My Little Secret

Well, actually, if you know me in real life, at all, then you know it isn't a secret ... I HATE shopping.

I don't mind grocery shopping because I have a list. My darling husband even found me a computer program that has my favorite grocery store all lined up. All I have to do is follow the list, grab and go! I love that!

I don't even really mind WalMarting, at least the way I do it, I go in, grab what I need and get out. Not bad. I don't even mind hunting for that color that I need.

What I HATE is shopping! I hate knowing that I need slacks and I will have to go to three stores, try some on, have no clue what I will spend (only what I have in my pocket). All of that ... I really hate it.

I hate making time for it. The idea of shopping makes me want to go have my car repaired, or scrub out my oven, or sweep the roof. Anything!

I also really dislike using the word "hate" so much that I don't allow my children to use it in everyday language. It's just a nasty word. But so is "shopping".

That said, I also don't like garage sales, for the most part. I can be prepared for a week in advance (so long as I have a purpose in mind), and I don't mind so much. Just to "hit the garage sales" is not my idea of fun.

So, why is it that I have having a garage sale this coming weekend. I am asking people to come and do something I do not enjoy doing myself. Okay, so there are people who like that kind of thing.

Maybe I should have the garage sale at my house, instead of my mother's, so that I can go inside and clean my oven....

Watching

This morning I had yet another opportunity to watch my daughter think. It is amazing to watch. I always come away flabbergasted, impressed, and humbled.

She had her violin lesson this morning. She is working on a new piece of music that is a bit difficult. Her instructor would play a phrase and then my girl would listen and finger along and then repeat it. For the most part it was cut and dry. No problems. Of course, I am sitting across the room and don't know what the music really looks like.

They reached a section that was a little harder. Some instruction was given. The instructor played first. It was difficult and she sweetly asked my girl if she wanted to hear it again first. My girl readily agreed. This time while she was fingering with the second playing, at the right spot for her, she glanced over to see how the instructor was fingering a certain note. I was blown away. That is a LOT of attention to detail! And we still mark her as an 8 year old! Of course, this is one of those instances where her sixth grade skills kicked in, but I am not even sure that most sixth graders care that much.

While she plays a section with her instructor, she is constantly matching tones and fixing any that she misses, and even changes bow direction without prompting. It is sweet to watch the instructor do those secret smiles, when my girl isn't looking, that mean she thought she would get tricked but she got it.

Of course, I get to see some of those times during a regular homeschool day, but in those outside classes where they are pushing her more than I might be willing to try, it really impresses me. I can watch the wheels spinning and the connections being made.

It is quite humbling to see. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to watch your creation in action. You are a good God!

Autumn

Mist dancing on the water
Fog clinging to the hills
Dew sparkling on the grass
Chill hovering in the air
Jacket cozy on my shoulders
Autumn settling in

An Interesting Question

"Mom, what is your favorite day of the week?" My boy came in this morning asking that question.

It has given me pause. In years past I could answer that question quickly.

I really did want to answer him, but I couldn't.

Then I listened to my thoughts and realized that I am maturing. (My children would say, "Getting old, Mom!", but surely it is maturity since wisdom is there.)

I wanted to answer him with, "Everyday that I get to be with you is my favorite. Everyday we get to go a do things together or learn together is my favorite. Everyday I get a chance to worship is my favorite. Everyday I get to serve my family is my favorite."

He didn't want that kind of answer....I know.

Tuesday and Saturday are his favorite. Tuesday's are busy, but full of fun and friends. Saturday is his favorite because he gets to sleep late and spend time with Grandma and PaPa.

I tell him regularly that he is my favorite boy in the whole world (an advantage of having just one son) and everyday with him is my favorite.

We Have a New Hobby

Since I really needed one more thing to do in my spare time....

My husband had told me about geocaching several years ago. He found one geocache. But, since I don't have a GPS (and he doesn't always share) I hadn't thought much about.

Last week, My Girl read a library book in which the Boxcar Children go geocaching. She asked if it were a real pastime and Dad immediately showed her the geocaching.com website. She was hooked. Especially when they found that a cache is hidden within 300 yards of our house!


She and I went out the following day to find it. That was our first. We immediately set up an account and now we have 4 logged.

If you can't tell, The Boy isn't very excited about our geocaching adventures, but he will have to put up with us since he goes where we go, mostly.


Basically, a geocache is a can, box or bottle that someone has hidden in a secret location and recorded the GPS coordinates for finding it. On the website, it tells the coordinates and a semi-description of the item. All of this will get you to the general area to find the cache. You still have to locate the item. Since the ones we have found are wrapped in camo, they can be a bit tricky. Inside the cache is a log book and a few little goodies, marbles, cheap jewelry, pretty rocks, etc. You sign the log book, take a trinket and leave a trinket and then put the cache back where you found it so someone else can find it.

When we get home, we log our find on the website. It puts a smiley face on the ones we have found and we can go see what else is available in our area. We have found out that there are more than 100 geocaches within a 25 miles radius of our house! Who knew?

It doesn't cost anything, but it sure is a lot of fun. Treasure hunting at its cheapest.

Milestones

(turning 10, with his sister) (this year) -->

Today is a new day in our house. Our oldest turns 13!

We have been teaching and training for the past 2 years that we do not have to be conformed to this world, nor the ideas and mindsets of this world. We do not have to worry about the teenage years because we are not training a teenager. We are training a young man (and young woman).

At this point of the day, 13 years ago, I was still blissfully ignorant of the adventure that awaited us. It wasn't until 5 that evening that we began to get a taste. Thankfully, the excitement level has been lower in the past 9 years, but we are still ever watchful.

This boy has grown quite a bit since that late night, 13 years ago. He has gone from 12 1/2 inches to 63 3/4 inches. And now he is a whopping 119 pounds, up from that original 1 pound 11 ounces. Wow! Isn't that a great God!


His baby pictures aren't very similar to other babies. His head is on the left, in case you aren't sure.
This is a picture of my mom with my boy before I was released from my hospital. They had him covered in Saran Wrap just to keep him warmer. (Now his head is on the right. Taken from the other side of the bed)
Then we have our first family picture that we were able to put in our Christmas letters that year. Our boy had been home from the hospital only a couple of days when this was taken. He came home 10 days before Christmas.

The years have been fun, amazing, scary, maddening, thrilling and eventful. I wonder what the future will hold. Thankfully I know the One who holds it and I don't have to worry.

I Made a New Friend

When I was out walking yesterday, I took some time to check the flowers. I had noticed them last week, but didn't pay much attention. Isn't that sad?

Yesterday, as I walked past, I reached down and plucked one. As I walked I became quite fascinated at the way this flower was created.


There are really only 3 to 5 tiny flowers. The rest is all bi-colored leaves. You cannot tell, in this picture, that they grow up to 2 feet tall! The leaves that grow up the stem are small roundish leaves.

My new friend is named Snow-on-the-Mountain. Isn't she lovely? I never expected to find a new flower friend in the hot part of August. The books say she will be around through October.

This little friend looks so different on each stalk. I was amazed when I started realizing that they all had the same genes.

It is just like the body of Christ. We all have the same "genes", but we don't all look alike. Some of these flowers are tall, and some are short. Some have many branches off the main stalk and some have no branches at all. Some grow on the side of the road and some in the cattle pasture with the decaying thistles.

My new friend is a treasure to my heart.

Bittersweet

Well, I have officially been challenged. My girl has been asking for a blog of her own. Dad and I have given in. We will be monitoring it closely. But, while she is excited about blogging, she is also challenging me to blog more often. I think about blog topics while I walk in the mornings. I have had some really good ones! However, by the time I get home, cool down, and deal with the next items on the agenda for the morning, I no longer have time to blog.

Sweet little bit says, "Why don't you find another time?"
*giggle* Were is so easy!!
Then we came up with the idea of blogging (occasionally) during those few precious moments between lunch and returning to work. Let's see if that helps.

****
Last week was my bittersweet week of the year. It was the week before public school started in our area. I still wax nostalgic.

Then I realized that it is those fond memories of growing up, buying school supplies, smelling a clean school, seeing the new books, and meeting new friends (since I attended so many different schools growing up). *sigh* It was almost as much fun as Christmas, in many ways.

Then I realized that I actually had 13 years in schools before high school graduation, 4 years of college, and then 12 years of teachings. Wow! 29 new school years. No wonder I wax nostalgic!

However, I come home to my two monkeys and I get to grin. That nostalgia still hasn't worn off. I have two precious children to love and nurture for only a few more years. And I get to keep them!

I don't really know how many years of homeschooling to count. I was so overtly proactive in my boy's development during his first 2 1/2 years since he was a micro-premie that is hard not to count that time. And I also was overtly proactive when it came to "preschool".

The excitement of a new school year for those first 29 years would end up running thin after 2 - 3 weeks. Now, with homeschooling, it isn't exciting everyday, but it is pleasurable the majority of the time. Yes, there are days that I have to FORCE us to get our work done, but with such interesting company it quickly returns to the pleasurable side.

I am so happy and blessed to have this job. I wouldn't trade this for anything I can possibly think of. I am just so blessed.

Misnomer

Stay-at-home-Mom!

Ah! That sounds so delicious!!
I know that everyone already knows that is a misnomer. There is no such thing as a stay-at-home-mom in our western society. I'm not even sure how women have time to work!

At times, I even think that it is always my own fault or my own choice that I am too busy. I do know that is true, sometimes. However, today and in the past week, that just isn't the case.

I could not simply say, "No, my girl is not going to orchestra camp (last week) because we will be too busy." I also could not say, "No, I will not come and help with my niece's wedding dress (like I really did anything big)." And I cannot, today, say, "No, I will not attend this meeting for one of the best organization to which I belong." I also cannot say, "No, we will not go spend time with a good friend that we haven't seen in the past 3 weeks."

"No" is not always a choice.

Now, next week, "No" may be a very real option. But for today, we will push through some schoolwork and then rush off to the next important thing.

Note to self: Take the time to hug those kiddos and give them smiles as we rush on to the next thing.

School Days Strike Again!

It is time once again for Rock Castle Academy to hit the books.

We began our 9th year of schooling this past Monday. Gracious!!
She is doing 6th grade level work and he is doing 8th grade level.

Math, of course, is one of the majors. (Yes, I did make her go back in and remember her dollar sign and decimal point. But, she is just so cute!)

Reading is still one of our favorite things! (Try not to notice how hairy his legs have gotten. :-D)


Journal writing and creative writing are a big part, too. Maybe good writing posture should be next. But, they were having so much fun. Really!

They have both voted, and so far, science is one of their favorite things. Really! She was having a good time, I just caught her when I called his name. We all giggled at her expression. Eye protection is important. We don't want wayward tomatoes causing damage to our eyes!

It should be another good year with some great students.

My Morning Walk

*Cue the mockingbirds*

Baptism

Yesterday was a huge blessing in our family. Our children were baptized with all of our closest family present.

Our girl made a profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ over 2 years ago, and our boy made his over a year ago. We have been in no hurry for the baptism since they are still children. Dad wisely suggested that we give time for fruit to be grown. We have seen some fruit.

Then there was discussion about how and when to do this baptism. Just our family in a river, just our bible study group, or involve the church. Dad said that we needed to have the whole church involved since that is another place from which accountablity will come.

Our very bestest friends were able to be here this weekend to play and enjoy this celebration with us.


His head went down and his feet went up. And on top of that, he was almost too long for the baptistry. Dad says he bumped his head on the way down. (hee)


At our church, we are very informal and we do get the whole church involved. We all gather around the baptistry while the baptizing is going on. Pastor asked Dad to do the honors, but Pastor was right there with the first words of blessing and prophesy over each one.


What a special time! Our task in parenting hasn't changed a whole lot, but we continue to believe for new levels of understanding and continual harvests of fruit.

We are so blessed.

Little Girls

Last week, my boy went to spend the week with Grandma and PaPa. He got to watch the new baby chicks, shot his gun some and generally relax and be lazy.

My girl, on the other hand, was home with Mom appreciating that she is not always an only child. To keep herself occupied, she decided to play with her favorite babies. She has never really like baby dolls, but she has always adored stuffed animal babies.

Out came the Pet Shop VIP collection. They ALL had to be part of a massive, two day photo shoot. What fun it was! The babies loved the attention, and my girl's creative juices were stretched.

I am not allowed enough space to show you all of the pictures, but here are a few to give you an idea.

And now you can get a taste of the gigantic undertaking this project was, since each was photographed individually and with their own settings.

Laughing and Crying

They make me laugh. They make me cry.

These children of mine are such joys to my life. It is incredible!

I am at that stage of motherhood where I spent more and more time listening and marveling. I have always been amazed by what these two beings can stir inside of me.

I have wondered if it was the 14 years of waiting for the first one and then another 4 years for the second. Is that why I enjoy them so much? Is it the huge amount of time we spend together; living, homeschooling, being? Is it just because they are two of the most amazing children every created by God? Is it because I recognize a short time treasure and "ponder these things in my heart"? Maybe all of these things work together, but it is such a blessing.




He received the most wonderful thank you notes for helping out with Cooking Camp last week. "You have a love for God and others that I know makes God very happy." *sniff* And another note said, "You have a very kind and gentle nature." * sniff* And momma wasn't around to make sure he behaved... *sniff sniff* Wow!



She had a blast at day camp with a buddy (that's what she is saying in this picture) that she has been with for the past three years, but she reached out and drew some of the others in, too. She even got to do a thing called The Big Gulp on the high ropes course. When did she get to be so big?

Yesterday afternoon as the three of us sat wasting time at our computers, I worried about teaching them slothfulness. This morning, completely on his own, he came in and said, "I really feel like writing on my computer." I blinked at him twice and said, "Okay!"

Now, we have always done our creative writing at our computers rather than on paper. But today, out of himself, he chose to do something worthwhile instead of just computer games!

His little sister came in after practicing violin, saw what he was doing, and proceeded to start her own. *sniff* They are growing up too quickly.

And they both used vocabulary that blows my doors off. Where do they get phrases to put in their own stories like, "The vast blue sky" and "he nodded enthusiastically". Okay, so spelling is always an issue, but at least the vocabulary is there. The spelling can be fixed later.

They make me laugh. They make me cry. They make me strive to encourage them more and more.

I wonder if I have to be able to keep up.

It's Friday!

In the past several years, Friday is not as big a deal to me as it is for most. But, this Friday is. My babies come home today!!!

I have seen them a little bit during the week. My girl had a yucky tummy on Wednesday, but was well enough for me to take her on out to camp to finish up the day. We had to stop by and check on her that evening and got to hug my boy, too.

Last night, the church where he is doing Cooking Camp had a concert and reception. Cooking Camp provided the refreshments for the reception. I got to hear a couple of mommas tell my boy how much their kids have enjoyed him. It warms a momma's heart. He is such a good big brother that he is able to share that with others.

I am so proud of them both and can't wait to have them to myself again. I am selfish that way. Of course, the weekend is busy and I won't get to keep them to myself only, but I get to wake up to a cuddle and a snuggle in the morning. I can hardly wait!!

Thank you, Nana, for making this week fun for them, and for being willing to let me have them back! We will do this again in about 3 weeks.

Home Alone

*sigh* This is one of the weeks of day camps this summer. *sigh*

She gets to go to her very favorite outdoor adventure camp, while he gets to be a helper at cooking camp. My children think it is so fun to go stay with Nana during a day camp week.

My house is so empty.

I've looked here....


and here....


and here....



and even here....
It's just me.

I'm glad Dad will be home for supper this evening.

But, do I really HAVE to work on that list that I thought I needed quiet to get accomplished?

Is it Friday, yet?

*sigh*

A Response to Honor Shown

I received a forward of this email.
I was so very moved that the family was blessed. And we got to be a very small part of this.

I just had to share.

****

Dear church,

My family and I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your outpouring of compassion during this past week. We have been so blessed by all the meals and cards that a simple "thank you" doesn't do it justice. The memorial service yesterday was a powerful tribute to our Lord and the mercies He has extended to Jacob and our family, and thank you again to all of you who attended.

It was the funeral procession, however, that was like nothing ever seen before. If you witnessed it, you know what I am talking about. If you missed it, I am so sorry, because you may never see anything like it again, but allow me to describe it to you from our perspective. As we left the church for the grave site, we had well over a hundred members of the Patriot Guard on their motorcycles leading the way, their function being to surround the church and the gravesite to protect the family from any hecklers or anti-war protesters. I almost would've felt sorry for anyone trying to get past these former soldiers to disrupt the services--almost. As we left the church escorted by these guardians, in the limo directly behind the hearse, we saw the first few groups of people honoring us as we passed, including members of this church. Our first thought was, "how sweet of these scattered few to honor Jacob this way." There were small groups of people like this all the way down Goat Creek Rd to Junction Hwy, and when we turned toward town, the number of people increased slightly, especially by Walmart, where we were amazed that a few people had even set up camp in the middle of the road, waving their flags. When we turned onto Harper Rd, there were even more people lined up on the corner by Moore's, and we were truly touched that "all of these people" had turned out to pay their respects. As we traveled toward Holdsworth Dr, the numbers went back down to a few scattered groups again, but the support was still very touching. As we turned onto Holdsworth Dr, we thought, "how amazing that these folks would do this for Jacob and our family," but pretty much thought it was over.

About halfway down Holdsworth Dr, we were stunned to see that the K-ville Fire Dept.'s ladder truck had extended its ladder over the road, with a huge American flag hanging down from it, and again we were deeply moved at the gesture, but again we thought that that would probably be the end. When we turned onto Sidney Baker, we were shocked and stunned beyond words--thousands of people, it appeared, were lining the sidewalks and streets on both sides of the road, waving flags of every size, many of them crying, but all of them showing the utmost respect and honor toward Jacob for his sacrifice and service. To say that we were absolutely blown away by this would be the understatement of the year. The vast majority of these people had never met Jacob before, but they were all so touched by his story that they endured the blistering heat in order to honor him as his body passed by. I have never been so proud of this city and its people, and I know that many of you were in the throngs that lined the street as well. I can't tell you how much that meant to me and my family, and we will never forget it. What should have been a five-minute drive turned into the most amazing hour-long drive I have ever taken, and thank you all so much for being a part of it. I know there will be difficult days down the road for us, as we continue to adjust to the loss of Jacob, but we have all been permanently touched by this support.

Eagerly awaiting our Lord's return,

Jonathan

Honor Where Honor is Due

Our small town was the hometown of the 1,000th soldier killed in Afghanistan a couple of weeks ago. It is a tragedy that any of them have had to go, much less give the complete sacrifice. However, people who knew Marine Cpl. Jacob Leicht say that is was his life dream to be able to serve the United States of America as a soldier. How many of us can say that we have fulfilled our life's dream?

As part of the funeral arrangements, the city provided information for those of us who desired to assemble along the route of the funeral procession as he was taken out to the local cemetery. My mother, myself and my children dressed in our red, white and blue joined hundreds of people to line the streets. It was impressive as we waited 2 1/2 hours in the blazing Texas June sun to see people gather with their flags. They even continued to wait when the appointed time came and went. When the funeral finally came past with the 100 motorcycle Vets as Patriot Patrol Guard in the lead, the city was silent in respect.

I hope the family and the Marines had a chance to understand that we really do appreciate the commitment these people give for us. We are so blessed to have them ready and willing. For those who have served and for those serving now (like my precious nephew who is in Afghanistan right now), Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Honor was due, and honor was shown.

Now on a lighter note, but still the same. The closest big city did a short news story about the funeral for Marine Cpl. Jacob Liecht. The link is here.

http://www.kens5.com/news/Marine-Funeral-95698659.html

It is impressive, but more than that, if you go back the second time to see it and pause it at 1:18, you will see Nana, My girl (complete with red, white and blue puffles), my boy and myself. My boy is quite thrilled to find out that he was on TV and didn't know it.

27 Years

Happy anniversary to us!

Last Friday was our 27th wedding anniversary. That sounds like a long time, but it hasn't felt that long. On top of that, in just a few weeks we can say we have known each other for 32 years. Whew! Someone else must be old, 'cuz I'm not that old. Am I? Hee.

Way back in 1983, they didn't use as many fancy color words. Our wedding colors weren't periwinkle and cream, they were baby blue and white. Honey's best friend really HATED his baby blue tux he was asked to wear. We also didn't have digital photos so I don't know how to share my two favorite wedding pictures with you. Maybe some day I will find out.

Honey was 19, had hair, and was just oh so handsome. He is still very handsome in my book.

I was 18, thin, and anticipating the adventure. I am still enjoying that adventure, but all the rest is gone.

We really didn't have that many hopes and dreams yet, because we were too young to see past college graduation and what that could hold. We have had more hopes and dreams fulfilled than we could have ever hoped for.

The secret to 27 years? Trusting in someone bigger than Honey, knowing that Honey isn't going to change because I whine and beg and complain, and trusting in someone bigger than me to bring my peace and my joy.

I am blessed to be married to one of the great guys. Maybe he doesn't fill that in other people, but it doesn't matter. He is MY great guy and I am so thankful to have had him for 27 years. He has brought joy, comfort, and richness to my life. Not always, but plenty enough to make those other moments worthwhile.

Thank you, Honey!! I look forward to lots more years with you!

Raisin'

Kids nowadays have no respect. Kids nowadays don't care about anything. Kids nowadays don't know how to behave.

What a sad state to be hearing these words regularly! I am sure that 40 years ago some of the grandparent generation said some of the same things. Which lead me to an interesting conversation.

On Sunday, I had to quickly remind my son about some behavior. As a friend came by I smiled and said, "Boys!" She responded by asking which is harder to raise, boys or girls. I had to pause for that one.

My answer to her was, "Moms!"

She looked at me quite strangely. Since she has no children and has not spent much time around my children, she would not have understood, but I tried.

Discipline begins with the parents. Literally. If the parents have no self-discipline, how can they teach their children to have any. Even reprimanding a two-year old correctly requires self-discipline. I had to be willing to pay attention to them, their behaviors and what the real situation was that they were in. Then I had to say what I meant and mean what I said, being diligent to make sure they were obedient. Even when they were teeny.

I have to give of myself to teach my children. Not just in homeschooling. We all know (but are we aware) that we are even teaching our children when we least think that we are. How we walk through and conduct ourselves in Walmart teaches them. How we answer the telephone teaches them. How we speak to our spouses teaches them. How we respond to them teaches them.

Now I am not the perfect person to be showing forth an example. However, being aware that they are always learning goes a long way.

How do I teach them today as we run errands and enjoy a summer day? Discipline on my part is the biggest key. Sure, I would love to have a day where I just get away. Who wouldn't? But being aware keeps me on my toes and keeps me vigilant in how I should be conducting my life even if little eyes weren't watching.

There is never a place I can escape from the eye of the Lord. Thankfully. I think He gave me two pairs of little eyes to train me to be watchful under His guiding eyes. He always strives to be raisin' me to a higher level and purpose.

Singing in the Rain

My girl has now finished her 5th year of tap dance. What fun she has! We have really be blessed with the dance studio where she takes classes.

Last Friday night was her recital. She was in dance number 32 out of 37. It is a busy studio that does tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, hip hop, cheerleading and competitive cheerleading.

Taking pictures in that big auditorium is quite a chore as this one shows. And I don't know how to do the red-eye reduction.



Therefore, we took pictures at home of sections of her dance to "Singing in the Rain".

We are proud of our dancer and the work and joy she puts into all that she does.

Life in Death

Last week we "lost" a very special lady in our Bible study group. Barbara Miller was such a precious, godly woman. I am so thankful to call her my friend.

This has really been an interesting experience for me. I have not "lost" many people close to me, ever. I am so blessed. We were not expecting for Barbara to go home when she did. Sure, she was 74 and had had a stroke last year, but she wasn't on our list of being prepared for "losing". It was quite a surprise. From what I have heard, she passed quietly at home by herself in the week after her son came down for Mother's Day. So she was happy. She had a confidence in her place in heaven with the Father. What a blessing!

I am so very aware that I miss her, but she isn't missing us. It is like all those old cliches about she is in a better place, she no longer hurts, she is dancing now like she has wanted to dance for several years. All of that is so true and so real for her. I don't have to make that up for her so that I feel better.

This was no tragedy. We did not lose her. We know where she is. We were blessed to share her. Father God is still answering all of her questions, and she may actually wear him out with her dancing. :D

We are already missing her. No one will fill her spot on that front seat at church. No one can do the Louisiana drawl as well as she could.

I wonder if others will be as confident in my second home as I am in Barbara's. Thank you, Lord, for sharing her with me.

Texas Wildflowers

Our hill country area is so pretty!
The bluebonnets have run their course. *sigh*
Enjoy these!

Ah! Spring!

I love the spring time! It is my most favorite of all the seasons. Not too hot, not as cold (and I really don't like to be cold.) The flowers! Oh, the flowers! New life springing forth and hiding all the old dead stuff. People moving about more and working outside (so I can watch them.) School winding down and seeing the progress made these past 10 months.

I fully intended to write this post three weeks ago when the Texas wildflowers were at their most awesome. Bluebonnets were AMAZING this year since we had so much rain over the fall and winter. Flowers we haven't seen in years are seen once again. However, I forgot my camera when we went out to the ranch two weeks ago, and we didn't go last weekend. The flowers just aren't as spectacular in town. I have really missed that this year. Maybe sometime over the next weekend I will remember my camera and will post some wildflowers for you to enjoy.

There is just nothing like walking outside and getting that unforgettable whiff of roses or honeysuckle.

Our homeschool Co-op has ended. Orchestra has ended. Tap class ends next week. Our weekly park gatherings are withering away because others have things to do. That is the sad part about springtime. I love that we are moving into the slower season of the year (at my house), but I miss all the people and friends.

Springtime. Taking time to see the flowers. Slowing down. Times of refreshing.

Life Song

I love to sing. I enjoy good music. Of course, my definition of good music is different from other people. I guess everyone has their own opinion of good music.

Music is not something I have spend a lot of time and effort on. I don't play music except on a CD player, so I am quite limited. My daughter plays music. My husband plays music. I just sing along.

I wish I could sing like some of the people I know. But I am what I am. I do have the privilege singing with my husband on Sunday mornings, but that is the only way I am allowed to sing. Oh, I do get to sing with my kids at home, too. They smile and I am happy.

One of the ways I meditate on the Word of God is through lyrics of good songs. I prefer songs that contain scripture or the truth of scripture. There are whole sections of "Christian" music to which I have a hard time listening. If I can't understand most of the lyrics the first time through, it doesn't go on my list of good music.

One that we recently found (that isn't new on the market) is Lifesong by Casting Crowns. "Let my life song sing to you," is the repeating phrase. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQHM3sxSxzE

Wow! It was another reminder to me that we all wish to be important somewhere in time. Everyone's life sings some type of song. Wow! I really don't want a soap opera or country-western, down-in-the-dumps-again kind of life. I don't even what the high strung, floozy kind of life.

My life song sings. I want my life song to sing to the King of all Kings. Wow!

Cleaning For Company

This is one of my biggest pet peeves EVER! I HATE to clean for company. I do it. I rush around and do those extra things that I have been needing to get done, just like everyone else does. But I really hate it.

I am one of those who thinks my family is more important than my company. I SHOULD have my house like this all the time to show my family how important they are.

*Sigh* Now back to reality. I love to relax and have fun with my family. I like to sit on the couch and watch dumb shows with them. I like to go running errands with them or cook for them. I think they much prefer that I do some of those things with them rather than only scrub toilets and floors with them.

The kids do like helping me with our housecleaning chores and they are quite helpful. I do keep the kitchen clean and most things picked up, most of the time. But I loved finding hidden paper wads that the kids were hiding to throw at me, even more than any of the above.

We are blessed to have a house near town so that we can host the Friday night Bible study group at our house every other week or so. I do love the fact that that is a good excuse for sweeping really well under the table like I ought.

So until we can live in a place without leaving any daily residue, I will clean house when company is coming and keep it decent in between times. I do like having my family's residue, most of the time. It usually makes me smile. Paper wads, ice cube melting experiments, and rock collections. Life is more fun than cleaning for company.

Come and visit our house so we can clean it for you.

Vacation

We were so blessed last week to be able to take a vacation to the beach. We were there for 2 1/2 days and 3 nights - rent free!! Thank you, Melanie!!

We got to take Grandma and PaPa with us. While we were there the kids got to swim 3 times, we did some beach combing 4 times, rode the ferry, and visited with two sets of our very bestest friends in the whole wide world.

Best of all, we got to just spend time together. We are so blessed.

My Favorite Thespian

This past Friday, my boy finished his third drama class with a local Children's Theater group. We have been so pleased with his progress under Mrs. Kim. He has had a ton of fun hamming it up!

At the end of each drama class they have had a recital. This time there were quite a few monologues, some short skits and a play written by the little girls. My boy got to do his monologue FIRST, and did it really, really well. We were all so proud of him. He actually learned this monologue completely in just under two weeks time. Cool!

He also got to participate in one of the skits. He had a blast. He is already wanting to write his own monologue for the summer day camp that won't be until the end of July.

Since our girl is already in several activities (tap and orchestra), we have let him have this activity all to himself. I did have a chuckle as we were waiting for the recital to start on Friday. Our girl, who has been on stage numerous times with the aforementioned activities and hardly been nervous at all, leaned over and said, "Mom, my tummy really hurts for my brother." Aww! She was nervous for him. And he didn't even appear to be nervous at all. Even having to go first.

He says he is a theological thespian. *giggle* Dad wanted to know if that means he ACTS like a Christian. But I know that my boy's heart is in the right spot.

Hill Country Anniversary

Yesterday was the 11th anniversary of our move to the Hill Country. Wow! 11 years! The Hill Country has been good to us.
I LOVE having seasons. Most of my family is within an hour drive, though my favorite sister is 3 hours away. We have been so blessed with a fabulous home school support group. And the activity base for my children has been really wonderful. We aren't huge sports people, but we are able to have tap dance, orchestra and children's theater besides Co-op, park and church.

My children have grown well here, too.

Here is my boy, sometime in the first month after we moved out to our Boonie place, and our little dog, Sugar.


And now he has a sister to play with. She has grown quite well, too. Here is a picture of them yesterday when I made them pause in their wrestling to say hi to the camera.



Yes, the Hill Country has been good to me.

I will lift up mine eyes to the hills
Whence comes my help
My help comes from the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.

Thank you Lord, for my abundant blessings.

Technology?

Yesterday was an interesting picture of our society. A major "trunk" or fiber optic line was cut accidentally by a guy on a backhoe around 1:30 p.m. All of the cell phone service and most of the telephone landlines were immediately wiped out for the entire small city with which we are associated, and all of its surrounding area.

Of course, the reports about where the line was cut were so widespread it is comical, but the guys knew what they did and where they did it. They were able to begin work on the repair pretty quickly. However, it was 8:30 p.m. before service was restored. 7 hours! Wow! And this is only a temporary fix. They will have to be doing massive work to do real repairs by tunneling under part of the river. I bet that guy wishes he could take those few minutes back. At least when I mess up, I don't have all of an entire county knowing about it.

The newspaper reported people flocking to the cell phone stores to learn the cause of the problem. Credit card machines were down. Stores had to go searching for the old-fashioned method of carbon copy imprints. Quotes from store managers were dreading how difficult it would be totaling the drawer at the end of the day. Banks even "resorted to pen and paper". I was laughing as I read the articles.

One source said it took the town back in time by 15 years. I don't think that is quite correct since I have only had a cell phone for the past 3 years and a debit card almost that long. I know I am behind times, but we are on a cash only basis at our house. Yes, I use my debit card at StuffMart, but I HAVE to have that cash available in order to use the debit card. Dave Ramsey has taught my honey and I well. We even pay for our gas and groceries with cash.....real cash.

Of course, all of this fun stuff occurred on the day before my honey got paid. That means our on hand cash was running to the end of the paycheck and I was a little concerned about the automatic deposit. However, things are running smoothly (at least in our limited knowledge) and the check is in the bank.

It was a bit strange to be heading out from the boy's theater class last night and not be able to call Nana to say we were on the way to pick up the girl. We also couldn't call Dad to say we were on the way home. A little strange, but not a big problem.

It did make me thankful that my prayer bill was paid in full and I was not left without the real Helper on which I can call, even when the backhoe strikes.

Life is Good

We have been taking a Spring Break this week. I thought we would use it for Mom to catch up on some things. We just moved 6 weeks ago, so how much can there be to catch up on? I did get those main jobs done, like switching out most of the winter clothes for springtime clothing. Here we are on Friday and I still feel like there are more THINGS to do. I guess that is what life is about. Get these things done so you can get to those other things.

One thing we got to do this week was visit the bookstores. The kids were given giftcards at Christmas they have been anxious to spend. Dad took the day off so we could all play together. Our idea of a great outing is hitting the bookstores. The giftcards were for one of the big name, new book kind of stores, so we went there first. Fun was had by all! The boy didn't find the EXACT book he wanted, but he is well pleased with the ones he found. The girl had trouble leaving some behind. :-D

Then we hit the used bookstore. Ooo, more fun! More books. We had listen to some music and a story on CD on the way to the big city, but on the way home there was quiet in the van. I did get them to look up for a couple of seconds.

And then, even Dad wanted his picture taken. What hams! This was a thing worth doing!