No vote

While shopping today, I was trying to decide which toilet paper to purchase. While I did my calculating and decision making, Josh wrestled a package of Cottonelle into the cart. He wanted the one with a puppy on it. I immediately informed him that until he used a potty, he had no vote on which toilet paper to buy.

I so want that boy potty trained.

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I was contacted by Target to come in for an interview. It's today at 10:00 am. I am optimistic that I'll be hired on the spot. They'll take one look at me and wonder why I wasn't already working for them.

Digital Recorder

Back in January it crossed my mind to buy a digital recorder that has a USB port. My friend has one and suggested I get one. I had enough money saved, so I bought one from amazon.com. My plan is to record me reading books for the kids and singing songs, and then save the recording on CDs for them. I also plan to record things for Myrtle.

Well, I am enjoying this thing immensely. I have recorded several books and songs, but I haven't gotten them on CDs yet. I want to make bedtime lullaby CDs for the kids. Myrtle has also enjoyed my offerings to her and wonders why we didn't think of me getting one sooner!

I have another digital recorder, but the recordings can't be taken off of it. On it we have both Josh and Ellie's heartbeats when I was pregnant, and a recording of my grandmother singing a lullaby. My plan was to play them from the old recorder and re-record them on the new one, then save them on the computer. The plan went smoothly until the old recorder wouldn't work. I changed batteries, nothing. Jiggled the connectors for the batteries, still nothing. Now I need to find somewhere to take it to see of some tech guy can get them off.

My Books

To help me in my studies, my dear friend has acquired for me many books. Two copies of The Book of Concord, one pocket version (though I don't know who's pocket it would actually fit in,) and a leather bound version. I have the Lutheran Service Book, Spirituality of the Cross, Grace Upon Grace, Treasury of Daily Prayer, Luther's Small Catechism: with Explanation, and Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible. Today I will receive the next book - The Lutheran Study Bible.

I dare say I might have more Lutheran books than some Lutherans. All of them are full of good stuff, though I have hardly scratched the surface of what treasures lie within their pages. I am truly grateful for her generosity.

I have cleaned out a spot to keep them, since my pile grows, and I can't have them lying about the house, especially with small children who don't always remember to be careful with things.

Still sleeping

Josh is still sleeping at 10:00 am. He was up at 6 am when the rest of us were scurrying about outside his bedroom door but went back to bed by 6:30. For two hours I have expected him to wake up and come downstairs. I went up to check on him, and he wants to stay in bed. I certainly can't blame him for that.

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Today my goal is to get ready for a task I've taken on. A Karen refugee family at church is needing some very necessary help in learning about food storage and safety, cleaning, laundry, organizing, and learning English, to name a few. I am helping with the first two on the list. I want to make signs with pictures so they can see what goes where. They need to be shown with visuals, because just telling them hasn't worked.

The plan is to go over there once a week and teach. I am nervous because of the language barrier. But I am not going to let that stop me from helping a family in need.

Hard head

Tonight as Josh, Ellie and Gary were playing pile-on-the-daddy, Josh threw his head back in laughter and smacked Gary right above the eye. That was the end of that game, Josh was not hurt, but Gary's head hurt a lot. Josh made an interesting conclusion. God gave me a hard head, so I can hit other people. We are fairly confident he is not promoting violence, but that if he accidentally hits someone with his head, it won't hurt him. Never mind the one he hit. Apparently God didn't grant others so hard a head.

Thursday my dad called requesting the children sleep overnight Friday. Gary and I were quite willing to let them go and have some time to ourselves.

Friday, mom spent most of the day with us. We went to Kohls, she did some food shopping on her own, then came back to our house for lunch. The kids are always excited to see grandparents. She then took Ellie with her to one more grocery store, Josh napped and mommy had alone time. Once back, my mom baked. I filled out online applications, because I need a job (a story for another time.) I applied at Target and Whole Foods. Really hoping for the Target one. They are actually hiring right now.

We ate dinner. A scrumptious meal of chili and homemade bread. Mom still was baking. I tried valiantly to usher them all out quickly, you know, to give Josh and Ellie the most time with Mommom and Poppop. Nothing to do with date night with Gary.

We didn't do anything extra special, just watched Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. If you want our opinion the first one is a good pick, don't waste your time on the second. We got to bed late, but slept in late. We ate a leisurely breakfast of eggs, sausage and English Muffins. We discussed paint colors and other improvements for our kitchen, we did some errands, we talked Lutheranism. We ate a late lunch. We started to tap our maple tree for maple syrup when my parents brought the kids home. My dad said around 2:00, but it was after 4:00 when they got here. We didn't mind the extra two hours. We all stayed outside for a while and got some fresh air, while the kids ran around and spent some energy.

It was very nice to spend some time alone with Gary and still be at home.

Jean success

I have been searching for some a new pairs of jeans. Not neccessarily new either. I generally never pay full price for clothing. I look at second-hand stores, discount stores, sales, or clearance racks. I am a thrifty shopper. So, I started with second hand stores. I went to the one I like most, twice. In my two trips, I tried on over 25 pairs of jeans and came out empty handed. Then I tried Good Will. After 10 pairs of jeans, I found one pair, along with a black pair of pants and a shirt.

Today, my mom and I went to Kohls, where I actually found a pair of jeans that fit, after trying on only five pairs first. The price was right too. They were on clearance and I had 20% off.

Spring Training

The Phillies won their first spring training game. Yeah! Just 208 to go!

Smelling Coffee

I am glad yesterday is over. It was by far my worst day in a while. It all started Sunday night when my dear son decided he wasn't going to finish his dinner. OK, we thought he can have for dinner Monday night. Well stubborn boy said nothing doing. For the next two days he ate nothing. We set food before him, his uneaten dinner, but he wouldn't eat it.

As you can imagine, a child with no food in his belly is generally an unhappy one. His behavior and attitude wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, though. Today I made things more unpleasant for him. For afternoon snack he said he'd eat. But he didn't, though he did drink milk. Now, milk and an empty stomach do NOT go together. He threw up the milk. That's disgusting was Ellie's comment. I concurred.

I was cleaning up vomit, trying to make dinner (not at the same time,) dealing with a disobedient child, I was done. But since I was the only adult around, I couldn't be done. When dinner was in the oven, Josh was in his room, Ellie was busy with a game, I went to my room for a time out. I listened to Pastor D chant the Psalms for Tuesday. It soothed and calmed me. I still had tears, though. For the way my day had gone, but also for what was yet to come. Gary wasn't home, and when he got home we wouldn't have much time before we all had to leave, and I'd come home to put the kids to bed by myself. He would be working with a guy from church, earning us a little extra money.

When Daddy did get home, however, extreme discipline was upon our son. We had had enough of his stubborn disobedience. He ate his dinner. Later for snack he ate one and a half bananas, a bowl full of yogurt, and a bunch of grapes. He would have eaten more had I set it in front of him. But it was bedtime.

More harrowing adventure and I was spent. Completely. I can downstairs and straightaway found my CDs and hunted for a Fernando Ortega CD Myrtle had made for me. Not finding it, I did see a Chris Rice one she made for me. I put it in, cranked the volume, and flopped on the couch.

This is the first song. [It's with sign language. It was the only version I found that was actually Chris Rice singing.]

Last thing I remember sayin’ bye to yesterday
Glad to see it over, pullin’ covers over my head
But what were You doin’ while I dreamt the night away
‘Cause I can tell that somethin’s different and
My eyes ain’t even open yet
I’m smellin’ coffee, birds are singin’ just outside
Here comes Your mercy streamin’ in with the morning light
My heart is racin’, wakin’ up to You’re smile

It’s a good mornin’, good mornin’
I remember readin’ You’re the God who never sleeps
And while I’ve been dreamin’ You’ve been singin’ over me, yeah
Singin’ about my freedom, wakin’ me up to hear Your song
Now I can’t dance hard enough
‘Cause yesterday is gone, gone, gone!
I’m smellin’ coffee, birds are singin’ just outside
Here comes Your mercy streamin’ in with the morning light

My heart is racin’, wakin’ up to You’re smile
It’s a good mornin’, good mornin’
Every little breath, every heartbeat
Is a gift of love that You give to me
You keep givin’ even when I’m asleep
‘Cause I know You never stop watchin’ over me
I wake up, my past is gone
‘Cause Your mercy’s new with the mornin’ sun
I’m forgiven, I’m free, it’s a brand new day
‘Cause Your faithfulness is the greatest, hey!
I’m smellin’ coffee, birds are singin’ just outside
Here comes Your mercy streamin’ in with the morning light
My heart is racin’, wakin’ up to Your smile
It’s a good mornin’, good mornin’

I listened to it several times, then continued with the rest of the CD. I was also waiting for Gary to get home so we could watch a movie together. He got home too late, and I was already getting ready for bed when he got home.

But now it's a brand new day. It's a good morning.

Exhibition game

The Phillies play their first game this season tonight. It's an exhibition game against Florida State. Tomorrow is their first Spring Training game, and it's against the Yankees at 1:05 pm. We're on our way!

Material

My son gives me much material with which to write my posts. Here are a few from today.

1. Ellie and Josh finished their reading program papers this weekend. I took the kids to the library to hand in their papers, and that afternoon I printed out new ones for them. Ellie is now going for the gold and Josh for the silver.

This morning Josh gathered a pile of books and plopped down next to Hunter to read to him.

2. While flopping on the bed, a mostly acceptable form of jumping, he landed too far down the bed and smacked his nose on the foot board. Wailing immediately followed to last for probably a half hour. Initially I saw no blood, but then he wiped his face on his shirt, and I saw a slight red color. Foolishly I announced it's presence, which to Josh meant wail louder, there's blood.

I gave him many hugs, a reproachful word about not jumping on the bed, some pain reliever, more hugs and a train video. The train video finally did the trick to quiet him.

His nose has a brush burn. Looks a little like Rudolph.

3. Josh and I decided to go for a walk today. Josh asked to take his ride on car. I thought he might actually ride it, but no silly me, he wanted to push it around. [Note: It already has two repairs. Josh is hard on things.] While Josh ran pushing his car on our walk, he disregarded the uneven sidewalk, probably never even saw that it was uneven, plowed into it, crashed over and broke grill off the front. Now it was only duct taped on, since it had actually been broken off in a previous incident. I righted him and the car, picked up the broken piece, and we continued on our way. About four more crashes later, some less severe, Josh had the biggest crash. He landed on the car and somehow broke the front wheels off. I will attempt to repair the car, but I think it will find it's way to the trash can.

I'm sure we made quite a picture - me carrying two pieces of a car, with Josh carrying the wheels. He asked me to carry the wheels, because he decided to collect snow. He claimed we needed it at home since ours was melting. For the remainder of our walk, he collected snow. When we got back to our property, I showed him we still had snow. Oh he says. I told him out back is far less snowy, so he took his collection back there and dumped it on the grass.

Words to my ears

It's 7:30, Josh has been in bed for an hour (at his request, one we were glad to consent to) and Ellie is up getting ready for bed with Gary. She spoke the words that on some days this battle-weary mom longs to here: I want Dad. Not that I don't want to snuggle and rock with my children, but there are those days I just need a break, and it generally can't come soon enough.

Ellie's Sport

Ellie has picked speed skating as her favorite sport. She said she wants to win too. We have enjoyed watching the Olympics together each night. We get the kids ready for bed, then come down and all snuggle on the couch.

Ellie sits still and pays attention most of the time, but Josh is everywhere and can't sit still to save his life.

Keeping warm?

Tonight, the kids had cookies for dessert. A bit later cake was brought out. Of course Josh and Ellie wanted cake too. They each got a bite. But Josh stood next to Gary and rested his chin on Gary's arm. He seemed to look longingly at the cake. Gary admonished him to not stand there and beg for cake. Without missing a beat, Josh asserted that his chin was cold and that was why he was resting it on Gary's arm. My parents', Gary and I broke out laughing.

I could tell stories like this all day long.

Homeschooling is not for me

Almost every time we have a snow day (like today,) or I try to teach Ellie something, I am reminded that it would NEVER, EVER work for me to homeschool her. We just would butt heads all day and get no work done. We'd both be frustrated and angry with each other. It wouldn't be pretty.

Now Josh's personality might work much better with mine to make homeschooling successful. However, I don't think I would be disciplined enough to make it work. Nor do I want to have kids home all day, every day. I need a break. Sometimes desperately.

This family will succeed best when mother and children have time apart.

Our trip to the vet

Just another day at the vets. The costs are growing.

• Just for showing up - $45.00
• The fecal floatation test - $27.50 (do I even want to know about that?)
• Since we haven't kept him on heartworm meds, they did a test to make sure he didn't already have them - $39.00
• The meds for 6 months to make sure he stays heartworm free - $76.50
• And the best spent $10.00 ever - anal sac expression
• They do nail clippings for free, my kind of price

The kids were a little crazy, but the techs were great. At first we were all contained in the exam room - a good idea. Hunter had his temperature taken, which I am sure was unpleasant. If he only knew what was to come. Somehow after Dr. Hatfield came in the door stayed open and my children wandered out. Oh, yes, I remember. They went to "help" do the test for heartworms. Apparently it was very fascinating to watch. Ellie even fetched it when the timer went off and read the results. It was similar to a pregnancy test. One dot negative, more than one positive. Perhaps our bill should have reflected her assistance.

While Hunter had his anal sac expressed, truly the most unpleasant experience he had, the kids took advantage of the three of us being otherwise engaged. They were going back and forth between the waiting area, our exam room and another exam room. Blessedly Dr. Hatfield was seeing patients in the downstairs room, where no other patients were. So even though the kids were like animals themselves, they weren't really bothering anyone. The tech even offered to fuel their rush with candy. How kind. I made them wait to eat it.

By the time we left, Hunter was visibly agitated, the kids were riled up, and I was poorer and a bit frazzled. Fun times.

Days to Go

There are 7 days, 12 hours and 59 minutes until the first game of spring training for the Phillies. We are so ready for baseball to start. Even the kids are asking for it.

Ahead of myself

I got a bit ahead of myself. I said yesterday that I don't think I have to know it all to confess, just know that I want to know it. Well, actually I know I would not confess to something I was not fully in agreement to. And to know if I am in agreement to Luther's teaching, I need to read it, or listen to it.

So, study I have started. I have all of The Ten Commandments in audio file, thanks to Myrtle. I already listened to the first one, so this morning I showered and got ready to the second and third one. I waited for Ellie at the bus stop, got lunch ready and did some laundry to most of the fourth one.

Gary sent me an email form wikipedia about quia (because) and quatenus (insofar as) in subscription to the Book of Concord. Lutherans that identify themselves as confessional hold to a quia subscription. Quia subscription (the Book of Concord is adhered to because it is faithful to the Scriptures) implies that the subscriber believes that there is no contradiction between the Book of Concord and the Scriptures. Quatenus subscription (the Book of Concord is adhered to insofar as it is faithful to the Scriptures) implies that the subscriber leaves room for the possibility that there might be a contradiction of the Scripture and the Book of Concord in which case the subscriber would hold to the Scriptures against the Book of Concord.

After reading the above, I decided to do some more research about Lutheranism and doctrine and such online. I found a lot, of which my eyes quit after only reading a small portion. But basically what I found was that Luther was just purging the Roman Catholic church doctrine of unbiblicalness. Can anyone really argue with that?

Disheartened, but yet not

After hearing Sunday's sermon on the four and fifth commandment (Luther's third and fourth) at my church, I am convinced I need to find other teaching. But how to go about that. The church I want to go to is nearly an hour away. We only have one car and Gary teaches Sunday School, so he can't just up and attend somewhere else. I don't know how to get there. I thought about contacting the church and asking if there are any members who live near me and could give me a ride. But since I haven't actually stepped foot in the building yet, I think I should wait for that request.

I also know I won't be able to receive the Lord's Supper, since not a member of a confessional Lutheran church. The idea of closed confession at first was somewhat offensive to me. But since my opinion was uneducated and now is not, I have understand and am agree with it. A lot of things have changed about what I have believed being a Baptist, and what I believe from Luther's teaching - what I thought was the same between the two and what I now see is so different.

Tonight while preparing dinner, I was thinking on my plight as Myrtle calls it. When I am able to attend the Lutheran church, I want to take in the Lord's supper. It crossed my mine to contact that pastor and make my Lutheran confession so I could join them. Before Myrtle made her confession, she had written about her intense desire to take in the body and blood of Christ. I never understood it until today. I can't even explain it, because I freely partake of communion at my church. But today I had an intense desire unknown to me. Of course it is God wanting to do for me that which I have always done for him.

It also might have to do with having been blessed at the church we went to at Myrtle's. That was a blessing indeed. I also took in the Lord's Supper at the Ash Wednesday service I attended at a local non-confessional Lutheran Church. I made it a point to find a Lutheran Church that did the Imposition of Ashes. I wanted that outward sign. At the service, they had open communion. I called and asked if it was closed or open the day before. The lady I spoke with said it was open, I just needed to fill out a form with the name of my home church. I complied and went forward at the appropriate time. I don't know if it was the appropriate thing to do or not.

Now back to the confessing comment. It wouldn't be just a ruse to get to the alter. Though I seriously doubt I am ready for it either. Though, I don't think I have to know it all to confess, just know that I want to know it? See, I still have a lot to learn and study.

That also is an issue. How do I go about doing that? Just start reading and studying the Book of Concord? How does a car-less Baptist make her way to a Confessional Lutheran Church? And what about my husband who hasn't seen the difference but is somewhat open-minded to the teaching?

I am yours, save me!

Realizing

How could someone not wipe up a mess on her table? This thought crossed my mind many years ago when Gary and I, not yet parents, visited friends for a weekend. They had two children at the time. While sitting at their kitchen table for dinner, I noticed that something had dried on the table and had never been wiped up. I found it somewhat gross. The other day I was noticing the unclean condition of my kitchen table and realized I was now just like them. Their table had not been wiped, because it probably just wasn't a high priority. I have noticed that our table has gone a day or two without seeing a cloth come wiping by.

Family time

Mom told me that ice dancing was on tonight for the Olympics. We thought we'd take some time, let the kids stay up later and have some family time watching some ice dancing. I looked it up and found that ice dancing came on at 8:00 PM. Here we sit at 8:22 and still no ice dancing. Instead we are watching the qualifying rounds of men's ski jumping. Ice dancing is suppose to come on next.

As a heads up to all you, Josh has informed us that "when I a dult (an adult,) I do dat." So family and friends, plan to attend the 2026 or 2030 Olympics to watch Josh ski jump.

Still no ice dancing. Right now it's an interview of the gold medalist Evan Lysacek. We aren't so much caring for it, and it certainly does not hold a 5 or 3 year old's attention very well. Actually, Ellie doesn't so much mind since she is snuggling with Gary. And Josh, we think before dinner he sat on an ant hill and has yet to rid himself of the little buggers. He just can't seem to sit still.

The kids will be up later than we thought if we let them watch some ice dancing. Apparently, it isn't really going to start until 8:30 PM.

Finally onto ice dancing at 8:35 PM. They showed two couples. Two couples. And now they've moved on to men's super-G. Ellie fell asleep before they even got to the ice dancing, and Josh was too busy reading some books to pay much attention.

But even though we really didn't get to watch much ice dancing, we did have a nice time together watching what they did decide to put on.

The Tunnel

Ellie and I had mommy/Ellie time this afternoon. She wanted to go outside. So we got suited up and worked on the tunnel. We got it all dug out and Ellie could make it through. I, however, was too wide and had to back out when I tried going through. So now the kids, at least before the pile melts again, can go through the tunnel and down the slide.

Josh and his cars

Josh asked to watch a movie. I got it ready and he lined up his cars to watch with him.

There and Back Again

My visit to Myrtle's got a late start. With the snow, I decided to leave Friday morning, not that the roads were still bad. Gary wanted me to wait. So I packed up Thursday and was ready to leave bright and early Friday morning. NOT! Even though I was mostly packed, I still left later than I wanted to. It always works out that way.

But we made it there in time for lunch and naps. Although I can't remember exactly what we did all weekend, Myrtle could probably chronicle the entire weekend to the exact minute. I know we watched Dr. Who, Luther, RV, and played many games. I know we played game. I won at Rummikub and Pass the Pigs (a new game I taught her,) she won at Phase 10 and Skip-bo. We talked Lutheran doctrine and breaking silences. We stayed up far too late for having children with us.

The kids and Kashi enjoyed our walks in the evening. It was good to be out and about in the fresh albeit chilly air.

Saturday night Josh thoroughly believed he should have his way and made certain we knew it. By the time he wailed himself to sleep, he had divested himself of his pajamas and the bed of its sheets, bed rail, and stuffed animals. He made sure to keep hold of his blankie, which was shoved firmly in his mouth. He did not even wake up when Myrtle wrestled him back in his pajamas.

Sunday found us attending a different confessional Lutheran Church than Myrtle's church. I knew I would not be sharing in Holy Communion, since I am not a confessional Lutheran, but I forgot Myrtle has told me that the pastor will give a blessing instead. All four of us knelt at the alter and the three of us received blessings, while Myrtle received the body and blood of Christ. I was quite moved as my children received a blessing, then as I did as well. I made sure to take a tissue with me. I wish I could remember what he said.

The whole of Lutheran doctrine is growing on me, but I don't know what to do with it. I haven't figured out how to go about learning more and getting my questions answered. The closest confessional Lutheran church is about 50 min. away from my home. Also Gary isn't quite on board with Lutheran doctrine as I am, so he isn't really interested in trying out the church.

Myrtle also gave me some new books for my Lutheran library. I have quite a collection for a non-Lutheran. But they are a treasury.

We lazed about some more on Monday. And eventually I packed up and started the drive home. Again it was later than I wanted but not too bad. I don't like driving at night, since I already have a tendency to get sleepy while driving, and I have more trouble seeing at night. Also, it was a school night and mornings are already trying with getting Ellie ready. I didn't want her to be extra tired, nor me.

The snow slide

While out enjoying the new snow and having Gary home for the day, Gary fashioned a slide down the large pile of snow he created from shoveling our walk. The kids had a grand time sliding down. He then made another pile next to it and dug out a tunnel. Interestingly he did the tunnel digging after the kids and I went inside. Josh had an encounter with the snow shovel that caused many tears. He did not want to play anymore. We never got back out for Ellie and Josh to enjoy the double feature.

Still snowing

We have quite a bit of that white stuff. Photos will be forthcoming. School is again closed for tomorrow. The kids were admonished that if they woke up and it was still dark out, they are not to get up but to go back to sleep or at least stay in their beds.

I am going to sleeping in.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

I am awake and in my kitchen. I am suppose to be in bed happily sleeping. It is currently snowing, has been since 7:30 last night and will continue for most of the day. Before we went to bed, we checked and school was canceled. I was looking forward to sleeping in.

But 5:08 AM saw me stumble out of bed, grope around for my slippers and glasses as sounds of crying and heaves came from the bathroom. Both kids were awake, and Josh was throwing up. He was getting water and somehow triggered his gag reflex, while his stomach took care of the rest. It wasn't much and was contained in the sink or tub. Thankfully no clean up duty. I put them back in bed, saying it wasn't time to get up. Even on a school day it wasn't time to get up.

Somewhere around 5:45/6:00 AM, the natives continued in restlessness, I told Ellie she could put her light on and play with her sticker book, and Josh got in bed with me. [Gary had gotten up earlier to drive his mom to work, since she was still required to come in and her car would not get her there safely, ours would.]

Around 6:40, Josh decided he needed to throw up again, so we headed off to the bathroom. Some water and heaves latter, I figured it was useless to try for more sleep (and I hadn't actually gotten any since the initial wake up,) since the children were obviously quite awake and rearing to go.

Now breakfast is ready, and it's only 7:35 AM. Good Morning.

It looks like Josh reading, but it isn't Josh reading.

I found Josh sitting in the corner reading It Looked Like Spilt Milk. And of course by the time I returned with the camera, he was mostly done. He didn't want to start over for me. But he did do some counting. He has his own number line.



But tonight I suggested reading for Daddy, and he sat right down and started in. This time the camera was readily handy, and I caught most of it.

Farming . . . . us?

I have it in my mind to buy some land, get some chickens, pigs, a cow, bees and grow feed, a garden and plunk myself down. Use wood to heat the house, have a well and septic system, and build a windmill. Gary came up with the idea, but he isn't as fired up as I am to do it.

It mostly all started when Gary interviewed for a job in York, PA. We found a house with over 6 acres, with a barn and most of the things needed for the above list. We still don't know if he will be offered the job. They said they'd let us know by the end of February. For us, it all depends on the offered salary. We aren't making ends meet with his current job, and it recently got worse.

My brother and sister-in-law's foray into farming and reading my sister-in-law's blog about it might have started us thinking. It definitely shows us that farming is not for the weak. But we aren't going to try to make a living with it. Gary still plans on keeping his job. So, I don't know if it would even work. Of all my above plans, the chickens and bees would be doable. And even the windmill. Gary would still rather buy pork somewhere, than see it out in the backyard.

And than seeing Food, Inc. was the final decider (for me) that we needed to do something. If Gary isn't offered that job, than I am all ready to look for land in this area. Gary, the level headed one, more patient one, says to wait. Especially for The Parents' Plan. My parents' have a retirement plan that involves us. And it's a good one. It's just at least four years out.

I also realize that much planning needs to come before anything else. I know, I know. What's the rush? Steps at a time. Right now, buy the local grown meat and veggies. Do it myself later.

Movies on Netflix

Did I mention that I discovered my Netflix subscription includes watching movies and TV shows online through Netflix? Not all are available, but enough are.

I've been catching up on my Dr. Who. Sometimes even with Myrtle. She'll put her DVDs in, and I'll log on to Netflix.

Let it snow.

We received about 13 inches of snow.

Food, Inc.

I received my first two movies today. Food, Inc. and Bedtime Stories. I started Food, Inc. first. I got upset and had to stop it. I have now finished it.

I think everyone in America should watch this film, or at least be made aware of it's contents. There is no respect for the workers, animals and the environment. And it is unjust what big companies can do, because they can.

Watch the trailer. Watch the film. Think about it.

The Cabin

For my birthday, we went to the cabin. I love going there. We had a great weekend. We saw many a Bambi (a highlight of the weekend.) They behaved very well. We had fires both days. We stayed in doors all weekend, except for getting more firewood, and going to church. It didn't get above 20 degrees until Sunday afternoon, and stayed near 0 degrees otherwise.

Gary took care of most diaper changes, and meal prep, and dishes. I read and watched TV. We also watched home videos. The kids got a kick over
seeing themselves younger. Ellie got very upset, because she wants to be a baby again and can't. Gary got very sentimental and allowed the idea of adoption to roam in his mind.

An IMAX 3D experience

Gary and I had a date last night. We went to see Avatar in IMAX 3D. Gary got the bug to see it after hearing a lot about it from his bosses and a co-worker, who had each seen it three times.

I liked it. Gary didn't. He said it was too predictable.

The story line is not new. One race wants to eradicate another to get something, and there isn't much patience. It's sorrowful that this has happened in history over and over.

But the new twist is the avatar. The scientists have come up with a way to link a human conscience and a native's body (which was cloned and spliced with human DNA, then grown, or something like that.)

The main character, an avatar, is taken in by the natives, the Na'vi, to spy (government) or learn their ways and try to talk to them about moving so that their land can be strip mined (scientists.)

Of course they don't want to move and they shouldn't have to; their rain forest has a highly advanced spiritual design. But humans want what they want, and plan to take it by force. Battles ensue.

Special effects were great, especially in 3D.

I highly recommend seeing it. I plan on seeing again.

A birthday dinner

Tonight is my birthday dinner with my parents, sister and aunt. My dear husband has made me beef stew, homemade bread, and apple crisp.

And I have some confessions. I act all nonchalant that great, beautiful presents come into my home for me. "Oh, that's nice. Presents for me? You shouldn't have." But inside I am just as giddy as Ellie was as she made a grand entrance holding one and exclaiming that such presents were here for me. When I pass them, my head turns as my eyes lock on them and my brain searches to guess what fine things are inside. And although I do feel slightly self-conscience when I hear choruses of "Happy Birthday to You," I would miss hearing them if they were forgotten.

But really all the laud should go to my mother, for I had no say about being born, and she did all the work. She had all the pain and joy of that day (well, I guess Dad had joy too.) I don't remember any of it.

So why do I get all the acclamation?

I love you, mom. Thank you.

Friends

Here I sit at Myrtle's house. She didn't want to be alone. She had a horrible, awful, scary, terrifing day. She was shaking, her heart was racing from all the asthma meds she had to take, she was in pain, couldn't breathe well. She asked a couple friends to come over. They said they were busy. I told her I could come after Gary got home from a meeting.

God worked it that way. Yesterday I had a doctor's appointment during the time she first called me. I had switched my appointment because I didn't feel up to going. I didn't have a car yesterday, also making it more likely I'd be home to receive her calls. My mom was also off today, so she was able to watch the kids. I didn't have anything else planned today that I couldn't do tomorrow, so I was able to come.

She needed me, I came. I know that if she was able and I needed her, she would come.

Start your reading engines!

Ellie and Josh will be doing a lot of reading in the next several months. They have an opportunity to complete three reading levels: Bronze (400 min of reading) - a single dip cone or a game of mini golf, Silver (800 min) - $10.00 gift certificate to a local bike shop, and Gold (1400 min) - $20.00 gift certificate to Texas Roadhouse.

Ellie's revving to go. They both have four blocks already colored in. Ellie wants her ice cream.

Shopping 'til you drop

Mom, the kids and I went shopping today. It was a long day. We finally left around 10:00, over an hour later than planned. We were going to stop at my parents' bank to let Ellie count her change that she collected to send to Ester and Haiti. But we remembered that it was Martin Luther King Jr. day. Banks aren't open. We than headed to Aldi and Wal-Mart.

On the way to the stores, we passed a TD Bank. It was open (they are America's most convenient bank, you know) and they have a free counting machine. Ellie and I went in and counted her money.

We took entirely too long at Aldi and Wal-Mart and needed to get lunch before driving to Wegmans. We had planned to eat at Wegmans' cafe, but with the kids' behavior quickly declining from lack of food, we drove straight away to McDonalds.

Once fed the children were more pleasant to be around. We drove to finish our shopping experience. Wegmans is quite large inside. The kids, though fed, were fed up with shopping. On the way to discipline my dear child, I noticed a kid-like area. Blessedly, Wegmans has a child center, where kids can play and parents can shop in peace. I signed up Josh and Ellie in the blink of an eye. Mom and I finished our shopping in peace, and Josh and Ellie played and watched "Cars" again.

It was 5:00 before we returned home. We were all bushed. We only went to three stores and McDonalds. Really, how could it have taken that long?

Ellie giving to others

I was quite stunned and touched, today, when I went in Ellie's room at the end of rest time. The scene that greeted me was Ellie on her bed with the contents of her piggy bank seemingly in piles around her. She informed me that all the shiny coins (quarters, dimes and nickles) were for Ester. Ester is the girl we sponsor through World Vision. She also took the shiny pennies and added them to the pile for Ester.

Last week we received a letter from Ester, and it apparently piqued Ellie's interest, so we told her about Ester. A few days ago she took it upon herself to draw Ester a picture.

At dinner we told her about the devastation in Haiti. We tried to explain what an earthquake was and how much need there is there. We asked if she would like to send her money there instead. She agreed to send some there but really wanted to give some to Ester too.

I love that she decided to take her money and help others. Saturday we need to take her to the post office so she can mail her offerings.

Seems small to worry about boots now.

Boots

I finally saved up enough money and bought a pair of LLBean snow boots. I was so excited. Alas, when I tried them on, I felt like I was wearing Gary's boots. They felt big and bulky and a little heavy. I had one my regular white athletic socks at the time. It was probably not wise to not wear a pair of thick socks instead. My reasoning was that a pair of thick socks would not take up all the space in there. I should have actually checked that theory out. But it is too late, I already sent them back.

I was able to try on a pair of snow boots at a local store, I forgot to try before ordering online. I tried on a size smaller than I had bought. Those were too small in length, but they still felt too roomy elsewhere. Which then leads me to believe that I had ordered the right size after all, and I just need to accept that snow boots feel clunky on and wear really thick socks. Do I reorder the LLBean ones, do I order different brand and maybe they'll feel better, or do I just put up with the clunky feeling?

Updated

Here is Ellie with her tooth coming in. You can sort of see it. She says she has more loose teeth, but I haven't confirmed that yet.


Note: I haven't done much with our photos, since getting our computer back from having it wiped clean. My photos, though not lost on the computer (I hope,) are all lost from Memory Manager program, the photo software I had been using. They are all in Picasa (not our pick) which is not necessarily bad photo software, just not software I know how to use, nor care to take the time to learn right now. So, all my photos are just sitting in Picasa in a haphazard fashion. Just trying to locate one is a pain.

I have done fairly well at not freaking out because all my 5000+ photos are not where they were when I handed over my computer, and the amount of work needed to recreate what I had is quite daunting, to say the least. I mostly just ignore the fact that all my photo organization is lost, and I have to start over.

The scoop on the poop

It seems that not having dairy has helped Josh. His little bottom has not hurt, and I think his diaper filling has lessened and more is produced when he goes. Though there have been days when it seems like that's not so much the case, like today. I know it takes about 2 days to see the results of having cow milk. I can't recall him having any dairy, but it's still a new experience with not giving hin dairy, that I very well may have accidentally given him some. They sometimes sneak milk into things where you might never expect to look.


The best option for plain milk is the lactose free milk. He has a like/dislike relationship with it. One night it's the bee's knees (whatever that means), the next he gags it down. He is just fine with goat cheese and yogurt. Though the cheese has to be cut in the correct shape. I cut it differently once, and he wouldn't eat it.



In case you were pining away about the meaning of the above phrase - "The Bee's Knees" is a term indicating excellence - the highest quality, because bees carry pollen back to the hive in sacs on their legs. The allusion is that the concentrated goodness is found around the bee's knees. It became popular in the U.S. in the 1920s.

A bit of this and that

Today I am wearing my fish oil pants. I am quite pleased that the odor is gone. It took many treatments, but they are wearable now.

Also, I am also, hopefully, able to wear my leather brown shoes again. They hurt my feet whenever I wore them, so I hadn't been wearing them. Not long ago it occurred to me that they could be stretched, since they were leather. I took them in to our local shoe repair place Tuesday and had them back Saturday. I tried them on and could tell they were looser. I am not wearing them today since I am in slippers all day.

The reason for that is because Josh is just getting over a cold, and we didn't think we should share any germs he might still have with the other children in the twos and threes room at church. So instead I told Josh about Jesus helping Peter and friends to catch a boat load of fish by throwing their nets on the other side of the boat after they were out all night and hadn't caught anything. Then the story of when Jesus calmed the storm. Then we watched "Dave and the Giant Pickle", and two "Real Trains" videos.

I also made our dinner of ham and bean soup to sit and cook all day in the slow cooker, and I started a batch of bagels. The bagels of yesterday are a different story.

Lost tooth

Ellie's first tooth was loose for over a week, than came out today. She thought it was a hard cheerio and held it out to me. I looked at it, and told her it was her tooth.

She danced around and wanted to tell everyone she lost her tooth.

She put it under her pillow and received 50 cents. A quarter for the tooth and a first tooth bonus.

Christ has come

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. ~ Galatians 4:4,5

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. ~ Luke 2:6

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. The Word Made Flesh And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. ~ John 1:9-14

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~ John 3:16

Growing Kids God's Way

Since starting this class, I have noticed a difference in our parenting and our children's behavior. I want to wax poetically about the instruction found in the workbook, but I can't seem to put it into words.

Here goes my waxing.

Three things I have learned:

1. My job as a parent is to raise a woman and man to obey God. As they learn to obey me, they learn to obey God.
2. If I give an instruction, and it is not obeyed as it should be, and I do nothing or ask again and again, I am teaching my child it is OK to disobey.
3. Be consistent. Be consistent. Be consistent.

For all that is covered in the class, my list isn't much. Just know that it is definitely worth the time. We have a few classes left, and I will definitely miss our weekly support in parenting.

Snow days

The biggest snow fall in December since 1909 blanketed us Saturday. It was forecast to be a big one, and by noon I thought they were all hot air. But it picked up sometime late afternoon and became the storm they said it would. We ended up with about 10-12 inches. Myrtle in Virginia near DC had about 22 inches. It was heavier snowfall southward.

We went to Gary's mom's for dinner. We are thankful we have our Honda CRV. It handles great in snow.

Yesterday, we finally made it out to play. Church was canceled, so we didn't have to be out early. We ate breakfast at a leisurely pace, and then I searched the house up and down for snow apparel. Found the snow pants, hats, scarves, mittens, and boots for Josh. No where were there snow boots for the pink princess. She ended up in her rain boots with two pairs of socks (one being mine since they go up her leg farther.)

The kids had a grand time making snow angels and frolicking. Before we even were up, our neighbor was out with his snow blower. He cleared half the block, including all our walks. Gary was very grateful.

I made an arc around Hunter's area, so there would be no mistaking where the yellow snow was.

I asked on freecycle.org for snow boots and had a very prompt response. A lady had a pair we could have. We picked them up on our way to AJ's for dinner with the Arnold crowd.

Today the kids begged to go out again. Ellie had off, since she's morning kindergarten and there was a two hour delay. They had to endure shopping first. But we did get out again, and Ellie had on her "new" snow boots. I, on the other hand, still have my duck boots that are at least 13 years old and are dry rotting. I was all set to buy new snow boots, insulated ones, at Wal-mart today, but everybody else beat me too it. The only size left I found was gigantic. Quite disappointed.

Josh and Ellie wanted to make a snowman. I tried, but I couldn't get the snow to cooperate and we ended up with a two foot tall little snow man. He has sticks for arms, stones for buttons, lavender for hair, and Ellie had the great idea of M&Ms for eyes, nose and mouth. The leftovers were eaten, of course.

Happy Birthday in December

Matt and Claire sent the kids their birthday present. I had to call and check that it wasn't a Christmas present. It was a wonderfully large tent system. A tent, a tepee and two tunnels. The kids enjoyed themselves immensely.

The tent became a collect all.

The children were rather upset as pieces of it started disappearing. We only have so much room.





We can get it out again on the next snow day.

Thank you Aunt Claire and Uncle Matt!

Fresh air, almost

I armed myself with Nature's Miracle (NM), NM laundry detergent, and NM laundry booster. I divided the load in half and soaked the first half in all three for several hours. I washed it and did it again. Smell is gone. Second half-same thing. Smell gone.

The almost is ground zero - my jeans. They still stink. They are currently soaking for the fourth time and have been sprayed with NM at least four times. I have confidence I will wear them again without nary a fish boat smell.

Stuck with a smell

Monday night I finally got around to folding a load of laundry I did last Wednesday. I picked up my jeans and put my hand in the pocket to smooth it. I noticed the corner was stiff and there was an awful smell. I sniffed the pocket corner and grimaced. I had Gary smell it; He suggested cat urine. I thought that no, definitely not cat urine, because I am quite familiar with that smell, and this wasn't it. I thought ans thought what I could have had in my pocket that would create such and odor. I knew I recognized the smell and finally put a name to it. It smelled like an algae encrusted fish tank. Now to figure out why that smell was in my pocket.

I smelled other pieces of laundry in that load. All the same nasty smell. I put the load back in the basket to be washed again.

Well, now the load has been washed three more times, one just another wash, one with Nature's miracle (the cat urine remover,) and one with almost an entire box of baking soda. Each time I rewashed, I let the load soak. Still smells, but I believe the smell is decreasing.

After the first rewash, I finally remembered what I had in my pocket: fish oil pills. I took them with us when Gary and I had dinner out. We forgot to take them, and I forgot to check my pockets before throwing them in the washer.

I know Nature's Miracle will get the smell out, I just wonder how many washes it will take.

Sisters?

Perhaps Ellie should have had a sister?

Josh doesn't mind dressing up. He likes to have his nails painted. And he likes to have his hair done.

All great fun for Ellie.








And here is miss cutie pie with pony tails she put in herself. I didn't know she could do that.

Our tree and Lego train board are the background.

Milk and soda update

Josh's bottom has been doing much better. And there have been less diaper changes needed. We still have rice milk to use, and I don't know if I'll be buying more. I might try goat's milk again. Just for kicks, several months ago, I bought goat's milk for the kids to try. They actually asked for it, though I must have suggested it, since they wouldn't have come up with that request on their own. They didn't so much care for it.

With taking Josh off cow's milk, I thought I'd try some very expensive goat's cheese, since the soy cheese didn't work out. He didn't have a problem with the grilled goat cheese sandwich. And today I found goat's milk sliced cheese and goat's milk shredded mozzarella cheese and goat's milk yogurt at Trader Joe's.

We haven't had Josh exclusively off cow's milk, but for the most part he hasn't had any. I was wondering if we should try putting him back on it to see if the symptoms return.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And I found a less expensive natural soda. Much more economical.

What a day!

UPDATE: The previous posts are as complete as they are going to be. And whatever I was going to say on this particular post, is lost to me.


This and several previous posts are works in progress. I decided to post the titles for you all to wonder what I might write about.


OK. I while downloading (or is it uploading) photos, I remembered what I was going to say.





Ellie was in the Souderton parade today on her school's float. She was a present.




























One comment - when someone is in a parade, and you are going to pick them up when it is over, I recommend having a predetermined location for said pick up spot. I drove around for over a half an hour in the rain/snow (see comments below) looking Gary and Ellie. I was mostly concerned that they were continuing to get even wetter and colder. It turns out that Ellie had to use a restroom. Once that was accomplished, I found them right away.







And we had our first snow of the season, which started as rain before the parade ended. [We got wet and colder.] You can see the water drop on the above photo.










And Gary started setting up our Lego train board.

A new soda

In my attempt to eat healthier, I have not been drinking as much soda, not that I drank much anyway. But since I do still crave the occasional carbonated beverage, I decided to look for a healthier soda. And since "soda" and "healthy" seemingly don't belong in the same sentence, I wasn't too hopeful.

But alas, Giant Food Stores, the only one I checked so far, had several natural soda options. I went with the cheapest. It only has a fifth of the ingredients of regular sodas, and it does not contain high fructose corn syrup. Although it was the cheapest, it was still pricey. I got a 6 pack for the price of a 24 can pack.

Here you see Josh and Ellie displaying a can. (When I get a chance to download the photo.)

Rice milk anyone?

Josh had his three year checkup. I told his doctor about his bowel issues. [Call me if you don't know and want details.] He suggested buying Lactaid milk. After looking up much information about lactose intolerance and milk allergy on the handy Internet, I decided that if his problem is milk, than he should be off dairy altogether, not just switching milks.

So, today started our journey of no dairy for Josh for two weeks, a road Josh doesn't really care for even though he doesn't know he's on it. He cares not for rice milk and tried, emphatically, to wipe it off his tongue. He didn't like his brush with soy cheese, but I can't blame him.

It was also suggested to add more fiber to his diet. I used my trusty Internet and bought prune juice, very high in fiber. If I mask it with the correct proportion of apple cider, both kids drink it.

I still have ground flaxseed to buy and bran muffins to make.

We have two new dogs

Here are our new dogs, Ellie and Josh.

Using their creativity, Ellie and Josh decided to move about the house with leashes, found themselves doghouses (which they are inhabiting in the photo,) and even asked to be tied up for a short time.

I drew the line at eating on the floor.

Camping in the cold

I think we are starting a Josh's birthday camping tradition. This is our second year of camping in November. And it's very important to remember the space heater.

After the camper was set up, Gary got our campfire burning. He roasted our hot dogs and kielbasa over it. I organized the camper. It is no fun to camper, even for one night, with stuff strewn about.












Here are Josh and Ellie being crazy.













Our humble little camper getting all wet. It rained on us last year too.