...that my new computer has to see the doctor for about seven days (seven days "ish" like the Mac Man said)... but that is just the way it has to be.
There are way worse things going on in this world; so I think I can count my blessings and do my little blog posts at a later date :-(
Friday, September 26, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Who Will You Be Voting For?
ABC has a test at the below address to see who's campaign statements, McCain's or Obama's, you agree with most. They don't tell you who made the statements, of course, but a statement made by each candidate on the same topic (economy, immigration, judiciary, etc.) will be side by side.
You just pick which statement you agree with then after selecting all 13 you'll find out which candidate's philosophy you support.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139
It was totally worth my seven minutes.
After you take the test I would be interested to know your results. Swing back by here and let me know by way of comment how you fared. You can totally post anonymous if you don't want me to know who you are ;-)
I'm not very political, just curious... plus I haven't landed yet.
You just pick which statement you agree with then after selecting all 13 you'll find out which candidate's philosophy you support.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139
It was totally worth my seven minutes.
After you take the test I would be interested to know your results. Swing back by here and let me know by way of comment how you fared. You can totally post anonymous if you don't want me to know who you are ;-)
I'm not very political, just curious... plus I haven't landed yet.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Some Updates on Prayer
Some of you might remember my request for prayer for our dear friends, Jim and Madeline.
Here is an update on his diagnosis:
He has been diagnosed with Bone Cancer; his multiple melanoma is in the intermediate stages. He started oral chemo this week and is also starting a monthly infusion that will help his bones. They are coping at this point. As I mentioned before, they have no medical insurance. Being someone without medical insurance, I can't even imagine what it would be like to receive this type of diagnosis let alone have to worry about money. Please be in prayer for them. Prayers for comfort, healing, wisdom, and prayers for the Lord to provide financial relief from Dr's, Hospitals, Specialists, and even brothers and sisters in Christ.
One more special little request.
See this cute little expecting momma on the right?
Her name is Ginny. Our families are good friends and they are expecting their fourth little blessing in November. We had the pleasure of catching up with these great friends back in August when we had some vacation time.
Please be in prayer for her pregnancy. They have had very trying times in the past and anxiety can run very high during this last trimester and even though you might not know her personally, I believe in the power of prayer and I know it will be a huge blessing to them!
Here is an update on his diagnosis:
He has been diagnosed with Bone Cancer; his multiple melanoma is in the intermediate stages. He started oral chemo this week and is also starting a monthly infusion that will help his bones. They are coping at this point. As I mentioned before, they have no medical insurance. Being someone without medical insurance, I can't even imagine what it would be like to receive this type of diagnosis let alone have to worry about money. Please be in prayer for them. Prayers for comfort, healing, wisdom, and prayers for the Lord to provide financial relief from Dr's, Hospitals, Specialists, and even brothers and sisters in Christ.
One more special little request.
See this cute little expecting momma on the right?
Her name is Ginny. Our families are good friends and they are expecting their fourth little blessing in November. We had the pleasure of catching up with these great friends back in August when we had some vacation time.
Please be in prayer for her pregnancy. They have had very trying times in the past and anxiety can run very high during this last trimester and even though you might not know her personally, I believe in the power of prayer and I know it will be a huge blessing to them!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Oh, Those Sweet School Days Are Here Again...
... and I feel like such a momma.
I must say there is just an "1800sness" that pours from me every now and then. I can't help but think it's a God given desire of my heart to see my children one day running through the fields with wildflowers while I pick beans from the garden or bake pies with a dear friend in my kitchen. But as for now, I will be happy with what I have been blessed with and only pray he has given me those desires for a reason (other than to torment me, ha!)
Well, back to reality. I do love it when the morning starts out well. I was up, showered and dressed by 6:30am. Then I headed up to the kitchen for some cooking and time growing in the Lord. It wasn't until 7:25am that my first little one came up for some snuggle time. Then, considering the fact they all share a bedroom, it wasn't long before the whole gang was awake with hungry tummies.
I love hungry tummies in the morning...
...and what hungry tummies don't love fresh warm muffins?
After breakfast we all cleaned up the kitchen and kissed dad goodbye. Then, the kids went to get ready for their day (dressed, brush teeth, hair etc.).
From then on the typical day looks like this:
From 9-10am the kids and I do our chores around the house. Everyone's share varies and changes often.
From 10-10:30am Alli reads to Jordan. Right now she is reading her reading book Helping Hands to her.
Let me tell you, these are sweet little books indeed. Today she read about a little girl who received a package from her Grandmother. Inside the package were six onions. Nell (the girl) did not know what to say to her Grandmother; she didn't understand why in the world she would send her onions. So, Nell has to struggle with being kind and thankful to her Grandmother even though she doesn't really want the 'onions'. BUT wait, that's not all... soon Nell discovers she doesn't have onions but bulbs for flowers. Christian Light Publishing is who I order those cutsie books though. Highly recommended.
While Alli is reading to Jordan I sit on the floor and play with Judah. He loves that one on one attention. If there is anything I know to be true with little ones in homeschooling it is this: fill the little ones tanks up (just like your gas tank) with 15-20 min of personal one on one attention and they are good to go until lunch :-) Of course, I am right there so the other two can ask for help with whatever they may be doing at the time.
After the girls reading time is over it is time for Alli and momma to read and Jordan and Judah to play together. For this season of learning we are going through the American Girl Series. This week is Felicity. Today we read chapter one and we can't wait until tomorrow when we read Chapter 2, those books are just too sweet! Thanks to my friend Darie for donating several copies to me. :-)
After Alli and I read together and the little ones have played (today they mostly played in the laundry basket with animal crackers and a blanket) we head up stairs for some pencil pushin' time.
Judah is loving his one sheet of white paper and box of colors while sitting in his new big boy booster chair. Jordan is learning this week how to spell, write, and identify the color RED and we are working on the letter B. Alli has this week to complete five journal pages, 100 math problems (25 of which she completed today), One page paper over any past President of the US. and a variation of other simple stuff. Yep, it's pretty simple for this season of life. No fancy Geography, Science, or History. All that fun stuff is in storage and you don't hear my kiddos complaining! Besides, that stuff is best done in front of a warm fire during the winter when you can't enjoy the great outdoors as often.
Around 12:00 we all make lunch. While we eat I am currently reading The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, we are loving it as well.
After we read and lunch is picked up the big kids draw a picture of what I just read while I put Judah to sleep. Those are cute pictures!
Then Jordi goes down for her nap and Alli and I enjoy some big girl time. This is the time when we have our great talks (usually over a load of laundry :-) I pray we are having talks over laundry for many years to come.
After our talk I usually have some business stuff to do and Alli does some typing. My friend Judi turned me on to this great website that has super fun typing drills. My friend Judi uses more of the History part of the web site but we are enjoying the typing for right now. It does the home row and everything. You can click here to check it out.
Usually around 2:30-3:00 the little ones wake up. After some wonderful snuggle time we usually run any errands we might have or stop for tea at the Estill home. Oh man, I have to get you some pictures of this very delightful outing the next time we go.
Well, I never in a million years would have thought I'd have the desires I have now, and love it all so much. What a wonderful gift I have been given.
Isn't it just wonderful how God trusts us to care for the future? It is such a huge responsibility teaching, training, nurturing, and guiding our children whatever age they may be. I am so honored he chose me to be apart of it.
I must say there is just an "1800sness" that pours from me every now and then. I can't help but think it's a God given desire of my heart to see my children one day running through the fields with wildflowers while I pick beans from the garden or bake pies with a dear friend in my kitchen. But as for now, I will be happy with what I have been blessed with and only pray he has given me those desires for a reason (other than to torment me, ha!)
Well, back to reality. I do love it when the morning starts out well. I was up, showered and dressed by 6:30am. Then I headed up to the kitchen for some cooking and time growing in the Lord. It wasn't until 7:25am that my first little one came up for some snuggle time. Then, considering the fact they all share a bedroom, it wasn't long before the whole gang was awake with hungry tummies.
I love hungry tummies in the morning...
...and what hungry tummies don't love fresh warm muffins?
After breakfast we all cleaned up the kitchen and kissed dad goodbye. Then, the kids went to get ready for their day (dressed, brush teeth, hair etc.).
From then on the typical day looks like this:
From 9-10am the kids and I do our chores around the house. Everyone's share varies and changes often.
From 10-10:30am Alli reads to Jordan. Right now she is reading her reading book Helping Hands to her.
Let me tell you, these are sweet little books indeed. Today she read about a little girl who received a package from her Grandmother. Inside the package were six onions. Nell (the girl) did not know what to say to her Grandmother; she didn't understand why in the world she would send her onions. So, Nell has to struggle with being kind and thankful to her Grandmother even though she doesn't really want the 'onions'. BUT wait, that's not all... soon Nell discovers she doesn't have onions but bulbs for flowers. Christian Light Publishing is who I order those cutsie books though. Highly recommended.
While Alli is reading to Jordan I sit on the floor and play with Judah. He loves that one on one attention. If there is anything I know to be true with little ones in homeschooling it is this: fill the little ones tanks up (just like your gas tank) with 15-20 min of personal one on one attention and they are good to go until lunch :-) Of course, I am right there so the other two can ask for help with whatever they may be doing at the time.
After the girls reading time is over it is time for Alli and momma to read and Jordan and Judah to play together. For this season of learning we are going through the American Girl Series. This week is Felicity. Today we read chapter one and we can't wait until tomorrow when we read Chapter 2, those books are just too sweet! Thanks to my friend Darie for donating several copies to me. :-)
After Alli and I read together and the little ones have played (today they mostly played in the laundry basket with animal crackers and a blanket) we head up stairs for some pencil pushin' time.
Judah is loving his one sheet of white paper and box of colors while sitting in his new big boy booster chair. Jordan is learning this week how to spell, write, and identify the color RED and we are working on the letter B. Alli has this week to complete five journal pages, 100 math problems (25 of which she completed today), One page paper over any past President of the US. and a variation of other simple stuff. Yep, it's pretty simple for this season of life. No fancy Geography, Science, or History. All that fun stuff is in storage and you don't hear my kiddos complaining! Besides, that stuff is best done in front of a warm fire during the winter when you can't enjoy the great outdoors as often.
Around 12:00 we all make lunch. While we eat I am currently reading The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, we are loving it as well.
After we read and lunch is picked up the big kids draw a picture of what I just read while I put Judah to sleep. Those are cute pictures!
Then Jordi goes down for her nap and Alli and I enjoy some big girl time. This is the time when we have our great talks (usually over a load of laundry :-) I pray we are having talks over laundry for many years to come.
After our talk I usually have some business stuff to do and Alli does some typing. My friend Judi turned me on to this great website that has super fun typing drills. My friend Judi uses more of the History part of the web site but we are enjoying the typing for right now. It does the home row and everything. You can click here to check it out.
Usually around 2:30-3:00 the little ones wake up. After some wonderful snuggle time we usually run any errands we might have or stop for tea at the Estill home. Oh man, I have to get you some pictures of this very delightful outing the next time we go.
Well, I never in a million years would have thought I'd have the desires I have now, and love it all so much. What a wonderful gift I have been given.
Isn't it just wonderful how God trusts us to care for the future? It is such a huge responsibility teaching, training, nurturing, and guiding our children whatever age they may be. I am so honored he chose me to be apart of it.
Friday, September 5, 2008
All in a Days Work
Isn't it amazing all the different things we do in one day? And yet, through it all, we are surrounded by God's love, mercy, grace, and blessings.
I started the day off in the kitchen making omelets for my family and I'm ending the day, in the kitchen, baking bread for breakfast tomorrow. If that isn't blessings abounding enough, my day was full of other wonderful things! From haircuts, to science volcano's, to reading Winnie the Pooh over hot ham and cheese sandwiches with my three little ones. I rocked my sweet Judah to sleep at nap time and kissed his sweet face when he woke up. I was blessed with a wonderful conversation with my oldest daughter while the little ones napped, and even had a peaceful time with our Saving Grace, God the Father. I was blessed by a simple yet thoughtful time of encouragement from a friends phone call, and tonight a new friendship was born over dinner with new friends.
And it makes a full circle back to the kitchen, cooking for my family, having a peaceful time with the Lord and being amazed in His glory.
My dear friends, please stop today and see the glories all around you. His love, mercy, grace, creation, His everything is all around you, living and breathing for you to enjoy!
Isn't our God extravagant?
I'm Getting a New Job
Yep! I would be crazy if I didn't go into the Auto Locksmith business after seeing what this man did to earn $65.
It took him longer to write the bill than it did to actually get my keys out of the van after Jordan accidentally locked them in.
It took him longer to write the bill than it did to actually get my keys out of the van after Jordan accidentally locked them in.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Leave
The following is taken from the author's note in the book Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller:
"My prayer is that your story will have involved some leaving and some coming home, some summer and some winter, some roses blooming out like children in a play. My hope is your story will be about changing, about getting something beautiful born inside of you, about learning to love a woman or a man, about learning to love a child, about moving yourself around water, around mountains, around friends, about learning to love others more than we love ourselves, about learning oneness as a way of understanding God. We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. God has established the elements, the setting and the climax and the resolution. It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldn't it?
It might be time for you to go. It might be time to change, to shine out.
I want to repeat one word for you:
Leave."
- Don Miller
Have you ever wondered if God has more planned for you?
Are you willing to go?
I think it is the best life lived, waiting and seeking the Lord for each step. I hope you are not stuck, I hope you are always seeking and listening.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
It's The Way We Do Things
It's the way we learn in the Simpson's basement...
It's the way we discover each and every moment of the day...
It's the way we have fun...
It's the way we teach each other...
It's the way we do ministry...
It's the way we do those things, that brings me such joy.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Thank you Lord.
It's the way we discover each and every moment of the day...
It's the way we have fun...
It's the way we teach each other...
It's the way we do ministry...
It's the way we do those things, that brings me such joy.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Thank you Lord.
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