I'm looking forward to next week. I've only got one more day, after today, with doctors and nurses, then I'm doctor free for two whole weeks!!! I think the treatments are working, because I'm getting more energy. Today it's the obgyn for my post op. check up. Then tomorrow my last iron treatment. Which is getting tiresome. But, it's what is best for me, so I face it with a smile. What else can I do? But getting stuck multiple times gets annoying anyway. Yesterday, the port we left in was bad, so they poked me again, and it worked just fine, for about 5 minuets. So they had to poke me again. Then they decided to slow down the rate, and that seemed to work just fine. :)
What a beautiful day out there today. the sun is shining so brightly. I hope it will be another warmer day. But even if it starts to cool down again, as long as the sun is out, it seems warmer.
Just a quick cute story about my youngest daughter. The other day, she was practicing her ballet, and dad told her she was doing a good job, and that "practice makes perfect." She quickly replied (without missing a beat) "no dad, practice make almost perfect, 'cause no one except Jesus is perfect." Truth out of the mouths of babes. She is leaning so much, and understands it all. My older two kids didn't grasp God quite so well, but that was because I didn't. And the church we went to wasn't as welcoming or really about teaching the kids all about Him. Just come in, sit down, stand up, kneel.... bye, bye. None of us really liked going. Funny thing is, dad didn't mind it there, because he didn't have to face the fact that if he didn't accept Jesus, he was in trouble. We all LOVE church. In fact it's hard to get the kids to go home often. They have so much fun with their friends afterwards. And they really love learning about our Savior. At the older church (it's been 10 years since we went) they didn't know anyone, not really. I only knew an adult or two, and we rarely said anything other than good morning.
But my eyes are open now. Now I see the joy there is to have when learning about Christ. How much there is to learn, and how wonderful it is to be around others who believe in Him, and really worship Him.
Blessings - Athena
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
long time gone
Been away for awhile. Sometimes life runs away from you, and before you know it, too much time has passed. In my case, I have been just sooo... tired that it's been hard to even get on and post.
I did have my surgery two weeks ago. All went well, and everything was benign. She did find a polyp and removed it. Hopefully all goes well from here. I'll know in a few weeks I guess.
My anemia issues aren't quite as good news. My iron levels did not go up more than a point or two, and that is after taking 325 mg of it THREE times a day. So, now I'm receiving iron intravenously. I've got five treatments. Two last week, and three this week. It's not so bad, and I do believe it's working. I'm starting to have more energy and not having so much trouble breathing. If it doesn't work, then we'll look for more unusual reasons for the trouble. But I'm not worried about that right now. The Lord says not to worry about tomorrow, God will take care of it, so I'm not going to. When the time comes, then I probably will, but for now, I am quite content with just thinking about my current treatments.
I have to go to the chemo department for treatments. Boy, does that make me grateful for the health I do have. For the most part, the other patients are rather cheerful. You can tell some are pretty sick, but they have good attitudes about it. The nurses there are so nice, and sweet. But when I look around, I pray for each of them and thank God that I am not in that boat.
Guess that's all for now. Monday's are pretty busy with our co-op classes. And I still get really tired really quickly. So I have to pace myself on everything, just so I can last the whole afternoon. But, boy, am I glad my mom makes dinner on Mondays. Since she is out of work (like so many), I asked her to make dinner that day of the week, and we are both happy with it. She gets to make things, I have dinner ready when we get home, and with how tired I've been it's a HUGE blessing! She likes to cook, but isn't too crazy with cooking ALL the times, it's never been her strong suit.
Blessings - Athena
I did have my surgery two weeks ago. All went well, and everything was benign. She did find a polyp and removed it. Hopefully all goes well from here. I'll know in a few weeks I guess.
My anemia issues aren't quite as good news. My iron levels did not go up more than a point or two, and that is after taking 325 mg of it THREE times a day. So, now I'm receiving iron intravenously. I've got five treatments. Two last week, and three this week. It's not so bad, and I do believe it's working. I'm starting to have more energy and not having so much trouble breathing. If it doesn't work, then we'll look for more unusual reasons for the trouble. But I'm not worried about that right now. The Lord says not to worry about tomorrow, God will take care of it, so I'm not going to. When the time comes, then I probably will, but for now, I am quite content with just thinking about my current treatments.
I have to go to the chemo department for treatments. Boy, does that make me grateful for the health I do have. For the most part, the other patients are rather cheerful. You can tell some are pretty sick, but they have good attitudes about it. The nurses there are so nice, and sweet. But when I look around, I pray for each of them and thank God that I am not in that boat.
Guess that's all for now. Monday's are pretty busy with our co-op classes. And I still get really tired really quickly. So I have to pace myself on everything, just so I can last the whole afternoon. But, boy, am I glad my mom makes dinner on Mondays. Since she is out of work (like so many), I asked her to make dinner that day of the week, and we are both happy with it. She gets to make things, I have dinner ready when we get home, and with how tired I've been it's a HUGE blessing! She likes to cook, but isn't too crazy with cooking ALL the times, it's never been her strong suit.
Blessings - Athena
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
surrounded with Jesus
I had an interesting thought the other day. Before I was truely saved two years ago; I always wondered why people thought that Christ and God had to be a part of EVERYTHING they did. What was wrong with setting Him aside to do most things. Sure it was fine to pray a lot, love Him all the time, but why talk about Him EVEY chance you get. I thought I loved Jesus, I knew all about Him; BUT I didn't KNOW Him. Now, and for the past two years, I DO want to talk about Him every chance I get. I just love having Him in my mind and on my heart ALL of the time. When I do set Him aside, I feel saddened, and unsure of myself. When I realize that I have set Him aside, I pull Him back to the front, and I am joyous and confident again. :)
Now, that's not to say, that we should hound those around us. Often, we as (what I like to call) true Christians, forget that not everyone feels that way. We can overwhelm, and upset those who don't have a personal relationship with Jesus. Our intentions are good, we want to save them, help them, share our love for Him with others. But, if we push too hard, they will grow to be, not only resentful of us, but of God as well.
I know this is what I did to my husband two years ago, when I first became saved. For the longest time he was an athiest, positive that there was no God. He has since become more agnostic, he's simply not sure. But, still leans more twards no God. Something I knew when we married, but we made a deal. We wouldn't talk with the kids about it until they were old enough to understand the difference. And, at the time, I really didn't think it was a big deal. I also thought he would change his mind by now. SO, when I truely became saved, I wanted so bad to share with him this new love. This new wonderful feeling I had, and I knew he needed the Lord in his life, so I tried to shove Him down his throght. BIG, BIG mistake. I am still dealing with the consiquences of that one.
I can talk with him about Jesus from time to time. But most often, he really doesn't want to talk about Him. I am pretty sure that he is still resentful of all that pressure, and now, when I do say things like; "Praise God!" or "It's all in His hands" - just when ever the mood strikes, he looks at me kinda funny. I feel like he's thinking - what next. Just like I used to think.
So, if you are truely saved, and you have someone you REALLY want to get through to, be careful of how you do it. Each person is different. Try to find the "sweet" spot; that place where it's not too much or too little. Keep praying and trusting that God will show you the way.
Blessings - Athena
Now, that's not to say, that we should hound those around us. Often, we as (what I like to call) true Christians, forget that not everyone feels that way. We can overwhelm, and upset those who don't have a personal relationship with Jesus. Our intentions are good, we want to save them, help them, share our love for Him with others. But, if we push too hard, they will grow to be, not only resentful of us, but of God as well.
I know this is what I did to my husband two years ago, when I first became saved. For the longest time he was an athiest, positive that there was no God. He has since become more agnostic, he's simply not sure. But, still leans more twards no God. Something I knew when we married, but we made a deal. We wouldn't talk with the kids about it until they were old enough to understand the difference. And, at the time, I really didn't think it was a big deal. I also thought he would change his mind by now. SO, when I truely became saved, I wanted so bad to share with him this new love. This new wonderful feeling I had, and I knew he needed the Lord in his life, so I tried to shove Him down his throght. BIG, BIG mistake. I am still dealing with the consiquences of that one.
I can talk with him about Jesus from time to time. But most often, he really doesn't want to talk about Him. I am pretty sure that he is still resentful of all that pressure, and now, when I do say things like; "Praise God!" or "It's all in His hands" - just when ever the mood strikes, he looks at me kinda funny. I feel like he's thinking - what next. Just like I used to think.
So, if you are truely saved, and you have someone you REALLY want to get through to, be careful of how you do it. Each person is different. Try to find the "sweet" spot; that place where it's not too much or too little. Keep praying and trusting that God will show you the way.
Blessings - Athena
Friday, October 15, 2010
still VERY BUSY
WOW! Have we been busy. There is just no time to sit and post things. But, since I can't sleep, I thought that I would post my Quick Takes Friday. (after I checked and deleted A LOT of e-mail)
7 Quick Takes #3
1. Our school room is almost done. I'm very excited, and so are the kids. It's really starting to look like a homeschool school room. (I'll try to post photos when it's all done) There is just a little left to sort through and my husband needs to get my younger son's desk from my grandmother's (it was my grandfather's, so I'm really glad to get it, and she is really glad I want it :) Then it's just putting up posters, organizing the school books and painting one wall with chalkboard paint!
2. I have maneged to get rid of a lot of things. I feel pretty good about it. And, for a pack rat, that's a great thing. It means I'll let more go. I just gave away a set of twin bed frames to someone who REALLY needed it. They had a mattress on the floor. And just wanted something to get it up off the floor. So, off it went, yesterday. I had been given it for free from a friend, and so I passed it on for free.
3. The same person who came to pick up the beds, is a homeschooler, a member of my support group. I believe we have met once at a meeting, she doesn't make too many. But in meeting her (again) and discussing things with her (what is it about homeschooling moms, we can talk and talk with another adult for ever? :) I see that she is going to be a good friend, and has given me a lot to think about, as far a God is concerned,and the Bible.
4. The rest of the house is moving along. A lot slower than I had wanted to. But I have been working more on the school room, because we all want that done, so we can get back to a nice routine with school and have a nice place to learn together. I just wish I had more energy to get it all done much quicker. But, that's just the way it needs to be right now. And I am trusting God to keep me on the path He's laid out for me.
5. My health, well, not much to say. Not really improving. But not too much worse. I do have plenty of doctor's apt. coming up. And surgery on the 26th. I'm praying pretty hard, that they find an answer and can "fix" it all. So I can have the energy I should have at 35. However, I know, that no matter what, I am in God's hands, and He will take care of me.
6. My youngest started ballet last Saturday. AND just LOVED it! She has been waiting for it for a while. She played soccer last year, and even though she was the oldest on the team, she was the slowest. She's just not a very "sporty" kind of kid. However, ballet, seems to be just the thing. Oh, she had fun with soccer, and didn't care too much that she couldn't keep up as well, she had a great coach, and even got a goal or two. But was more interested in ballet. And since my husband will get a nice overtime check in the next month or two, we decided to just go ahead and get her lessons. The dance studio is exactly what I was looking for. It's an older studio, they do not have competition dace, and the teacher is wonderful with the kids. There are 8 other little girls in the class. It's a good size and it's a 55 min class, for the same price as some want for half an hour. So, it's all good.
7. I think that over all it's been a good week. Even though I hurt my back two weeks ago, and it's still tricky, even though I hit my head again this week (twice!!!) and the last one really hurts. I've got all this health stuff going on. The house's a mess, the laundry is WAY behind. And school is on hold. It's still been a great week. I know God is working in me, and through me. And as long as that is going on, it's a good week.
Blessings - Athena
Be sure to check out others at
www.ConversionDiary.com
7 Quick Takes #3
1. Our school room is almost done. I'm very excited, and so are the kids. It's really starting to look like a homeschool school room. (I'll try to post photos when it's all done) There is just a little left to sort through and my husband needs to get my younger son's desk from my grandmother's (it was my grandfather's, so I'm really glad to get it, and she is really glad I want it :) Then it's just putting up posters, organizing the school books and painting one wall with chalkboard paint!
2. I have maneged to get rid of a lot of things. I feel pretty good about it. And, for a pack rat, that's a great thing. It means I'll let more go. I just gave away a set of twin bed frames to someone who REALLY needed it. They had a mattress on the floor. And just wanted something to get it up off the floor. So, off it went, yesterday. I had been given it for free from a friend, and so I passed it on for free.
3. The same person who came to pick up the beds, is a homeschooler, a member of my support group. I believe we have met once at a meeting, she doesn't make too many. But in meeting her (again) and discussing things with her (what is it about homeschooling moms, we can talk and talk with another adult for ever? :) I see that she is going to be a good friend, and has given me a lot to think about, as far a God is concerned,and the Bible.
4. The rest of the house is moving along. A lot slower than I had wanted to. But I have been working more on the school room, because we all want that done, so we can get back to a nice routine with school and have a nice place to learn together. I just wish I had more energy to get it all done much quicker. But, that's just the way it needs to be right now. And I am trusting God to keep me on the path He's laid out for me.
5. My health, well, not much to say. Not really improving. But not too much worse. I do have plenty of doctor's apt. coming up. And surgery on the 26th. I'm praying pretty hard, that they find an answer and can "fix" it all. So I can have the energy I should have at 35. However, I know, that no matter what, I am in God's hands, and He will take care of me.
6. My youngest started ballet last Saturday. AND just LOVED it! She has been waiting for it for a while. She played soccer last year, and even though she was the oldest on the team, she was the slowest. She's just not a very "sporty" kind of kid. However, ballet, seems to be just the thing. Oh, she had fun with soccer, and didn't care too much that she couldn't keep up as well, she had a great coach, and even got a goal or two. But was more interested in ballet. And since my husband will get a nice overtime check in the next month or two, we decided to just go ahead and get her lessons. The dance studio is exactly what I was looking for. It's an older studio, they do not have competition dace, and the teacher is wonderful with the kids. There are 8 other little girls in the class. It's a good size and it's a 55 min class, for the same price as some want for half an hour. So, it's all good.
7. I think that over all it's been a good week. Even though I hurt my back two weeks ago, and it's still tricky, even though I hit my head again this week (twice!!!) and the last one really hurts. I've got all this health stuff going on. The house's a mess, the laundry is WAY behind. And school is on hold. It's still been a great week. I know God is working in me, and through me. And as long as that is going on, it's a good week.
Blessings - Athena
Be sure to check out others at
www.ConversionDiary.com
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Busy, busy, busy...
It's been really busy around here. Lots of work getting done. Not quite as fast as I wish it would, but neverless, it's getting done.
I hurt my back over the weekend, so that put us behind, I'm mostly fine now. As far as my female problems, they want to do a dnc (there are no more babies for me anyway, so this is not a concern) and the hemotologist wants me to take LOTS of iron for about a month, and if that isn't it, we move on to intravious iron. Yuck!
I really wonder if anyone is reading this. If you are, post a comment that you are. I am just curious. I do enjoy writing this, even if no one reads it. :)
I haven't posted my new goals for this week. I've been just way to busy. So, I think I'll wait until next week to post more.
In the mean time, I am trying to find time to just sit and be with God. I know I need to put Him first, but I have so much trouble finding the time. I need some wake up time, before my brain functions in the morning, and then the kids are up and we need to start our day. Bed time I usually have a headach and can not read anything. (which drives me mad actully, since I used to be able to read then). I think I will try right after lunch. I've been needing naps with all this medical stuff going on, but I think that it just might work.
I guess that's all for now. I have a lot to do, and a lot to say, but the "to do" has to get done. Then I might have time to do more here.
Blessings - Athena
I hurt my back over the weekend, so that put us behind, I'm mostly fine now. As far as my female problems, they want to do a dnc (there are no more babies for me anyway, so this is not a concern) and the hemotologist wants me to take LOTS of iron for about a month, and if that isn't it, we move on to intravious iron. Yuck!
I really wonder if anyone is reading this. If you are, post a comment that you are. I am just curious. I do enjoy writing this, even if no one reads it. :)
I haven't posted my new goals for this week. I've been just way to busy. So, I think I'll wait until next week to post more.
In the mean time, I am trying to find time to just sit and be with God. I know I need to put Him first, but I have so much trouble finding the time. I need some wake up time, before my brain functions in the morning, and then the kids are up and we need to start our day. Bed time I usually have a headach and can not read anything. (which drives me mad actully, since I used to be able to read then). I think I will try right after lunch. I've been needing naps with all this medical stuff going on, but I think that it just might work.
I guess that's all for now. I have a lot to do, and a lot to say, but the "to do" has to get done. Then I might have time to do more here.
Blessings - Athena
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
late night
Boy, it sure is strange posting at night. I think I prefer to get up early, and do it then. But things have been pretty messed up lately. HOWEVER, we have been making a lot of progress. The kids all now have their own rooms. My older son and I ended up moving his bed, since he didn't want to wait on dad, and I was feeling good that day. :)
My older son (15) has his almost completely set up. He still has some posters and such in his (now) little brother's room. And we still need to get a few more things to organize odds-n-ends. But that's about it. It's pretty small, but he really loves it.
My older daughter (17) still has a LOT of junk to go through. She's a bit messier than the others, and just has a LOT of junk to organize. But, as she's 17, she's on her own. As long as she gets it done, and her floor is clear and not a "broken-leg" hazard, I'll be happy.
My younger daughter (6) room is more than 75% done. She has all the furniture in it that will be in it. A nice BIG coffee table (I picked it up at goodwill for around 5 to 10 dollars, and have been waiting to put it in there for a while now), a bright yellow shelf for toys (yellow is her favorite color), a cloth-front facing book shelf, and her Disney princess toy tote shelf thing. :) She LOVES spending time in there now. And she is keeping it clean, all on her own.
My younger son (9) is over 50% done. He's got his bookshelf, and the floor is cleaned up now. I'm going to have to find a table for him (he wants one too) and we'll be moving in some stacking bins with top and one side open for toys, and some under the bed storage too.
It's all starting to look good. I've been taking some photos. I forgot to take pictures of the kids' rooms BEFORE the two older moved out. But we have some around. I'm too tired to post them right now, but I'll get them all together once we are all done, and put as many "befores" as I can, and the afters will be there for sure.
Blessings - Athena
My older son (15) has his almost completely set up. He still has some posters and such in his (now) little brother's room. And we still need to get a few more things to organize odds-n-ends. But that's about it. It's pretty small, but he really loves it.
My older daughter (17) still has a LOT of junk to go through. She's a bit messier than the others, and just has a LOT of junk to organize. But, as she's 17, she's on her own. As long as she gets it done, and her floor is clear and not a "broken-leg" hazard, I'll be happy.
My younger daughter (6) room is more than 75% done. She has all the furniture in it that will be in it. A nice BIG coffee table (I picked it up at goodwill for around 5 to 10 dollars, and have been waiting to put it in there for a while now), a bright yellow shelf for toys (yellow is her favorite color), a cloth-front facing book shelf, and her Disney princess toy tote shelf thing. :) She LOVES spending time in there now. And she is keeping it clean, all on her own.
My younger son (9) is over 50% done. He's got his bookshelf, and the floor is cleaned up now. I'm going to have to find a table for him (he wants one too) and we'll be moving in some stacking bins with top and one side open for toys, and some under the bed storage too.
It's all starting to look good. I've been taking some photos. I forgot to take pictures of the kids' rooms BEFORE the two older moved out. But we have some around. I'm too tired to post them right now, but I'll get them all together once we are all done, and put as many "befores" as I can, and the afters will be there for sure.
Blessings - Athena
Friday, September 24, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday #2
I had wanted to get on here yesterday AND the day before, but there just hasn't been any time. So, here's my "quick-take" for the week:
1: Today is My younger son's birthday. He will be 9 years old in a little over two hours. :) I think back to what I was doing at this time 9 years ago, and it just amazes me what we go through to have them. How God set it all up. I know the Bible says that the pain in childbirth is a punishment, BUT He also gave us the gift of forgetting nearly everything right away. (Not to mention drs. now have lots of ways to relieve that pain - and He knew that would happen too)
So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY YOUNG MAN! :)
2: Monday I got a call from the doc. I had an ultra sound last Friday and the results were in. My female problems do have some reason behind them. Just not completely sure why or what to do next. I see a obgyn on the 1st to go from there. But I do have one big cyst on each ovary, which makes sense, since I get quite a LOT of pain on both sides. Oh well, I know it is in God's hands ultimately, and He will take care of me.
3: Injuries, Pains, and general yuck! I ended up with a terrible migraine that lasted a whole day and night. It even kept me up after TWO Tylenol 3's (I hardly ever take them - I have pretty bad arthritis in my hands and if I really need to, I will take 1, even when my cysts hurt, 1 USUALLY does the trick) it was still so bad I had to take the stronger stuff they gave me for my concussion in July.
My youngest daughter fell and hit her head on my older son's desk. It is a very sturdy and strong desk. We actually hired movers to move it when we moved it is so heavy. It happened to be late Wednesday night after we got home from church. While rushing her to the hospital (I knew she was going to be ok, I just wanted her looked at by a doc.) I got pulled over by a cop. I was speeding, but I wasn't really paying much attention. I said I was sorry and told him exactly what was going on. With my daughter crying in the back and my mom holding a washcloth to her head (small cut, lots of blood - head wounds BLEED!) he was kind enough to let us go on our way.
Next morning our little, old dog was acting very strange. His hind legs collapsed on him a couple of times. So, we took him into the vet, and ran tests. Right now, he's ok. But it was still a good idea, since we've only had him since July, and don't know anything about his past.
#4: We have one successful move to a new room. Despite dad working from sun up to sun down - litterly. Sometimes longer. My sons now have their own rooms. They still need work, and the younger son's room needs to be cleaned up and organized now that big brother is gone. They are pretty happy and adjusting nicely. It helps that my older son is letting my younger son into his room whenever he is in there, and he really isn't spending too much time down there anyway. We are half way to the next move. Since we have to work around a lot of activities, it's taking a bit, and the house is a disaster, with all the things that we have to organize piled up, EVERYWHERE. But I can see the end, and it will be wonderful!
#5: Got some Christmas shopping done already!! While out shopping for my son's birthday present yesterday (I know, a bit late :) ) My mom and I noticed that there were a LOT of things on sale at toys r us - buy 2 get one free. So, we did a little looking around, and since the Lego's were on sale (even at the big sale times after Thanksgiving - you don't usually get this good a deal on Lego's), so we got some. :) Now, if I only remember.
#6: just yesterday, someone from our homeschool group set up a capture the flag game at a local park. My boys have been wanting to do something like that for a while, and it was a great opportunity. They had a ball. I think the mom will be planning another one soon. It was just a small local park, just big enough for a simple game, but it also had play equipment, so the younger ones could play. 'course my littlest couldn't do too much since she had a mild concussion, but she still had fun playing on a blanket with her friends and some toys.
#7: We've had a pretty big thing around here this week involving my mom and her, now ex, best friend. I won't go into details, it's just way too much, and frankly, disturbing. And I don't want to just spread this story around. But it has been pretty hard on my mom. However, I see God trying to get through to her, and she has been listening a little bit better. I feel as though she might just be getting close to truly accepting Jesus as her Savior. So, something good just might come out of it.
Well, my quick take wasn't so quick. But, I did want to write about all this during the week, I just didn't have time.
Just be sure to check out the others at:
http://www.conversiondiary.com/2010/09/7-quick-takes-friday-vol-97.html
Blessings - Athena
1: Today is My younger son's birthday. He will be 9 years old in a little over two hours. :) I think back to what I was doing at this time 9 years ago, and it just amazes me what we go through to have them. How God set it all up. I know the Bible says that the pain in childbirth is a punishment, BUT He also gave us the gift of forgetting nearly everything right away. (Not to mention drs. now have lots of ways to relieve that pain - and He knew that would happen too)
So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY YOUNG MAN! :)
2: Monday I got a call from the doc. I had an ultra sound last Friday and the results were in. My female problems do have some reason behind them. Just not completely sure why or what to do next. I see a obgyn on the 1st to go from there. But I do have one big cyst on each ovary, which makes sense, since I get quite a LOT of pain on both sides. Oh well, I know it is in God's hands ultimately, and He will take care of me.
3: Injuries, Pains, and general yuck! I ended up with a terrible migraine that lasted a whole day and night. It even kept me up after TWO Tylenol 3's (I hardly ever take them - I have pretty bad arthritis in my hands and if I really need to, I will take 1, even when my cysts hurt, 1 USUALLY does the trick) it was still so bad I had to take the stronger stuff they gave me for my concussion in July.
My youngest daughter fell and hit her head on my older son's desk. It is a very sturdy and strong desk. We actually hired movers to move it when we moved it is so heavy. It happened to be late Wednesday night after we got home from church. While rushing her to the hospital (I knew she was going to be ok, I just wanted her looked at by a doc.) I got pulled over by a cop. I was speeding, but I wasn't really paying much attention. I said I was sorry and told him exactly what was going on. With my daughter crying in the back and my mom holding a washcloth to her head (small cut, lots of blood - head wounds BLEED!) he was kind enough to let us go on our way.
Next morning our little, old dog was acting very strange. His hind legs collapsed on him a couple of times. So, we took him into the vet, and ran tests. Right now, he's ok. But it was still a good idea, since we've only had him since July, and don't know anything about his past.
#4: We have one successful move to a new room. Despite dad working from sun up to sun down - litterly. Sometimes longer. My sons now have their own rooms. They still need work, and the younger son's room needs to be cleaned up and organized now that big brother is gone. They are pretty happy and adjusting nicely. It helps that my older son is letting my younger son into his room whenever he is in there, and he really isn't spending too much time down there anyway. We are half way to the next move. Since we have to work around a lot of activities, it's taking a bit, and the house is a disaster, with all the things that we have to organize piled up, EVERYWHERE. But I can see the end, and it will be wonderful!
#5: Got some Christmas shopping done already!! While out shopping for my son's birthday present yesterday (I know, a bit late :) ) My mom and I noticed that there were a LOT of things on sale at toys r us - buy 2 get one free. So, we did a little looking around, and since the Lego's were on sale (even at the big sale times after Thanksgiving - you don't usually get this good a deal on Lego's), so we got some. :) Now, if I only remember.
#6: just yesterday, someone from our homeschool group set up a capture the flag game at a local park. My boys have been wanting to do something like that for a while, and it was a great opportunity. They had a ball. I think the mom will be planning another one soon. It was just a small local park, just big enough for a simple game, but it also had play equipment, so the younger ones could play. 'course my littlest couldn't do too much since she had a mild concussion, but she still had fun playing on a blanket with her friends and some toys.
#7: We've had a pretty big thing around here this week involving my mom and her, now ex, best friend. I won't go into details, it's just way too much, and frankly, disturbing. And I don't want to just spread this story around. But it has been pretty hard on my mom. However, I see God trying to get through to her, and she has been listening a little bit better. I feel as though she might just be getting close to truly accepting Jesus as her Savior. So, something good just might come out of it.
Well, my quick take wasn't so quick. But, I did want to write about all this during the week, I just didn't have time.
Just be sure to check out the others at:
http://www.conversiondiary.com/2010/09/7-quick-takes-friday-vol-97.html
Blessings - Athena
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday, Monday....
Well, I did not meet all my goals for last week, however, I did meet some, so that's ok with me. After all, as humans we cannot be perfect. It's forever a journey, and I am "somewhere in the middle" of many roads. :) I will keep posting the new goals each week, as it does help me to concentrate on them. And keep them in mind.
Things are looking better this week, despite the dark skies around here. The principal and I (he, he) have decided to take off of school until the kids' bedrooms are rearranged and set up. Hopefully it takes only a week, but if it goes out to two, that's ok as well. We did want to give the two older kids a fresh coat of paint on their walls, but I don't think it will happen (still gonna try though), since everyone, kids and parents alike want this to happen sooner rather than later, might not take the time. Besides, the kids just want to cover their wall with posters anyway. :)
The youngest, my 6 year old daughter, isn't too sure about the whole thing. She really likes her big sister (17) in her room. So, I think the first few weeks after the move will be tough on her. But I also think it will be really good in the long run. One: her sister is a VERY messy person, and the little one really can not play in her own room. Two: the littler one is neat, so she'll keep her room nice. Three: big sis, is going to go off on a missionary trip around 19, for a year, so little one needs to get used to her being gone. With God, I know she'll be just fine.
With all the moving around, I have found myself in a wonderful position. I have a nice sized room that I am stumped on what to do with. Isn't it great to have such a nice big house that I've got a whole room to figure out what to do with. I consider it a HUGE blessing. Since before we bought this house (our first, and probably last) we were ALL (mom, dad, 4 kids & granny) living in a three bedroom condo. Now it was more like a townhouse, upstairs, basement, but still, you could stand in the cooking area and easily touch both sides.
I've got what to do with the room down to two options:
1: a computer (it's in here already)/ library/ sewing room
or
2: a school room
Now we've got a pretty good set up for school at the dining table, but it does make for some crowding. I do like homeschooling at the table, feels kinda traditional. And most of a room dedicated to sewing (I don't REALLY know how, but I REALLY am determined to learn how. I want to make modest dresses for me and my daughters) would be really nice. We do have enough desks (well, some tables to work as them) to make it a school room for the 3 younger kids (oldest is mostly on her own now, and likes to work in her room for the most part). And it is upstairs, with a nice big window AND patio window, so there would be lots of sun and fresh air. I can also, set up a sewing area in the basement, now that there is an egress window down there, there is more light, and we do have a finished play room, that I can take a corner of.
So, as you can see, there are good things for both ways. But I am confidant that God will lead me to what is best for us all. And besides, I can always change it around if it doesn't work. I do tend to do that anyway, and really, even though it drives most of my family a little nuts, I love to do it. Feels like a new home. :)
Any opinions would be GREATLY appreciated.
Blessings - Athena
Things are looking better this week, despite the dark skies around here. The principal and I (he, he) have decided to take off of school until the kids' bedrooms are rearranged and set up. Hopefully it takes only a week, but if it goes out to two, that's ok as well. We did want to give the two older kids a fresh coat of paint on their walls, but I don't think it will happen (still gonna try though), since everyone, kids and parents alike want this to happen sooner rather than later, might not take the time. Besides, the kids just want to cover their wall with posters anyway. :)
The youngest, my 6 year old daughter, isn't too sure about the whole thing. She really likes her big sister (17) in her room. So, I think the first few weeks after the move will be tough on her. But I also think it will be really good in the long run. One: her sister is a VERY messy person, and the little one really can not play in her own room. Two: the littler one is neat, so she'll keep her room nice. Three: big sis, is going to go off on a missionary trip around 19, for a year, so little one needs to get used to her being gone. With God, I know she'll be just fine.
With all the moving around, I have found myself in a wonderful position. I have a nice sized room that I am stumped on what to do with. Isn't it great to have such a nice big house that I've got a whole room to figure out what to do with. I consider it a HUGE blessing. Since before we bought this house (our first, and probably last) we were ALL (mom, dad, 4 kids & granny) living in a three bedroom condo. Now it was more like a townhouse, upstairs, basement, but still, you could stand in the cooking area and easily touch both sides.
I've got what to do with the room down to two options:
1: a computer (it's in here already)/ library/ sewing room
or
2: a school room
Now we've got a pretty good set up for school at the dining table, but it does make for some crowding. I do like homeschooling at the table, feels kinda traditional. And most of a room dedicated to sewing (I don't REALLY know how, but I REALLY am determined to learn how. I want to make modest dresses for me and my daughters) would be really nice. We do have enough desks (well, some tables to work as them) to make it a school room for the 3 younger kids (oldest is mostly on her own now, and likes to work in her room for the most part). And it is upstairs, with a nice big window AND patio window, so there would be lots of sun and fresh air. I can also, set up a sewing area in the basement, now that there is an egress window down there, there is more light, and we do have a finished play room, that I can take a corner of.
So, as you can see, there are good things for both ways. But I am confidant that God will lead me to what is best for us all. And besides, I can always change it around if it doesn't work. I do tend to do that anyway, and really, even though it drives most of my family a little nuts, I love to do it. Feels like a new home. :)
Any opinions would be GREATLY appreciated.
Blessings - Athena
Friday, September 17, 2010
7 quick take Friday #1
I just started following a pretty great blog, and the author does this "Quick take Friday" thing, and it turns out there are a lot of people who do. So here goes mine.
#1: I'm feeling much better today. When my husband got home, instead of hiding out by himself, he sat with the kids and I. We didn't do much for my birthday, but just being together as a whole family for most of the night was nice. We watched dvd's of old tv shows, and just had a really nice time. Plus, I got the cake I wanted. I told everyone the only present I wanted this year was a certian cake that a local resturant makes. To buy a whole one is more expensive than a homemade cake (that is wonderful too, since the kids usually make it for me), so, I told them, instead of presents, I just want that cake. (Dark chocolate - mint MMMMMMMM....)
#2: We took a really nice mini vaction. My mom and the kids and I. (her treat :) )We just went to a Best Western, a town over, that had an indoor pool & hot tub. They also had a really great breakfast with hot food! (BACON!) We went out to dinner (a treat in itself), swam like crazy (well, the kids played in the pool, and mom and I hung out in the hot tub - I don't swim). After checking out, we went to a local candy factory, took a free tour, had a great time taste-testing different varities, went out to lunch (twice out to eat in as many days is unheard of around here - unless people are REALLY sick) and headed home for a nice nap before church activities Wednesday night. I HIGHLY recomend trying to take one, once in a while.
#3: This Wednesday marked the offical start up of family activites at church. The middle and highschoolers started out with a "back to school bash" for anyone. Sounded like it went well, and my teens had a great time. For my 8 year old son, he started up Royal Rangers, my 6 year old daughter started up Prims, and I am back in the nursurey with the under 3 group. It was nice to have a month break, but we are all VERY happy to be back in church 2x a week again. It's just a great place to be. And the moms whose children I look after, are very happy to have me there EVERY week, because it makes it so much easier for the children to have the same person there each week.
#4: For a present, my kids did some house work for me, with out me telling them too. (I did suggest what they could do) WIth the house such a mess, it was nice to just get it picked up with out having to say, "now you go do this, and you go do that." Not much got done, but it was nice they did it on their own.
#5: I was able to spend over an hour on the phone yesterday with a friend. Now that just doesn't happen around here. There just isn't enough time.
#6: We have taken the week off from school, and my littlest one came up to me yesterday and begged, yep begged, to start doing school again; "please, please, please mommy, can we start doing school again!?!" Too sweet. Gues what we're doing today.
#7: I have had some good talks with God the last few days. Being a bit down, I have been feeling resentful twards Him. But, with some heart felt prayers, and opening my heart to what he has to "say", I am back in my "it will all be good, if you just trust God" mindset.
Well, that's it.
Blessings - Athena
Be sure to check out the others at www.ConversionDiary.com
#1: I'm feeling much better today. When my husband got home, instead of hiding out by himself, he sat with the kids and I. We didn't do much for my birthday, but just being together as a whole family for most of the night was nice. We watched dvd's of old tv shows, and just had a really nice time. Plus, I got the cake I wanted. I told everyone the only present I wanted this year was a certian cake that a local resturant makes. To buy a whole one is more expensive than a homemade cake (that is wonderful too, since the kids usually make it for me), so, I told them, instead of presents, I just want that cake. (Dark chocolate - mint MMMMMMMM....)
#2: We took a really nice mini vaction. My mom and the kids and I. (her treat :) )We just went to a Best Western, a town over, that had an indoor pool & hot tub. They also had a really great breakfast with hot food! (BACON!) We went out to dinner (a treat in itself), swam like crazy (well, the kids played in the pool, and mom and I hung out in the hot tub - I don't swim). After checking out, we went to a local candy factory, took a free tour, had a great time taste-testing different varities, went out to lunch (twice out to eat in as many days is unheard of around here - unless people are REALLY sick) and headed home for a nice nap before church activities Wednesday night. I HIGHLY recomend trying to take one, once in a while.
#3: This Wednesday marked the offical start up of family activites at church. The middle and highschoolers started out with a "back to school bash" for anyone. Sounded like it went well, and my teens had a great time. For my 8 year old son, he started up Royal Rangers, my 6 year old daughter started up Prims, and I am back in the nursurey with the under 3 group. It was nice to have a month break, but we are all VERY happy to be back in church 2x a week again. It's just a great place to be. And the moms whose children I look after, are very happy to have me there EVERY week, because it makes it so much easier for the children to have the same person there each week.
#4: For a present, my kids did some house work for me, with out me telling them too. (I did suggest what they could do) WIth the house such a mess, it was nice to just get it picked up with out having to say, "now you go do this, and you go do that." Not much got done, but it was nice they did it on their own.
#5: I was able to spend over an hour on the phone yesterday with a friend. Now that just doesn't happen around here. There just isn't enough time.
#6: We have taken the week off from school, and my littlest one came up to me yesterday and begged, yep begged, to start doing school again; "please, please, please mommy, can we start doing school again!?!" Too sweet. Gues what we're doing today.
#7: I have had some good talks with God the last few days. Being a bit down, I have been feeling resentful twards Him. But, with some heart felt prayers, and opening my heart to what he has to "say", I am back in my "it will all be good, if you just trust God" mindset.
Well, that's it.
Blessings - Athena
Be sure to check out the others at www.ConversionDiary.com
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Confession
Ok, so I have a confession to make. Besides being a Christian homeschooling wife & mother. I am also bi-polar. I most likely have been since my preteen years. But was not officially diagnosed with it until fall 2007. After a small amount of trial and error, medicine was found to work well with me. Although, unfortunately, I react to side affects strongly, so I can not take as strong a dose as the dr. thinks I should. What I take is just enough to help me control the ups and downs, but not completely. Which is fine with me.
(for those of you who might not know what bi-polar is, it is a mental illness, characterised by mild to wild mood swings. Depends on time, date, individual, ect. Mush, mush more than PMS allows to be ok. :) )
Why am I telling you this? Well, I was looking back at my last post, and at the last few days, and I can see that my "bi-polar is showing." What I mean is that, even though I have full intentions to get myself back on track, I am having a really hard time doing that. I just can't seem to get myself to concentrate on moving on the path I am sure the lord wants me to be on right not. Too many pretty things are distracting me! (scattered train of thoughts, easily distractable are parts of bp) My mother has been quite a bit down lately, and I we ended up taking the kids to a hotel one town over for a mini, one night vacation. We had a blast swimming in the pool and hanging out in the room watching cable (we don't have it anymore), going out to eat for dinner. Over all, a really nice mini-vacation.
But in doing that, it has totally thrown off all of my planning and hard work. And it is getting really hard to get back into the schedule. Today we have all been just hanging around, veggin'. Now, today is my birthday, so I guess it's not the end of the world, but.... we still have things to do.
I know that this is all in God's hands, and His plans are not mine. But I do wish He has given me a bit more strength to get through these tough times. I know He is with me, but I do need someone here to understand, and, even though my husband is understanding, he really hasn't been dealing well with it lately, and mom is great, but has her own things to deal with, and really just doesn't know what or how to help.
Well, pray for me some more, I'm off to try to accomplish things.
Blessings -Athena
(for those of you who might not know what bi-polar is, it is a mental illness, characterised by mild to wild mood swings. Depends on time, date, individual, ect. Mush, mush more than PMS allows to be ok. :) )
Why am I telling you this? Well, I was looking back at my last post, and at the last few days, and I can see that my "bi-polar is showing." What I mean is that, even though I have full intentions to get myself back on track, I am having a really hard time doing that. I just can't seem to get myself to concentrate on moving on the path I am sure the lord wants me to be on right not. Too many pretty things are distracting me! (scattered train of thoughts, easily distractable are parts of bp) My mother has been quite a bit down lately, and I we ended up taking the kids to a hotel one town over for a mini, one night vacation. We had a blast swimming in the pool and hanging out in the room watching cable (we don't have it anymore), going out to eat for dinner. Over all, a really nice mini-vacation.
But in doing that, it has totally thrown off all of my planning and hard work. And it is getting really hard to get back into the schedule. Today we have all been just hanging around, veggin'. Now, today is my birthday, so I guess it's not the end of the world, but.... we still have things to do.
I know that this is all in God's hands, and His plans are not mine. But I do wish He has given me a bit more strength to get through these tough times. I know He is with me, but I do need someone here to understand, and, even though my husband is understanding, he really hasn't been dealing well with it lately, and mom is great, but has her own things to deal with, and really just doesn't know what or how to help.
Well, pray for me some more, I'm off to try to accomplish things.
Blessings -Athena
Monday, September 13, 2010
New changes
Yesterday, our pastor gave a sermon about how our homes need to be a place for God. We should make Him the center of our homes, and worship Him in all we do. Now, I know this, but do I truely follow it? I do try to do daily devotianls with the children, but some days it's just too busy. I try to read my Bible daily, but some days I'm just too busy or tired. Now is that making God the center of my life or home?! It's time to make Him a true priority, even if I am too tired or busy. After all, what is more important than Him? I can say, we do pray daily, the children and I. And not just to ask for things, we thank Him, and ask forgiveness too.
The other thing I thought about, is just how messy our house is. It's a disaster. I'm not the best housekeeper, and when you homeschool, you and the kids are home a LOT, so it tends to get messier faster. Not to mention all the extra books and educational things you just have to have (sure some you do, but most you don't). The dishes are done daily, and garbage is thrown away. It's not dirty (for the most part :) ) Just VERY messy. Laundry piles up, things all over the floor - from books to toys to just about anything you can think of! The table is covered in books, papers, mail, toys, even some canned goods that didn't make it to the pantry on Friday. Is this how I honer God in my house? Is this how I make it a home? Sure, there are some excuses, reasons even. I've been pretty sick the last week or so. We had a window put in, so we're trying to get thigns ready for the kids to move downstaris, but, if I have time to play on the compurter or blog, I should have time to clean, right?
So, I've decided it's simpley time. It will take me a while, since I am still pretty week form being sick, and I don't want to over do it. BUT that doesn't mean I can't do it. I've seen some other blogs with "to do" lists, I am going to do that, to make myself more accountable. AND I will also post some photos (if I can figure out how) but not until after it's done. SO I feel better about the "before" photos. :)
On top of that, I have been trying to loose weight. I need to loose at least 60 pounds! I've come up with a slow moving plan to get it off. I know I need to take my time moving up to REALLY working out, so I will. (Again, I have not been very healthy, I'm hoping that I will be once I start loosing some weight) With have sever asthma, I need to be extra careful. I will also post my weekly goals on that, and then if I succed, I'll add that too.
If you are out there reading, and have your own goals, let me know. It is often easier to keep to our own, when we know others are out there in the same boat.
So, to sum up, I will be posting AND doing my goals for Self improvement. On Honering God by:
1. Putting Him first - in reading and learning
2. Turning my home into a true temple for Him
3. Taking better care of the body He gave me
4. continueing my journy on studing and praying about dresses/ skirts only
and any other ways to be a good Christian wife and mother
Blessing - Athena
The other thing I thought about, is just how messy our house is. It's a disaster. I'm not the best housekeeper, and when you homeschool, you and the kids are home a LOT, so it tends to get messier faster. Not to mention all the extra books and educational things you just have to have (sure some you do, but most you don't). The dishes are done daily, and garbage is thrown away. It's not dirty (for the most part :) ) Just VERY messy. Laundry piles up, things all over the floor - from books to toys to just about anything you can think of! The table is covered in books, papers, mail, toys, even some canned goods that didn't make it to the pantry on Friday. Is this how I honer God in my house? Is this how I make it a home? Sure, there are some excuses, reasons even. I've been pretty sick the last week or so. We had a window put in, so we're trying to get thigns ready for the kids to move downstaris, but, if I have time to play on the compurter or blog, I should have time to clean, right?
So, I've decided it's simpley time. It will take me a while, since I am still pretty week form being sick, and I don't want to over do it. BUT that doesn't mean I can't do it. I've seen some other blogs with "to do" lists, I am going to do that, to make myself more accountable. AND I will also post some photos (if I can figure out how) but not until after it's done. SO I feel better about the "before" photos. :)
On top of that, I have been trying to loose weight. I need to loose at least 60 pounds! I've come up with a slow moving plan to get it off. I know I need to take my time moving up to REALLY working out, so I will. (Again, I have not been very healthy, I'm hoping that I will be once I start loosing some weight) With have sever asthma, I need to be extra careful. I will also post my weekly goals on that, and then if I succed, I'll add that too.
If you are out there reading, and have your own goals, let me know. It is often easier to keep to our own, when we know others are out there in the same boat.
So, to sum up, I will be posting AND doing my goals for Self improvement. On Honering God by:
1. Putting Him first - in reading and learning
2. Turning my home into a true temple for Him
3. Taking better care of the body He gave me
4. continueing my journy on studing and praying about dresses/ skirts only
and any other ways to be a good Christian wife and mother
Blessing - Athena
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Isn't it amazing how a simple drive with your husband can become a joy. We haven't had too much time together lately, with his work schedule, and my being ill. But today we headed off to check out some potential job sites of his for next year. And it was just the two of us. It took a couple of hours, but it was nice to just have the time to just yap about non important things. :)
I am starting to feel better. I have been discovering the balance I need to take between resting and working (at home that is). It is just going to take me more time to get things done around here, like moving the kids' bedrooms around. At least until we know what is exactly wrong with me. I've got dr apts. comming up, so we'll just have to wait and see. It's all in God's hands. I know He will take care of me, no matter what is going on. But it would be nice to have this resolved sooner rather than latter.
School is comming along nicely. Even though we are a bit behind where I WANTED to be, we doing fine. We have a lot of things starting up soon. Wednesday's at church, Royal Rangers for 8 year old, Prims for 6 year old and nursery volentiering for me, start this Wednesday. Then the last Monday of the month our homeschooling co-op classes start up. And sometime in October our church's Christmas program will begin, and the kids and I are hopeing to be very involved this year. All things we are looking forward to, but all things to keep us very busy.
I've been wearing mostly dresses/ skirts, but today it's jeans. Feels kinda strange. I would like to get some more dresses, not just skirts. But it's hard to come across modest dresses for little money, and I'm not sewing yet, so that's not an option, YET. So, I guess, I just have to keep an eye out for things at Goodwill, and try to save some money for dresses. I do look forward to learning to sew, and make my own. There will be some pride in that, more than just buying them off the rack. The jury is still out on head covering. Right now my husband (who, sadly, is not saved) doesn't want me to, so, for now, I only cover from time to time.
Guess that's all for now. If you are reading, please pray for my health. God listens when we all pray. The more that do, the louder he hears. :) At least that's what I've come to believe. If you are out there reading, and would like me to pray for you, I already am. But if you have something spacific for me, let me know, and I'll add that to it.
Blessings - Athena
I am starting to feel better. I have been discovering the balance I need to take between resting and working (at home that is). It is just going to take me more time to get things done around here, like moving the kids' bedrooms around. At least until we know what is exactly wrong with me. I've got dr apts. comming up, so we'll just have to wait and see. It's all in God's hands. I know He will take care of me, no matter what is going on. But it would be nice to have this resolved sooner rather than latter.
School is comming along nicely. Even though we are a bit behind where I WANTED to be, we doing fine. We have a lot of things starting up soon. Wednesday's at church, Royal Rangers for 8 year old, Prims for 6 year old and nursery volentiering for me, start this Wednesday. Then the last Monday of the month our homeschooling co-op classes start up. And sometime in October our church's Christmas program will begin, and the kids and I are hopeing to be very involved this year. All things we are looking forward to, but all things to keep us very busy.
I've been wearing mostly dresses/ skirts, but today it's jeans. Feels kinda strange. I would like to get some more dresses, not just skirts. But it's hard to come across modest dresses for little money, and I'm not sewing yet, so that's not an option, YET. So, I guess, I just have to keep an eye out for things at Goodwill, and try to save some money for dresses. I do look forward to learning to sew, and make my own. There will be some pride in that, more than just buying them off the rack. The jury is still out on head covering. Right now my husband (who, sadly, is not saved) doesn't want me to, so, for now, I only cover from time to time.
Guess that's all for now. If you are reading, please pray for my health. God listens when we all pray. The more that do, the louder he hears. :) At least that's what I've come to believe. If you are out there reading, and would like me to pray for you, I already am. But if you have something spacific for me, let me know, and I'll add that to it.
Blessings - Athena
Friday, September 10, 2010
long time gone
Well, not sure if anyone is out there reading, but if you are, I've been gone for awhile, because I have not been feeling too well. I've been having all kinds of trouble lately. One thing is I've found out I'm anemic, but NOT from iron defficiancy. We're not sure what from, so I've got to go to a hemotologist to find out. I'm also having quite a lot of "women's" troubles. We're not sure if the two are connected yet or not. But it's sure is making me quite tired and uncomfortable.
We did not have too good of a rummage, but that's alright, we still got a lot of thigns out of the house. Our plan of moving the kids around is being put off a bit, because of my health (well, maybe, I'm still going to try for it this weekend). But, I've been determined to continue school. Often, when I get sick, or lots of things need to be done, we put our structured school time on the shelf for a bit. But I think that this time, the kids (and I) need to keep up with it. SO, even though it's been at different times, and on the couch, we've still gotten school in.
What about you? Does anyone who is reading homeschool? WHat do you do when mom gets sick? Or life throws a bunch of curve balls at you? I'd love to hear what you do. Also, how long to you make your lesson plans for?
Guess that's all for now. I've got to go and get moving on the day. We've started slowly all week, but have to get back to our routine.
Blessings - Athena
We did not have too good of a rummage, but that's alright, we still got a lot of thigns out of the house. Our plan of moving the kids around is being put off a bit, because of my health (well, maybe, I'm still going to try for it this weekend). But, I've been determined to continue school. Often, when I get sick, or lots of things need to be done, we put our structured school time on the shelf for a bit. But I think that this time, the kids (and I) need to keep up with it. SO, even though it's been at different times, and on the couch, we've still gotten school in.
What about you? Does anyone who is reading homeschool? WHat do you do when mom gets sick? Or life throws a bunch of curve balls at you? I'd love to hear what you do. Also, how long to you make your lesson plans for?
Guess that's all for now. I've got to go and get moving on the day. We've started slowly all week, but have to get back to our routine.
Blessings - Athena
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ahhh... The window was done last week. It's really nice to have a screened in window in our basement. All the kids are looking forward to the big move.
We were suposed to have our last rummage NEXT weekend, the 10th and 11th. But, my youngest son's 1st soccer game is the 11th. So, that's out. So, we're having it THIS Friday and Saturday. At least it's all just sitting in the garage from the last one. So, it won't be too hard to set up. We actully haven't had one here, at the house yet. We had one at my grandmother's (grams) - huge 100 family one. Then our church had one - where you could "rent" a parking space and sell your things. So, this last one is at the house, and what ever is left over heads out on Saturday at 6:00 pm sharp! I pray that we have a profitable one. We really need the money, or else I would just give it all away. I do plan on letting my homeschool friends come at 5:00 on Saturday (the end time for the sale) and they can take whatever is left for free. :) For us homeschoolers, that is always a good thing, right?
Also, I just got back from getting blood drawn. Fasting is a bummer when you have to do it for doctors. It's not so bad when you do it for the Lord, but doc's. Ugg! I was due for a cloesteral, and since it's a new dr. she needed to do it anyway. But the bigger worry is my iron. IT's been VERY low. SO low they have been having me take 325mg of iron TWICE a day! I've skipped a day here and there, and only taken one from time to time, but for the most part, I've been taking it. I've gotten less tired, but we shall see what the blood work shows.
Yesterday was my hubby's birthday. We had a small celebration. He wanted breakfast for his birthday dinner, so that was nice and easy (well, except for all the bacon - every one in this house LOVES bacon, and since we don't have it often, when we do, I cook a LOT of it) - he had a small gift, and he shared my oldest daughter's cake. Her birthday was last Friday. She's 17 now! They often share cake. :)
On Sunday night, my younger son (8) said he didn't want a story so he could go to sleep faster, wake up sooner and it would be that much sooner he could have cake! :) Goofy kid, we didn't have the cake until AFTER dinner anyway. Gotta love how they think.
Blessing - Athena
We were suposed to have our last rummage NEXT weekend, the 10th and 11th. But, my youngest son's 1st soccer game is the 11th. So, that's out. So, we're having it THIS Friday and Saturday. At least it's all just sitting in the garage from the last one. So, it won't be too hard to set up. We actully haven't had one here, at the house yet. We had one at my grandmother's (grams) - huge 100 family one. Then our church had one - where you could "rent" a parking space and sell your things. So, this last one is at the house, and what ever is left over heads out on Saturday at 6:00 pm sharp! I pray that we have a profitable one. We really need the money, or else I would just give it all away. I do plan on letting my homeschool friends come at 5:00 on Saturday (the end time for the sale) and they can take whatever is left for free. :) For us homeschoolers, that is always a good thing, right?
Also, I just got back from getting blood drawn. Fasting is a bummer when you have to do it for doctors. It's not so bad when you do it for the Lord, but doc's. Ugg! I was due for a cloesteral, and since it's a new dr. she needed to do it anyway. But the bigger worry is my iron. IT's been VERY low. SO low they have been having me take 325mg of iron TWICE a day! I've skipped a day here and there, and only taken one from time to time, but for the most part, I've been taking it. I've gotten less tired, but we shall see what the blood work shows.
Yesterday was my hubby's birthday. We had a small celebration. He wanted breakfast for his birthday dinner, so that was nice and easy (well, except for all the bacon - every one in this house LOVES bacon, and since we don't have it often, when we do, I cook a LOT of it) - he had a small gift, and he shared my oldest daughter's cake. Her birthday was last Friday. She's 17 now! They often share cake. :)
On Sunday night, my younger son (8) said he didn't want a story so he could go to sleep faster, wake up sooner and it would be that much sooner he could have cake! :) Goofy kid, we didn't have the cake until AFTER dinner anyway. Gotta love how they think.
Blessing - Athena
Friday, August 27, 2010
Well, my oldest turns 17 today. But not until 8:00 this evening. Drives her nuts when I say that, but it's when she was born. :) Seems like just a few years ago, she was toddling around with her baby dolls and now she's off driving and on her way to being an adult. Sigh... Does anyone else spend the day thinking about just what was going on the day of their child's birth, on their birthdays. 17 years ago, at this time, this day, this moment; I was just getting to the doctor's office to verify that I was in labor. She was also born on a Friday. :)
Our egress window is all done. Now, over the next few weeks we'll be moving things around and getting ready for the "big" move. We'll be having a rummage sale the weekend after Labor day, then what's left of that, will be taken, immediately to Salvation Army. After that, the "big" move begins.
You see, we're a bunch of pack rats around here. And as much as I love my mom, she's a hoarder. She just has a LOT of stuff. Now, we (meaning my hubby, kids and myself -- mostly me) have purged a LOT of things this past summer. And this last rummage is the end of it. I pray for good weather and a nice profit, so that we can buy a few more things to help organize what's left. So, once the rummage is over, we will move what's left of my mom's things from one of the bedrooms in the basement to the garage, then we can move my son into that room. We can't do it right away, because all the rummage things are in the garage at this time.
I'll figure out how to post photos, and take some before and after pics. to show just how much we are accomplishing around here. I'm not the best housekeeper around. There are often dishes in the sink (no dishwasher), the floors need vacuuming or mopping. Piles of clutter on counters and table. And, of course, the ever present mess of toys and school things. Not to mention we are ALWAYS behind on laundry. It is messy, but not filthy. No real garbage, no nasty things all over, no bugs (except for the occasional ant getting in, and spiders). I've just come to see that, this is how our home will be, for now. I have been working hard to get it more clean and organized. I've got lots of good ideas, but putting them into practice can be a bit hard for me. Also, we just don't have the money to buy the things we need to sort it out. And I don't mean the super nice looking already made organizer things. I mean even the simplest totes or magazine holders. But, a little at a time we do get them. I just keep praying and trusting God to help me on my journey to becoming a better wife and mother, in regards to this part. And he is helping me.
I guess that's all for now. I could spend forever just typing here, but I've got to go get some dishes done.
Blessings - Athena
Our egress window is all done. Now, over the next few weeks we'll be moving things around and getting ready for the "big" move. We'll be having a rummage sale the weekend after Labor day, then what's left of that, will be taken, immediately to Salvation Army. After that, the "big" move begins.
You see, we're a bunch of pack rats around here. And as much as I love my mom, she's a hoarder. She just has a LOT of stuff. Now, we (meaning my hubby, kids and myself -- mostly me) have purged a LOT of things this past summer. And this last rummage is the end of it. I pray for good weather and a nice profit, so that we can buy a few more things to help organize what's left. So, once the rummage is over, we will move what's left of my mom's things from one of the bedrooms in the basement to the garage, then we can move my son into that room. We can't do it right away, because all the rummage things are in the garage at this time.
I'll figure out how to post photos, and take some before and after pics. to show just how much we are accomplishing around here. I'm not the best housekeeper around. There are often dishes in the sink (no dishwasher), the floors need vacuuming or mopping. Piles of clutter on counters and table. And, of course, the ever present mess of toys and school things. Not to mention we are ALWAYS behind on laundry. It is messy, but not filthy. No real garbage, no nasty things all over, no bugs (except for the occasional ant getting in, and spiders). I've just come to see that, this is how our home will be, for now. I have been working hard to get it more clean and organized. I've got lots of good ideas, but putting them into practice can be a bit hard for me. Also, we just don't have the money to buy the things we need to sort it out. And I don't mean the super nice looking already made organizer things. I mean even the simplest totes or magazine holders. But, a little at a time we do get them. I just keep praying and trusting God to help me on my journey to becoming a better wife and mother, in regards to this part. And he is helping me.
I guess that's all for now. I could spend forever just typing here, but I've got to go get some dishes done.
Blessings - Athena
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Hello all;
Well, today our egress window should be finished! Yeah! I think we'll all have to give it a try, I know the kids are jumping at the bit to do so. :)
We've had a good start to the "school year" here. Since we just go with the flow most of the time, our school year is unpredictable. More like, we homeschool year round. I am a firm believer that children are always learning. From the time they wake up, to the time they go to sleep. But, when I refer to "school" I mean the book work we do. I'm hoping that this year, we have finally found our system.
You see, even though I have been homeschooling for 8 years, we have changed our approach often. There has always seemed to be something different and that puts us in a place to change what we had been doing. I've come to see that, with this family, that's just the way it is. I've stopped trying to live up to others goals, and expectations. And just pray and follow God's lead on our family.
We are just simply a different kind of family that most. Yes, everyone is in there own way, but with just about all the other homeschooling and/or Christian families out there, they seem to only take a couple years to find their place, and it works for quite a while. With us, things tend to change quite frequently, and then often swing back to what they were before. I used to try and make us like other families, find our place and stick with it. Then something or another would come along and everything would change. I think that every one in the home should be happy and comfortable with our day and homeschool adventure. Not that we are ALL happy ALL of the time, just in general. So, that means, changing when things need to change.
Example: We tend to take off for December. We would all rather spend our time celebrating the birth of our savior, with all the common ways, making cookies, decorations, visiting friends, getting involved in church things, ect. But usually pick back up in the second week of January. This past year, NONE of us were ready to start up again. We all just needed a break. Dad was able to be home a few extra days, so, we just spent January with an unschool flair. Trips to the library to get good movies (modern, older classics, and educational), read from "The Boxcar Children" series - out loud- and just spent a lot of time together. February rolled around and we started out slow with some 1st time lap booking (I've been homeschooling for 8 years, and had never heard of it before!!!), had a ball doing that, and by the end of February we were back to working in the books. We "quit" for the year two weeks into May. We had a rummage sale to get ready for and it took a lot of work (we are pack rats here, and I have been determined to clear out and clean up the house) - and through the summer, there have been lots of other fun things to do.
SO, this week, we are reviewing the things learned in the last two weeks, working on Bible Quiz memorization, finished up a lap book on Dragons, and just generally, taking a small break from book work, but will be right back at it next week with the full schedule.
Just our "somewhere in the middle" mind set. We are always somewhere in the middle of something around here.
Blessings - Athena
Well, today our egress window should be finished! Yeah! I think we'll all have to give it a try, I know the kids are jumping at the bit to do so. :)
We've had a good start to the "school year" here. Since we just go with the flow most of the time, our school year is unpredictable. More like, we homeschool year round. I am a firm believer that children are always learning. From the time they wake up, to the time they go to sleep. But, when I refer to "school" I mean the book work we do. I'm hoping that this year, we have finally found our system.
You see, even though I have been homeschooling for 8 years, we have changed our approach often. There has always seemed to be something different and that puts us in a place to change what we had been doing. I've come to see that, with this family, that's just the way it is. I've stopped trying to live up to others goals, and expectations. And just pray and follow God's lead on our family.
We are just simply a different kind of family that most. Yes, everyone is in there own way, but with just about all the other homeschooling and/or Christian families out there, they seem to only take a couple years to find their place, and it works for quite a while. With us, things tend to change quite frequently, and then often swing back to what they were before. I used to try and make us like other families, find our place and stick with it. Then something or another would come along and everything would change. I think that every one in the home should be happy and comfortable with our day and homeschool adventure. Not that we are ALL happy ALL of the time, just in general. So, that means, changing when things need to change.
Example: We tend to take off for December. We would all rather spend our time celebrating the birth of our savior, with all the common ways, making cookies, decorations, visiting friends, getting involved in church things, ect. But usually pick back up in the second week of January. This past year, NONE of us were ready to start up again. We all just needed a break. Dad was able to be home a few extra days, so, we just spent January with an unschool flair. Trips to the library to get good movies (modern, older classics, and educational), read from "The Boxcar Children" series - out loud- and just spent a lot of time together. February rolled around and we started out slow with some 1st time lap booking (I've been homeschooling for 8 years, and had never heard of it before!!!), had a ball doing that, and by the end of February we were back to working in the books. We "quit" for the year two weeks into May. We had a rummage sale to get ready for and it took a lot of work (we are pack rats here, and I have been determined to clear out and clean up the house) - and through the summer, there have been lots of other fun things to do.
SO, this week, we are reviewing the things learned in the last two weeks, working on Bible Quiz memorization, finished up a lap book on Dragons, and just generally, taking a small break from book work, but will be right back at it next week with the full schedule.
Just our "somewhere in the middle" mind set. We are always somewhere in the middle of something around here.
Blessings - Athena
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Greetings,
My grandfather passed away a few months ago, and with the inhairtance, we've decided to put on egress window in the basement, so the older two could move into their own rooms. This way, they will have another exit, just in case of a fire. It's a little more than half way done, the hole has been dug, the cinderblock wall cut, and the window put in. Might just be finished off on Monday, but Tuesday at the latest. All four kids are excited to get their own rooms. The older two a bit more, but still, the younger ones like the idea of being able to keep the older ones out of their rooms. :)
These guys are doing a really great job. They are keeping it pretty clean in their little tarp room in the basement, and with the area they are working in being tarped up really well, we're really not getting any mess anywhere else.
However, when they had to cut up the basement wall, we needed to be out of the house. It's quite loud, but also, the dust from that is pretty bad, and as I have pretty sever asthma, and the oldest, second youngest both have it, and the littlest has mild symptoms from time to time, we really couldn't be here. So, we popped into the car, and headed for a Motel 6 Thursday morning (they weren't sure when they would get to the actul sawing, Thurs. or Fri.). Made sure it had an outdoor pool (less expensive) and had a great time. The only real draw back was with taking our two dogs with us, we had to have someone in the room the whole time. So, my 15 year old son, who HATES swimming, stayed there with him while I watched the other three swim (i don't swim either. Fear it). He was fine with it for the most part, he got to play his DS while we were out, and watch cable. Things I don't let him watch with the younger two around. (I am more flexable as they get older, they need to learn to make choices, and things like tv programs are a good way to teach them how to - I could do a whole post on that) And since we don't have cable at home, it was an even bigger treat.
Heading out there put the travel bug in me again. I want to take the kids on a road trip. The old fashioned kind. Where you pick a destination, just jump in the car, and take a few days to get there, stopping at all the interesting places along the map, like the state parks, zoos, and the world's largest pretzel! I guess I'll have to try to set aside some money and try to plan one for next summer. It'll be the last family vaction before my oldest legally becomes an adult. (NEXT summer that is)
Blessings - Ahtena
My grandfather passed away a few months ago, and with the inhairtance, we've decided to put on egress window in the basement, so the older two could move into their own rooms. This way, they will have another exit, just in case of a fire. It's a little more than half way done, the hole has been dug, the cinderblock wall cut, and the window put in. Might just be finished off on Monday, but Tuesday at the latest. All four kids are excited to get their own rooms. The older two a bit more, but still, the younger ones like the idea of being able to keep the older ones out of their rooms. :)
These guys are doing a really great job. They are keeping it pretty clean in their little tarp room in the basement, and with the area they are working in being tarped up really well, we're really not getting any mess anywhere else.
However, when they had to cut up the basement wall, we needed to be out of the house. It's quite loud, but also, the dust from that is pretty bad, and as I have pretty sever asthma, and the oldest, second youngest both have it, and the littlest has mild symptoms from time to time, we really couldn't be here. So, we popped into the car, and headed for a Motel 6 Thursday morning (they weren't sure when they would get to the actul sawing, Thurs. or Fri.). Made sure it had an outdoor pool (less expensive) and had a great time. The only real draw back was with taking our two dogs with us, we had to have someone in the room the whole time. So, my 15 year old son, who HATES swimming, stayed there with him while I watched the other three swim (i don't swim either. Fear it). He was fine with it for the most part, he got to play his DS while we were out, and watch cable. Things I don't let him watch with the younger two around. (I am more flexable as they get older, they need to learn to make choices, and things like tv programs are a good way to teach them how to - I could do a whole post on that) And since we don't have cable at home, it was an even bigger treat.
Heading out there put the travel bug in me again. I want to take the kids on a road trip. The old fashioned kind. Where you pick a destination, just jump in the car, and take a few days to get there, stopping at all the interesting places along the map, like the state parks, zoos, and the world's largest pretzel! I guess I'll have to try to set aside some money and try to plan one for next summer. It'll be the last family vaction before my oldest legally becomes an adult. (NEXT summer that is)
Blessings - Ahtena
Friday, August 13, 2010
Morning,
I'm not sure if anyone is actually reading this blog or not, but I have having fun writing it when I can, so here I go again. :)
Our first week of school has gone quite well. With a three month break (we don't usually break that long) the kids are excited and eager to learn again. We've had to do some reviewing this week, but, surprisingly not too much. It is such a joy to teach them and see their faces when something "dings" in their minds.
I only make lesson plans a week or two at a time, my kids can often get stuck on something and I want to be able to keep working on it, with out feeling like I'm getting behind. Or, if we WANT to keep working on something, as well. In the past I have done six months, one month - I just always seem to end up feeling like we are way behind, then work the kids hard to get caught up. Everyone (including mom) ends up feeling frustrated and upset and school is no longer a joy. And that of course trickles to my husband. So, I've learned that just a week or two at a time -- and ALWAYS in pencil -- is what works for us. If you are reading, and do homeschool, how do you plan your work?
Got another "kids speak";
about a month ago, we were at church for our Wednesday family night activities and my youngest daughter(5)was with her little group, and they went out to play for a bit. Now we had had a LOT of rain for a while and some of the area was a bit muddy, as they were coming back in her teacher had come over and my daughter ran to her, slipped in a muddy spot, and landed and slid, on her whole back. She had mud from her shoes to her hair. She was cold, dirty and wet. But not hurt in any way, just annoyed.
What was I to do? I was in the nursery, so I couldn't just leave. But, amazingly someone had just gave me some clothes for my littlest one, mostly shirts (since her daughter did not wear too many dresses), no pants or shorts, but there was one dress! Now usually I like to wash gifted clothes, but I thought an exception could be made here. :)
So, off we headed to the bathroom to get her out of the muddy clothes and get her into the dry one. I even had to wash out her hair a bit, it was so muddy. Even her underwear was muddy and cold. (church keeps some pull ups for the younger kids in case mom forgets or runs out, so we used on of those, poor kid -- better than nothing).
Now, here's the funny the funny part, just a week or two ago, she had the dress on again and while daddy was tucking her into bed, he asked about the dress she had worn that day, saying something like, " is that the dress you wore when you got all muddy?" she replied; "Daddy, this is the dress that saved me from being nakedtized!" Where this stuff comes from, who knows, but it sure is cute. :)
Blessings-Athena
I'm not sure if anyone is actually reading this blog or not, but I have having fun writing it when I can, so here I go again. :)
Our first week of school has gone quite well. With a three month break (we don't usually break that long) the kids are excited and eager to learn again. We've had to do some reviewing this week, but, surprisingly not too much. It is such a joy to teach them and see their faces when something "dings" in their minds.
I only make lesson plans a week or two at a time, my kids can often get stuck on something and I want to be able to keep working on it, with out feeling like I'm getting behind. Or, if we WANT to keep working on something, as well. In the past I have done six months, one month - I just always seem to end up feeling like we are way behind, then work the kids hard to get caught up. Everyone (including mom) ends up feeling frustrated and upset and school is no longer a joy. And that of course trickles to my husband. So, I've learned that just a week or two at a time -- and ALWAYS in pencil -- is what works for us. If you are reading, and do homeschool, how do you plan your work?
Got another "kids speak";
about a month ago, we were at church for our Wednesday family night activities and my youngest daughter(5)was with her little group, and they went out to play for a bit. Now we had had a LOT of rain for a while and some of the area was a bit muddy, as they were coming back in her teacher had come over and my daughter ran to her, slipped in a muddy spot, and landed and slid, on her whole back. She had mud from her shoes to her hair. She was cold, dirty and wet. But not hurt in any way, just annoyed.
What was I to do? I was in the nursery, so I couldn't just leave. But, amazingly someone had just gave me some clothes for my littlest one, mostly shirts (since her daughter did not wear too many dresses), no pants or shorts, but there was one dress! Now usually I like to wash gifted clothes, but I thought an exception could be made here. :)
So, off we headed to the bathroom to get her out of the muddy clothes and get her into the dry one. I even had to wash out her hair a bit, it was so muddy. Even her underwear was muddy and cold. (church keeps some pull ups for the younger kids in case mom forgets or runs out, so we used on of those, poor kid -- better than nothing).
Now, here's the funny the funny part, just a week or two ago, she had the dress on again and while daddy was tucking her into bed, he asked about the dress she had worn that day, saying something like, " is that the dress you wore when you got all muddy?" she replied; "Daddy, this is the dress that saved me from being nakedtized!" Where this stuff comes from, who knows, but it sure is cute. :)
Blessings-Athena
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
It's been quit busy around here the last few weeks, there just never seems to be enough time to get on and post when I want to. Oh well, I have to put my family above the computer, so that's just the way it goes.
I wore shorts the other day, for the first time in a few weeks, it sure felt weird at first. I was uncomfortable in them - physically. As the day wore on, they weren't bad, but when I had to run out, I was constantly aware that I was in them, and wasn't real comfortable - mentally- in them. I'm sticking with skirts/ dresses for the most part now. I have throw on shorts for just around the house - my husband does like them on me, and wants me to wear them. He is fine with me usually wearing skirts, if I want to, but he like shorts/ pants on me. So, from time to time, I will wear them, for him.
Since we homeschool, we started early this year, just yesterday. We tend to do book work for a bit, then take a break for a bit. I just go with the flow and do what it seems we (the whole family) need to do at any given time. I pray and try to listen to the Lord about when and what to do each day/week/ month.
This year, for those who are interested, we are using:
Senior:
Abeka math - consumer book
Writing Strands - book 6
Abeka Science - 7th grade (she is not the best at science, so we are doing this easier one for the year, and we'll see where she goes from there)
Rosetta Stone - Italian
Various books for reports and just to read.
I will be adding things as the year goes on, but she does plan to still homeschool next year instead of going off to collage. So, she has some time to try and catch up. She is not planning on a 4 - year degree at this time, she feels called to missions, so, we are just going with the flow, and sticking somewhere in the middle.
Sophomore:
Math-U-see Epsilon
Abeka read and think - gr 6
I've got an old 4th gr English book and am using part of it to refresh his English skills.
Various books for oral book reports
I will also add to his work as the year progresses. He has certain disabilities and they tend to hold him back with school work. It's not so much the difficulty of the work, it's acutely doing the work that can be hard for him. So, we take it pretty slow. As long as he moves forward, that's fine by me.
4th grader:
Math-U-See Beta He will finish this book by Christmas and move on the the next
Abeka read and think - grade 4
ACE spelling - first level
Abeka English - 2nd or 3rd grade - He will fin sh this one next week and we will move onto Writing Strands level 2
Reading different books and "readers" just to improve his reading skills
1st grader:
Math-U-see - Primer, she will finish this by Christmas as well, and move to the next level
Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons. She's about 1/4 of the way through, we haven't seemed to finish this book yet, once they pick up on really reading, they get pretty board of this book, well see if she finishes it or not.
The three younger work together on history and science together as well as reading the Bible. My 15 year old is starting to read it on his own from time to time and I am working on getting him to do it more often. The oldest reads hers quite often.
For Bible, we are all working in Picture This Bible. It's a great way to study and understand the Bible. The kids fill in and connect the dots on a sheet of paper and then color it in (the younger two have the "answer" page, since it's a bit much for them to write and connect quickly). It's designed for middle school and up, but the younger two enjoy it and are learning too. So am I, for that manner. Each page is one book in the Bible (there are a few that have two of the smaller books on one page). As we work, we look up passages in the Bible, and learn the history of it. I can't recommend it enough.
Well, that's all. I've got to get this day started if I want to be productive today.
Blessing - Athena
I wore shorts the other day, for the first time in a few weeks, it sure felt weird at first. I was uncomfortable in them - physically. As the day wore on, they weren't bad, but when I had to run out, I was constantly aware that I was in them, and wasn't real comfortable - mentally- in them. I'm sticking with skirts/ dresses for the most part now. I have throw on shorts for just around the house - my husband does like them on me, and wants me to wear them. He is fine with me usually wearing skirts, if I want to, but he like shorts/ pants on me. So, from time to time, I will wear them, for him.
Since we homeschool, we started early this year, just yesterday. We tend to do book work for a bit, then take a break for a bit. I just go with the flow and do what it seems we (the whole family) need to do at any given time. I pray and try to listen to the Lord about when and what to do each day/week/ month.
This year, for those who are interested, we are using:
Senior:
Abeka math - consumer book
Writing Strands - book 6
Abeka Science - 7th grade (she is not the best at science, so we are doing this easier one for the year, and we'll see where she goes from there)
Rosetta Stone - Italian
Various books for reports and just to read.
I will be adding things as the year goes on, but she does plan to still homeschool next year instead of going off to collage. So, she has some time to try and catch up. She is not planning on a 4 - year degree at this time, she feels called to missions, so, we are just going with the flow, and sticking somewhere in the middle.
Sophomore:
Math-U-see Epsilon
Abeka read and think - gr 6
I've got an old 4th gr English book and am using part of it to refresh his English skills.
Various books for oral book reports
I will also add to his work as the year progresses. He has certain disabilities and they tend to hold him back with school work. It's not so much the difficulty of the work, it's acutely doing the work that can be hard for him. So, we take it pretty slow. As long as he moves forward, that's fine by me.
4th grader:
Math-U-See Beta He will finish this book by Christmas and move on the the next
Abeka read and think - grade 4
ACE spelling - first level
Abeka English - 2nd or 3rd grade - He will fin sh this one next week and we will move onto Writing Strands level 2
Reading different books and "readers" just to improve his reading skills
1st grader:
Math-U-see - Primer, she will finish this by Christmas as well, and move to the next level
Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons. She's about 1/4 of the way through, we haven't seemed to finish this book yet, once they pick up on really reading, they get pretty board of this book, well see if she finishes it or not.
The three younger work together on history and science together as well as reading the Bible. My 15 year old is starting to read it on his own from time to time and I am working on getting him to do it more often. The oldest reads hers quite often.
For Bible, we are all working in Picture This Bible. It's a great way to study and understand the Bible. The kids fill in and connect the dots on a sheet of paper and then color it in (the younger two have the "answer" page, since it's a bit much for them to write and connect quickly). It's designed for middle school and up, but the younger two enjoy it and are learning too. So am I, for that manner. Each page is one book in the Bible (there are a few that have two of the smaller books on one page). As we work, we look up passages in the Bible, and learn the history of it. I can't recommend it enough.
Well, that's all. I've got to get this day started if I want to be productive today.
Blessing - Athena
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
End of two weeks
Well, I've made it two full weeks of being dresses/ skirts only. My youngest daughter enjoyed it and it really didn't make much difference to her. She LOVES dress & skirts. For me, it really wasn't that bad. On hot days, the thicker skirts were a little hard to bear, but it was doable. I quite enjoyed feeling more feminine. And feeling feminie led me to think kinder, and more about the things I SHOULD be concerned with. Like cleaning and orginizing the house and taking better care of my husband. I started making him lunches everyday to take to work, even if I was just too tired. I made the effort. (he just has not been good at that this year) As a result, we've saved some money (not fast food trips) he is feeling better, and is much more plesant and happy.
So, I think I'll stick with dresses/ skirts for some time. I do think it's fine for women to wear pants (woman's pants), so I probably will from time to time. But I think that dresses make me a better wife/ mother. God pressed it upon my heart, I listened and good came of it. Praise God. :)
I'll have to get a few more summer type dresses/ skirts, and I'm not sure how or when that will happen, but if God wants me to wear them, they will show up somewhere, somehow.
I've got another "kids speak":
a few nights ago, while tucking the younger two into bed, my husband got a work phone call on his cell-phone. It was the police calling about a concern on his jobsite (he's a civil eng. and working in construction). Of course he had to take the call. He had already tucked in and kissed goodnight our son, but not our daughter. She was quiet while on the phone, waiting her turn, but once he hung up and went in to take care of her, she said, "D..A..D.. I think my sleep is more important than a phone call!" he replied "well, it was the police." so she said,"oh, well then I guess you had to talk to them then." Children, what a wonderful gift from our Lord.
Blessings-Athena
So, I think I'll stick with dresses/ skirts for some time. I do think it's fine for women to wear pants (woman's pants), so I probably will from time to time. But I think that dresses make me a better wife/ mother. God pressed it upon my heart, I listened and good came of it. Praise God. :)
I'll have to get a few more summer type dresses/ skirts, and I'm not sure how or when that will happen, but if God wants me to wear them, they will show up somewhere, somehow.
I've got another "kids speak":
a few nights ago, while tucking the younger two into bed, my husband got a work phone call on his cell-phone. It was the police calling about a concern on his jobsite (he's a civil eng. and working in construction). Of course he had to take the call. He had already tucked in and kissed goodnight our son, but not our daughter. She was quiet while on the phone, waiting her turn, but once he hung up and went in to take care of her, she said, "D..A..D.. I think my sleep is more important than a phone call!" he replied "well, it was the police." so she said,"oh, well then I guess you had to talk to them then." Children, what a wonderful gift from our Lord.
Blessings-Athena
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Good afternoon all,
Well, now that I think I've got everything understood (ok, most everything) here on this site, I can start blogging a bit more (maybe).
This past week has been VBS at church. It's the first one I've ever been involved in. My reponsibility (along with my oldest daughter) was pretty easy, just the nursery, we only had one or two kids each night, so - it was really simple. Tonight is the carnival and the end.
The younger two had a BLAST being there, and we were even able to take one neighborhood kid along with us who asked Jesus to be his Savior! Perhaps they will start comming to church.
With it being so easy in the nursery I really didn't have any trouble wearing skirts/ dresses all week so far. I can't help but wonder if things are really busy or tricky, if it would be as easy.
I have enjoyed wearing them, and feeling more feminine. I dresss a little nicer, I act a little nicer. It's amazing. My husband apreaciates how I look too.
There are still a few days to go in the full two weeks, but I don't really see a problem with it. It's been trickier finding dresses for the littelest one, who has always LOVED wearing them. But we are so behind on laundry (again!). But we mananged.
My 16 year old did not join us when she got back from camp with our church youth group. It would have been nice if she did, but I told her she is an adult regaurding this decision and it was up to her. As long as she dresses modestly, we were good (which is always the rule anyway).
Guess that is all for today. I've got to go and throw something in for dinner. Not really well planned out, I think that will be my next challange to myself. Meal plans and sticking to them!
Blessings - Athena
Well, now that I think I've got everything understood (ok, most everything) here on this site, I can start blogging a bit more (maybe).
This past week has been VBS at church. It's the first one I've ever been involved in. My reponsibility (along with my oldest daughter) was pretty easy, just the nursery, we only had one or two kids each night, so - it was really simple. Tonight is the carnival and the end.
The younger two had a BLAST being there, and we were even able to take one neighborhood kid along with us who asked Jesus to be his Savior! Perhaps they will start comming to church.
With it being so easy in the nursery I really didn't have any trouble wearing skirts/ dresses all week so far. I can't help but wonder if things are really busy or tricky, if it would be as easy.
I have enjoyed wearing them, and feeling more feminine. I dresss a little nicer, I act a little nicer. It's amazing. My husband apreaciates how I look too.
There are still a few days to go in the full two weeks, but I don't really see a problem with it. It's been trickier finding dresses for the littelest one, who has always LOVED wearing them. But we are so behind on laundry (again!). But we mananged.
My 16 year old did not join us when she got back from camp with our church youth group. It would have been nice if she did, but I told her she is an adult regaurding this decision and it was up to her. As long as she dresses modestly, we were good (which is always the rule anyway).
Guess that is all for today. I've got to go and throw something in for dinner. Not really well planned out, I think that will be my next challange to myself. Meal plans and sticking to them!
Blessings - Athena
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Hello!GOt a cute one for the ”kids’ speak.” The otherday while eating breakfast (at the table for once) my 15 year old son was eating VERY slowly (I really don’t get it, he is the slowest eating kid on the planet when it comes to breakfast. He eats so fast you aren’t even aware he’s had 3rds or 4ths at lunch and dinner, but breakfast, takes a LOT of time!)I said to him, ”stop talking and eat your breakfast already!””All I’ve got left is milk.”So, the little 5 year old daughter says to me, ”you can’t eat milk mama, it doesn’t have any chews!”She’s right!Ah, the wisdom out of the mouths of babes.
On another note, I’ve decided to try out ”dresses/ skirts” only for two weeks. Started on Monday. So far, so good. I have always loved wearing long dresses/ skirts, but at times they were more of a pain than practical, and made some things more difficult. However, they do make me feel more feminine. God makes it pretty clear that men are not to wear women’s clothes, and women are not to wear men’s clothes. But I don’t think this pertains to pants/ shorts. After all, men would still be in robes then, wouldn’t they.But, I did come across a blog that made the point that, as Christians we should stand out, so others can come to us with questions. Wearing dresses/skirts only, is a good way for a woman to stand out (not sure what you men can do), and feel pretty and feminine too.We’ll have to see if it’s something I can stick to or if I think it’s something I can do all the time. As I said, I’m not thinking that all women should only wear dresses, but I’d like to try. I feel that God has been pressing this on my heart lately, so I’m going to give it a try and see if it’s really what He wants of me.
Blessings- Athena
On another note, I’ve decided to try out ”dresses/ skirts” only for two weeks. Started on Monday. So far, so good. I have always loved wearing long dresses/ skirts, but at times they were more of a pain than practical, and made some things more difficult. However, they do make me feel more feminine. God makes it pretty clear that men are not to wear women’s clothes, and women are not to wear men’s clothes. But I don’t think this pertains to pants/ shorts. After all, men would still be in robes then, wouldn’t they.But, I did come across a blog that made the point that, as Christians we should stand out, so others can come to us with questions. Wearing dresses/skirts only, is a good way for a woman to stand out (not sure what you men can do), and feel pretty and feminine too.We’ll have to see if it’s something I can stick to or if I think it’s something I can do all the time. As I said, I’m not thinking that all women should only wear dresses, but I’d like to try. I feel that God has been pressing this on my heart lately, so I’m going to give it a try and see if it’s really what He wants of me.
Blessings- Athena
Good morning.Things have been quite busy around here. For all you ”stay at home/ homeschooling moms” you know what I mean.I think it’s time for a new name for us ”stay at home moms.” After all, do we really stay at home? Sure, there are some days, where you stay in pj’s all day and just watch movies. But let’s face it, with all the things we usually do, staying at home is not on top of the list.Even with the ”lazy” days of summer here. We still have church on Sundays and Wednesdays. Story time at the library, park, beach, zoo, errands. And once ”school” starts again, there’s sports, feild trips and learning co-ops to add to the list.No, ”stay at home” just dosen’t cut it any more. Most of the time I feel like I’m running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Even on the days we do ”stay home” I’m still pulled in at least four diretions.So, I’ve decided that my new position title will be ”running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off mom.” Covers it all I think. ’couse that’s quite a mouthful. So, I’ll just be the ”chicken mom.” Feel free to call yourselves ”chicken moms” too.Blessings – Ahtena
good morning.Have you thanked God today?We all remember to thank Him when something big happens. When we get something we REALLY want. But, do you remember to thank Him for the little things, things that tend to go unnoticed? Or how about the things that go wrong. Yes. The things that go wrong.
When something goes wrong, no, it is not always God. It can be the devil, or people doing something to cause it. However, He is still in control, and there is something to that. When you are running late for an appointment, and you hit every red light, get stuck behind someone going 15 under the speed limit, and get stuck at a train crossing (yep! Has happened to me!). Now that’s LATE! However, maybe, just maybe, you avoided a car crash, or hitting a squirrle! Or perhaps God is trying to teach you something. You did get ready late, or got hung up on the phone or computer. So, He has rebuked you, teaching you to take more time to get ready for something. To put your life in order.It is very hard to thank Him for things, when they go wrong. But, if you are able to do so, really do so, it is quite the humbling experiance. You can see that it is NOT about you, but HIM.
And don’t forget to thank Him for the little things that you use, and take advantage of everyday. In our VERY busy lifestyles (homeschoolers here ), it is too easy to forget those little conviences that, if He had not put things into motion thousands of years ago, would not be.For instance: indoor plumbing. Have you thought of what your life would be like if you had to go outside to go to the bathroom(not a pleasant thing for midwesterners in January!). OR do laundry in a tub?! By hand!! Let us not forget dishes! What about carpeting? Keeps your feet nice and comfortable and your home a bit warmer in the winter. Chapstick! What would you use if it wasn’t there?I try to come up with at least one (but I do go for more) each day. And I try to share that with my kids. Crayons have been one thing that the youngest is thankful for, books for the oldest, and video games for the boys. Things that are important to them. Sure, I teach them to be thankful for the big things too, but to be truely thankful for the little things is just as important, at least that’s what I think anyway.We have a responsiblity to teach our children what really matters in life. And since we teach them at home, there is pleanty of time to do so (ok, maybe there is not PLEANTY of time, but there is more ). So, take the time to teach them about the little things, and see them for yourself too.Blessings – Athena
When something goes wrong, no, it is not always God. It can be the devil, or people doing something to cause it. However, He is still in control, and there is something to that. When you are running late for an appointment, and you hit every red light, get stuck behind someone going 15 under the speed limit, and get stuck at a train crossing (yep! Has happened to me!). Now that’s LATE! However, maybe, just maybe, you avoided a car crash, or hitting a squirrle! Or perhaps God is trying to teach you something. You did get ready late, or got hung up on the phone or computer. So, He has rebuked you, teaching you to take more time to get ready for something. To put your life in order.It is very hard to thank Him for things, when they go wrong. But, if you are able to do so, really do so, it is quite the humbling experiance. You can see that it is NOT about you, but HIM.
And don’t forget to thank Him for the little things that you use, and take advantage of everyday. In our VERY busy lifestyles (homeschoolers here ), it is too easy to forget those little conviences that, if He had not put things into motion thousands of years ago, would not be.For instance: indoor plumbing. Have you thought of what your life would be like if you had to go outside to go to the bathroom(not a pleasant thing for midwesterners in January!). OR do laundry in a tub?! By hand!! Let us not forget dishes! What about carpeting? Keeps your feet nice and comfortable and your home a bit warmer in the winter. Chapstick! What would you use if it wasn’t there?I try to come up with at least one (but I do go for more) each day. And I try to share that with my kids. Crayons have been one thing that the youngest is thankful for, books for the oldest, and video games for the boys. Things that are important to them. Sure, I teach them to be thankful for the big things too, but to be truely thankful for the little things is just as important, at least that’s what I think anyway.We have a responsiblity to teach our children what really matters in life. And since we teach them at home, there is pleanty of time to do so (ok, maybe there is not PLEANTY of time, but there is more ). So, take the time to teach them about the little things, and see them for yourself too.Blessings – Athena
Good Morning.What a weekend! I knew rummages were a lot of work, but htis one took the cake! Four days, hot and humid to cold and rainy, (with some nice times mixed in). AND it wasn’t at our place, which was the biggest thing, I think. You see, my grandmother had a neighborhood rummage, and invited us to bring all our things over to sell, so, we had to bring it all there, and head over there pretty early each morning. Then, bring it all back home. We did pretty good, but I would have liked to get rid of a few more things. Oh well, our church usually has one in the middle of summer, you ”rent” a parking space or two, the teen group gets the money for that, and you keep your profits.You know, even though we had some rainy times, it wasn’t that bad. The worst of it was on day 2, and it was only in the morning. Rummage started around 9:00 and the rain stopped around 10:00. Nothing more than a few sprinkles the rest of the day. All weekend the weather was calling for rain, thunderstorms and heavy rain. But I knew better. I was praying for weeks that God would give us good weather for rummaging. I knew He would deliver, and He did! Sure, it wasn’t perfect weather, but it was really nice weather, and since it was suposed to not be very good most of the weekend … well, it was just fine. Countless people told me it would rain later, tomorrow, ect. But I just told them, it wouldn’t. And IF it did, it wouldn’t be much. Again, God did it! He simply never stops to amaze me. Yes, I know he is capeable of doing anything, but it still amazes me. He is Awesome.
Got another cute thing that kids say. My mom told me a really cute story last night about my youngest (5).She was upstairs playing with my mom, and pulled out an invisable tape player, ”now granny, this is a tape player, and a tape. And it’s going to tell you a story. You have to pretend that it’s the tape player, not me talking.” While saying all this she was very carefully setting up the ”tape player” and putting a ”tape” in. Then she said; ”now, this is a scary ghoast story, so I can’t listen.” So, she put her fingers into her ears and began to tell the story. She kept her fingers in her ears the whole time she was telling her story! I wish I had been there, but I’m not sure I would have been able to keep a straight face.Kids are so great. Thanks for reading.Blessings – Athena
Got another cute thing that kids say. My mom told me a really cute story last night about my youngest (5).She was upstairs playing with my mom, and pulled out an invisable tape player, ”now granny, this is a tape player, and a tape. And it’s going to tell you a story. You have to pretend that it’s the tape player, not me talking.” While saying all this she was very carefully setting up the ”tape player” and putting a ”tape” in. Then she said; ”now, this is a scary ghoast story, so I can’t listen.” So, she put her fingers into her ears and began to tell the story. She kept her fingers in her ears the whole time she was telling her story! I wish I had been there, but I’m not sure I would have been able to keep a straight face.Kids are so great. Thanks for reading.Blessings – Athena
Good Morning Everone.What a beautiful morning here in the midwest. I woke over an hour and half early, just because the weather is just to beautiful to ignore. And, that is quite unusal. I’m much the ”sleeper – iner” as the kids like to say. Don’t kids say the cutest things. At any age they can come up with pretty interesting things. I really wish I could remember them all. We’ve gotten some pretty good ones. Just last night, as daddy was tucking our 5 year old into bed, she said ”I can’t find Froggo” (she loves frogs, she has three currently; Froggy, Hearty McRibbit and froggo. At least those are the favorites.) So, daddy picks up a random stuffed animal and said, ”Here he is. ” She replied, with a compleatly straight face; ”Daaa…ddd…! That’s NOT a frog, and it’s NOT a O!”These are the things that help us when we start having ”one of those days.” You know the kind I mean – where,on many occasions you are throwing your arms into the air, praying to God ”Please dear Lord, help me with this …” The dishes are piled up (course around here, that’s just normal), the dog is running around chasing the cat, the kids are jumping on the couch, you can’t find your left shoe (Stich must have taken it), and your late for some appiontment or something. The teens are being sassy and disrespectful, and the younger ones are whining.That’s when I try to think about those little comments that come out of their mouths at the strangest time. A smile or a little giggle make me remember that God knew what He was doing when he gave me these wonderful blessings. That I am the one He chose to mother these children. And that leads to more perspective about all the things I have to make parenting easier. A loving supportive husband (not that he doesn’t have faults, but he IS a good one), my mom, who helps us as much as she can, and simply living here, in this country, this state, where things are much more simpler than in many other places. A country where we can still make MOST of our own choices and live the way God shows us.Really puts it all into persepective, just those cute little words, comments or jokes they say. So, share them with others, post them here. And as They come up with more, I’ll share them too.
blessings — Athena
blessings — Athena
from other site
Hello world!
May 21st, 2010 by Athena
Hello all! Welcome to my Blog. I hope you enjoy it, IF I can make it work right.
First off I will introduce myself. My name is Athena. I’m a Christian, homeschooling mom of 4 great kids. Ages 16, 14 (nearly 15), 8 and 5. Also in my family is my dear hubby, Tony; and my mother, Lori, or Granny, as the kids call her. Our four (and 6) legged member are: Albus – a boarder collie – lab mix 3 years old; Griffin & Sebastian – mixed breed cats 10 & 3 respectively; Lexi & Banana – guinea pigs about 6 months; Bambina – hamster also, 6 months; and Fido, Scrappy & Sammy – hermit crabs, age unknown. We often have other members for short (or long) times that have many legs – daddy long-legs are a favorite and make great and easy care for pets.
I named this blog “somewhere in the middle” because that is where we seem to always be. Not just in the middle of life, but in the middle of opions and various ends of spectrums. For instance, take my Christian journy. I am still a relitivly new true believer. I was saved in October of 2008. Not anywhere near a tradition saving, I’ll post about it sometime. I have since found a very happy church home in a local Assembly of God church. I have become very active in the nursery since January, and have been asked to start teaching the 3 & 4 year old class during service. The children and I LOVEbeing there and worshiping and learning from our new church family. However (and this is where the “somewhere in the middle” comes in), I do take the Bible for the truth, but with a grain of salt, so to speak. A good example is Creation vs evolution. Even though I completely believe that God created everything, and we do NOT come from ooze (ooze to zoo to you , did it really only take 6 days to create it all? Could it have taken longer? Perhaps He kept it simple for simpler times. I lean considerable towards 6 days, however I do not exclude the possibility that it did take longer. I simply don’t know. And, honestly, am not that concerned about it. God did what He did, and what really matters is that I am saved through His son, Jesus Christ. I know many want to know the answer, but I don’t need to. So, that puts me “somewhere in the middle” of that.
In our homeschooling journey, we are also in the middle of those we hang around with. We have friends who do “school at home” and those who “unschool.” We approach homeschooling from both ends. We do whatever works on any given day or month. Each kid in in there own “learning zone.” Some on track, some ahead, some behind – in each of the different subjects. Makes for a lot of work for mom, to keep it all together, but I want them to grow at their own pace, not someone else’s preconceived idea of what they should do. Somethings MUST be done, others are options. Some things are done at the table, others are done on the couch. We have a VERY flexible routine to our day, and move it around when needed by one or more of the members of this family.
And, now, after many years of trying to fit in with some group or another, I am finally content to be “somewhere in the middle.” That’s not to say, that there are times I want to “just fit in somewhere,” I am still human. Just like sometimes I have to think “ahhh.. – we are so behind in school work!!” But I have spent a lot of time praying to God to lead me where He wants me, and to show me what He needs me for. During all that, I have come to see, He has placed me “somewhere in the middle” for a purpose, His purpose. And that is just fine with me. After all, isn’t our whole purpose here on earth to serve our Lord? Who am I to argue with Him. So, here I am, “somewhere in the middle.” Happy and content, for the most part.
I hope this blog will be entertaining and informative to you. I will not apologize for my feeling, thoughts and opinions. Nothing I say is meant to hurt or offend anyone. I welcome and comments and questions. I do insist on one thing. In our home I have one rule about disagreeing with mom. You have every right to not like, or completely disagree with what I say, you may even tell me what you thing, BUT, it must be done in a respectful and kind way. I will not listen if you don’t. And we will get nowhere. So, please keep that in mind when posting.
I hope you enjoy this, and please check back often to see what else I post.
Blessings – Athena
May 21st, 2010 by Athena
Hello all! Welcome to my Blog. I hope you enjoy it, IF I can make it work right.
First off I will introduce myself. My name is Athena. I’m a Christian, homeschooling mom of 4 great kids. Ages 16, 14 (nearly 15), 8 and 5. Also in my family is my dear hubby, Tony; and my mother, Lori, or Granny, as the kids call her. Our four (and 6) legged member are: Albus – a boarder collie – lab mix 3 years old; Griffin & Sebastian – mixed breed cats 10 & 3 respectively; Lexi & Banana – guinea pigs about 6 months; Bambina – hamster also, 6 months; and Fido, Scrappy & Sammy – hermit crabs, age unknown. We often have other members for short (or long) times that have many legs – daddy long-legs are a favorite and make great and easy care for pets.
I named this blog “somewhere in the middle” because that is where we seem to always be. Not just in the middle of life, but in the middle of opions and various ends of spectrums. For instance, take my Christian journy. I am still a relitivly new true believer. I was saved in October of 2008. Not anywhere near a tradition saving, I’ll post about it sometime. I have since found a very happy church home in a local Assembly of God church. I have become very active in the nursery since January, and have been asked to start teaching the 3 & 4 year old class during service. The children and I LOVEbeing there and worshiping and learning from our new church family. However (and this is where the “somewhere in the middle” comes in), I do take the Bible for the truth, but with a grain of salt, so to speak. A good example is Creation vs evolution. Even though I completely believe that God created everything, and we do NOT come from ooze (ooze to zoo to you , did it really only take 6 days to create it all? Could it have taken longer? Perhaps He kept it simple for simpler times. I lean considerable towards 6 days, however I do not exclude the possibility that it did take longer. I simply don’t know. And, honestly, am not that concerned about it. God did what He did, and what really matters is that I am saved through His son, Jesus Christ. I know many want to know the answer, but I don’t need to. So, that puts me “somewhere in the middle” of that.
In our homeschooling journey, we are also in the middle of those we hang around with. We have friends who do “school at home” and those who “unschool.” We approach homeschooling from both ends. We do whatever works on any given day or month. Each kid in in there own “learning zone.” Some on track, some ahead, some behind – in each of the different subjects. Makes for a lot of work for mom, to keep it all together, but I want them to grow at their own pace, not someone else’s preconceived idea of what they should do. Somethings MUST be done, others are options. Some things are done at the table, others are done on the couch. We have a VERY flexible routine to our day, and move it around when needed by one or more of the members of this family.
And, now, after many years of trying to fit in with some group or another, I am finally content to be “somewhere in the middle.” That’s not to say, that there are times I want to “just fit in somewhere,” I am still human. Just like sometimes I have to think “ahhh.. – we are so behind in school work!!” But I have spent a lot of time praying to God to lead me where He wants me, and to show me what He needs me for. During all that, I have come to see, He has placed me “somewhere in the middle” for a purpose, His purpose. And that is just fine with me. After all, isn’t our whole purpose here on earth to serve our Lord? Who am I to argue with Him. So, here I am, “somewhere in the middle.” Happy and content, for the most part.
I hope this blog will be entertaining and informative to you. I will not apologize for my feeling, thoughts and opinions. Nothing I say is meant to hurt or offend anyone. I welcome and comments and questions. I do insist on one thing. In our home I have one rule about disagreeing with mom. You have every right to not like, or completely disagree with what I say, you may even tell me what you thing, BUT, it must be done in a respectful and kind way. I will not listen if you don’t. And we will get nowhere. So, please keep that in mind when posting.
I hope you enjoy this, and please check back often to see what else I post.
Blessings – Athena
Hello. Good Morning.
I'm a bit new to blogging. I had one at homeschool blogger, but did not like the set up, so I'm trying this one.
I'm a Christian full time wife and homeschooling mom to four wonderful kids. Daughter 16, son 15, son 8, daughter 5.
I am going to try to copy & paste the blogs from my other one here, if not, I'll tell you more about myself next time.
In the mean time, my God bless you and keep you.
Athena
I'm a bit new to blogging. I had one at homeschool blogger, but did not like the set up, so I'm trying this one.
I'm a Christian full time wife and homeschooling mom to four wonderful kids. Daughter 16, son 15, son 8, daughter 5.
I am going to try to copy & paste the blogs from my other one here, if not, I'll tell you more about myself next time.
In the mean time, my God bless you and keep you.
Athena
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