Study

A friend of mine is going to be starting up a 10 week Beth Moore bible study starting in November. Between Nov. and Dec. she has 4 Wednesday's set aside. The other 6 weeks are on Tuesday's spread out through January and February. I was excited when I first got her email. How I have longed to get into a study. She sent the email out Tuesday while Chris was dealing with his Nephew Joey and his hospitalization (Joey's that is). I didn't get to speak to Chris about the upcoming study until Wednesday. Now I must tell you, my husband is one of the most wonderful and thoughtful men I know. Just 2 weeks ago after he worked 2 doubles in a weekend, he called a friend of mine to see if I could go over because he knew I could use a break. He is always encouraging me to find a hobby, go take a ride for quiet time and stuff like that. So just imagine how surprised I was when he told me that at this time in my life he does not think it is a good idea to commit to a 10 weeks bible study, especially since for the first 4 weeks it is on a Wednesday and it is during a busy time of year for us (between Nov. 15 and the end of the year we not only have 3 major holidays we have 3 children's birthdays too). Thursday is co-op day and he feels that I would be setting myself up for burn-out going out the night before. Well you know how I said he was the most wonderful and thoughtful man just a few sentences ago.....well I still stand by that. One of the things that is so wonderful about him is he brings great balance to me. He thinks things through in a way I might not have. He knows my strengths and weaknesses and he was thinking of me 100% when he said he does not think it is a good idea at this time. And you know what....he is right. I have come along way. Not too long ago I would have fought this but now, I can take a step back and know that God has put Chris as the head of our home and He (God not Chris) always gives us what we need.

I still have the desire to do a study. God already took care of that. Monday night, before I even knew my friend was doing a bible study, I ordered Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit along with the study guide that goes with it. I originally bought the book a few years ago and loved it. Terri Maxwell, the author, talks about her own battle with depression and how she dealt with it. Oh how I could relate. I would make it a point to read the book every year before being the school year. This past year I was unable to. I had let someone borrow my copy last year and they lost it. I didn't realize how much I missed reading the book until recently. Yesterday it came in the mail and I was flipping through the study guide. I know this is just what I need at this point in my life. This school year has been off to such a bumpy start and I am trying to hold off winter depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Reading this book, reading scripture, and meditating on the word of God....that is what God knew I needed.

What a blessing it is to have a husband like Chris. He knows when to encourage me...and when to put the breaks on : )

Prayers

I don't want to go into too much detailed but I would like to ask that you would please keep my nephew Joey in prayer. He is my older nephew that stayed with us for 4 weeks in September (through October). He just got hospitalized for mental illness. We are not too sure what exactly is going on. He has imaginary friends (BTW, he is 14) that tell him what to do. Wisdom and a reality check for my sister-in-law is needed too. She just thought all this time that he had a "vivid imagination" and he "was creative". Sad, very sad. I tried talking to her back in April about some warning signs I was seeing but I was just brushed off. My heart breaks for the whole situation. I can't imagine having to drop a child off at a hospital : (

This is a Meme over at Homeschool Blog Awards. I thought it would be fun to do. I am to list 10 (or more) interesting, fun, weird, or crazy facts about myself. So here goes!

1. I have chocolate EVERY day in some form (pudding, ice cream, candy, hot chocolate to name a few).
2. When I was a teenager I preached twice in front of the whole church during our Teen-Take over services. I couldn't do it now. I don't like to talk in front of groups of people.
3. Most people would probably say I have a very (loud) outgoing personality. In truth I am shy and I make myself talk to get over my fear.
4. When I was in Middle School my best friend was Jessica (like my oldest daughter). I thought it was so cool that she was called Jessie at home.
5. I pick things up off the floor with my toes (family trait...my sister can do it too!)
6. I played the flute from 4th grade through 12th grade.
7. Because of being sick so much with mono in high school I had to make up 8 weeks worth of school. They made me come back the year after I was suppose to graduate to do it. I finished in November.
8. Because of #7 I actually graduated married. I finished school in November, married in January and had the graduation ceremony in June. BTW, by diploma does have the November date as the date of completion.
9. Our 2nd son, Zachary, was name after a Lego commercial from our childhood. On our honeymoon we talked about future kids names and my hubby said he wanted "Zach- Zach, he's a Lego maniac". I know you are all singing it now : )
10. When I go grocery shopping I put my things on the belt grouped together by categories. Examples---all the frozen things together, all bathroom things in another group. can foods has a separate pile...you get the idea. Hubby likes to drive my crazy and throw things randomly up there just to get me going.
11. After I take a shower I always put my socks on first because I can't stand the feeling of floor (or rugs) on my feet. In fact, it is a rare occasion that you will find my walking barefoot....even in the summer.
12. I am STILL afraid of thunder storms.
13. When I was 10 I was "Little Miss Southeastern Massachusetts Hemisphere".
14. I have gone to college 3 different times. First time for Medical Secretary (didn't finish because we moved back to Massachusetts after Chris was done with the military). Second time was Medical Assistant. I worked for a year and a half. Third was for Nursing. I have an Associates in Nursing.
15. Even though I do have a degree in nursing I chose to stay home full-time with my children after working 5 years..and I DON'T MISS IT----AT ALL!!!!

Weekly Wrap-up

Yeah!!! We did a full week of homeschooling!!! I feel like I am finally back on track : ) You may be asking what has made the difference. I can some it up in one word....Perseverance. I was determined this week that no matter what, I was going to get through the 3 R's with my 3 middle children. In this season of life, that is my goal. I feel they are at the age that it is essential to get a good foundation in it. Once they do, it will open all kinds of doors to their learning adventure.

Monday hubby (Chris) worked overtime (which means he was gone from 3:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.). I used the morning to clean. CJ had guitar lesson at 1:30. Usually he goes right to the high school for football practice but they had given the JV the day off. It was great. We were able to have a relaxed afternoon of learning as Emily napped. Zachary decided that he wanted to surprise Chris when he got home with confetti and signs saying "I love you Dad". We shut off all the lights and when Chris came in they threw the confetti on him. What a way to come home.

Tuesday was uneventful except for the fact that Alex just couldn't seem to keep himself out of trouble. Because of this he didn't get through all his schooling. One of the newest rules in our house this year--If you can't behave for Mom and get through all your schoolwork than you are not allowed to go outside and play. Wasting Mom's time = No playtime outside. Early Intervention came over for Emily. She told me that she fears that Emily won't qualify for services in December when they reassess her because she is at or above age level for everything except talking. The words are really starting to come, in fact she says a few new words everyday to us. She will NOT speak in front of EI which if she does that at the assessment she may still qualify. Honestly, I feel she is ready to move on.

Wednesday and Thursday's are Chris' days off. I ended up going over a friend's house Tuesday night and staying until 2 a.m.!!! I couldn't believe it. By the time I got home and went to bed it was after 3. I expected to be paying the price for my late night all day. To my surprise, Chris got up in the morning, ushered the kids downstairs and closed my bedroom door. While I was sleeping (until 9) he started school with the kids. See, yet another reason I love that man. I did take over school when I got up.

Thursday is Co-op day! Emily stays home with Chris while I bring everyone else. Because Alex had such a rotten week of homeschooling he was not allowed to go. He stayed home and Chris did school with him. Zachary takes Writing, Pre-Chemistry, and Spanish at co-op. Jessica and Alex take Literature Pockets, Pre-Chemistry and History Heroes. CJ is in high school. He takes Honors English 2, Public Speaking and Chemistry. I am the chemistry teacher. We are using Apologia chemistry. What a challenging course. This week I was extremely frustrated in class. It is hard to teach when students don't come prepared or act like they don't want to be there. I drop CJ off right at the high school for football practice on our way home. It is a long day to be out (8 a.m. until 2:30) and away from Emily. But I know she is enjoying having her Daddy all to herself.

Friday was uneventful (which is fine with me). Highlights from the day: we had pizza for dinner, watched Dora after dinner on the computer and CJ had a Varsity game. He didn't play. He has be there and ready to go in if needed. His team did win : )

That about sums up the week. I am grateful to get through a full week of homeschooling. Looking back I see some areas that need improvement. I am going to work this weekend at putting together a loose schedule to follow. It will include practice times for piano, time for each of them to play with Emily and time set aside just for them with me. Math is CJ's weakest subject and I need to set aside time for him to make sure he gets the concepts.

Have a great weekend!!!

It's Monday!!

It is the beginning of another homeschool week and I am hoping to make it our best so far this year. It hasn't been a great start and I have been really down on myself for it. Looking back now I can see that we had alot going on and I should give myself a little grace. We started school this year September 8. September 13th my SIL and 2 nephews moved in. Even though they were gone during the day there were lots to do with extra people. Then my Uncle came to visit and even though he didn't stay with me, 5-6 out of the 10 days he was here I was making dinner for him and mom too (that made 12 people in all). Then I got sick. Last but not least, my Seasonal Affective Disorder has rendered it's ugly head. It didn't dawn on me until Friday that I was being affected by the shorter days. Unfortunately, I blew some things way out of proportion. Some things DID need to change but the way I went about it was wrong. Things are better now. I had a slower paced weekend but was still able to get a good amount of organization done. So here's to a great week!!

Menu:
Breakfast--Bagels, oatmeal, LaMuffin's (egg sandwiches), Pancakes, French Toast, Banana Bread.

Lunch--Grill Cheese, chicken patty sandwiches, BLT's, left over American Chop Suey, PB&J,

Dinners:
Monday--BBQ chicken, rice, corn
Tuesday--Pork Chops, baked Potatoes
Wednesday--American Chop Suey
Thursday--Topsy-Turvy Thursday---Taco's, Rice and veggie platter
Friday--Not Sure yet
Saturday--Pizza Night
Sunday--Shepard Pie

Thursday's Ramblings

Today I am off and running. It's co-op day! I teach the high school chemistry class. Today we are doing 4 experiments to catch us up since my lab kits just came in on Tuesday. Chris will be home with Emily. I love that they get to spend special time together on Thursdays, just the two of them : )

Tomorrow night is our support group meeting. I am suppose to be leading it but I am at a loss for a topic. I hate to make it open forum but I don't think there is any particular subject matter I feel lead to at this time. Any suggestions?

I follow a blog called Ashley's Story (you can get to it from my side bar under Blogs I Love). This poor sweet little girl is only 3 years old. About 2 years ago she had a multiple organ transplant and right now she is fighting rejection. Yesterday they did another biopsy to see if there is any improvement. Sometime during the night her Mom updated saying she was spiking a fever and she doesn't like the way she looks. Please pray. Please go over to the blog and leave the Mom a word of encouragement. Thank you.

Fun and Relaxing

What a great weekend we just had. Friday night Chris and I went on a date. We started off at a family owned Italian style restaurant. The quality of food is so much better at this type of restaurant compared to the chain-type. After dinner we ran to the market.....wild--I know!! I needed to pick up a couple of things and we rented a movie from Redbox. While out, my Mom called. Emily had been going around the house looking for me. I had been out all afternoon at a tea (I will do another post on that) and I was home for a very short period of time before heading out to dinner. I missed her too : ( So my Honey being the great Dad he is, scooped her up when we got home and we played with her on our bed. It was a fun way to end the day....listening to her laughing.

Saturday my sister-in-law and nephews left around 9 a.m.. She ended up staying at her friends house through today. I think she can tell that I am not happy with her right now. Somehow, I became the bad guy in all her drama. I had to really bring this before God. It was my idea to bring her to my house. My idea not to take a dime of money from them so she could save it all. I have tried to help her make wise decisions (and put her children first for once). Our lives have been totally interrupted for the last month....but yet she looks at me as the enemy. She said that she keeps trying to take 2 steps forward but "people" keep pushing her 4 steps back!! There is a fine line between compassion and enabling. It started out as me trying to show her compassion but it ended up that she really doesn't want to change her life. She thrives on the drama. So I had to stop. I had to make it not so easy for her. She noticed that and went to her friends house. At first I was angry. Then after praying I was reminded about how Jesus must have felt. He was performing all these miracles for people but yet He was betrayed, spit upon, and hung on a cross. How can I compare to that? I can't. Talk about putting things in perspective. My family just enjoyed the day yesterday, Sunday, drama free. The day was just so smooth. Chris was finishing up dinner in the kitchen, Emily was walking around, CJ was doing homework at the computer, and the 3 middle kids were sitting at the table playing cards as I corrected papers from my Chemistry class. I loved it. Chris looked at me and I told him "I just love our family". He agreed.

Saturday was awesome!! CJ had a JV football game. I didn't get to go because the van is still leaking transmission fluid (and we can see from where) and they switch the location of his game. BUT, he had quite the cheering section! My dear friend Pam brought her 3 girls; JoHannah (who is in my Chemistry class), Clara, and Allison along with 3 of CJ's other friends; Luke, Tasha and Brianna (Luke and Tasha are in my Chemistry class). My friend Wendy's husband brought their 2 kids along with her step-father. Chris was able to get out of work a little early to go. Pam's daughter's made a sign for CJ (he loved it!!!). During the game he could hear them cheering for him. He LOVES that! He thrives on it. They must have been an inspiration for him because he (as the quarterback) ran in for not one-but 2 touch downs!!!! I can't believe I missed it! After the game Pam came over with all the kids. The kids played ultimate frisbee and football with Chris outside. I made lasagna and garlic bread for dinner. A good time was had by all.

Saturday night CJ and Zachary slept over my mother's house so they could go to church with her. So Sunday morning I only had 3 kiddos. It's so funny how having 3 is such a break for me. Emily decided she wanted to be a big girl and sit at the little table we have for breakfast instead of her highchair.
She was funny. She would take a bit and then run over to me in the kitchen. I would tell her to go get back in her seat and those little legs would run back as she laughed. She would wiggle herself back into her chair. It was adorable. After breakfast I did some breakfast baking for the week. I made a double batch of blueberry muffins, a banana bread and banana muffins. I had walked out of the kitchen for a minute and came back to find this....
Isn't she so cute!!! She had the door closed at first when I walked in. I could hear her laughing so I peaked in. If you can't tell....I love to hear her laugh. It is one of those whole body belly laughs. I am having tons of fun with her. I am enjoying the moment and not trying to rush through the toddler years. Instead I am trying to embrace them.

Well that pretty much wraps up the weekend. Since Chris is working it is a school day for us.

Wordless Wednesday

Emily Potato Head

Duggar's on TLC!!!

Duggars are back on TV in 17 Kids and Counting. I LOVE IT!! What a great example of a Christian Family on TV. They make no excuse, no compromises, and no apologies....this is their family...God and all!! Last night's episodes were about their oldest son Joshua getting engaged. They talked about courtship VS. dating, why dating doesn't protect the heart and their "rules" during courtship (they were allowed to hold hands). You can catch the Duggar's on Monday nights 10-11 pm on TLC. BTW, according to their website, Joshua got married on Septmember 26, 2008. Also they will be coming out with a book in December.

Getting There

Well it's Monday! YIPPY!! We have actually gotten some schooling done today : ) It is lunch time now and I plan on doing more after. CJ has a football game today at 3:30 so we all will be heading out to that. After the game we will have my mother, sister, niece and a friend over for dinner. Including my SIL, nephews and my family there will be 14 of us in all!! WOW! Lucky for me, my Honey made a HUGE pot of Portuguese soup for tonight---yummy. All we need is some bread and we will be all set. It is a great warm-you-up kind of meal after a fall football game.

I am feeling 90% better. This virus has settled into my chest. No more fever or body aches. I do still get tired easily---but I don't have time for that so I have been just pressing on.

The countdown is on....SIL and nephews are scheduled to move on Saturday!!! I don't think she made the wisest decision in regards to her apartment (she took an apartment upstairs from the X-live-in boyfriend's mother). She is one that needs to make the mistake herself because she doesn't listen to reason. You know who I feel bad for in all this...the boys. Because of her lack of maturity (she is 34 but acts 15) and parenting skills the boys are the ones who get hurt or miss out. As an example--my younger nephew in 10. He really doesn't know his father all that well. He talks to him on the phone once in while but in 10 years he has probably spent a total of 30 days with him. Well she left everything in Florida to move back up to MA to be with the XBF (they had been talking for 2 weeks on the phone). My nephew after a very short period of time started calling him Dad. XBF was allowed to discipline him and they went around saying they were a family. Now they broke up and my nephew wants to know why no one wants to love him. He wants to know what HE did wrong. THAT IS SO NOT FAIR TO HIM!!! Now she is moving into this apartment. The kids call XBF mother Vo-Vo (Portuguese for grandma) and I am sure he will be there sometimes. Talk about throwing salt into a wound. I have tried talking to SIL about this. She just laughs it off and says "everything will be alright". I think it is away to stay close to him. She truly believes XBF is going through a faze and be back. Sad, very sad.

Well to lighten the mood before I end today I have a joke CJ sent me.
After being interviewed by the school administration, the eager teaching prospect said: "Let me see if I've got this right.
"You want me to go into that room with all those kids and fill their every waking moment with a love for learning. And I'm supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and even censor their T-shirt messages and dress habits.
"You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for weapons of mass destruction, and raise their self-esteem.
"You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship, and fair play, how and where to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook, and how to apply for a job.
"I am to check their heads for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, offer advice, write letters of recommendation for student employment and scholarships, encourage respect for their elders and future employers.
"And I am to communicate regularly with the parents by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.
"All of this I am to do with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, and a big smile AND on a starting salary that qualifies my family for food stamps!
"You want me to do all of this, and you expect me NOT TO PRAY?"

CJ's Football Game

CJ played an AWESOME game on Monday as the JV quarterback. His passing was right on, he ran for more than 140+ yards and he had great hand-offs. I just had to let you know. I get to be a proud mama once in a while. Best of all....he gives it all up to the Lord.

Down for the Count

It is official...I am down for the count. I tried my hardest to press through but sickness has won (atleast this round). Fever, body aches, chest congestion, sore throat....I feel awful. I do thank God that Chris was feeling better today and he was able to take care of everything---wonderfully I might add.

Please keep me in your prayers.