Our summer reading list is growing!! Yippee! I have to clarify that the books with ** next to them are my summer reading choices ... which are still a work in progress, not yet completed - so perhaps should not even be on that list!
But my little Miss H. WOW! She is blowing me away with her reading skills lately. Yes, this is where the bragging comes in. She has always been a strong reader, but this summer she is literally flying through these books. Every one of those chapter books like the Junie B. series and the Magic Treehouse series are all being read by H. All by herself. And she's been reading about one a day. Last week she read 4 chapter books in 3 days!
I am so proud of her. I am so thankful that she has such a love of reading. J can't read yet so H and I take turns reading to her, and we're doing OK adding some books to the list too ... but H, WOW!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The unbreakable bond
I've always been intrigued by the bond between sisters. I never had any sisters, but always longed to have one just so I could know the feeling of that deeply rooted bond.
My Mom had 4 sisters, my Mother in law had 3. I've seen the times when sisters don't get along, don't share the same viewpoints, or lifestyles, or thoughts on parenting ... but I've also seen (and heard) the stories of late nights talking and whispering, shared clothes and shoes, memories of funny experiences ...
My daughters have this bond. I was thrilled to pieces the day we found out that our second born would be another girl. My longing for a sister was about to be lived out in my daughter's lives.
My daughters fight. A lot. Every day. All the time. About everything. You see the bond of sisterhood does not mean you will always get along. They have very different views of life, very different personalities and very different ways of doing things. So they fight. And they argue. About everything.
But then ... there are those times ... times when I find them huddled together reading a book, or playing make believe out in the yard, or lying side by side 'sunning' on their beach towels ...
The day I took this picture (a couple weeks ago) we were sitting at the beach while the girls played. After a little while I noticed they had moved about 200 yards down the beach away from us and had set up this little spot for themselves. They were lying there talking and relaxing and as soon as I saw it I grabbed my camera and ran to capture this precious sisterly moment.
Yesterday another moment like this happened. They played in the pool for awhile. Sometimes fighting and sometimes getting along. Later they decided to get out and play in the yard. I was inside doing housework when I glanced out the window to check on them. They were sitting in the top of the swingset/fort and were just chatting away with one another. They later took pillows and towels out there and set up little beds - side by side. Then came supper time and they chose to bring their supper out to their little 'home' to have a picnic. It was wonderful, they were getting along so well and really enjoying one another so much!
I am so thankful that my girls have one another. I am always trying to teach them that they are so blessed to have a sister, a very best friend, to play with and talk with every single day. {Of course they don't always see it that way ... but I'm thankful for the times when they do!}
Right at this very moment ... I can hear them listening to music in H's room and chatting together. Ahhh, love those moments!
My Mom had 4 sisters, my Mother in law had 3. I've seen the times when sisters don't get along, don't share the same viewpoints, or lifestyles, or thoughts on parenting ... but I've also seen (and heard) the stories of late nights talking and whispering, shared clothes and shoes, memories of funny experiences ...
My daughters have this bond. I was thrilled to pieces the day we found out that our second born would be another girl. My longing for a sister was about to be lived out in my daughter's lives.
My daughters fight. A lot. Every day. All the time. About everything. You see the bond of sisterhood does not mean you will always get along. They have very different views of life, very different personalities and very different ways of doing things. So they fight. And they argue. About everything.
But then ... there are those times ... times when I find them huddled together reading a book, or playing make believe out in the yard, or lying side by side 'sunning' on their beach towels ...
The day I took this picture (a couple weeks ago) we were sitting at the beach while the girls played. After a little while I noticed they had moved about 200 yards down the beach away from us and had set up this little spot for themselves. They were lying there talking and relaxing and as soon as I saw it I grabbed my camera and ran to capture this precious sisterly moment.
Yesterday another moment like this happened. They played in the pool for awhile. Sometimes fighting and sometimes getting along. Later they decided to get out and play in the yard. I was inside doing housework when I glanced out the window to check on them. They were sitting in the top of the swingset/fort and were just chatting away with one another. They later took pillows and towels out there and set up little beds - side by side. Then came supper time and they chose to bring their supper out to their little 'home' to have a picnic. It was wonderful, they were getting along so well and really enjoying one another so much!
I am so thankful that my girls have one another. I am always trying to teach them that they are so blessed to have a sister, a very best friend, to play with and talk with every single day. {Of course they don't always see it that way ... but I'm thankful for the times when they do!}
Right at this very moment ... I can hear them listening to music in H's room and chatting together. Ahhh, love those moments!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sad
I am sad to tell you that Bob's cousin Michael just passed away. Micheal has had several health problems over the past year and last week he was admitted to the hospital with not much time left. This weekend he was removed from life support and he died this evening.
Micheal was in his mid-fifties, a husband, father, grandpa, son, brother and more ... he will be missed. Please be in prayer for the family - the days to come are sure to be hard ones.
Micheal was in his mid-fifties, a husband, father, grandpa, son, brother and more ... he will be missed. Please be in prayer for the family - the days to come are sure to be hard ones.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Our week in pictures
We have really been enjoying the summer so far. As I mentioned in some earlier posts I spent the beginning part of the week doing some projects inside and outside of the house. The latter part of our week was pure enjoyment!
The weather has been beautiful, a little cooler than I would expect but very enjoyable if you ask me. We've had lots of thunderstorms too but they're mostly at night giving us beautiful, sunny days. At night it's been a little cooler making it easy to keep our A/C turned off and enjoy the open windows and fresh air pouring in. I hope this lasts for awhile as I prefer that to blazing heat and a closed up - air conditioned house!!
Wednesday we had a quick but wonderful visit from Julie & Johnny and their youngest two girls ... it was so great to meet baby Cora for the first time, she sure is a cutie!
Johnny and the girls enjoyed the pool ... Ella was a bit tired at this point so she wasn't feelin' real smiley. We missed seeing Haylee, but can't wait to hopefully see her next month when we plan to visit them.
Thursday morning was a day for doing errands, then once again using and enjoying the pool. In the afternoon it clouded over so we headed in side where I was able to do quite a bit of sewing while the girls did some fun art projects - painting and clay!
On Friday my friends Caroline and Sandy were over with their 6 kids (3 each) and we enjoyed talking and having lunch while the kids swam and played.
(Morgun)
(Mason, Morgun and Evan)
And today was another wonderful boating/beach day. We spend most weekends going out on Bob's parent's boat ... then lounging at the beach all day. It's so relaxing and we all enjoy it so much. Here are the tired Father and Daughter ... taking a quick beach snooze.
J really enjoyed some fresh cherries ... check out this cute cherry smile!
H enjoying the beach with Grandpa in the background. 
Bob was thrilled that he caught about 5 or 6 fish ... here are a few pictures ...
H reeled in the biggest one! 
YAY!!
The weather has been beautiful, a little cooler than I would expect but very enjoyable if you ask me. We've had lots of thunderstorms too but they're mostly at night giving us beautiful, sunny days. At night it's been a little cooler making it easy to keep our A/C turned off and enjoy the open windows and fresh air pouring in. I hope this lasts for awhile as I prefer that to blazing heat and a closed up - air conditioned house!!
Wednesday we had a quick but wonderful visit from Julie & Johnny and their youngest two girls ... it was so great to meet baby Cora for the first time, she sure is a cutie!
Johnny and the girls enjoyed the pool ... Ella was a bit tired at this point so she wasn't feelin' real smiley. We missed seeing Haylee, but can't wait to hopefully see her next month when we plan to visit them.
Thursday morning was a day for doing errands, then once again using and enjoying the pool. In the afternoon it clouded over so we headed in side where I was able to do quite a bit of sewing while the girls did some fun art projects - painting and clay!
On Friday my friends Caroline and Sandy were over with their 6 kids (3 each) and we enjoyed talking and having lunch while the kids swam and played.
(Morgun)
(Mason, Morgun and Evan)
And today was another wonderful boating/beach day. We spend most weekends going out on Bob's parent's boat ... then lounging at the beach all day. It's so relaxing and we all enjoy it so much. Here are the tired Father and Daughter ... taking a quick beach snooze.
J really enjoyed some fresh cherries ... check out this cute cherry smile!
H enjoying the beach with Grandpa in the background. 
Bob was thrilled that he caught about 5 or 6 fish ... here are a few pictures ...
H reeled in the biggest one! 
YAY!!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Decision
The decision has been made. We have waited and waited for weeks to find out if the girls would attend a Christian school next year, or if we would continue to homeschool. We finally found out today that we will not be able to get the funding for the Christian school, so therefore we will homeschool again.
In a small way it's a let down. We really liked the school and knew that it would be a good opportunity for the girls. But in a BIG way I'm excited to again have the chance to homeschool. I have had all these great ideas and plans going through my head for the past few weeks and I'm very excited that I will get the chance to use them!
I admit that I'm a little nervous. I've never had to teach them both at the same time, and I've never taught kindergarten (learning to read!!) which is what I'll be doing with J. But like I said, I'm excited and have lots of new ideas I'm hoping to implement.
So there it is, the decision is made and on we go with plans for the coming school year. I'm so thankful to have an answer and be able to move forward!
In a small way it's a let down. We really liked the school and knew that it would be a good opportunity for the girls. But in a BIG way I'm excited to again have the chance to homeschool. I have had all these great ideas and plans going through my head for the past few weeks and I'm very excited that I will get the chance to use them!
I admit that I'm a little nervous. I've never had to teach them both at the same time, and I've never taught kindergarten (learning to read!!) which is what I'll be doing with J. But like I said, I'm excited and have lots of new ideas I'm hoping to implement.
So there it is, the decision is made and on we go with plans for the coming school year. I'm so thankful to have an answer and be able to move forward!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Out door patio project
OK, I promise this is my last post today! I have been so busy working on projects that I'm just now blogging about them all at once!
So we just had our pool put in and we are loving it so far. But it's not attached to our deck, it's kind of near the deck. We are hoping to possibly build the deck out further next summer so they are attached but needed something for right now. We have the steps leading into the pool so we built a patio area at ground level so you can walk easily from the deck to the pool and also so you can get in the pool without having grassy feet.
This was a big project and Bob and I worked on it together today. It was kind of fun doing this together and seeing how nice it looked when it was all done ... plus then when we were all sweaty and tired from working we could just jump in the pool to cool off! His Mom had the girls which made it so much easier to get a lot done in a shorter amount of time. Here are some pictures ...
So we just had our pool put in and we are loving it so far. But it's not attached to our deck, it's kind of near the deck. We are hoping to possibly build the deck out further next summer so they are attached but needed something for right now. We have the steps leading into the pool so we built a patio area at ground level so you can walk easily from the deck to the pool and also so you can get in the pool without having grassy feet.
This was a big project and Bob and I worked on it together today. It was kind of fun doing this together and seeing how nice it looked when it was all done ... plus then when we were all sweaty and tired from working we could just jump in the pool to cool off! His Mom had the girls which made it so much easier to get a lot done in a shorter amount of time. Here are some pictures ...
Sewing Fever
I have had some serious sewing fever lately!! I have all these ideas for all these projects around my home that I want to do ... and now that it's summer I'm finally finding the time to do them! PLUS, I found this fabulous fabric store right near my house where everything is $1.99 a yard! WOOHOO, can't be those prices!
I made curtains for my kitchen oh, um, about a year and a half ago ... but never completed the bottom piece for the cafe style curtains! So this week I finally finished the bottom piece and was very pleased to find some frilly trim that matched perfectly on it!
I also recovered the pillows and cushion on my kitchen bench - they were looking very sad, very stained, and very tired. Some fresh new fabrics, a little extra batting, and some more frilly trim ... and VOILA! They look great again!
And yes, I'm a cheater ... even though I sew, I hate attaching trim to pillows ... so I cheated and HOT GLUED the trim on these pillows! If ya look real close you might be able to tell! Otherwise, it's my little secret ...
Here is another fun little project I made today ... a pretty little apron! I had all these pretty scraps of fabrics from who knows when so I decided last night that I would use them! While watching The Bachelorette last night I started cutting out pieces for the apron and today I put it all together.
If you are a fan of "The Nester's" blog ... you know her mantra is IDHTBPTBB ... or It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. If you look really close at this apron you will see tons of mistakes ... I'm kind of a lazy sewer, I just like to get the project done and don't always focus on the little details. Like how this stitching is looking pretty crooked and crazy!!! Oh well! No one will know because no one will ever look that close! 
My lovely daughters in their lovely PJ's were kind enough to be my apron models ... and yes, it's big enough for a woman, it's just tied tight enough to fit around their little bodies!
I made curtains for my kitchen oh, um, about a year and a half ago ... but never completed the bottom piece for the cafe style curtains! So this week I finally finished the bottom piece and was very pleased to find some frilly trim that matched perfectly on it!
I also recovered the pillows and cushion on my kitchen bench - they were looking very sad, very stained, and very tired. Some fresh new fabrics, a little extra batting, and some more frilly trim ... and VOILA! They look great again!
And yes, I'm a cheater ... even though I sew, I hate attaching trim to pillows ... so I cheated and HOT GLUED the trim on these pillows! If ya look real close you might be able to tell! Otherwise, it's my little secret ...
Here is another fun little project I made today ... a pretty little apron! I had all these pretty scraps of fabrics from who knows when so I decided last night that I would use them! While watching The Bachelorette last night I started cutting out pieces for the apron and today I put it all together.
If you are a fan of "The Nester's" blog ... you know her mantra is IDHTBPTBB ... or It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. If you look really close at this apron you will see tons of mistakes ... I'm kind of a lazy sewer, I just like to get the project done and don't always focus on the little details. Like how this stitching is looking pretty crooked and crazy!!! Oh well! No one will know because no one will ever look that close! 
My lovely daughters in their lovely PJ's were kind enough to be my apron models ... and yes, it's big enough for a woman, it's just tied tight enough to fit around their little bodies!
Home School Field Day
Last Friday we had a wonderful time participating in the home school field day. This is the Christian homeschoolers group that we belong to ... although it's sad to say I didn't get very involved yet this year ... but maybe next year!
Field day was great, the kids had a wonderful time making new friends as well as playing with some friends they already knew. The games were fun, the weather was gorgeous, it was an A+ day! (haha, little homeschool humor there!)
H is in the red/white stripes ...
J is in the all pink with stripes on the right ...
It was a blessing to see this little guy there ... this is Tyler the little boy who's Mama died unexpectedly about a month ago. I hadn't seen him since then, and wasn't sure if I would just burst into tears the moment I did see him ... but seeing his bright, sunny, smiling face just made me so thankful that he is doing OK. I'm sure his heart aches for his Mama all the time, but he is just such a sweet little boy.
Friday made me realize that I really WANT to homeschool again next year ... with our decision still looming I have been torn about what I really want to see happen. But being a part of a wonderful homeschool community made me think it would be really fun to have the experience of homeschooling again next year. So we'll see ... I am just so happy that we have the freedom and the opportunity to even consider it. We will wait on the Lord ...
Field day was great, the kids had a wonderful time making new friends as well as playing with some friends they already knew. The games were fun, the weather was gorgeous, it was an A+ day! (haha, little homeschool humor there!)
H is in the red/white stripes ...
J is in the all pink with stripes on the right ...
It was a blessing to see this little guy there ... this is Tyler the little boy who's Mama died unexpectedly about a month ago. I hadn't seen him since then, and wasn't sure if I would just burst into tears the moment I did see him ... but seeing his bright, sunny, smiling face just made me so thankful that he is doing OK. I'm sure his heart aches for his Mama all the time, but he is just such a sweet little boy.
Friday made me realize that I really WANT to homeschool again next year ... with our decision still looming I have been torn about what I really want to see happen. But being a part of a wonderful homeschool community made me think it would be really fun to have the experience of homeschooling again next year. So we'll see ... I am just so happy that we have the freedom and the opportunity to even consider it. We will wait on the Lord ...
Happy (Belated) Father's Day!
To my wonderful honey, the amazing father of our two little blessings. I could speak a thousand words and still not adequately express how thankful I am for Bob in my life! Besides, I already showered him with cards, gifts and words of praise on the actual day! =)
Instead I will share a few pictures ... (side note: we did not get ANY pictures on Father's day - which I feel terrible about - the weather wasn't very nice and we just totally forgot!)
January 2008
March 2008
March 2008
March 2008
March 2008
March 2008
April 2008
June 2008 
June 2008
And I haven't forgotten my two "Dads" - my Dad in heaven and my Father in law who I call my Dad that I get to have now since my own Dad is gone.
I still miss my Dad and still wish he were here to be with us and see his grandkids growing, I will always love him and will always feel a small ache in my heart for him -- and there's a lot more I could say (and might say) at a later time.
My FIL is just an amazing person that I am so thankful for. He is such a great example to his kids and grandkids. I couldn't have asked for a better Father in law.
Instead I will share a few pictures ... (side note: we did not get ANY pictures on Father's day - which I feel terrible about - the weather wasn't very nice and we just totally forgot!)
January 2008
March 2008
March 2008
March 2008
March 2008
March 2008
April 2008
June 2008 
June 2008
And I haven't forgotten my two "Dads" - my Dad in heaven and my Father in law who I call my Dad that I get to have now since my own Dad is gone.
I still miss my Dad and still wish he were here to be with us and see his grandkids growing, I will always love him and will always feel a small ache in my heart for him -- and there's a lot more I could say (and might say) at a later time.
My FIL is just an amazing person that I am so thankful for. He is such a great example to his kids and grandkids. I couldn't have asked for a better Father in law.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
I am so blessed!
I have been kissed by the sun each morning
Put my feet on a hardwood floor
I get to hear my children laughin'
Down the hall through the bedroom door
Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing
Just soakin' up the day
I think to myself, I think to myself
This world is a beautiful place
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
Across a crowded room
I know you know what I'm thinkin'
By the way I look at you
And when we're lying in the quiet
And no words have to be said
I think to myself, I think to myself
This love is a beautiful gift
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
When I'm...
When I'm singing my kids to sleep
When I feel you holding me
I know
I am so blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed oh yes
i have been blessed, oh yeah yeah
(i have been blessed, i have been blessed
i have been blessed i have been blessed)
This is truly one of my favorite songs ... it's by Martina McBride and I have always listened to it and thought it was exactly how I feel about my own life. It's like Martina wrote it just for me. I am SO blessed. Sometimes I forget just how blessed I am. I get cranky or I wish I had more things, or I just fail to recognize just how very blessed I really am.
Then a day comes along that helps me to remember - a day like yesterday. My birthday. I have always loved my birthday, ever since I was a little girl. Even the year I turned 8 when we had to postpone my birthday party because I had the chicken pox. My birthday has a different 'feel' to it. Kind of like the way I feel on Sundays. Where it seems like the sun is just shining a little bit brighter and I just feel happy all over. It feels like you want to walk around town and shout "It's my BIRTHDAY!!" even though you know people would look at you like you were crazy.
Yesterday I was totally blown away by all the emails, phone calls and cards from so many caring people. It reminds me how lucky I am to have so many special family and friends in my life. I feel like I'm so spoiled too. I had 4 different birthday celebrations! 4!!! It's like I'm a kid all over again.
#1 Last week Bob, the girls and I went out for a birthday dinner.
#2 My scrapbook friends came over and we celebrated. (that was so much fun!)
#3 Dinner and dessert at Mom's house Tuesday night to celebrate both Mom's and My birthdays.
#4 Birthday lunch / pool party with my in laws yesterday.
Oh, and the girls and I also splurged on going to Friendly's last night. Bob was working and we didn't feel like cooking so we went to Friendly's. YUMMY! The girls were so excited to get big candy shop sundaes!
So thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who made me feel special and loved yesterday. It feels good to be celebrated, it feels like being a kid again!
I am so blessed ... and I feel like I've found my way ... I thank God for all I've been given, at the end of every day ... =)
Put my feet on a hardwood floor
I get to hear my children laughin'
Down the hall through the bedroom door
Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing
Just soakin' up the day
I think to myself, I think to myself
This world is a beautiful place
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
Across a crowded room
I know you know what I'm thinkin'
By the way I look at you
And when we're lying in the quiet
And no words have to be said
I think to myself, I think to myself
This love is a beautiful gift
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
When I'm...
When I'm singing my kids to sleep
When I feel you holding me
I know
I am so blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed oh yes
i have been blessed, oh yeah yeah
(i have been blessed, i have been blessed
i have been blessed i have been blessed)
This is truly one of my favorite songs ... it's by Martina McBride and I have always listened to it and thought it was exactly how I feel about my own life. It's like Martina wrote it just for me. I am SO blessed. Sometimes I forget just how blessed I am. I get cranky or I wish I had more things, or I just fail to recognize just how very blessed I really am.Then a day comes along that helps me to remember - a day like yesterday. My birthday. I have always loved my birthday, ever since I was a little girl. Even the year I turned 8 when we had to postpone my birthday party because I had the chicken pox. My birthday has a different 'feel' to it. Kind of like the way I feel on Sundays. Where it seems like the sun is just shining a little bit brighter and I just feel happy all over. It feels like you want to walk around town and shout "It's my BIRTHDAY!!" even though you know people would look at you like you were crazy.
Yesterday I was totally blown away by all the emails, phone calls and cards from so many caring people. It reminds me how lucky I am to have so many special family and friends in my life. I feel like I'm so spoiled too. I had 4 different birthday celebrations! 4!!! It's like I'm a kid all over again.#1 Last week Bob, the girls and I went out for a birthday dinner.
#2 My scrapbook friends came over and we celebrated. (that was so much fun!)
#3 Dinner and dessert at Mom's house Tuesday night to celebrate both Mom's and My birthdays.
#4 Birthday lunch / pool party with my in laws yesterday.
Oh, and the girls and I also splurged on going to Friendly's last night. Bob was working and we didn't feel like cooking so we went to Friendly's. YUMMY! The girls were so excited to get big candy shop sundaes!
So thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who made me feel special and loved yesterday. It feels good to be celebrated, it feels like being a kid again!
I am so blessed ... and I feel like I've found my way ... I thank God for all I've been given, at the end of every day ... =)
The Big SQUISH!
Today I had my very first mammogram. I just turned 32 yesterday (more about that later) so I am still a bit young for this test. I had a little spot that was questionable to me and since I have a family history of breast cancer my DR thought it wise to have things checked out.
I have to say, it wasn't nearly as bad as all those horror stories you read. After all ladies, we survive pap smears, childbirth and c-sections so if you consider those - it doesn't even compare! It was a piece of cake compared to those things!
I won't lie and tell you that it doesn't hurt, but it's quick and simple and then you are done. So now I have to wait for results. The lady told me that she didn't see anything - which is a good thing - but I still have to wait for the official word from my DR. I was encouraged when she said she didn't see anything.
So, on to the waiting thing. I'm having a really hard time with the thought of waiting lately. I have been waiting for over two weeks to hear news about the funding we are hoping to get for the Christian school we want to send the girls to. I know, two weeks is nothing, but I keep wanting to plan our school year and keep finding all these great homeschool ideas and I just NEED TO KNOW!!
Those that know me know that I'm a planner, I am a list maker, I always plan things, I always want to organize and well I guess I just simply want to be in control! It's hard to give up control and know that it's not up to me. God is in control. He knows how the girls will be educated next year, He knows the results of my mammo, He knows everything! Why is it so hard for me to just give up control??!!
I keep coming back to this verse ... "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
This week my goal is to take that verse to heart. To stop worrying about the future, or waiting anxiously by the mailbox everyday, and simply learn to trust in God and wait on Him.
I have to say, it wasn't nearly as bad as all those horror stories you read. After all ladies, we survive pap smears, childbirth and c-sections so if you consider those - it doesn't even compare! It was a piece of cake compared to those things!
I won't lie and tell you that it doesn't hurt, but it's quick and simple and then you are done. So now I have to wait for results. The lady told me that she didn't see anything - which is a good thing - but I still have to wait for the official word from my DR. I was encouraged when she said she didn't see anything.
So, on to the waiting thing. I'm having a really hard time with the thought of waiting lately. I have been waiting for over two weeks to hear news about the funding we are hoping to get for the Christian school we want to send the girls to. I know, two weeks is nothing, but I keep wanting to plan our school year and keep finding all these great homeschool ideas and I just NEED TO KNOW!!
Those that know me know that I'm a planner, I am a list maker, I always plan things, I always want to organize and well I guess I just simply want to be in control! It's hard to give up control and know that it's not up to me. God is in control. He knows how the girls will be educated next year, He knows the results of my mammo, He knows everything! Why is it so hard for me to just give up control??!!
I keep coming back to this verse ... "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
This week my goal is to take that verse to heart. To stop worrying about the future, or waiting anxiously by the mailbox everyday, and simply learn to trust in God and wait on Him.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Our plan for the summer
Yes we are done with homeschooling for the year ... and yes we plan to take the summer off to enjoy the pool, the beach and lots of time with friends and family. BUT, as we all know, kids do seem to need some structure, some sense of a daily schedule or at least a little bit of learning time.
So for right now I have a few plans that I'm working on.
1. The first would be weekly playdates with friends. At least one day a week (maybe more depending on the week) to get out of the house and spend time with other friends. I think the girls will really look forward to it and it will also give me some "Mom" time with other friends.
2. Summer reading is number two. We plan to read at least one children's book every day, and I myself have a list of books I'd like to get through as well. And if we decide to homeschool again I will also be spending a bunch of time reading the new materials and planning our 08-09 year. I added a list to the sidebar if you'd like to follow what we're currently reading. I gave H 4 new Junie B. books as a end of the school year gift and she already completed one in the first day!
3. Creative writing. This is something I loved as a child and the girls have really gotten interested in this past year too. They have booklets where they can draw a picture and then write about it, or simply write a story if they wish. I also have some story starters for those days when they just can't seem to think of something to write about. This is not something that we will sit and do everyday, but maybe once or twice a week.
4. They recieved a great Bird book today from my in laws along with bird feeders and journals. They are very excited about looking out the windows for birds and finding them in the book, then journaling about them. In fact, they could find birds everywhere we go, the beach will be a great place to see birds!
5. Then of course we'll need to squeeze in weekend trips out on the in laws boat and days at the beach ... weekend campfires with family and friends ... possibly an overnight camping trip or two ... and lots of hours in the pool. Looks like we'll have plenty to keep us busy!
For those that live close, don't be shy -- we are planning to be home most weekdays to save on gas so if you want to come over to swim and play we will almost always be here. Please feel free to call us up and come over - we WANT you to come!
So for right now I have a few plans that I'm working on.
1. The first would be weekly playdates with friends. At least one day a week (maybe more depending on the week) to get out of the house and spend time with other friends. I think the girls will really look forward to it and it will also give me some "Mom" time with other friends.
2. Summer reading is number two. We plan to read at least one children's book every day, and I myself have a list of books I'd like to get through as well. And if we decide to homeschool again I will also be spending a bunch of time reading the new materials and planning our 08-09 year. I added a list to the sidebar if you'd like to follow what we're currently reading. I gave H 4 new Junie B. books as a end of the school year gift and she already completed one in the first day!
3. Creative writing. This is something I loved as a child and the girls have really gotten interested in this past year too. They have booklets where they can draw a picture and then write about it, or simply write a story if they wish. I also have some story starters for those days when they just can't seem to think of something to write about. This is not something that we will sit and do everyday, but maybe once or twice a week.
4. They recieved a great Bird book today from my in laws along with bird feeders and journals. They are very excited about looking out the windows for birds and finding them in the book, then journaling about them. In fact, they could find birds everywhere we go, the beach will be a great place to see birds!
5. Then of course we'll need to squeeze in weekend trips out on the in laws boat and days at the beach ... weekend campfires with family and friends ... possibly an overnight camping trip or two ... and lots of hours in the pool. Looks like we'll have plenty to keep us busy!
For those that live close, don't be shy -- we are planning to be home most weekdays to save on gas so if you want to come over to swim and play we will almost always be here. Please feel free to call us up and come over - we WANT you to come!
New look!
I found this awesome site for free blogger templates and was THRILLED to find this flip-flop design! I LOVE summer and LOVE flip flops!
I still have a little tweaking to do to add back in all my little blinkies, so bear with me! Thanks!
If you click over there on that pink box ------> you can check out more free blogger templates!
I still have a little tweaking to do to add back in all my little blinkies, so bear with me! Thanks!
If you click over there on that pink box ------> you can check out more free blogger templates!
My Special Mom
Yesterday was my Mom's birthday. It's always been so fun to have our birthdays so close. (Hers yesterday, mine today.) My mom is one of my best friends and such a special person. She has a wonderful heart and has always been such a great example to me. I remember a couple of years ago when I taught Sunday school we did this little activity where we wrote down the best thing about our Mom. I wrote: The best thing about my Mom is that she loves God. I know there are so many other wonderful things about her, but I believe most of what makes her wonderful, and the person she is, is because she loves God, and seeks to follow Him.
The girls and I went over to her house for dinner and dessert last night. I wanted to bring Mom flowers but while I was at work on Monday got an even better idea ... we have these flower cakes that we make completely out of fresh flowers. They are so pretty they look good enough to eat - which of course you can't do because they are flowers!
Here are some pictures from last night:
J with her chocolate face helping blow out the candles!
Me and My Mom, we have a very special bond and a wonderful friendship. I'm so thankful for her!
Yes we look a little ragged, the girls and I were in the pool all day and didn't really spruce up before pictures!
Grandma's girls ...
I LOVE YOU MOM!!!
The girls and I went over to her house for dinner and dessert last night. I wanted to bring Mom flowers but while I was at work on Monday got an even better idea ... we have these flower cakes that we make completely out of fresh flowers. They are so pretty they look good enough to eat - which of course you can't do because they are flowers!
Here are some pictures from last night:
J with her chocolate face helping blow out the candles!
Me and My Mom, we have a very special bond and a wonderful friendship. I'm so thankful for her!
Yes we look a little ragged, the girls and I were in the pool all day and didn't really spruce up before pictures!
Grandma's girls ...
I LOVE YOU MOM!!!
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