The Heart

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.

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 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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

The embryo thawed just fine today, and the transfer went as planned. Now we just have to wait until next Monday for the blood test.

I get to just sit and rest and let Gary wait on me for two days.

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.

Happy Birthday to me

My mom made delicious meatloaf, baked potatoes and green beans for dinner tonight. Did I mention it was delicious? I really enjoy that meal. And to compliment the dinner, we had homemade carrot cake. Also delicious. I might possibly be indulging too much on said cake.

My mom watched the young ones, while Gary and I registered our older young one for kindergarten. Really, can my baby be old enough for kindergarten? It hardly seems possible. Next thing I know, she'll be turning 13, eying boys, getting her license, leaving for college, getting married, having her own babies, and sending them off to kindergarten. Where does the time go?

Oh, and it isn't just my birthday today. Amazingly Ellie's is today also. She tells me it's because she loves me. She apparently has a birthday whenever anyone else has one.

Facebook

I have a facebook page, if anyone is interested. I don't mind checking things out there every once in a while, but I am not going to be getting into all the things there. I am requested left and right to do this or that. Sorry people it isn't going to happen.

And why are people I hardly know asking to be my friend? Just because I knew your name in high school, doesn't mean we can be best buddies now. Maybe they are just curious about whom I am now. I don't know.

Hown grown produce - here we come!

In reading Claire's blog about getting ready for farming in '09, I have been thinking about our little plot of dirt. What should we grow, and how might we do it? Granted we have about a hundredth of the space that they have, probably even less, but I think we have enough space to grow what will meet our needs. If not, Dad grows an abundance.

I definitely need to maximize the small space we have. Maybe we'll have enough to can a jar or two of something.

Opera - love them or leave them.

Flipping through channels today, my eyes caught a program on PBS. It looked as though they were going to be showing an opera. I usually keep flipping, but the title was "The Barber of Seville." I stopped. It got my attention because in high school marching band we played music from that opera. I wanted to watch it.

For the next two hours I read and listened to the opera. It is the story of a Count who falls for a maiden who is kept locked inside her guardian's house. The barber (why a barber, I don't know) helps the Count rescue her, so they can live happily ever after. It was very well preformed. I liked the solo by the barber the best. I think it is the most known aria of the opera.

The thing about operas is that they sing the same words or phrases many times. In another language it isn't so bad. I imagine in English it would sound really silly. "I want to walk to the park, I need to walk to the park, need to walk, want to walk, need to walk to the park, to the park, to the park, the park. I want to walk to the park!"

Although Gary was napping for most of it, he had to endure the last 30 minutes. He is glad I don't care for all operas. At one point I left the room for just a moment, and he had muted it.

Another opera from which we played music is "The Marriage of Figaro." Interesting. I just looked up both operas, and "The Marriage of Figaro" is a sequel to "The Barber of Seville." And I found out why a barber is called to help win the lady. He used to be a servant in the guardian's house.

Well enough culture, back to cleaning the house.

Birthday Outing

I have been looking forward to today for over a week now. My mom took me clothes shopping for my birthday. Just me and my mom. We also had lunch at Applebees - a yummy treat.

We went to Kohl's and 2nd Avenue. I got new toasty warm gloves at Kohl's, and a pair of jeans, a pair of lounge pants, and two white shirts and a cream shirt at 2nd Avenue. In case you are unaware, 2nd Avenue is a thrift store. Yes, I was excited to go shopping at a thrift store. The prices are great, and I am reusing textiles.

My mom said she felt weird giving me thrift store clothes for my birthday, but I am quite pleased with my new found clothes.

Thanks a bunch Mom!

The G & B Restaurant

Tonight was great. Gary and I prepared a scrumptious meal for my parents' Christmas present. And since today is their anniversary, it was also an anniversary dinner. They have been married 38 years.

We served herb roast pork, mashed potatoes, a sweet potato (my dad's request,) green beans, salad with homemade dressing, applesauce, homemade bread, and homemade apple pie. We have a swinging door between our kitchen and dining room, so we shut it and pretended they were at a restaurant. Though, we joined them for the main coarse.

I had the table set beautifully, with my fancy folded napkins and used our more formal dinnerware and glassware. I had a great time.

We get to do it two more times, also. Tonight with Gary's mom and step-dad, except we are taking the meal to them, since Dan can't get out. And we still need to pick a date for Gary's dad and step-mom. Tonight is also Mom and Dan's anniversary, 22 years I think, so they get a Christmas and an anniversary dinner, too. Their dinner is the same as my parents'. We'll see if it turns out as well.

Recycling

If you remember me talking about the show "Living with Ed," you might also remember me saying that I would like to be able to do more of the stuff he talks about. But the funds are not readily available to me as they seem to be for him.

So, I do what I can. The easiest is recycling. To some recycling can be a nuisance in that you have to rinse/clean containers, sort, remove non-recyclable parts, or haul it yourself to a recycling place. I do not find this to be objectionable. I am glad to do my part. Our trash hauler, Ches-Mont, had only taken plastics 1 and 2, glass, and paper. The rest - plastics 3 - 7, paperboard, cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic lids, straws, small electronics and many other things - had to be hauled by yours truly to Pottstown.

Now I am here to announce that we are splitting trash service with our neighbor, who uses BFI. And low and behold they take cardboard, paperboard, and several more numbers of the plastics. I organized our current pile of extra recycling located inconveniently in the basement and now can take four bags of paperboard, one bag of plastics and a cat litter container to the trash can out back, instead of driving a distance to Pottstown. I am so excited.

Now instead of taking all that extra recycling to the basement, I can just put it in the bin in the kitchen with the regular recycling.

What's that about deodorant?

OK. So here it is. Armpits. Oh, excuse me - underarms. I have decided to include this subject on my blog, since this is a thing of my life. Now if you don't want to read about my dilemma with the above topic, than avert your eyes.

I am trying to replace personal care products as they run out with more natural ones. My latest foray into the all natural is Arm & Hammer Essentials and Tom's of Maine deodorant, hereto for known as AH and Tom's respectively.

First of all, I was told it is good to sweat (I'm undecided about that,) you just don't want the odor (definitely decided about that.) I determined to inform myself about underarm sweat - a lively topic - and learned a bit. If you'd like the experience, click to this article.

Whereas my knowledge already included the truth that most antiperspirants contain aluminum based compounds, and I don't want said chemical on my person, I wanted to try just a deodorant. Enter AH and Tom's. Both options in my bathroom are a clear stick version. My issue is that they are sticky feeling. I care not for that feeling. I have tried airing out the application location before donning my garments. I have tried putting on my garments immediately to wick away the feeling. I have tried applying less product. I have tried, but to no avail. I am accepting what is and hoping that once my skin adjusts to the new product, it will be more comfortable. I am not wasting what has been purchased but will not be purchasing these options for myself again.

The other issue is the non-antiperspirant aspect. I certainly do realize it is not present, however I am aware of the deodorant's ability to work. Let's go nature. I don't care for a wet feeling but care far less for an odor.

One thing I really like about both AH and Tom's is that the ingredients are listed on each product along with the reason it is in the product and from where it was derived.

Cable anyone?

This whole switch to digital signal instead of analog is a pain. We have a converter box, but it isn't working. It picks up no signal or a weak one, which translates to a black screen. At least if a signal was weak with analog you could still watch a program, even if it was a little snowy. The digital signal may have a better picture, but if there is any interruption, you get nothing. I disagree with all or nothing.

And cable, or FiOS, or satellite or whatever other options are out there are more than free.

I guess come February 17th, I'll be cutting back my TV watching even more. Actually I watch most of the shows online after they have aired, but soon I won't even have a choice if we can't get the converter box to work, or if it can't pick up a signal.