Too Long!

Boy has it been too long! We got busy with track, I got busy with work and the world just flew on by! Well, Zach's track season was quite enjoyable. It made me realize how much I miss coaching track. He improved so much during the season. It is amazing how much they grow in just a couple of months! I am so proud of him stepping up to that starting line.

Dylan is finishing his last year in elementary school. Although he never told me when they were having their "graduation" because he didn't want me to take any pictures, I am still proud of how well he has done in school.

Seth still considers himself an baseball-artist, but has added "DJ" to his list of descriptors. He is convinced that he is a "cool dude" that will one day produce music. I hope he does!

Lukah is as crazy as he could ever be. I told him to ride on the sidewalk instead of the rode so that I knew he was safe, and he told me, "Mom, I won't get hurt, because I'm a bear!" So we talked about how bears can get hurt too!

Alayna is quite the princess. She has an amazing gift for singing, dancing and cheering, that she must have gotten from her father. (She don't tell him I said that.) Right now she chooses her dresses based on how much they "move" when she twirls around. I think she got switched at birth! LOL!

Scott is very busy teaching middle school, and online classes for college, finish his administrative license and he will be coaching 8th grade football in the fall. Quite a load! Plus he still does the laundry :)

We are switching our foster care license to a new agency, which means Dominic will be moving after school is out. Cyle is now 18, and is planning on moving out later this summer to pursue his dreams!

That is where life has taken us lately. We have planted a garden this year, and pray that God blesses us with some fruits of our labor! We have also been blessed with some wonderful plants from my mother-in-law and Cyle has a talent for knowing just where to plant them. Only God knows what is in our future, but all I can say is that I love my life and thank God every day for everything he has blessed me with. I know there is no way I deserve it!

Zach Starts Track!

We have been lucky to enjoy a lull in the sport season runaround for the past couple of months. But, alas, it starts again tomorrow! Zach has joined the track team, and has his first meet tomorrow. I called him after his first practice, anxious to hear how things went. He said they ran alot! (Big surpise!) I then asked what events he practiced, since there is quite a wide variety to choose from. He said he went with distance, because he didn't what it was and not many people went to do it. What a way to decide! He has always been one to choose the road less travelled, though. Two days later, he said he was also going to try pole vault. Now, if you know Zach, you will remember that he has his grandpa's coordination, which is not an asset. He is also built like his dad, with the bulk of his mass settling in the middle. This is not a combination you would look for in a pole vaulter. That being said, much can change in the physique of a 12 year old over the next few years, so I encouraged and applauded his adventurous spirit. I mean, what boy wouldn't want to learn how to sail through the air and land gracefully in a 3 foot bed of styrofoam? So our family will bundle up and venture to Mansfield Malabar Middle School to watch Zach take off with the crack of a pistol in the 400 m dash, which by the way is my LEAST favorite event to run! I spoke with him tonight about the impending event, and I found myself being the consumate coach, delivering last minute advice that will be forgotten as soon as the starter says, "Runner's take your mark!" Good luck, Zach! We will be waiting for you at the finish line...

Time Revealed

Today, as many of you know, is a special day to me. Not only is it the day that I entered this world, it is also the beginning of the end of winter. Sharing my birthday with the rebirth of the Earth after a long cold winter has alway seemed to escape my attention. I have known for quite some time that winter is my least favorite season, eventhough I do respect and ackowledge it's importance in our ecosystem. But this year, I feel like my eyes and heart have been opened to experience this day from a fresh perspective. For the past year, I have noticed all of the signs that time has been catching up to me physically (i.e., laugh lines, sprinkled gray hair, general aches and pains). This has been a gradual process, but it seems like this year I have taken more notice (and offense) at the accumulated affect. But today I am reminded that while I am one year older, like the Earth, I am also one year closer to experiencing perfection. Our Earth is also experiencing the accumulated affects of age, wrecklessness and selfishness. Every winter, the Earth attempts to renew itself, but falls just a little bit short year after year. But there will come a time when the Earth and everyone who believes in Jesus Christ will be renewed to their God-created, perfect state. On this day, I believe that, while my body may be growing older, my heart has inflated infinitely by the Holy Spirit. The short time I will spend in my earthly body does not compare to eternity as a heavenly vessel. My birthday prayer is that God would renew your spirit and grant you a glimpse of perfection today, as he has done for me.

God's Blessings

For the past 6 months I have been wrestling with some very big issues. It is amazing how God brings about the answers in His time, and it all happened in ONE week! I feel so excited about the future that I can't hold it in!

First of all, I have been trying to decide if I was going to be able to pull off homeschooling Seth in Kindergarten, when I know nothing about educating early grades. (Plus keep Lukah and Alayna busy so we could work!) In the past two weeks, God has shown me that He has given me the ability and confidence to work with Seth and Lukah and Alayna. Itall started when I bought the Leap Frog learning video collection (Letter Factory, Talking Words Factory, et.). Within 2 weeks, all three of them are reciting the sounds and names of all of the letters. Seth has also been working with Headsprout for a few months. Just recently I've see it all come together as he has started reading and writing words all over the place! I also picked up a math curriculum, and since doing just 2 lessons AND watching the Leap Frog Math Circus, he is doing addition and patterns easily. I don't mean to boast my accomplishments at all. On the contrary, we could not have done anything without God's help. But it hasn't just been Seth's progress that has given me confidence. I set up a "school" table in the dining room, and since then, Lukah and Alayna have been "working" right along with Seth. Lukah doesn't like to be helped or taught, but he listens all the time and catches everything that I do with Seth. He has been cutting out all kinds of shapes, writing his name, sounding out letters, drawing pictures of people and houses (which he wasn't doing before) and doing math with Seth. Alayna sits and colors with us or cuts out "pictures", but she is picking things up too. All of this to say that I am confident that this is what God wants for us.

Secondly, ever since Zach and Dylan "switched" so they could be with their dad during the week and go to school in Marion, I have prayed that God would give the situation direction, and that I would follow His will. For 3 years now, they have gone to school in Marion, but they have decided they would like to switch the situation back, so they could go to school here again. I'm glad they had the time with their dad, because I think that is so important, especially for boys, to bond with their dad. But I won't lie, I missed them like crazy all week! It will be an adjustment for everyone to get used to busy weeks, and missed rec time on the weekend, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Finally, God opened the door to financial opportunities that have allowed us to relieve some burden from our lives. Granted, these are burdens we have brought on ourselves, but God has shown endless grace in helping us remove these burdens once again. Knowing that I will be able to stay home through next year in order to provide the education my children deserve is beyond thrilling to me!

I hope God is also showing his endless mercy and grace in your life as well. It is so hard to accept sometimes, because I am so undeserving! Have a blessed week!

Life at Home

It has been quite a while since I've posted updates. I have been watching for a moment that would inspire me to write, but I think life has been flying by so fast that I haven't caught any moments lately!

The past couple of weeks I have been putting in extra hours with Tiffin, closing out one term and getting another one ready to go. I have to admit, eventhough it accentuates my nerdiness, I LOVE it! I love being able to combine my love of teaching, with my technological skills and my need to be home right now.

I have also been working with Seth, Lukah and Alayna on some simple preschool activities. I need to see if I can do this steadily for the next couple of months before I make a commitment to homeschool Seth next year. So far it is going well. Seth is doing an online reading program called Headsprout (www.headsprout.org), where he is learning how to read quickly! I also found an entire Hooked on Math curriculum set at a Once Upon a Child for $24! I initially bought it for my Sister in Law, who is homeschooling her son Noah. But Seth saw it on the table and insisted we do it. I sat down with him, Lukah and Alayna one morning and before long, all three of them were picking up math facts. (Lukah did very well because a large part is set to music, which he picks up very easily.)

So between working from home, preschooling, carting kids around the state and trying to keep the house somewhat clean, I stay pretty busy. But I have to say, this is one of the best times of my life. I'm truly enjoying my time with the kids and my ability to work my brain at the same time. God has truly blessed me!

The Phone Call

Alayna - 2 years old (February 08)--------------------- Alayna - 3 years old (February 09)

Yesterday, I was outside playing baseball with the Seth and Lukah. They just can't wait for warmer weather, and 38 with a windchill of about 25 was warm enough for them. Unfortunately, Alayna was not willing to brave the cold to be a cheerleader for her brothers, so she chose to be inside. After a few minutes, I heard "Mooooommmmmmmyyyyyy" coming from the house. Alayna opened the door and said something about the phone. I figured she had answered the phone and I needed to come and take it, but when I came in, the phone was not off the hook. She said, "Mommy, she said she will talk to me soon and then the phone said meeeee...meeeee...meeeee....meeeeee." I asked who it was and she said, "I don't know, Sierra Suzie?" (Sierra is her friend and Suzie is grandma.)

As we approach Alayna's 3rd birthday on Friday, I have been thinking of all of the changes and growth I've seen in her. I don't take time to pay attention to her daily changes, but when I look at the giant leaps she has made in the last 12 months, I am astounded. I wonder if God does the same thing, or if He is able to appreciate our small changes as we make them. Every day I wake up hoping to make a good impression on God. By the time my head hits the pillow, I count how many times I failed and disappointed Him. But as I think of Alayna's past year, I realize that I am not remembering all of the times she disappointed or frustrated me, I remember the positive growth and change. This gives me hope and reminds me to focus and pay attention to the small changes I make every day, because that is what He is smiling about.

Lukah's Latest

Last night:

Daddy- So what did you do today Lukah?

Lukah - We played at church and ate McDonald's at the Shasteen's.

Daddy - What else did you do?

Lukah - We went to the store to get cards for you.

Daddy - What kind of cards?

Lukah - I can't tell you, it's a secret!

Swimming at the YMCA

Seth has always been a very strong swimmer. I can't remember a time he was afraid of the water. In fact, when he was 1 or 2, I had to put a life jacket on him whenever we were near water, because he would just jump in without regard to safety!

Although this past summer he has learned how to float and be an independent swimmer, he was afraid to go in the deep end of the pool at the YMCA without a "floatie" on because of how dark the water is. He didn't understand that he'd float the same as if he was in the 4 feet where he can't stand!

Well, last weekend, we had a breakthrough. Zach and Dylan were swimming in the deep end, so, of course, Seth wanted to follow. He started out swimming with Zach, but soon realized that it was actually the same as the shallow end and became independent. He began imitating the older boys diving and within minutes (and a few pointers from mom), was diving with the best of them! I mean he was getting up on the starting blocks and jumping up and diving like he had been doing it his whole life! I wish I could take credit for his achievement, but he really just watches and does it himself.

I wish following Christ were this easy for me. I feel like I try and fail so many times that I'm going to go under and not come back up. I'm so glad I have people around me to watch me and pull me back to safety when I need it. I have recently realized that living in Christ is the most challenging undertaking of my life (yes, even behind parenthood). Fortunately, I believe that one day I will also receive the greatest reward for my efforts... eternity.

Pet Store Trip

We took Bailey, our 3 year old dog, to Petsmart today. Lukah was looking at the animals in the glass. He looked in one with surprise and said "Hey, Look! There is a big GIANT Pinny Gig!"

It has been quite an eventful week! We were able to spend some extra time with friends, Sierra and Micah, and cousin, Elijah. On Thursday, we got to meet our newest friend, Shiloh Hope, the Shasteen's newest addition. All five kids were able to hold her and peek at her.

Luckily, we are on a sports break right now, so we have little running around to do at the moment. I'm just working on figuring out TU's system and teaching at a different level (and through a different medium). I really enjoy it though! I have quite a variety of students, from Native American Reservations to soldiers serving in Iraq, and everything in between.

Scott has decided to coach 8th grade football at Shelby next year. He's excited to be able to connect with the kids and stay involved in the game, but at the same time taking less time from the family.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Storytime

Today I am watching my 3 year old nephew, Elijah. My friend also went into labor, so two of her kids are staying with us as well. We are having a preschool day! Luckily, Daddy gets home just after three to provide a new face and entertainment.

Quote of the Day:

Aunt Cara: What would you like for breakfast?

Elijah: Peter-Butter and Jelly

Weekend Update

YEAH! No visits to the ER this weekend. My sis took the kids Friday night so my hubby and I got to have 24 hours without kids! We spent Friday in Columbus. Scott actually sat in the waiting room while I got my hair cut/colored (yes I DO camoflague my grays!). What a wonderful husband! Then we went to dinner in Upper and helped set up for Upward Basketball. Saturday morning Scott did PR at Upward while I reffed 3 games. Wow it is hard to be a referee! I'll think twice next time I have the urge to scream at a ref :)

We watched Fireproof Saturday night with the family. It was a really good movie about marraige. I recommend it for any couple! Love and respect... two different needs, but both need to be met!

Bear's Quotes of the day:

Lukah - Hey Mom, guess what?

Mom - What Lukah? (From in the shower expecting bad news.)

Lukah - I love you!

Daddy - You're the man, Lukah.

Lukah - So are you, Daddy!

Alayna's First Picture of Daddy

Looks a little like Rollie Polie Olie

Michelangelo's Latest Creation

Letter Factory People :)

Need a Laugh? here's a couple

Bear was trying to get me to put something together for him. He said "Are these the right erections?"

Click on the link -- Ellen Degeneres "I love Jesus, but I do drink a little."

Updates

Wow time has gotten away from me!! Here are some of the things we have been up to:

Michelangelo has been working on a reading program online called Headsprout. He has finished 19 of 80 lessons, and is doing a great job sounding out new words. Last friday he had a visit to the emergency room after a wrestling accident. He caught an elbow in the nose, and the swelling had us worried there was a break. Fortunately, it wasn't broken, although his nose has turned lots of different colors!

Pink Princess was ill with a high fever for 5 days. She is a very strong willed little girl under normal conditions, she is just plain stubborn when she is sick! She would not drink anything, and became dehydrated. The doctor was close to admitting her to give her IV fluids, but when she was given the option "drink or get a shot", she opted to drink. She has recovered from the illness, but I think some of the stubbornness remains!

Bear is just as goofy as ever. He often has the household laughing at his latest antics. From singing silly songs to breaking out in random dance moves, he never ceases to amaze us with his creativity!

Jawz wrapped up his wrestling season last weekend with a tournamnet at Marysville Middle School. He learned so much in one short year, but he is not sure if he will continue with his wrestling career :). I'm very proud of the fact that he has kept his grades at A/B while playing sports from August until now!

Habanero has also done well at school and reads avidly. He's still fascinated with money and video games!

I have started teaching online for Tiffin University. It has been a little bumpy to start with, but I really enjoy the flexibility. I work much better at night than early in the morning, and I am able to follow my own schedule.

We have a new family member. I actually she has been in our family for 3 years, but lived with my sister. We moved her in with us to see how our family would adjust to a new member, especially someone with her special needs. Luckily, she has made a seamless transition, and in fact, we don't know what we would do without her. Meet our new member, Bailey:

Winter Time Fun

Kalahari

We had a great time at Kalahari. Our mini-vacation was in place of monster presents this year. We stayed for two nights and three days. The kids especially loved having snack foods we usuallly don't have at home!