Adventures in Homeschooling

Baby Wearing Group

2012-01-15T16:40:00.001-08:00

Today, Tristan and I joined some ladies for a baby wearing meeting. It is a group of ladies who wear their babies in wraps. I was the oldest woman there, and the only one with more than one child (since I have three). My baby arrived sleepy and I wasn't sure if I wanted to pick him up and play dolly with him. But, the other babies were toddler, so he fought his nap.

I did not "wear" my other two kids. Sure, we put them in an outward facing carrier for walks - and later in a framed backpack when they were bigger. But, this is quite different. Baby wearing is interacting with your infant/toddler, keeping he/she close to you as you go about your day. These kids aren't "stuck" in the wrap all day long, but its a tool to keep them smiling, instead of using the playpen.

I do use some other "tools". I use an exersaucer and a jumperoo. They are safe places for my baby to hang out while I am nearby. But, I also use this really long blanket to wrap my little one, and carry him around while I go about my day. DH also wears the baby. In fact, baby is taking a nap in the woven wrap right now! I went out shopping with my daughter, and came home to a sleeping little one, so content, near his daddy's heart!

These women know a lot about baby wearing. One of them, must have had over 25 different styles. I could not imagine that- I have one. My first thought was how versatile it is. I can wear my baby on my hip, front or back. I learned today how to wear him on my hip. It was really really easy. I cannot throw my child over my shoulder and wear him on my back - yet. But, one day, I will.

There is this awesome wrap called a Mei-Tai. I am in love! I borrowed one of the mei-tai carriers to try, and I WANT ONE! It was so easy to use, and I can see myself using it to wear my child on my back. Here is an example:

Organization

2012-01-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

I am working on a bunch of plans, in my head. I'm not sure what I will tackle first, but organization is what I have in mind:

1) Chore list- there is an app called irewardchart, and my friend is using it with her family. I own an ipod, but it must be updated, as it was my DH's. I have never added any apps, and always forget the charge the thing. Anyways, its an awesome app, where the kids earn points toward rewards (bowling, candy, lego starwars on the PS2 etc.) and the points are for helping me around the house. They already know how to help me, but I am terribly disorganized in enlisting their help. So, yeah, the rewards app might be awesome.

2) Flylady - she is the queen of organization. Seriously, this woman is awesome, and I have used her program before, but need to return to it. It is a very efficient way of keeping your home organized without spending your entire weekend cleaning. Its a less is more theory. Less stuff, not less cleanliness.

3) Baby schedule- Hahahaha, I am laughing at myself. I sort of have a schedule, but I nurse the baby on demand, so its a very flexible schedule. Now, I have added a couple meals in the high chair, he takes about 3 naps a day, and usually goes to bed around 8 PM. Except for the nights that he doesn't, so he takes a late nap (often 4th nap) and stays up till 10 PM. And, then he wakes late, around 8:30 AM, instead of 7:30 AM. So, it gets all messed up. But, the real issue is nighttime sleep.

4) Nighttime sleep- perhaps I'm ready to do some sleep training? Baby wakes up a lot. Like 5-6 times per night. It is honestly hard to function on this kind of sleep, but I am not planning to Ferberize the baby (cry it out in intervals), well, not yet anyways. It worked with my oldest. I don't recall what worked with my middle one- but, I still like the sweet 3 AM smiles, so I'm not sure that I'm ready for this task yet.

5) Home school schedule- ultimately, this would require me to be using the flylady.net system, and have the baby on a schedule, because every day is really different. Some days we finish school at 2PM, and some days its 4 PM. Some days we have appointments, and the whole day is screwed up. It would be better for us to have a routine. I have tried to create a routine for the past 4 years. Maybe, this will be the year?

Not here much!

2012-01-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

I really like writing down my thoughts in this blog, but I am not here too much anymore. I suppose that is a natural consequence to having a third child. I actually do get over here occasionally to write, but I rarely finish my thoughts, as there is little privacy during any part of the day or night.

So, here is an update on my current life:

DH is learning to survive in Arctic weather. Seriously, he is outside in -27 degree weather for the next 2-3 days. Somewhere outdoors in the wilderness, he is setting a snare, and attempting to catch and eat a bunny. He will build a shelter and big big fires. I sort of know where he is, but that's for me to know and for you to . . . . oh don't worry about it. Does it really make a difference to you?

My daughter is currently obsessed with Geography Songs. She and her brother have been learning the countries around the world through song. Its really fun! It is actually not so fun anymore. Why? Because she and her brother play this CD over and over for fun, ALL DAY LONG. When they are not playing the CD, they are singing the songs as they go about their daily activities. Don't get me wrong it is wonderful that they know all these continents, oceans, countries, islands . . . . She has made some great strides in reading, and now reads "in her mind" on her own time. Her current favorite is "Calvin and Hobbs" which are her Daddy's comic books. Don't you judge me- yes, comic books. They aren't "chapter books". But, that is better than reading the free baby magazines that I received in the mail.

My son is kinda in the whiney stage, but I am told that this is what sometimes happens to the middle child. I am trying to be firm but patient, and give lots of extra hugs and love. He really likes this game we got for Christmas- Pictureka. The cards are very funny. He really really likes to play games of all types. He spends lots of time with his dad playing board games, when they are together. Risk is a new favorite. After all- who wouldn't want to rule the whole world?

My little guy is 5 1/2 months old. He is sitting up great and likes to eat baby food. I have been mostly successful in making my own food, and he likes some of it. He doesn't like formula at all, so we haven't done a lot with cereal (I can't blame him, that stuff is nasty). But, he loves squash and sweet potatoes. He wants to hold everything. He wants the dog's face, the cell phone, the pretty picture on the blanket, my lips, the table cloth, and opps, he wanted my plate and cup which is now all over the floor and my lap. He babbles like crazy and he still doesn't really sleep at night. But, how I love to get up 5-8 times a night with him! LOL

Me- well, I have my vitamin D and my SAD lamp. The days are gradually getting longer, and Summer will be here before I know it. I am in full swing with school. We took a week off for Christmas, which was heavenly (it cuts my workload in half). The house is messy, but I cleaned the toilet bowls yesterday- so there is that. : )

Gotta go and sing about the West Indies now- although the East Indies is much much funnier, don't you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM-igYjn6E4

Bye!

Sparkling Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T13:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Its a beautiful 16 degrees outside, and the snow drifts and sitka spruce trees are sparkling. We are enjoying the smell of turkey in the air, as it cooks in the oven. A delicious loaf of bread is baking in the bread machine. There are pumpkin pies in the refrigerator, and this afternoon, we will enjoy a yummy feast with other Coast Guard families. The baby is sleeping on daddy's chest on the couch. The kids are playing together. I am relaxed and content.

Our little boy is 4 months old now. He is so sweet! He loves being involved in everything. He can now hold things in his hands- ranging from daddy's chest hair, sister's hair, and lots of toys. But, his favorite thing to hold is his other hand. I had forgotten what a big event it was to hold hands with yourself! He is going to be a thumb sucker too, because he has been finding his thumbs and chewing on them. He is so talkative and smiley. He laughs when you tickle his armpits, or if you kiss him on the cheeks.

His big sister loves to greet him each morning. She really can hardly contain herself. And, when he sleeps in, she finds it really really really difficult. His brother is an expert at keeping baby happy, especially in the car. I am so glad that my older kids love their baby brother so much! Of course, there is jealousy. They get jealous of who gets the baby's attention and the baby's smiles.

We have been here for 6 months now. That's a quarter of our tour! I can't believe how fast it is going. I have made some great friends- we have nice neighbors. And, everyone looks out for each other at the air station. This base is really huge. The air station is just a part of it.

I have heard that my husband was on Coast Guard Alaska, a show the Weather Channel airing. We don't have cable, and the Weather Channel doesn't have a link to watch the episodes on their website. Too bad. I would have liked to watch it. My husband does not like to be on TV or the news. He likes to hide away from PR stuff. But, I honestly enjoy seeing him.

My mother is visiting my Uncle today. My brother and his familiy are skiing somewhere in California? And, we will be among friends. God has blessed us in so many ways! There is always something to be thankful for! Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Two Months old

2011-09-11T22:35:00.000-07:00

My little guy with be 2 months old in a few days. He is doing wonderfully! He is growing very big, and even cuter!

Well, school is in full swing. And, its a new experience to homeschool with a baby. It gets very disorganized here. It has to be disorganized, because the baby is too young to be on a schedule. Thus, my careful planing is fairly useless. But, the kids are learning, and the baby is fed. The house is a bit messy, but it could be much worse!

And, there are some great lessons that we never planned on. Fishing. My six year old boy - caught a silver today!! As in, an Alaskan Silver Salmon. He and my husband are learning to fish. This is my boy's first fish, and it was huge! (We concluded that my daughter does not like to fish. Especially, when you don't catch anything. She is kind of mean about it, and made my DH feel awful the last time they went fishing together). But, the boys went out this morning at 5:30 AM, and now we have salmon fillets in the freezer. My husband caught one too. I grilled one of the fillets tonight. It was big enough to feed all four of us. It was awesome! (I have no idea who these men are, but they also caught silvers)

We also started soccer. Its interesting. I don't know if I like it - but, I will endure the six weeks of games, on wet fields, and usually in the rain. This is Kodiak, after all. Its wet here. My son seems to really be enjoying it. I don't know about my daughter. She spent most of the game in the bathroom with an upset tummy. Then, we left early. After soccer, I am unsure of what they will do. I guess I need to figure that out.

The Early Days

2011-08-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

My baby boy is nearly one month old now. Technically, he is one month old, in two days. We are still trying to adjust to his newness. I no longer have a schedule. There is more to get done in the house than is humanly possible, for a mother of a newborn, but we are getting through it all. My daughter has lots of tantrums, and my other son is very clingy, especially when I nurse. My husband and I are quite sleep deprived.

My husband had duty last night, and is now sleeping on the couch. He didn't have enough energy to make it upstairs to the bed. I got up to change 3 diapers in the middle of the night, and nursed at least 4 times. I lost count. I want this little one to sleep in the bassinet or crib, but he will have none of it. He wants to be held at all times. So, he is either laying in my arm, nursing in the bed with me, or laying chest to chest with me, as I burp him. As soon as I lay this sleepy baby in the crib, he grunts, snorts and cries himself awake. Heck, in the swing, he is demonstrating that right now!

So, during the day, I am trying to learn to "wear my baby". I am terrible at this. It is so unnatural to wrap yards of cloth around your body, stick the baby in there, and expect him to settle down. No way. He smells my boobs, and he wants to nurse. If we succeed and he settles down, I get all sweaty and eventually need to nurse him- and for the life of me, I cannot nurse in a wrap. I have no nursing tops. Perhaps this would help. I don't know what to do with all the fabric from the woven wrap or the moby (we are borrowing both). And, I end up unwrapping a crying/screaming infant. Guess how easy it is to put the wrap back on when he is done? Its not. Its is cumbersome, and he wakes up in the process and protests with loud screams.

So, I try to wrap my baby. Yes, I have a cool Miracle blanket, that gently keeps his arms at his sides, so he doesn't hit himself in the face. He hates this. Not the blanket, the hitting. I tried other ways to wrap him, and he always gets an arm free. But, once wrapped, he wants movement or to be carried, or to nurse. In the swing or bouncy seat, I can get a brief rest, and maybe jump in the shower or fix a snack for one of my other kids. Then, its over- and he is awake, unhappy, and ready to nurse again.

Nursing. I nurse constantly. I nurse at least every half-hour to two hours during the day time, and every 2 1/2 to 3 hours at night. I have pumped three times, and he does like a bottle (from dad). But, I would have to not be nursing to pump, or be an octopus or something! When? That's the question. I want to nurse. My other son only made it to 4 months. And, I would have never blogged during those months, because he had colic, and I got post partum depression. It was a dark time. The SSRI I took, sort of worked, but the pediatrician did not want me to nurse anymore. So, I stopped.

He is laying, swaddled on his tummy, on my lap. He loves this. Well, thanks to SIDS, he can't sleep that way, if I wanted to lay him in the crib. Darn it- the one way that he would honestly sleep, could kill him, so I can't do that. And, of course, I want a child more than my sleep or sanity. So, out of my view, he can't sleep this way. The little guy even has a little grin on his face. He loves this position. Who wouldn't? All the gas bubbles are working their way out, and with each toot, he looks more relaxed.

Letdown. No, having a baby is not a letdown. Its what my boobs do. It hurts, and they produce too much milk. They attempt several times a day to drown my child. He gags, coughs, spits up, and screams at my breasts - all while desperately trying to nurse. Its a problem that I faced with all of my babies. I am working on the solution, and he will grow to nurse quickly- like finish in 20 minutes, instead of nursing all day long. But, for now, it is uncomfortable for us both. There are lots more details to this, but I won't bore you with them.

Diapers- cloth diapers are very cool. I need to purchase more supplies. He needs a solution for nighttime. But, during the day, we use cloth diapers, and I really really like them. They don't take a tremendous amount of time to wash. And, they are cute. Prefolds are huge on his bum, and I don't like them. But, the flip stay-dry infant inserts are really nice. So far, the Huggies have leaked a few time, but the flips have never leaked. I do remember to change the cloth diapers - every two hours or so.

I love this child. I adore him. He is sweet and a bundle of joy. I will get through this- but, I can't say that I will miss these days. Because, honestly, with all this lack of sleep, this blog may be the only thing that reminds me of what these days were like. I am so tired, that I will likely forget most of it. I think moms have to forget, or there would never be the word "sibling". There would be only child families. But, we get amnesia. We get pregnant again. And, as the newborn -early days arrive, part of my brain shrieks - CRAZY! YOU ARE A CRAZY MAD WOMAN to have forgotten what this is like. Where is the nanny? You are nearly 40 years old! You are CRAZY!

He has arrived!

2011-07-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

My baby boy has arrived! He was born on July 14, 2011 at 12:56 PM. He was 6 lbs. and 19 1/4 inches. Today, we see the doctor for his second check-up since we left the hospital.

I actually went into labor. I have three kids, but I've never gone into labor before. On Wednesday night, I was having contractions, but I was trying to sleep. It felt like the baby was pushing on my bladder, and I must have gotten up 12 times to pee. In the morning, there was "bloody show". I have never had that either. So, we drove to the hospital in the morning, and I was having contractions every ten minutes. At first, the nurse suggested that it was a bladder infection. But, no, it was real labor. So, my c-section was scheduled for the afternoon, and soon after, our third child was born.

He is so sweet. We all adore him. My other two kids are very good siblings. They kiss him, hold him, and shower him with love.

I am still in pain. There is a nerve around my incision on the right side that hurts. At times, it burns and feels like a knife is being driven into my pelvis. But, it is getting better. I am still relying on prescription pain medicine, but weaning off it.

My husband went back to work today. He spent 11 days with us, and took care of everything. I took care of nursing the baby, and he eats very often and a lot! He has already gained back his birth weight. I am too tired to type any more. But, we are feeling so in love with this little guy, and so thankful for this blessing from God!

Helpful Hubby and the Final Stretch

2011-07-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

I am a week from delivery! Its getting really exciting now. My husband has been wonderful. He is helping me a lot, because everything I do, causes me back spasms. I basically can just sit there. Except I can't just sit there! I do normal stupid things because I want to get things done, and then my back screams in pain.

Yesterday, it was vacuuming. I pushed the vacuum around the living room. And, I unloaded the front loader washer/dryer. That did it! I found relief with a heating pad, but seriously, its so hard to stop cleaning with this nesting instinct. I want to decorate the baby's room, but everything is so expensive here. So, I haven't decorated at all. I don't think the baby will mind. I probably won't really care next week, either.

DH came home last night, and helped me cook dinner. He did all the dishes (I can't even unload the dishwasher). He swept the floor. He made my kitchen look nice again. He offered to take leave (if possible) this Friday and Monday, to help me. I don't know if that will happen, but he is really looking out for me, and I love it.

My kids are helping too. They do all the chores that hurt me. Occasionally, I hear "I'm not your slave!" from my daughter, but I pay them for chores, so this is really really silly. I think they actually like helping me.

Yesterday, the diapers arrived! I have a chore of washing/drying the cloth inserts 5-7 times to prep them for diapering. It is a one time process, that makes the diapers fluffy and absorbent. They are very soft and fluffy. I have three washes left. I am using the kids to help me, or this long claw thing with a handle, so I don't have to bend. The diaper covers are so cute and tiny. I can't believe that he will have such a tiny little bum!

There was an article in the news this week, about a 16 lb. baby! That is simply crazy! At least, I don't have to push this baby out. But, taking home a 16 lb. newborn- Wow.

Oh yeah, and enjoy this picture of my son and "Danger Man"!

Big, Feeling Big

2011-07-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

I ate too much, I think. I just am hungry a lot. Some women lose weight during the last few weeks. This is not me. I have gained a couple pounds every week, since week 30 when I got to Kodiak. Now I'm at week 37, so that's like 14 lbs, I think. I am drinking a lot, so as not to get dehydrated. But, over all, I have still gained less than I did with the other two kids. Well, I think so anyways. There is a little bit of time left. I am healthier. I don't eat sweets or junk food anymore. I'm not concerned about the weight gain-its the tightness. My belly is so stretched. And, its all out front. I have never carried my babies this way. Usually, I'm just wide and fat all over.

The Braxton Hicks are getting more frequent and I'm sore. I have a sore belly. I don't believe that its labor yet. But, I don't remember these sensations. There is lots of pressure lately. Maybe its my big fibroids? Gas? Active baby? I have no idea. My baby is still very active. That is good. But, there is not pattern to these contractions, so I'm not concerned. I'm just uncomfortable.

My husband comes home tonight. He was gone for three days. Then, I can go into labor. He doesn't go on anymore trips (I don't think so anyways).

I am tired. Today, we got the food shopping done. I cooked the kids waffles for dinner. The house is mostly clean. I read books with the kids. My daughter studied her spelling words before bed. She is a good girl. I am off to bed. Not much longer till baby, I hope!

The World of Cloth Diapering

2011-07-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

I just ordered $95 worth of cloth diapers and wraps. I am so very excited! The cost of disposable diapers is ridiculous here. So, I took the plunge. Well, I should say, took the plunge again. I tried using prefolds with my daughter 8 years ago. I wasn't very good at this. But, this time, I enlisted the help of a new friend, who is successfully cloth diapering, and we found a great sale!

These things are cute, and got good reviews. I got enough to diaper for 1-2 days, and can order more inserts if I like them. My friend is giving me some prefolds to add to the collection, so I will have a great start. The covers can be used as our baby grows, I will just have to update the inserts with a bigger size, and the newborn size can be used to double the insert, and make it more absorbent.

Diapers here are about $11 a bag- that's between 40 and 60 diapers. That's crazy. With a newborn, I can expect 10-12 changes, so one bag will last me around 4-5 days. That's not even a whole week. Its around 70 dollars a month. So, in less than 1 1/2 months, this purchase will have paid for itself. And, then I just need to launder them. I don't pay for the water, and very little detergent is used. I am excited about this!

I bought fleece liners from Amazon (included in the $95) that should keep my little one's skin dry at night, and will be helpful to keep the diaper liners absorbent if I have to deal with a rash and use diaper cream.

This friend of mine was such a blessing! She hunted online for bargins, and I ended up ordering from a store where she has already made purchases.

After buying the diapers, I finally ordered Redi-shade blackout shades. I just can't handle sleeping when its not dark, and my eye masks are irritating. It is like sleeping in the afternoon, when we have a sunny day. Bright sun at 10 PM is just a big adjustment for me.

I also packed the bag for the hospital, minus some toiletries that I will buy tomorrow. I had another OB check-up today, and go meet my anesthesiologist tomorrow. Then, next week I will have my pre-op appointment, and the 19th, its BABY DAY! I still have to pack a bag for the kids. They will spend the night with a friend, so I don't have to worry about getting everyone ready that morning.

Now, DH is ferrying a helo to Washington, and won't be back until Thursday night, so baby, you must not arrive till after Thursday! I really don't want to have a c-section without my DH there.

Today, my belly was hard a lot. I had lots of Braxton Hicks contractions. The baby is kicking a lot, and I have bad back pain. I am tired out. I am headed to bed next, and its only 9 PM.

Planning, Chores revisited and Dizziness

2011-06-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am having a very nice day. The kids are happy, playing with board games, and these magnetic balls (my son is building robots with them) and I have been using my new plan book, to prepare for the Fall. Fall will begin on August 22nd. That gives me a whole month off with the new baby.

My son and daughter are saving money for a new Playstation 2- well, it won't be new, but new to her. She is ban from using DH's as she and her brother continually drop it on the floor, by pulling too hard on the controllers. So, DH told them they had to buy their own. They are desperate to play Legos Star Wars again. So, the kids are motivated to do TONS of chores, and I love it! I am still devising the system, but here is the basics:

Required chores:

Clear breakfast dishes
Get dressed
Clothes in laundry basket
Brush teeth
Brush hair
Make bed

These are 5 cent chores, equaling 25-30 cents (my son doesn't need to brush his hair)

Then, there are optional 5 cent chores:

Feed dog
Feed the bird
Let dog outside/inside
Empty trash cans

These are optional 10 cent chores:

Help mom cook
Clear family dishes
Carry down laundry
Unload dishwasher
Clean up bedroom
Clean up playroom
Put clothes away
Help mom with laundry
Put varied items away
Set Table
Load groceries into car
Unload groceries into house
Put groceries away

The results, for the last week, I am not bending over and killing my back as much. I am not running up and down the stairs so much. I deduct money if there is any tantrum or violent behavior during the chore (e.g., while unloading the dishwasher, you poke your brother with the butter knives) and of course, I have to suggest various opportunities to do chores when I need something done. But, my work load is much less. The kids are not whining about doing their chores, and on average- they earn $1-2 dollars a day - each.

I don't buy them "stuff" when we are shopping. I remind them that they are earning an allowance, and that they may spend it however they want. I am not going to buy them little toys and junk from coin machines etc.

Ok, dizziness.

I have to eat every couple hours or my sugar level drops and I get dizzy. I forgot today, to eat a snack. It was awful. I got cold sweats, and had to weigh lying down with stuffing my face to relieve the problem. So, after shoveling a bowl of frosted mini-wheats with milk, cheese, bell pepper, a banana, and raisin bread with cream cheese into my mouth, with a splash of crystal lite lemonade and prenatal vitamins, I laid down on the couch for 10 minutes and recovered. Umm, I don't generally eat like this anymore. It was sort of a binge, but not by choice. I felt awful, not from the binge, but from the low blood sugar. I have to pay better attention to the clock, and not wait 4 hours.

In the evenings, I feel like I have bowling balls attached to my calves. My legs are so swollen and heavy. I lay on my left side, my right side, strip off my bra and put on comfy pajama pants, remove my sneakers and socks and put my legs up. I feel awful. Last night, I went to bed at 8:30 PM. Sleeping tends to be the only solution to the swelling in my legs. Of course, I flip over every hour because my hips, pelvis and groin ache. My fibroids hurt. My joints make lots of popping noises, and baby is pushing on my bladder- so every time I go to flip over, I have to get up to pee.

Less than 3 weeks to go!

Painting Shells

2011-06-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today, we went to the Buskin River Recreation Park, as a family. We walked the beach. It was so beautiful! The river runs into the ocean and although we don't fish (yet) it is a great spot to catch Sockeye. The beach has black sand, and is littered with clam shells and other varieties of sea shells. It is really had for me to walk, but, I enjoyed it - taking it slow. I remember doing this as a child with my family- and now I got to watch my children run around smiling, as I walk with my best friend, my DH.

By the way, my daughter took these two pictures. She is really good.

The kids collected shells, and then went back to the pavillon to paint and decorate some of them. The Visitor's center set up a decoration party. Several families worked on creations, however, we didn't really overlap - so our family had its own painting party. They are now drying on the front porch. Some shells are yet to be washed (my daughter is worried that the Magpies will eat her shells) but, I am sure when we leave this place in a couple years, our house will be full of sea shells.

This is how a Saturday should be. Nice and relaxed, with the ones that you love. Of course, the long walk on the beach wore me out, so I took a long nap when we got home. That was also perfect.

Umm, its 4:30 AM

2011-06-25T05:42:00.001-07:00

Its a bit early. I woke at 4 AM, thinking that my bank was open on the East Coast, and needing to clear up some annoying paperwork about insurance. But, they believe that listing MST on there website, adjusted for my personal benefit would be helpful. So, no they aren't open yet. I have all these hormones, and a kicking baby - not to mention the sun is rising, so I am awake. By the way, I'm not on Mountain Standard time.

Here's the update on the "baby head sized fibroids". When Baby Pinkie is born - they will continue to inhabit my uterus. Maybe they will shrink. Maybe, I will look 6 months pregnant after recovering from my c-section. But, for safety reasons, there won't be a hysterectomy after the birth.

So, maybe at a later date, there will be. Or there might be a uterine fibroid embolism. That means going through a vein/artery (don't recall which one) in the groin, to locate these things, and cut off their blood supply. It can be very effective, and also means no surgery. Or, I might have a hysterectomy at some point to remove the growths.

But, on July 19th, Baby Pinkie is scheduled to be born!!! That is less than a month away. How exciting!

So, physically, I hurt all the time. My lower back pops and clicks, as the SI joints slip in and out. The pain radiates down my hips and thighs. This is the main reason that I am awake right now. It really hurts to sleep. But, I have to try, because of all the swelling in my legs. Lots of lovely fluid retention.

My blood-pressure is still in the normal range! This is awesome, as it was high with my last two kiddos. Of course, we are still watching it.

My belly is enormous. I should post a picture. I'll try to get to that. The lower belly is like a foreign entity. Its flabby and weird looking. I will not take a picture of it. The kids like to poke it - which is gross and not funny. They got to feel the baby's head in this area at one of my OB appointments. So, they are obsessed with that part of my baby belly. The top of my belly is hard with all the fibroids and baby bottom stuffed in there. And, lets not talk about stretch marks. And railroad tracks (previous C-section scars). Its a warzone down there.

But, this is pregnancy. You sacrifice your body and imagined youthful looks (yah, imagined, cause I'm going to be 40 this Fall) for a new little angel. I will have three beautiful children in the world - and so, looking like a warzone is ok. Oh yeah, and in the end, with nursing- I get to keep the big boobs for a while. At least, some things are fair.

Ok, its 5 AM now, so back to bed.

They are here!

2011-06-13T07:55:00.003-07:00

My family arrived a couple days ago. What a relief! I missed them so very much. We have a house. And, tomorrow, our movers deliver all our stuff. We made out big time. Our house is a four bedroom, with 2 1/2 bathrooms, and a walk-out basement. There is a storage shed attached to the side of the house, and a shed in the fenced in backyard. So, no more walking the dog outside! Lots of bicycle storage, and a room for everyone, even Baby Pinkie!

Seriously, we got one of the nicest houses on base. We only qualified for a 3 bedroom home, so we are very excited about this.

Yesterday, while doing some house stuff, two little girls came by to play with my daughter. They had a great time, and the base is very safe, so they can run around together. (This is a new concept for me). And, the neighbor next door, came out to play with my son, and ride scooters. How awesome is that?!

We had Halibut for dinner, and I have a red salmon in the freezer. My DH is going to learn to fish. Everyone does, and many people have boats. I am learning a lot. Like, you can order a half-cow - and have meat for most of the year (island raised). You can catch up to 20 fish per family member, per day, after you have permanent residency in AK, which takes 1 year. That's a lot of fish! And, there is a co-op thing- to get fresh organic produce each week. We might do some of this stuff. We will need another freezer.

DH has a busy work day today. But, he may be able to "walk" home for lunch most days. He looks so handsome in uniform. Tomorrow, he will have the day off to help with the move. My kids really miss their toys. I miss living in a house. I have been in this hotel for a month now. We are sharing a double bed. With my body pillow, its a bit crowded.

Today, I will take the kids to swim aerobics with me. They can play in the kiddie pool while I do my class. This class makes my body feel heavenly. Its the only time of the day that nothing hurts. This baby is growing, fibroids are growing, and my appetite is certainly growing. I could have eaten an orange grove yesterday. I really really am craving citrus fruit. Tonight, I have another doctor's appointment. My newest aliment is swollen legs and feet. Yucky! And, limited range of motion. I can hardly more my hips some evenings. I waddle and move like an old lady.

Well, that is the lastest update. Lots of fun stuff planned today : )

Dinner (TMI) and Other

2011-06-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Last night, I had a wonderful dinner. I was invited to dinner to meet the pastor of the church we may attend. He flies in from Anchorage monthly, and has church services here. The other weeks, we can watch a webcaste of the service online. It was a nice evening. Except, I was so thirsty. I drank a whole bottle of water, before and during dinner. Dinner was fresh-caught Red Salmon. It was literally caught earlier in the morning by my host. His family fishes for a hobby, but they catch enough fish to sustain them for the year, and more. That is amazing. This type of fish, is about $25 a pound. And, they grilled it to perfection.

Well, the water, the fish and dinner didn't set right. I went home feeling funny. Not sick, just weird. I wasn't in my hotel for more than 2 minutes before I gave up my dinner. Yuck. And, peed myself in the process. It was actually not upsetting, but laughable. Cause, well, I felt so much better! And, this was probably the most expensive meal I've eaten in years. This pregnant belly is taking up a lot of room, I guess.

Yet, I am always starving. I didn't eat for the rest of the night, but I was sure tempted. How warped is that? I am afraid to eat the leftovers that were sent home with me. I am guessing it was just the water. I never drink that much at once anymore. But, yah, I don't think I'll be eating salmon for a while. Maybe, I'll wait till I've given birth, at least.

Ok, are you official grossed out?

Here's the good news! I will still meet with the specialist, but my OB consulted with him- via the phone. He has my records. He doesn't intend to do a hysterectomy after the c-section. He will review my condition at a later date. Too much bleeding is the risk. So, the fibroids will stay in there for the time being. The delivery should be in Kodiak. A general surgeon will hang around incase its hard to do the tubal ligation, and AND, the birth should be July 19th. July 19th happens to be my dad's birthday. My dad died 11 years ago. So, this is very special to me. I requested the date (its about a week early from my due date) and the doctor thought it was a great plan.

So, I am down to around 6 weeks : ) Unless something happens, like I go into early labor etc. I will see my little boy in about 6 weeks. (Somedays it feels like he will simply kick his way out of my abdomen).

So, this craziness has an end in sight! And, 4 more days till my family arrives! Yahoo!

My Gigantic Uterine Fibroids?

2011-06-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, how could I have forgotten to blog about this subject? I looked back, and it seems that I indeed had never mentioned this in the blog. Lucky day for you! Because, I have gigantic uterine fibroid tumors in my uterus, and I'm about to tell you all about them.

So, at 20 weeks, the ultrasound tech mentioned that I had fibroids. Big deal, I thought, because I suddenly recalled that this was the case when my son was born 6 years ago. Well, my OB wanted to have another ultrasound done at 28 weeks. So, we did that. These puppies are (were) 10 cm and 7 cm in circumference. Wow! That is sort of significant!

So, at my last appointment, prior to moving to AK, my OB advised me that IF I were staying in Michigan for my delivery, she and her team of doctors would discuss what should be done to treat these big rocks in my belly. Uterine fibroids grow with estrogen, thus, they are growing with my baby in the womb. The good news: Baby Pinky is fine, and he has enough room to move around and grow. But, she mentioned "hysterectomy". A c-section to remove baby (via spinal), followed by full sedation, and the removal of my uterus. Wow.

But, she of course, did not know if my new OB in Alaska would feel the same about treatment options. Huh. Great way to start a 4,000 mile move across country.

So, a couple weeks ago, I met with a family practice doctor at my new doctor's office. I didn't like him. I have been told that he is very smart, like an absent-minded professor, but he didn't strike me as being someone who I'd want to deliver my child. Plus, he cannot, because he isn't a surgeon. So, I see my potential doctor tonight. Only, she might not deliver my baby either. She "could" but, she wouldn't be doing a hysterectomy on the island of Kodiak. I would go to Anchorage for that. Thus, another doctor. This doctor visits the island once a month for two days. He might deliver the baby, if the timing is right. He might do a hysterectomy, but, he can't do a consultation until June 22nd. I will be 35 weeks along. Yikes!

Of course, hypertension is an issue too. My blood pressure was a problem with my other two kiddos. My son was born 1 1/2 weeks early because of this. I was on modified bed-rest with my daughter. The doctor, I saw two weeks ago told me that BP medication would likely be an option - not early delivery. But, last week, my BP was in the normal range, although higher than it has been all along.

So, you know what? I am not calm today, and I am really worked up about all of this. Great for the blood pressure!? I have to wait till 8:30 PM for my appointment. Yes, 8:30 PM - as in the evening. My friend will drive me, because I don't have a car anymore. I am paranoid that she will be late or forget me. I mean, she won't, but I can't stop obsessing about it.

I probably won't know much tonight- since, this isn't the specialist from Anchorage. Darn, that he won't at least do a phone consultation with me!!

I can't imagine having a baby in Anchorage. I am learning my way around here. Next week, we will have a house (although empty) and my family will arrive on June 10th. I miss them so much! If I deliver and am cut up in Anchorage, will my kids get to come too? What happens during the delivery? Will my husband we able to be there? Can the kids see the baby before I get put under? I am freaked out by the unknown. There are people here to help me - in Kodiak. But, nobody in Anchorage. I do know how I'd get there- the Coast Guard has space- available flights for medical issues.

I need to calm down, and relax. The truth is, that I am too bored and alone to get my mind off all of this. I just need it to be this evening and time for my doctor's appointment.

The Family that Travels

2011-05-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd blog about my family. They are becoming more precious to me every day- as we have been apart for over two weeks now.

My husband is wonderful. He has endured so much during their travels. Right now, they are in Bellingham, Washington, and on Saturday, they leave from Bellingham on the ferry. It will be a 6 day trip (the ferry loads up Saturday evening). Then, on June 10, we will all be reunited.

They began the trip with our travel trailer, a little Scamp, that is small enough to tow behind the mini-van. And, they took a couple days to head to DH's grandparents. They threw my son a birthday party. They gave the kids a "mystery box" for the trip. Everyday, the kids open one present each. They have opened hand sanitizer, bandaids, tissues, a pin that says, "thou shalt not whine", and other little trinkets. They wake my husband at 5 AM each day, begging for their present. Yesterday, he made them open everything- he said the mess in the car and 5 AM pleads were making him crazy. But, they also each have a book of activities. Each day there is a question of some sort- they can answer by drawing a picture or writing something. This is a real hit- evidently everyone (husband included) loves this daily activity.

In Missouri, my daughter found her favorite restaurant "Hardees" She ate there at least three times before leaving the midwest. She cried when I told her there was no Hardees in Kodiak. She just loves this place. I don't know why. DH did not share her joy about this restaurant, but the grandparents in Kansas indulged her.

So, in Kansas, they saw the grandparents (DH's family). There 13 pound dog spent 4 days trying to hump my 60 pound golden retriever. Scotty (golden retriever) took to peeing on the floor whenever someone gave him attention, and chewed through his gentle leader collar and leash. He was very nervous there (my poor dog ) Although, the humping part is kinda amusing, I have to admit. My daughter got very upset leaving her grandparents. She became attached, as if it was her "new" home. But, also cried after church, because she missed her church so much. This might have something to do with the lack of Kool-aid and cake after the service, but she was very homesick. She was a wreck leaving her grandparents too.

In Nebraska, DH visited his brother. I have a picture of my son kissing and hugging a statue of Abraham Lincoln, in Lincoln, NE. He has been doing very well on this trip. Although, my husband caught him lying to him about a couple things. One of them, was about chewing gum. I am not sure why he even lied about that.

Back to Nebraska. BIL has cats, and DH is highly allergic, so the family camped. The travel trailer was left behind in Kansas (for the next 2 years) and they tent camping has begun. The first two nights of camping, involved baseball games at the same park, and kids filling the park/playgrounds to 10 PM each night. Scotty chewed through his tie-up and another leash. The next night, they camped behind BIL's house, and there were thunderstorms. The tent leaked badly, ending with everyone inside the house, and the kids sleeping on a naked mattress- um, naked, cause their pajamas were very wet. This occurred at about 3 AM. Poor DH, could not even put his head down to rest, because of the cat dander.

They went to a hotel, and had a good - last night in Nebraska. They saw baby E, our 7 month old niece there. She is beautiful. My daughter loved her. My son reconfirmed his fear of babies. He is truly afraid of babies. That will become interesting in a couple months when baby Pinky arrives!

They drove like crazy people to Montana, and stayed in a Best Western, due to the rain. Montana has received more rain in May, than they usually get in a whole year.

Then, in Washington State, they had a night at a crowded KOA campgrounds. My daughter's homesickness came back. She cried on the phone about wanting to go back to Michigan. She was consoled later in the day with ice cream.

Now, they are in Bellingham, Washington. The campground sounds nice, quiet and relaxing. There is a pool and a playground. The dog has a new leash. The pet smart asked if he was there to be groomed I can only imagine what he looks like! DH mentioned that the kids clothing isn't fitting right- that they have grown or something. My guess is their clothing has shrunk in the laundry? And, my daughter's feet smelled bad enough to wake the dead.

The ferry arrives in Kodiak twice a month, so they cannot arrive any faster. But, soon they will board and be through with the tent. There is rain in the forecast for the rest of the week. I am hoping that the new tent holds up better.

My mother told me last night to have DH drug the kids - that they will all be puking on the boat for 6 days. I don't think this will be the case. But, evidently, I am a bad mother for not preparing for this. He might buy dramamine, but I don't know what they sell for kids? I also don't know that my kids will get seasick. I get sea sick. DH does not.

DH washed laundry yesterday, and while fishing out quarters from a ziplock bag filled with hundreds of pennies and various coins - managed to dump all of them into the washer with the soap. He fished out all the coins. And, was able to laugh while telling the story to me.

I am so proud of him. He is an awesome dad and amazes me. I miss my family so much. Just 10 more days.

Ok, I'll continue

2011-05-31T09:35:00.001-07:00

Thank you : ) I will continue to blog. Thank you for the comments. I truly appreciate them. I feel very honored and blessed that anyone is interested in my thoughts and what I write.

Bye-bye

2011-05-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

Yah. This may be the end of my blogging. I think I will stick to journaling privately. I've looked at my stats. And, my blog is read so infrequently, that its hardly worth the effort. For awhile, I figured that people just didn't comment. Then, I realized, that I am mostly writing to myself.

You can let me know that you disagree, but I think I will at least take a break for awhile. Call me on the phone or drop me an email if you actually know me. And, no, I don't do facebook, because I don't trust facebook.

Much love to the couple of you that read this : )

Bye-bye!

Puffin

We lost the buyers

2011-05-26T23:34:00.000-07:00

Our short sale began 125 days ago. Today we lost our buyers. Bummer, because all we needed was a closing date, everything was negotiated. The banks took too long. Not only was it a bad deal, it was one that was taking an eternity.

So, now we live 4,000 miles away, with a house still on the market, and a mortgage payment that isn't going away anytime soon.

Its time to put on my big girl panties, and take some action. Cause, all the crying and whining in the world won't fix this problem. Too bad, huh, because I am fairly good at those two thing! LOL! At first, I was hysterical. Then, I was angry. Now, its time to abandon the short sale idea, and try a new tactic.

That will begin with, return the rental car. Yah, I have to take the car back. People are so friendly here- so I think I can make this work. I need a ride back from the car rental place. I need a ride to the OB next week. If I can't get a ride to the OB, I need to spend $66 on cab fare. But, I think someone will help me. I will likely need a ride to the commissary, so I can buy food again at some point. And, I need to take a long slow walk to the housing office a couple times over the next couple weeks, to turn in hotel receipts and get a house. If the house isn't on base, well, then I will need a ride there. But, I have made at least 8 friends. I think someone will rescue me. It will save me over $500 to do this.

Then, we need to turn off the utilities at the house, its not going to freeze, so I think this is do-able.

We need to reset the price of the house, and pay off the home-equity loan. That way, we can sell it for less. This is nearly possible. Not 100% possible at the moment, but I think over a few months, it could happen. Tenants perhaps? I am not sure about that one. But, if we got a year lease signed, we could frantically pay off this place, and drop the price next year.

No dance, no swim lessons, no t-ball or sports. The extra-curricular activities for the kids must me free stuff. This will be a major change for us, but we can do it.

I have all my baby gear, I have all our homeschooling supplies. I have clothes for everyone, and I can cook frugally. I have done that before.

So its make mortgage payments, pay off the home equity loan, consider renters, and re-list this house. We will not do a short sale again. We will not wimper and cry. We will tighten our belts and get the problem solved. We will pray, and seek wisdom from the Lord.

Life will continue, and I can continue to be thankful in all things- God has not abandoned us. He has blessed us in so many ways, and I can trust that he will continue to care for all our needs.

Jewel Beach

2011-05-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

Today, I went to the beach and enjoyed a nice walk. It was windy. I wore a t-shirt, sweater, sweatshirt, ball cap, and rain coat. I was still a little bit cold. Oh, and my new BOGS. They are really cute rain boots, that definitely keep me dry.

The tide was out. The sand is black, with gray/black rocks and orange seaweed everywhere. I managed to find a few shells for the kids. The beach is on base, and named "Jewel Beach" because there is lots of beach washed glass. Actually, I saw very little glass, but that was ok. It smelled like the sea. I have really missed the ocean.

There were rocks to climb, however, I didn't venture out, because I was afraid of slipping and falling. I am 8 months pregnant, so I need to be careful. I don't want to hurt myself or my little baby boy. But, the kids will enjoy this place. They will have a great time exploring the tide pools and look for sea creatures.

I met a pregnant lady last week at my OB appointment. She left her number for me, and today we talked. She invited me kayaking in the fall, easy kayaking - near the shore, in calm weather- to see puffins and ocean life! She and her husband have two kayaks. I might take her up on this adventure. Wouldn't that be cool? For now, we are both quite pregnant, so we will settle for going to the coffee shop. She told me lots about the island, and things to see.

I did go out for coffee yesterday. A Coast Guard wife invited me out. She is really nice, and has a son, who is my daughter's age. He is a lot of fun, very very talkative, just like my girl.

My husband paid me a very big compliment today. He told me that although I am often somewhat inflexible, that I actually push past it - past my worries, and meet the challenge. He said, I don't just meet the challenge, but I flourish in the new situation. I guess that is true. I have been a bit lonely at times here, but I am having a great time. I like it here. I like to try new things, and I like meeting these new people. I feel blessed, and I'm glad God has given me new opportunities to grow. I think that I actually enjoy moving.

Tomorrow, the crab festival begins. It is a big deal here. I can't wait to go- and I will get some yummy king crab legs. Yummy!

What is it like here

2011-05-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

I have been here nearly a week. Here are my initial observations.

Kodiak has a lot of rain. I knew that coming here, so I am not surprised. But, honestly, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't an adjustment. It has been overcast and raining for 7 days. The sun did peek through during my first full day here, but that was for about 10 minutes. I have been told that nothing stops in the rain. I went for a walk with two nice ladies, in our raincoats, and it wasn't that bad. Except for my pregnant body. It just couldn't keep up. I managed to stay with them for half of the distance. Today, there is a hail/farewell picnic in the soccer field near my hotel (I am on the Coast Guard base), and it will happen rain or shine. I plan to check it out.

The Guest House is nice and clean. The weekend brought lots of guests. There is a kitchen on each floor (two floors) and I can cook my own stuff, label things and keep them in the fridge. I haven't gone out to eat even once! And, there is coffee every day. I still limit my coffee, due to baby pinky, but mmmmmm coffee. I had to sign a thing on the check-in that I wouldn't move the bed. Its a huge wooden bed frame. Its made of logs, and very cute. However, I couldn't move it if I wanted to. And, well, where would I move it to? This has me very curious. It must have been a problem in the past. But, I can't imagine "how" it was a problem. The room isn't really that big. You are fined $75 if you move the bed. I'll be careful about that one. The staff is friendly. The laundry (other than soap) is FREE! I can have my mail forwarded here. My DH is sending boxes - because the car is too stuffed right now.

The base. Well, I won't say too much since this is a public website. But, its nice, its big, there is a Commissary (food store) and a great MWR (recreation stuff) and a theater. I will be able to work out - post baby - and my kids will have an area to play or read etc. while I walk on a treadmill. I am still checking out the housing and things on base. I explored all the housing areas yesterday. I was told, "you will not get a house with a garage", so I'm guessing that all the garages (huge sections of them) are the enlisted housing? They generally have separate areas for officer and enlisted families. I don't care who my neighbor is - but, maybe they do this so you don't end up living next door to your boss? I don't need a garage. I need a fenced in yard for the dog. That is even more important to me than the size of the home. I know where I want to live, but it is doubtful that I will be given a choice. In a couple weeks, I will get a house. And, our stuff should arrive after the family gets here. Cause, you know, I don't want to unpack it all by myself. No way!

The town. It is really cute. It isn't really touristy. But, there isn't a lot of huge commercialism here either. There is a Safeway and a Walmart. That's it folks! Or course, there is a post office, library, hardware store, harbor, theater, ferry dock, Taco Bell (yuck), McD's, KFC (I think I saw a KFC) and various local stores and restaurants. It takes about 15 minutes to drive to the Walmart and other things in town. And, then, you can turn around and go back. Oh yes, and there is my doctor's office, the hospital, and I found a baby-maternity shop. I can consign my used clothes there after baby pinky is born and I fit into my real clothes- eventually.

The view. Its gorgeous here! There are mountains and the sea. There are lakes and some rivers. I really can't imagine the beauty I'll see when the clouds lift, one of these days. The earth is black and gravel mostly. I haven't found a beach yet. There are lots of places to dock your boat. I don't have a boat, of course. I have seen magpies. They are everywhere. I haven't seen any other wildlife yet.

The people. They are friendly. Everyone is either fairly quiet or friendly. Somebody honked their car horn at me the other day, cause I wasn't making my turn fast enough, but they seemed to be the exception. People ask when the baby is due, and they have even offered to carry my groceries.

I am exhausted by little things. And, I don't have very much to do. So, I am watching tv a bit. I haven't really sat around and watched tv in almost 10 years. I don't miss it. TV is dumb. Netflix is much better. I don't think we will get cable - unless we need it to get our internet. I get winded going to the store, driving around, and making my meals. But, that's why I have 20 days left to relax before the family shows up, and life gets busy again.

Books. I have some good books. Well, a good book. I'm reading "The Help". I read "Say Your One of Them" on the trip here, and I didn't like it. It could have been written much much better. It was very difficult to follow the story lines. Although the story was interesting, I almost didn't finish it. With books like these, I have a hard time passing them along to someone else. I don't want them to waste their time. So, do you know what I do with a book I didn't like? Or, definitely a book I hated? I trash it. I know everyone has their own tastes- and they won't necessarily match mine- but, if I spent my own money on it- why should I tempt someone else to suffer through a bad book? I have been doing this for years. Maybe, that's one of my strange quirks : ) I will pass along "The Help" to someone else. It is enjoyable to read.

It will be in another post- But, I miss my family. They are happy and doing very well. I am thankful for this baby kicking me in the belly and bladder. Cause, I don't feel so alone. But, I miss my husband, he is my best friend. And, I miss my son and daughter. My little girl was homesick today in church. She misses her church, even though her Papa was preaching this morning.

That is all!

I am in Kodiak!

2011-05-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am here. I got here on Monday night. It is drizzly and wet, but it is beautiful. It is small (around 14,000 people on the island, I think). A big portion of those people are in the Coast Guard. I like it! An island, that you must take a plane or ferry to leave. Yah, cause its an island.

It was a really long flight from Traverse City, Michigan to Kodiak, AK. I started my day before 7 AM, as we all slept in the camper together. The kids wake with the sun. We packed up the car (we already cleaned the house) with the few things we needed for the morning, left a ziplock bag of labeled house keys, and drove to McD's for breakfast. It was weird leaving our house. It isn't quite sold yet, so it was very strange.

On the highway, about 5 miles from home, a belt slipped off on the van. But, God really took care of everything! A MDOT worker (road worker) pulled over behind us, minutes after we broke down. He called a tow truck and waited with us till it arrived. My neighbor drove out to get John and the dog. The tow truck brought the kids, dog and I to the Midas. And, within an hour, our car was ready. Isn't that a blessing?

So, the family drove me to the airport. I left at 1 PM for Minneapolis. I took a airport taxi (inside terminal) to my gate, and made it with about 5 minutes to spare. From Minneapolis, I had a 4 hour flight to Anchorage. That was really really long. I got up to pee and walk a lot! One of the men sitting next to me, carried one of my bags through the plane for me, to help me. I look very very pregnant at 30 weeks.

In Anchorage, I walked in a daze out of security and met my dear friend Sue. She lives in Anchorage, and was home, although I know her from Mancelona at church. She spends a lot of time there caring for her mother, and husband's mother. Sue walked with me to the ticket desk, and they got me on an earlier flight! So, our visit was short- but, I got to Kodiak by 7 PM. Awesome! Of course, there is a 4 hour time change, so 7 PM felt like 11 PM.

I called a CG friend, and got my rental car. She came out to the airport, so that I could follow her back to base, and to the hotel. After checking in, she invited me over and made me a sandwich. I sat and talked with she and her husband for a couple hours and then headed into town to buy a few things to eat in the AM. At 10:30 PM (felt like 2:30 AM) I got my luggage, which arrived on my original flight. I went back to the hotel, and crashed. Boy, was that a long day!

Since Monday, I have eaten lunch with my new CG friend, and dinner too (she invited a couple other CG friends for me to meet), I have fowarded my mail here, I have visited my new OB doctor, I have bought a raincoat (size 2XX mens, as there are no maternity clothing here), gone food shopping at the Safeway and Commissary, gotten a pass for my car to get on base, gone for a walk with my new girlfriends, talked to the pastor of the church we may attend, talked to the housing office, and put a few events on the calendar- a baby shower for one of my new friends and a spouses association picnic this weekend. I am one busy lady!!

I am relaxing in a nice room, with a nice cozy bed. I am missing my husband and kiddos, but I am happy. This is a very nice place, and I believe that we will love it here!

Yay Kodiak! Yay New Home!

Packing Day!

2011-05-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, was very very long. My hubby and I have been getting ready for the move for a long time. He helped me yesterday morning, and then had a night flight. I worked all day long, loading up the car, gathering stuff that we need for our trips. Doing laundry, and keeping the kids happy. We all slept in our beds in sleeping bags. Well, except for hubby, because he slept at work.

Pregnancy and sleeping bags don't really go together. I use a ridiculous amount of pillows. Three under my head (acid reflux), one between my knees (si joints), and one under/around my belly. Then, I flip back and forth every hour. So, one sleeping bad doesn't exactly work. It just cannot fit me and my belly and all my pillows. But, I managed to get there by 10 PM. I think that I slept some.

All our stuff is stuffed into the camper and the car. It is very disorganized. It is a mess, in fact.

But, our home is almost packed. The upstairs is finished. The packers are working on the basement. Then, the garage. And finally, they will go home for the day- to return for tomorrow. Tomorrow is moving day. We will not be moving yet, but all of our stuff will.

There is something strangely soothing about this process. I mean, you get this empty space. You clean it, and it doesn't get too messy, cause you don't have anything. You borrow from friends- things like a card table, cooking ware, and you camp out in the house. We will even continue to do homeschool. And, we are days closer to AK.

Six Years Old

2011-05-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

My little boy will be six years old in 8 days. Today, we had his "early birthday" because soon we will have no furniture in the house. His best friend will be visiting Washington, DC, so we planned ahead and did the party today. His party was very cool. It was a Lego Star Wars party. We are big Star Wars fans here.

It was cute. He requested "boys only" party. Of course, his sister was invited, because I won't exclude family. He can have boys only, with his sister. She was a good sport, and only complained a little bit. The boys did not have much interest in picking flowers in the yard.

So, we had seven kids running around. I had the bakery make a chocolate cake, with red frosting and black trim. I bought a Darth Vadar candle. We decorated with black and red streamers, and red balloons. And, I ordered Lego Star Wars plates, napkins and cups. We played Star Wars music too (although, it was hard to hear for some reason).

He was thrilled. He got some very nice gifts, and for favors, I bought bubbles. So, they ran around the yard, and blew bubbles. Plus, all the outside toys, and bikes added in. And, we had a Lego building time, which seemed to be a big hit.

In two hours, it was all done. Now, he is playing with his best friend (maybe for the last time?). I don't think I'm going to tell him. It makes me very sad. But, this is the way it works. We will have friends all around the country. At age 6, its not likely that the friendship will last. But, you never can tell. I still keep in touch with a childhood friend, I played with at age 4.

We are almost done here, Tomorrow will be the day to tighten things up here. The movers arrive on Tuesday to pack us up. They come back on Wednesday and take our house hold goods away. They will be shipped to AK and stored for a bit, until we move into base housing.

The house isn't sold yet. We are so very close to the banks finishing negotiations. We leave in just over two weeks. It is all coming together : )

Stomach flu ends with a chocolate bunny?

2011-04-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

So, Thursday at 3 AM, my little boy woke me, "I spit food in my bed". Yuck, it was the stomach flu. He was sick for days. On Friday, I took him to the doctor, and we got Zofran. A great little pill - it melts in your mouth and takes away nausea. It also makes you very sleepy, and for my son, irritable. But, he kept down fluids, and eventually could eat crackers etc. So, my poor little guy became afraid to drink or eat. I can't blame him.

On Sunday, it was Easter, and I stayed home from church to care for him. He had a vague interest in his Easter basket. We postponed the egg hunt for him.

On Monday, it became my turn. Pregnant and stomach flu are not a nice combo. It was mild. I will spare you most of the details. But, while ill, I had to take my hubby to the airport, take my car to the mechanic, negotiate with the bank on our short sale, make a car reservation for Kodiak, set up an appointment for the movers to review our moving needs, set up a Point of Sale inspection of the septic and well, and take care of one sick child, and one healthy child (who is terrified to be touched by my germ infested hands, or allow me to touch anything she is about to also touch). So, I did all this stuff while yah know, dealing with the stomach flu.

My poor little guy took a nap with me today. He is so exhausted. I am so exhausted. And then, my little boy doesn't want to eat. He is not physically sick anymore, for the past two days. But, he confines himself to a diet of water, cracker - one cheese stick, and half a gogurt. He started asking about his candy. So, tonight was the turning point. He ate the head off that solid chocolate bunny with glee. Maybe tomorrow, he will eat semi-normal again, or at least try. Cause he wants more of that bunny.

My daughter, although terrified of our germs, is our little nurse. She tells us stories, mans the Netflix on the computer, brings her brother crackers- and allowed us to take a nap! She is a good girl. I sure hope she doesn't catch this horrid thing.

Now, semi-dehydrated with a headache, I am going to eat another popsicle and go to bed. Goodnight!

Aching Back

2011-04-17T16:37:00.001-07:00

So, in a weeks time, I have gone from relatively comfortable, to quite uncomfortable. My SI joints (Sacroiliac joint) are inflamed. These are the joints between the base of the spine and hips. At least, I know what is wrong this time. When I was pregnant with my son (the last one), I thought that I had injured my tailbone. Well, it was these joints, and I waited till he was nearly 2 years old to go to physical therapy. A couple of my PT friends are helping me. One, is an online friend, and she gave me some advice. Another, came to my house for a visit, and guided me through a couple exercises. The PT exercise work, but they are temporary fixes. So, I sleep in pain, sit in pain, and oh yes, when I stand too long, I am in pain. I can't take pain killers, since I am pregnant, so I will just weather through it.

Then, add gas and bloating. Lots of it.

Then, add acid reflux and heartburn. I have tried tums, but there has to be a better choice. I am laying on three pillows for the reflux, leaning the bed against the wall - with a body pillow against it, for back support, a pillow between my knees, and one under the belly. Somehow, I still leave a tiny bit of room for my husband. Every hour, I flip over, and a few times a night, I scoot to the end of the bed, to get up to go pee. Of course, the last two pregnancies destroyed our firm mattress. So, we end up flipping the saggy mattress routinely.

When I go to bed, and attempt to be comfy, baby pinkie begins to wiggle and do the baby dance. We like this. He is very active. He is 26 weeks old in the womb, and I can't wait till we can see him kick from the outside, and not just feel. The kids are looking forward to that too.

I did find a good buy on a sweatshirt/jacket at Old Navy. I can go outdoors, and enjoy the mild weather (ok, we had mild weather last week, but today we got snow flurries) And, tomorrow, I will shop for a pretty dress. We have a CG event in a few weeks, and a cocktail dress is appropriate. Heheehe, I am not going to find anything that formal. Not in Traverse City anyways. My maternity clothes choices are quite limited. But, maybe Motherhood Maternity will have something.

In a month, I will be on my way to AK. Our adventure continues!

Towards the end of MI

2011-04-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

The snow is melting, finally. It might even get up to 60 degrees within the week. The piles of dog poop abound. I will have to get out there and clean up the yard this week (yucky). The kids will play outdoors today. I am in a funk. It is Spring, and I should be filled with joy!
But, everything will come to a close soon. I feel like I am already pulling away from this place. Its just become a list of what is left before May 16th. Maybe, I am simply overwhelmed? I just want to get everything over with, and move.

We have 40 days left. There will be a kids Easter Party at the air station. There will be a family baby shower for us, at church. Then, my daughter's last eye appointment here. Followed by, a Peter Pan ballet that we will attend with a friend. We have Legos at the library, and then of course Easter Sunday. The Trout Festival, with a parade that my daughter will march in, and a possible visit by family for the weekend. Then, its May- and the movers pack us up and take our stuff away. We get to live in an empty house for a bit (almost two weeks). There is Mother's day, my son's birthday, check-ups for the pets, and finally a two day dance concert for my daughter. Done. Then we are all done. Then, we will move.

This house weighs on my mind. Will the banks come through in time? Will the buyers keep hanging on? Or, will we have an empty home, sitting on the market, and unsold, like so many other homes in Northern Michigan?

The baby is moving around all the time now. I love that. I will tackle another day of school with my kiddos. I love to watch them learn. And, my husband doesn't have any trips for a couple weeks. That is a blessing! It is hard to trust God, but He is able to do all things! I know He will continue to take care of my family.

Stupid Bank

2011-03-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

I do not like my bank. When this house is sold, we are leaving this bank for another. I won't tell who I use, but only that it is suppose to be for service members and their families. HA! It really isn't. And, doing business with our bank is horrible. Short sales are horrible.

I filled out paperwork two months ago, well actually, before Christmas. So, three months ago. I copied documents. Our realtor set us up with a company that manages short sales. We didn't expect it to be easy. But, I didn't expect our bank to be quite so stupid. This is the third time that I've filled out financial information. I have sent our tax documents three separate times. I have sent copies of pay stubs three times. I have signed various documents, faxed utilities bills, hardship claims, military orders, and signed many many items - again. I keep copies of everything, and so does my realtor. Why doesn't my bank? Does their fax machine empty into a paper shredder?

So, last week, I was directed to the wrong documents to download and fill out, by who? By my bank. Ten pages of worthless junk. Our bank claims that they don't even know where I found them. Hmm, on your own website?? And, I was directed by your representative. Some of the confusion is departments. The same bank manages both my first and second lien. But, they don't even have access to the account numbers on the loans. I asked if my mortgage was sold to another party, but no. Its the same bank, but two different departments. They probably are across the hallway from each other, but that makes them one bank, and two different investors. Sort of. It just doesn't make any sense. And, the document that I was suppose to fill out, they claimed they mailed to me. They did not. So, my short sale company finally emailed me the correct document. I filled it out today, and wasted another two hours, to essential transpose information from one document to another. This form is required. Well, duh, all these forms are required. And, it may take 30 days to process.

Everything I submit, will take at least 30 days. And, why? So that someone can blow their nose into the documents that I fax, and then ask for the information again.

We have buyers waiting. They want to buy this house. They are renting and residing in the home they sold over two months ago. We will move in a couple months. The money for this house will run out. The greedy bank had better get a move on, or they are going to lose the sale, and they will lose our money and business. Why, because the military gave us orders to move. We are moving somewhere that is much more expensive. Alaska is much more expensive than Michigan. And we can't pay for a mortgage and rent. This is why we have been trying to sell our home for 1 1/2 years now. We started very early, so we could take care of our family and finances before the military sent us to a new duty station.

And, we are working with a bank that salutes the military, and the families of our service men and women. Maybe next time they ask for a document that I have already sent two or three times, I will fax them a copy of my butt.

21 Weeks and Rambling about the Move

2011-03-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

I don't think that I shared, but we have news! We are having a baby boy! The whole family is excited. I am at 21 weeks pregnant, almost 22. I am sitting here, drinking a cup of coffee. The morning sickness is behind me now, I haven't felt ill in a couple weeks - not even a tiny bit of nausea. I haven't had coffee in months! This cup is only half coffee, and mostly milk, cause, I'm suppose to drink more dairy (calcium) and not so much coffee.

My husband is home, which is wonderful! He is gone about every other week. Work is keeping him very busy. Today we will pick up some baby stuff. Free shipping and store delivery is very cool. I love that. So, today, we will get the pack n' play and stroller. I am still waiting for the crib and mattress to arrive. The plan is to buy the big stuff here, so we don't have to pay mega dollars extra in AK.

I will be in AK in two month. May 16th is my travel date. I am flying to AK. That will be 3-4 weeks solo. No husband, no kids, no bird, no dog, no house cleaning, no mothering, nada. It will be weird. I am both excited and nervous about this. I haven't been on an R&R, well, ever! Not since I was a child, I suppose. My hubby will be taking care of everything- traveling to AK with the family in tow. It will be quite and adventure!! Well, of course, I'm not really going to be alone. I will be taking one child with me! Baby Pinky wil be 30 weeks along when we leave.

The house is still for sale. The buyers are anxious. The bank is ridiculously slooooooooow. We just had another BPO for the second lien holder, and are waiting for the two banks to negotiate terms, and hopefully approve the sale. Hopefully, without another promissory note! Hopefully, they will not be little greedy piggies. The buyers call our realtor daily. I am being a squeaky wheel too. It is frustrating, but as long as our buyers hang in there, I guess we are ok.

One of these days, our move will need to be set up. One day very soon. The military moves us. If you are sitting there thinking- "Wow! That's great! I wish the military would move me!" Well, think about it. They should move us. They are the ones who require us to move all over the world. They say, "you are going to live here" and you can't whine and say that you don't want to. So, yes, they should move all our stuff and pay for it too. You can actually whine, but it won't really change anything. Unless you want your active duty spouse to be a geo bachelor. I don't think many families want that.

Military moves are interesting. First, the date is set for the packers to arrive. Then, you have to set aside the stuff you don't want moved. You have to do less obvious things too. Like, they will pack up the trash if you leave it in the bathroom trash can. They will also break stuff that they are having trouble moving. Seriously! We had a computer desk, it was one of those long desks from office depot, and we put it together ourselves. The movers basically broke the legs off it, instead of unscrewing them. You can of course file a claim, and be somewhat reimbursed for the broken items, but of course you must remember to do this in a timely fashion. I am guilty of never remembering to file in time. Then, there is the lost stuff. Some items just don't make it there. I have been told it is worse if your goods have to go into storage. (Our goods will go into storage this time). And, then the lost stuff, that's really "there" but packed in a weird place. Like the part of the baby's crib that ended up in the garage. My poor son, at 13 months- we tried to put him in the toddler bed, till we found the part of the crib. He kept ending up on the floor.

Ok, so the packers arrive, and you watch them box up your stuff. I badger them to "please put the bottom mirror from my curio cabinet in bubble wrap, don't leave it in the bottom to get broken!" and the kids have to go somewhere, or they get underfoot. They usually leave the beds in tact, and a box open for sheets and pillows, that you can add in the morning. In the morning, the movers take everything away. Except weird items, like open bottles of shampoo or things in a closet that you forgot to point out to them.

In our family, we end up sleeping in an empty house for a while, till we actually move. Very pregnant, sleeping on a saggy air mattress, is lots of fun (sarcasm!). I have done this before. And, you sort of camp out in your own house. If the house sells, maybe we won't have to do this. If we don't have a mortgage payment, we will go to a hotel. But, if not, we will have the camper too, so maybe we can use that. Big pregnant woman in a camper vs. big pregnant woman on an air mattress. Hmmm? I don't know which one to choose.

Ok, that is enough rambling for today. Have a happy weekend!

Reading and Writing

2011-03-04T15:48:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah, remember when this was a blog about home schooling?

We are plowing through the lessons. It is getting challenging for my daughter. She is on lesson 63 of 175 lessons of McRuffy Reading and Phonics 1st grade. We began in mid-October, so that's not too bad, but we can't move any faster. It is a thorough program. Today she was learning contractions vs. possession with apostrophes. The spelling list just jumped from 10 words to 15! Yikes! And, the list is harder than before. She does not remember how to spell. I mean, she can retain the words (some of them) for the week, but then most are simply gone. But, she can read more and more. So, I know she is retaining the words in the lessons. She can now read nearly all Step 1 reading books, that I can find. We will be moving on to Step 2 books this fall, probably. Her reading comprehension is very very good. When I read aloud to her, she can answer questions, and asks good questions about the story too. We read good literature. This week is: Understood Betsy. We have read Little Pear, Henry Huggins, A Year with Miss Agnes, and Mr. Poppers Penguins. She loves it when I read chapter books.

Writing is so challenging. She has nice handwriting. She prints fairly neatly- not awesome, but good for her age. Her copy work is good. She can't wait to begin cursive, which is next year. But, to do independent writing/creative writing - she cannot spell. She has so much to say, and so many big words. She doesn't do inventive spelling. She wants it right the first time. She struggles to write a single sentence. And, we practice constantly. We have tried using the computer. That is a little bit better. She is using a picture dictionary for some words, but it is tedious. If she dictates to me, she can create wonderful stories. Is this a learning disability or will it just take time? Maybe my expectations are too high.

She loves to write cards and notes. She loves to use Skype and type silly stuff to her Daddy. I feel like I need to nurture this more- but, I am struggling as to how.

On a more positive note, Math is going great. She is going to finish just after summer- maybe we will have a couple weeks left. But, she gets it. She works hard. She is a perfectionist, but that is for another blog. She is very interested in Science, History, Geography and Health. She is a hard worker.

I just want to be the best teacher for my children that I can be. There is no time to take a teaching course anymore : ) And, I had my fill of those back when they paid me to teach other peoples children, a life time ago.

Long long day

2011-03-01T16:09:00.001-08:00

The bank has asked for a promissory note, in order to proceed with the short sale. It is infuriating. But, our house will sell this winter, and hopefully very very soon. I did not sleep last night. But, it will all work out. Soon, we will no longer be homeowners, and free from Northern Michigan.

I have found a place for us to stay - an extended stay lodging, that is affordable and allows pets. Its roomy enough to do homeschooling and it has a full kitchen, so we won't have to eat out. It looks nice, and is an answer to pray.

So, as soon as we close on the house, or we are very close to doing so, we will arrange for the military to pack us up, and store our belongings. Then, we can move to the hotel, sell my husband's car, and find a new online bank. I will no longer do business with this company.

Then, in May, we will be off to AK!

My daughter is having a very difficult time with all these upcoming changes. She is full of anxiety. I get it, cause me too. But, I am happy about AK. My kids don't remember living anywhere else. (I do, and although I have some good friends here, this is not my "home")

Where is my home, you may wonder? No where. I have lived in New York, New Jersey, Wyoming, Virginia, Florida and Michigan. None of these places feels like home. I guess that's why the military suits me. Somewhere, I have a plaque that says, "Home is where the Coast Guard sends you"

The baby is at 19 weeks, and moving all the time. My ultrasound is next week, and then we will know if we are having a baby girl or a baby boy.

Another showing

2011-02-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, we have another showing. After church today, I cleaned the house and got it into nice shape again. It was exhausting, but it looks nice again. My friend and her husband fixed my snow blower, and installed some florescent lights bulbs for me. The sprayer on the kitchen sink has fallen apart. The bathroom fan sounds like it is dying. And, because of not having the snow blower for a few days, plus the temperature rising to 40 degrees today, my driveway is a sheet of ice. But, this will have to do for tomorrow.

The baby is moving around like crazy. I love that feeling. It is hard to sleep at night. The baby likes to move around a lot in the evenings.

I haven't been nauseous for the last few days. I hope this lasts. It has been replaced by yeast. I won't go into detail. Any ladies out there reading this, will understand. I would rather itch than be nauseous. Gotta call the doctor about this tomorrow.

My husband is away till mid-march. The kids are doing ok, with his absence, but my daughter's anxiety is on the rise. For and 8 year old, all these showings, knowing that we will move this Spring or sooner if the house sells, the new sibling on the way, the idea of leaving friends, and making new friends . . . . it a lot. And holidays. She cannot wait for Valentine's day. She and her brother have some goodies from Grandma. She is so excited. And, cookies for Valentine's day at swim lessons. And, Valentine's cards. And, Daddy gone.

Valentine's day is a bit of a quiet day for me. I think that I will buy myself some flowers tomorrow. Enjoy the kids happiness. And, try to relax. Relax of course, after this showing is over. (The other potential buyers are still trying to buy this house, they are still waiting on the bank). Somebody, anybody, needs to buy this house! I am tired of cleaning it for people that I never meet.

Ultrasound, Hello Baby : )

2011-02-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

Today, was ultrasound day! I am 15 weeks and 1 day along in pregnancy. He or she is extremely active. The ultrasound technician was very busy getting measurements as we watched baby kick, turn and flip around. So, much so that the tech kept mentioning it. I asked if this was common, and was told, "No, not really, ours is very very active, but an active baby is a healthy baby." We all truly enjoyed all the show.

I am big- big because near baby were two huge uterine fibroids. They were around when I was pregnant with my son, but I forgot about them. They are in there, they are big and growing along with my baby. I have been told that this is not harmful, usually.

My morning sickness might be easing up a little bit. Things don't smell quite as gross. I didn't feel so nauseous yesterday or today. I hope this is it.

14 Weeks

2011-01-24T07:42:00.001-08:00

I am currently about 14 weeks pregnant. The nauseous persists. It is possibly getting worse and intensifying. I throw up every few nights, and the nausea seems to start earlier. I am very very tired of this. Poor hubby has a cold. First it was in his ears, and now his throat. He is miserable too. Yesterday, we did very little. He bought food and I made dinner. I sat in a chair and read a book, nearly all day. And, I fell asleep, on and off. He played with the kids, and read a book on the kindle.

We didn't venture out to church, because it was 25 below zero, yesterday morning. That is really really really cold! It didn't seem wise to venture out in that kind of weather. So, we did our own church service, and I even got the guitar out.

Our good news, is last week we showed the house (twice) and a couple made an offer. It is low, but, we have listed it very low, at the bank's suggestion as we try to do a short sale. Now, it is up to the bank to decide. Today, is the day these folks want an answer. Hmmmm, it is doubtful that the bank will provide one yet. I have heard that people lose offers while waiting on the bank. All our paperwork is in order, but that might not be enough of a push. So, I hope these potential buyers are willing to hang out and wait for a bit. They are paying CASH. That is amazing to me. So, now we are just waiting.

These folks helped themselves to a glass of water. They left my drinking glasses on the counter. I think that is weird. And, kind of rude. But, whatever. Maybe, they just wanted to taste the water? They also want my curtains. I just bought them - like a month ago. I wanted to take them with me. Well, you can have my lovely curtains, if you really want them, people.

I need to jump back into school today. We didn't get anything done on Friday, due to the showing.

Back to baby. I have my next OB appointment on Friday. I think we schedule the March ultrasound. The baby is now the size of a lemon. Grow, baby, grow. And, would someone please tell my body and hormones that this is now the second trimester, and I should get a break from the puking and nausea?? Its time to feel energetic, horny and happy for a few months. Still waiting . . . .

Middle of the day

2011-01-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

I am feeling faintish. Interesting - because earlier today, my daughter told me that she fainted on her bed, then she laid down on the floor to demonstrate. I asked her if she really "fainted" or if she was just playing around. It seemed to be the later. But, now I am feeling faintish. I ate a banana with peanut butter, and tossed in some raisins. And, I'm drinking flavored sparkling water, in case I'm dehydrated. I won't faint, its just an icky feeling.

Last night, the morning sickness got the best of me, for the first time - this pregnancy. DH held my hair for me. I barely made it to the bathroom. It seemed to arrive out of nowhere. Yuck. Enough about that. My daughter was upset, and DH had to explain it to her. She was reading quietly in her room. My son asked me about it this morning, I hadn't realized that he was awake. He wanted to know if I had a really bad cough last night. The worst part of puking, isn't just the puke. Its that I can't hold my bladder. So yes, I pee myself. Isn't that lovely? I was not surprised last night, I learned this about my body when I was pregnant the first time. All these muscles loosen up, and so does the "pee muscle". It doesn't matter if kegels keep me from peeing when I sneeze. Who has the ability to do kegels while vomiting? Not I. Now I have to wash my Motherhood Pink Pooh bear pajamas. (Yes, I actually bought pink Pooh bear pajamas, the kids say I look cute).

Little baby, I have heard that you thrive during this Morning Sickness, constipation, gas and indigestion. It would be nice to know that somebody is benefiting from this. I am so tired of feeling sluggish and sick. My little baby is now the size of a lime. I bought a lime to show the kids. They thought that was neat.

We are learning about the Ancient Greeks in History. My daughter loves the Greek Myths. I had forgotten so much! We are using a children's version from Usborne, and it is awesome! She is very interested in cursive. I wrote the cursive alphabet for her. Now when she prints the lowercase a, she writes it in cursive. I had forgotten capital Q, I had to look it up. I always hated the way cursive Q looks, like the number 2. Its just not right, so I never use it that way. But, we won't learn cursive till the Fall. I hope that creative writing picks up speed before then. Her printing is really good. But, she will not (doesn't understand even) inventive spelling, so creative writing is so slow. I need to buy her a children's picture dictionary. Maybe she could find some of the words she wants to spell? The thing is, her reading is really improving, so why is writing so hard?

I did some more lessons, and now I'm back. Ugh, I can't stand how much I eat. I get tummy growls and this empty pit feeling. And, then I must eat Triscuit Fire Roasted Tomato and Olive Oil crackers with Port wine cheese spread. Or some other weird combo, and then the nausea and growling usually passes.

My son is finally writing with a pencil! We have been using these stupid flip crayons all year. They are short and have a color on each end. They are stupid, because they easily break in half, and become useless. He doesn't have much choice but to hold them correctly, unless he holds them in a closed fist. But, now we are using nearly half size pencils, that have been sharpened a lot. It is working. He can write his numbers on his math worksheets. You can read the answers too! He loves Saxon Math 1, and I am glad that I moved him along. He was definitely ready for first grade math.

Now, A Child's Garden of Bible stories and McRuffy Phonics and Reading, then we are done, and I will take a nap. Phew!

Getting back to work

2011-01-05T06:56:00.001-08:00

We are back to school, today is day 3. It is going well, and the break must have done a lot of good for all of us- we took two weeks off. I am still nauseous, but since we have the whole day, I am pushing through it.

My husband has been working really long hours. Last night, he got home after 10 PM, and went back today at 5:30 AM. Poor guy. He is trying to get stuff accomplished so that we are ready to move in the Spring. He didn't sleep well, and I slept terribly. My belly just couldn't get comfy. And, I need maternity pajamas very badly. I haven't found any that I like yet. It seems like if I have one great night sleep, the next night will be terrible.

I have to get to the store this afternoon. We need groceries. I put this job off till the end. I don't like shopping for food, and it seems even harder to make a list of hubby. But, for lunch - quesadillas again. And, for dinner, a turkey ham with veggies and baked potatoes. I don't like this turkey ham, but its what was in the freezer, and it will feed us. We are completely out of milk. And, soon the crackers that I practically live on will be gone. But, I have clementines! Hooray for clementines!!

My son is going to start first grade math at the end of the week. We have two lessons left of Kindergarten Math. He is so very proud (me too). One of the lessons involves comparing leaves of different sizes. That isn't going to happen, because there are no leaves on the trees right now. So, maybe today will be the end of Kindergarten Math. How exciting! He loves the new math books and he loves math.

My daughter is enjoying a book, "The Year with Miss Agnes" it about a small school in Alaska. Its great for geography, since we know very little about Alaska, and soon will live there. Her reading is improving each day, and she is gaining confidence. There are 175 reading lessons in her program -and this is killing me! How will we get them all done? We are on lesson 35. But, my daughter is moving as quickly as she can, so I guess slow and steady is better than pushing through it quickly.

And, I am debating using the snow blower. The driveway needs it. I don't want to tackle it. And, some mysterious package should arrive today. I got a note in our box on Friday, when we weren't home, and had to schedule redelivery. Somebody sent us something! (I am feeling guilty about the driveway, and thinking that I should be nice to the mail carrier.)

The baby is now the size of a fig. I am 11 weeks pregnant. According to Baby Center, "The baby is now considered a fetus, no longer an embryo, and it is looking more human-like." That is so dumb, because MY BABY has always been A BABY and it has always been human. The scientific community is so dumb sometimes. I don't know what a real fig looks like. I know what dried figs look like, but I'm guessing that dried figs are smaller, since they are all dehydrated and all.

That is all for now!

Foggy New Year

2010-12-31T13:08:00.000-08:00

Its foggy here, and the snow is melting away. I can see the grass in a lot of places (and piles of dog stuff). This is very strange Northern Michigan weather. It is suppose to freeze up again, but really, this is weird weather. My poor daughter was convinced that winter is over. But, I assured her, that no, it was not really over yet.

Baby is 10 weeks and 4 days old. My due date is July 25th. And, today, we heard the little ones heart beat! What a glorious sound! God really blesses families - with the ability to hear inside the womb. We all heard it, kids, daddy and I. What a lovely sound of life! No ultrasound yet, I must wait till about 20 weeks. This is because of my insurance. They won't pay for an ultrasound at any time, unless it is for a medical reason. The doctor assured me that it won't be a problem at 20 weeks.

The kids were intrigued. They put the jelly on my belly, and they wondered what in the world the doc was doing! Part way through, my daughter went to touch it. I started to laugh and could not stop. I kept picturing her finger painting my belly. The doctor laughed too, but must have been wondering what pregnancy hormones had gotten a hold of me!

I am measuring big, but this could just mean weak abs, or it could mean the baby is further along than we think. It is possible. But, I doubt it. (I don't think it is twins, the doppler had enough trouble finding one heart beat). The ultrasound will show what we need to know, so I just have to wait. My hubby was a little bit nervous about a June baby- with our moving plans and all.

Its not advisable that I travel after 30 weeks. Because, I have a history of gestational hypertension. That means after the half-way point, my blood pressure starts to go up. The risk is higher since I am over 35. And, this baby will likely arrive via c-section, because they cannot induce labor when you have high blood pressure, and there is risk involved with a VBAC, and I won't take that risk. I am a pro at c-sections anyways. I have never felt that I was missing out on the birthing process. And, no tears down there for me. No thank you!

I am not nauseous, as bad, right now. That's not a very good sentence. I mean, I don't feel wonderful, but, I am not suffering right now- the prime time for my nausea. I would love to ring in the new year with a settled stomach! I have swiss chicken in the oven, and it smells heavenly. Swiss Chicken is: boneless chicken, swiss cheese, mix sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, and cover with stuffing mix. Yummy! Food doesn't taste or smell good at 4:30 PM any night in the last month or more. So, that's a good sign - right?!

We got a nice advertisement magazine with the stages of pregnancy - great pictures of the baby in the womb, and it is much nicer than what I've been able to show my kids on line. The last online description was: Your baby is now the size of a Kumquat. What kid knows what a kumquat looks like, let alone its size?? Hubby says he ate a kumquat once, in Florida.

Ok, I don't know why the kumquats in this picture are wet.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-12-28T15:31:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! This year was quiet at my house. It was just the four of us- no extended family or friends. But, we had a very nice day. All season long, we have celebrated Advent (The Coming of Christ) with devotional readings and lighting candles on our advent wreath. I love doing that with the kids. I love it for hubby and I too- because it is easy to forget the reason that we celebrate Christmas- the birth of our Savior so many years ago. And, I am so thankful for God's gift to us.

We did not go to church on Christmas eve, I wasn't feeling up to it. But, there is always next year! And, Christmas morning was fun- the kids enjoyed all their presents. We played a game of Sorry and built with Legos. My daughter is enjoying her Sponge Bob sno-cone machine. My hubby got a new bicycle saddle. I got pretty mittens and a wonderful bread machine. I will enjoy it when I am no longer nauseous. Even the dog got a couple toys, although he destroyed the first on in 5 minutes!

I tried to write Christmas cards. At least, a Christmas letter. Then, a New Years letter. I don't think its going to happen. Maybe, I'll send a change of address letter this Spring? It makes me feel a little bit guilty, when I receive such nice Christmas cards sent with love.

Friday, New Years Eve, the baby and I will have our first check-up. We will meet our first OB (first, because I will likely deliver in Alaska). I hope she does an ultrasound, or at least that we can hear the heartbeat. I had initial ultrasounds with my other two kids- but, you never know what a new doctor is going to do. I am bringing the family in case there is something to see or hear. The baby is the size of a kumquat. I don't know what a kumquat is- but, its a fruit, I think, and bigger than a grape.

I now have maternity underwear and bigger bras, maternity pants and a couple tops. I am busting out of my clothes. I have acne on my face. I can now brush my teeth, thanks to cinnamon flavored toothpaste (I know, weird), because mint flavored makes me gag. I need maternity pajamas. cause I have to tuck the current ones under my belly. I'm at 10 weeks people!! Only 10 weeks! My husband claims that I am not as big as before. He thinks that I'm more beautiful than ever. Perhaps, I am. Its hard to feel lovely when you are gassy, bloated, you've got acne patches and even some gray hair. But, I'll still accept the compliment.

A bit of snow

2010-12-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

We got some more snow. I don't know if it was another foot? But it has been blowing around a lot. 193 school districts in the area were closed. Not our school, of course, but the air station was closed, so daddy was home and he helped us with school today. Fractional parts of a whole for our daughter, and Countries Around the World with our son, he was learning about England. It was so nice to have his help, we were done by 2 PM, and that hasn't occurred in a very long time.

I am still so nauseous all the time. I am eating lots of Clementines. They take the edge off, but they aren't really working as well. I wore maternity pants for the first time today. They do not fit right, they are too low, because I am not "showing" yet. I just can't handle the pressure of tight pants on my abdomen. I wore out by 9 PM, last night. I can't believe the amount of rest that my body requires.

My kids are making gingerbread cookies today. I barely made it through the dough, with my daughter. Butter, molasses, lemon and sugar smell miserable. I remember that these cookies taste wonderful, but I would have thrown the batter away, if I didn't know better. It is all mixed, and chilling in the fridge.

My husband snow plowed the drive, knocked down the icicles (the dog is playing with one), bought ingredients to make dinner, put gas in my car, washed it, and is holding down the fort today. He reminded me how wonderful things get when the nausea ends. I truly blocked out most of this experience with my other two kiddos. I don't remember being so run down, but he remembers and I guess I was. I do remember vomiting in the hallway - not making it in time, and my loving husband sliding through it in his socks in an effort to help me. That's real love, isn't it. I am glad that I'm not re-living that moment!

Brussel sprouts and dijon mustard?

2010-12-10T08:01:00.001-08:00

Ok, I had dreamed last night that I was at a potluck, with people from my dad's church (in NJ over 11 years ago) and I was filling my plate with ziti, chicken alfredo, green bean casserole, stuffed shells etc. But, I woke before I got to taste it. I felt ill most of the night, I was so thirsty, and the bed was just not comfortable. I also got way overheated.

But, buy 9 AM, I am craving brussel spouts. I finally bought some last night, the kind that you steam in the bag. I swear, I ate almost the entire bag with butter and salt. I did give my daughter a few. And, then whole wheat pita, with ham, dijon mustard, tomatoes, basil, and cheddar cheese. These foods actually settled my preggo belly!

And, I'm trying to drink seltzer water. I just can't drink very much without feeling sick. So, I'm on to the next experiment. Peppermint tea is out, ginger tea is out, plain decaf tea is out, water is out, water with lemon is out. So, I'm down to cranberry juice, seltzer and V-8.

We are going into town tomorrow, to a Christmas party for the kids at the air station. They are so excited about it. I can't blame them, they have been stuck in this house with me all week. They played outside in the snow with Daddy last night, so at least there was that. I just don't have much pep.

Its Kodiak!

2010-12-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

We are moving to Kodiak. We got the word today! I am very excited about it! It will just be a two year tour. We don't have official orders cut, yet, so I don't know exactly when. But, at least now, I know where!

I am feeling so nauseous today. I pushed through school, and managed to finish dinner around 3 PM, because when I get hungry, I must eat or puke. So, now dinner is ready.

We learned yesterday, that baby "pinky" (the kids named the baby) is the size of a blueberry. That's about 1/2 inch. How can someone so small - be such a huge impact on every minute of my day?? I am told that morning sickness is a good sign.

I don't have energy to write anymore. But, that's the news!

Burned out Bread Machine

2010-12-05T16:30:00.000-08:00

My bread machine bit the dust. It died today. I think the motor burnt out. How disappointing! I bought it used for $20-$30, so we've definitely gotten our money's worth, but the whole family loves homemade bread. My mother-in-law is considering getting us a new one for Christmas, so now I need to do some research.

I have been craving oranges. This is a good thing, I guess. Except, it meant sending my loving husband out into the snow to get more. He is riding out there with his studded tires on his bicycle. He is loving it. Yes, he loves to winter cycle. We needed other groceries too. It is so wonderful to have his help.

All food smells gross. Pretty much all day long. I managed to heat up a turkey ham, steam broccoli and bake potatoes for dinner. We had sour cream, and that was good. I had to eat it, the ham, broccoli and potato, or I was going to be ill, but yuck. Nothing tastes or smells good. Then, I needed an orange. We had a couple left, and they weren't the greatest, but they made all the difference.

I am going to try seltzer water next. It just sounds good. Maybe with a squeeze of orange in it? And, I put ingredients for a vanilla fruit smoothie on the list. I need to drink more.

Hubby is home- lots of snow out there!

When will I need maternity stuff, baby stuff?

2010-12-03T16:33:00.000-08:00

I got rid of everything. I mean, really- everything. We have no baby or toddler stuff anymore. When my two kids were little, especially my first, I wanted everything to be brand new. I didn't have a lot of new maternity clothes, I did borrow those and manage to stain nearly everything by spilling stuff on my shirts (poor sister-in-law who lent them to me). But, you know with your first child, you get this amazing baby shower. I even had one with my second.

Now, this will be the frugal baby. I probably won't buy cloth diapers, because they aren't cost effective for one child (but, I'm still thinking about it). I used cloth diapers with my daughter, but they were hard to manage, cause I lived with my mother, and I didn't know what the heck I was doing. They leaked a lot, through the leak-proof velcro diaper covers. But, I will use the consignment shops for when ever possible. I think with the first two, I used the consignment and thrift stores like they were cute little shops to buy "this and that" - stuff that I really didn't need. But, I don't do that anymore. Most of my own clothes are second hand. My kids clothes are second hand, and I feel like I've been robbed when I shop at department stores. Of course, Grandma helps a lot with the kids clothes. She is an expert on buying things on discount. I do buy some things new- like underwear, socks, and most shoes. My winter coat (its hard to find winter coats that aren't out of the 80's or worn out here, unless they are new).

I don't know what size maternity clothes to try on. I should do this while my hubby is available, because taking the kids shopping is awful. I am a size 16, sort of. I am not a size 18, and I am not always able to fit into a 16. So, I think this means XL. In shirts, I wear either a Large or XL. Some XL are huge on me.

Baby stuff, I just don't know when I want to start looking for the gear. We really are trying to stick to a budget. My girlfriend has offered to loan me some stuff. My sister-in-law offered her crib, but if we move to Alaska, I don't think that is a good idea. She isn't 100% certain that she is done having kids, and shipping would be a bear. Plus, I ruined most of her maternity clothes the last time . . . .

I am finding a trend. Every day, around 3 PM, things start to smell gross. This lasts till bedtime. Tonight, my hubby cooked turkey bacon for dinner, and pancakes. I did not eat any of this, but ewww. It smelled awful. Then, the gas. My abdomen blows up like a balloon. I have to say, I stop smelling the bacon. And, I know that I smell tons worse! But, the bloating and gas lasts all evening. This has been going on all week. I have tried to add more calcium to my diet. And, I have thrown beans and legumes into recipes - as these things are good for you when you are pregnant. I'm not eating more, in fact, I'm eating even healthier than usual - seriously, I ate anchovies with a salad and an orange for lunch. Maybe the bloating is the trade off for not puking this time?

Oh, this is a lovely post! Sorry! I'm going to surf the internet for cloth diapers now.

Fixing stuff

2010-12-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

Today, Cadillac Garage Door and K&K Heating arrived at the same time. So, now my garage door works right and we have heat again! All accomplished this morning before lunch! Actually, the heater needs a part, but it is repaired for now.

While this was all happening, I managed to read together with both kids, erupt a volcano (we recreated Olympus Mons- giant volcano on Mars) and finish I science lesson about Asteroids and Meteorites. I love these science lessons, because I learn stuff that I didn't know either! Oh, and we are learning about how the birth of Christ is celebrated in countries around the world. Tomorrow we will paint shells and make ornaments to hang on our tree, like they do in the Caribbean.

I had to pull out the snow blower for the first time this season. I managed to clear the driveway, mailboxes, and porch, because we had a few inches of snow last night.

Now, I have fed everyone, eaten lunch, and I am very sleepy. I didn't sleep well, because it was 2:30 AM when I realized that the fan on the heater wasn't shutting off and the temperature was starting to drop. It never really got cold. It is good to have a hubby to snuggle with : )

I need to wake up- and get moving now. There is more school to teach, bread to bake, the kids are begging to play in the snow, and perhaps a nap before dinner and dance lessons (for my daughter) tonight. Oh, and measure my daughter for a dance costume that she may never get to use. The deposit is due now, but of course we still don't know when or where we are moving. Well, she will have pretty play clothes, at least? Nausea seems to set in about 3-4 PM, so I have to make sure I clear time to just lay around like a lump around then.

The beginning of Advent

2010-11-28T17:59:00.000-08:00

This morning, I took the kids to church. I am so glad that we went! The sermon was really good. And, I love the start of Advent. My daughter ran around and told everybody that there was a baby in my tummy. She was even singing songs about it. It was so sweet! Of course, everyone is very excited and happy for us. It makes me a little bit sad that our baby will be born somewhere else. But, then again, its all the more reason to say in touch with all these wonderful folks.

After we got home, Hubby made my most favorite sandwich. I don't know what it its called, but this is how you make it: Two slices of bread, spread on cream cheese, add lettuce, turkey and cranberry sauce. Yummy! I like this sandwich once a year. So, I have him make it after every Thanksgiving.

Then, we put up the Christmas lights outside. I held the ladder, I didn't climb up it. The kids ran around and played. The inside of the house is decorated too and looks so pretty! The kids and Grandma decorated the tree yesterday. And, I decorate the living room with various Nativity scenes. Since, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season!" after all!

Then, I went food shopping. Our bills are much smaller this month, I love it! I am baking, freezing, cooking, and so I guess you could say this is my new hobby. I got a wreath for the front door (50% off at Rite Aid) and got some cinnamon pinecones for a bowl on the table.

I am still so very very tired. I take a nap just about every day. That's what I did when I got home from the store. Hubby is very supportive of this, although, he was home a lot this week, and my mother was visiting, and the kids and I took a break from school. Tomorrow, I will gauge our school around my exhaustion. I will lay down in the late afternoon when the afternoon kids shows are on PBS.

I sort of have morning sickness, but it isn't bad at all (or yet). I had to eat after my nap today- I was ravenous. It was almost dinnertime, so this was ok. But, I over filled my plate, and actually couldn't finish it all. Which is good! And, then I just felt kinda icky for awhile, but not sick. I am eating the same as usual, but I am so curious about my weight. I guess it must be nearly the same, cause all my clothes still fit. But, those refried beans are making me very bloated (and causing other problems). We had tacos of dinner.

After dinner, I made a wonderful turkey cream soup. Its almost done cooking. And, it tastes great! I am just waiting for the rice to finish cooking. There is sooooo much! The recipe says it makes 16 servings! And, I used turkey stock that I made a couple days ago, and froze. I am sure that I will freeze some of this soup too.

So, its almost the end of a very nice day. I hope yours was just a wonderful!

A Baby?!!

2010-11-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

Well, It didn't take long really. John and I decided towards the end of August to try for another child, and I am pregnant! Tina, if you are reading this, that is why I called you yesterday : )

Towards the end of July, our baby is due. My son will be 6, my daughter will be 8 (almost 9) and me- still in my 30's! For a few months anyways : ) I will have three children before I turn 40 years old. Wow!

I don't feel pregnant yet. I feel like I have a cold. My husband has the same one, he caught it from me, so the baby isn't making me stuffy. But, you know, you can't take much for a cold in the first trimester. So, the neti pot and tea are my new best friends. But, its ok. I am coughing all night, in that vague state of asleep and awake - last night it was thinking of baby names. It turned into names that start with K, just like my last name. Weird names, like "Kangaroo Kirk" or "Knowledge Kirk" or "Kipper Kirk". Umm, no I won't be using any of those names. LOL! The night I found out, I dreamed about shopping for diapers in different sizes.

I haven't made a big deal about it, but I've lost over 45 lbs. this last year. So, I am actually no longer Obese. I am just fat. Like XL (some size large) fat. I love this size. Maybe I won't have to buy plus size maternity clothes? I am taking care of myself better than I have in my whole life. I don't eat sugar, sweets or junk food. I don't drink pop or and I switched to decaf coffee. I gave up artificial sweeteners and I feel wonderful! I am not this highly motivated great person- Its not that at all. I joined Overeaters Anonymous last November, and follow a 12 step program (like Alcoholics Anonymous) and ask God for the help I need not to binge eat. One day at a time, I have not binge eaten in an entire year as of this Wednesday. That is a miracle!

I am not worried about gaining weight with this baby. Cause I don't diet. I'll gain what I need to in order to have a healthy pregnancy.

The kids are so cute about the new baby. My son rubs my belly and decided that I cannot lift him anymore, because he doesn't want to hurt the baby. My daughter said this: "So mom, how exactly did the baby get into your womb? (Me, "Daddy and I prayed and asked God for a baby, and he answered our prayer") "Yeah, I know that. But, HOW did it get inside you? I understand about the egg and sperm. How did Daddy's sperm get in there?!" Yikes! I am not ready to go down that road yet. Cause, if I tell her, she will tell her brother. And, probably everyone else that she knows. But, by the end of these 9 months, I am certain that we will have "The Talk". LOL!

I do not feel any morning sickness yet. With my other two, I got lots and lots of morning sickness. It went to week 24. It occurred all day long. I'm still sitting here smiling about it. Maybe, I won't get sick this time? I'll keep you posted!

Goodbye Little Bear

2010-11-19T15:40:00.000-08:00

My mother's dog got sick, and had to be put down today. Little Bear was a very good dog. He was my mother's dog, of 13 years, but once he was mine. I haven't seen him in years- since we lived in Northern Virginia, and I drove home to New Jersey to visit my mother and dog. My daughter was about 2 years old then. So, that means it had been 6 years. I missed half his life. But, I loved him.

My friend's family called the house to tell us that there was a sign posted in a local restaurant, "Golden Retriever Purebreed Puppies for Sale". I drove with my dad to see them, and I feel in love. It was a lot of money, but I bought him. He pranced around the house with huge paws. And, I named him "Little Bear" because he reminded me of a little brown bear. He wasn't easy to train, but I took him to puppy school. My dad was the one who housebroke him. He was a bundle of energy, as most retrievers are. He slept on my bed with me. He was naughty and ate toilet paper off the roll. I suppose that I attach a lot of my memories of Bear with the last years of my dad's life here on earth. My favorite photo album is of Bear, because there are so many pictures of him with my father.

I met my husband to be- the year my dad died, and the following summer, I moved to Wyoming to be with him. I couldn't leave my mother alone. It was heartbreaking, but I gave her my dog. And, she needed him. She took him on walks nearly every day of his life, after that. She would put me on the phone every once in a while, so the dog could hear my voice.

We got married in New Jersey, and I have a wedding picture with my dog.

My husband and I moved back to New Jersey and lived with my mom, after only a year. We brought my husband's bird, BoBo with us and he liked Bear a lot. He even sat on Bears back. And, Bear was gentle, and wouldn't think of harming Bobo. We had my daughter while living at my mom's and Bear use to love to clean up under the high chair. He was good with my daughter. He ate her baby socks and left colorful poops in the yard, which was really gross, but also funny!

We moved away again, and just close enough for a visit or two. I haven't been home since then, in over 6 years.

But, he was nearly 13. And, he wasn't really my dog anymore. He was my mother's companion and friend. But, he was one of the best dogs that I had the pleasure to know and love.

My big girl is 8

2010-11-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

The party was very nice, and my daughter is now 8 years old. She had a lovely party. Seven friends arrived bearing gifts, and we set to work making a hamster craft. Then, my daughter opened her presents: pajamas and a dress from Grandma, a couple Fancy Nancy books, and Zhu Zhu pet accessories. She also received many many Zhu Zhu gifts, and now, between she and her brother, they have 15 of these motorized toys. Yikes! She got a few non-Zhu items, such as candy, a checkers game, and jacks.

After the presents, they ate Zhu Zhu cupcakes. It took a long time to make them. They were kinda ugly, but, they do look a bit like the toys. Cupcake, ice cream, Cheetos, and Hawaiian punch. Yum (I didn't taste any of it). Everyone played with the toys till the moms and dads arrived. They took their goodie bags home, and there were lots of smiles. My daughter had good manners, and her brother didn't throw any crying tantrums.

She went shopping with her allowance and birthday money, and bought more accessories. A pizza parlor. All this stuff is noisy, a bit annoying, and my kids love it to pieces.

I am baking bread again, making oatmeal muffins (the first batch fell) and I cooked up taco meat for tomorrows dinner, plus enough to freeze for next week.

I haven't blogged, because lately, I've just been exhausted. Maybe its PMS. But, I don't feel cranky today, but just as if all my energy has been sucked out of me. I'm just so tired!

Cassoulet? Hmm

2010-11-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am making a Cassoulet. I found the recipe online, on Hillbillyhousewife.com. I like this site, and have tried a variety of recipes from it. This one has lots and lots of beans in it. But, it was cheap to make. Tomorrow, I will find out if it was worth the effort.

Today, the dog knocked half a loaf of raisin bread on the floor. I caught him before he devoured it, but it was on the floor, with doggie germs, so it had to be thrown away. And, the kids will not eat the pumpkin muffins or peanut butter muffins that I made. I can't eat the pumpkin muffins either (too much sugar) But, I can eat the peanut butter ones. And, they are good! Great with coffee, I think. So, the kids ate saltines for a snack. My son likes the raisin bread, which is a miracle, because he doesn't like most foods.

The kids fought like cats and dogs today. My daughter makes faces at and "touches" her brother. Sort of like poking him, but not even a poke. It makes him scream very loudly. She is becoming an expert at teasing. He is an expert at overreacting. And, we did not go to Traverse City today, so schooling was very difficult. It should have been great. I loved the extra day to complete our lessons. But, my daughter was angry and mean all day. She did not like voting with her dad. It was just too boring. She got cold at the park. She hated math today. She hated reading today. I was labelled the "worst mom in the world" a few times. And, attempts to scratch and squeeze my arms were made. Oh, and her Zhu Zhu Pet Moo was "naughty" and was going to bite me numerous times. I realize that she did not get her play date today in Traverse City, but that is life. I have to cut back on our trips to TC to save some money. So, we will go every other week for a while.

My son cried about everything. He did not want to go to swimming lessons because he would have to jump in the pool at the end. He was starving most of the day, "So hungry I'm going to die!" He was also dying of thirst. And he wanted to change his shirt, because his long sleeve shirts get stuck in his coat. He spent a lot of the day running away from his sister and screaming "Stay away from me!"

What a day. Thankfully, my children are sleeping like little angels now, and tomorrow will be a new day.

Ugh.

2010-10-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will turn 39! Yippie! I am not at all unhappy about my birthday. I am nearly 40, as my children keep reminding me. My daughter said goodbye my 38 for me before she went to bed.

We still don't know where we will move. But, Los Angeles has opened up. Its actually on our dream sheet, because we expected it. Its possible that we could live near my brother. And, near my mother, when she moves there. She is planing to move to southern California this summer (maybe). I am not a country girl. But, I am not a city girl either!! That is why the UGH.

It would be wonderful to live near family. That is very true. However, I would make a strange California girl. Really strange, I think. I homeschool, I try to be frugal, and I think quite differently than my brother and sister-in-law. That doesn't make them bad or me good, or visa versa, just different. Think the city mouse and the country mouse. I am somewhere in between, I guess.

We want to sell our car (one of them) and live near the air station. Well, the air station is in LAX. The airport. The huge international airport. So, we can't live really far away from LAX and provide my hubby with a great cycling commute. Ok, he will prove me wrong on this. I know he will. I just keep picturing couches on porches with bars on the windows.

But, hubby wants a safe place for us to live. I have no doubt about that. We will need to find a place that we can own a big dog and bird. A safe place to raise the kids. I have a GPS, at least.

I am torn- I really want to go there, and I really really don't want to go there. I lived in Jersey for 20 years, so why am I anxious about this? I guess, cause I would have never thought about living in Newark. Ok, if you aren't from Jersey, you don't know what I'm referring to. Newark is the smelly congested place where the international airport is. So, I'm making a comparison.

I can drive like a crazy driver, I don't do that anymore, but I haven't forgotten. I can learn to live in a new place. I am glad this is not my decision, but up to God (even if the CG believes its up to them) "Home is Where the Coast Guard Sends You" I have a decorative wall plaque that says that. But, truly, its where God sends us, cause we are keeping it in prayer, for His wisdom and direction. God is bigger than the Coast Guard.

It is so hard to wait and wait and wait. Oh, yeah, wanna buy a house? I've got a nice big house here in Northern Michigan for sale. LOL!

A wonderful evening

2010-10-23T18:37:00.001-07:00

We had a great date night for our anniversary! After dropping the dog off at the kennel, we pick up my husband at work. And, then we headed downtown, so that I could buy a new dress or outfit. I love the Raven's Child in Traverse City. I bought a dress there a few years ago (also for our anniversary). So, my hubby walked around with the kids, while I had fun playing dress-up. It was way to expensive, but hey, it was our 10th anniversary, and I wanted to look great for the best husband in the world!

That's my new dress! Isn't it cute? I wore it with tall boots. This is the only picture that I could find of it.

We brought the kids to a friend's house, and he showed them his Star Wars pinball machine, lego models and nerf guns. They were quickly sold on the idea, and I was too. He even had an oversized bean bag chair that they could jump on.

So, we went to the hotel, got changed for the evening, and had a wonderful dinner at "The Cook's House". Yummy! Then, we ran over to the State Theater, and watched "The Prairie Home Companion" a live broadcast. This radio show is so funny! It is lovely to go on a date with the man you love! And, oh I love mine to pieces!!!

In the morning, we picked up our happy children. They had a blast too. They made cookies, and dunked them in milk. They ran around in the yard with flashlights. My daughter slept in the giant bean bag chair. They shot nerf guns, pretended to be dogs, and played video games.

Everyone was tired on Friday. My husband fell asleep on the couch and the kids watched a Sponge Bob video and laid around. I made a pie for my hubby to take to work today (he had duty). And, I got the food shopping done for the week. I made the tortellini soup.

Today, after swim lessons- we did Saturday school to make up for Friday. It actually went really well! And, now at 10:30 PM I am remembering that I haven't reviewed tomorrow's Sunday School lesson, and I'm the teacher! Opps!

Muffins and Our Anniversary

2010-10-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

We had almost a dozen eggs, that were going to expire today. First, I boiled a half-dozen, and then, I baked. It was lovely! The house smells so good. I made a couple kinds that I can eat, they are fairly low in sugar. I think a 1/4 cup across a dozen isn't too bad. One is whole wheat, and the other is very similar, but with cinnamon and granny smith apples. Then, I made oatmeal muffins that I will not eat, they have a half cup of brown sugar. But, the family can enjoy these things, and I will freeze a lot. I have been trying to bake and cook more, instead of eating out and buying snack food. It is much healthier for the kids to eat a pumpkin muffin or whole wheat muffin than sugar cereal or fruit snacks.

I made swiss chicken and green beans for dinner, and of course muffins, and the next recipe will be spinach and tortellini soup. But, not for tomorrow, because . . . .

Tomorrow, I will have been married to my love for 10 years!!! He is taking me out on the town! He is wonderful. Simply wonderful. He found a sitter, and the kids will stay overnight. They are delighted, the sitter is excited about it, and I get a full night off. I will even drop the dog off at the kennel. The plan is to see a live broadcast of "The Prairie Home Companion" at the State Theater, and he made dinner and hotel reservations. I am so excited!

I tried on my dressy clothes, and guess what? Most of my clothes are too big! My favorite dresses, they are too big! And, I even tried a few on from 8-10 years ago (I kid you not) and they are too big, well and a couple were just really out of date. They looked much better in my memory and on the hanger, than on me. This is because I have lost 45+ pounds in the last year. It is very satisfying to have to shop for pretty clothes, and not plus size pretty clothes.

So, tomorrow, after school, I will drop the dog off at the kennel, meet my husband- who will watch the kids, shop for a new outfit (downtown, I think), bring the kids to the sitter, go to the hotel- to get ready for my hot date!!!

I really would rather be out with my husband than anyone else in the world. He is wonderful, and the love of my life. I love him even more than the day that I married him. Our love has just grown deeper. I really am thankful to God for giving him to me. I couldn't imagine life without him.

Stargazing

2010-10-15T19:12:00.001-07:00

We had a fun evening. We took the kids to the Observatory in Traverse City, and looked through some telescopes to see Jupiter with 4 of its moons, and our Moon. It was really a nice night, and my daughter was impressed. We can actually see more stars at home, in our own backyard, but we don't have a gigantic telescope. My son, told me as I put him to bed, "I didn't get to see all the cool stuff." I thought he was referring to falling asleep on the car ride home, but no, he was expecting to see ALL of the planets. He knew there were 8 (or 9 if you count pluto) and so, he felt gypped. But, we will go back, and maybe next time, we will see some other planets.

One little boy announced, "Well you know, the moon is made of Cheese!" He was going to view the moon through a telescope. It made me think of Wallace and Gromit. Perhaps you're a fan too.

Our school day went well. At one point, my daughter wanted to finish first, so she insisted on completing Reading, Vocabulary, and Social Studies without a break. She was motivated, so we did it. Then, she drew cute pictures of me and wrote stuff like, "Mom is fun" and "I love my mom". This was a nice treat!

Earlier in the day, she told me that she noticed her birthday party was going to be very short. (The invitations read 2-4 PM). She explained that it was simply too short, and that I was ruining her party! LOL! Well, we are inviting 10 kids (plus my two) so I don't think that I am ruining anything. I think 12 kids running around with Zhu Zhu pets for two hours is plenty of time!

My son did great on his vocabulary assessment. Every two weeks I check to see if he has an understanding of the words we have been learning in Wordly Wise 2000. He got every one! During the last two assessments, he barely participated and barely answered me, so I was starting to wonder if I was losing him with this program. But, we had success today, so we will continue!

I am desperately waiting to see a picture of my niece! She was born on Sunday. If you are reading this Mom, let Jim know that I want pictures!!!

Beautiful Sunny Morning!

2010-10-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

It is a bit cool outside, but sunny and beautiful! What a beautiful morning, God made for us! I am so thankful!

My muscles are starting to crave exercise. The morning workout wasn't so great, the heat came on and blew hot air in my face at the first mile mark, and I got winded really fast. I closed the vent, but then I was thirsty, hungry, and fatigued. And, honestly, I didn't like getting up at 6:15 AM at all. But, by yesterday evening (with no morning workout) I wanted to walk! And knee lifts felt really good! My body just needed to stretch and move! So, it will be back to when I put the kids to bed, and more often than every other day, because it makes me feel really good :)

I eliminated McRuffy Phonics and Reading with my son, and we have just been working on Starfall.com this week, while I wait for Explode the Code. He loves it, and it makes him laugh. The school day has been much more pleasant since we made the change.

I looked at Christmas gift ideas for both kids. My daughter wants lots of Zhu Zhu pets and accessories. She also wants this Barbie doggie swim school. Its a pool with diving boards for pet (plastic) dogs. Barbie is their swim teacher, I guess. And, she wants more Littlest Pet Shop Stuffed toys. They have an online world - so at least its more than a weird looking stuffy. And, really, they are strange looking. Here's a picture of one.

My son, wants Kung Zhu pets and accessories. These are little motorized hamsters that wear battle armor and fight. They are very silly looking, but not as girly as Zhu Zhu pets. And, he wants more Geotrax. He doesn't want any of the GeoAir (add ons to fly planes and helicopters), but just the train layouts and trains. Below are pictures of Kung Zhu pets, oh my!

I am in the mood for soup. I am making an Asian Chicken Noodle soup this morning. Its wonderful! I can't wait. But, I will cook it and save it for suppertime. Then, when we finish that, I have a Chili-corn soup with chicken and black beans. And, I will make homemade biscuits. I have never made "real" biscuits. I have used Bisquick, but then they have this "Bisquicky taste" I don't know, its kinda like how all the refrigerator biscuits kinda taste the same. So, I will try this out. I have a recipe for Ham and Lentil Soup with Tomatoes and Arugula, but I could not find Arugula. It looks like spinach, but I would guess they taste different. I have one more store to check, before I give up on that one. Its hard to find Arugula in the middle of nowhere, where we live!

I hope that you have a lovely day!

Its Fall!

2010-10-04T05:32:00.000-07:00

I love this cartoon!!! Happy Fall everyone. Yesterday, we took out the leaf blower and rakes, and the kids jumped in a huge pile of leaves. I had my husband home to help, which is very unusual. He is usually out of town in the Fall. I told him that it was just a sprinkle of leaves. The trees have a ton of lovely leaves on them, it is so pretty!

I did not do school on Saturday. And, I didn't do school on Sunday either. We were just having so much fun! On Friday, the Air Station had a morale event at Pebble Creek Mini-Golf. We played 5 rounds of mini-golf with the kids! It was a blast. And, both kids got to ride the go-carts with Daddy. We had the afternoon, just to ourselves- just Coast Guard families. It was so relaxing and fun. Then, we went to a neighborhood park, and joined friends for a birthday party. It was another homeschooling family. The mom homeschools 8 kids! And, two other homeschooling families joined us, so we had a big crowd. We even brought Scotty, and he got lots of attention from everyone. He doesn't usually come with us, and was a good dog.

On Sunday, we went to church as a family. That is always a treat, because so much of the time, my husband is away or standing duty. Our friend that we bring was sick, so she could not join us, but hopefully she can come back next week. After church, and lunch, we went to Hoxie's Orchard. They have a corn maze, hay barn, wagon ride, pumpkin picking and apple picking. We did it all! Including donuts and cider. I didn't have a donut or cider, but I ate a delicious Honeysweet apple. Yummy! Then, we went into Traverse City and bought a Mac Mini at the Apple Store!! Hooray! We have a new computer :) My father-in-law gave us a computer monitor, so we just needed a keyboard and Mac Mini. It works great, and I will have so many more options for homeschool.

This morning, I am sitting here drinking my coffee (decaf) and thinking about changing my workout to the morning. Currently, I exercise about every other evening, doing between 1-3 miles of walking using a Leslie Sansone DVD. Actually, I have a collection of DVDs, so I alternate. But, my daughter wanted to walk with me this morning, and so we walked at 9 AM. I did the one mile, and she lost interest, but my whole body feels great! I seriously feel awesome! So, I am thinking, what if I could feel like this EVERY morning? I am going to set my alarm for 6:15 AM tomorrow. I will walk for 2 miles, shower and start the day. I have to finish before Arthur at 7 AM, because its my daughter's favorite show. But, this could be a very good thing! My days generally begin very sluggish. I have wanted to change that forever! So, I'll keep you posted!

I am going to check out Explode the Code online for Gideon today. It is a 12 month subscription, and costs around $70 for the year. It looks like a fun program, and I think it will solve the writing issues. He will type in answers, rather than print them, and it will move at his pace. McRuffy Reading is just too hard for him right now. If the program doesn't suit him, then I'm out $70, but I think my daughter can use it, and she could move through it quickly to her level.

Mmmm. this coffee is good! I think I've pushed past my cravings for "sweet" coffee, and I don't miss the sugar or splenda too much. I have given up artificial sweetners for a few weeks now.

Soon, my kids will have another cousin! I can't wait! My brother-in-law and sister-in-law are expecting any day now. Her due date is Sunday, I believe. We live too far away for a visit, but hooray! We will have a new little one in the family soon. They will make great parents. And, they are close enough to both sets of grandparents, that this baby will see lots of family. I am so happy about that! I am waiting for you Babykins!!!

Year Round School?

2010-09-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am thinking about year round school again. We did it once, the first year I began homeschooling. I am wondering if I was wrong this summer to take a break. Its not like it caused any damage, but I think it would take some pressure off. I want to enjoy watching my children learn, not spend the day moving us from one subject to the next, so we aren't late for swimming, dance or some other appointment. I want to have the flexibility to go places and do family activities. If we move in the Spring, we could be on the road for a few weeks, anyways! Then, we will be moving into a new home. I need to learn and teach flexibility.

I am also considering Saturday school. We would use it as a "catch up" day. In other words, I won't plan to have school on Saturday, but if we need to spend an hour or so completing a reading lesson, we will.

My ideas demand breaking the "school" mold. I am still too tied down to my traditional school views. I can't seem to stick to a 9-2 PM schedule, no matter how hard I try, so why bother? Really, its not natural. Plus, my husband is not home very much, and then suddenly will have a morning home with us. I need to use this time to my advantage. Tomorrow, I will. I will go to the lab and get my cholesterol checked. I was suppose to do this a month ago. I will stop at the store and get some groceries without kids, and get the (late) registration renewed for both cars. My dear husband can guide the kids through their chores, and read with them. Maybe, they can even play outside a bit.

This Saturday, I am hoping that the family can all go into TC to the observatory, and see stars and planets. I have to check the weather. My daughter is really enjoying her astronomy lessons. Tomorrow, we will simulate a solar eclipse. This is why I need to break the mold. We should be loving this a whole lot more, and I am tired of hearing how everyone "hates school".

Dinner with a friend

2010-09-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we went across the street to have dinner with a friend. She is in her 80's and lives alone. She made us macaroni and cheese, green beans, homemade applesauce, salad, and served grapes, bread, chocolate eclairs, and jello with whipped cream. My children ate off of real china. They did not make a mess, they used their napkin and washed their faces and hands after the meal. Then, of course they were bored, because there were no toys (they read Reader's Digest magazines LOL!) but, they allowed me to visit without breaking anything or fighting. My son only ate bread and dessert, and my daughter only ate salad and dessert, but they each took a bite of unfamiliar food and politely declined. We stayed for two hours. Amazing! My kids made me very proud of them tonight.

We had a decent school day, but it is taking me forever to start in the morning. We finished everything except Science. But, tomorrow we will catch up on that, because our TC day will be shorter than usual. My son did not do chores today, and he did not get allowance. He also told me today, "I hate school! You can't make me do school! I am going to play!" Then, he hit me in the leg three times. I told him to sit down and stop being disrespectful, or he would end up in time-out in his room. He complied, and we actually had a decent lesson. What he doesn't realize is, "been there, done that!" His dear sister's outbursts of past years have been far more intense. I'd be lying if it didn't bother me that at 5, my son is already claiming to hate school, but he has the next twelve years to learn to like it, right? :)

Kodiak, Alaska is really really far away! It will take two weeks to travel there, and half of that will be on a ferry! That is just wild! Did I mention that I get sea sick? I guess I will have to get over that. It sounds like such a neat adventure. I hope we can take extra time to visit some sites along the way. The ferry sounds interesting, its the Alaskan Marine Highway, and it makes different stops along the way. We would take a couple ferries. The dog would stay in the car - in a kennel. We'd get to walk him a few times a day, either on land or on the boat. My husband says, if we get orders to Kodiak, its an earlier PCS move, like in the early Spring. That is only 6 months away! I have this sudden urge to purge the house of more junk that we don't need. Like get ride of the treadmill, old clothes, the old couch, and old table. And, sell this darn house!

Ok, in reality, we might not get orders to Kodiak, but right now I can think about little else. I've got that itch to get moving again. We've been here 4 years already, and I am getting antsy.

Maybe its the tea, that I drank at my neighbor's house. I am not use to caffeine anymore. I bet it had caffeine. Maybe it was the 3 mile walk I took (in home walking tape). I have got to force myself to settle down and get some sleep!

Arrrrgh, the eye patch!

2010-09-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

Maybe we are done with patching? My daughter has been wearing an eye patch for a lazy eye since she was around 5 years old. She has weaned down to wearing it for 1 1/2 hours twice a week, to not wearing it at all for three months. She is thrilled. In December, we will find out if her vision remains the same or if she needs it a bit longer. The treatment has essentially saved her eye from blindness. I am very thankful to God for that! The eye doctor thinks that her far sightedness will improve by her teen years. That would be great too!

I am doing better with our school schedule. We didn't finish math this morning, but I got right back on track after the appointment. We got everything done, including chores. And, both kids received post cards! Its great, I like this pen pal thing!

I am exercising at night again. It feels really really good. I have committed to doing a Leslie Sansone walking tape every other night, and I'm doing it! I think its been about two weeks now. The tapes are simple, and I rotate between a half dozen - 2 mile walk programs. So, its not boring yet. And, it doesn't take too much room, so even if there is a train track left by my son, I can still exercise.

And, I gave up caffeine, down to decaf. I am not having so many highs and lows in my day. It wasn't fun at first. But, this has been a couple weeks doing this too. No more pop (soda) either. But, I love Seltzer water. I must be the only person in this little town that drinks it. Maybe its an East Coast thing?

Well, we are off to dance- so that's all for now!

Late dinner and Cranberry chicken Pizza

2010-09-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

Its Tuesday, and its getting late. My son is eating Mac n' Cheese at 7:45 PM. It seems the evening got away from me, and the back burner on my stove isn't heating things up. He is eating "Toy Story" shaped pasta. And, he looks really cute studying his macaroni. I made a great pizza. Its a pre-made crust, topped with whole cranberry sauce, cooked chicken, caramelized onions, thyme, and goat cheese. It tastes like Thanksgiving leftovers, and smells just as good too! And, since, the kids won't touch it with a ten foot pole, its mine for the next few nights. That makes me happy!

My daughter is making up a song and singing in the shower. She loves to sing, always. My son will be next. He started group swim lessons tonight. There are only three kids in his class. He got to wear cool blue goggles. His sister told him that he looks like a giant beetle with them on. Her lesson will be on Friday, just a few private lessons until she masters floating on her back without screaming and carrying on.

We go into Traverse City on Tuesdays, and it has been my goal this year to do a half school day on Tuesdays before going into town. We did it! We got reading and writing done this morning, plus one lesson for my daughter when we got back. The kids got to play with a friend in town, my daughter got snow boots, and I got a new pair of shoes at Sears.

In writing, both kids are using Handwriting without Tears. It is a good program. My daughters printing is beautiful on lined paper. She gets better each day. My son is working on lowercase letters, and has mastered capital letters. My daughter is also writing postcards to a pen pal. So far, she has not received one in return, but at least she has a nice writing activity.

My home is a mess. It is cluttered and dirty. I am not keeping up with things like I want to. But, I am completing our school days, keeping food on the table, keeping up with the laundry enough that we have clean clothes, and the dishes enough that we have plates to eat off of. But, its messy and needs some deep cleaning!!! If the realtor called for a showing tomorrow, I would be a wreck. But, I don't know how to keep up with everything. I'm not complaining, its just insane to have your home on the market for a whole year and counting. I'm not keeping it clean to have company over, because that never happens.

Friday, my husband comes home, after two weeks :)

Dance, dance, dance

2010-09-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

My daughter started back to dance today. She is taking ballet and Jazz/HipHop. She told me that they did the "crazy wacky dance" in HipHop today. She just loves being back with her friends and teacher. She needs these classes to get her body moving. Talent has little to do with it. I'm not saying that she isn't talented, because she does just fine in the class. She is quite good at it. She pays attention, perhaps better than most of the girls in the class, who are her age. But, she needs to move and dance, because she craves it.

I signed my son up for swim lessons, which will be on Tuesdays. He is very pleased to hear this news. His sister, needs some private lessons until she masters her fear of floating on her back. I want both of my children to be good swimmers. We tend to live near water since we are a CG family.

My son was so much more motivated at school today! He was in a good mood, and he was happy to do his work. What a relief! I needed a good day with him. We played a game in reading, and read a Busy Town book too. I think he really like both of those things.

So, we have completed our first week of school. I am happy about how its going. We are just busy enough, but not overwhelmed. I am planing to take the kids to Shetler's Open Barn on Saturday, if the weather is good, and we need to make plans to go to Hoxie's for a hayride and apple/pumpkin picking. I will do an arts and craft activity with the pumpkins, we don't celebrate Halloween, so we will probably decorate them to look like stuff. My daughter wants to make a girl with a Zhu Zhu pet pumpkin hamster.

My husband forgot his cell phone at CG headquarters. So, I feel out of touch. And, yesterday our netbook got a virus. Its probably the end of it. I hate PCs. This Christmas we will update our Mac, with a Mac Mini. It is a much better system, in my opinion.

The Solar system project and stuff

2010-09-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

So, we made the solar system out of balloons today. It was to show the differences in size of each planet. It was fun, for our first project. I ordered a kit to go with the Apologia Science program, but for what I paid, the balloons were kind of a disappointment. If I had purchased my own balloons, we would have chosen more accurate colors. For instance, what planets are pink or purple? But, the kids seemed to like the project. It is hanging from my ceiling. Once the basement is less messy, I will take a picture of it.

My son is really really really difficult to teach. He is refusing to write with a crayon or pencil. He had a really good pencil grip in June, and now is pretending that he doesn't know how to make letters. Only, on his own time, he draws pictures, and holds the crayon or markers just fine. He will write his name too. So, its an act. Math wasn't so good today either. I lost my temper, and yelled. He is just refusing to do anything. And, in Social Studies, for Community Helpers we learned about teachers. He drew my picture. I was a box with a face. What am I going to do with my little boy?!

I mowed half of the front yard. Then it rained, so we went inside. We have "Stink horns" growing in the flower gardens. Bleh! Stink horns are really gross mushroom-fungus things. They sort of have a phallic look and smell like spoiled garbage. I dig them out whenever I smell and find them and toss them in the woods.

I am going to tackle the messing basement now, and see if I can get the kids motivated to clean with me for money. It looks like the basement exploded!

Kodiak, AK Maybe?

2010-09-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, well we won't be going to Humboldt Bay, CA or Sitka, AK, or at least it is unlikely. But, Kodiak, AK has suddenly jumped to the top of the list. There is a lot of reasons for this, and they won't make sense, so I won't try to explain. But, between my husbands future career with the CG, and the needs of the CG, choices get narrowed down. I just don't want to move to Miami, so honestly, I am not that picky.

Puerto Rico isn't off the list, but its not a likely choice.

So, Kodiak. Its a two year billet. Not too long, and lots of neat opportunities to explore a part of the country that most people never see. I would see my puffins! There are a couple dance studios, and so my daughter would be able to continue dance. There is little league, so the kids might get to play again. And the temperatures don't get as warm as they do here. The average high in August is 62 degrees, but they don't get as cold either. The average low is 25 degrees in January. Traverse City's average low in January is 9 degrees. And, there isn't much chance of getting lost, as there seems to be one big long road. Oh, and I just bought a GPS!

Also, where ever we go, once we sell or rent the house, my husband will likely take a couple months of leave. He will have over two months accumulated. I would like to visit all the family. I would like to see my brother and family in San Diego. I haven't seen him in over three years! If its Kodiak, I will become very good a camping, and we will drive our camper out to Alaska. Its already been to Kodiak, so it will feel at home (we bought our Scamp from a Coastie family).

And, I will bird watch in Alaska! I will overcome my seasickness, cause I won't really have a choice. Kodiak is on Kodiak Island :)

School update:

My daughter wrote a post card to her friend who is vacationing in Virginia. They will be pen pals. It was fun and challenging to do this. This is our second postcard.

My son was about 5% more cooperative today during school. He was very very angry that one of the Grandma boxes contained a train set that I snatched away from him, as I opened the box. It is part of his Christmas present!!! I didn't know Grandma had sent it, so I opened the box in front of him. The other 4 boxes she sent were either clothing or books. He cried on and off for two hours. He did like the Wall-E books that Grandma sent. I have so many books, we could open our own library! Its crazy!

Oh, I almost forgot. Aunt Tina and Uncle Tim made the kids a wonderful photo book and story about our visit to Chicago! Its awesome! Its one of the nicest gifts they've ever gotten. And, we all love it.

Thinking about Puerto Rico today

2010-09-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

I am giving Puerto Rico a lot of thought today. It could be a great adventure! My good friend and her husband helped set up a mission church there, and I had just looked on the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod website last night and checked it out. Its very close to the air station. How neat would that be to be "missionaries" while we were in PR? We would love to be involved in youth programs, like teaching Sunday School, VBS, or even adult Bible Study.

My daughter and I are using a book about "Bibleless people", people who don't have the word of God in their own language. We have an opportunity to pray for these people every day! It is part of the Sonlight World History curriculum, and really neat! Its a good introduction to learning about prayer and missions.

So, I'm pricing Rosetta Stone Latin Spanish. The whole family could learn Spanish. John and I could really use a refresher! Boy, its expensive, but if it taught me to understand spoken Spanish, and to converse, that would be awesome. Three years of high school Spanish, and three semesters of college Spanish did not do that.

I am wondering about my daughter's dance classes. I can't find out any information on children and dance in Aquadilla. Do they teach ballet to children in PR? Or, any other type of dance? She loves to move, and I hope we can continue lessons as long as she is interested. We start up Thursday night with Ballet I Advanced and Hip Hop/Jazz II. I'm not sure about Latin dance for little girls, I mean my daughter isn't going to wear suggestive clothing, and that's how the costumes seem to be in this area for salsa and other types of latin dance.

So, tomorrow my husband speaks to the detailer, and hopefully we will get some direction to where we might go. If not, I will just keep learning about all these air stations.

My son looked at a map of the world today and asked, "How do you get from here to there?" He was pointing to South America and then to Africa. I asked him what he thought. He suggested a bridge. So we talked about how big the Atlantic Ocean actually is, and how the slow way would be by boat and a quicker way would be by plane. Another question was about how toys and machines worked when you pressed buttons. Later, he wanted to know how people move their bodies. I will have to get a more detailed books for those question! After I answered him, he was giving me a really puzzled look!

My daughter is very excited about astronomy. She made a mini-book and explained information that she recalled from reading about constellations, gravity, Galileo, Copernicus, NASA, Hubble telescope, natural, and artificial satellites. She took her mini-book to her bedroom to read on her own. Tomorrow we will make a solar system project with different size balloons.

The Wish List

2010-09-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

My spouse is away in Washington D.C. and may meet with the detailer while he is there. The list is not finalized, but we put together our wish list, based on what is available. There are only 8 choices, so I'm not really leaving anything out. There are only these choices now, but more may be added or subtracted before a decision is made by the CG this Spring.

1) Humboldt Bay, CA (really northern CA)

2) Sitka, AK (think about Washington State and Puffins)

3) Aquadilla, PR (Puerto Rico!)

4) Cape Cod, MA (not for from Maine, so puffins)

5) Kodiak, AK (island in AK, not really near anything and puffins)

6) Barbers Point, HI (Beautiful Hawaii)

7) Clearwater, FL

8) Mobile, AL

My mother wishes that there was an air station near San Diego, because my brother is there, and she plans to move out there in the summer. Humboldt isn't really close to San Diego, but closer than the other choices, I suppose.

If I go to PR, we will have to order Rosetta Stone- Spanish and get busy learning. Cause, my Spanish is not usable. I managed to get additional towels from the Spanish speaking maids in our hotel in Chicago, but barely.

I really really want to see puffins again. I want to bird watch with my children. But, I'd love any of the top 6 choices, I think. Ok, and since this is a homeschooling blog, everywhere on the list is an easy transition for homeschooling except Cape Cod, MA. It would be a pain there, but still doable.

We are Floating in a Balloon

2010-09-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

A Beka social studies at the kindergarten level begins with family and community, for just a couple days before learning about Community Helpers. So, the activity was to draw a picture of your family. My son, drew a balloon with a string. Followed by, "Daddy with a very very long neck, Mommy you are inside an egg, and now you are an elephant,and D is in an egg too." He drew himself small, but rather normal looking. The next page involved drawing your house. Our house has a big face that is smiling.

Every lesson for my son began with fake snoring. He used a growling voice to do the ABCs and count numbers on the number line. He is continuing his questions of "Why won't you just let me play, mom?" He is silly, angry, happy, whiny, and confused. But, it wasn't bad for day two!

My daughter, was not as happy about school today. If I could remember the nonsense words she made up to describe the kind of mother she thinks I am, I would post them. Something like "Mom, you are a banana butt stinky head" or "Mom, you are a jumping bean silly muffin". They are truly creative descriptions, that really don't mean anything, but are combine with snarly faces and pretend slaps and punches. Umm, I'm really am not describing this well. Let's just say, its disrespectful enough that I can't let her get away with it, but truly rolling on the floor funny if you step away and think about the things she says.

Even though my daughter wasn't happy about school, she had a good day. We finished school by 2 PM, and boy was I exhausted!

We took the dog to the vet, he was coughing today, but the vet thinks he ate grass and got some stuck in his throat. I highly doubt this, but it seems that he does not have kennel cough. On the way home, my son told me, "Mom, when i am not in the house, and on my own by myself, I will buy a hamster." Later, he wanted to know how to get a house. My daughter wants to be an astronaut and own two golden retrievers, like Scotty. She will ride her "future" bike (the green one in the garage that Daddy is saving for her) She will put her dogs in the kennel when she takes trips. Hmm, trips to space, I guess!

I am glad its the weekend!

What kind of rock is this?

2010-09-09T15:00:00.001-07:00

I am identifying rocks with my daughter that she brought back from Lake Superior last summer. We are using the book, "Is this an Agate?" I don't think that she has any agates, but she has lots of other rocks. This isn't a school lesson, but it is a great opportunity to learn, and she initiated it!

We began school today. It was a great first day. We got our chores done and all our lessons. My daughter loved the science lesson, we began our immersion study of astronomy. I like that the author gives credit to God for the creation of this amazing universe.

My son liked everything. He was tired when we finished. All day, he is desperate to complete his lessons and play. It was like a broken record every time I called him over for his turn. "Mom, I just want to play!!" He likes to listen to his big sister read aloud. I like it too.

We began school at 9:30 AM and were done at 1:30 PM. I didn't do a math lesson with my daughter, because we had to copy a page that she uses daily with her lesson. Then, we played outside. The kids rode scooters and played with chalk. I picked up branches from the rainy weather we got earlier this week. The yard was covered with downed tree branches and limbs. The leaves have started to fall, although they are still mostly green. But, it won't be long- Fall arrives early to Northwest Michigan.

I got over to an office supply store, made copies, and bought paper clips and post-it notes. We got food for dinner tonight, and for the next couple days.

Now, I have to clean up from supper, get organized for the morning and get the kids to clean up the basement playroom and bathed. I am so happy that school has begun. But, unlike so many of my good friends, it is not because I get to send the kids away because they are driving me crazy- I am happy to see them learn and grow under my own roof, with God's guidance.

Quartz, chert, epidote, basalt, porphyry, rhyolite, and granite are the rocks in my daughter's collection.

Back from Chicago

2010-09-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

We are back from vacation! My husband has a few days home (well, at work) before he goes to Washington DC for training. He will be gone two weeks. He will go to a lot of training this year as an Engineering student with the CG. But, we are seasoned in this type of lifestyle. Last year, he was gone a third of the year. Homeschooling fits this lifestyle perfectly! We get to spend time with him when he is around and keep busy while he is away.

Chicago was nice. I now own a GPS! I am very skilled at getting lost. It is true, I could and have gotten lost in Traverse City. I got lost one too many times in the Chicago suburbs. I drove through Calumet and it was just like driving through Paterson NJ. You just keep driving and all will be well. Then, I got lost in downtown Chicago. Our 7 hour trip to Waukegan took over 9 hours. I got lost plenty more around Waukegan, with a map in hand, and sometimes with bad directions from Google maps. Let me tell you, this GPS is a miracle. I love it!

In Chicago, we went to Shedd Aquarium. The kids saw the animal show with their Aunt Tina. We had a very nice day with Aunt Tina and Uncle Tim. Daddy was able to join us all for the day, and the kids loved that. My son was thrilled - watching and riding the trains. He still loves trains.

The next day, I took the kids to the Jelly Belly factory in Wisconsin. It was on the border. The kids liked the tour, but not the screaming baby which sat behind us. The little boy cried the entire tour, and stopped when it was over. But, they gave out samples of jelly beans, so it was still worth it. We had Mexican food with Daddy and his crew, and then went to the mall in Gurnee. It may be the largest mall my children have ever been to. But, there was no escalator, so they we not impressed. I endured lots of whining here, because my daughter got the "gimmies". Daddy had a night flight, and a SAR case, so he didn't get back to the hotel till 7 AM the next morning.

Saturday, we drove to Lambs Farm. I got very lost from bad Google directions. We rode a little train which broke down, and had to be pushed to the station. Then, we played mini golf with a bunch of wasps, and rode a beat up merry-go-round. Hmm, Lambs Farm was nicer a few years ago, and needs a little work. But, in the afternoon, we picked up Daddy and went to the Chicago Botanical Gardens, and that was very nice! They have a "train garden" with a model railway. There were dozens of engines running, and my son was in heaven. There was also a fruit and vegetable garden with was a favorite with my daughter. It was very pretty there. We had a nice dinner together in Libertyville, at a steakhouse.

Sunday, we had "church" together in our hotel room. And then Daddy had to go to work again. Aunt Tina and Uncle Tim came over for a visit, and the kids swam in the pool all afternoon. The hot tub was a favorite. We went to Cracker Barrel for dinner. My son came down with a fever of 102, but, it was gone by morning. I always carry motrin and a thermometer when we travel.

Monday, after Daddy got off work, we went to the Illinois Railway Museum and rode two trains (and Electric, Diesel, and trolley) and the kids loved that. We looked at lots of old steam engines, too. This museum is a lot of fun. This is the day I got my GPS too!

Tuesday, we drove home. It was a long drive, but 7 hours, instead of 9 hours. We picked us our dirty dog (he got a bath first thing when we got home) and got the house ready for school and work. My daughter woke with a fever at 4 AM. She is feeling icky, and has puked once. So, no school today. But, we are ready to go, once she is well again.

That's about it for now!

Its hot, beach day

2010-08-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

Ugh, its hot today. We took our van to the shop, and a friend drove us to the beach. Its was beautiful weather. We had a great time. There were 5 moms and 15 kids! We had a section of Acme Beach on the East Traverse Bay to ourselves.

My daughter played with a tube, and floated everywhere with her friends. My son wore his life jacket and floated on a kick board. They couldn't get enough of their friends and the water. My beach umbrella (first time using it on a beach) broke. I am not a sun loving person, because I burn. But, there was a nice breeze, so I made the best of it and kept my t-shirt on so I wouldn't burn.

After the beach, we got ice cream shakes at McDonald's and I ate grapes. I do not eat sweets or junk food anymore, but the grapes tasted very good. My friend drove us to the repair shop, and they asked me more questions about the problem my car is having.

At 7 PM, I called about the car, and there was no one there. Hmmm, so I wonder if they figured out what was wrong? I have no car, but more importantly no information on whether or not it needs a repair. I more day until our vacation. It would be nice to know if we get to go on time!!

It is very hot in the house. My son cried tonight because I would not let him wear flannel pajamas to bed. Am I the only one who thinks 85- 90 degrees isn't the right weather to wear flannel? He also told me that he did not need a shower tonight, because he got clean at the lake. Hehehe, I made him bathe anyways. No swimmers itch in my house (if I can help it)!

My Apologia Science kit arrived today, and so did one of my daughter's books for language arts. Chicago, here we come! Hopefully. And then school begins!

Chicago attractions

2010-08-29T04:52:00.000-07:00

I spent last night pricing and reading about things to do in Chicago and closer to our hotel, as we will be an hour north. There are so many choices! This will be fun!

The Illinois Railway in Union, IL (trains running all Labor Day weekend)

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (free military admission)

Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago Botanical Gardens

Shedd Aquarium (sister-in-law says this is great)

Morten Arboretum (Discount on Wednesdays)

Jelly Belly factory (silly, but they give tours)

Millenium Park (concerts and outdoor stuff)

Sears Tower Superdeck (military discount?)

Lego Discovery Center (ooh, build with legos)

I think we will skip the Field Museum. It seems expensive and very environmentally and evolutionary based- plus its expensive. The Alder Planetarium is also really expensive - especially to see the shows. Plus, the show for my children's age includes "Big Bird" and I am sure my daughter would not like that, I wonder why its rated up to age 8?

The pet arrangements are made, Scotty will go to a kennel, and Bobo will be watched by a friend. I might get his wings clipped before we leave, then he can sing on Chad's shoulder. I think they would both enjoy that.

Tomorrow afternoon, the car gets an oil change and inspected for that weird problem it gave me last week. Then, we should be good to go!

Going to Chicago?

2010-08-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

This summer, my husband has gone to the Chicago area twice, because the CG opens an Air Facilities there during the summertime. Twice he has gone, and twice he has returned early from his temporary duty assignment. The second time, we were going to join him, but we found out that he was coming back to TC, the day before we were leaving. I had just boarded the dog, and was ready to take our bird to a friend's home.

So, now, he is going again. It was a last minute decision, and he is leaving this afternoon. We will try to join him again. Guess what that means for school? We will postpone it for a week. We will start the day after Labor Day, just like the rest of Northwest Michigan.

It is a nice surprise, but also complicates things. I need to find a sitter for the pets. Scotty has ear drops every night, and he fights me when I put them in. He isn't easy to deal with. He got an infection during our summer vacation. I have already rearranged doctor appointments and commitments. Our car needs an oil change, and a check-up, as it acted up earlier in the week. That appointment is on Monday. So, I think we will leave on Wednesday - earliest.

I want to see my husband's sister Tina, and her husband Tim. We have tried to visit them twice, and cancelled twice. Once the snow flies, it is not a great idea to drive to Chicago, or Wisconsin for that matter. They have a flock (seriously, a flock) of birds, and great ideas to make the kids visit fun. The kids and I haven't seen them in a couple years.

School. I am resisting the urge to start school on Monday and Tuesday, only to go on vacation for a week. It sounds like a perfect invitation for unhappy children. They won't like it, and I won't like the tantrums.

So, I will concentrate on great things to do in the Chicago area, as it will be the last time for a very long time that we will get to visit that area.

Clean Home!

2010-08-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

The chore schedule is working! The house is clean! I love it! Today, it was hard to get my kids moving on their chores. I gave them the weekend off. I haven't decided if I will make them do chores on the weekend or not. Perhaps, I will delay the timetable. Maybe, they can do chores at 10 or 11 AM, or something. I have to give this some thought. On Sunday, it would work out great to stay on schedule, because we leave for church at 9:15, so maybe I just won't require chores on Saturday.

My daughter tried out the new vacuum. It is a dust buster model, and 12 Amps. It is very very loud. She wore earplugs. But, she did a lot of vacuuming. My son loves the swifer wet jet. I need to buys some extra bottles of the cleaning spray. He goes a little bit overboard. I would like to teach the kids to wash the windows, but I am uncertain of using windex. I think my daughter could handle the task with gloves. Maybe, I will use something organic and less poisonous, like vinegar or water.

There was a bit of complaining and some nagging (by me) today, but the kids did very well. I got some chores done too. Tonight, after showering (they are independent, except for adjusting the water temperature) they cleaned their bedrooms, and the playroom. My husband did devotions with them, and we said our prayers. My daughter loves being able to read in bed till 8:30 PM.

The pup has an ear infection. It is from swimming in the lake(s) on our vacation. It was so much fun, so I guess it was worth the vet bill, and putting ear drops in his ears as he tries to gnaw my hand off, for the next two weeks. He was good at his appointment, as were my children. The vet and receptionists all commented on how pleasant my family was to be with. They love our Scotty and my kids. That is always a welcome thing to hear!

Tomorrow is our Traverse City day. Good night to all!

I decided to try this again

2010-08-21T16:37:00.001-07:00

I haven't felt like sharing my life via the internet or a while. I don't know why, but I just didn't feel like I had much to share. Well, I am going to give it another shot. Maybe its the summer coming to an end, and school around the corner? I am not sure.

I have one more week of teacher prep and fun with the kids before we go "back to school". I am actually over joyed that my kids aren't really going back to school! They will be getting a great education - often without stepping foot out the door.

I remember a homeschool family who used a set of drawers to organize school subjects for each child. There is actually a name for doing this, but I can't tell you what it is, for I have no recollection. But, the idea isn't mine, its borrowed from some other wise mother or father. I found a set of plastic drawers for my kids at Target, and now each subject has its own spot, so the kids can be more independent. Last year, I rearranged the house to stage it for sale, and all the school supplies got carted up and down from the basement in a crate, each day. Ugh. This year, my children will get their own books and put them away when we are finished. And, I purchased chore charts. Dinosaurs for my daughter (7) and David and Goliath for my son (5). Christian Book Distributors has some great choices. You can use a wipe off marker for up to 10 chores, and the kids can check them off as they complete them, each day.

We started chores a few days ago. It is awesome!! At 7 AM, my daughter wakes and watches "Arthur" on PBS kids. Then, she comes upstairs and starts her work. Here is what she has been doing: Feed the dog, eat breakfast, clear the table, brush teeth, get dressed, put pajamas in the hamper, make bed, unload the dishwasher, load the dishwasher, fold the laundry, vacuum her bedroom, and empty the trash. Her brother wakes a little bit later, but by 8 AM he is at work: Feed the bird, eat breakfast, clear the table, brush teeth, get dressed, put pajamas in the hamper, make bed, collect the laundry, sort the laundry, put clothes away, dust, and sweep the floor.

When they finish, they earn 50 cents. However, if they refuse to do their chores, tantrum or complain while doing them, they do not earn their allowance, and during a school break they will be required to complete the missed chores before taking a break. This has not been put to the test. So far, everyone is quite cheerful, learning their jobs, and both are very excited about the money.

My plan is this, instead of me doing all the chores and starting school later in the morning, we will all get this place in order by 9 AM and then get right to work on school. I am a perfectionist, I want the home to be in good order before we start school work, and this did not work very well last year. So, for three days, we have one this, and we are ready to go on time. We will do this again next week, and start to make it a habit, even before the "school bell rings" on August 30th. I have one remaining step to put in place. I must get in the shower when my daughter gets up at 7 AM. I cannot role over for a half-hour. I love sleeping in, so very much, but I need to be more disciplined.

My husband has been talking about this for a couple years. But, now that my son is 5, it seems like the right time. I have tried in the past, but this year it will work!!

Another change is bedtime. We put the kids to bed at 8 PM. I am going to allow my daughter to read quietly in her room until 8:30 PM and then turn out the light. She started to read books aloud (or at least I noticed it) while we were camping this summer, and I like this habit. My son still needs the sleep, and he cannot read yet.

Here is the Fall schedule:

My daughter is in 2nd Grade

1) McRuffy Reading and Phonics (1st Grade- includes Spelling)
2) Sonlight World History 1
3) Sonlight Read Aloud (real literature that I read)
4) Read Aloud (books daughter reads to me)
5) Wordly Wise 3000 (1st Grade Vocabulary program)
6) Saxon Math 2
7) A Garden of Bible Stories New Testament Workbook
8) Apologia Astronomy
9) Handwriting Without Tears (2nd Grade) and various writing projects

My son is in Kindergarten

1) McRuffy Reading and Phonics (Kindergarten- includes spelling)
2)Read Together- varied books
3)Wordly Wise 3000 (Kindergarten Vocabulary program)
4)Saxon Math Kindergarten
5)Varied Bible Stories
6)A Beka Social Studies (Kindergarten)
7)Handwriting without Tears (Kindergarten)

Absent from our schedule: Art, Music, and Physical Education (Well, some Health and Science too, but that is because I will get to them in the winter or spring) I have decided that it would be better to not label these things "school" nor do we need a formal curriculum to do them. They are just a normal part of being a family and having fun. We sing and dance, make stuff, ride our bikes, swim etc.

Hooray "Back to school"! Glad we won't be again!

Schooling my preschooler

2010-01-01T18:30:00.001-08:00

So, I am actually in the middle of a sleepover. Everyone is tucked in, and quiet. That is kinda amazing! Even the dogs are quiet. It is the first bit of silence that I have encountered since about 5:30 AM, when my husband left for work. He is standing New Years Day Duty. I remember the silence, after he kissed me and left for work, and then I suppose that I fell asleep for another hour. The kids (3) will be here until Sunday morning. Then, their mom will come to get them (perhaps drink coffee?) and our families will go to church together. It is a nice arrangement. My girlfriend occasionally watches my two, and pup. And, we return the favor. No cash involved, just smiles are exchanged. It is really a blessing.

So, I am thinking about my son's schooling. I am bored. And, its not good to sit around bored, doing the same stuff over and over. So, I ordered an Explode the Code workbook for him. I think he will be proud to use it. He really likes his Handwriting without Tears workbook, but this will not involve so much fine motor. It will be the start of phonics and reading. And, we will begin Saxon K Math. I ordered him a meeting book. He is so ready to start formal math lessons. This curriculum is very hands on, and I think he will like it.

I will refrain from introducing the A Beka curriculum until the Fall, I think. I have to order the Science and Social Studies student books. I have the Teacher's Editions from when I used them with my daughter.

Bible Lessons- we are almost done with the Beginner's Bible! We used Little Lambs last year, rather, my son did- in church preschool. It is geared for a group setting. And on Concordia Publishing House's website, there isn't much else. I am disappointed by CPH, I'd love to use Lutheran resources, if there was anything decent to chose from. I am using "A Garden of Bible Stories" with my daughter, and don't like the workbooks. I guess I could just read it as a story book to my son.

As far as what we are doing in preschool- my son has learned all his uppercase letters, and can write them on a chalk board and he can trace them. He can also write his first name with uppercase letters! We will do numbers next.

He knows his ABC's all uppercase and lowercase, and he knows the sounds each letter makes. He can put the numbers 1-10 in order, count to 8 fairly accurately (to 10 with less accuracy, because he loses focus) and he can match quantity to numeral, give quantity and count objects in pictures, to about 8, as well.

The Kumon books for cutting, are so wonderful! He is progressing so well. And, projects are fun. He really enjoys it.

I read to him, along side his sister. He enjoys some books more than others. Trains, planes and trucks are always favorites.

So, that is where we are in preschool. It is a good foundation, and we will build on it. Its fun to think that Kindergarten is just around the corner! :)

Beautiful Bicycle

2009-12-26T04:40:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! This entry is totally, and selfishly all about myself. I got it! My husband got me the bicycle that I have been drooling over! It sits in my living room, I actually tried to ride it in the house, umm, no that didn't work out too well. But, I am now the proud owner of an Electra Townie, and it is Sage Green. It is the color of the bridesmaid dresses in our wedding. Pictures will follow in a later blog, I would imagine. (Right now I am blogging in flannel snowman pajamas, and so you will have to wait!)

I knew that I was getting the bicycle for various reasons, the first being that my little girl let the cat out of the bag, mentioning the bike shop her daddy went to for himself, and then the bike shop that they went to that she was not allowed to tell me about. Evidently, he actually purchased the bike that day. So, it is amazing that the kids did not tell me more information! Then, there was the rule that I was not allowed to visit DH in his office at work, or I would see my gift. And, well, I pay the Mastercard bill, so you know, I saw it.

But, the fun didn't get snuffed out completely. DH had to drive into work one day, very reluctantly, so I could go to an early evening meeting. He wouldn't have enough time to ride home after work- and help me with the kids in time for me to make my meeting. So, that day was awful for him. He rides to work every day, even in snow, because he loves it so much. Well, he brought the Electra home and hid it in my neighbor's garage. Then, on Christmas eve, he brought it home to the garage, while I thought he was taking the dog out to pee. On Christmas morning, he brought it inside while I thought he was getting coffee. So, I was surprised! And, I love it. i have several months to wait before it gets broken in, but if the icy rain goes away, I might just have to try it out a little.

School update

2009-12-15T17:11:00.000-08:00

School is moving along. It is good! My daughter just learned her plus-two facts. She learned them fast, first we did even numbers, odd numbers, and then adding two to those numbers clicked. She is doing so well in Math. Sometimes, I am frustrated with the scripts in Saxon Math 1, but overall it is a good program.

Reading and Phonics are moving along too. Phonics is so hard for my girl, but she is starting to slowly get it. We are using McRuffy Reading and Phonics, and both of us love the little books and puppets that she gets to make. There are fun learning games too. I hope we can stick with this program for a number of years. Its a good match for my daughter.

Handwriting is improving so much. We will finish Handwriting without Tears in a couple months, and then move on to some reading comprehension with written answers. She will be ready. We still aren't tackling writing stories. I would guess most first graders are doing this, but my daughter is just grasping how to spell various words and sounding things out. She can dictate amazing stories.

Science was fun, but could be better. Abeka science is a bit dull. Because my daughter loves learning about science, she soaks it up. We learned about owls today, but it was soooooo basic. I wish we had some owl pellets to dissect. You can actually find them around here. But, ummm, not with over a foot of snow on the ground.

Social Studies- also A beka, is very classroom orientated. I need to get a map and find some good sites on the internet to supplement. She will be taking a trip around the US, to learn about national landmarks etc. We need to spice it up, the text doesn't have too much to offer. I think this will be our last year using A beka. There just has to be something better out there.

Health, yes its A beka again. Hmmm, do you really need to teach Health at home? I mean eventually perhaps, but we work on cleanliness, good manners, healthy life style. I wonder.

Bible- We are using A Garden of Bible Stories. She is learning new stories from the Bible. I like it. The workbooks are boring. I like that she is listening to more in depth stories of the Bible, but I don't think I will use this with my son. At least not the workbooks. Blah.

Music- lots and lots of Christmas carols. My kids actually sing sometimes!

Art- I stink at art. This surprises me a lot. Teaching art to your children is very different than teaching art to a whole group of kids. I feel lost and haven't even come up with decent Christmas ornaments or card this year. I don't want to fix/make them for the kids. Maybe that's why all the preschool ornaments that were sent home looked so good. My kids didn't actually make them. Hmmm.

Fitness- lots of sledding, playing in the snow right now.

Reading together- anything and everything. Christmas books, Arch books, chapter books, picture books, we read all different stuff.

Games and puzzles- this is a really good family time. My daughter is learning not to tantrum when she loses, but she has not learned that gloating over winning isn't very nice.

Fine Motor- shoe tying! She is getting it. Next will be fastening a zipper, snapping pants, and buttoning clothes. Fine motor doesn't come easy to either of my children.

Our newest addition is Safety. I freaked out (ok, in my head, laid awake all night) when my husband was deployed. The thought occurred to me, if I got sick/hurt and was unconscious or even dead, what would my children do? What in the world would they do? The response I received,"Mommy, we would run around the house screaming!" This matched my other fear of, wondering what they would do if there were a fire. I have witnessed a first response to burning pizza and smoke alarms- hiding in the closet. Soooo, we are working on resolving this. My daughter is learning how to use a cell phone and the house phone. We practice basic info (and there is a sheet by the phone) or our phone number, where daddy works and phone number, address, family friend and number etc. And how to dial out. I wish there was a real way to practice 911, like a way to make "practice" calls. So, my kids could hear how to respond when there wasn't an actual crisis happening. But, for now we are practicing, and it is good.

The next post will be about my little boy. My preschooler. We are half way through the school year! Hooray!

Winter is arriving

2009-11-28T18:28:00.000-08:00

It snowed on Thanksgiving day a little bit, and then some more on Friday. The ground is still too warm for it to stick around, but winter is blowing into Northern Michigan.

Today, we went to a theatrical performance of "Click, Clack, Moo" it was based on a children's book and it was excellent. We sat in the Opera House in Traverse City, and laughed. I will be on the look out for more family activities like this, it is nice to smile together! After the show, we got coffee (the kids got chocolate muffins). Then, I bought a journal. We had a lovely afternoon together.

On the drive home, the kids enjoyed a field guide on Michigan birds. They were pointing out all the ones they have seen before. We just put a feeder in the tree outside our picture window. I am tempted to add a few more feeders. We are all enjoying it. My son's favorite bird is the Cardinal. A female was on the feeder yesterday, but he can't believe that even though the girls aren't bright red, they are still cardinals. My daughter loves the Chickadees. So do I. I don't think I'll get to take them bird watching to see puffins anytime soon, but one day, I hope to do that again.

My husband is back, he has been back for almost a week (got home last Monday). Life is good. The kids can't get enough of him. I am thankful to have my best friend back. We are happy to be together as a family again. He put the studded tires on his bike, and is ready for the harsh weather to arrive. He will bike all winter long, craving it, and enjoying the solitude as everyone else here packs their bicycles away for Springtime.

A few more days

2009-11-12T16:59:00.000-08:00

I have tried not to complain. Honestly, who wants to read about it. But, in a few days, I will no longer be a single parent. I have not had a day off in six weeks. I have not seen my husband in that long. I need to see him again, and I seriously need a break. I need to find a babysitter, I can't believe that I went six weeks without a sitter or anyone watching my kids to give me a break. Its a miracle that I still have my sanity.

I think this week is parent teacher conferences in this area of the country. I do not miss those things. I heard parents' at my daughter's dance class chatting about it. Parents are forever complaining about doing homework with their kids. I actually think that's kind of funny, but if you are one of those parents, I will be polite and not say that comment to you in real life. But, I am finding it is nice to know where we are at, every day of the year, with no surprises. I might not always like where we are at, but I can take full responsibility for it, and work to help my kids improve and learn. I am always improving my teaching, as well. How many teachers will admit to that?!

Oh, remember how several posts back, I said, "Skype is nice"? Well, its not. Not overseas anyways. The overseas connections stink. It is nearly impossible to chat, let alone use the video conferencing feature. Phones are bad too, so its not just one type of technology. And, email, well it is our only resort sometimes. I miss having a face to face conversation with my best friend.

My little ones are tucked in, I am waiting for my DH to log onto skype, and thinking about bed. Three days left. Only three days left.

Happy Party!

2009-11-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my daughter turned 7. She had a lovely day. The cake lady at church made a puppy cake for November birthday's - and everyone sang Happy Birthday. We had a party, with 10 kids in all, and it was delightful. My daughter loved being the center of attention, loved the games, and of course the presents.

We now have four online pets, for the littlest pet shop online games, although the newest pet, her favorite will not run on our computer. And, it requires a monthly fee. What a gimmick. So, she will play on the old virtual world.

But, she is ok with this, and for that, I am proud of her. (She did say, "Well, Daddy is smarter than you mom." OUCH! So, she is hoping that he will fix the problem when he comes home from deployment.)

My son, he's 4, and its hard to see your big sister get so much attention and new toys. He did not like it one bit. He did like playing with friends, and cried when they all went home.

I got the post party let down. You know that kind where you should be relieved that its all over, but you kinda feel blue instead. I haven't slept well since my DH left, and last night was especially bad. But, he will be home in a week (maybe). And, there will be great rejoicing!

Planning the Puppy Party

2009-11-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

Sunday, we will have my daughter's 7th birthday party. It will be the puppy party. I have decorated sun visors with felt ears, cut really fat pipe cleaner tails, and we have face paint for noses and freckles.

We will have games- feed the bone to the puppy (pin the tail on the donkey), dog, dog, cat (duck, duck, goose), find the puppy (hide n' seek), dog bone hunt (scavenger hunt for cardboard bones), and puppy toss (laundry basket game). Maybe, puppy tricks too?

We will eat pupcakes, and I'm still looking for those graham cracker Scooby Doo snacks. Hmm, maybe they aren't making those anymore? Oh, and corn dogs.

The thing is, this darn swine flu. Nobody RSVPs anymore. Everyone is waiting I guess. I have three definite, three unknown and three maybes, plus of course my two kids. And, I'm blaming the flu, and not people's busy lives. Please come to her party, it will be so much fun! With adults included, I could have seven people at my house or twenty!! Yikes! We have only four chairs! LOL!

The house will be clean, the doggie bags will be ready, and its almost time to bring your muddy paws over. Although, remember, in Northwest Michigan, take your muddy shoes off and set them by the door, its expected (Just kidding, BTW, I always wear my shoes in my house).

My daughter is so excited. She got a Littlest Pet Shop VIP last year, and the stupid deal is, you must "borrow" or buy a new pet to keep playing the game once the year is up. Her year was up last month. She is absolutely obsessed with adoption day. On her birthday, she expects to get "Nadine" her new VIP (Very important Pet) and continue to play her online game. She will have two mice - last year's who is named "D.W." and this year's who will be "Nadine". This is the big exciting event of the day. I hope she doesn't try to break free from the festivities to play on the computer! (It is possible she will try).

See ya after Sunday, have a great day!

Leaves, please leave

2009-10-28T19:46:00.001-07:00

It has been a lovely Autumn. Then it rained. It just kept raining. Now all my leaves are down. Lots of wet leaves. I am out there daily, for an hour or two, trying to rid my yard of them with a leaf blower that was on sale at the hardware store this year.

I keep going out there, but they keep falling. And getting wet. Well, now they are all down, and I can just feel the snow creeping around the corner. Yes, it was in the 50's today, but it won't last.

So, its man versus the leaves, or woman in my case. My kids yell from the house while I do this, they need various things. It doesn't matter what, they need it, and I must stop, help and go back to my chore. Sometimes they come outside and play, but these leaves have critters in them because its been so wet, and other stuff (yah, we have a dog). So, they aren't leaf pile quality right now.

Will I finish before the snow settles in? It arrived last year by early November and it didn't melt till April. My neighbors across the street have no trees, they barely have to lift a finger. On our property, we have at least a dozen trees, and some forest around the property. I guess its a forest, at least I tell the kids that. Ok, its a bunch of lots with a whole bunch of trees in them.

I saw chickadees today. I suppose they have been there hiding and now are exposed in the bare trees. Cute little birdies.

Ok, somebody please buy this lovely house, so I don't have to do this job again next year!?!

Our Anniversary

2009-10-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

Today John and I have been married for 9 years! I love my husband, and thank God for giving this wonderful man to me! Special days are often celebrated in curious ways when you are a military family. Since we are apart, this one was via emails. I'd like to say that we will celebrate big when he returns, but honestly, I will just be happy to have my spouse back home.

So, we got a couple cards (I never send anniversary cards to anyone- shhhh) and I told a few people, and I told the kids, and they really don't get what an anniversary is, even when I tried to explain.

And, we had a regular school day. Regular meaning, lately, I do school in what ever order appeals to me. Sometimes, I give the kids a choice. Sometimes, we start by reading a book (Charlotte's Web is the current one). As long as the work gets done, I have given up the rigid schedule. Well, ok, I haven't given up the rigid schedule, as much as the time table for the day. It doesn't have to get done by 2 PM. Today we finished at 4 PM. Lots of play going on today, and that's a good thing.

A bit scatterbrained?

2009-10-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

I have a sinus infection. I went to the doc, and she told me to use this neti-pot thingy. Eeww gross, have you used one or read about exactly how to use one? Evidently, this little contraption, used with special saline powder and distilled water will keep my head clear of sinus problems, if used a couple times daily. You pour this liquid through one side of your nose/sinus and gravity causes it to drain out the other. Breath normally, and don't swallow. You lean over the sink while doing this, obviously. Really? I'd ask you what kinda freak came up with this thing, but he is so proud of it, it includes his picture with instructions.

So, I went to Rite aid, bought the thing, and then realized, it was 100 packets of powder stuff to use with the neti-pot, only it didn't include the pot.

Now, my kids are in bed. I forgot to go back and pick up the antibiotic, get the neti-pot thingy, and am clueless as too when I took my other various meds today. One, is 24 hour med, Claritin, and I can't remember if I took that- but, I don't really want to take it twice?!

So, i have been living on cough drops, trying to decide what to do. Tomorrow, I will try to make a list, and proceed with a little more direction.

My daughter has told me that I need to stop coughing, because I am spreading millions of germs, and she and her brother might catch them. Smart girl, huh. I cough into my elbow and wash my hands, but yah, they will still probably catch my cold.

Its not swine flu! Although, its here in Traverse City, and I for one am glad we homeschool, because its hit full force in the public school, from what I've been told. Notes went home today. And lice notes when home in the city's catholic schools. Yucky, yucky!

We are gonna kinda hide out here, as there are no swine flu vacs here, and the regular flu shots have run out. Well, except we will go out tomorrow to get that funky looking teapot thing. Don't worry, I will spare you the details of my personal experience as to how well it works. LOL!

I Simply Canceled it

2009-10-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

In my last entry, I described my hatred for an old druid holiday, which is widely celebrated in America. Halloween. Well, we canceled it. So, now I don't hate it so much :)

See, since homeschooling, I have learned to make decisions about what I want or do not want to teach my kids. Sometimes the decisions are based on time, or what is vital for a good education. Sometimes it has to do with raising a Christian family. Some of these decisions clearly go against the norm of our society. So, this is one more thing that we are changing. This holiday really conflicts with the values that I want my children to learn. I teach my children that participating in things such as witch craft, the occult, having spiritual guides, visiting psychics etc. is dangerous. The Bible is very clear about only worshiping the One True God. And, even if the holiday appears somewhat benign on the surface, at the core, it is a celebration of evil. I pray daily for my children, and for God's guidance in my decisions concerning them, in Jesus'name.

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

I still hate Halloween

2009-10-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

I was curious, and looked back to last year to see what I wrote in my blog last year. Yup, there it was. A gripe about a Halloween party. I hate Halloween. Gosh, its still two weeks away. We aren't even to the actual holiday yet. (And if you don't know me well, my birthday is the day before Halloween, and NO I don't wish that I had been born a Halloween baby!)

I have to say, the people who invite me and the kids to their Halloween parties are lovely folks. They are friends, and people that I like to spend time with. My kids love Halloween. In fact, it might just be their favorite holiday! Candy and little junky toys and spider rings are a big hit with my kiddos. They love to dress up and they love to play various games which are at every party. They love to trick or treat door to door - getting candy from strangers.

But, lets be realistic. Huge crowds of kids - especially when my kids only know a couple, paired with games where not everyone wins - just makes my kids fall apart. I come to the rescue, as they have their meltdowns, and as other parents look on with confused looks on their faces. This party added "wait in line" to the mix. Oh, and "the mean little kid".

My kids love the parties, because they love the junk from Oriental Traders. They love the chips, cupcakes, cookies, m&ms, lollipops, etc. They even love actually playing the games (well, except for musical chairs or pass the pumpkin) and the rewards they earn for playing. But, they whine and tantrum. They have no patience. They don't make friends. And, I watch over them, with a smile on my face, wondering why no one else's children are falling apart. Wondering why my kids are so tender and sensitive. And wondering, why in the world do we keep get invited to Halloween parties?

I will be hosting a birthday party in three weeks. We've invited about 11 kids. I am insane. My kids want this. It will be a puppy party. There will be no lines, my kids will know all the kids, and I will be taking Xanax before everyone arrives. Yikes!

A little big sad

2009-10-14T18:20:00.001-07:00

I'm a little bit sad tonight. I talked to my husband yesterday, and today again. He should be calling later tonight. I keep my chin up, but gosh I miss him. Its a little bit lonely here - and I'm worn out. I dog is keeping me company, but he is more of a pest at night, than "man's best friend". He wants to be pet, played with and taken outside. He is too young to be lazy and a foot warmer when I am exhausted and the kids are in bed.

I feel like my emotions are on a roller coaster. I grab the happy moments, but those depressing ones try to consume me. Back and forth, I go. I could make you a list of happy thoughts and blessings. I know God has blessed my family richly. I could poor out my heart about all of my sorrows. But, I will still ride this roller coaster.

Fall is so pretty, but it is also very dark and gloomy in Northern Michigan. The days are getting much shorter. The weather is rainy and cloudy most of the time. I think I like Spring and summer here. They are so short, but not so dismal.

Next week, its my wedding anniversary. We will celebrate our 9th year - apart :( And then my birthday. I will be 38. Then our daughter's 7th birthday (she reminds me at least a dozen times a day!). I keep telling people how its so much better for my spouse to be away during this time, instead of during Thanksgiving and Christmas. But, guess what. I don't actually feel that way. I'm sorry if you are one of those people who I lied to. I try to put on a happy face, and maybe even convince myself. But, I don't want to miss any special days with my husband!! During the next 15 years or more in the Coast Guard, we will miss many special days together. Well, you learn to keep your chin up, but it still sucks!

So, there you have it. I am not grateful tonight. I am selfish. But, at least I'm being honest about it. Waah, waah, boo-hoo, and poor me.

Skype is Nice!

2009-10-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

We got a new notebook - its actually a PC (I know, I know, its almost sinful). I have used a Mac for almost 10 years now. But, DH has it on his deployment and it has a webcam. We got a cheap webcam for our laptop, and now once in a while, I can "see" my husband while he is away!! Its very cool!

I know this technology is probably considered ancient to most of you, but I'm a girl who never text messages. I've never even tried it. I don't know how to download pictures from my phone, and on that note, I have a "pay as you go" phone. Only one of you (husband) has the number to that phone because I have 19 hours to last me the whole year. I did it last year, so don't laugh. Its actually possible!

But, our kids can see daddy sometimes during this deployment, and that is really awesome. I can see my husband's face, which somehow makes everything feel right. Cell phones don't work very well/at all, where he is, and email just started up after a whole week. But, the kids don't really get into email.

Put daddy on the computer screen, and my son goes wild. He loves it! They make silly faces at each other, and he tells daddy all about what he is thinking about. Its usually something about trains, helicopters, or being squashed by a big butt (its a guy thing- daddy/son bonding, he's 4 ok?) Our son walked by the computer later in the morning, after a nice talk with dad, and yelled at the computer, "Daddy! Daddy? Are you in there? I'm talking to you Daddy!" I think he sort of believes that Daddy is living in the computer, but I am not really 100% sure.

Our daughter, well she is a little chatter box. On the Skype, its no different. She doesn't let him talk, she just has sooooo much to share. She shows him her Littlest Pet Shop Mouse, asks him about the room he is sitting in, and desperately wants to know exactly where he is, and what he is going to do tomorrow. It is hard for her to understand why Daddy can't tell her these details, and I think she will ask him every chance she gets.

The kids talk about Daddy on an off all day. Little memories, and excitement about when he is coming home. They really don't have a concept of how long 6 weeks is, but they understand the order of holidays, so we map out- first is Mom's birthday, then Halloween, then Delenna's birthday and then Thanksgiving. Daddy should be home around Thanksgiving time. I don't really want them to count on him being home for Thanksgivng, because you just never know. I have learned not to make countdown calendars, because the Coast Guard doesn't work that way. And that is ok. If he isn't home - I am NOT cooking a turkey. We'll eat at the galley at the air station instead. Hmm, I could actually do this if he is home (that's not very nice of me, is it? LOL!)

I am feeling content, and ready to have a fun weekend with my kiddos. Looking forward to emails from my love, and thankful for a good school routine that gets us through the week.

Blessing to all!

Its quiet here

2009-10-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

Its a very quiet evening. The heat just turned on, so its toasty in here. Tonight, I bought a leaf blower. Well, that wasn't quiet, actually, but my reflections on the evening are calm and peaceful. I tried it out, and the kids used their rakes. I cleared half of the front yard, and then surprised them by making two very large leaf piles. The jumped to their hearts' content! My son told me that this was the best thing ever! I had been scolding them and trying to keep them at a distance, because I didn't want them to play near the leaf blower- yah know, no eye injuries needed. So, when they realized that I was creating some fun for them, I actually caught them off guard. Mommy gets a star sticker tonight :)

They are in bed now, showered/bathed and squeaky clean. The dog is in his crate asleep. The bird in in his cage, covered.

I've completed one full week without my husband. He's my best friend, yah know, so its not easy. But, there are only 5 weeks left! He should be underway now, we talked last night for a few expensive minutes, and he is off to a boat out in the sea today, I would expect. I'm being vague on purpose. Military deployments are like that- all secretive and stuff.

I truly wonder who is following my blog, if anyone. I mean, I know my MIL is a faithful follower. But, now that I've left facebook (a colossal waste of time, if you are on FB, admit it!!) I don't know if anyone is still out there, or if I am just journaling to myself, which is not necessarily a bad thing either.

Its quiet here- feel free to reveal yourself if you are out there, and go jump in a pile of leaves for me, it will make your heart happy :)

Bold new glasses

2009-10-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

Today, I took the kids on their "field trip" (hahahaha). We went to counseling (for me, and its working out great bringing both kids with me *sarcasm*, thanks for asking!), and then to the mall to buy a new pair of glasses for me, because the arm broke off my glasses two days ago, and I'm getting headaches from them not sitting right on my face. I went to 3 stores, had to order my lenses. And, quite honestly, they all sold really ugly frames. Ugly and expensive frames.

So, we had lunch in the food court. And we bought shoes and jeans (for the kids). We went home. After a half-hour breather, we took one more trip in town and got the job done. I spent almost $400 (YIKES!) on frame, lens, and anti-reflective coating (so I can drive at night). They sent me home with my frames, thicker plastic lens (temporary) and my new lighter lens in two weeks.

Guess what? Except that they are red on the top and rimless on the bottom- they are exactly the same size and shape as my broken pair. I did not realize this till I was home. I have a great imagination. I am willing to try new things. I thought I was being daring with red/rimless. They are almost the same. So much for bold. That is what happens when you look for the perfect eye glasses all day long- you end up settling on what is familiar. Even if it costs you twice as the first time.

Thankfully, these frames come with a three year warranty.

We now have to pay fines at the library since we never got there. I guess this was the "eye glass field trip". My daughter is ok with the fact that they are red, even though pink is much better. :)

Very whiny

2009-10-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

Last night my glasses broke, while I was talking to my mom on the phone. I took them off to clean them, and the arm just snapped. So, now I have broken glasses sitting on my face. I will have to drive into TC to get them replaced. I am unmotivated, but they can't stay like this.

I am to start a new reading curriculum with my daughter today, and I think I will put my glasses on hold till after our school day, if I can manage. I bought "McRuffy Phonics and Reading", it looks both cute and well organized. I hope it works, and I hope my daughter likes it. We are rewinding to kindergarten and redoing reading/phonics. Explode the Code was a huge waste of time. My daughter didn't explode anything- she liked the little pictures, memorized lots of sight words, and didn't learn phonics at all. I don't think it makes you a "reader" to memorize sight words. If you can't decode words, you'd have to memorize thousands of words.

My husband is gone on deployment. I have still been able to talk to him everyday, but in a couple days, we will be down to just emails for most of his 6 weeks. I usually adjust to all of this, but currently I am just cranky and anxious. I am going through the motions and asking God for lots of patience with my kids, multiple times a day, because they don't deserve a mean mom. The dog is being a big pest, its been raining for 6 days, and my house is getting messy again.

I have revisited the "Flylady", and am working on getting organized. Its a good program, and my house has less clutter than ever before. I like that. But, one day I am very committed and the next, I throw in the towel. There have been only two showings on the house, and (ok very whiny part) no one ever visits me anyways, so sometimes it just seems pointless.

I just want to stay in bed some days and wrap myself in a cocoon, and hibernate. But, I have a barking dog and two sweet little voices that keep me from doing that.

The First Showing

2009-09-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

Its a rainy day, it rained all last night. The dandelions have sprouted, and there are "blowing flowers" everywhere, as my kids call them. But, the house is clean. I wonder what the chances are that we'd sell the house to the first person who looks at it? Probably unlikely, but it could happen :)

This will be a distracting school day.

It is a weird feeling to have strangers walk through your house and look at all your stuff.

That is all I have to say about that.

Bicycle Shopping

2009-09-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

I went bicycle shopping on Saturday, for a few hours with my family. Not for them, but for me :) It made my husband's heart soar, as I went into each shop (three of them), explained how my wrists, hands and butt always hurt when I ride. And, how for 8 years, my husband has tried to find me the right bike with zero success.

So I tried a few. I took them out on the road and bike trails. I found some bicycles that do not cause me pain and agony! My favorite is the Electra Townie. It put absolutely no pressure on my hands and arms, and the seat was surprisingly comfortable!

I have found the bike for me! Ummm, except the bike for me is $400. I will either have to save up or just keep dreaming. It would be so nice to have a pain-free family bike ride and share my spouse's love of cycling!

Summary of a great school day!

2009-09-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

Well, let me tell you- IT ROCKS!

Today was an awesome day. It started with my DH being on duty tonight, meaning he would be home all morning, until about 2 PM. So, we put my daughter's eye patch on and he read to her about Galaxies. Its very cool to have time to read books about the things that interest your kids. She was fascinated. The book is called, "Galaxies, Galaxies" by Gail Gibbons. They also read a silly book about Dogs in Space, a book about Pluto. She also read some books to her dad.

While he read to her, I quickly showered, and then read to my son - more library books about trains. He loves the "one-to-one" time with me. We did a weather chart and calendar.

My daughter joined us, and we sang some patriotic music, the Pledge, a morning prayer, and Bible memory verse.

Next, my daughter did her Math lesson and calendar. She is so smart. She is doing worksheets this year, and getting fairly good at reading the directions. There are lots of math words, and I'm so excited that she is learning them (triangle, angle, first, fourth, etc.) She did the back of the worksheet with her dad. We use Saxon Math 1, and it is very hands on, as well as, very visual.

Then she ran outside for recess, while I did Math with my son. He is counting objects (today it was helicopters) and pattern blocks. He uses a picture pattern and is getting very skilled at making them. My son ran outside for recess where he drew pictures with chalk on the driveway.

My daughter came in and did Explode the Code, her reading workbook, followed by writing a journal page. Today's was "This is red." Not the most creative piece, but she drew/colored a red block. Then, a page from Handwriting without Tears, practicing numbers.

We all had lunch together. My son tried a carrot. He dipped it in peanut butter! He eats no veggies, so this was exciting.

DH started to teach our daughter the recorder. He said that she is learning to hold it right, but she wants to play it like a kazoo. I told him that since he played the saxophone, and was in band, he could teach her to play the recorder. It involves a lot of fine motor, but I think she will get it. I think they had fun together.

My son did music with me, he requested, "Ring around the Rosie" and we sang "Jesus loves me" and he actually sang! I don't think I've ever heard him sing along with me. I LOVED it! Then, we took out my guitar and rhythm instruments and we sang a melody of train/railroad songs. He loves trains (he didn't sing though). We also did his handwriting and fine motor lessons. He laced a triangle, cut with scissors (we are using Kumon) and scribbled ants, bugs and bees from Handwriting without Tears. He switches hands back and forth. I don't know which hand is dominant.

My daughter finished up with a Social Studies lesson on Symbols of our Country, The Great Seal, the flag and the Bald Eagle. She did a little geography too, and remembers her oceans from Kindergarten Smile We are using A Beka Books.

My son came back inside and we did a reading lesson. He is working on labeling lowercase letters, Brain Quest Questions, and Sequencing Pictures. I am trying to get him to talk about the pictures, instead of grunting.

Everybody cheered! We were done for the day! I love my kids, I love my husband, and I love my job!!! DH left for work, and I got to work in my flower bed for a little bit, while the kids played. It was certainly a nice day of school.

2009-08-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

First of all, I am not pregnant. In yesterday's post I mentioned nausea, and the radar went up. I even began to wonder (there were other minor symptoms), but no, this isn't the case. Today, I am feeling quite a bit better.

I am a couple weeks away from burying Explode the Code. Its just not working. My daughter isn't learning phonics. So, we are going to move on. We will try "Teach Your Child to read in 100 easy lessons) and we'll see how that goes.

Math is going so well! She loves it and is quite skilled at math.

Handwriting overlaps reading. She isn't really spelling many words on her own, because she isn't sounding out words, but her penmanship is good.

Social Studies, Science, Health, Bible, Music, Art, Games/Puzzles, Fitness- well, at the age of 6, how do you measure these anyways? She likes these subjects and is learning.

My son, he is identifying numbers 0-10, usually forgetting one number. He can count objects 0 -5, and write a 1 and 0, so he can write 10 also! He knows all his upper case letters, and we are working on the lower case. He is still working on his grip for holding a crayon and scissors. But, he is making stuff, coloring stuff, and interested in it all. He knows his colors and shapes. We added hexagon today :) We played a matching game today too.

Both kids love to listen to stories (son- picture books, daughter- chapter books) and my daughter can read most level 1 books with a little assistance.

I don't know how to organize our day with the eye patch, so today we started after it was time to remove it. DH suggested teaching our son first, and then adding our daughter into the schedule when the 3 hours is up. I don't know.

Little books

2009-08-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

Today, I felt ill. I think it was a stomach thingy, but I didn't get sick really, I just felt nauseous, and my stomach was noisy. My husband has a horrible cold, and I thought I'd be taking care of him, but the opposite ended up being true.

My daughter wanted to make me a get well card. She taped together a little book with paper and stickers. Then, she really really wanted tape. So, I helped her tape together a book and spell the words to the story. She wanted me to write author and illustrator on the cover too :) And she signed her name. It was about how she made a house, and three friends came over, and everyone went to sleep and dreamed about her. There were two thought bubbles with her name in them, because the friends were dreaming about her.

My son, wanted to make a book about trains. Only, I had to draw all the trains. He drew a self portrait. He alternates between hands, while using the pencil. I don't know what hand to have him hold scissors, a pencil or even a baseball bat. He holds a fishing pole in his left hand and reaches across to reel it in with his right. But, he asked me to write various letters on each page, "Make a B, make a Y" and then made up a story to go with the "words". Very cute!

Both kids had Daddy read their books, and both took their books to bed with them. I love it when they initiate this stuff!

I want to do school tomorrow, and hope that my tummy settles. My poor daughter has to wear an eye patch again (lazy eye), for three hours a day. We did this 1 1/2 years ago, and it worked, but there is a slight regression in her left eye. Friday she wore it during school, and it was horrible. So, I am going to try to move easier tasks to the morning, so she doesn't have to read or write with it on. She holds her hand over the patch the whole time, it must be uncomfortable. But, three hours goes fairly quickly, so we will endure.

We signed up for dance class, and will try ballet and jazz/hip hop this year. I don't know what I think of the hip hop part, but tap is kinda getting too hard for her. She doesn't get the "tap" part, so her legs go through the motions, but never actually tap. Dance is sooooooooo expensive. But, it is worth it, I think. She will be with a small group of kids who are nice, most who were class last year, and the teacher is wonderful. And, she loves movement and dance so much.

I am off to bed, so that I am well rested for school tomorrow!

Perhaps another year?

2009-08-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

My husband just go picked up for student engineering! He has wanted this so badly! He is a Coast Guard Aviator and this is the career path he was desiring to pursue. We found out last night, and will have to celebrate :)

It could be that we stay on here in Northern Michigan for an extra year. There is no word on that yet, but it is very likely. Student Engineering begins next September, so we are on a very different track for or next PCS. I would like to stay here another year, but I would still like the house to sell. We would like to move into Traverse City, a bit closer to everything.

So, Coldwell Banker Schmidt came by today - all their local realtors, to see the house. They noted the vast improvements since they last sold this house (to us) in 2006. No kidding :) No suggestions though. But, now they are familiar with the property, so maybe we will get a showing. Here's the thing, in the last year, 5 properties in Kalkaska have sold in our price range. The year before, it was 16, and the year before that, 24. Who wants to buy house number 6? Anyone? Anyone?

Today, I found out that my daughter must wear an eye patch again. 3 hours everyday. She is not happy about this, but the patches are kinda cute. We got ones with Dalmatian spots on them. She had a horrible 2 hours with it on. Its been over a year since we thought the lazy eye was corrected, but I guess she still needs a little more time with this. So, for the next 3 months, she will be a pirate for a few hours each day.

And, finally, I babysat for my friend's kids last night, and got to bed at 1 AM. I am so tired. I am eating pasta with shrimp and asparagus (frozen meal) and drinking some Pinot Grigio. It is not as good as White Zinfandel. No where near as good. Soon, the kids will get ready for bed and I won't be too far after them.

I relaxed a bit

2009-08-21T16:06:00.000-07:00

I just went for a walk in the rain. I looked at everybody's house and yard to get ideas. I decided that with all the rain we are getting, most everyone's lawns are overgrown, and flowerbeds/shrubs need attention. This is because we really didn't get summer here in Northern Michigan. Several days of hot weather were scattered throughout the summer, but mostly cloudy, rainy, cool weather. And, my yard (although we need to mow tomorrow) not too shabby :)

I took this walk alone. It was a nice quiet time away from everything. My husband is downstairs with the kids, and he has fallen asleep on the couch. The kids are trying to avoid taking a bath/shower, so they are still playing downstairs instead of climbing all over me.

I got a special treat- hubby was suppose to be in Fargo, but the trip got canceled. It was for an air show. So, he is home with us this weekend :) He was on duty, standby and the ready every day this week. He did ground runs every night till late, and there were a bunch of SAR cases (Search and Rescue) so he was busy. They didn't find anybody, but they flew around a lot.

I bought a couple Bible Study books, we are going to start doing a Bible study together. I am looking foward to that! And I bought a couple books for myself. I am in need of some distraction from this house. This beautiful clean house that no one has yet called to see. *Sigh* Patience!!!

Boring?

2009-08-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

I just got my first negative response to my blog. Nice. You won't see it here, because I received it under my FB notes, and now it is deleted (as is my former FB friend). I like writing in my blog, but if what I write is dull, boring, offensive, etc. by all means, don't sit around and read it! Honestly, I write to sort out my thoughts, and if you want to join me, I love that you are here. If you are going to insult me, please find someone else's blog to read.

The cleaning plan

2009-08-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

So, this sale is gonna take time. I have a plan. My house will stay squeaky clean all year if it has to!

6:30 AM - Get up and shower, dress, make coffee
7:00 AM - Kids up (they just do this, I don't wake them), make breakfast and eat, unload dishwasher, one load laundry- wash, fold laundry, put away, put laundry from bedroom in basement, re-load dishwasher, kids chore list (dishes in sink, get dressed, pajamas in laundry basket, brush teeth, make bed), wipe counter, wipe sinks, make my bed, put away random clutter.
8:30 AM- Weekly rotating chore: Monday- clean bathrooms, Tuesday- wash floors, Wednesday- Vacuum entire house, Thursday- wash interior windows, Friday- dust, collect/take out trash.
9:00 AM- Homeschool Schedule till 2 PM :)

The kids already follow the toy rule - put away your toys before you get a new set of toys, all toys cleaned up before bedtime. And, keep the toys downstairs.

And they follow the coat/shoe rule- take your coat/shoes off when you come in and put them in the front closet.

I am loading the dishwasher as soon as we finish a meal, and then wiping out the sink. I am using the broom when the floor gets gritty.

This is working!! It has worked for 3 days so far. My house still looks nice, and it gives me time to play outside with the kids, water the flowerbeds, look for ripe green beans in the garden and track the pesky mole that showed up Friday when we stuck the "FOR SALE" sign in the ground!

We had a playdate today, and I even served lunch, corn muffins! Corn muffins are very messy food for kids. After lunch my kitchen was spotless again, and before our friends went home, the toys were back in their places- even the ones from the garage!

I LOVE having a clean house. It feels wonderful!

Random question- now that there is nothing to get into, and Scotty is behaving, should I lock him up tonight in his crate, as usual, or let him sleep on the floor of our bedroom where he is contently sleeping right now? DH rises at 5 AM, I don't know if puppy will have to go out if he gets up at this point. Will he let me sleep till 6:30? Hmmm what to do, what to do?

Wait, wait and wait

2009-08-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

So the house is all over the internet now. I forced myself to take the kids out today. Nobody called to see the house. This is why we put it on the market a year before we want to move. It will take time.

So, we went to the Imagination Station. A playground in our town. It wasn't something I really wanted to do, but the kids love it there. Last Spring, some ladies started a screaming fight and one of them pulled out a knife. My girlfriend, kids and I left very quickly. Today, it was an adult with a dog running around the climbing equipment and pot smoking teens. Smoking pot in public at a children's playground?? REALLY? We are never going back. I should have called the cops.

If you want to smoke pot in the privacy of your own home, be my guest. Go ahead, kill some brain cells. But, next to little kids? Why? That is so stupid. Perhaps they are stupid from smoking too much pot.

My daughter was angry. She told me that I ruined her whole day, by making her leave the playground early. Her anger lasted about 8 minutes. It must be nice to be 6, she really doesn't stay mad for too long.

My house is clean. Its so very clean. I am getting a bit bored. I need to find a good book. I think I am very ready to start back to homeschooling next week.