Centered at Home

A Season For Everything

2011-12-10T14:35:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure right now whether I'm going to continue writing in my blog. My lack of posts for much of this year is obviously a sign that I've lost my steam for blogging! I just can't seem to find the interest that I once had.

There's a season for everything ... is my blogging season is over? Or maybe I just need a longer sabbatical? I enjoy reading a few blogs myself still, but not nearly as many as I used to. Perhaps my blog's purpose has been served.

Regardless, if you're reading this, I thank you for reading! And I wish you a merry Christmas season. I'll see if the new year brings my bloggy groove back!

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

Hurray for September!

2011-09-01T15:13:00.000-04:00

Well, hello there! I'm beginning to miss you, my blog!

I love September - my birthday, my anniversary, back to school. And the winding down of the hot, muggy weather (if you don't include today and tomorrow!)

Summer has treated me well this year. No depression slump as I've had the past few years in late July through August - yay! It's been a busy summer - a vacation in June, Friday morning bible study for me, Tuesdays in the park with our homeschool group, swimming in our neighbors' pool, visiting friends and having friends over, 3 VBS's for Aaron, a family celebration for my parents' 70th birthdays in July, several movies, a couple trips to the beach, and the list goes on with ordinary daily things that somehow get fit in.

I'm looking forward to getting back into our homeschool routine. Less running around, and more structure to our day. Although I also find myself sometimes day-dreaming about what it would be like to send my kids to school and be alone all day (can I do it just for a couple weeks?!), it's interesting how the boys become more content to be at home knowing that their friends are at school and can't play during the day.

I'll be back soon with a few pictures from summer, but for now I need to get things done for our last summer Hurrah! We go to a family camp with 3 other families we've known since college. We don't live close enough to see each other often, but our kids have known each other their whole lives with yearly get-togethers. It's such a special bond we have with those friends, and although it's a busy activity-filled weekend that leaves me needing to catch my breath, these weekend make memories to treasure.

Break

2011-05-03T20:14:00.000-04:00

Lately I've found that this blog is the last thing on my mind. It's been a long time since I've had thoughts of, "Oh, I should put that on my blog". I haven't even spent much time reading other blogs that I usually keep up with.

I've been feeling good the past two months and more busy I guess. I've been out and about more, so less time sitting at the computer. Also a little more time outside as the weather permits (so slowly and hesitantly Spring has arrived this year in Michigan!) Spring is my favorite season, followed by Fall. I want to enjoy it and soak it up!

I'm taking this as a cue to take a break from my blog for a time. I'll be back when it feels right.

Enjoy Spring!!

It Is Finished!

2011-04-23T22:03:00.000-04:00

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.
Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God!
He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ"

1 Corinthians 15:54-58 (NIV)

Ramblings

2011-03-22T21:09:00.000-04:00

After adding an additional medication for my depression, which had been acting up off and on since last fall, I've been feeling some renewed life in my mind and body for a few weeks now. As one who prefers not to take any medicine, I wasn't thrilled at first that I needed to add another one. But if the new combination improves the quality of my daily life, and therefore my family's, then gladly take it I will!

Signs of spring, highly anticipated, are slowly arriving! We saw our first robins a couple weeks ago and even more birds are showing up every day. Snow piles are finally gone. Longer hours of daylight. The trampoline is up and running. And the dog is tracking mud into the house if we don't catch him in time - not my favorite sign of spring!

We enjoyed a visit from Grandma and Grandpa (my parents) this past weekend. My mom and I sorted through and organized several boxes of their photos that they brought up. Especially fun was seeing some oldies but goodies from the 70's and 80's! Always brings back memories and lots of "Oh, I remember that!". My muscles are still thanking me for a game of bowling on Saturday. Grandpa is a great bowler; the kids love to bowl with him. Isaac even beat Grandpa by one point on the first game with a score of 170! How's that for a 12 year old against a 40-year bowling veteran?

I've gotten into a much-needed whirl of scrapbooking since a cropping weekend away with three friends in February. I'm quite behind - I'm still working on 2006, but I'm making progress and am hoping to keep up my momentum on into 2007 and 2008. It feels good to be accomplishing something creative and productive!

Chicken Corn Chowder

2011-03-07T10:37:00.000-05:00

This is adapted slightly from a recipe my mom made often when I was growing up. Then, it was just Corn Chowder, and we often ate it with grilled cheese sandwiches. It's a quick and easy recipe.

My sister first made it with chicken and that's how we prefer it now. My kids love this; they wouldn't care if I made it once a week, any time of the year!

Chicken Corn Chowder

4 slices bacon, diced (optional)

1 med. onion, diced

2 – 3 med. or 4 small red potatoes, ½” cubed

¾ - 1 c. chicken broth/stock

1 (12oz) can evaporated milk

1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn

¾ c. frozen corn

1 – 1 ½ c. cooked chicken, cubed

1 tsp. dried parsley

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

In large pot, cook bacon until crisp. Take out and set aside.

Saute diced onion in bacon grease until tender. (If omitting bacon, just use a couple tablespoons of your favorite oil. But be warned that you’ll miss some good flavor and, of course, the marvelous smell of bacon cooking!)

Add cubed potatoes and enough broth so the potatoes are just covered. Cook on medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 12 – 15 minutes.

Add milk, corn, chicken, and spices. Simmer on low until heated through, about 10 minutes. Stir bacon pieces in just before serving or sprinkle on top of each bowl.

It IS coming, It IS coming ...

2011-03-02T09:45:00.000-05:00

SPRING that is!

I do love winter, for a couple months anyway ...the quiet beauty of softly falling snow, a fresh white blanket of snow covering that makes everything look clean and calm, the beauty of bare trees branches reaching up into a clear blue winter sky ... But I'm officially over it now!

So yesterday I changed our computer background photo from a snowy picture to this, as a reminder that winter really will end.

(this photo was taken in Holland, MI at the end of April last year)

Come soon Spring!

He Will Enable

2011-02-16T20:48:00.000-05:00

Being a mom is hard.

Being a homeschooling mom is really hard.

Being a homeschooling mom with chronic health issues is extremely hard.

When my health is not so great, when I get discouraged with the ups and downs, I often wonder how in the world my kids ever learn anything! But somehow, they do! I'm thankful that my older two work independently in most subjects now. But still, some things are skipped more often then I'd like. Sometimes it ends up taking two years to get through one year of history. But they are learning. And more importantly, they are gaining godly fruit and character, despite my limitations!

When my health is inconsistent, I also miss out on other activities and things I'd like to do. It's easy to start feeling sorry for myself when I can't do as much as "normal" people do in a day; or I can't commit to something as simple as a weekly Bible study. I don't make as many plans as I used to, because I never know if I'll be able to follow through.

But one thing God has shown me in more than one way the past couple months is this:

He enables me to do what He calls me to do.

What has God called me to do right now, at this point in my life? Be a wife, a mom, and homeschool my boys. That's all! Those are my God-given priorities. That's where I need to pour my energy, little as it may be on some days.

All those other things don't matter. I can't be frustrated with God when He doesn't supply energy for all the activities I "wish" I could do. That's not what He has promised.

When I feel as though I'm failing at those three roles, if I stand back and re-focus my perspective, I realize that God really IS enabling me to do those things which He has called me to do. Maybe not in my ideal way, but it's enough! I just need to keep my focus on Him and His promises, not on me and my limitations.

It's the Future, Mom!

2011-02-01T10:35:00.000-05:00

Driving in the car with Aaron (7) today, the low gas light came on with a beep, which Aaron recognizes. He said "Uh Oh! We need gas!" I told him that Dad would get it later, because he has the gas gift card. I have a dislike for filling the van with gas, so I love that my husband usually does it for us.

I asked Aaron if he will get gas for his wife when he's married. He replied, "Yes, I will! BUT, there might not be gas anymore! It will be the future!" Cute. Also cute, by the way, is how he likes to make faces of his letters:

In other news, we are expecting a foot or more of snow tonight and tomorrow. We're excited! It's been a mild winter here in our part of MI, precipitation-wise. Several storms has stayed south of us. So we're ready and waiting for the Big Storm to actually materialize and give us some real Michigan winter weather!

The Snow is Always Smoother . . .

2011-01-26T12:17:00.001-05:00

* This is a re-post from January 2009. I liked it then and it's still true now, so I thought I'd share it again! *

You know what they say -

"The snow is always smoother on the other side of the fence". (Don't they?)

Here's a picture I took today over the fence, of our next door neighbor's back yard:

And here's a picture of our backyard:

Our neighbors are in their early 60's and their children are grown and out of the house. Their backyard looks peaceful and serene. Our yard doesn't. Our yard has obviously seen lots of activity - trampled on over and over again by 3 boys and a dog. Some days I look over the fence and envy the calm.

I know, I know; some day our yard will look like our neighbor's, and I'll eventually find myself missing those footprints all over the back yard . . .

But still, for now, can't I sneak over the fence and live over there every once in a while?

Dry Ranch Dressing Mix

2011-01-19T12:33:00.000-05:00

My youngest loves Ranch dressing - on salads, with chicken nuggets, and for dipping carrots. He wants "carrots and Ranch" almost every day. But I was not impressed with some of the ingredients in his Hidden Valley addiction.

Thus began a search for a homemade recipe that he would like. I first tried 2 recipes from friends, but neither were quite right and Aaron didn't like them. Finally I found a recipe for a dry mix. After tweaking the amounts of the perishable ingredients, I found success! Here's my slight adaptation of the recipe, found at cooksrecipes.com.

Dry Ranch Dressing Mix

1/2 cup dry buttermilk powder
1 Tb dried parsley, crushed
1 tsp dried dill weed
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried minced onion
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper

* Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend until well blended and powdery.

* Store in container in refrigerator.

To use mix:
* Combine 1 Tb dry mix with 1/4 c milk and 1 c mayonnaise. Mix well and keep refrigerated.

The original recipe had more milk in it, and it came out very runny. So you can adjust the amount of seasoning mix, milk, and mayo to your liking. The buttermilk powder made a big difference in taste compared to recipes without it. You can find it in the baking isle.

It's a New Day!

2011-01-18T18:48:00.000-05:00

Okay, I think I'm over my New Year's Bloggy Identity Crisis!

I have a problem where my mind is frequently over-active and dreams up way more ideas than I could ever follow through on. I have to be careful not to feel like I'm failing when I can't keep up with my ever-running, unrealistic idealism. Especially so when my health dictates my activity level.

I'm inspired by many blogs I read regularly. Some showcase amazing photos. Some share delicious recipes. Some are homeschoolers who have good ideas and seem to be way more accomplished than we are. Some are great writers. Some are incredibly creative and crafty. Some decorate their home just like I would if I had the money or the 2-story farmhouse I dream about. I'm encouraged and inspired by them in so many ways. However, enjoying them can easily lead to comparing or wishing that I could blog like "that". I have to reign myself in and remind myself that my blog is just that - MY blog. It should portray who I am and what I do and nothing else. No worried about what it isn't.

I really do enjoy blogging. It's a good outlet for my wandering thoughts, a place to post photos, a way to connect with others, and a way to reach out of the somewhat small boundaries of this mom who is home a lot with her kids. I've met some kindred spirits in blog-land. Those are the reasons I began blogging, and the reasons I will continue. I guess I just needed to re-focus.

I also remembered this week something that my favorite Bible study author and teacher, Beth Moore, once said. She said that God wants us to turn our miseries into ministries. That is one way He redeems our trials. With that in mind, I'd like to blog about my trials and what I've learned from them as I feel inspired, hopefully in a way that is encouraging to others and also honoring to God.

So here's to a new year of blogging and living and learning. Thanks for coming along with me on my journey!

What To Do

2011-01-12T10:04:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's been a little quiet around here ...

First there was a bad cold the week before Christmas that put me down for several days.

Next was a flurry of activity in preparation for a family Christmas in Tennessee.

And then it was five fun-filled days enjoying Christmas in TN.

After that (and actually, by the last two days of our vacation), my cold relapsed.

And then the New Year came, with me still blowing me nose and feeling sick.

Finally, I went to the doctor and got antibiotics for a sinus infection (no wonder I still wasn't feeling well!)

So now it's January 12th. My sinus infection and cold have finally cleared up. I had a couple good days, but now again, I'm still not feeling 100%, probably because illness can set off my chronic health symptoms.

When I don't write on my blog for a while, it calls to me, "Chris! You've been ignoring me!" And I feel disappointed with myself because I'm "supposed" to be posting but I just don't feel like it or have the mind to.

Which has led to several days of thinking and praying about my blog. Should I continue? Should I give it up, so I don't feel like I'm failing when I don't post very often? Should I just blog whenever I can, and not worry about it when I don't?

And also, what is my purpose in blogging? I'd been a reader of blogs long before I started my own. Which is why I started mine, because I like how the blog-world connects people of like minds. I thought it would be fun to share some of my self and my world. However, I enjoy blogs have a more specific focus than "here's what happened this week"; so I'd like mine to go beyond that also.

I've tried not to focus too much on my health issues, because I didn't want to come across as complaining, or woe-is-me. I haven't posted much about homeschooling either because I don't feel like we do anything spectacular or out of the ordinary that would be of great interest or help to other homeschoolers.

Yet, homeschooling and my health are a huge part of my life; they are my life. Again, that leaves me wondering about my purpose in blogging. What might God desire of my blogging? If I post more about my health struggles and somehow managing to homeschool in spite of them, can I do it in a way that God could use to be encouraging to other moms in a similar boat?

Parenting and being a mom was also a big struggle for me for the first several years. Should I go back and sift through the lessons I learned along the way, and share those? Perhaps that could be helpful to younger moms? But then I doubt myself, that I don't really have anything "worthy" enough to say that hasn't already been heard. And there are much better writers out there anyway.

Any thoughts? Or feedback? I guess I'm in limbo here, and need to continue seeking what God thinks about my blog. Because that's the real purpose.

So Thankful

2010-12-19T20:34:00.000-05:00

It seems that God has constantly been reminding me lately how much I have to be thankful for.

When I complained about how tight it is in our garage after we put both vehicles in for the winter, I stopped short and reminded myself, "you have two working vehicles and an attached garage; you are wealthier than much of the world!" How many people would like to have my "problem"?

I got frustrated trying to figure out our new printer/scanner/copier. Poor me, another luxury to complain about?

After blood tests confirmed I am border-line hypothyroid, my chiropractor/nutritionist started me on some new supplements to support my thyroid, which are not cheap. On the way home, I starting feeling sorry for myself about how much money we spend trying to keep me healthy. I began to pray that God would provide the money needed. Again, God quickly reminded me, "I do provide for you!" I should be thanking Him, not asking again! Although it means we have to sacrifice in other areas, like vacations, or replacing old windows in our house, we are able to pay for my health costs.

I'm still fighting a cold that's had me home and doing pretty much nothing for 4 days now. Besides feeling crummy, we're also due to travel for the holidays on Thursday and I'm quite behind in Christmas preparations. But I've had all the comforts of home in the meantime, for which I am thankful. And I am also grateful I'm sick now and not over the Christmas weekend.

Anyone who reads this post has electricity, a computer, internet connection, and knows how to read. We are so blessed!

We have trials, but they are temporary, and we are not alone.

I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world, born in a common stable - accommodations for which I doubt Mary grumbled and complained!

Tis The Season

2010-12-03T13:01:00.000-05:00

The season for Birthdays around our house! Both Isaac and Aaron have birthdays at the end of November, right after Thanksgiving. It's tricky planning what presents to give for birthdays and what to give for Christmas. And then plan celebrations at this busy time of year.

We had a party for Isaac on his actual birthday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We've gotten fairly creative with birthdays over the years. One year we did a treasure hunt which the kids loved, and ever since then it doesn't seem a birthday party without one. Each year we have to try to out-do ourselves!

We also did a photo game this year for the second time. We came up with 10 different situations that the kids have to do, which then have to be photographed. Thank goodness for digital cameras! We used to do this type of game in our youth group when I was young, except then it was called a Polaroid Relay, and we competed in teams.

This year's highlights:


everybody on the roof of the shed


everybody stuffed into the trunk of the car

duct tape Isaac to the wall

Monday our family went out for dinner to Steak 'N Shake on Aaron's birthday (his restaurant choice, because he loves their mini hamburgers and "the best strawberry shakes"!)

He had a small treasure hunt around the house to get his present; his first own Wii game!

can you tell that he was a little happy?!

And then tomorrow is Aaron's party at Chuck E Cheese, with just 2 best friends. This will be his first "real" party, not shared with Isaac, so he's super excited! And then birthday week will officially be over and we can start to concentrate on Christmas!

It's all about the (Good) Beef!

2010-11-17T19:20:00.000-05:00

This fall we bought a quarter of a cow from our milk farm. I think it amounted to approximately 80 lbs. of meat, almost half as ground beef.

Here it is stocked in our new (used) freezer that conveniently fit in our garage, just steps from the kitchen!

Not only will it be nice to have meat readily available for the next several months, but the cows are grass-fed on natural grass and never given growth hormones, hormones of any kind, or antibiotics, so the meat is more nutritious. It tastes better to! Just one more step in our journey toward healthier living.

And by the way, if you're thinking that "eating beef" shouldn't be part of a paragraph about "healthier living", check out this article (it's kind of long).

I'm not an expert, but what I do know ... Fats are not created equal. The nutrition of all-natural beef can't be compared with assembly-line, medicated, get-big-quick cows. Digesting our food well is crucial to good health, and beef does digest well in a healthy digestive system. There are so many myths out there, and errored research, that so many things we're taught (mostly here in the U.S.) sadly, just aren't true.

There are an endless number of posts that I could write about such food and health issues that I've learned over the past several years (such as, real butter is better for you than fake, low-fat butter substitutions, and raw milk is extremely healthy). One book that dispels many current food and health myths is Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. The Weston A. Price Foundation is also a good starting point. Look around, you might be surprised!

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

2010-11-12T16:13:00.000-05:00

I love this taco seasoning mix recipe that I found from a blog friend, Sara.

I've tried a couple other homemade mix recipes in the past but didn't care for them. This one is definitely a keeper! And the best thing is, you control the ingredients - no MSG or any other odd ingredients.

Taco Seasoning Mix

1/4 c. chili powder

2 Tb. cumin

1/2 Tb. black pepper

2 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. oregano

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cayenne

Mix spices and keep in an airtight container.
Add 2 1/2 Tb. spice mix (more or less to taste) plus 1/2 c. water to 1 lb. of browned ground beef.
Simmer 10 - 15 minutes.

(Next time I'm going to add try adding some dry minced onion to the mix.)

Earlier this week, I cooked up 8 lbs. of taco meat! I used one for that night's dinner and froze the rest. I've been wanting to do that for quite a while! I also froze some in little 1 c. containers because my boys like to put it on chips and cheese for lunch.

Halloween Fun

2010-11-01T19:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we hosted a hobo, a hippie, and a glow stick man at the house.

Aaron (almost 7)

These are the coolest costumes! Glow sticks taped with clear packing tape to black clothing.

Isaac (almost 12) and friend

Dancing glow stick men!

This is what they look like in the light

And here ...

Noah (15) Groovy! He played the hippie role way too easily! Far out, man!

I don't usually dress in costume, but I could have been an ice cube, as cold as it got while walking with the kids trick or treating! At least it wasn't raining. Okay, Halloween done, now a new knitting project to start!

Would You Like a Subscription?

2010-10-30T12:26:00.000-04:00

I promise this won't cost you a dime or even a penny!

If you would like to subscribe to my blog (meaning that you can get a notification whenever I publish a new post), all you have to do is enter your email address in the box on the right and then follow any confirmation steps required. You will then receive an email whenever there's a new post on the blog.

And by the way, I'm really going to try to post more regularly than I have been, including more posts about what's going on in our homeschool and recipes. I'm always more likely to try a new recipe if it's from or recommended by someone I know, or who's blog I read. So I'll gather up some of my favorites and post them from time to time.

Thanks for reading!

Fabulous Fall

2010-10-22T13:21:00.000-04:00

We are having an absolutely gorgeous fall here in Michigan! The weather's been beautiful, the trees seem brighter than they have in a few years, and the color seems to be lasting longer. I'm just loving it!

Let me share some beauty with you!

Just have to note that the colors of some of these next several pictures are a little harsh because I took them in the middle of the day, which a photographer is "not supposed to do". But I had to get them when I could.

I'm so grateful that God gives us beautiful colors in the fall, and then also in the spring, to make up for the gray of winter!

Sometimes I Envy My Dog

2010-10-11T10:53:00.000-04:00

Dog's sure have it good!
They never have to clean or cook or do laundry or play endless games of "Sorry".
They are served food regularly.
They get to sleep whenever they want.
They are petted and told "you're so cute!" just by wagging their tail or sitting near you and looking up at you with their big eyes.
They get giddy just hearing the words "outside", "walk", or "eat".

But what I envy most is how they bounce awake every morning ...
Happy and energetic to face a new day.
Wiggling and wagging when they first see you.
Dashing joyfully outside as if it's the first time they've ever seen the back yard.
Running around the yard with abandon, sniffing intently for any new or interesting sights or smells.

Full of contentment and joy, without worrying if their nose is too short, or too long; or if they're having a bad hair day; or if they've gained a few pounds; or how much they have to do that day.

I'm glad that I don't have to eat the same dry "food" every day that's been sitting in a bag for months, or have to sit on command. But I could use a few lessons from them on contentment and joy!

One-Room Schoolhouses

2010-09-21T12:25:00.000-04:00

I've developed a growing curiosity in one-room schoolhouses lately. I've always thought they were interesting. A while ago I became determined to take a photo that might be used on the front of my favorite homeschooling magazine, "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine". They feature a one-room schoolhouse on the cover of each magazine, and take submissions from readers.

After doing some research for schools in my area and the state of MI, I've decided to merge my schoolhouse interest with my photography, and begin taking pictures of as many one-room schoolhouses as I can. I hope to gather dozens over the years, and will try to search them out if we travel anywhere.

Today, I found a list of rule for teachers in 1872. This list was for Illinois teachers, but was similar throughout the U.S. Interesting!

Each school district set up rules for the teacher to follow. Some of them were very strict, but they were important to the farmers in the district and made sense to them. Following is a list of rules for a teacher in 1872:

Teachers each day will fill lamps, clean chimneys.
Each teacher will bring a bucket of water and a scuttle of coal for the day’s session.
Make your pens carefully. You may whittle nibs to the individual taste of the pupils.
Men teachers may take one evening each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week if they go to church.
After ten hours in school, the teachers may spend the remaining time reading the Bible or other good books.
Women teachers who marry or engage in unseemly conduct will be dismissed.
Every good teacher should lay aside from each pay a goodly sum of his earnings for his benefit during his declining years so that he will not be a burden on society.
Any teacher who smokes, uses liquor in any form, frequents pool or public halls, or gets shaved in a barber shop will give good reason to suspect his worth, intention, integrity, and honesty.
The teacher who performs his labor faithfully and without fault for five years will be given an increase of twenty-five cents per week in his pay, providing the Board of Education approves.

Here's my first photos taken in our area recently. I don't know it's history, but the outside appears to have been neglected for quite some time. A peek in the windows however gave me the impression that it's being used as some type of office/storage area. There's also a small, modern one room addition on the back side of the schoolhouse that may serve as someone's office. Love the little outhouse on the back, right side!

It's hard to see, but I believe the sign in front says "Dist. No. 5, 1887"

September!

2010-09-16T19:52:00.000-04:00

I love September! My birthday, our wedding anniversary, start of school, and cooler temps with Fall on the horizon. Fall is my favorite season; well, maybe tied with Spring; but I'm very ready to say goodbye to Summer. As we've moved into September, my depression has also calmed down, for which I'm very thankful.

And good thing, because although I'm glad to get back into a scheduled routine, our school start-up has not been smooth this year. Besides doing more work with Aaron as he's in 1st grade this year (and still not reading), I've added some new subjects and curriculum, one of which I'm throwing together myself from several different sources, and have classes on Mondays and Thursdays, and every-other Wednesday. Last year we took a break from any outside classes, so that's one more adjustment for this school year. We're fortunate to have a large homeschooling community where we live, with plenty of class options to choose from. They're a great supplement to our learning at home, but it sure adds up to more running around. I'm still trying to catch my breath after the first two weeks!

The temperatures have cooled down rather quickly after a very warm summer, so it feels even more like Fall.

Welcome Fall!

Creativity MIA

2010-08-27T19:23:00.000-04:00

One thing (of many) that depression steals is creativity. I enjoy various creative outlets like knitting, crocheting, sewing, scrapbooking, and photography. But when my depression flares up, I have little interest or energy to work on projects, even when part of my self really wants to. So instead of posting pictures of all the amazing things I have made lately, because I haven't, I thought I'd show some ideas of what I would like to make:

Vintage Sheet Quilt

I've been collecting some vintage sheets and pillow cases from garage sales, thrift stores, (and my parent's house!) for a while now. This would be my first quilt; should be fairly easy because it's just squares, no complicated pattern.

Knit Leaf Cravat Scarf

More of these cute knit dish clothes (I've already made one and I really like how the pattern turns out)

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Knitted Pears

I'm also 4 years behind on my scrapbooks! I've had my supplies out on the dining room table for a few weeks now, and work on it as my brain will allow, which isn't often. Some day I'll get caught up.

I continue to have some good days and some bad days; but hoping that I'll feel well more consistently as August is gone and we approach fall. I love fall! Perfect time for taking lots of pictures!

(I'm having problems with new layouts with blogger, I don't know why some of my descriptions are not lining up correctly - they look okay when I'm typing them - but I'm not going to figure that out right now!)

1959 magazine

2010-08-11T16:16:00.000-04:00

Another great find at a garage sale to add to my collection of old books, cookbooks, and magazines.

Take a little peak into a woman's life in 1959 from a McCall's magazine.

An electric range with a pull-out oven, for easier cleaning. That sounds like a great idea!

Japanese-inspired clothing patterns

"Let's Eat a Real Breakfast" article. A doctor recommends eating a full, well-balanced breakfast to prevent hypoglycemia, mid-morning fatigue, dizziness, and fainting. He suggests that protein be included instead of common breakfasts of just toast, juice, and coffee. (still good advice today.) I certainly hope that the photo included shows a wide range of breakfast choices, not just one breakfast!

Hmmm . . . now that's an interesting-looking dinner!

"A Wonderful Way to Live" - McCall's 1959 Idea House

Our house was built in 1960. Some scary similarities, like paneling that we painted over, and bathroom tile although ours is a more neutral color palette, thank goodness. That tile is still in good shape (what kind of amazing mortar and grout did they use back then?), it's going to take some elbow grease when we rip it out someday!

August Woes

2010-08-04T10:02:00.000-04:00

I'm not exactly sure why, but the past few summers my chronic health issues have flared up by mid-July and on into August. Summer is not my favorite season (Spring and Fall come first) in general because I don't like the heat. But it seems that summer doesn't agree with my mind and body too.

I try not to be discouraged, but it's difficult to struggle through my days instead of really enjoying them, especially when I have children to take care of. Mornings are worse. Some days are better are others. But much of the time I don't have the mental or physical energy to do what I would like to do.

My summer goals of exercising and organizing have become dust in the wind. I do what I can when I can on better days (or even better hours). But I've had to let go of my weekly plans so that I don't have unrealistic expectations of myself, and then end up feeling like I've failed.

This too shall pass. By September sometime, I usually start feeling better. Wonder if it has anything to do with lunar cycles and seasons? I've heard such theories.

Among others, 2 Corinthians has many verses that I hold on to during such times.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 is a favorite passage:

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."

Paul had a thorn in his flesh that he asked God three times to remove.

But each time, God replied,

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9)

Learning to be content in weakness is difficult. But God is faithful; and if we're open and seek Him, it's IN times of weakness that we meet God in a more personal way and develop deeper character.

In and Out

2010-07-12T15:56:00.000-04:00

More out than in actually!

I had thought I might have more time to do things like blogging during the summer, but life instead has been more busy in different ways. Holidays, family visiting, park dates with friends, sleepovers, garden & flowers to tend to, swimming in neighbor's pool, day trips, boys' friends at our house, homework for Beth Moore's Esther bible study at church, planning landscaping, and on it goes, as well as some times of rest to recover from all the fun! I may be taking more pictures than usual, but why did I think I'd have time to blog about them? I haven't even had time to download much of my photos yet!

So I may be scarce around here for the rest of the summer. I need to spend my time and energy living life instead of at the computer blogging about it. But okay, first, I will post 2 pictures from the 4th of July parade!

Rashed, Isaac, Noah, and cousin Brandon

Grandpa and Aaron

I've been reminded that homeschooling actually keeps you at home! Just me and the kids. A simpler kind of busy I guess. Summer activities - not so much! So I'll "see" ya when I see ya!

Lazy Days of Summer?

2010-06-24T16:24:00.000-04:00

Whoever coined that phrase did not have children!

We're only 1 1/2 weeks into our summer schedule, and I'm exhausted! Mostly because I spent all last week getting ready for the used book sale I participated in Monday at our local Home School Building. It's a huge sale; approximately 200 tables worth of used books and curriculum set up in the gym. It was hot, crowded, and rather mind-boggling at times, but I did sell a lot and made some money to use for next year's curriculum.

In regards to my summer goals, I accomplished 2 out of 3 last week. My first area of cleaning and organizing was our homeschool books, which was mostly accomplished before the book sale. But I still have this past year's things to put away. Also, I exercised 6 times! Two of those days I walked first thing in the morning - something that hasn't worked for me in the past. It sure feels good to cross that off the list so early in the day!

This week I'm way behind due to the book sale and other various appointments and scheduled events. Hopefully I'll be back in the game next week. Oh, yeah, then family is coming. Well, maybe the week after that?!

The kids are certainly enjoying their summer!

Summer Goals

2010-06-14T21:31:00.000-04:00

With homeschooling done for the year, I've made 3 goals for myself this summer.

Putting it in print will help keep me accountable, I hope!

Extra, heavy-duty cleaning and organizing of one room or area of the house per week.
Walk or exercise regularly - my goal is daily, but I'll be happy with at least 5 days a week.
Try one new recipe a week from several cook books that I haven't had time to explore yet.

The cleaning and exercising are the most important to me. Dealing with depression and health issues on and off for several years made regular, consistent exercise an impossibility, and anything beyond basic survival-mode cleaning usually didn't happen. I have muscles and a house long-neglected that I aim to pay a lot of attention to now that I'm feeling better.

I still have to keep boundaries in place to keep from over-doing things and exhausting myself. But I'm hopeful that my health will allow me to meet my goals as much as possible. Wish me luck!

Always Be Prepared

2010-06-09T11:19:00.000-04:00

You never know when you might need to defend yourself or your family from the bad guys. So even when doing school work, be prepared!

I love how boys are just born with a natural, God-given desire to protect, defend, provide, and conquer. It's busy work raising 3 Knights-In-Training!

Sweet Shot Tuesday - June 1

2010-06-01T12:36:00.000-04:00

The pier and lighthouse at sunset in Grand Haven, MI, over Memorial Dad weekend.

What a great way to end the day!

Aaron's favorite books

2010-06-01T12:18:00.000-04:00

I love it when my kids love the children's books that are my favorites too. Aaron has (finally!) started to enjoy books more the past few months. He's still not reading on his own, but he likes when I read to him every day. A few recent favorites:

"The Little House" by Virginia Lee Burton (copyright 1942) is not as well-known as the others. It's a heart-warming story about a little house that loves living in the country, seeing nature around her, and watching the seasons change.

But as time goes on, the city that was once far away creeps closer and closer until the now-abandoned little house becomes completely surrounded by tall buildings, trains, noise, cars, and smog. The house is very sad because she can't even see the sun in the day or the moon at night.

Then one day, the great-great-granddaughter of the man who built the house rediscovers the house and has it moved back out to the country where it is fixed up and becomes happy again.

Aaron's other current favorites are all mice books - his latest phase.

Texas Caviar

2010-05-28T14:31:00.000-04:00

It's one of my favorite things to make and eat in the summertime! I don't know why it's called Texas Caviar. Did it originate in Texas? Do they eat it in Texas? Is it supposed to be the common person's "caviar"? All I know is that it's good!

You'll find many variations of this on-line, but this is my personal favorite, originally found on Allrecipes.com and adapted slightly to my taste.

2 (15 - 16 oz.) cans black-eyed peas, drained & rinsed
1 green pepper, diced
2 yellow, red, or orange sweet peppers, diced
2 med. tomatoes, diced
1 sm. onion, diced
4 green onions, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded & minced
1/4 c. fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 - 1 c. fresh or frozen corn

Dressing:
4 Tb. olive oil
3 Tb. red wine vinegar or lime juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp. cumin

Mix all ingredients with dressing. Chill at least 2 hours. Serve with tortilla chips.

You can also substitute any type of Italian Salad Dressing for the above dressing. For some reason, I like it best when I use a combination of both the above dressing recipe plus about 1/4 - 1/3 c. of Italian Dressing. Some recipes call for even more vinegar, but I am not a vinegar lover so I just use lime juice.

When I have it around, I love to mix in some chopped avocado, just before serving. You wouldn't want to add the avocado ahead of time or it will get mushy.

Enjoy!

Well, Hello Summer!

2010-05-24T14:08:00.000-04:00

After a very nice Spring, with great weather, Summer has blasted it's way into Michigan in a hurry! May averaged a little below normal temperatures. But within one day, we suddenly reached the upper 80's! Most of our week is forecasted to be in the mid to upper 80's. And it's humid.

A little too fast of a change for me. I like to ease slowly into the warm weather. Hot and humid tires me out. But Aaron has no problem with it. A swing and a balloon; what could be better?

Homemade Freezer Jam

2010-05-21T10:47:00.002-04:00

If you've never tried making your own jam because you're kind of afraid of the whole canning process (like me), you should try freezer jam. It's so easy, and the jam tastes incredibly fresh because the fruit has not been cooked. And, no high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, or artificial coloring or flavorings to be found! All you need is:

Certo fruit pectin

A bunch of fresh fruit, plus sugar, lemon juice, and water

And when you're done, you have lots of these

Strawberry is my boys' favorite, so that's the only kind I've made so far. I plan to make blueberry later this summer.

(the photographer in me feels compelled to mention that these pictures were taken with my old camera. My new camera takes much better indoor pictures!)

Sweet Shot Tuesday 5/18

2010-05-18T09:53:00.000-04:00

Every May, these little guys start showing up in our yard.

With 3 boys, they get a lot of attention and are often named. This one was named Gar (because he was found in the garden. by me. just seconds from being punctured by my garden hoe.)

Check out more sweet shots over at Life With My 3 Boybarians!

Sweet Shot Tuesday 5/11

2010-05-11T20:24:00.000-04:00

The "Bean" in Chicago

We're in Chicago for a few days this week. This photo was taken under the center arch of the "Bean" as it's been nicknamed, otherwise officially known as The Cloud Gate Sculpture, in Millennium Park. It's a really cool reflective steel sculpture that is meant to resemble a drop of mercury. The shiny mirror-like surface reflects visitors and the city skyline from all different angles.

Here it is from further back.

Unfortunately, the weather hasn't been great. But we were able to enjoy several hours outside yesterday before the rain came in last night. Most of my photos didn't turned out as well as I'd liked due to the cloudy weather, still getting used to my new camera, and being away from home and unable to do any editing. But I've had a great time with so many photo opps!

One more fun photo; my youngest son fearlessly standing on the clear glass "Ledge" that sticks out over the city from the observation deck of the Sears Tower (now the Willis tower, but everybody still calls it the Sears Tower!)

Enjoy more sweet shots at Life With My 3 Boybarians!

Sweet Shot Tuesday 5/4

2010-05-04T14:42:00.003-04:00

Morning dew on Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley is one of my favorite flowers. They remind me of my childhood because we had a large group of them by our house. When they were in full bloom, you could smell their wonderful scent as you came near. Now I have some along the side of my own house. They're even more precious because they're only in bloom for a few weeks in May. I have to be sure not miss them!

Click over to see more sweet shots at Life With My 3 Boybarians.

Tulips, Tulips, Tulips

2010-04-30T14:49:00.006-04:00

More pictures of the gorgeous tulips in Holland, MI. A feast for the eyes and soul!

Downtown:

Window on the Waterfront Park:

Veldheer Tulip Farm

Sweet Shot Tuesday 4/27

2010-04-27T12:01:00.002-04:00

Veldheer Tulip Farm, Holland, Michigan.

Tulips are ablaze all over town in preparation for Holland's annual Tulip Time Festival starting this weekend.

There were so many beautiful places around town, full of tulips in every color of the rainbow, that I was almost giddy snapping away with my new camera. I took over 100 photos, making it hard to choose just one for Sweet Shot Tuesday, so here's one more! I'll be posting additional photos in another post soon.

See more great photos at Life with My 3 Boybarians.

Announcing a New Addition!!

2010-04-27T10:46:00.000-04:00

Did that get your attention?! :)

I'm so excited - I got a new "big girl" camera! Presenting . . . my new best friend . . . (okay, still exaggerating) . . . a Canon EOS Rebel T1i DSLR.

Hello new friend!

Goodbye old friend, Kodak Z8612 . . . you've been a decent friend, especially your zoom, but you're just not good enough for me anymore.

Now I need to spend some time with my new friend and learn all about her. She seems a little complicated right now; hopefully she'll be patient with me.

More Laughs from a Six Year Old

2010-04-26T11:12:00.000-04:00

A couple more things that Aaron has said recently that made me laugh.

Yesterday he helped me make cookies (which are somewhat rare around here because they're too hard for this Mom to resist eating!) While I was cleaning up, I turned from the sink to see Aaron licking spilled sugar off the counter, like a dog, which was funny enough! But then he told me, "There was so much sugar that I couldn't even taste the counter!"

Later, he declared "I love cookies! They're my favorite circle thing!"

He's also still calling pirates "Pie-Rips", which cracks me up every time.

Here he is, ecstatic after beating everybody at UNO! What innocent joy!

Sweet Shot Tuesday

2010-04-20T15:26:00.002-04:00

This is my first time joining Darcy from Life With My 3 Boybarians in the Sweet Shot Tuesdays that she hosts.

This photo was taken in downtown Grand Rapids. The flag is outside of the Gerald R. Ford Musem.

Check out more great photos at Sweet Spot Tuesday!

Dog-sitting

2010-04-19T18:59:00.001-04:00

Our dog Chester is having a 6-night sleepover with his friend Pharoah. Well, perhaps calling them friends is not exactly accurate. Chester is a little annoyed with having another dog invade his territory, but they're getting along better than they did the first day. Maybe by the end of the week they will be friends!

Don't they look like they could be related? Chester is the smaller one. Pharoah lives up to his name and is the larger, grander one. We love Shelties; they make great pets!

Vinegar as a Weed Killer

2010-04-16T18:17:00.000-04:00

I heard quite some time ago that vinegar, full-strength, can be used as a weed killer. I finally decided to try it on the weeds that are taking over our otherwise dormant vegetable garden. I'm planning to start planting the cooler weather vegetables next week, so the weeds had to go before preparing the soil this weekend. I poured vinegar into a spray bottle and sprayed right onto the weeds, enough to wet the weed and soak the ground/roots a little.

Result? Weeds brown and dead within 24 hours!!

We tried it on some dandelions as well, but it killed the surrounding grass. So only use it where you want to kill all vegetation or where there's no grass.

I also read that vinegar will decrease the pH of the soil somewhat, but within 48 hours the pH balance is back to its original state. So I guess it should be used at least 48 hours before planting anything in that same area.

I'm happy to find such an easy, effective, non-chemical way to kill weeds!

God Delights In Us

2010-04-09T10:30:00.000-04:00

Have you ever watched a child, completely engrossed and involved in some activity or thing that they love? Perhaps they're marvelling over an interesting bug, or jumping for joy on a trampoline, or dancing, or getting caught up in a good book. They're so focused, intent, and just plain enjoying themselves. Without any guilt or feeling self-conscious about it.

It doesn't matter if the activity or object of their attention is of great importance to the rest of the world. It doesn't matter if anything is being "accomplished". What's important in that moment is that they're simply Being and Doing - just being themselves. It makes me smile, and gives me joy to watch that.

Don't you think that God feels the same way about all of us? Don't you think that God enjoys watching us, His children, just be ourselves? It's easy to feel, as an adult, that our day is supposed to be filled with the tasks that we need to do, responsibilities we have, things that just have to get done. And practically, there is much that we need to do each day. God must also delight in seeing us responsibly fulfill the work He's given us.

But how often do we allow ourselves to simply do something that we really enjoy? Something that makes us happy and is part of who we are? Without feeling guilty. Without feeling that that we're wasting time. Why do we feel guilty if we take a little time away from responsibilities to do something that fulfills us? God created each of us just as we are. He specifically gave us our individual interests, skills, personalities. It's not God's character to give us a particular interest, and then discipline us or be disappointed in us when we partake in it.

Apart from sinful or indulgent or harmful behaviors of course, I think that when we dive wholeheartedly into something that truly interests us or gives us joy, God delights in watching it.

I love photography. Sometimes I head out on a nice day or after a fresh snowfall with my camera to try to capture some good shots of God's beautiful creation. I sometimes feel so compelled that if I don't get some pictures, I'll just burst! Who gave me that desire? Aside from doing it too often, to the extent of completely ignoring my responsibilities, aren't I fulfilling God's purposed design in me?

What do you love to do that God delights in watching? Do it today! Enjoy it!

I'm going to go outside now and try to get a good picture of the big, fat robin hopping around our back yard.

What Homeschooling Has Taught Me

2010-03-30T16:04:00.000-04:00

After reading a blog-friend's post about what she has learned through homeschooling, I thought I would make a similar post as well. (thanks Nancy!)

Here's just a partial list of what I've learned as a homeschooling mom:

Kids do not have to be surrounded all day by 25 imperfect kids their same age to learn how to behave socially (in fact, the very opposite is true)
Doing what God has called me to do gives me great peace, even when it's particularly challenging or difficult
Children can live a full and well-rounded life even if they're not involved in every activity and sports opportunity that comes along
History can be fun! It doesn't have to be boring. I now love History.
Swimming against the flow of a typical American life may be difficult, but the hard work has had more blessings than we expected and has been worth every minute
A "good education" is not defined by getting good grades and passing tests
Siblings can actually enjoy being with each other, instead of just tolerating each other
Kids really can learn a lot in just a couple hours a day
Playing with Legos is educational
Having the freedom to teach and learn in the way that works for us results in a happy mom and happy students because we don't have to fit into a state-mandated "box"
There is no ONE perfect curriculum, no matter how hard or long you look! (I've tried!)

Homeschooling is so much more than a school alternative. It's a way of life. I don't think our family would be who are without homeschooling. God has blessed us!

* I'm not in any way claiming that homeschooling is the only good schooling option for everybody. I'm just sharing what that choice has meant to our family. :)

Making Maple Syrup

2010-03-28T16:51:00.000-04:00

A friend of ours who's "yard" is about an acre and mostly wooded invited us over to see how maple syrup is made. She comes from a long line of maple syrup makers; her Dad's family up in Michigan's U.P. makes and sells it as a business. Her dad comes down each spring to help her with their trees and he gave us a great maple syrup lesson.

Only certain types of maples are used for good quality syrup. I bought some real Michigan maple syrup in the store last year, only to find it very dark and bitter tasting. I was wondering what all the hype was; it tasted awful! Now I know that sap from less desirable types of maple trees, and sap that is collected late in the season, will be darker and not very sweet. Sap that sits too long before being boiled can also turn bitter. That type of syrup should be marked as B Grade, but mine didn't specify that. So, don't buy really dark or B Grade maple syrup!

Okay, first the trees are tapped to obtain the sap. Did you know that sap is clear? It tastes like lightly sweetened water. I always thought it was brown! It takes 40 gallons of sap to make just 1 gallon of syrup! Sap flow is the highest after a hard freeze, after which nights are below freezing and days are sunny and in the 40's. Sap flow only lasts for 3 to 4 weeks. So the right temperatures at the right time highly affect how much syrup can be made each year.

Next, the buckets of sap from the tree are poured into larger containers until it's ready to be boiled.

Finally, the sap is boiled for a few hours until it is reduced down to the brown, thicker liquid known as maple syrup. That's it! Our friend boils it in a huge, rectangular stainless steel "pot" over a wood fire outside.

Messed Up Title Box

2010-03-18T10:19:00.001-04:00

** Fixed!! And grateful that my 14-almost-15 year old son could help me figure out how to put a newly designed title in the new header!! Thanks Noah!

Well . . . I changed to a new spring background yesterday, and a new title box (called the header), which were free from thecutestblogontheblock.com. But now I can't get the Blog Title to center in the middle of the Header.

Looks like I still have some spring cleaning to complete on my blog, so please ignore the odd-looking Title Box until I figure out how to fix it!

And if you happen to know how to help me, please comment! thanks.

St. Patrick - Missionary to Ireland

2010-03-17T19:13:00.000-04:00

Okay, another history lesson!

I never really knew the background of St. Patrick's Day. I thought it was just a secular, Irish holiday, when you're supposed to wear green. But there's much more depth to this holiday.

Patrick was born as Maewyn Succat in England in 389 to Christian parents with a strong faith. Patrick though didn't have any interest in Christianity and was known to instead wander around with his friends, looking for adventure. One day, at the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates.

He was sold into slavery in Ireland. During his first year as a slave, he began to consider God and the faith of his parents. Patrick later wrote that the Lord opened his eyes to his sin and youthful ignorance, and he converted wholeheartedly to God. After six years of bondage, he escaped and returned home to England.

About 27 years later, after being trained as a minister in France and taking the name of Patrick, he returned to Ireland. He felt led to return to the country where he had once been held captive. He ministered and preached the gospel in Ireland for 30 years, with compassion for the Irish people who were mostly pagan and superstitious. Because of his 6 years as a slave, he understood the Irish people and culture, and was well-liked by many and effective as a missionary.

Patrick used the three-leaf clover (shamrock) as a symbol of the Trinity. He performed miracles, started at least 300 churches and baptized about 120,000 people. It's unknown when he actually became known as "Saint" Patrick, but regardless, he had a huge impact upon the history of Christianity in Ireland.

He died on March 17, 461; after which the Irish celebrated his life every year on March 17th.

* Most of my information came from our homeschool history book "The Mystery of History". There are some differing stories about history of Saint Patrick, including the exact year he was born and died.

SPRING ! ! !

2010-03-17T13:13:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that just 2 weeks ago we still had several inches of packed snow on the ground, which took a week of temps in the upper 40's and then a couple days of rain for the snow to disapear. Now that we've reached the 50's for a few days, it's finally feeling like spring.

Everything is waking up and coming out of hiding. People are out taking walks, it's staying light out later, birds are chirping happily, bikes and scooters have emerged from the depths of the storage shed, and our cats have been allowed out again. They're having a blast exploring again.

I love how spring makes everything seem new. It makes me feel victorious for making it through another long winter. The gray, dark, cloudy winter days make the bright spring days seem that much brighter! The darkness has gone, the sun is shining; time for a new season and new possibilities! (and a new blog background!)

Happy Spring!

From a 6 Year Old's Point of View

2010-03-12T17:17:00.000-05:00

Although Aaron, at 6 years old, can certainly try my patience and sometimes irritate every cell in my body, he can also be hilarious and make me laugh. A few humorous things he's said or done recently . . .

Tuesday night while watching a little bit of American Idol with me, I asked Aaron "do you think you could do that?" (meaning sing in a competition like AI.) He replied, "Yea, but I can't go right now, my knee hurts!" (he actually does have some signs of a good singing voice.)

Aaron has a bad habit lately of hugging Isaac too hard in a way that resembles tackling more than hugging, which bothers Isaac, understandably! One day after Isaac not-very-gently pushed Aaron away after repeatedly asking him to stop "hugging" him, Aaron got mad and yelled "You just lost a LOT of love!" with his arms stretched out wide to represent just how much love!

Last Saturday we had a great time with our homeschool group, enjoying our own version of Winter Olympics. One of the competitions was snow ball making. The Gold went to the person with the biggest snow ball after one minute. Aaron was so proud of his that he carried it around in his arms for a few minutes and then, after posing for a picture, told me "let's go put this in the van now, to take home!"

I love the innocence of youth, and how small things are so important. Wish I could have some of that back sometimes.

Swedish Pancakes

2010-03-07T14:41:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to reduce the number of mornings that my boys eat cold cereal for breakfast. In addition to oatmeal, toast, and french toast, our favorite is Swedish Pancakes. They're much thinner than regular pancakes, with more egg and less flour, raising the protein content and lowering the carbohydrate content. I think they're somewhat similar to crepes, but I've never made crepes so I'm not sure. Give these a try - I think you'll love them!

Swedish Pancakes

3 eggs
3/4 c. flour
1 1/4 c. milk
2 Tb. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

In a bowl, whisk eggs, then mix in flour and blend until smooth.
Whisk in milk, sugar and salt; mix until smooth.

Melt butter in a medium-sized skillet over med-high heat.
Pour batter in a very thin layer, tilting pan to spread the batter out to the edges.
Turn over when top starts to look "dry" and bottom is lightly browned (about 2 minutes), then cook second side until lightly brown.
Roll the pancake over a few times and transfer to a plate.
Serve with choice of toppings (syrup, fruit, powdered sugar). Our favorite is butter and blueberry syrup.

(makes about 8 seven-inch pancakes)

*This recipe also works just as well with a gluten-free flour mix or dairy substitutes.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow . . .

2010-03-01T19:39:00.000-05:00

It's still winter here in Michigan, and will be for a few more weeks. I'm getting a little tired of the snow, which has been on the ground for 3 month straight now. I'm looking forward to being able to just wander outside, without putting on boots and coats, searching for mittens and snow pants. But the boys have just recently started being more adventurous outside - partly due to the fact that the temps have been milder, in the 30's, but also probably due to my insisting that they go out to play, or they don't get computer time! That seems to be working!

Last week we had snow every day - just an inch or so each day - but a continuous fresh supply.

One day, Isaac and Aaron made a little "fort", just Aaron's size:

Another day, the snow was perfect for packing, and looked so pretty falling down lazily and gently:

And another day, burying each other was the order of the day:

Even our milk farm cows don't seem to mind the snow. They just eat and stand around, as calmly as always, seemingly without a care in the world.

Spring, please show up soon!!

1944 Cook Book

2010-02-23T19:48:00.004-05:00

At an antique store last weekend, I found an interesting Cook Book(let) from January 1944. Books are one of my favorite things to look for at antique stores, especially ones pertaining to cooking and other household subjects. They can be such an interesting view into the history of the time and a peek into a housewife's life.

The front cover:

"Health For Victory MEAL PLANNING GUIDE" - a booklet with menu plans, recipes and information about creative ways to use food in the most efficient and nutritious manner without waste, and thereby supporting our troops and our country during World War II . The inside of the front cover shows a woman sitting at a table writing a shopping list with the quotation "I hereby resolve to make war on Waste!"

A few recipes that made me chuckle (and feel very thankful I don't have to serve them!):

Bologna Sandwich Filling: (to stretch your bologna further!) Mix ground bologna with chopped pickles, mayonnaise, minced onion, pickle juice, 3 hard-boiled eggs, salt, shredded carrot, and chopped celery. Spread on bread for 15 - 20 sandwiches!

New Ways to Serve Stewed Tomatoes!: Serve them cold once in a while instead of a salad; add seasonings to personal taste or even chopped vegetables. And also - "Tomatoes are so versatile it's not surprising they've been called 'the cook's blessing'. From cocktails to the salad course, 'when in doubt, use tomatoes!' "

Fried Parsnips: Boil sliced parsnips, then fry slices in heated drippings in skillet.

The back cover:

There are plenty of tasty sounding recipes as well. One of them just might end up on our table someday soon!

Who Was Saint Valentine?

2010-02-14T15:37:00.001-05:00

Did you know that Valentine's Day was not originally a Hallmark holiday? (I always thought it was!)

Several weeks ago, in our History curriculum, we learned about the history of Valentine's Day.

Although there are differing accounts, most commonly agreed is that Valentine was a Christian man who lived in or around Rome in the 3rd century. He was martyred for his faith on February 14, 269 A.D.; possibly because, as a priest, he performed secret, "illegal" Christian marriage ceremonies. (Some historians also say there were two different men named Valentine who both were martyred).

At that time, there was a Roman festival of love and the coming of spring (called Lupercalia) that was held on February 15th. The feast and festival honored both Juno, the goddess of woman and marriage, and Pan, the god of nature. Also in this celebration, Cupid (god of love) was believed to be involved in the random pairing of couples from names drawn out of a box. A shot from one of Cupid's arrows supposedly caused a couple to fall in love.

Almost 200 years later, in 495 A.D., Pope Gelasius decided to declare February 14th as Saint Valentine's Day in an attempt to replace the pagan festival of Lupercalia, and to honor those believers who had died for their faith.

At some time later in history, it became custom for people to send cards to those they loved on Valentine's Day. And then sometime even later, sales and marketing geniuses turned it into the over-hyped, commercial holiday in which everyone feels pressure to impress the one they love with cards, flowers, candy, and even jewelry and diamonds - Saint Valentine, and others who stood up for their faith, long forgotten.

We don't really get into Valentine's Day in our family. But I'll look at Valentine's Day differently from now on - thankful for God's love that has stood the test of time, and overcame all those old, pagan, superstitious holidays and practices.

If I lived 100 years ago . . .

2010-02-09T12:29:00.000-05:00

Put on your philosophy cap for a minute and consider something I ponder from time to time . . .

If I could switch lives with a mother and housewife from 1910, what would it be like? Would I think her life was easier? Simpler? More difficult? Would I be healthier? Would I feel trapped by social limitations as a woman? Would I feel content?

What if that woman from 1910 could live my life in 2010 for a few months. What would she think? Would she feel that I "had it made" because I had so many more opportunities and conveniences than she'd ever had? Would she love my house with indoor plumbing and electricity, a refrigerator, dish washer, stove, furnace, air conditioner, washing machine, TV with countless channels, and a computer? Would she feel free, fortunate, and empowered? Or would she just be overwhelmed and confused?

In 2010, I have unending options and opportunities. I'm not bound by the limitations that women used to have. I can choose whether to stay at home with my children, or go to work in any field and pay someone else to care for my children. I can drive myself almost anywhere I want in a safe car on nice concrete highways. I can easily buy clothes that I didn't have to sew myself. I can get nearly any food I want from the grocery store - even meals that are already prepared and only have to be heated. I can also stop and pick up dinner at countless restaurants and not have to cook at all! Shouldn't that make me feel free and fulfilled?

But I'm also flooded with so many choices. Too many options - so that I get stressed out and confused on a daily basis trying to make multiple decisions. Except for birthing babies, I can barely tell the difference between the purpose of a man's life versus a woman's life in 2010. I can run myself ragged by taking advantage of the unending opportunities that are available for me, my husband, and my children - classes, lessons, hobbies, extra-curricular activities, community clubs, church activities, meetings, health clubs, groups to support any lifestyle possible, and on and on.

What about the huge number of ways to stay in contact with people - phone calls (on cell phones even, so you can call anybody at any time, no matter where you are), email, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, blogs, and maybe even by a hand-written letter sent in the mail (we hardly know what that's like anymore!) or seeing each other in person, face-to-face. We aren't isolated in a house miles from neighbors, without a phone and without easy transportation.

And then there's the health issue. Life expectancy was much lower in 1910. Antibiotics and many other life-saving medications and medical procedures were not yet invented. A large number of foods from other parts of the country or even the world wasn't available, so food variety was often limited. But in 1910, there weren't the mass amounts of chemicals, pesticides, and other toxic things in our food that currently endanger our health. Food looked like food; it wasn't fake stuff masquerading as food. There was less cancer, less diabetes, less heart problems, less chronic health issues; but those who did have health issues had very little help. In 1910, electromagnetic fields were unheard of. Today, they're everywhere, inescapable, and probably affecting our health is ways we don't yet know.

If I could go back to 1910, would I want to stay? If the woman from 1910 could live my life, would she want to stay in 2010? I kind of think both of us might like to have a combination of both our lives. We're so fortunate today to have the knowledge, conveniences, and advances that we do. But we're overwhelmed with the sheer number of choices and opportunities that overload us daily. Life in 1910 has far fewer options; survival ran our lives. We wouldn't have water if we didn't go get it from a stream or well. We wouldn't have food if we didn't grow it, raise it, or hunt it ourselves.

Back then, I would need to rely on God daily for help just to survive. Today, I need to rely on God daily to weed out all the bad choices, even good choices, to find the BEST choices that He wants for me and my family. And I guess that's what it all comes down to - God was, and is, and is to come. But still, "what if?" I can't help thinking.

Homeschooling Preschool & Kindergarten

2010-02-04T11:08:00.000-05:00

We have never used a lot curriculum for the early years of homeschooling. I think that most of a child's learning at a young age comes through play, being read to, enjoying nature, and just experiencing life.

A typical school day for my youngest, currently in Kindergarten, consists of completing 2 - 4 pages in a Rod & Staff workbook series, which he started in Preschool last year, snuggling up with me on the couch while I read to him, and having "table time" where he plays with a variety of educational toys and puzzles.

These have been favorites of all our boys from the preschool years and beyond. They've been well loved!

This is a set of Mini Motors Counters - soft rubber counting/sorting vehicles - train engine, bus, fire engine, boat, airplane, and truck. I've been amazed at how many different ways my boys have found to play with these.

This bunch is a combination of 2 sets similar to the vehicles - farm animals and backyard bugs.

Ninjas vs. Bugs!

These wooden pattern blocks are great. You can make countless designs, shapes, and little buildings out of them. We had to buy a second set after too many of the first got chewed (by our dog) or lost. Adults have been known to enjoy playing with these too!

Bird's Eye View

2010-02-02T11:18:00.011-05:00

I feel kind of like these guys . . . is Winter over YET??

Regardless of what the famous meteorologist Punxsutawney Phil says, we're tired of winter here in Michigan. The boys are getting wild inside and missing our trampoline and their bikes. We haven't even had a good, heavy snowfall for a month. There's still a couple inches of old snow on the ground, but no new snow that could break up the monotony and give us a fresh blanket of snow so it looks all pretty again outside. For now, it's just boring and gray.

To make things brighter for me though, I had two great weekends in a row. First was a weekend away with 3 friends for scrapbooking. I didn't get as many pages done as I had hoped to, but then again, I never do! This annual weekend is always a refreshing time away from home and responsibilities, lots and lots of talking and catching up, good food, and even some TLC or HGTV while we eat our meals or take a break.

This past weekend I went to a local homeschool conference Friday night and Saturday. The two speakers (Steve Demme and Sally Clarkson) were very interesting and encouraging. I came home with renewed motivation in the middle of the school year and reminded about how important my job as a homeschooling mom is. I also came home with a few books and other purchases from the vendors there, of course! (and thankful for an awesome husband who took care of the kids alone while I got to enjoy some time away!)

Two more months of winter in these parts. But in the meantime, I'll make fires in the fireplace, drink some coffee, try to get a little more caught up on my scrapbooks, read a good book, and get started on various craft projects that I have in mind.

Moooooo!

2010-01-22T10:48:00.004-05:00

This is Lucy. She is part of the Cow Share program that we just joined. I'm so excited! A cow share program is when you buy an interest in a local farm's cows. And then you get to regularly pick up your share of the raw milk from the cows each week.

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized (heated) or homogenized (processed to keep the cream from separating). Raw milk retains all of the natural vitamins and minerals, enzymes, and healthy bacteria which are killed during pasteurization. Real milk is naturally very healthy, while commercial processed milk can be linked to dozens of chronic health issues. One study I read recently found that calves who were fed pasteurized milk taken from their own mothers died within 6 months! In most states, it is illegal for farmers to directly sell raw milk to customers. But through a cow share program, non-farming people can get nutritious REAL milk. (see www.realmilk.com or www.rawmilk.org for more information, and different state laws and farms.)

When we go to the farm, we fill our half gallon jars with milk from a huge, silver refrigerated milk tank. The milk goes straight from the cows to the milk tank without ever being exposed to oxygen. Raw milk is safer than it may have been in the past due to modern milking equipment and refrigeration.

This week I made butter from the cream that rises to the top of the milk jars. It's very easy using a food processor.

I went to a "milk class" at the farm last weekend where I learned how to make yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese, butter, and ice cream. All are very easy to make. We may have to increase our share to get more milk each week if I make various dairy products regularly. We're going through it faster than we thought we would! A friend is also gong to teach me how to make mozzarella cheese. I can't wait; I love fresh mozzarella cheese!

Two of our boys, as well as myself, have had sensitivities to commercial milk in the past and could not have it regularly. But all of us are tolerating the raw milk just fine (which is very common). I'm enjoying drinking milk again!

Happy Blogiversary to Me!

2010-01-13T15:55:00.002-05:00

I just realized that it's been one year (and a couple days) since I started this blog! It's really been fun for me. I would like to have more posts about homeschooling and cooking, so I'll try to work on that.

If you read this blog from time to time, but have never commented before, could you humor me and leave a comment? I don't really know how many people actually see my blog, and I'd love to know you were "here", even if you only visit occasionally or don't see this post for quite a while. Thank you!

And, just for note, the award for Most Faithful Reader and Commenter goes to . . . my mom!! Thanks, Mom. You've always been a great cheerleader!

(Here's how to comment if you don't know how. Click on the word comment(s) at the bottom of the post. A little window will pop up. Type whatever you want to say in the box under Leave your comment. Next, under Choose an Identity, click on Name/URL and then just type your name in the little box. Last, click on Publish Your Comment, and you're done! If you have a Google account, you can sign in to that and then it will show your name.)

Happy Holidays

2010-01-12T15:35:00.001-05:00

The holidays seem long past now, but just so I can feel free to move on, I'll post a bit about our Christmas and New Year's Eve.

We celebrated Christmas with my family in Illinois. After the ice storm on the 24th, several inches of snow came on the 25th & 26th. For once, more snow than back home in Michigan! Saturday the 26th, we traveled with my parents through the snow to my brother and sister-in-law's home in Chicago.

Aaron with chocolate money from his stocking

Isaac, apparently happy with the stash of goodies he found in his stocking

Noah found the hidden pickle ornament!

hanging out with my uncle's sister's grandchildren on Christmas evening, whom the boys had never met before!

driving slowly to Chicago on the 26th

opening gifts at my brother & sister-in-law's apartment in Chicago

My brother's dog Manu being friendly with Aaron!

family picture at my brother's

quiet, snowy residential block in Chicago

a quick drive down Michigan Ave. in Chicago

Back in Michigan for New Year's Eve, we celebrated at home by ourselves. We pigged out on steak (grilled on my new stove-top grill pan!), with cheese and chocolate fondue. Then everybody, even Aaron for the first time, stayed up until midnight playing games, watching TV, and goofing around, as usual.

fondue! Just for Aaron, we tried dipping tater tots in the cheese. It was a hit!

Waiting for the ball to drop, just before midnight:

I crocheted my way into the new year working on an afghan, that looks more like a scarf so far. We'll see if I can get it finished before the end of winter 2010!

Here's to a happy and healthy 2010!

Ice Storm

2010-01-07T17:59:00.001-05:00

I'm still getting Christmas photos downloaded and tweaked in order to post about our holidays. And I've been busy getting all of us back into our usual school schedule this week after an enjoyable two weeks off.

In the meantime, here's a few photos of the beautiful ice-covering that we woke up to on Christmas Eve day down in Illinois. Leave it to God to create something that can be dangerous also amazingly gorgeous!

Santa, Reindeer, a Christmas Tree, and The Parsley That Wouldn't Die

2009-12-22T20:36:00.000-05:00

(I enjoyed writing that title!)

Here's a bit of what we've been busy with the past 2 weeks, other than finishing up school for the year, and getting ready for Christmas . . .

A week and a half ago, we still didn't have a Christmas tree. So when Rashed had a day off work, we decided that would be the day to find our tree. First, we went to a lot with cut trees set up near a local shopping area. After only 5 minutes of wandering through the lot, with the wind blowing hard, and near zero degrees wind-chill, we found ourselves questioning our sanity and asking "WHY are we looking for a tree outside today??"

The trees were very pretty, but we decided their prices were a bit too high for us, so we hurried back to the warm van and went to Christmas Tree Place #2.

Christmas Tree Place #2 was Horrock's - a local specialty grocery store and garden center that we love. Their trees were outside, but blocked by much of the wind - yay! We quickly found a fair-sized tree that caught my eye for some un-known reason because they were all bound up and you couldn't see their shape. But this one called out to me, and home it came. After thawing out a bit in our garage and relaxing it's branches, we put it up in the house the next day. And it had a great shape!

a growing Snoopy ornament collection, that started with this first one which I've had since I was a child

(sorry, he's out of focus for some reason, but I didn't want to leave him out)

The next day, we went back to Horrock's; this time to see Santa and 2 real live reindeer. I've never seen real reindeer before. I thought they were very cute - like a mix of moose and deer.

We've never made a big deal about Santa at all, and Aaron has never done the sit-on-Santa's-lap-and-tell-him-what-you-want-for-Christmas thing. So after I quickly explained the drill, he eagerly climbed up on Santa's lap and told him he wants Legos and cars and Sponge Bob stuff for Christmas. And then Santa just kept chatting with Aaron for a couple minutes, it was so cute! After Aaron got down from the sleigh, he stopped and turned around and said "Santa? I have a question. Are you real?" Exactly like that, word for word! I guess Aaron was confused because we had told him that the story of Santa delivering presents to kids all over the world in one night, with flying reindeer, was not real. Santa poked his arm and his cheek and pulled on his beard, and said "Looks like I'm real!" Aaron just looked at him for a minute, and then said Okay! and walked away.

(aren't they cute?? By the way, the owner said they have to keep them in an air-conditioned barn in the summer!)

And finally, The Parsley!

Maybe I'm just ignorant about the hardiness and strength of parsley. But weeks after putting our garden "to rest" for the winter, one of the boys noticed that this potted parsley, which had been sitting just inside the gate to the garden, was still green and alive! We brought it up near the house, and I actually used some in November! It hasn't continued to grow, but it certainly seems to have no plans on dying this winter, as evidenced below:

December 4: (after 8 inches of snow)

December 11: (after 14 more inches of snow over 4 days)

December 14: (after several nights of temps in the teens, and wind-chills in single digits)

We're calling it our Miraculous Christmas Parsley. We'll see if it holds up in the new year!

May you have a joyful and blessed Christmas!

It's Christmas Break!

2009-12-18T14:17:00.002-05:00

Yay! I'm (almost) as excited as the kids that our Christmas Break from homeschooling is here (as of about 1 1/2 hours ago). We had originally planned to continue on with 3 days of school next week since the boys had already had some time off in November when I was dealing with my depression again. But, I realized a couple days ago that I really needed/wanted the time off. So if the teacher's done with school, I guess the kids are too!

Even though we have taken many days off the past few months due to my health issues, I, myself, spent those days not feeling well. And then as soon as I was up to it, we were back to school and trying to catch up. I don't feel as though I've really had any real time off, so we declared that today was the last day.

Overall, I've been feeling pretty well lately, although I still have to lay down for a short nap after taking the medication that makes me sleepy and I still have to be careful not to get too busy and worn out. The naps are frustrating sometimes because I have to schedule my day around those non-functional hours twice a day (just like a baby!). But the amount of time I'm "out of it" is slowly getting shorter and less intense. And as I continue adjusting, it's supposed to get even better. Where I am now is far better than where I was, so I won't complain!

No pictures today! It feels very strange for me to make a post without pictures. But I haven't had the time or energy to download photos the past couple weeks. We've had some soccer going on, more snow, Christmas tree hunting, Santa and reindeer, and an interesting story about parsley! So lots to post about, and many fun pictures, which I'm hoping to get done this weekend or early next week. Sometime when I'm not trying to get everything finished for Christmas, that is!

Winter Is Here!

2009-12-04T14:50:00.001-05:00

Our first snowfall began last night, and by this morning we had around 6" - 8" of snow on the ground, with a little more coming off and on throughout the day.

(looking east toward our neighbors' yards; just after sunrise)

(Our cats love to be let outside immediately every morning. This morning, Hazel was a little confused - what's all the white stuff? Both cats were back in the porch waiting to be let in after just a few minutes!)

(Just yesterday, I was marveling that some of my potted parsley was still growing after numerous frosts. I don't think it will survive this snow cover though! In the background, in a flurry, is our strange dog, Chester, who LOVES snow and races around the yard frantically every single time it snows. I'm actually thinking about asking the vet. if there's something we can do or give him to calm him down; for at least the first hour after bringing him back inside, he kept pacing around, looking out the front window, and whining to go back out. It drives me crazy!)

(heavy snow weighing down branches on the big evergreen tree in our backyard)

(a close up of some of the branches)

Today happened to be the day I needed to go have a fasting blood test done; so I was out and about earlier than usual. Near the building with the blood lab is a walking trail. I had brought my camera with me, in case there was a good shot that I just couldn't resist.

We'll surely be tired of the snow come February or so; but for now, it's always exciting and so pretty! If I ever moved really south, I'd miss the snow. Even though it can be a bother sometimes, there's nothing like the calm, quiet beauty of freshly fallen snow.

4 Years Ago Today . . .

2009-11-24T19:50:00.000-05:00

Remembering my twin sister Cathy, who passed away on November 24, 2005 after fighting melanoma for just over a year. I miss you, Cath.

(Cathy [on left] and I in Feb. 2004, wearing matching sweatshirts that our mom had given us at Christmas. It was totally unplanned. She was visiting us in MI, and we both came out wearing the same thing!)

It's become my tradition on the anniversary of her death to take some photos that honor and remember her as a designer and artist; and remind those of us still here on earth of the beauty around us everywhere, everyday that should be enjoyed.

These are for you, Cathy; although I'm sure they don't even compare to the glorious beauty and color in heaven!

(both photos taken at sunset at Holland State Park; Holland, MI)

Gluten-Free Bread & Muffin Mix Reviews

2009-11-23T09:15:00.007-05:00

Both my youngest son and I have sensitivities to wheat, so we try not to eat it as much as possible. Aaron gets eczema, and I can feel achy, sluggish, and "brain fog" if I eat too much wheat.

I also feel better if I limit carbohydrates in general, so I haven't tried too many wheat substitutions - I just don't eat flour-based foods for the most part. But for Aaron, whom we've been eliminating wheat for only a couple months, has a harder time not being able to eat things he's used to - especially bread, crackers, pretzels, and baked goods like cookies and muffins.

We have found one type of bread that we both like. It's made by Sami's Bakery (www.samisbakery.com). It's a little dry compared to regular wheat bread, but far better texture and flavor than others we've tried. The particular basic bread type our local health food store carries is the Millet & Flax loaf bread, but I see on Sami's website that they have many others types of products also. Our store keeps the bread frozen, as it is shipped from FL. I just noticed on the website that you can order directly from them, at a cheaper price than it is at our local health food store. hmmmm . . . I'll have to think about that.

Today we tried the "Gluten-Free Pantry" brand of muffin & scone mix. We made blueberry muffins with it, using frozen blueberries. In addition to the directions, I added about 1/4 cup of oats for more texture and 1/2 tsp. almond extract. They turned out great; and we also loved the extra flavor of the almond extract. We'll definitely use this mix again, and try some other their other mixes. (www.glutenfree.com).

Sometime soon, I'm planning to compare some all-purpose gluten/wheat-free baking mixes.

Sleepy Improvement

2009-11-16T09:12:00.001-05:00

I'm so glad I was able to get out and enjoy and photograph the beautiful fall colors in late October; before all the leaves fell, and before I got "sick" again. Because since then, I've pretty much been here, at home.

The good news is that a week ago, my doctor prescribed an additional medication because I wasn't seeing any improvement, and I was losing my ability to cope. The new medication took most of my anxiety and depression away in about ONE day! One day! What a relief and answer to prayer, because I literally felt like I'd been hanging on by the very last thread, which was about to snap.

The main side effect of this medication however, is that it very calming. Sedating is probably the more accurate word. After so much anxiety and inability to relax and desperation, I welcomed sedating with open arms!

So, my past week has somewhat resembled the schedule of a 3 month old baby - wake up, take medication, eat breakfast, do a few things until med. starts to knock me out. Sleep for 1 - 2 hours, wake up, "play" a little, take medication, eat, then sleep again. I take the medication 3 times a day, at meal times. At first, I would feel the effects of the medication within 20 - 30 minutes, and then sleep soundly for at least 2 hours. As the week's progressed, I am usually awake for at least 1 hour before needing to head to bed. And my naps have become a little shorter too.

This sedation effect is supposed to go away eventually, for which I will be glad so I can function a little more normally. Our oldest 2 boys left last Tuesday with my parents for a trip down to TN to see my sister and her family. So we've only had Aaron home. But you can't leave a 5 (almost 6) year old on his own each morning and afternoon while you're sound asleep for 2 hours. S0 we've had to ask for some help with him. How thankful we are for friends who have been able to watch and entertain him. And Wednesday, grandparents and big brothers will be back, so Aaron won't have to be shuffled around.

And for now, I need to go sleep, I'm getting tired of having to correct typos every other word!

Ugh . . .

2009-11-05T07:55:00.001-05:00

After 6 or 7 weeks of feeling well since my depression in late August & early September, I've found myself back at that horrible, anxious, depressed spot again.

We aren't exactly sure what caused the relapse, but most likely a combination of some scheduled changes in medication dosages as well a couple new nutritional supplements. Supposedly, the supplements I was taking shouldn't or usually don't interfere with most prescription meds. But my body always seems to be the exception, and it just got out of control.

There's so much we don't know about the brain, so I'm again needing to stop the nutritional supplements that have helped me with past issues, and concentrate only on getting my meds. stabilized. I'm again needing to give this completely over to God, because I worry about being on medication long-term.

The fear that comes through in my dark times can be intense and paralyzing. How thankful I am that the light of Christ lives in me, even when I can't feel it. Praise the Lord we won't need medications or have weary, sick, stressed, or depressed bodies in heaven!!

I'm so greatful for the wonderful, supportive friends and family that I have - huge blessings in the midst of the yuck. And thanks, Mom and Dad, for coming up to help again. We couldn't do it without you!

More Fall Glory

2009-10-31T22:12:00.001-04:00

A few more glimpses of the beauty of fall in Michigan.

Last weekend was at peak color, and I was able to get a few more pictures Sunday afternoon. Although not raining, it was cloudy, but by the weather reports I knew it was my last chance. Good thing too, because just a few days later, strong rain and winds blew most of the leaves off the trees.

I sure am glad that God gives us this time of beautiful color before the gray of winter comes.

Fall Photos

2009-10-27T15:57:00.001-04:00

Most of October has been cloudy, cold, and rainy here in MI; ruining those bright, clear, crisp fall days that I so love. :( So when there was a peak of sunshine and no rain early last week, we took some time away from school so I could get some photos.

Actually, we did fit in some school because we drove out to a friend's house in the country who has a beautiful property with a pond. Noah had to collect some pond water for a science experiment.

(clever Noah attaching a ladle to a rake handle with duct tape, to reach the bottom of the pond!)

(jars waiting for collected water, to be used for the micro-organism experiment)

(these were all at my friend's property that I try not to covet!)

(along a country road)

(another country road)

(tree reflection in a creek at a park near our house)

(creek again)

(bush that only gets noticed in the fall, on the side of our house that we rarely go!)

Field Trip - Part 1

2009-10-20T10:09:00.002-04:00

This past Friday, we went on a field trip with a homeschool group to the Lakeshore Museum Center in Muskegon, MI.

It's a small museum, but it had some great exhibits that the kids enjoyed (and, it's free!)

Their favorite was the Science Center, lots of hands-on, interactive things to do:

Pan Pipes

pedaling fast enough to power the light bulbs

Tornado Simulator

experimenting with pulleys and weights

Anti-Gravity Mirror (or just a fun, funky mirror!)

Another exhibit showcased local Wildlife Habitat:

wolverine

Run Bambi! Michiganders love to hunt!!

a fawn calming resting, too young to know about hunters yet!

And the Coming To The Lakes exhibit, showing what brought people to the area through the decades.

logging was one of the biggest reasons early settlers came to the area

what a early settlers' one-room log cabin may have looked like

archaeological evidence has shown that Mastodons once roamed the area

through the window of a typical local mercantile

My next post will be about my personal favorite part of the day; one of the historical buildings that are part of the Museum Center. But I figured this was enough photos for one post.

Still Calm and Quiet Around Here!

2009-10-17T22:20:00.002-04:00

Even the dog has been well-behaved . . .

Practicing jumps and flips from the mini-trampoline on to the couch counts as P.E., doesn't it?!

It's Been a Little Quiet Around Here . . .

2009-10-13T20:46:00.001-04:00

Even our neighbor Jack has joined in the fun a few times!

And I'm loving it!

Stop That Bus!!

2009-10-05T12:40:00.005-04:00

I'm having a "Wait! Stop that yellow bus, and take my kids!" kind of homeschooling day . . .

I'm not feeling well from some sort of respiratory bug that I've had for a few days now. Isaac and Aaron have been arguing and fighting this morning, mixed in with Aaron screaming because he doesn't know what else to do when his older brother won't do what he wants!

After giving myself a time-out in my room (with a locked door!) for several minutes while feeling sorry for myself that I have to deal with 3 children while sick, I finally came back out, got everybody separated, and somehow calmed down.

Next, I spent a half hour trying to help Noah with Algebra problems that he got wrong from last week, resulting in both of us getting frustrated because we couldn't figure some things out. I declared math over for the day, and then watched a 30 minute history video with the older two boys while letting the Aaron play a computer game.

Now I'm worn out and need a nap; so I decided that after lunch, the boys will have a puzzle/game day for the rest of the day. We do that from time to time, about once a month, for a change of pace, or if Mom really needs it!

And then, praise the Lord, I remembered a Leapster electronic toy that a friend had given us about 2 years ago that was too complicated for Aaron at the time. I dug it out, Noah and Isaac searched around for batteries, and amazingly, Aaron is completely engrossed in it and will hopefully stay occupied with it for quite a while so he doesn't bother his big brothers while I take a nap. After I figure out what we're having for lunch . . .

Homeschooling can be great; but some days, I really do wonder why God thinks that I can do it!

(edited to add): After being sent to his room for a time-out twice for being mean toward Isaac, and then having a toy taken away for the day because he kept grabbing it from Isaac and Isaac yelled at him (all within about a half hour), Aaron started crying and said "this is the saddest day of my whole life!" He's not dramatic at all.

Big Mr. Kindergartener

2009-09-29T14:15:00.000-04:00

I was going to title this "Little Mr. Kindergartener", but we've been telling Aaron that he's a big boy now and has to "do school" like Noah and Isaac.

So far, he's learning letter sounds, what each letter looks like, tracing, matching, coloring, cutting & pasting, and - he loves Math! Isaac randomly started teaching him things like "2 + 2 = 4" last year. Now Aaron can add almost any number up through 10, without me even "teaching" it. Easy for me! I've also been reading lots of books to him. Next, we'll start with learning to write his name and letters and numbers. He really resisted that last year, so hopefully he'll be ready for that soon.

Another favorite activity since preschool days - playing with dry beans. Counting, sorting, measuring, pouring, and making a mess.

He's also proudly able to design very interesting Lego creations all on his own, and assemble new Lego sets with minimal help. That's not typical Kindergarten curriculum; but we call it Pre-Engineering.

And that, folks, is what Kindergarten looks like for Aaron so far. Tough stuff! Don't you sometimes wish you were back in kindergarten?!

Play With Your Food

2009-09-25T10:50:00.002-04:00

This is what you can do with odd-shaped produce from your garden:

This little guy was supposed to be a cucumber, but he turned out looking sort of gourd-like with a narrow nose! The eyes are black-eyed peas.

We found the book "Play With Your Food" by Joost Elffers several years ago. There are other books by the same author like "How Are You Peeling?" with all types of produce showing all sorts of emotions. "Food for Thought" is another favorite, which teaches shapes, colors, numbers, letters, and opposites. Some of the animals, faces, and characters they come up with are amazing!

Here's another one we did a while ago:

nice hair!

Sorry, Mom & Dad - I DO let my kids play with their food! (sometimes)

Weird Fruit and other Weird Sightings

2009-09-22T17:43:00.001-04:00

Do you ever notice some of the strange and/or interesting types of fruit that show up in the produce department at your grocery store? My husband and boys are always very intrigued and feel compelled to buy it, bring it home, and check it out.

Last week, Isaac noticed something new. It's called Dragon Fruit. Also known as Pitahaya or Pitaya Fruit, it's common in Southeast Asia, Mexico, Central and South America, and Israel we discovered after looking it up on the internet. They come in a few different types, the kind we bought was the white variety:

This is what the inside looks like:

It looks almost kiwi-like with the little seeds, and you can scoop out the white fruit with a spoon, kind of like melon. But we found it to be fairly flavorless; not too interesting. To this family of fruit connoisseurs, we don't think it was worth the outrageous price of $3.49. It sure is pretty though!

Another weird sighting around our house (which happens often with 3 boys) . . . Yesterday I found Isaac and Aaron standing by the slide of our swing set, intently watching something and yelling "go! go!" like there was some kind of race. I went out to find that Isaac had spit on the slide, and they were waiting to see how long it took for the spit to reach the bottom of the slide! gross. (but of course, I still had to run inside and grab my camera!)

Well, it's been a dark few weeks . . .

2009-09-16T19:08:00.002-04:00

Try as hard as you might, but some things just don't ever turn out the way you would like.

We all know this a fact of life. But still, we're often surprised when it becomes obvious that our best efforts are just not enough. Especially when we're sure that we're doing the right thing, the best thing, with our circumstances.

And that's when we need to remember that we do not hold the present nor the future in our own hands. That's when we finally hear God saying "your way may be good, but my way is better." And we realize that we need to stop fighting, and release ourselves into his plan, because that's the best place to be.

That's what I've been struggling with the past several weeks. After months of being off the antidepressant medication that I've always had to take post-partum, after months of working hard to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, through natural and nutritional methods, I crashed into a bad depression.

Having had post-partum depression after the birth of each of my 3 boys, I'm no stranger to depression. But I had thought/hoped that was all behind me. This time, it snuck up on me - slowly and somewhat disguised at first. Then suddenly within a few days, it boldly made it's presence known, loud and clear in a way that couldn't be ignored.

My symptoms were similar to my previous experiences - feeling completely overwhelmed by and unable to accomplish ordinary tasks, crying a lot, feeling hopeless and despondent, having no interest in things I usually enjoy, and extreme anxiety. The anxiety caused almost constant feelings of restlessness, agitation, fear, no appetite, and the inability to relax or concentrate on anything.

For some, depression can simply be a lingering feeling of sadness. For me, I became almost unfunctional and felt like I was drowning in a deep, dark, scary pit. And that's when we knew that I needed help.

Natural, holistic methods have helped me with other chronic issues that I've had in the past. But it now became apparent that it wasn't enough for maintaining my mental health. I was so disappointed to be back at this point, and fearful of starting on antidepressant meds. again, because of side effects and that I felt that it contributed to many of the other health problems I experienced while on the medication.

I went to psychiatrist this time to get a full evaluation and to see what options there might be. She helped me understand, and finally accept, that I have a deficiency in my brain chemistry (neurotransmitters) and that I would probably need to be on medication for the rest of my life. The good news is that she felt the old medication I had been on wasn't really helping in the right way, and she wanted me to try a newer, different type of medication that has worked well for many people for long-term treatment, and with fewer side effects.

There've been some ups and downs, as there often is in adjusting to and tinkering with dosages with these types of medications. And some days I was convinced that this would never go away. But I finally began to see the light at the end of the tunnel a week or so ago, and am feeling a little more "normal" each day.

Before this, I prayed for years that God would bless my efforts to become and stay healthy by taking good care of my body. After all, God created all the herbs and vitamins and minerals that are so good for us, so why shouldn't I expect Him to answer that prayer with a "Yes"?

I was heart broken to feel that God was telling me "No". But I've slowly accepted that His "No" in this situation is really a "Yes" to another plan. His plan. A plan that I can't see fully at this point, in my limited, earthly mind. But it's a plan that He can see perfectly. And for that, I am humbled, thankful and grateful.

And The Garden Goes Wild . . .

2009-08-03T14:10:00.006-04:00

Wild in a good way, that is. Our vegetable garden is growing wonderfully this year! Last year, we gave it a rest and didn't plant anything. This year, we added about 6" in depth of topsoil mixed with composted manure on top of the planting areas.

To control weeds, we put down black landscaping fabric over the paths/walkways and have been putting grass clippings on top of that throughout the summer. That has really helped keep weed maintenance to a minimum; we'll definitely do that regularly from now on.

This is what half of the garden looked like about 2 weeks ago:

And this is the same area yesterday:

Our crop of sugar peas was much more abundant than any other year. They've been producing steadily for several weeks, but are about done for now. I think the fact that our weather hasn't been too hot kept them growing throughout July. The sugar pea plants grew to a height of at least 6' - I had to reach up to pick the top ones!

(we had to quickly rig up an additional, though awkward-looking string trellis when they wouldn't stop growing!)

The cucumber, zucchini, and summer squash plants are showing lots of promise with tons of blossoms.

We just picked out first zucchini and cucumbers last week. In past years, our cucumber plants started dying off just as they began producing. I'm not sure why, but am hoping that doesn't happen again this year.

(some of the last of the sugar peas and lettuce, and the first green pepper)

Coming soon, tomatoes and green beans:

(the poor tomato plants - I planted them a little too close together, so as they've grown, it looks like a tomato plant forest!)

Healthwise, I've been hitting some bumps in the road again. It seems like I have lots of old, long-hidden "stuff" that wants to be noticed and taken care of. Sometimes it's very frustrating, but I continue to seek natural/nutritional healing and hope that I'll soon be back in more of a maintenance mode rather than a trouble-shooting repair mode. Fresh vegetables from the garden are sure to help too!

Summer in Michigan

2009-07-15T21:27:00.001-04:00

A new header photo and font colors to celebrate the beauty of Michigan summers!

With the exception of some very cool, cloudy days and a few really hot days, the weather has been absolutely gorgeous up here in our area of MI this summer. Lots of clear, sunny, low-humidity days in the 70's - I personally couldn't ask for better.

Almost 2 weeks ago we spent a little time in Ludington on Michigan's west coast when we went to pick up Noah and Isaac after they had spent the week with some friend in the U.P. (Michigan lingo for the Upper Peninsula).

I'm usually not a beach-lover as I don't care for heat and crowds. But this day the air temp. was only in the upper 60's, so the beach was comfortable and not crowded.

I'm dying to get some Lake Michigan sunset pictures; but since the sun doesn't set until 9:30pm and we live an hour from the lake, it hasn't happened yet. Maybe when the sun start setting a little earlier. (I'm so NOT a night owl!)

And here are just a few more reasons people continue to live in Michigan and endure the long gray winters . . .

Summer Rambles Along . . .

2009-07-06T14:41:00.001-04:00

It's been about two weeks since I last posted! I hadn't been feeling well, and there really wasn't much to post about.

After making progress with my health since winter, I had a set-back for the second half of June. Between busyness and consequently not eating well and just the ups and downs of chronic health issues, some of my symptoms flared up and I had a couple bad weeks. But thankfully I'm feeling much better now.

One thing that happens when my thyroid acts up and my body gets worn down is that I start having sensitivities to a food group (or two or three!) Over the years I've had to eliminate dairy, eggs, soy, tomatoes (for some reason, that's not too common) and wheat from my diet; wheat being the most recent. I still avoid soy and milk, but I'm fine with eggs, cheese, and tomatoes now. Wheat is a really difficult one to avoid - you never realize how many things contain even a teeny bit of wheat until you can't eat it. I do feel better when I don't eat wheat. But when I get too busy, it's easy to just have a little here and a little there, and suddenly I'm showing signs of reacting to it again - like fatigue, "brain fog", headaches, and depression. ugh. Then it's back to eliminating it completely for 3 months to totally clear your system of it.

With my husband only working four days a week right now (automotive industry - need I say more?), I've only had 4 days a week alone with the kids, which has been a blessing. And he's now into the 2nd week of his 2 week mandatory vacation. So when I was really feeling yucky last week, I was able to rest a lot because he was home to watch Aaron. (Noah and Isaac were gone on their own little vacation, which I'll post about next time). So in that regards, it was great timing to be feeling down although that was not the way I had hoped to spend vacation time!

Finally feeling better, I actually had the energy to get out of the house and we got to have some fun over the weekend. Yea! I'll post some pictures after I get them downloaded from my camera.

Making Things and Growing Things

2009-06-23T13:06:00.001-04:00

I was really loving the mild weather we had in May and early June. Until last Friday, we'd only had 2 or 3 days of temps in the 80's, and only low 80's at that. But summer is here for sure now! We've had increasingly higher 80 degree temps the last 4 days; today is supposed to be close to 90, and tomorrow we're supposed to hit low 90's. (I'm sure you southerners are weeping for us).

I may not be liking the hotter weather, but our vegetable garden sure is.

This picture was taken June 3rd:

And this was taken today, almost 3 weeks later:

The Sugar Peas are going crazy. They're blooming, and we should see tiny pea pods soon. Some of the blooms are pink/purple instead of white. How fun!

Flowers in the long flower bed under our big front windows are starting to fill in a little.

Some potted flowers on the front porch.

Inside, I've knitted a couple more dish cloths. This is a cute checked pattern. I really liked this yarn (2nd Time Cotton), mostly cotton with a little acrylic.

And this cutie is a wash cloth pattern by knitter/designer Susan B. Anderson, who has an awesome knitting blog that I love. The butterfly was knitted with Tahki Cotton Classic yarn, which is a lighter weight yarn than the pattern called for. But I already had the yarn for something else I never did, and I thought it was perfect butterfly colors. It's so soft and delicate that I don't think I will be able to use it as a wash cloth and mess it up!

And last, I experimented with making my own liquid hand soap.

There's a ton of varying recipes on-line for homemade hand soap. But basically all you do is shred/grate a bar of soap and melt that into a pot of boiling water. I used a huge bar of soap (8.8 oz., about twice the size of an average bar) from Trader Joe's that's all natural ingredients. I didn't want it to turn out too runny, so I was cautious with the amount of water at the beginning. I ended up having to add more water 3 times before it didn't harden as it cooled, and I liked the consistency. I used 16 cups of water total; which made one gallon plus 2 cups of soap all together. All for the price of one bar of soap. Cool!

I also tried a homemade mix of Washing Soda, Borax, and salt for a dry dishwasher detergent (plus vinegar as a rinse agent). On it's own, it didn't get the dishes as clean as I would like. So we tried using half store-bought and half homemade mix in each load, and that's working better. Besides being cheaper and less chemicals, there's no more of that white residue left on some of the dishes, that was driving me crazy.

Nature Journal

2009-06-18T10:08:00.001-04:00

I've mentioned before that I love old books. A couple weeks ago, while browsing through an antique store, I found a book that I couldn't pass up. It was only published 32 years ago, in 1977. But the content of the book is a color facsimile of an English woman's nature journal from 1906.

The book, entitled "The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady", chronicles one year's worth of nature observations, seasonal quotations, and drawings by Edith Holden. Her journal was passed down through her family, and eventually published.

Her handwriting is beautiful, and her water-colored drawings are absolutely amazing. Take a look.

(a winter bird feeder)

(the artist and author, Edith Holden)

I sure wish I could draw like that. And I wish I had that much of a variety of nature within a close proximity to my house to observe daily . . . Beautiful.

Five Wild and Wonderful Days

2009-06-16T17:15:00.003-04:00

I haven't posted in well over a week. We've been a bit busy!

Last Tuesday through Saturday, my parents and three nieces came up from Illinois for a visit. The girls are almost-11, 9, and 6. Their mom was my identical twin sister, Cathy, who sadly passed away from cancer 3 1/2 years ago. So genetically, my boys and her girls are half brothers and sisters, and they always have a great time together.

I wish we all lived closer, so we could see each other more often, without the crazy, marathon, stuff-in-as-much-fun-as-possible visits when we do get together. But still, I'm thankful for family, and for cousins that enjoy each others' company.

playing with balloons on the trampoline

creating masterpieces with Sculpey clay

the two youngest ones, exploring at the park

the older four, busy building a damn on the creek

launching little water balloons with the super-duper sling shot

jumping with more little water balloons

playing Life

Uncle Rashed's tractor rides around the yard

Kissing Cousins! Aaron kissing his "girlfriend" (as he called her!) good-bye

It was pretty much a 5-day Party. I had fun doing most of the cooking - since I already cook for 5, why not cook for 10?! I must admit to a 3 hour nap, though, after they left on Saturday!

Festival

2009-06-07T20:16:00.001-04:00

We've been enjoying our first week of summer break.

And it really feels like summer now that we've gone to Festival. Officially named "The Festival of the Arts", but known to locals as just "Festival", it's the largest all-volunteer arts festival in the US. This year is it's 40th anniversary.

Festival takes over the streets of downtown Grand Rapids for 3 days the first weekend in June. There's 5 stages for musical and dance entertainment of all kinds, 25+ food booths operated by non-profit organizations, creative activity areas for children and adults (like Paint-In, Glue-In, Chalk the Walk, and others), 2 huge tents for Arts & Crafts sales, a Film competition, and an Art Exhibition.

Before we had kids, we used to go down there with friends for hours at a time, often 2 days in a row. With young children, we haven't made it for longer than probably 2 hours in several years. Yesterday we actually enjoyed 4 hours before the kids started saying they wanted to go home!

Here's a peek at some of the fun we enjoyed:

(Calder Plaza - main stage, and blue & white striped Art Sales Tents)

(Isaac's friend tap-dancing on Calder Stage)

(Noah's friend playing violin in a really cool, non-classical orchestra)

(out on the street, looking toward the back of Calder Plaza)

(looking down the street at just a few of the food booths)

(one example of the various types of yummy food available at the food booths)

(Noah, proud of his goofy masterpiece at the Chalk the Walk area)

(Isaac chalking Kirby)

(Aaron's rocket)

(Rashed's 11 by 11 Magic Square -where all the rows and columns add up to the same sum. There's a pattern for it; he didn't have to figure it all out row by row! He was a math major, and is obsessed with magic squares!)

(I attempted to draw a cute little bird, but it was far from cute and didn't look like a bird, so then I just made up some sort of design. It ended up looking like a quilt square!)

(a crown that Aaron made at one of the craft stations)

(one more view of families enjoying Festival)

It's Beginning To Feel a Lot Like Summer!

2009-05-29T21:45:00.005-04:00

(singing in my head to the tune of "It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas!")

Our Lilies of the Valley are in full bloom . . .

School is finished as of today . . .

More planting in the garden . . .

(yikes! I can't believe I'm posting a picture of me in a sleeveless shirt!)

and I am enjoying my favorite place to wind down on a beautiful summer evening . . .

Aaaaahhhhhhh!

Finishing Up

2009-05-27T15:22:00.001-04:00

The boys are in a homeschooling fury today! We had originally planned to be done with our school year next week, which is when most of the schools around here are done also.

Last week I mentioned that if they did some extra work each day, we might be able to finish early. They didn't appear too interested in the idea last week. But yesterday, they suddenly decided that they want to be DONE! SOON! (I think the holiday weekend motivated them to move into summer mode!)

They did a little extra work yesterday, but have kicked in to high gear today. They've figured out how much they have to do each day to get everything done by Friday. I'm a little amazed at how focused and motivated they've been! And how little goofing around there's been.

We may have to finish some of our history next week, because we still had 8 lessons to finish as of this morning. But otherwise, I think we'll be done by Friday! Now I'm getting excited too!

In case anyone reading this is interested, here's a list of curriculum we used this year. After years of trying different things, we've discovered what works for us. Every year changes a little, but these are some of our favorites.

Mystery of History - for chronological, bible-inclusive history (I love history now after using this curriculum; especially learning what was going on in bible history at the same time as world history)

Math-U-See - math (we love that it's simple, effective, and comes with teaching DVDs)

Wordly Wise - vocabulary (which we also use for spelling)

Easy Grammar and Daily Grams - grammar

Wordsmith - writing

Rod & Staff - for preschool and kindergarten

The boys have taken classes with a local group for Science the past 2 years. But before that, we did lots of nature studies, and general science. A couple of our favorites from those years are:

Considering God's Creation (a complete science overview from a biblical, creation perspective)

Christian Liberty Nature Readers (interesting readers about God's creation)

We've also done a variety of bible and character lessons; some favorites are:

Searching for Treasure (wisdom and character development guide)

Character Sketches (study of character qualities that blends admirable animal traits and bible story references)

Okay, I'm off to rest a little after our double-busy school day. Summer, here we come!

What Happens When Friends Come Over and the Guys Get Bored . . .

2009-05-25T11:58:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed an awesome afternoon and evening Saturday getting together at our house with 2 other couples that we've known since college. We don't get to see each other very often, so there was much to catch up on.

The kids took off to bounce on the tramp, play video games, and play with Legos. The adults spent some time together, but eventually, the other 2 ladies and I wandered to the other room to look at scrapbooks and talk, and talk, and then talk some more.

The guys, left on their own, started to get the itch to do something other than sitting around talking. The TV went on. There was a little channel surfing. And then Rashed happened to mention something about how we'd gotten an estimate for having the tree in our backyard trimmed, but didn't have it done because it was too expensive. Next thing you know . . .

("Brian started it!" which, if you know Brian, is no surprise at all)

And now the boys have had something new and interesting to play with the rest of the weekend!

The weather's been absolutely beautiful here all weekend; what a way to start the summer. Hope you enjoyed your weekend too!

American Idol - the Finals

2009-05-20T09:55:00.000-04:00

Well, its finally here - the last Idol performance night. Adam vs. Kris.

I'm kind of going to miss AI on Tuesday nights. But when I think back to when it started with the audition rounds back in January when we had piles and piles on snow on the ground, it seems like it's been on forever. Now that it's not dark, cold, and snowy every evening, I should be able to find something more constructive to do with my Tuesday nights!

Just a short commentary tonight . . .

I agree with BooMama (where you can find links to other AI blog commentaries if you so desire) that most everybody had already decided before the show whether they would vote for Kris or for Adam. So in some ways, tonight was a bit anti-climactic; no big surprises or new revelations. But still, some great performances.

If I were to declare a "winner" for each of the 3 rounds, as Simon did (for the first 2 rounds anyway), I would give Kris the 1st round and the 2nd round. And then, although I don't think either sounded that terribly fantastic with the "No Boundaries" finale song, I would give Kris the 3rd round too because he sang the kind-of-corny song better than Adam. If I could be more objective, I might say that Adam won the 2nd round (because he really did manage to sing almost that whole song well, without scaring me). But I'm obviously a Kris fan, and I think he was just awesome, and I give him all 3 rounds!

So, will Adam win, as all the hype would have you believe? Or will Kris gather up Danny's votes and pull out ahead of Adam? We shall see . . .

Backyard Clubhouse

2009-05-19T19:27:00.002-04:00

Our boys have an awesome clubhouse in our backyard. Rashed built it a few years ago. Last year, when our neighbor was getting rid of a small privacy fence, Rashed snatched it up and cut it down to make a small fence around the clubhouse area. So now it even has a little yard, and a small, matching dog house (which our dog hates and never goes in).

(the main pumpkin color matches our shed, but the boys picked the colors of the door!)

(the unused dog house in the corner of the "yard")

I would have LOVED to have something like this when I was a girl - although of course, it would have been called a play house and would have been filled with girly, housey things. And it might have been painted pink or light green. And I would have wanted to put a comfy chair in there for reading.

This one is filled with BOY things; like weapons, rocks, sticks, potions (jars filled with colored water), a weird animal skull that Rashed found at a garage sale, and other various strange and interesting items. Come on in and take a look!

Doesn't it look fun? Come on over and play any time! (except you'll have to ask permission from the boys first!)

I Think I Need Purse Therapy

2009-05-13T17:16:00.000-04:00

WHAT IS IT with purses these days??

I've been looking for a new purse for a few months; casually at first, when ever I happened to be around them, and more purposefully for at least 3 weeks now.

All I want is a mid-size purse that I can put over my shoulder. And I've discovered that the placement of the straps helps keep it ON your shoulder, not falling off; so the strap is fairly important. Otherwise, I would kind of like something colorful for spring/summer. That's it! Is that too much to ask? Apparently, it is!

I'll find one that's a style or shape I like, but the handles/straps are too short. Another one has the perfect straps, but it's way too big (I'm looking for a purse, not luggage). Another is about 2 feet wide but only 3 inches tall. Or it's too expensive. Or it's so cheaply made it doesn't look like it will last a month. Or it's only available in plain black or plain brown, which I'm tired of. Or the straps are way too long. Or it has about 100 huge buckles on it.

I've actually bought 2 purses, brought them home, but changed my mind by the next day and returned them. Today I even looked at purses WITH all 3 of my boys, because we were in a store I hadn't checked at yet.

It's madness, I tell you!

I just had to get that off my chest! Thanks for listening!

Finished Projects

2009-05-09T09:26:00.000-04:00

I finally woke up my sewing machine from it's winter hibernation (I hadn't sewn anything since mid-December). I always have plenty of ideas for things I want to sew, I just haven't had the energy or motivation to start something. Besides which, my sewing machine is in our basement, where I don't really enjoy being during the winter.

For Christmas I made my parents each a fleece keyhole scarf; my Mom's in a Chicago Bears fabric, and my Dad's in a golfing fabric. My Mom requested another in Chicago Cubs fabric (now you know something about my parents!) and that was good motivation for me to sew something again, little as it may be.

I had seen and liked patterns for knit keyhole scarves (sometimes called neck warmers), where you pull one end of the scarf through a small hole on the other end, to keep it around your neck. But I thought fleece would be softer, and easier and quicker to make, so I searched all over trying to find a sewing pattern. Having no luck, I decided to wing it and make up my own. They actually turned out okay! This is the newest result:

this is a short scarf; it's great to even wear around the house during a cold, midwest winter, report my parents

close-up of the keyhole - like a huge buttonhole

modeled by Isaac, because he's a much cuter model than I am!

My newest favorite knitting and crocheting projects have been cotton dish cloths. They're the perfect type of project for me - quick to make, practical, and a good way to learn a few new stitches.

crocheted - and in real life is more red than pink; didn't get the light right for the photo

These were both made from Lily Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn. This yarn is inexpensive, easy to find, and comes in tons of colors, but I've decided that I don't really care for it. It's a little rough, not very soft to work with. So I began a mission to find 100% cotton yarn that I like better and isn't horribly expensive. I found a couple options, and am working on two new dish cloths. I'll post those when I finish them.

knitted - this one took much longer to make, but I like it better

American Idol - Final Four

2009-05-06T08:19:00.000-04:00

Rock Night

Oh, brother, I'm not real big on Rock (except some of the really early stuff), so I was anticipating not liking tonight's show all that much. I was expecting Adam and Allison to shine; and that's pretty much what happened. And Slash as their mentor? Oh, boy. That's some hair he's got! I had never heard of this guy before tonight; that's how much I know about Rock.

Adam - Whole Lot of Love (Led Zeppelin) - He was in his element tonight. He was obviously excited about tonight, and I think he performed well. But truthfully, I hated it. Screechy, loud, and painful to watch.

Allison - Cry Baby (Janis Joplin) - She's in her element tonight too, although I don't think she did as well as Adam and I didn't care for the song. I still can't believe she just turned 17; she sounds so rough and seasoned.

Kris - Come Together (Beatles) - He did a pretty good job trying to put his own personal twist on a classic Beatles song. I loved the middle section when some of the instruments dropped out. (And I have to mention, that he cracked me up when he said in the taped part that he almost peed his pants getting to play guitar with Slash!)

Danny - Dream On (Aerosmith) - He actually held his own for much of the song, there were some really good moments, but the screaming at the end? Oh, Danny. I think he should have picked another song, but he was obviously trying to stretch himself.

The Duets - I really liked this new idea; I love duets! They were fun to watch. My opinion is that Danny & Kris had better harmonizing (I especially loved the awesome acapella part), but Adam and Allison had a better overall performance; if only because they were so comfortable in tonight's theme.

By the way, it seemed a little unfair that they put all of Danny and Kris's performances in the middle together. Adam (and Allison) got to be in the coveted first and last spots.

All in all, it was my least favorite night of the season; too loud for this 40-something, conservative mom! I think possibly Allison and Kris will be in the bottom two; but I really don't have a prediction of who's going home.

Lessons From My Kids

2009-05-03T13:48:00.003-04:00

Naturally, over the years, I've taught my boys hundreds of things, like any parent would. Basics like how to brush your teeth, how to get dressed, how to speak nicely to people, how to put the toilet seat and lid back down when you're done, etc. And then those other random things like:

You can't put a band-aid on your tongue if you've bitten it

The dog doesn't like it when you squeeze him

We color on paper, not on the wall, or the floor, or your brother

But they've taught me plenty, too. Things that adults tend to overlook, or take for granted - things that we really should take at least a second (or longer) to notice and enjoy. I love how they get excited over the simplest of things. Just as much as God assigns us to raise and train our children, I think He intends for us to learn also from the innocent heart and mind of that child.

One example that often comes to my mind happened about 12 years ago, when our oldest was around 2 or 2 1/2 years old. We were driving across town to a good friend's house, where I was going to drop off Noah while I went to an appointment. We were running late - as people so often are - and with one eye on the clock, I was mentally grumbling about hitting practically every stop light possible along our route.

Then, less than a mile from my friend's house, we got stopped at a train crossing (of course!) I was pretty annoyed; but Noah was SO EXCITED because this really cool, and very long train was going past, right in front of us!

After finally being able to continue, we soon came to another back-up; a small construction site. Again, I was groaning about the time and being delayed even more; but in the back seat, Noah was laughing and exclaiming, "TRACTOR!! TRACTOR!!"

We arrived at my friend's house, with me feeling very stressed out and hurried, and Noah all animated and excited, chattering on and on about the most exciting drive we'd had, that included seeing a TRAIN! and a big TRACTOR!

I remember thinking later about how differently Noah and I viewed that trip across town. Of course, Noah had no concept of the time, or my responsibilities that day. But I've never forgotten how excited he was. It was a reminder to me not to always be in such a hurry that I miss the good things in life around me.

Recently, Noah and Isaac started making a big deal whenever they notice that the time on the digital clock reads 1:11, or 2:22, or 3:33 . . . They've even made up a few little songs, and a synchronized little dance that goes along with it! It cracks me up every time!

And it's a common occurrence around our house to stop everything and go running to the front window to watch some squirrels chase each other around the yard, or look at a cardinal or blue jay on our bird feeder. Even a line of busy ants gets noticed and paid attention to around here.

Try to look at the world with fresh, childish eyes today!

(one of our squirrel friends in the front yard tree)