Friday, May 22, 2009

How Does Your Garden Grow?

We have enjoyed and loved a vegetable garden for the past few years. Matt had a huge garden box built at our old house that housed all of our much loved vegetables. We do not have one here, and Matt doesn't have the time to build one this season. I was afraid that I wouldn't have a garden this year. No fear, Matt and Bre planted carrots, squash, peas, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and green beans a few weeks back into huge garden pots. We do have a hanging tomato upside down basket as seen here: https://www.topsyturvy.com/?cid=486431
These are lined up on our back deck and Breanna faithfully waters them every morning. No matter how long you have been gardening it is always a thrill to see your garden sprout and grow. I cannot wait to make a yummy salad fresh from our "garden".

MRI Results

My Dr. called with my MRI results and he said that I have numerous herniation and bulging discs. He is setting up an appointment with a Nero surgeon. I have resolved to go ahead with surgery if this surgeon also suggests it. I realized that I have stopped doing all the things I was before because of the pain. I haven't even gotten my bike out, because it hurts too much. I know from experience that surgery can help, so prolonging it is only putting my active life on hold longer. I prayed about it and have complete peace with this decision.

On a lighter note, I have to comment on Heart of Dakota Curriculum. Bre was already finished with most of her 2008-09 curriculum, so knowing that I have a box full of new beautiful books and a different system made be anxious to try. :)
We are on day 6 Unit 1 and LOVE it!!! I only wish I had this when we first started. I absolutely am in love with this program. It is easy to follow, FUN, and the lessons are in bite sized chunks that allows us the freedom to do other fun school things. Bre even WANTS to do school all summer. I will post some pics of some of the work she has done soon! My only wish is that Carrie- the creator of this program would make one for Highschoolers. :) Ty listens in on Bre's lessons sometimes and I can see that he likes it. The living books that Carrie has chosen are perfect and engaging. I have been having Ty sit it on the read alouds because they are so interesting. If you are a new homeschool family or a veteran homeschool family and like the Charlotte Mason method this program is for you!! I have posted about it before. The link is: Heart Of Dakota

Friday, May 15, 2009

God is SO Good!!

First, I want to thank you all that have prayed for my mom! When Satan seeks to destroy, God restores! Amen. She went to the oncologist this morning regarding the large mass in her neck. The diagnosis- all the surgeries she had on her thyroid and such cause her muscles to get irritated. Basically a huge muscle spasm in her neck.we are so relieved. Thank You Jesus!!
I just wanted to let you all know, ot I can go on with our day happily. :)

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Today

I had my MRI today. I assumed when they made the appointment that their notes would indicate that I am a bit claustrophobic and require an open MRI. I assumed wrong. I have gained weight since the last one and with it being a closed MRI machine I felt squeezed and very claustrophobic. I managed. I prayed and listened to Christian pop. They have Sirius radio and gave me a list with different music with corresponding numbers. I was so nervous before the procedure that I just kept repeating number 32 in my head, so I wouldn't forget. More likely to focus on something other than what was to come. It didn't take long, it was loud and annoying, but with Mercy Me playing and my eyes closed I made it.
The first MRI I had was closed (years ago), Matt was with in the room with me when I panicked. I remember flipping out and yelling for them to take me out. Not quite the composure you would expect from me, is it? Well, I was rescheduled for an open MRI, which was much better. This time I wouldn't let Matt in with me because I said I would be more of a baby if I knew he was there in the room. It is a good thing that he waited in the waiting room, because once I found that it was a closed I could feel myself getting panicky. I prayed and immediately felt at ease. Knowing that God was there with me, made me feel so much better. Now I wait for the results. I already know that I have herniation and surgery was requested, but we will see. I will make my decision based on this new one.
We finished school early (before MRI) while we were gone the kids did some science experiments. When I got home, I was so tired ( probably emotionally) that I took a two hour nap. I do not nap, ever during the week days. Sometimes on Sundays, after church I will but not often. I can not believe how long I slept.
For Home Ec. I have given Cassie the task of creating a menu for the week, find recipes, do an inventory on items she may need that we already have, and to create a shopping list. She took it one step forward today, because I was so tired she offered to go to the store and get groceries. Now, normally I would have probably objected because that is "my thing". Yet as tired as I was, I jumped on the offer, besides it is good practice for her being that she will be running her own household soon. She did a great job, and even made homemade pizza for dinner and pudding for dessert. Overall, even with the MRI and all, it was a great day. :)
My Mom has an appointment tomorrow regarding the mass in her neck. I want to thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. I love my blog buddies!!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Little Miss Breanna

If you have been reading this blog lately, you know that I am experiencing "growing pains" Entering into a new phase of life with my children. Little by little each day Breanna has been asking more questions about growing up and getting more moody since en. Yes, puberty has begun. She tells me that she doesn't know her own body and her thoughts do not feel like her own. Now, when I was her age I couldn't put those feeling into words as well as she did. I remember feeling like something from a sci-fi movie was taking over my body.
She is going through the crazy hormones that make you want to laugh hysterically only to cry 30 seconds later. She asked me to pray for her and to please tell her exactly when this will stop. For this question I can not awnser for I still ask that same question for myself at the age of 34. :)

I purchased The Body Book It's a God Thing! by Nancy N. Rue. It answers questions in a christian perspective. She is doing better, however, her poor brother is not. He thinks she is crazy and wants to know what is wrong with her. Every night when I tuck her in and pray Ty always comes in to say goodnight. Well, the other night she yelled at him to get out! He looked so confused. Later, I had to tell him that she is starting puberty and he should expect her to be a bit moody. well, he refuses to believe that- his words not mine. He said his little sister is NOT going to like boys and get weird. They have been buddies for a long time. Sure they bicker and argue, but because she has always been a bit of a tomboy they have been pals. I feel bad for him, in a way he is loosing one of his best friends. I told him that he has a new responsibility to his sister now. He needs to protect her and watch out for her in a new way. I think that helped a bit, because Ty has a natural protective nature.

I always have tea at night when all is quite and I feel accomplished (at least somewhat). Bre has of late been asking to join me. So, I have decided to embrace that and her new phase in life. I ordered this beautiful tea set for two and devotional for her and I to have special tea time once a week. I look forward to this time to bond and share the word together. I Keep going back to Cassie at this age. I truly did not see It coming with her. It was like one day she was a little girl and the next a hormone raged teenager. I honestly believe that if Cass were homeschooled at this age, I wouldn't have missed it and could have embraced the transition with her. Don't get me wrong Cassie and I had/have a wonderful and beautiful relationship, I only wish that I could have savored her youth longer. I remember Cassie and I going out lunch to celebrate her time. Her walk into womanhood, or in her case her jog into womanhood. I am so blessed that God has given me these wonderful children to look after. Cassie and I often talk about how our life would have been different if we all didn't become saved when she was 13. Since we started walking in Faith and living as Christians our lives have been so enriched and blessed. Even trials are so much easier to go through. I thank God every single day for revealing himself to us all at the same time, so that we all grew/grow at the same time. It is so awesome to feel as excited about life and the Lord together! When one of us gets down or have a struggle we are here for each other to lift and encourage, with Gods word and prayer. I hope that I am not painting a picture that this house is always in perfect harmony. Let's be real. What I am saying is that since becoming evangelistic Christians there is less chaos and confusion. Know what I mean? We are still flesh and act fleshy sometimes, it's just nice to have each other to remind us of God's unfailing love and forgiveness.

You know, lately I have been posting very looong posts. I honestly do not plan to, it just comes from my heart. I used to write everything in a journal and scrapbook, but this is so much better. I hope someday the kids will appreciate me posting their antics. ;)

Prayer Request


My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I ask that you pray in agreement with me for my mom. She has a mass in her neck and has an appointment with an oncologist for a biopsy. The Lord has carried her through many trials and illnesses. For those of you that do not know her, her name is Kari. She is a strong woman of Faith and I am meditating on this scripture: Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Another healing verse: III John 2 – Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
I have to admit that I have a hard time facing illnesses with people that I love and are close to me. I want to cry and get mad, yet I know that God is in control of all, even things we do not understand. I pray that God gives me the wisdom and strength to be the daughter that she needs me to be at this time.
Thank you all for your support and prayers!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Curriculum for Next Year

I am excited to say that after 5 years of homeschooling I can finally define our homeschool style. I have always declared that we are eclectic homeschoolers, and although that is absolutely true we really just didn't find our niche. This year we put our textbooks aside and started doing unit studies and reading living books. Both kids are happier and enjoying school even more! With that said our main method is the Charlotte Mason Method :
A method of education popular with homeschoolers in which children are taught as whole persons through a wide range of interesting living books, firsthand experiences, and good habits.
I was ordering some books and dvd's at christianbook.com when I stumbled on a Heart of Dakota manual. I was interested and googled HOD only to find the best curriculum I have ever researched. I ordered Breanna's for next year and it arrived within three days! I love the manual (remember I do not like boxed curriculum) and the wonderful living books! I will take a picture of it all ans post it later. It was a bit confusing at first what I was supposed to order, then I found the message board and the ladies on there helped me figure it all out. This curriculum is not overwhelming, yet covers each subject in such a way that will enrich their minds. If I were to write out a curriculum perfect for me, this would be it. I can not tell you how excited I am. I never get excited over "boxed" curriculum. ever. This is different though. The books are not textbooks, they are living books and the manual is very flexible and easy to follow. I can supplement as I wish and I know if I do not Bre will still be learning enough. I love putting together unit studies, but sometimes worry if I am doing enough. Not to mention how time consuming it can be. Carrie (author/creator of HOD) has taken all the doubt out of my mind. Basically the manual itself is based on Unit studies. She has integrated all the subjects to mesh into each other, so the kids get a very well rounded understanding of the subject(s). I just love it! Can you tell? Check out the website here: http://www.heartofdakota.com/ If I were to compare it to another curriculum I would say My Fathers World or sonlight only easier on mom. :) I know I will be supplementing with T4L and other great programs, however this is a very enriching curriculum for families that love the Charlotte Mason approach. There ya go, after all these years I said I wouldn't put a label on our Homeschooling style, I just did. We just kind of integrated to this without even realizing it and we all love it. The best part is that I can read living books to both kids and just customize to their levels and needs. I am a more hands on homeschool mom, and I want to stress that HOD fits that bill. T4L is great for supplementing or when I am ill or have appointments and such. The both together are going to make for another fabulous homeschool year! You know it's great when you AND the kids get excited to see the UPS truck delivering yet MORE books!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

New Phase in Life

I am beginning to see a pattern, a new phase if you will in my life as I know it. I'm not sure that I like it. However, I know it is a completely natural and Godly thing. (Ephesians 5:21-6:4) We are to raise up our children and let them go.
My "oldest baby" is getting married next year, my son is planning his career to join the military and my baby baby is going through pre-puberty. My once tom boy is starting to shed away her little girl shell and becoming a young lady. She is asking questions that I thought I wouldn't have to awnser in quite some time simply because of her nature. Here is a funny and sweet story. Anyone that knows Bre knows that she is NOT a girly girl if you will. Just read previous posts. I have noticed though that lately she is taking more care in choosing her outfits for the day. :)
Anyway, Bre is a saver, (in money as well as in souls. ;)) She received some money for her birthday a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't surprised when I saw that she brought her wallet to the store today, because she is always in need of art supplies. However, she asked if we could look at the necklaces. I swallowed my heart- I thought to myself "this is really happening she is completely changing and growing up before my eyes." You have to know Bre to know where I am coming from-She protest ANYTHING girly-she absolutely despises Brats and Barbies and she would rather NOT wear a dress, even to Church. I do know that this will someday change, but I must admit that I count my blessings that she is not in a rush to grow up. Cassie, my sweet and sassy one, grew up it seems too fast. She always did everything before her peers, walk, talk, finish school early and everything in between. I have enjoyed and cherished watching her become the wonderful young woman that she is. She has always been an over achiever and I am not surprised that she is excited about starting a family of her own. She has been watching me cook and is starting to make her favorite meals in preparation for her own household. I have created a Huge Household Manager Binder for myself a few years back. Cassie has asked me to make one for her. I think I will just give her mine, since I really do not look at it much anymore anyhow.
I feel super blessed to have such strong bonds with both of my girls whom are so completely different from each other. Now, I am not purposely leaving Ty out, but this is a story about my girls. I will say that being the middle child between two very different complex girls makes very good future husband material wouldn't you say? :)
Wow, I am going off track here. Where was I? Walmart with Bre. So, I took her over to the necklaces and watched her ooh and ahh over the different styles. Meanwhile, I am asking God (in my head of course) why he didn't give me a fore warning that my little girl was changing so suddenly. I mean, I had not one clue! Anyway, She picked out a beautiful turquoise heart pendant. She paid for it herself and talked to the cashier about how pretty she thinks it is and how she can't wait to wear it. I am just looking at her like "who are you??" I have no problem with girly girls-I am one- It is just shocking to witness your child change overnight. So, I strike up a convo on the way home, asking her why she chose that particular color and what she is going to wear it with. She professes that she is not sure but she just had to have it. I though ok, I understand that. :)
After taking care of groceries with Cassie's help Bre said she wanted to give me my Mother's Day present early. You know where I am going with this don't you? Well let me finish. I unwrap (a very nicely wrapped I might add) the most beautiful turquoise heart necklace that I have ever saw! :) She planned and plotted the whole thing!! Now that is the Beannie that I know. I am very touched at her little scheming and very blessed that I still have my little girl as I know her right now, for a little longer. I can only imagine God laughing at me, he does have quite the sense of humor does he not? Do you think that this is my fore warning. ;)

So, I am trying to not be saddened over children growing up and being the mommy that is always needed. The mommy that can simply kiss any boo boo or hurt away. Instead, I am looking forward to new relationships with my ever growing children. I am enjoying them as they are now. Do I miss holding a baby in my arms or chasing after toddlers? I do sometimes, then I remember sleepless nights, van loads of baby gear and potty training. My mothering is not over, it has just taken on a new meaning. Just when I started to feel sorry for myself and a bit useless God comforted me with this word: And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment]. Philippians 1: 9
Thank you God for showing me this through my little weeps and big prayers. My love for my children will not diminish nor their love for me, simply because they grow up and start new lives. They will need me for different reasons and I plan on being the best granny, let me tell ya! :)

I was reading a homeschool book called "a Mom Just Like You." I do not remember the author. I was in the middle of the book a while back when Cassie announced that she was not going on to higher college and planned on getting married and going right into ministry. I admit, I had different ideas. There was something in that book that stood out More than anything during that time- The author (she had 10 children) said she received this word from God: It is not our job to raise Godly children. (Say what? right?) She goes on to say this: God raises Godly Children, we guide them by being Godly role models! With that said, how can I tell my own child to go to school for another 4-6 years and have a career that she does not desire to have before marriage ,when I myself am a very happy and content homeschool mom and loving wife. I love my life and she sees that and wants that for herself. For that I am very proud and honored. I pray happiness for all my children no matter what their paths. I have peace knowing that Jesus is right there with them, even when I am not. It is comforting when I compare my relationship with God and my children. He was there with me as a baby christian K"issing away my boo boos and hurts" just as I was for my children when they were small, fast forward to present day and I still need him and he is still here for me. My relationship with him is as strong as ever. I am going to close with a scripture that is inspiring to me: Ephesians 1:18-19: That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of reverence in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.