realizing that some of these facts were true. Unbelievable, but true. I had a lot of questions at the end, but I know that any answer given me probably wouldn't satisfy because of my own personal beliefs and my own relationship with God. I wouldn't be able to be a neutral commentator for this book for sure. Was it worth the read? I guess so.

J-Dawg!

I adore this child. He's the quirkiest, quick witted 10 year old I know. My youngest boy...my baby. This is him with his "Ego waffle and marshmallow" (charms from Lucky Charms cereal) creation. How could you not love this kid?

We are considering homeschooling him for 5th grade. It's funny now that I've got one at home how I see the benefits for kiddos who just don't (and won't ever) fit the school mold. He's really starting to struggle academically. He's an emotional kid. He knows how he likes things, and if someone else doesn't then that's o.k. he'll just do his own thing. He's smart, but he rushes through the stuff he doesn't like to get to the stuff he does.

I NEVER thought I'd teach a second kid at home. Doug and I are still considering what is best. We may have him try 5th grade and if it isn't going well then we can pull him out. Everything will be different next year because in our little school district the 5th graders are actually at the middle school. It hasn't been harmful to my other boys, and the teachers and support staff are great. A lot of prayer will be going into this in the next few months. I can honestly say I have that "gut" feeling to keep him home. It's the same feeling I had with T a few years ago when things were going downhill fast.

What to do?

Science Experiment #1

I was shopping for Easter goodies at Cost Plus the other day (truly one of my favorite stores I'd max a credit card at) and came across a couple of science experiments "in-a-box". Trevor's science lab takes a 2 week break after each session so I thought this would be a good filler. Today I subbed for one of the secretaries, at the elementary school where I used to work, so T was on his own.

Before I left I set him up with some work and then mentioned he could try the experiment if he wanted, but if he got stuck to just wait for me. Then I stopped and thought, "Who am I kidding?" "This kid knows more about putting stuff together than I do!". That's why I call on him whenever I purchase something that needs assembly! I asked him to take a few pics as he went.

Here is how he did:These are the pieces that came in the box. He just added a 2 liter bottle.

Front View

Side View

He was so proud of himself that he text me a picture of it! Tomorrow he'll get to write about how he assembled it and how it works. He'll love me for it I'm sure!

Benefits of a handyman's wife

The other night I'd just had it with my knife drawer. It was unorganized and posed to be a dangerous situation at times. I have knives I don't use and I am pretty sure all of them were wedding gifts circa November 1990!

I mentioned to my ever-so-talented-with-a-power-tool husband that I'd like to call our cabinet maker and order a knife organizer for the drawer and would he take measurements. He did one better.

We headed out to the shop and he pulled power chords out of the ceiling(seriously-some retractable doo-hickey!), set up saws on the tailgate and hooked up the sawdust sucker upper thing (some sort of huge vacuum). The guy even has an air purifier out there! How did I not know this?!?!?!

He started cutting, measuring, cutting some more, lining the knives up, gluing, nailing, sanding, oiling, and 2 hours later...voila! A knife drawer!
I am getting rid of over 1/2 of my knives because let's face it...how many do you really need? Now they are safe and organized! I'm not spoiled at all :)

My beautiful friend at:

has done some guest posts and today was mine :) She rocks and I love her!

Check it out here:

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My ride

This here is my husbands "return to glory days toy". He had one when we were dating. It is a 1971 Toyota Landcruiser. He sold it right before we got married and had regretted it ever since. A few years back he got the urge for another one and found it on E-Bay. It was baby blue and totally rusted out. He's completely restored the thing. It's fun in the summer!


Not so much in the winter. This is what I've driving this week because my car looked like this:

I was backed into a couple of weeks back in a parking lot. Hit-and-run. His is bumpy and drafty (did I mention it's about 38 out in the mornings?). Mine, well, let's just say I'm grateful for the little things...like HEATED SEATS :)

I hope I get my ride back soon!

Stuffed Bells

Growing up my mom made stuffed bell peppers and stuffed zucchini straight from our garden. I always loved the vegetables from her garden. I, however, did not end up with that green thumb and in my part of the world you better have one along with a green house!

Anyway, I saw these bright, big, beautiful bells at Trader Joe's and instantly thought of stuffing them. It was very basic and easy and a hit with the fam! Even my youngest boy (who we call a carbivore because he pretty much just likes carbs) said, "Wow, not bad mom!".

I used:
Ground turkey fried up on the stove with salt, pepper, & onions
Bread Crumbs
1 egg
1 Diced zucchini
Cheddar cheese
Dash or two of Worcestershire Sauce

Stuffed the bells and topped with extra cheese. Poured a bit of chicken broth in the bottom of the pan and baked at 350 for about 45 minutes!

If nothing else, I thought the were pretty :)

I need a TIME OUT!

I'm not throwing a fit. My kids aren't driving me nuts. I haven't lost it. I'm not even hormonal. The fact-of-the-matter is I need a time out from the "To-Do" list! You know the one you don't have to make because it's the SAME EVERYDAY?!?!?!

What I would give for some time to do nothing! (Except read lovely blogs and sip something hot & yummy). Yet, in all the joys & giggles of blog land I've come to realize that I even need a time out from this! To sit in silence maybe. Or just read a chapter in the book I've started. To just be. Even right now, I should be catching up in the office because my 4 lovely darlings will be home in about an hour and it's payroll day. But no, I'm sitting here kinda whining I guess. Tea is brewing and buttery Girl Scout Trefoil cookies are waiting for me.



I don't want the "To-Do" list to go away, I'd just like it to keep working while I take a time out! The clock is ticking...I'm not gonna complain anymore though. Without work to keep the company going I wouldn't have work to do in the office, and of course we need the work so we can live. So, time to be thankful, pull my big-girl-pants up and get my booty in the other room and work.

Thanks for joining me on my mini time out!

Provision in Obedience

My devotional time this morning began with a quiet house, hot cup of coffee, and....the book of Numbers & Mark. I will admit that Numbers is not one of the more inspiring books for me to read, and as I checked my reading guide for today I was a little disappointed.

Silly me. God never disappoints when we are ready to meet with Him! I had to write about this today because of my silliness and because of how He spoke to me with regards to this season in my life.

Numbers 28. God is instructing Moses about daily burnt offerings and other burnt offerings in addition to the daily ones. As I was reading it occurred to me...that is A LOT of animals! I thought to myself, "The Israelites would have had to have an abundance of animals!" Then the light went on...let it sink in just a minute......

God instructed them to do something, yet He is the one that provided the abundance. All the Israelites had to do was obey. He would do the rest!

Mark 8 went along with the same idea. Jesus fed the multitude with 7 loaves and a few fish even when the disciples grumbled. Jesus' compassion for the people seeking Him overwhelmed Him to provide for their basic need.

This was an encouraging start to my day. God has called Doug and I to venture into a new season. If we don't step up to the altar we will miss His blessings!

God will provide the blessing as long as we obey the calling!

I DID IT! All week the previous post stayed in the back of mind and pushed me to the gym. I was hoping for 5 days, but I made it 4. I pushed it hard those 4 days though and thanks to one of the trainers at the club on Friday I just about tossed my breakfast! You know you are working hard when you get to that point.

Now with a trophy now in place of a swirl I'm determined to keep it there!

Me vs. the swirl

Do you see that swirly thing on my watch? Well, it's been staring at me for 2 weeks now. Judging me. Pestering me. Causing me grief. You see, this swirl indicates that I haven't met my fitness goals for the week. Had I met them a trophy would take the place of that pesky swirl.
So, after a 2 week stand off between me & my Polar watch I am determined to hit the gym 5 days this next week. Come next Monday there will be a trophy here congratulating me on my determination & hard work! (I love making myself accountable this way!)

CAN I GET A WITNESS???

Let me just say this first: GOD IS GOOD....ALL THE TIME! O.k., now that we have that understanding here's the latest.

Times are tough. We are in the construction industry. Pretty much enough said right? Doug and I have wrestled many times over the past year about the fate of our business, employees, house, stuff, etc., knowing full well God ultimately is in control of it all, and for that we are so very grateful. Last summer we began to come to terms with the fact that selling the house and getting out before we were sucked under may be the right thing to do. We even found a house that got our attention as a possible replacement. Our hearts were willing although mine I'll admit was a bit sad. We built this house. It's got Doug and I written all over it. We have a quiet piece of property, an amazing view of the Sisters mountains, and it's conveniently located for being "out-of-town". There is a shop to store the construction business supplies and the property to hold the big equipment and a home office to keep us all together. Yet, we were still willing to check out other possibilities, and in the end did not feel we were to move forward at that time.

Fast forward about 6 months. We're feeling the squeeze of the economy all over again. We're also feeling God squeezing our hearts and speaking to us about simplifying. The house that got our attention last summer is still available. I feel we are both at peace now about really leaving this house and moving towards the next adventure. But the details! Seriously! Who is selling a house like this in the market we are in? It'll be a miracle to break even!

Friend, He is SO into the details isn't He? I mean really we've all witnessed them! An astonishing sunrise or sunset. The countless stars in a clear night sky. How about the changing of the seasons and the wonderment of color and beauty they each display? I could go on and on, but the bottom line is how much more is He involved in the life details of those He loves!

You know the story in the New Testament where the fishermen had been casting their nets all day with not a single fish to show for it, and then Jesus shows up and tells them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. Weary and uncertain the fishermen try one last attempt at a previously fruitless act of the day, and miraculously their nets just about broke because it was overflowing with fish!

Well, here we go. We are going to cast our net into the real estate market that has been coming up empty for a long time! Believing Jesus is going to show up at the right moment and fill our net to overflowing!

This is the reason I've titled this "Can I get a witness". If this is God really moving us in a different direction, and not our own human nature, then it's going to have to have His finger prints all over it! And, if He does what it feels like He's doing all of the glory will be to Him and Him alone. Having said all that I go back to the beginning and say again...God is good all the time. If this isn't a direction He's leading physically but maybe just stretching our faith and keeping our true hearts' desires aligned with His then that's good too. We'll ride the ride with Him at the controls and be His witnesses all along the way.

Principal for the Day

Our elementary school has a gala once a year that involves an auction. Doug & I bid on "Principal for the Day" for Justin and Ashonte and they were awarded this special honor on February 12th, 2010.













Originally Ashonte thought she should wear a crown, and a sash. Oh my! The images little girls have in their heads! We talked about who, in reality, wears a crown and/or a sash and decided that mainly applies to queens and princesses. We also discussed the fact that her principal does not wear either of these things so neither would she. Of course she still dressed up for the day.














Justin was going to wear a suit and black top hat, but decided since it was "casual Friday" he would forgo the suit and stick to jeans, t-shirt, and the hat.

They were given clip boards, whistles, and a name badge. They also had a stack of green slips that they handed out to kids during the day. If you get a green slip at our school it means you have been caught being either: Safe, Respectful, or Responsible. They even were allowed to sit in the Staff break room for snack. One of the best parts was it was the day the school celebrated Valentine's Day so they got to go around to all of the classrooms and check out the parties! Not much time was spent in their own classroom. Except for math which from what I understand was a bummer!

I hope they learned that the job isn't an easy one, but a rewarding one as well. They had a blast!

Geocaching fun!

GEO: Of the earth

CACHE: A safe place in which supplies are hidden

Geocaching: A worldwide game of hide & seek treasures. Using a GPS and coordinates of a hidden treasure, geocachers can find caches hidden by other geocachers!

Geocaching rule: If you take a treasure out of the cache you must replace it with a new one!

Trevor and I had the privilege of going out in our local community and geocaching today! My friend Terrie is an experienced geocacher and with her help we went to 6 different coordinates.

I was amazed how many we went to in such a small radius in town! Out of the 6 sites we found 5 caches! We'll be returning to the one we didn't find and look again tomorrow. We were only out for about an hour and a half.

Trevor was a natural. He plugged the coordinates into the GPS and off he went. He even found one that Terrie had been to before but couldn't locate.





I'm hooked with this hide & seek game! I can't wait to take the family out!


P.S. Luke came home today and asked to be homeschooled after he heard about Trevor's adventure! Yikes!

Nifty stuff on Netflix

I was having lunch with a friend who homeschools, and we were comparing notes (but mostly enjoying a beautiful day and fabulous lunch at Seasons!). I told her of my dilemma regarding teaching history and health. I hadn't found a history program that jumped out as interesting what-so-ever and health, well let's just say I hadn't even begun to look. One step at a time!

She had one word for me. NETFLIX! "Seriously?", I asked. Seriously! She said to check out documentaries! Wow! Let's just say our "que" is overflowing with American History right now with a little health mixed in! The other cool thing, that hit me as I searched the lists, was all the amazing subjects that popped out at me that we could study!

Some of them we can even watch instantly which is great. I upgraded our account so I can have 4 movies out at a time! This is definitely going to help fill in the gaps!

Thank you Erin for your brilliant suggestion!

Playing "Catch-Up"

Homeschooling one kid with three still in school is fabulous and frustrating all together! Most of the time it is fabulous. Today, not so much.

Last week the three schooled kids were out of school Wed., Thur., and Friday. Joy and sorrow all in one. It is impossible for me to keep with a homeschool routine when school is out. I really tried. I made a lesson plan. I had worksheets ready. Trevor's school chart was ready for him to check off! I never even tried. For whatever reason Wednesday came and I was runnin'. Somehow I managed to pack every moment full of stuff I had to do, and fun stuff for the kids to do.

Not only did homeschooling get behind, but so did office work, laundry, housework, the checkbook, the grocery shopping...you get the picture. I got NOTHING done these past 5 days. I went through 3 tanks of gas in 1 week! DISGUSTING! I KNOW! OK, so the "Martha" in me is frazzled! I really had to pray last night and plead with God to calm my anxiety of the stuff not done! I can't let the un-doneness go for long before I truly start feeling the onset of an anxiety attack. No joke.

We had a fun 5 days off really. Not always all together, but there were good times had by all. Why can't I just focus on this? Now I can because it's after 9pm Monday night and I got caught up on a lot today. Anxiety is at bay, but now I just feel frazzled.

Justin stayed home today. He woke up in an emotional downward spiral. There was no sense of sending him to school. It would have been bad for everyone. So, he homeschooled with Trevor today and I think he LOVED it. Until his sister brought home his missed class work for the day. Oops! Emotional spiral set in place, but the promise of ice cream kept him in check.

I truly felt like I did school work all day. Although I also folded about 6 loads of laundry, vacuumed the house, washed sheets for 2 beds (oh, that reminds me...beds not made yet...now I just have to laugh), went to Costco, Safeway, had copies of blueprints made for Doug, dropped them off to him, took Trevor to school, made & cleaned up dinner, and FINALLY found time to blog. Come to think of it,I think I was planning on using that blog time to catch up on not being in the office since last Wednesday! I guess I'll still be playing catch up tomorrow too!

A Lineage of Grace

Hope*Faith*Love*Grace*Obedience

I recently finished reading this book. Five stories of 5 lives contained in 1 book. Five women whom God chose: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. It was amazing. Rivers' fictional storyline based on Biblical events pulled me into the lives of these women like I've never imagined them to be.

Tamar taught me about honoring my husband above all else. What a challenge this is on so many levels. My daily life, schedule, stress, etc. always pulls to the direction of "me". What "I" need to get done. How tired "I" am. The kids pull at me. How unfair of him to ask for my help, advice, or listening ear right now...can't he see I have so much to do. Now, not every day is like this, but there are those days. Tamar proved to be a submissive wife, honoring her husband at every horrible moment of her life. My life is not horrible, and my husband is wonderful to me. How can I not be humbled and somewhat chastised by her example?

Rahab taught me about steadfastness. She was not an Israelite. She knew her situation was hopeless. She knew there was something more to life. She WANTED the God of the Israelites to be her God! She was relentless in her steadfastness. When her world was literally crumbling around her she hung on to the one promise an Israelite made to her. That she would be saved, but she'd have to wait. What determination it took for her to not crumble under the pressure of her people as the walls were coming down. She didn't run. She stood fast and waited. I pray my faith is that strong. I believe it is, but I'm challenged by her example. When life gets hard do I run to the easy way out, or do I stand firm allowing God to rescue me in His timing? She AND her household were saved because of her steadfastness.

Ruth taught me to desire that which is Godly. She was married into the line of God's people, but her people did not believe in God. When her husband died she could have stayed and lived a spoiled life with her family, yet she chose to return to Bethlehem with her widowed mother-in-law because she saw her faith in her God lived out daily. Ruth desired God over comfort. She chose a way of life that was not her own. She embraced the Law because she wanted the blessing of God in her life not the material possessions she could have stayed back for. Am I willing to completely leave all my comforts of home to follow God? This is probably one of the most difficult challenges I could ever face. If He doesn't call me to do this do I at least have a heart that would be willing?

Bathsheba. I wonder what you think of when you think of her? I know the story I've always been told, and who she'll always be known as, but now all I can think of is grace when I hear her name. She taught me to keep a fresh, awe filled, humble, acute sense of God's grace and forgiveness despite my sin. What lavish love God bestowed on her. Proving His goodness and mercy to carry out His plan even though she made a terrible mistake. He still used her. I'm never too far out of His reach of grace for Him to carry out His plan in me.

Mary, mother of Jesus. This story really got to me because I've never imagined her life as possibly being as hard as it is told here. She was chosen by God to be the earthly mother to the Savior of this world! What hope filled her! What could possibly go wrong when the promised Deliverer was finally here! Everyone would see and celebrate their freedom was near! Oh could she be more wrong? Not wrong that He came to set them free, but she never imagined people would ridicule and hurt her and her Son in such a way. Did she feel so left out of Jesus' life and suffered the pain of a mother's heart broken when He left to gather His disciples? Mary taught me that when God makes us part of His plan we may think we've got it all figured out, but His ways are not always fully made known to us. We couldn't handle it! Mary never could have imagined her story would end the way it did. Yet, she never stopped believing that God's plan was sovereign. When God calls me to be part of His plan I hope I remember not to make it about me, never stop believing, and worship Him at all times as Lord of my life.

I finished this book about 2 weeks ago and can't stop thinking about it. I have a feeling I will re-visit it again with anticipation of the lives of five amazing women unfolding before me with God's fingerprints all over them!

On this day in history in 1996

Trevor Douglas Hull entered the world weighing in at 6#'s and was 19" tall. Our first child. Our long awaited one at that. After 2 1/2 years, 2 miscarriages, and 5 months of fertility treatments we finally had one stick :)

I remember being so incredibly happy the day my morning sickness hit because, in my mind, it confirmed that my body was doing what it was supposed to! My pregnancy was great until 21 weeks & the pre-term labor set in. I went on bedrest and he was born 3 weeks early. He was healthy, I was happy to get on my feet again, and daddy and mommy were in love.

Over the years watching him grow I wonder what he'll do with his life when he's an adult. Will he be responsible? Will he be happy? Polite, kind, and most of all love the Lord with all his heart? Praying for his future never stops.

Home schooling him already has been a neat aspect of our relationship. We laugh and get silly. He talks about his feelings more. We're closer and I love it! This is the most relaxed and least anxious I've seen him in YEARS!

God is so good. I'm in awe of how He answers prayer, especially when it's not what you were expecting.

Looking through his baby book for his newborn picture I found my heart welling up inside of me...happy and sad. Sometimes I want those moments back so badly, but watching him grow is such a privilege. His baby book is FULL of my thoughts and pictures of our little family. Seems so long ago, but then again, it doesn't.

Happy Birthday my beautiful boy. I pray God's blessings on your future and that your heart will always be turned toward Him!

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Some fun trivia about this day in history:

1861-Kansas became 34th state of the Union.
1936-U.S.Baseball Hall of Fame elected it's first members which included the Great Bambino, Ty Cobb to mention a couple.
1958-Paul Newman marries Joanne Woodward.
1995 The 49ers become the first team to win 5 Superbowls.

Famous people born on this day:
Oprah, Tom Selleck, Greg Louganis, & Adam Lambert.

The Right Connection

Trevor was just enrolled for science at the Bend Science Station for hands on learning. This was in itself an answer to prayer. I missed the sign up date and the class was full. The only other option was in the late afternoon when Trevor is just finishing his elective class at school. I spoke with the instructor yesterday about our situation, whispered a prayer, and he said he'd see if a student would be willing to move to the afternoon class. Prayer answered...he calls this morning and informed me the switch was made!

The lesson planner and our weekly goals board tell me we're headed in the right direction. I've come up with a program that works for us right now. I've done most of my own research and charted my own path.

I had not yet made contact with a group of homeschool families, although I'd been given a contact through a friend. I decided today was the day to reach out in my feebleness and lack of experience to someone who has been on this road for a long time. Becky is her name. She answered the phone with the sweetest voice. I knew this was going to be good. She was incredibly encouraging and has such a wealth of information to share. The best part, that really blessed my sox off, was at the end she asked me if there was anything I wanted her to pray for. Not only did she bless me, but she taught me a powerful lesson. The impact she had on me was indelible. One that reminds me to be that kind of person to others. Becky doesn't know me, yet she reached out in a way that above all met my need in the deepest, most practical way.

I hung up the phone once again affirmed in this journey. God is good. He delights in my discovery of His blessings all along the way. Today I made the right connection!

A Lesson in Lesson Planning!

"HOW NOT TO START THE WEEK"


I am not big on "Spur-of-the-moment" living. I like to plan. I like to know what is expected of me and what the plan for the day is. I used to think I was the opposite, but I've come to realize if I don't have a plan I am aimless, anxious, and aggravated!

Today was a prime example. We sat down for school and as Trevor is working on one worksheet I am feverishly finding the next one and making a "Plan". I was overwhelmed to say the least. When it was time to work on something I hadn't reviewed ahead of time we both got frustrated because I wasn't clear on what was being asked of him.

Let the tears and feelings of inadequacy flow! And I'm talking the teacher, not the student. Not the best way to start the day.

We muddled through, got some momentum and currently are taking a break after 2 1/2 hours of working on cursive, math, and reading comprehension. History and a multiplication timed test are next.

During the break I wrote out the lesson plan for the week. I feel like I've got my head on straight now! Poor kid. Oh how he needs me to be prepared so he can be successful and feel confident in what he is doing.

"HOW TO START THE WEEK"

It's Tough Being a Woman

I love this title of the Beth Moore Bible Study I've just started. It's all about Esther. I haven't been part of a woman's bible study for 4 years now. My heart strings have been tugged for a few months as God is working on a new season in my life. He impressed upon me that it was time not only to dig into His word with a study, but also to surround myself with Godly women in my community and reach out for new friendships.

The book of Esther teaches us to trust in the promises of God's word even when we can't hear Him or feel His presence. That's faith! That's what I want!

I'm so excited to find out what divine appointments wait for me at every turn of the page!

Reading * Writing * Arithmetic

Back to the basics. I was all over the page last week. I was feeling like I wasn't doing enough on the home school front. This morning it hit me...I'm doing this because we need to back WAY up and re-group.

So, goals were set for the week. Keeping it manageable is key! Mixing in a little fun doesn't hurt. Taking the lead of a fellow home school mom (Thanks Darcy!) we threw in cooking...banana muffins were made. Trevor did all of it while I sat and watched. That's never happened before. Maybe we'll have cooking class more often and he can prep dinner...hmmm there's a thought!

He worked hard today, and it was satisfying to watch him. I know we've made the right decision keeping him home. What a relief!

Monday morning bliss & blues

So I've been able to follow through with getting up by 5:30 during the week for 5 days now. I have to say that I LOVE it!

This morning I had a quiet, fulfilling time in the Word, and got a little bit of office work done. I was a happy girl. Then, I had to wake up the kids. My daughter is a breeze. She loves school, life, being a girl. The oldest boy gets it easy in the morning because the "bell" does not ring around here. The 2nd boy is not a morning person, and really isn't motivated by much. Then there is the 3rd boy. Unpredictable for sure. He has the "Monday morning blues". Woke up in tears. Sobbing tears! I didn't have the patience or time for it. Which breaks my heart now. I didn't get mad, but I wasn't consoling either.

He comes up with the most negative comments. It bothers me. His life isn't good. He doesn't like school. He didn't have any fun this weekend. Ugh! The only thing that ended his downward spiral was my offer to take him to school instead of riding the school bus. Phew! No more tears. He's not happy, but hopefully it was enough to turn his day around.

I get so discouraged at times when I've had such a good morning, and then everyone wakes up. Is that bad? I try to have an open mind to it all. I tell myself God is testing my true nature this way. How will I respond? Will I show grace & love as He shows me every moment of my life?

God has spoken to my heart about this year. The theme is Relationships & Character. More on that later....off to school for the little guy!

Finding Time vs. Making Time

More often than not I find myself in a battle over my time. I'm not the best manager of it either. I'm easily distracted, and find too many irons in the fire with nothing really getting accomplished.

I could make a list of what I'd like to consistently do with my time, but that would be void the minute I wrote it. As I reflect on this past year I can see how God has removed from my life, and given me new direction and desires. I do like change. As long as it doesn't hurt :)

Two things that are always nagging in my mind is my devotional time, and staying caught up with business office work. So, I've finally DECIDED I would get up an hour to and hour and half earlier than I normally do. That means the alarm goes off at 5am and am not allowed to hit the snooze! It doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out if I want more time I've got to have more hours in the day.

So far I've done it, and though I hit a wall around 3 it has been a rewarding feeling. The office has been the only thing I've gotten up early for. This afternoon, when Trevor goes to school, I will have an empty, quiet house for devotions.

Like Peter Brady sang, "When it's time to change, you've got to re-arrange!"

Battle of the Wills!

Today was our official first day of homeschooling. The 2 weeks before Christmas break were to get our feet wet.

We started with typing practice and a math game. Those went just fine. Then I broke out the Reading Comprehension workbook. Yikes! In my mind I thought we'd read the story together and then I would help him with the questions at the end. I believe it is important to read out loud and I told him I'd read a paragraph then he would read. Wow! That didn't go as planned. He wouldn't read. Refused. Folded his arms and just sat there. I thought to myself, "Remain calm, he is testing you"!

As I watched the minutes tick by I finally said he'd have to pay back those lost minutes with chores that no one wants to do (i.e. clean up after the dog, scrub toilets..you get the picture). Still nothing! Finally I got up and walked away all the while staying calm, but really not sure how to handle the defiance.

After 10 minutes I told him to put his shoes on and go outside to clean up after the dog. He finally said, "I don't feel comfortable reading out loud"! SHEESH! Really? It took all of that threatening and stuborness to get here?

So, in all my wisdom I said he could read it to himself and answer all the questions by himself unless he asked for help. SUCCESS! He needed a little help but did the reading and the work focused and without a fuss.

O.K., so this was a HUGE learning experience for me today! He doesn't need mommy by his side every moment. I also need to have more confidence in his own abilities. I am such a control freak and I hover too much sometimes.

Tomorrow will have it's troubles of it's own, but I intend to "Keep Calm & Carry On"!