Little Malachi, who I first mentioned here, passed away yesterday. He got an infection and was unable to fight it due to a white count of zero.
Please pray for his family. Please.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Friday, June 01, 2007
Changes in the Air
Ruthie is 9, but growing up so fast.
Today, I found her in the bathroom, putting on nail polish. She had pulled her hair back in a ponytail, tucked in her shirt, and added a cute belt to her jeans.
It has begun.
Today, I found her in the bathroom, putting on nail polish. She had pulled her hair back in a ponytail, tucked in her shirt, and added a cute belt to her jeans.
It has begun.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Ahhh, the End Is Near
The end of the school year is coming. Life is slowing down. In the past couple of weeks, the following activities have ended.
- Orchestra
- Brownies
- Webelos
- Co-op
- Art lessons
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Wild Animals in Suburbia, Part II
I recently posted (here) about seeing a possum in the backyard. Well, that was just the beginning of the excitement!
About a week later, Griff was using up the remains of a bag of mulch that had been in our garage. When he pulled his hand out of the bag, he felt something furry along with the mulch. This is what he found in the bag.
We had no idea what to do with the babies, so we decided to ask a neighbor who works for a vet. She volunteered to take them to the vet's office, where she could contact someone she knows who raises baby wild animals and releases them into the wild when they're old enough. We decided that was our best option, as we were not willing to leave them in the garage and we were afraid if we left them out at night for the possum to find, a neighborhood cat would find them first.
We were hoping that with the babies gone, the mama possum would leave, too, and our flower beds would no longer be disturbed. That didn't happen, though. After another week or so, Griff decided that he would contact a catch-and-release company and have them set up a trap.
So, that's what we did. The first night, we caught this. Can you tell from the picture what it is? I didn't want to get too close and my zoom is not the best.
The second night, we got the possum.
We decided to set the trap for one more night, and caught another one of these.
Where are all these animals coming from? What in the world is wandering around the neighborhood at night? I had no idea!
We decided we are out of the animal trapping business. We cannot afford to rid the neighborhood of wildlife, one animal at a time.
About a week later, Griff was using up the remains of a bag of mulch that had been in our garage. When he pulled his hand out of the bag, he felt something furry along with the mulch. This is what he found in the bag.
We had no idea what to do with the babies, so we decided to ask a neighbor who works for a vet. She volunteered to take them to the vet's office, where she could contact someone she knows who raises baby wild animals and releases them into the wild when they're old enough. We decided that was our best option, as we were not willing to leave them in the garage and we were afraid if we left them out at night for the possum to find, a neighborhood cat would find them first.
We were hoping that with the babies gone, the mama possum would leave, too, and our flower beds would no longer be disturbed. That didn't happen, though. After another week or so, Griff decided that he would contact a catch-and-release company and have them set up a trap.
So, that's what we did. The first night, we caught this. Can you tell from the picture what it is? I didn't want to get too close and my zoom is not the best.
The second night, we got the possum.
We decided to set the trap for one more night, and caught another one of these.
Where are all these animals coming from? What in the world is wandering around the neighborhood at night? I had no idea!
We decided we are out of the animal trapping business. We cannot afford to rid the neighborhood of wildlife, one animal at a time.
Recital
Ruth had her first recital recently. She has played cello for about a year now. She did a wonderful job and we were so very proud of her. I also thought she looked beautiful up on that stage.
This is my favorite picture from the recital. Can you see how furrowed her brow is? (click on image for a larger picture)
Ruthie is very focused when she performs (she is also in a homeschool orchestra). She has a real presence on stage and is very expressive. At the reception after the recital, a woman came up to Ruthie and said, "You played very well today, but what I really enjoyed were all your expressions!"
We call Ruthie our "drama queen", and that's not always a good thing. In this case, though, it really added to her performance on stage.
This is my favorite picture from the recital. Can you see how furrowed her brow is? (click on image for a larger picture)
Ruthie is very focused when she performs (she is also in a homeschool orchestra). She has a real presence on stage and is very expressive. At the reception after the recital, a woman came up to Ruthie and said, "You played very well today, but what I really enjoyed were all your expressions!"
We call Ruthie our "drama queen", and that's not always a good thing. In this case, though, it really added to her performance on stage.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Sweet and Funny Boy
We got home tonight after spending the evening at my in-laws. I noticed we had several messages on the answering machine. The first was a friend returning a call. The second was from my son (he must have borrowed the phone at my in-laws).
"Mom, I just want you to know that I really, really love you."
That brings a smile to a mother's heart.
The last message was also from my son. I'm not sure what exactly he was saying, but it was obvious some creature was attacking him and not allowing him to talk. "Get away!... Ack!... No!"
That also brings a smile to a mother's heart.
Sweet, funny boy.
"Mom, I just want you to know that I really, really love you."
That brings a smile to a mother's heart.
The last message was also from my son. I'm not sure what exactly he was saying, but it was obvious some creature was attacking him and not allowing him to talk. "Get away!... Ack!... No!"
That also brings a smile to a mother's heart.
Sweet, funny boy.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
A Matter of Perception
We finished up and e-filed our taxes at 6:30 last night. The whole thing was a nightmare, but that's not what this is about.
We knew we were going to owe this year. In the midst of our problems with our taxes, the amount owed was always close to $800. So, we've thought for about a week now that that's what we would be paying.
When we got all the problems fixed, we only (!) owed $460.
So now, I feel like we got a tax refund! LOL
We knew we were going to owe this year. In the midst of our problems with our taxes, the amount owed was always close to $800. So, we've thought for about a week now that that's what we would be paying.
When we got all the problems fixed, we only (!) owed $460.
So now, I feel like we got a tax refund! LOL
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Funny
Griff went to Carraba's for lunch today with Ruth and his mom. (I was out with Robert) At the end of the meal, they all shared a Dessert Rosa.
The dessert disappeared very quickly. When it was gone, Ruth said, "Wow! Point, click, and go!"
The dessert disappeared very quickly. When it was gone, Ruth said, "Wow! Point, click, and go!"
Monday, April 09, 2007
Wild Animals in Suburbia
I was talking to the kids as they worked at the kitchen table this morning when I saw something scurrying through our yard out of the corner of my eye. It looked like...
"Kids! Look! It's a possum!"
Much excitement was to be found until he/she disappeared under our fence. The kids wondered if it would have played dead if we had run out there to see it. "Then we could have taken pictures of it!" (Yep, they're my kids.)
Ruth told her dad about it later and found out that he had seen a baby possum in the driveway as he left for work this morning.
I think we can quit wondering what's been digging around in the flower beds.
"Kids! Look! It's a possum!"
Much excitement was to be found until he/she disappeared under our fence. The kids wondered if it would have played dead if we had run out there to see it. "Then we could have taken pictures of it!" (Yep, they're my kids.)
Ruth told her dad about it later and found out that he had seen a baby possum in the driveway as he left for work this morning.
I think we can quit wondering what's been digging around in the flower beds.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Update on Malachi and a New Prayer Request
I learned this morning that Malachi's latest biopsy shows that his blood is free from leukemia. Praise God! Please pray that this remission continues. He is currently in the hospital because of some nodules in his lungs. The doctors believe that they are some type of fungus. Pray that he can be healed from that and go home.
If you are not familiar with Amy from Amy's Humble Musings, please keep her in your prayers. She is pregnant and experiencing debilitating morning sickness. Her husband is updating her blog occasionally to keep us posted on her condition. Apparently this is typical for her pregnancies. Medications which have helped in the past are having no effect. Please pray that this passes quickly and that both she and the baby are healthy.
I hope that you and yours are having a wonderful Easter!
If you are not familiar with Amy from Amy's Humble Musings, please keep her in your prayers. She is pregnant and experiencing debilitating morning sickness. Her husband is updating her blog occasionally to keep us posted on her condition. Apparently this is typical for her pregnancies. Medications which have helped in the past are having no effect. Please pray that this passes quickly and that both she and the baby are healthy.
I hope that you and yours are having a wonderful Easter!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Believe it or not, I'm talking about a plant.
Griff and I do not have what I would call a green thumb. Witness the fact that our azaleas put out 2 or 3 blooms this year. That was a sad, sad thing. Our neighborhood was filled with yards full of azalea blooms, except for ours. We are pitiful.
However, we have had great success with a few plants. One of them is called Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrows (we shorten it to YTTs). They are called this because of their flowers. When they first bloom, they are dark violet. The next day, they are a paler shade. The following day, they are white. Here is a picture of one of ours.
I love this plant. It will bloom repeatedly throughout the warm weather. Once winter hits, it no longer blooms, and can look kind of scraggly (is that a word?), but it quickly recovers once it warms up.
I'll be posting more pictures of "winners" for the black-thumbed among us. :)
Griff and I do not have what I would call a green thumb. Witness the fact that our azaleas put out 2 or 3 blooms this year. That was a sad, sad thing. Our neighborhood was filled with yards full of azalea blooms, except for ours. We are pitiful.
However, we have had great success with a few plants. One of them is called Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrows (we shorten it to YTTs). They are called this because of their flowers. When they first bloom, they are dark violet. The next day, they are a paler shade. The following day, they are white. Here is a picture of one of ours.
I love this plant. It will bloom repeatedly throughout the warm weather. Once winter hits, it no longer blooms, and can look kind of scraggly (is that a word?), but it quickly recovers once it warms up.
I'll be posting more pictures of "winners" for the black-thumbed among us. :)
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
History Notebook Pages
I have wanted the kids to make history notebook pages all year long, but haven't gotten around to it (a very common problem with me). I suddenly realized that the year was winding to a close. If I wanted to do them (and hopefully get into the habit of them for next year), I needed to start NOW.
Luckily, we were at a good place to start. We just finished studying the writing of the Declaration of Independence. I think the beginning of our country is a fine place to begin.
I got some 8.5x11 paper that is sort of patriotic (color-wise, anyway). I printed off a picture of the Declaration of Independence from the internet. I then gave the kids the option of printing the title on the computer or hand-writing it. They both chose to use the computer. They then had to write a few things about the famous document. We cut things out and glued them on the paper. Here are the final results!
Robert's is on the left. I gave him guidance on where to place things (read "told him exactly what to do"). I left Ruth free to do her own thing. I found her placement rather interesting. :)
They are nothing fancy, but they are done, and we are (hopefully!) on our way to making notebook pages on a regular basis.
Luckily, we were at a good place to start. We just finished studying the writing of the Declaration of Independence. I think the beginning of our country is a fine place to begin.
I got some 8.5x11 paper that is sort of patriotic (color-wise, anyway). I printed off a picture of the Declaration of Independence from the internet. I then gave the kids the option of printing the title on the computer or hand-writing it. They both chose to use the computer. They then had to write a few things about the famous document. We cut things out and glued them on the paper. Here are the final results!
Robert's is on the left. I gave him guidance on where to place things (read "told him exactly what to do"). I left Ruth free to do her own thing. I found her placement rather interesting. :)
They are nothing fancy, but they are done, and we are (hopefully!) on our way to making notebook pages on a regular basis.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
I Am SO Not Surprised
| You Are 70% Left Brained, 30% Right Brained |
 The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports. |
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Update on Malachi
Little Malachi is having his third round of chemo this week. I don't know specifics, but I do know his parents said this is "very serious". Please continue to keep him and the family in your prayers. My heart aches for all of them.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Prayers Needed
I found out at church this morning that the 14 month old son of one our families was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) this past week. Please pray for little Malachi, his parents, and his big sister Emily.
As I receive updates, I'll be sure to let y'all know.
As I receive updates, I'll be sure to let y'all know.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Deep Thoughts
Quote from Ruthie:
"I really wish they hadn't built the Tower of Babel."
My daughter is a thinker, so we wait expectantly...
"It's just one more thing I have to learn about."
And sometimes she's just an eight year old. :)
"I really wish they hadn't built the Tower of Babel."
My daughter is a thinker, so we wait expectantly...
"It's just one more thing I have to learn about."
And sometimes she's just an eight year old. :)
Friday, January 12, 2007
A New Schedule
We had the most productive week we've had in a long time this past week. I instituted a new schedule, and while we weren't perfect, we did stick to it pretty well.
I have been giving each of the kids daily assignment sheets for awhile, but I have been letting them choose the order of the subjects. What I found is that they would save all their "hard" work (like math and grammar) for later in the day. It would then either not get done, or get stretched out for way too long. Choosing their own schedule for the day was not working. So, I took the choice away from them.
I now let them know in what order their subjects will be done. I try to vary them so that I can spend time with each child for the subjects that that require one-on-one. I did not go so far as to set a schedule for exact times of the day, but I did put general time limits on subjects. So, if they have not finished math in 30 minutes, they still go on to the next subject. If they finish a subject early, I have them pull out unfinished work and do that.
Ruthie has done amazingly well with this. She finished her work before noon every day. Robert fought me on it, but he also got his work done much more quickly than normal. And, by the end of the week, he seemed to have almost completely adjusted to it and was no longer fighting me (as much, anyway).
I also managed to fit in the history project (make a hornbook) and science activity (make craters in a bowl of flour with rocks) that I've been trying to get done for literally months. I felt very good about that.
So far, this schedule has worked the best of any we have tried this year. I am sure I will have to tweak it over time, but for now it is working, and I will take that.
I have been giving each of the kids daily assignment sheets for awhile, but I have been letting them choose the order of the subjects. What I found is that they would save all their "hard" work (like math and grammar) for later in the day. It would then either not get done, or get stretched out for way too long. Choosing their own schedule for the day was not working. So, I took the choice away from them.
I now let them know in what order their subjects will be done. I try to vary them so that I can spend time with each child for the subjects that that require one-on-one. I did not go so far as to set a schedule for exact times of the day, but I did put general time limits on subjects. So, if they have not finished math in 30 minutes, they still go on to the next subject. If they finish a subject early, I have them pull out unfinished work and do that.
Ruthie has done amazingly well with this. She finished her work before noon every day. Robert fought me on it, but he also got his work done much more quickly than normal. And, by the end of the week, he seemed to have almost completely adjusted to it and was no longer fighting me (as much, anyway).
I also managed to fit in the history project (make a hornbook) and science activity (make craters in a bowl of flour with rocks) that I've been trying to get done for literally months. I felt very good about that.
So far, this schedule has worked the best of any we have tried this year. I am sure I will have to tweak it over time, but for now it is working, and I will take that.
Books!
Books, glorious books!
We went to the library today and I actually got a couple of things for myself for once. We even (shock!) ventured upstairs to the (gasp!) adult section of the library.
I will now have the following two books sitting on my bedside table, waiting to be read.
An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott (I've only ever read her Little Women series)
and
Unveiled by Francine Rivers (highly recommend by a friend - It's a fictionalized account of the story of Tamar from the Old Testament)
Now, let's see if I can actually find the time to read them!
UPDATED: added links
We went to the library today and I actually got a couple of things for myself for once. We even (shock!) ventured upstairs to the (gasp!) adult section of the library.
I will now have the following two books sitting on my bedside table, waiting to be read.
An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott (I've only ever read her Little Women series)
and
Unveiled by Francine Rivers (highly recommend by a friend - It's a fictionalized account of the story of Tamar from the Old Testament)
Now, let's see if I can actually find the time to read them!
UPDATED: added links
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Some of My Favorite Posts
For those of you who use bloglines, do you use the "Keep New" option in the bottom right hand corner of posts? I was a happy girl the day I found that. I was always thinking, "Now, where did I see that recipe/craft/inspirational post?" and this nifty feature has solved my problem (for the most part). I have quite a few posts that I keep "new". I thought I'd share some of them with you here.
A Bravewriter's Life in Brief has a yummy-sounding lemon scones recipe that I think Griff would like.
Blest with sons has the CUTEST picture of a Barbie Bible Study.
Homeliving Helper has an excellent post on Good Housekeeping that I read when I need a good, swift kick in the pants.
Kim at Life in a Shoe mentions some George Sarris Bible CD's that I absolutely must look into.
Rocks in My Dryer reviews a children's book that sounds just wonderful.
I hope you see something you like. I know I did.
A Bravewriter's Life in Brief has a yummy-sounding lemon scones recipe that I think Griff would like.
Blest with sons has the CUTEST picture of a Barbie Bible Study.
Homeliving Helper has an excellent post on Good Housekeeping that I read when I need a good, swift kick in the pants.
Kim at Life in a Shoe mentions some George Sarris Bible CD's that I absolutely must look into.
Rocks in My Dryer reviews a children's book that sounds just wonderful.
I hope you see something you like. I know I did.
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