Yet more reasons to homeschool......

I'm a bit angry this morning, but I'll try not to put the anger forth in my writings...but here goes.....

Abigail came home yesterday to tell me that a girl had hit her. The girl had gotten suspended for 3 days, but my little 12 year old daughter and her friend both were hit. This girl had apparently cornered them and accused them of "talking" about her. She hit Abby's friend in the face, then went to hit Abby, but her friend pushed her out of the way, and the girl connected to Abby's arm. I don't appreciate my daughter being hit at school or otherwise...

Then today, I get a phone call from Logan's school nurse, who wants to know why Logan has glasses, but doesn't have them at school. I had to explain that Logan only needs them for reading purposes and then he doesn't HAVE to wear them. This according to the optometrist himself.....so this nurse wants to know why I am not sending his glasses to school with him. Is that her business? Then she proceeds to ask me about Logan's medication. She states that it isn't working as well as expected. I explained to her that Logan has not been on his new medication for quite a month yet, and when he is, I will contact his doctor for an adjustment.  I have explained to this woman numerous times that I am also a nurse, and know how to tend to my children. I realize that she has a job to do, but I am so tired of being called on an almost daily basis for her to tell me something else about my children.

Yes, I do believe that it is time for me to take over MY childrens schooling and raising. I know that there is so much going on with children these days and they just have to be protective of them, but it just makes me angry to think that the school system takes a child's word or complaint over a parent.

Sunday morning!

Woke up this AM to Mom having another hypoglycemic episode. Glad Dennis heard her. She's sleeping peacefully now, so we're ok. Den and I had coffee out on the front porch after Mom was ok. That was nice. Birds singing, sun coming up....

The kids and I will go to church this AM, Dennis said he would stay here with Mom and go tonight. He's such a good man!

Today I am going to try and get Amelia's Easter dress cut out, and am going to work in the yard a bit. Not really going anywhere, but intend to stay around home and praise God for His many blessings He has given us....

Here's a pic of Amelia, the ornery 14 year old, and a pic of Mom and I last night. We were all on the porch enjoying the evening last night...

And here is a pic of a wonderful husband. The one that God blessed me with.....

Have a blessed God kissed day to everyone!

Abby's dress and other stuff...

While my pup was in the hospital yesterday, I discovered that I really can sew reasonably well enough to get by....

Abigail's Easter dress is finished....We decided to *NOT* use the huge rufflly bow that the pattern showed, but to make our own with a white satin. We will go buy that yet.



And it fits her perfectly....Thank You God!

My little Cole survived his surgery yesterday with no complications. The vet also discovered 3 baby teeth that didn't come out when the adult teeth came in, so he pulled them while Cole was under anesthesia.

Have a few things to finish up today as far as sewing goes, and cleaning the house. Abby and Logan have eye doctor appointments today, and hopefully mine and Dennis' glasses will be finished.

Amelia had to get glasses this time around, but they are only for reading or close work, but that's just how her Dad started out! LOL!

Now me? They tease me and call me their "Poster Child", cause my eyes are so bad! LOL! At least I can still see, thank You God!

I guess we should thank God for more of the "smaller" things that we take advantage of every day. Like our senses....there are so many that cannot hear, or see, or touch. And I can do all of these things. Yes, the Lord deserves my everything and my all.

Time and Scheduling

I have discovered recently (and much in the past) that I am awful at scheduling my time!

I end up not getting my household chores done in a day, and have been lacking in my breadbaking and even in my devotions of a morning.

I think what I am going to try, is to make and print out a schedule of my day in 30 minute increments. I have heard many people use this method and am willing to try. I usually know in advance what my day is going to entail, so I can give enough time to fit every thing in. Like right now, I should be dressed and have a load of wash outside, instead of sitting here contemplating how I am going to get things done in my day! Haha!

Today, I am baking my bread (in the works) and am finishing my laundry. Amelia has an eye appointment today at 2:45p, so I will pick her up at 2p from school. Hopefully, mine and Dennis' glasses will be done today so we can just pick them up while we are there.

And tomorrow, Cole gets neutered (I'll be a basket case...)

And I have to finish my sewing (Abby's Easter dress) and a lot of mending.

Busy life. Good life, but busy life..... at least God has blessed my life with having these many things to do. Complaining needs to be out of the question, and a good time management schedule needs to be the focus of a daily routine.

Does anyone else have any other time management ideas that have worked for them?

These are my thoughts......

This is my baby Cole. He has to go in to the doc day after tomorrow to get neutered.

He was my Christmas/birthday gift back in December. He weighed in at a whopping 3.3 pounds and has gained to 4.8 pounds now at age 6 months (on the 21st).

My goodness! How strong a love can be between an ol' lady and her pup! LOL!

Flower

You Are a Daffodil

You have a sunny disposition and are normally one of the first to show up for the party. You don't need too much attention from the host once you get there as you are more than capable of making yourself seen and heard.

Haha! This is a cute survey......

Today...

I'm finally able to blog!

Things have been going on well here at the house. Today promises to be a sunshiny day. Time to get some wash done and out! :)

Made a double batch of laundry soap yesterday. Didn't know I was almost out, and of course, 2 teenage daughters aren't going to tell me, are they?

We bought 3 Barred Rock hens (I hope they are hens) and have them in a wire dog kennel in my living room until they get a bit larger and we get the coop built. I'll have to get a picture of them and post...they are surely cute! And should provide enough eggs for our family.

Hope you all have a blessed day.....and I can continue to post!

Shoe buying

Took Mommy today to get her some new shoes....she likes those little cloth ones, and we ended up with two pair! She thought I was buying them for me, (the second pair) and stood up so I could sit and try them on. When I said, "No Mom...these are for you too!" My Mom began to cry. My Mom was crying because I was buying her new shoes. She couldn't comprehend why SHE was getting something...I was heartbroken.

Mom said she wasn't sad, she was happy.....but still...to see my Mom cry because I bought her 2 pair of shoes... I am so very blessed. So very blessed to be given the chance to care for her when she needs me.

Anyway~ to cheer her up, we drove thru the park and saw some geese and ducks, and that pretty much was the talk of the day then.....

  

 

Now she's resting, and I really must mop my kitchen. So off I go again!

Rain, Rain, Rain....

This AM it is raining again. Typical springtime weather, I guess.

 

Thank you to you who responded to my cries for help in my frustration last night. I feel much better after a good nights sleep and a talk with the Lord. But then again, that's not to say how I am going to feel after the kids get home and Mom starts again! LOL! But with the Lord behind me whispering in my ear, I pray it'll be ok.

 

I did get some extrordinary news this morning though!

Our grandDAUGHTER will come this August!!!!!!!! 

Our son called me this morning and told me that they had the ultrasound this morning, that the sonographer scanned for quite awhile, and was very confident that the baby is a girl!

My son also gave me another blessing....the baby's name will be Gabriella Kathryn, with the Gabriel being after our son, and the Kathryn being after me!  (Guess I had better get busy with the sewing and crocheting, huh?)

The Lord gives us no more than we can bear, right?

Then why do I feel like I am about to explode? Implode?

Mom is fine when she is alone in the mornings with me, but as soon as my children come home, she starts yelling and screaming at them and cussing like a drunken sailor. THOSE words come out fine! And so does "I can't" and "NOW!".

I know that God does not give us more than we can bear, but today and almost every afternoon, I wonder. Was I chosen to do this because he trusts me to care for another human life? Especially one as precious as my Mom? I knew this was going to be a hard road to travel, but truthfully....I had no clue what I was getting into. But God also says to honor thy father and thy mother, so this is my duty.

Will all of you dear people please pray for me to have strength and courage and love enough to give her the care she deserves?



I need to go to bed and rest and talk to God.



Blessings~

Julie

What A Blessed Day!!!!

Here we are, in the middle of a yukky, rainy day, and yet I feel so blessed to even be alive!

 

I woke up at 2a with hubby (have to edit this to tell my friends that I always get up with hubby~ he leaves at 3a to help a friend of his with his business. LOL!), had a cuppa coffe, made pancakes for kids for breakfast, cleaned kitchen, mopped floor and made 2 loaves of bread before 7am..

My bread rose poorly (again) ...

 

But I did see yet another incidence of God's hand at work! My seeds have sprouted!

 

And here's one of my pup caught sleeping on Mom and Dad's bed.....LOL!

This is Chimi. He's about 2 years old now. Got him at the pound when I went to Ohio last year. He's just a big ol' chihuahua. Snuggly as a bug in a rug!

 

 

 

I especially wanted to thank all of you who contributed to my homeschooling issues. I received some excellent advice and support!

I have 2 children who are open to the idea, and one that isn't (bet you can't figure that one out! Yea right!)

I am going to supplement this year and continue with prayer. We'll see what next year holds.

But please, keep the suggestions coming and links....I found the information that I was looking for this morning. Now, I know what my children are to be on schedule with for their learning.

 

God bless all of you!

Homeschooling? And my vent....

I'm afraid I'm not too savvy on this issue, but I surely would like to learn.

We have 3 children still at home, ages 14, 12 and 9. I am thoroughly upset with the school system, and would like to approach homeschooling, but I have no idea where to begin!

 

We are barely scraping by as far as money goes, and I surely cannot spend any money on a set curriculum. Hubby is disabled and we are living on his disability right now. I am a LPN, unemployed, and currently taking care of my ill Mother who lives with us.

 

Where do I begin? If I could even supplement schooling that they ARE learning, that would surely help!

 

I'm afraid that I haven't been the best role model for my children as far as my Christian walk goes, but I am getting better every day, and am seeing the need of my family to come first. But I am afraid I didn't start soon enough.

 

My 14 year old daughter is being influenced by so many things, and has hit the eye rolling stage and deliberate defiance stage. I don't imagine that there's too awful much I can do about this stage except guide her as gently as I can, and pray alot!

 

The 12 year old is a pretty good gal, who listens and (usually) doesn't grumble.

 

Our 9 year old is a hyperactive child, currently on ADHD medication. He has many learning issues that we work on together, and has gained knowledge by leaps and bounds with wonderful teachers and helpers in his school. But then again, he is only in 3rd grade. Most teachers still care at this point.

I guess he's the one I am most worried about. We believe he has emotional and mental issues (stemming from abuse and  prenatal drug/alcohol exposure before he came to us at age 5).

Doctor wants him in counseling, but husband and I do not believe in that.

 

These are reasons I am at a loss as to what to do. I want to take charge of raising our children, but so many issues are standing in my way.

 

Some days are simply not worth worrying so much about.

 

Spring Cleaning....do I have to?

Yea, I guess I do. Especially since things have not been REALLY clean since I started college back in 2001. That's just entirely too long to let things go. Unfortunately, things were left to my husband to do, and his schedule was too tight to allow for watching children, ensuring their care, giving me time to study, and keep things "my way" of clean. So now that I am unemployed outside of the home, I am taking the opportunity to straighten my home to my liking, and the Lords, and straighten my life to the Lord's liking. This has been a blessing to me, and to my family that the Lord has given this time to us. He is so good.

Anyway~ it's been a good couple of days. Weather has been warm, and Mom has been in good spirits. I've been able to hang out laundry, bake bread, and have started cleaning out the basement.

We have storage in the basement, and shelves for when we do canning, these were in total disarray, along with "stuff" all over, and things from Mom's house thrown in.

Then on the other side of the basement, there is (were) bags, boxes and broken glass (from dishes and knick knacks), mold from where moisture has crept in.....and just general YUK!

Took 3 loads to a storage unit that we rented for this purpose, and Dennis took 1 load to Goodwill, and we have 2 big cans full of trash. (I'll call Monday and ask the trash department to deliver a large bin for all my big trash items that can't be in a can.)

Went and bought 2 large metal shelving systems for things AFTER the cleanup is done and walls washed.

Bought a heavy duty plastic shelving system for my fabric and craft materials. (Found fabric I lost almost 5 years ago! LOL!)

 

Made an apple pie for my family the other day. 2nd one I have EVER made.....it actually turned out kind of decent! Family thought so too, cause they ate it all! :)

 

It's running pretty late around here, so I really should go. Have church in the AM,and I need to be up and around so I can get everyone else ready too!

 

 

 

Here's the link to why homeschooling is a great idea.......

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=6200959

 

We have a 12 year old daughter and a 14 year old daughter and a 9 year old son.....and this man says even if they did see the actual act it wouldn't hurt them?????????

Wow. I knew I would find it if I looked around.

It's Warming Up!

Temps are supposed to be in the 50's and 60's come the end of the week! YIPEE!!! Laundry can be hung out! Mercy me, I can't wait!

 

Mom's blood sugar has stabilized and she didn't drop laast night, thank You, God! She's doing her normal resting (sleeping) on the couch. It's good to see her up (even if she is asleep)!

 

I cut out Abigail's dress pattern last night. 

 

I need to work on my dress a bit more. I'm just not happy with the fit, so I am taking the skirt off, and am going to re-do.

 

Other things on the agenda today are:

-Get Mom's bills paid

-Bake some bread

-maybe take the kids to the library since I got a good report on Logan's behavior today (and a B on his spelling test doesn't hurt either!)

 

Why do people stare at others if they aren't what they think the "norm" is?

I take Mom out with me and if it is for a long distance, or a long while, I get her a wheelchair to sit in, and of course, she doesn't speak clearly, and she rambles on, but don't people realize that she is still a person?  A person with feelings and thoughts? She doesn't like to be stared at any more than the next person, but I think it has become a sad world when people in wheelchairs are stared at like they are so different, but those who tattoo and pierce every visible part of their body and dye someothers pitch black are considered the norm....

 

Dennis came home today and told me that he heard on the news that 2 boys (ages 12 and 13) and a girl of the same age were caught in a sexual "escapade" in their classroom. When the parents called and wished to discuss it with the school system, they were told, "Not to bother, we have it under control." by the school....EXCUSE ME?!?!?!?!?!   I'll post more later if I get to hear the story myself, but I sure couldn't believe that one!

Mom did it again.....

Woke up about 2:45a to see hubby off, and as I was on the couch, I heard a noise. It was Mom....her blood sugar had dropped to 33. Den and I successfully got her back up to 75 pretty quickly, and she is resting now, but her "episodes" are becoming more frequent and usually at night. Thank You God that You woke me up!

Went to WalMart last night and used some tax refund. Bought some glass mixing bowls, and some fabric. Bought my 12 y/o some fabric she chose for a Sunday dress. Pretty purple gingham checked. I bought some yellow gingham for a summer dress. Hubby bought me a rotary cutter and board, and a new sewing box! It's old fashioned, like me, and he says, "Well, you need a smaller one for your notions when you might want to work in the living room!" Aww... he can be too sweet sometimes!

We have church this evening, and I intend to go (provided Mom is able), so I will have to set something for supper. I think a meatloaf sounds good.

While out last night, I looked at Leap Pads and Leap Frogs and other things to see if I could find something to help my son a bit with his schooling, but things were either too "young" for him or too "old" for him. I'll pray about it. I've been praying about homeschooling him, as he does have learning issues, but I'm not quite sure my patience is up to par for that task! LOL!

Well, I'm going to get busy with my household chores since Mom is sleeping and I am awake....

My First Blog

I just started this blog today, so I'm still fairly new. Be patient with me while I tweak this and that, and add or take away.

Anyway, our family consists of my wonderful husband and myself, a 14 y/o daughter, a 12 y/o daughter and our 9 y/o grandson who we are raising (and he calls us Mom and Dad, so that's who we are). We also have my 77 year old Mom here taking care of her full time. She has dementia, cancer and diabetes, and we feel that the Lord has led us to open our home and lives to her to make her last years easier.

We also have animals...many animals! A Great Dane named Riley, a Shih Tzu named Connor, his son, a Beagle Shih Tzu mix named Luke, and two Chihuahuas that I get my user name from...Chimicole!

In the menagerie we also have an African Grey parrot and a cockaiel, an old Tiger cat and two fish tanks. (sigh~soooo many!) LOL!

More to love....more to do, but always more to love!



Anyway, recently, I have been led to lead more of a Titus 2 life and encourage my husband and children in the process. In searching, I have found so many encouraging websites and therefore have also found this blog.

I have began to make my own soap for washing, have began to use homemade cleaners, and have made my household a binder for easier household management. It is a work in progress, constant progress, but with faith and time, it will get easier and become more of a blessing as God leads his family in the direction He wants us to go.



God bless!