This past weekend Gary and I went to a Shepherding a Child's Heart seminar. We found it to be very helpful in raising our children. I find it overwhelming to try to put to computer blog what I learned, save for that if you want your child's behavior to change, look at what's in his heart. You will probably find foolishness. And read these scripture verses: Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 22:15, Proverbs 23:13-14, Proverbs 29:15, Matthew 12:34b. And teach your children godly attitudes, some of which include: entrusting to God, humility, love for others, generosity, peace-making, and submission. And watch for idols of the heart - power, pride, possessions, to name some. We are currently teaching Ellie and Josh this passage: Ephesians 6:1-3.
If you truly want to learn what we have, I suggest these books: Shepherding a Child's Heart and Instructing a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp, Don't Make me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman, and the Bible. The Bible holds so much instruction to help you train up your child in the way that he should go - God's way. If you train your child other than God's way, he just might turn from it when he is older.
Thank you Jocelyn for telling me about these books. They have shown me how to use the Word God has given us.
Oh, one more thing. You must have your heart in the right place in order to train your child's heart. You must be dazzled by God, to dazzle your kids.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
For Free
Our faucet system has a soap dispenser. It is my opinion that it never worked properly since we have been using it. And it has gotten worse. This past week it started not pumping soap. A task I felt it should accomplish since it is a soap dispenser. I got quite annoyed at it and pumped it a mite too hard many times. I managed to break the inside plastic part. So now it really won't pump.
I found the paperwork left by the previous owner and read that the lifetime warranty was only effective for the original purchaser. I looked up on Moen's website for a replacement dispenser and discovered a new one would cost $41.00, a price I am not willing to pay. I then called Moen to see if I could purchase just the plastic part that broke. The very helpful man at Moen took my mailing information and asked what the problem was. I was forth coming about the tragic ending of my soap dispenser, but he still said he would send a new one out right away. I thanked him and felt inclined not to remind him that I was not the original owner, nor that even though it wouldn't pump, I am the cause of it being in more pieces than originally designed.
Either way I am hopefully the recipient of a new soap dispenser, though I need to wait several weeks for its arrival.
I found the paperwork left by the previous owner and read that the lifetime warranty was only effective for the original purchaser. I looked up on Moen's website for a replacement dispenser and discovered a new one would cost $41.00, a price I am not willing to pay. I then called Moen to see if I could purchase just the plastic part that broke. The very helpful man at Moen took my mailing information and asked what the problem was. I was forth coming about the tragic ending of my soap dispenser, but he still said he would send a new one out right away. I thanked him and felt inclined not to remind him that I was not the original owner, nor that even though it wouldn't pump, I am the cause of it being in more pieces than originally designed.
Either way I am hopefully the recipient of a new soap dispenser, though I need to wait several weeks for its arrival.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I wonder why things happen, but I know God is sovereign
Although I don't always know why things happen, I know God has a plan. And for now, His plan is for us to only have two children. My hormone level dropped significantly. I was told to go for more blood work until my numbers are back to zero.
My plan has always been to have more than two children. Maybe I still will, somehow. But right now it hurts, and I grieve to know that this my child was carried for such a short time, and that she was my last. I also feel selfish in that I'd like a third child, while some women do not even have one child to love.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
My plan has always been to have more than two children. Maybe I still will, somehow. But right now it hurts, and I grieve to know that this my child was carried for such a short time, and that she was my last. I also feel selfish in that I'd like a third child, while some women do not even have one child to love.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Cabin
We went to the cabin this weekend. The plan was to leave Friday night after a dinner party. Well, the dinner went far later than we planned, and my lower back and hips (a new symptom with this pregnancy) were aching me. There was no way I could sit for another two hours in the car, and we were both tired. So we went to bed and left after breakfast on Saturday.
We had a great time. According to Josh, we saw Bambi's Da-da. Many of them in fact, though all actually does. And Ellie. My sweet, sweet girl. She saw chickens out her bedroom window (also known as wild turkeys.) She also discovered the electrodes in her electric blanket. She came out of her room to inform us that "there are things in my bed that I felt with my fingers. They're kind of like lip balm." These two discoveries were in the name of avoiding nap time.
We had our own dinner entertainment in the Lawerence Welk show. Ellie muted one man singing because "that man's mouth doesn't sing very well." But a lady received this reaction: "I want to hear this girl. She's pretty."
Gary had the privilege of discarding a dead mouse. We had two fires, but that round wood just doesn't care to burn. It needs to be split.
I was all set with videos and DVDs. But would you know that the VHS I brought had viewing issues, and that DVD player wouldn't release it's hold on the DVD deck? So there was no movie viewing. And we could have gotten in many a Stargate SG-1 episode, too.
Sunday night we all said goodbye to our little cabin and drove back home.
We had a great time. According to Josh, we saw Bambi's Da-da. Many of them in fact, though all actually does. And Ellie. My sweet, sweet girl. She saw chickens out her bedroom window (also known as wild turkeys.) She also discovered the electrodes in her electric blanket. She came out of her room to inform us that "there are things in my bed that I felt with my fingers. They're kind of like lip balm." These two discoveries were in the name of avoiding nap time.
We had our own dinner entertainment in the Lawerence Welk show. Ellie muted one man singing because "that man's mouth doesn't sing very well." But a lady received this reaction: "I want to hear this girl. She's pretty."
Gary had the privilege of discarding a dead mouse. We had two fires, but that round wood just doesn't care to burn. It needs to be split.
I was all set with videos and DVDs. But would you know that the VHS I brought had viewing issues, and that DVD player wouldn't release it's hold on the DVD deck? So there was no movie viewing. And we could have gotten in many a Stargate SG-1 episode, too.
Sunday night we all said goodbye to our little cabin and drove back home.
Friday, February 20, 2009
My Mom
My mom has lost her job. The pharmacy where she worked closed. Even though I know she needs to earn a paycheck for my parents' finances, I am enjoying the time she now has to come over.
A while back Mom had Fridays off, and we'd hang out and do stuff. Than her hours changed, and she had to work everyday. Now she can come over again during the day. Her last day was the 9th of February, and I got to see her every other day that week. It was fun to have her here. We've had lunch, I helped her apply for unemployment, we worked on her resume, she helped with Ellie and Josh, and just yesterday we started watching "Lie to Me" on hulu.com. Mom's coming again today to pick up Hunter so we don't have to take him to the cabin. I have it all ready to start up where we left off. [Shh . . . I already watched the ending, but I'll watch it again with her anyway.] I know eventually this will end, but I am enjoying time with my mom until than.
A while back Mom had Fridays off, and we'd hang out and do stuff. Than her hours changed, and she had to work everyday. Now she can come over again during the day. Her last day was the 9th of February, and I got to see her every other day that week. It was fun to have her here. We've had lunch, I helped her apply for unemployment, we worked on her resume, she helped with Ellie and Josh, and just yesterday we started watching "Lie to Me" on hulu.com. Mom's coming again today to pick up Hunter so we don't have to take him to the cabin. I have it all ready to start up where we left off. [Shh . . . I already watched the ending, but I'll watch it again with her anyway.] I know eventually this will end, but I am enjoying time with my mom until than.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Rising Numbers
My hormone levels increased as they should. So I am on my way to a larger me.
I have already purchased my first "maternity" wear, 15 -20 firm support hose. If you didn't know, my legs ache, and I get spider veins and varicose veins during pregnancy. It was worse with Josh than with Ellie, so I am guessing that it will be even worse with this pregnancy. I have already been exhorted by P and Gary to put my legs up now and buy those stupid hose. Well, I can't promise anything, but I'll try to wear them regularly. When summer comes around, though, I do not know if I can handle support hose and humidity. I'll just have to sit around all summer with my feet up.
I have already purchased my first "maternity" wear, 15 -20 firm support hose. If you didn't know, my legs ache, and I get spider veins and varicose veins during pregnancy. It was worse with Josh than with Ellie, so I am guessing that it will be even worse with this pregnancy. I have already been exhorted by P and Gary to put my legs up now and buy those stupid hose. Well, I can't promise anything, but I'll try to wear them regularly. When summer comes around, though, I do not know if I can handle support hose and humidity. I'll just have to sit around all summer with my feet up.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
I got the call
I am pregnant! Thank you for all your prayers! Not just that I would become pregnant, but that we will trust in God's plan for us no matter what it is.
I have more blood work tomorrow and Friday. Hopefully my hormone numbers continue to increase. Two times ago I had a positive result (even though I was bleeding,) but the next blood work showed that the hormone levels dropped, and I wasn't pregnant anymore.
So pray that the levels keep increasing, and the baby keeps growing.
Ellie was very excited when I told her I had a baby in my belly and made it known many times thereafter. Josh really had no comment. I also asked them what we should name the baby. Ellie's response was Ella or Ellie, and Josh's response was cow. We won't be leaving it up to them to name our next child.
I have more blood work tomorrow and Friday. Hopefully my hormone numbers continue to increase. Two times ago I had a positive result (even though I was bleeding,) but the next blood work showed that the hormone levels dropped, and I wasn't pregnant anymore.
So pray that the levels keep increasing, and the baby keeps growing.
Ellie was very excited when I told her I had a baby in my belly and made it known many times thereafter. Josh really had no comment. I also asked them what we should name the baby. Ellie's response was Ella or Ellie, and Josh's response was cow. We won't be leaving it up to them to name our next child.
Still waiting
While waiting I remind myself of these verses:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 6-7
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29: 11-13
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 6-7
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29: 11-13
Monday, February 16, 2009
Ten Days
The last ten days have been filled with much praying. About our little embryo attaching itself and staying put for 40 weeks.
My emotions have gone high and low. Crying to laughing.
Today was the day to find out if the little guy stuck around. I have been nervous all day. Alas, no call was forthcoming from Abington. So I called them, they had not received my blood results yet. When the call did come, it was to find out that they sent my blood to Quest Diagnostics, and I'd have to wait until morning to learn if I am pregnant.
Let the waiting continue.
My emotions have gone high and low. Crying to laughing.
Today was the day to find out if the little guy stuck around. I have been nervous all day. Alas, no call was forthcoming from Abington. So I called them, they had not received my blood results yet. When the call did come, it was to find out that they sent my blood to Quest Diagnostics, and I'd have to wait until morning to learn if I am pregnant.
Let the waiting continue.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
I have time, but no where to go.
The kids and I have been ill for the past 5 days. It started with me on Saturday with an ever increasing sore throat and a cough, than weakness and a dazed feeling on Sunday. Josh had a cough on Sunday. And since then there have been fevers, coughing, and much tissue use amongst the three of us.
I've had five days of sick children at home all day. And guess what? Tomorrow promises to be another one, with Ellie going to bed with a fever. No school for her this week. Now, she wouldn't have had school on Wednesday anyway, though, because it was a snow day. But I couldn't even take them out to play in it.
Did I mention five days with sick kids and me inside? Let's see, we've watched Bambi (Josh's constant request) numerous times, The Lion King (another Josh favorite,) Tinkerbell, various Veggie Tales shows, an Elmo video on sharing, The Little Mermaid, Prince of Egypt, Curious George and Frog and Toad, Beauty and The Beast, Pooh's Grand Adventure, Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving and Christmas, Real Trains for Kids 2. There are probably more, but I think you get the idea. We have played some games and looked at books, but movie watching has been the main event.
One more day until reinforcement arrives. Grandparents are taking the kids for the weekend, while Gary and I go to Abington for our last IVF transfer attempt. We pray the transfer will take place. The embryo needs to survive thawing, than attach itself and grow. Then I need a positive pregnancy test 10 days later. That's the order of events.
Pray.
I've had five days of sick children at home all day. And guess what? Tomorrow promises to be another one, with Ellie going to bed with a fever. No school for her this week. Now, she wouldn't have had school on Wednesday anyway, though, because it was a snow day. But I couldn't even take them out to play in it.
Did I mention five days with sick kids and me inside? Let's see, we've watched Bambi (Josh's constant request) numerous times, The Lion King (another Josh favorite,) Tinkerbell, various Veggie Tales shows, an Elmo video on sharing, The Little Mermaid, Prince of Egypt, Curious George and Frog and Toad, Beauty and The Beast, Pooh's Grand Adventure, Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving and Christmas, Real Trains for Kids 2. There are probably more, but I think you get the idea. We have played some games and looked at books, but movie watching has been the main event.
One more day until reinforcement arrives. Grandparents are taking the kids for the weekend, while Gary and I go to Abington for our last IVF transfer attempt. We pray the transfer will take place. The embryo needs to survive thawing, than attach itself and grow. Then I need a positive pregnancy test 10 days later. That's the order of events.
Pray.
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