Last night we enjoyed an al fresco dinner on the patio. The weather was perfect--low 80's, no wind. We threw our corn cobs to the chickens and they had a feast, too. Joel had fun interrupting their dinner by chasing them around the yard. Elizabeth and Paul played croquet with Daddy. Grace played bad mitten and Lydia skipped and sang, joining the others as her whims lead her.
Grace put Joel in his little swing on the play set and pushed him, much to his delight. Then the other kids joined him on the play set. Matt and I sat in lawn chairs and watched as Lydia repeatedly slid down the slide and Joel kept running to the periscope to put his mouth over the end and yell something unintelligible into it every few minutes.
Aside from the not very nice comments I've been getting about this pregnancy, I've also received many other comments of genuine concern. "How will you manage?" and "You must have so much patience." (Hah, hah). Honestly, when I look at things from the human perspective, I get overwhelmed, but when I "turn my eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, then the things of earth grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." The only way I've managed so far is by the grace of God and that's the only way I'll manage in the future. He alone provides the patience, the energy and the love I need to pour out to my children and husband. Do I stumble? Most certainly I do. Then I return to The Cross and start again. Isn't it lovely that as Christians we can always return to our Heavenly Father for forgiveness?
As Matt and I sat watching the five children last night as the evening shadows fell over the lawn, I felt little Jude moving inside me and thanked God for how blessed I am. God alone is the Creator and Giver of life. Children are a blessing, not a curse, as our society wants us to believe.
"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children are a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Surrounded by Love
Our house blessing/warming went remarkably well on Saturday. We had about 25 kids and 30 adults show up at different times throughout the afternoon. Our house was full of family and friends. Matt and I were overwhelmed by all the love and good wishes we received.
Paul was the candle bearer during the house blessing. He took his job very seriously. It was so cute. Our friend got a picture of him. I'll have to get it from her and post it soon. Pastor and Matt did a wonderful job of leading the group through the readings and prayers. We concluded the house blessing portion of the afternoon by singing our family hymn, "To God Be the Glory."
Matt and I enjoyed seeing old and new friends and were also priviledged to have special family members make time in their day to celebrate with us as well. Matt's 95 year old Grandma Ethel came as did my Uncle Keith. He took time out of his busy harvest schedule, driving three hours total, to spend a little time with us and be here on our special day.
The kids had a ball, playing inside and out, upstairs and down and eating way too much licorice and cookies.
When the party was over, Grandma Jane whisked Grace off to a hotel for some special one-on-one time. Grandpa Tom stayed here with us (good thing we had gotten a mattress for the spare bed). The kids were so happy to have an overnight guest. They were awfully tired, though, and therefore a bit on the noisy side. I'm sure Grandpa was quite happy to be heading back to his own quiet house on Sunday morning.
As Matt and I lay in bed last night, we reflected on the Lord's goodness. We are surrounded by so many people who love and support us and we are truly grateful.
"Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" Psalm 107:8
Paul was the candle bearer during the house blessing. He took his job very seriously. It was so cute. Our friend got a picture of him. I'll have to get it from her and post it soon. Pastor and Matt did a wonderful job of leading the group through the readings and prayers. We concluded the house blessing portion of the afternoon by singing our family hymn, "To God Be the Glory."
Matt and I enjoyed seeing old and new friends and were also priviledged to have special family members make time in their day to celebrate with us as well. Matt's 95 year old Grandma Ethel came as did my Uncle Keith. He took time out of his busy harvest schedule, driving three hours total, to spend a little time with us and be here on our special day.
The kids had a ball, playing inside and out, upstairs and down and eating way too much licorice and cookies.
When the party was over, Grandma Jane whisked Grace off to a hotel for some special one-on-one time. Grandpa Tom stayed here with us (good thing we had gotten a mattress for the spare bed). The kids were so happy to have an overnight guest. They were awfully tired, though, and therefore a bit on the noisy side. I'm sure Grandpa was quite happy to be heading back to his own quiet house on Sunday morning.
As Matt and I lay in bed last night, we reflected on the Lord's goodness. We are surrounded by so many people who love and support us and we are truly grateful.
"Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" Psalm 107:8
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Open House
We're having a house blessing this weekend. It'll be a chance to celebrate the Lord's goodness to us and to thank all those who helped us with our big move. If someone would have told me we'd be moving three months ago, I would have said, "No way." God has really provided for us in some awesome ways and this weekend will be a chance to celebrate that.
A friend told me not too long ago that the way to get things done around your house is to schedule a party. It's very motivating, she said. Well, we're pretty motivated. My friend Lisa came over a couple of weeks ago and unpacked Matt's office and all the books from my personal library. She also came over today and we got the basement whipped into shape. Lisa brings her three little ones with her when she comes and my kids LOVE to play with them. It's great to have a friend who can do the heavy lifting and even the thinking when my pregnant body won't allow for those things.
Matt hung up the hardware in the bathroom tonight. I took all the old hardware down when I painted and we've been doing without towel bars for the past couple of weeks. Grace and Elizabeth are quite pleased with their bedroom. They've completed the task of unpacking their boxes and I was able to buy a valance for their window at Wal-Mart. They're tickled.
Matt's got his "meat candy" recipe at the ready for this weekend. That's what he calls his favorite appetizer--bacon wrapped Lil' Smokies sprinkled with brown sugar and crisped under the broiler.
Anybody who wants to come help us celebrate this weekend is more than welcome. Just give us a call for directions and the time.
A friend told me not too long ago that the way to get things done around your house is to schedule a party. It's very motivating, she said. Well, we're pretty motivated. My friend Lisa came over a couple of weeks ago and unpacked Matt's office and all the books from my personal library. She also came over today and we got the basement whipped into shape. Lisa brings her three little ones with her when she comes and my kids LOVE to play with them. It's great to have a friend who can do the heavy lifting and even the thinking when my pregnant body won't allow for those things.
Matt hung up the hardware in the bathroom tonight. I took all the old hardware down when I painted and we've been doing without towel bars for the past couple of weeks. Grace and Elizabeth are quite pleased with their bedroom. They've completed the task of unpacking their boxes and I was able to buy a valance for their window at Wal-Mart. They're tickled.
Matt's got his "meat candy" recipe at the ready for this weekend. That's what he calls his favorite appetizer--bacon wrapped Lil' Smokies sprinkled with brown sugar and crisped under the broiler.
Anybody who wants to come help us celebrate this weekend is more than welcome. Just give us a call for directions and the time.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Home Front
We dropped off all the house keys we could find at the other house last Thursday night. This freed us, for the first time since we've moved, to focus entirely on this house over the weekend.
My parents came down and spent the day with us on Saturday. My mom entertained the kids ALL day. She played every card and board game the kids dragged out and also every other game they made up. Mom commented on how Lydia makes her opinions very clearly known to everyone. Yep, that's Lydia. She's a work in progress, but aren't we all?
Matt and Joey replaced the dishwasher early in the morning. Washing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher isn't my definition of a dishwasher. More like a dish rinser and dryer. We found a replacement on Craigslist and I'm much happier with it. It was quite a feat to get the old one out and the new one in, but Matt and Joey finally managed it.
Matt and Joey then went to work on reassembling the shed. It turned out that "just scraping the sod a little" didn't really describe the magnitude of the job. Matt and Joey worked in the heat cutting and shoveling sod for three or four hours. Then my dad and Matt went to the rental place to buy sand for leveling the area so that the shed would sit evenly.
My dad put the bottom panel of the dishwasher on (after two trips to Lowes to find the right screws.) Like I told my dad, Matt and I have learned that every thing in the area of house repair/maintenance takes ten times longer than you think it will. Now I have a real dishwasher and I'm very pleased.
We went to early church yesterday, did a little Sunday school at home, and then got to work again. (I know, the Sabbath is supposed to be a day of rest.) Well, we got quite a bit done and Matt and I even enjoyed our first dip in the hot tub (it was really the tepid tub--so it was safe for baby Jude). I kept thinking, "this can't be me in this hot tub." Matt said, "Well, here you go Melissa, you have a hot tub now. I never would have bought you one, but it came with the house." Matt's not one for hot soaks, but I am. In this case the water was more pool temperature, but after the baby comes we can turn up the temperature. Thank you, God for a hot tub.
My parents came down and spent the day with us on Saturday. My mom entertained the kids ALL day. She played every card and board game the kids dragged out and also every other game they made up. Mom commented on how Lydia makes her opinions very clearly known to everyone. Yep, that's Lydia. She's a work in progress, but aren't we all?
Matt and Joey replaced the dishwasher early in the morning. Washing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher isn't my definition of a dishwasher. More like a dish rinser and dryer. We found a replacement on Craigslist and I'm much happier with it. It was quite a feat to get the old one out and the new one in, but Matt and Joey finally managed it.
Matt and Joey then went to work on reassembling the shed. It turned out that "just scraping the sod a little" didn't really describe the magnitude of the job. Matt and Joey worked in the heat cutting and shoveling sod for three or four hours. Then my dad and Matt went to the rental place to buy sand for leveling the area so that the shed would sit evenly.
My dad put the bottom panel of the dishwasher on (after two trips to Lowes to find the right screws.) Like I told my dad, Matt and I have learned that every thing in the area of house repair/maintenance takes ten times longer than you think it will. Now I have a real dishwasher and I'm very pleased.
We went to early church yesterday, did a little Sunday school at home, and then got to work again. (I know, the Sabbath is supposed to be a day of rest.) Well, we got quite a bit done and Matt and I even enjoyed our first dip in the hot tub (it was really the tepid tub--so it was safe for baby Jude). I kept thinking, "this can't be me in this hot tub." Matt said, "Well, here you go Melissa, you have a hot tub now. I never would have bought you one, but it came with the house." Matt's not one for hot soaks, but I am. In this case the water was more pool temperature, but after the baby comes we can turn up the temperature. Thank you, God for a hot tub.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Brain Training
I have to commend Elizabeth for her stamina and motivation this past week during her "perception correction training." She far exceeded my expectations. She loved every minute of the training and even when she got tired she wouldn't quit. The woman who worked with Elizabeth finally had to tell her to take a break when she needed one.
Matt and I spent about two hours with Elizabeth and her teacher on Friday afternoon. We learned what Elizabeth had been doing all week. We had a general idea what the week was going to involve before it started, but it was good to get specifics.
Kids who are visual spatial learners do really well if they have a picture to attach to a word. If they are able to picture the word they are trying to learn, say an apple, the word can easily be stored in their long term memory and not be stumbled over again when they read. However, words that do not have a natural picture, for example, "there," "where," etc., will throw these kids off track.
Elizabeth spent a large part of the week looking up these "non-picture" words in a dictionary, then forming representations of the words out of clay. Once a picture is attached to the word, the child can easily store it in long term memory. So at the end of our two hour session, the woman had Matt and me work with the clay. Sounds easy, right? Not exactly, especially if you're not naturally a visual spatial thinker, which neither Matt nor I are.
I was given the word "make." I thought, "This will be a cinch. I'll just make a clay figure of Elizabeth with some clay in her hands." First, I had to look up the word in the dictionary. The woman told me to simplify the definition to "to build or create." Next, I made my clay figure. The only problem was, I made a completed clay project for my clay Elizabeth to hold. "That's 'made,' not 'make'," the woman said. Then I had to do "making." I pointed to my clay figure and said, "There is Elizabeth making something with clay." Wrong again. I needed to fashion two other people who were having a conversation in which they said, "There is Elizabeth, making something with clay."
Matt had the word "he" meaning an "male adult, a male child or a male animal." Matt ended up having to make five clay figures, including a rooster.
Elizabeth has a long list of these words she needs to work through in the same manner in the next year or so. She's totally motivated and excited. Her whole attitude has changed. I think she was just so relieved to have someone actually understand the way she thinks. She's like a bird that's been freed from its cage. We're praying that all that she's learned will be retained and that her new methods of how to perceive things will become second nature to her. We're also very thankful to both sets of Elizabeth's grandparents, without whom this training would not have been possible.
Of course, we couldn't leave out God. He is worthy to be praised. I know He lead me to this method and this woman. My mother-in-law asked the woman how many people do what she does. She told my mother-in-law that she's one of three in the whole United States. Isn't God great?
Matt and I spent about two hours with Elizabeth and her teacher on Friday afternoon. We learned what Elizabeth had been doing all week. We had a general idea what the week was going to involve before it started, but it was good to get specifics.
Kids who are visual spatial learners do really well if they have a picture to attach to a word. If they are able to picture the word they are trying to learn, say an apple, the word can easily be stored in their long term memory and not be stumbled over again when they read. However, words that do not have a natural picture, for example, "there," "where," etc., will throw these kids off track.
Elizabeth spent a large part of the week looking up these "non-picture" words in a dictionary, then forming representations of the words out of clay. Once a picture is attached to the word, the child can easily store it in long term memory. So at the end of our two hour session, the woman had Matt and me work with the clay. Sounds easy, right? Not exactly, especially if you're not naturally a visual spatial thinker, which neither Matt nor I are.
I was given the word "make." I thought, "This will be a cinch. I'll just make a clay figure of Elizabeth with some clay in her hands." First, I had to look up the word in the dictionary. The woman told me to simplify the definition to "to build or create." Next, I made my clay figure. The only problem was, I made a completed clay project for my clay Elizabeth to hold. "That's 'made,' not 'make'," the woman said. Then I had to do "making." I pointed to my clay figure and said, "There is Elizabeth making something with clay." Wrong again. I needed to fashion two other people who were having a conversation in which they said, "There is Elizabeth, making something with clay."
Matt had the word "he" meaning an "male adult, a male child or a male animal." Matt ended up having to make five clay figures, including a rooster.
Elizabeth has a long list of these words she needs to work through in the same manner in the next year or so. She's totally motivated and excited. Her whole attitude has changed. I think she was just so relieved to have someone actually understand the way she thinks. She's like a bird that's been freed from its cage. We're praying that all that she's learned will be retained and that her new methods of how to perceive things will become second nature to her. We're also very thankful to both sets of Elizabeth's grandparents, without whom this training would not have been possible.
Of course, we couldn't leave out God. He is worthy to be praised. I know He lead me to this method and this woman. My mother-in-law asked the woman how many people do what she does. She told my mother-in-law that she's one of three in the whole United States. Isn't God great?
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Idols
It's been one week since I got the word from my doctor. He told me I was doing a great job in keeping my blood sugar levels in check through my diet and that I only need to test my blood a couple of times a day now. He also said he wouldn't let this pregnancy go beyond 39 weeks, "so don't make an appointment to be seen in the office the week of August 25, you'll be in the hospital."
Most women in their right minds would be happy with such news. I've been wrestling with God over it for a week now. Quite frankly, I'm getting tired of this low carb diet. A girl who was raised on bread, potatoes and noodles doesn't exactly like being told that these foods are to be very limited. Not to mention, the no sugar part of the diet. Let me tell you, sugar free candy just doesn't cut it and the laxative effect of the candy makes it even less desirable. I keep reminding myself, "Man does not live by bread (or chocolate) alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
Secondly, the week of August 25 is always when the peaches are ripe. I can like a crazy woman that week. Until last week, I was still holding on to a shred of hope that I could can before giving birth. I told the doctor he was messing up my canning schedule (he used to can, too). His reply, "I know, I mess up everyone's lives, just ask my son."
Today on the way home from dropping off Elizabeth for her training, I turned on the radio and listened to Dr. David Jeremiah. He was preaching about Samson. Even though Samson had taken a Nazarite vow, he pandered to his fleshly lusts all of his life, to his own destruction.
As we're working through A.W. Pink's "Repentance" in our Bible study, it has become painfully obvious that I can't keep my "pet sins" and still claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Pink says that Christ came to fulfill (establish) the law, not to abolish it. I can't knowingly sin and claim, "It's o.k., I know God will forgive me." If I truly understand God's holiness and I truly care about His glory, then I won't continue to sin. I will instead repent by being truly broken over my sin, recognizing my wickedness in light of God's holiness. As Pink says, "Repentance, then, presupposes, first, a recognition and acknowledgement of God's claims upon us as our Creator, Governor, Provider, and Protector." If I am a bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ, then I should "joyfully obey", as Pink says, in ALL things in accordance with God's Holy Word.
So the upshot of all of this is, I need to "make no provision for the flesh" as the scripture says. I need to acknoweledge God's sovereignity, His rights to me as I have been "bought with a price," and to stop feeling sorry for myself that I can't have things my own way. God loves me unconditionally (agape love) and He knows what's best for me. Goodness knows, if I'd had things my way all my life, I'd be in a real mess right now.
In his sermon, Jeremiah read this verse in making his point about Samson, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Gal. 6:7, 8
Most women in their right minds would be happy with such news. I've been wrestling with God over it for a week now. Quite frankly, I'm getting tired of this low carb diet. A girl who was raised on bread, potatoes and noodles doesn't exactly like being told that these foods are to be very limited. Not to mention, the no sugar part of the diet. Let me tell you, sugar free candy just doesn't cut it and the laxative effect of the candy makes it even less desirable. I keep reminding myself, "Man does not live by bread (or chocolate) alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
Secondly, the week of August 25 is always when the peaches are ripe. I can like a crazy woman that week. Until last week, I was still holding on to a shred of hope that I could can before giving birth. I told the doctor he was messing up my canning schedule (he used to can, too). His reply, "I know, I mess up everyone's lives, just ask my son."
Today on the way home from dropping off Elizabeth for her training, I turned on the radio and listened to Dr. David Jeremiah. He was preaching about Samson. Even though Samson had taken a Nazarite vow, he pandered to his fleshly lusts all of his life, to his own destruction.
As we're working through A.W. Pink's "Repentance" in our Bible study, it has become painfully obvious that I can't keep my "pet sins" and still claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Pink says that Christ came to fulfill (establish) the law, not to abolish it. I can't knowingly sin and claim, "It's o.k., I know God will forgive me." If I truly understand God's holiness and I truly care about His glory, then I won't continue to sin. I will instead repent by being truly broken over my sin, recognizing my wickedness in light of God's holiness. As Pink says, "Repentance, then, presupposes, first, a recognition and acknowledgement of God's claims upon us as our Creator, Governor, Provider, and Protector." If I am a bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ, then I should "joyfully obey", as Pink says, in ALL things in accordance with God's Holy Word.
So the upshot of all of this is, I need to "make no provision for the flesh" as the scripture says. I need to acknoweledge God's sovereignity, His rights to me as I have been "bought with a price," and to stop feeling sorry for myself that I can't have things my own way. God loves me unconditionally (agape love) and He knows what's best for me. Goodness knows, if I'd had things my way all my life, I'd be in a real mess right now.
In his sermon, Jeremiah read this verse in making his point about Samson, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Gal. 6:7, 8
Monday, July 14, 2008
Home Again
We had a nice, albeit tiring weekend. My grandpa's funeral on Friday reminded all of us of the sacrifice he made for our country's freedom. A three gun salute was fired and "Taps" was played. A flag was presented to my grandma. It was a beautiful, sunny day, just the type of day my grandpa would have loved. He was such an outdoors person.
Saturday we traveled south and visited the state capital. It was virtually empty when we got there. The older kids were impressed with the grandeur of the place and Joel was impressed with the way his voice echoed throughout the building.
We then ate lunch at a place that boasted the best BBQ "three years in a row"--right up Matt's alley. The place was chuck full of all the awards they had won. I abstained from the homemade corn muffins and honey and the BBQ ribs. I got the smoked chicken and ate a bit of potato salad. Matt loved the award winning chili, but said the BBQ was not quite as good as "Lewis'" in Kansas. Sadly, Lewis' burned to the ground a few years ago, and Matt is no longer able to partake of the "best ribs on the planet" on his business trips there.
Matt took me to a speciality lamp store after lunch. I've been needing to replace the lampshades on my floor lamps, but didn't realize they are so hard to find. The big city had one store that had a nice selection of shades and I found what I wanted. We then drove to the graduation party.
Matt enjoyed being able to see and talk with his friend Jason. The kids had a blast in the bounce house and I was pleased that it wasn't as hot as predicted. We headed back to the hotel to swim and hit the sack.
Yesterday we drove the four hour drive home. We unloaded the van and then Matt and I headed to the old house to pick up the last of our possessions. We sign final papers tomorrow morning.
Last night, despite everyone being completely exhausted, we had a terrible night's sleep. Paul had some sort of allergic reaction to something. His hands and right cheek swelled up. We gave him Benedryl, but he was still up and down all night complaining about how itchy he was. I found Lydia wandering the house at 3 a.m. I got her back into bed and an hour later she came and told me she still couldn't get to sleep. Joel,too, awakened in the night. We had all three of them in bed with us by 4:30 a.m. We overslept until 7:30 a.m. I hurriedly got ready while Matt made eggs and sausage. Elizabeth needed a good breakfast as she started her training today.
I got Elizabeth to Matt's mom and dad's house about five minutes late, but we made it. When I picked her up late this afternoon, she had completed the first day of training her brain not to disorient and turn letters around in her mind. She had fashioned the entire upper and lower case letters of the alphabet out of clay, among other things. The woman who is working with her is using the Davis Method, a method developed by Ron Davis, author of the "Gift of Dyslexia." This woman was personally trained by Ron Davis in his method. She and her husband spent $15,000 trying to help their son before discovering Ron Davis' method. We're praying that this will be very helpful to Elizabeth as well. Elizabeth enjoyed the first day and is looking forward to returning for more training tomorrow.
I'm desperately needing a good night's sleep and praying that I'll get it. I couldn't even decide where I wanted Matt to hang the towel bar in the kid's bathroom tonight. Tomorrow is another day and we'll try to decide where to hang it then. It's waited this long and it won't hurt to wait a bit longer.
Saturday we traveled south and visited the state capital. It was virtually empty when we got there. The older kids were impressed with the grandeur of the place and Joel was impressed with the way his voice echoed throughout the building.
We then ate lunch at a place that boasted the best BBQ "three years in a row"--right up Matt's alley. The place was chuck full of all the awards they had won. I abstained from the homemade corn muffins and honey and the BBQ ribs. I got the smoked chicken and ate a bit of potato salad. Matt loved the award winning chili, but said the BBQ was not quite as good as "Lewis'" in Kansas. Sadly, Lewis' burned to the ground a few years ago, and Matt is no longer able to partake of the "best ribs on the planet" on his business trips there.
Matt took me to a speciality lamp store after lunch. I've been needing to replace the lampshades on my floor lamps, but didn't realize they are so hard to find. The big city had one store that had a nice selection of shades and I found what I wanted. We then drove to the graduation party.
Matt enjoyed being able to see and talk with his friend Jason. The kids had a blast in the bounce house and I was pleased that it wasn't as hot as predicted. We headed back to the hotel to swim and hit the sack.
Yesterday we drove the four hour drive home. We unloaded the van and then Matt and I headed to the old house to pick up the last of our possessions. We sign final papers tomorrow morning.
Last night, despite everyone being completely exhausted, we had a terrible night's sleep. Paul had some sort of allergic reaction to something. His hands and right cheek swelled up. We gave him Benedryl, but he was still up and down all night complaining about how itchy he was. I found Lydia wandering the house at 3 a.m. I got her back into bed and an hour later she came and told me she still couldn't get to sleep. Joel,too, awakened in the night. We had all three of them in bed with us by 4:30 a.m. We overslept until 7:30 a.m. I hurriedly got ready while Matt made eggs and sausage. Elizabeth needed a good breakfast as she started her training today.
I got Elizabeth to Matt's mom and dad's house about five minutes late, but we made it. When I picked her up late this afternoon, she had completed the first day of training her brain not to disorient and turn letters around in her mind. She had fashioned the entire upper and lower case letters of the alphabet out of clay, among other things. The woman who is working with her is using the Davis Method, a method developed by Ron Davis, author of the "Gift of Dyslexia." This woman was personally trained by Ron Davis in his method. She and her husband spent $15,000 trying to help their son before discovering Ron Davis' method. We're praying that this will be very helpful to Elizabeth as well. Elizabeth enjoyed the first day and is looking forward to returning for more training tomorrow.
I'm desperately needing a good night's sleep and praying that I'll get it. I couldn't even decide where I wanted Matt to hang the towel bar in the kid's bathroom tonight. Tomorrow is another day and we'll try to decide where to hang it then. It's waited this long and it won't hurt to wait a bit longer.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Road Trip
Tonight the kids and I will load the van to be ready for our 8 a.m. departure tomorrow. I filled up the van (to the tune of $100) earlier today. We'll be on the road for a total of about ten hours this weekend, so our pocket book will be hit again before the weekend is over.
First, we'll head to my Grandpa's funeral. He will be buried at a national military cemetery. He was a career army man, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He served in both WWII and the Korean War. He received a bronze star for his service in the Korean War. We'll have a short graveside service and head to a reception honoring his life at the castle right across from my Grandma and Grandpa's house. The woman who owns the castle holds weddings and other such events there and she graciously offered to host a reception in my Grandpa's honor. She had just one opening for tomorrow at three in the afternoon. The timing is perfect--God ordained.
Saturday morning we'll drive three hours to attend a graduation party for Matt's very good friend, Jason. He and Matt roomed together in college. They both graduated at the same time and both pursued careers in computers. The Lord had other plans for Jason, though. He went back to school to become a doctor. He has just completed his residency. He and his wife and three kids will head to Bangladesh this winter for a medical mission as a part of the Samaritan's Purse ministry. This will be our chance to celebrate the Lord's goodness with them and see them off on the new journey the Lord has for their family.
I must finish the laundry and get going on the packing. I'm praying the Lord will provide someone at this eleventh hour to watch after the chickens while we're gone. The kids and I will have to work together getting ready as Daddy doesn't get home until 11 p.m. tonight. I may have to drive the first stretch down the road tomorrow to give Daddy time to rest (like he'll get any rest with 5 kids in the car). He'll be so happy to see his little brood again.
First, we'll head to my Grandpa's funeral. He will be buried at a national military cemetery. He was a career army man, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He served in both WWII and the Korean War. He received a bronze star for his service in the Korean War. We'll have a short graveside service and head to a reception honoring his life at the castle right across from my Grandma and Grandpa's house. The woman who owns the castle holds weddings and other such events there and she graciously offered to host a reception in my Grandpa's honor. She had just one opening for tomorrow at three in the afternoon. The timing is perfect--God ordained.
Saturday morning we'll drive three hours to attend a graduation party for Matt's very good friend, Jason. He and Matt roomed together in college. They both graduated at the same time and both pursued careers in computers. The Lord had other plans for Jason, though. He went back to school to become a doctor. He has just completed his residency. He and his wife and three kids will head to Bangladesh this winter for a medical mission as a part of the Samaritan's Purse ministry. This will be our chance to celebrate the Lord's goodness with them and see them off on the new journey the Lord has for their family.
I must finish the laundry and get going on the packing. I'm praying the Lord will provide someone at this eleventh hour to watch after the chickens while we're gone. The kids and I will have to work together getting ready as Daddy doesn't get home until 11 p.m. tonight. I may have to drive the first stretch down the road tomorrow to give Daddy time to rest (like he'll get any rest with 5 kids in the car). He'll be so happy to see his little brood again.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Pinching Ourselves
I've been sitting on this post for about a week now. We didn't want to spill the beans in case something were to go sideways with the whole thing. We can hardly believe it ourselves. So, here goes. We sold our house (almost)! We'll sign final papers in a week.
Matt received a call from our realtor last Wednesday about 10 a.m. A young couple had been through the house earlier that morning and just loved it. They would be bringing an offer to us by that evening. Could they move in in two weeks? We had a buyer just three days after listing the house.
Our realtor stopped by our house that evening with the offer. We looked over everything. All looked good. We signed without hesitation--the price we wanted, no contingencies and a preapproved loan for the buyer. I asked our realtor if she'd ever sold a house so quickly. She said, "no."
We had the septic pumped early Friday morning. All looked good on that front. We expected this, since we replaced the whole system just 1 1/2 years ago. The next hurdle--the house inspection.
The inspection took place yesterday morning at 8 a.m. I didn't expect to hear anything from the realtor until the evening, but she called at noon. I sat down in a chair to brace myself. Old houses can have big problems and I had (sinfully) worried and fretted that something huge would have to be fixed or that the buyers would pull out of the deal altogether. The realtor said, "Believe it or not, Melissa, they don't want you guys to fix anything." "Praise God!" I said. Only minor problems came to light during the inspection and the buyers felt they could handle those themselves.
Truly, God is worthy to be praised. Most the houses around here have been sitting on the market for an average of three months, so we were just hoping to sell the house before the holidays. It's been stressful taking care of two houses. We're so relieved not to have to worry about the maintenance and upkeep of both houses for much longer.
I told one of the women who helped us get packed about the sale of the house during our church's 4th of July picnic. She couldn't believe it. I said, "I told you the Lord wanted us to move." She said, "Yes, He did."
God has blessed our family mightily in the past couple of months. We are so undeserving. We are most especially undeserving of the salvation we have received through Jesus Christ, His only son. God is worthy of our praise because of who He is, not because what He does or doesn't do for us.
"I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; for great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave." Psalm 86:12, 13
Matt received a call from our realtor last Wednesday about 10 a.m. A young couple had been through the house earlier that morning and just loved it. They would be bringing an offer to us by that evening. Could they move in in two weeks? We had a buyer just three days after listing the house.
Our realtor stopped by our house that evening with the offer. We looked over everything. All looked good. We signed without hesitation--the price we wanted, no contingencies and a preapproved loan for the buyer. I asked our realtor if she'd ever sold a house so quickly. She said, "no."
We had the septic pumped early Friday morning. All looked good on that front. We expected this, since we replaced the whole system just 1 1/2 years ago. The next hurdle--the house inspection.
The inspection took place yesterday morning at 8 a.m. I didn't expect to hear anything from the realtor until the evening, but she called at noon. I sat down in a chair to brace myself. Old houses can have big problems and I had (sinfully) worried and fretted that something huge would have to be fixed or that the buyers would pull out of the deal altogether. The realtor said, "Believe it or not, Melissa, they don't want you guys to fix anything." "Praise God!" I said. Only minor problems came to light during the inspection and the buyers felt they could handle those themselves.
Truly, God is worthy to be praised. Most the houses around here have been sitting on the market for an average of three months, so we were just hoping to sell the house before the holidays. It's been stressful taking care of two houses. We're so relieved not to have to worry about the maintenance and upkeep of both houses for much longer.
I told one of the women who helped us get packed about the sale of the house during our church's 4th of July picnic. She couldn't believe it. I said, "I told you the Lord wanted us to move." She said, "Yes, He did."
God has blessed our family mightily in the past couple of months. We are so undeserving. We are most especially undeserving of the salvation we have received through Jesus Christ, His only son. God is worthy of our praise because of who He is, not because what He does or doesn't do for us.
"I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; for great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave." Psalm 86:12, 13
Monday, July 7, 2008
God Answers Prayer
One of the major disappointments for the kids in moving to this house has been the fact that they had to leave their play set behind at the old house. I have been praying fervently that the Lord would provide a new play set for them--at a price we could afford.
A week and a half ago, I checked Craigslist. Lo and behold, I found a play set. The listing had only been up for one hour. I called Matt and work and told him to check it out. He thought it looked good and the price was right. Matt called the guy and he said, "First come, first serve. Who ever gets me the money first gets it."
It was late afternoon, so Matt finished up a few things at work, stopped at the bank to get some cash, then came home to pick me up. We drove the twenty minute drive to the man's house and he still had the play set. We inspected it, decided it was in good condition and worth the price (especially after he told us how much he had paid for it new). We told him we couldn't pick up the play set until the weekend. He said that was fine and asked, "Would you mind if I start to disassemble it for you?" No, we didn't mind.
Matt picked it up that weekend and this past weekend he and Colton finished re-assembling it. The kids are really enjoying the swings, monkey bars and look out tower. This place is finally starting to feel like home.
A week and a half ago, I checked Craigslist. Lo and behold, I found a play set. The listing had only been up for one hour. I called Matt and work and told him to check it out. He thought it looked good and the price was right. Matt called the guy and he said, "First come, first serve. Who ever gets me the money first gets it."
It was late afternoon, so Matt finished up a few things at work, stopped at the bank to get some cash, then came home to pick me up. We drove the twenty minute drive to the man's house and he still had the play set. We inspected it, decided it was in good condition and worth the price (especially after he told us how much he had paid for it new). We told him we couldn't pick up the play set until the weekend. He said that was fine and asked, "Would you mind if I start to disassemble it for you?" No, we didn't mind.
Matt picked it up that weekend and this past weekend he and Colton finished re-assembling it. The kids are really enjoying the swings, monkey bars and look out tower. This place is finally starting to feel like home.
Coming Home to Roost
Last night, after a family dinner at Matt's parents house to celebrate the visit of Matt's cousin and his wife, we headed to the old house to try to round up that rascally rooster.
Each man, woman and child was armed with his or her weapon of choice. Matt had a king-sized sheet, Grace and Elizabeth had cardboard boxes, Paul had a rake and I had a broom (I had been sweeping off the porch). The neighbor boy even came over to help.
We chased that chicken ALL over the property and even onto the neighbor's property at times. I'm sure we were quite a sight to see. Lydia ran behind the group yelling, "Bok, bok, bok!" Joel toddled behind her as fast as his little legs would carry him. He yelled, too, but I'm sure he had no idea why. I brought up the rear. Matt said he wished he would have gotten a picture of me.
We had that chicken cornered so many times, only to have him escape from our grasp. Forty five minutes into the hunt, the neighbor boy caught the bugger with his bear hands. As we were putting the rooster in the cardboard box, he escaped again, flying up into my face. The neighbor boy's quick hands saved the day, though. He caught the rooster mid-air and squeezed him back into the box. Matt quickly closed the lid. By then it was way past bedtime and Matt still hadn't packed for his trip, so we all loaded into the van to head home.
The rooster was happy to be reunited with his harem, although he was grieved at the Plymouth Bard Rock's untimely passing. Early this morning I heard him cockle-doodle-doing. Now I have the pleasure of hearing a rooster in even closer proximity. We'll see how long that lasts. Maybe he,too, will meet an untimely demise and be reunited with the Plymouth Bard Rock in chicken heaven.
Here he is, in all his egotistical glory:
Each man, woman and child was armed with his or her weapon of choice. Matt had a king-sized sheet, Grace and Elizabeth had cardboard boxes, Paul had a rake and I had a broom (I had been sweeping off the porch). The neighbor boy even came over to help.
We chased that chicken ALL over the property and even onto the neighbor's property at times. I'm sure we were quite a sight to see. Lydia ran behind the group yelling, "Bok, bok, bok!" Joel toddled behind her as fast as his little legs would carry him. He yelled, too, but I'm sure he had no idea why. I brought up the rear. Matt said he wished he would have gotten a picture of me.
We had that chicken cornered so many times, only to have him escape from our grasp. Forty five minutes into the hunt, the neighbor boy caught the bugger with his bear hands. As we were putting the rooster in the cardboard box, he escaped again, flying up into my face. The neighbor boy's quick hands saved the day, though. He caught the rooster mid-air and squeezed him back into the box. Matt quickly closed the lid. By then it was way past bedtime and Matt still hadn't packed for his trip, so we all loaded into the van to head home.
The rooster was happy to be reunited with his harem, although he was grieved at the Plymouth Bard Rock's untimely passing. Early this morning I heard him cockle-doodle-doing. Now I have the pleasure of hearing a rooster in even closer proximity. We'll see how long that lasts. Maybe he,too, will meet an untimely demise and be reunited with the Plymouth Bard Rock in chicken heaven.
Here he is, in all his egotistical glory:
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Lydia, Oh Lydia
Today while Lydia and I sat at the table eating our lunch, she pointed to me and said, "Mommy you have a bug on you!" I looked on my sleeve and felt around on my collar, but I couldn't find it. Lydia kept pointing and saying, "It's right there, Mommy!" I said, "You get it." She promptly slapped me across the face, just like in the movies. I burst out laughing. "Did you get it?" I asked. "Yep."
The Chicken House Arrives
Last night while Matt was doing his nightly outside chores, one hen got down from her temporary roosting spot and followed Matt around the yard like a puppy. She was just sure he knew where her chicken house was. We were happy to see that two of the three chickens were safe and sound this morning, despite having not been locked up for the night. Unfortunately, we lost the Plymouth Bard Rock to a raccoon. Despite the lateness of the season, we're planning on looking into ways to at least partially replenish our flock before summer ends.
Tonight we'll make another attempt to capture the little Bantum rooster that refused to be caught yesterday back at the old house. If I would have had my druthers, he would have gone the way of the dinner table a long time ago, but Paul is attached to the little guy because "he's the only boy." That rooster was a cockle doodle doing yesterday, looking for his little harem. Too bad you can't explain anything to a chicken.
Today our friend Wayne drove his truck with the flatbed trailer and our chicken house to church. Wayne helps put away the chairs we use in our worship service every Sunday so that the gym can be used for other purposes during the week. He decided to bring our chicken house with him to church so that he could deliver it to our house right after the clean up was done. Since Matt still had to return the trailer we have been borrowing for the past month to its owners, I was elected to drive the Subaru with the emergency flashers behind the chicken house. We took a rather circuitous route through town in order to avoid as much traffic as possible.
We made it home without any problems. Matt arrived just a couple of minutes later. Wayne, Matt, Grace and Paul worked to get the chicken house off of the flatbed. All the while, one of the Rhode Island Reds kept a close eye on the proceedings. The chicken house now sits in its new location. It looks like it has always been there. I know the chickens will sleep well tonight.
The Lord has continued to absolutely amaze us with how He has worked out every single detail of this move. We had no idea how invaluable having the use of a trailer for a month would be to us, but God knew. We'd almost given up hope on moving our chicken house. The chicken house was a labor of love to me from Matt and I really didn't want to leave it. Then Wayne called yesterday and said he could move it. Our Lord's mercy and goodness are never ending and we are truly grateful (and so are our chickens).
Tonight we'll make another attempt to capture the little Bantum rooster that refused to be caught yesterday back at the old house. If I would have had my druthers, he would have gone the way of the dinner table a long time ago, but Paul is attached to the little guy because "he's the only boy." That rooster was a cockle doodle doing yesterday, looking for his little harem. Too bad you can't explain anything to a chicken.
Today our friend Wayne drove his truck with the flatbed trailer and our chicken house to church. Wayne helps put away the chairs we use in our worship service every Sunday so that the gym can be used for other purposes during the week. He decided to bring our chicken house with him to church so that he could deliver it to our house right after the clean up was done. Since Matt still had to return the trailer we have been borrowing for the past month to its owners, I was elected to drive the Subaru with the emergency flashers behind the chicken house. We took a rather circuitous route through town in order to avoid as much traffic as possible.
We made it home without any problems. Matt arrived just a couple of minutes later. Wayne, Matt, Grace and Paul worked to get the chicken house off of the flatbed. All the while, one of the Rhode Island Reds kept a close eye on the proceedings. The chicken house now sits in its new location. It looks like it has always been there. I know the chickens will sleep well tonight.
The Lord has continued to absolutely amaze us with how He has worked out every single detail of this move. We had no idea how invaluable having the use of a trailer for a month would be to us, but God knew. We'd almost given up hope on moving our chicken house. The chicken house was a labor of love to me from Matt and I really didn't want to leave it. Then Wayne called yesterday and said he could move it. Our Lord's mercy and goodness are never ending and we are truly grateful (and so are our chickens).
Lessons in Manhood
We worked hard again yesterday. One thing about hard work, it makes for a good night's sleep. Matt and our young friend Colton worked to unload the trailer early in the morning. Then the guys and Paul headed to the other house to load the firewood, dig up some plants I wanted to bring over here and set some sprinklers. I followed in the Subaru with Elizabeth and Lydia. Grace stayed here to hold the fort down and watch Joel.
Matt got a call about 10 a.m. from a friend of ours from church. He had been by our old house earlier in the week (as Matt had requested) to see about moving the chicken house. Wayne owns an excavation company and has the heavy equipment needed to do the job of moving a small building. He also lives just around the corner from our old house. He said he'd be by in the afternoon with some helpers to get the chicken house loaded onto a flatbed trailer. Matt and Colton began taking down the fences that were blocking the route for entry and exit. All the while Paul was a part of the action.
Matt and I have enjoyed watching Paul over the past month. He's spent every Saturday with "the guys" doing man work. He's a good strong worker (for a little guy). Matt has made a point of asking Paul, "Paul, here's a problem, what would you suggest for a solution?" Paul's ideas may not always be viable, but the point is, he is beginning to think about solving problems. As a mother, it's been interesting for me to observe Paul interacting with men. The men have been patient in instructing Paul and giving him jobs he can handle. Paul has held his own, even though I know at times he was so tired he was on the verge of tears. He kept going, though, always wanting to keep up with the men.
Yesterday the chicken house project required a lot of man power. Wayne brought his brother, two sons and another young man to help. The men gave Paul small jobs to do, but they included him and he was tickled. One of Wayne's sons, Steve, is a Marine. He's home now, but he will be deployed to Iraq in September. When the work of loading the chicken house became too dangerous, Steve took Paul aside to wrestle on the lawn.
I watched the sparring from my chair on the front porch. It became obvious within the first few minutes of the wrestling match that this was not going to be a cat and mouse game. I knew Paul was tired from staying up too late for fireworks the night before and that his threshold for frustration was low. It took everything in me to stay in my chair and not break it up. Steve would say, "Show me what you've got Paul." "You've got me in a choke hold, don't let go, Paul." I could see Paul's expression change from playfulness to intensity over the 15 or 20 minutes of the wrestling match. It all ended with Steve letting Paul win the last spar and a promise of a rematch. Paul had received a lesson in manhood.
Matt and I have impressed upon Paul that being a man is not about brutalizing and terrorizing other humans or animals. Being a man of God means being a man of self control. We have also told him that he needs to be a defender and protector of his sisters, treating and talking to them in a respectful manner. Someday, if the Lord grants him a wife and children, he will need to defend and protect them. He may even be called upon to defend and protect this country's freedom when he becomes a man. Only the Lord knows what plans He has for Paul.
As I lay in bed last night, I prayed for Steve's protection when he is in Iraq. I don't envy his parents. I prayed for them, too. I prayed that Paul would become a man of God, a warrior for Jesus Christ. I remembered how God brought David from being a shepherd boy to being the King of His people. God took many years to train David. He taught David the art of war, but more importantly, He taught him how to be a "man after God's own heart." Last night I prayed that my sons would be men after God's own heart.
The past couple of months, the Lord has made such provision for our family--even down to giving Paul many Christian men to be godly examples to him. This afternoon the chicken house will be delivered and unloaded. I know Paul will be in the right in the midst of the men, learning more lessons in manhood.
Matt got a call about 10 a.m. from a friend of ours from church. He had been by our old house earlier in the week (as Matt had requested) to see about moving the chicken house. Wayne owns an excavation company and has the heavy equipment needed to do the job of moving a small building. He also lives just around the corner from our old house. He said he'd be by in the afternoon with some helpers to get the chicken house loaded onto a flatbed trailer. Matt and Colton began taking down the fences that were blocking the route for entry and exit. All the while Paul was a part of the action.
Matt and I have enjoyed watching Paul over the past month. He's spent every Saturday with "the guys" doing man work. He's a good strong worker (for a little guy). Matt has made a point of asking Paul, "Paul, here's a problem, what would you suggest for a solution?" Paul's ideas may not always be viable, but the point is, he is beginning to think about solving problems. As a mother, it's been interesting for me to observe Paul interacting with men. The men have been patient in instructing Paul and giving him jobs he can handle. Paul has held his own, even though I know at times he was so tired he was on the verge of tears. He kept going, though, always wanting to keep up with the men.
Yesterday the chicken house project required a lot of man power. Wayne brought his brother, two sons and another young man to help. The men gave Paul small jobs to do, but they included him and he was tickled. One of Wayne's sons, Steve, is a Marine. He's home now, but he will be deployed to Iraq in September. When the work of loading the chicken house became too dangerous, Steve took Paul aside to wrestle on the lawn.
I watched the sparring from my chair on the front porch. It became obvious within the first few minutes of the wrestling match that this was not going to be a cat and mouse game. I knew Paul was tired from staying up too late for fireworks the night before and that his threshold for frustration was low. It took everything in me to stay in my chair and not break it up. Steve would say, "Show me what you've got Paul." "You've got me in a choke hold, don't let go, Paul." I could see Paul's expression change from playfulness to intensity over the 15 or 20 minutes of the wrestling match. It all ended with Steve letting Paul win the last spar and a promise of a rematch. Paul had received a lesson in manhood.
Matt and I have impressed upon Paul that being a man is not about brutalizing and terrorizing other humans or animals. Being a man of God means being a man of self control. We have also told him that he needs to be a defender and protector of his sisters, treating and talking to them in a respectful manner. Someday, if the Lord grants him a wife and children, he will need to defend and protect them. He may even be called upon to defend and protect this country's freedom when he becomes a man. Only the Lord knows what plans He has for Paul.
As I lay in bed last night, I prayed for Steve's protection when he is in Iraq. I don't envy his parents. I prayed for them, too. I prayed that Paul would become a man of God, a warrior for Jesus Christ. I remembered how God brought David from being a shepherd boy to being the King of His people. God took many years to train David. He taught David the art of war, but more importantly, He taught him how to be a "man after God's own heart." Last night I prayed that my sons would be men after God's own heart.
The past couple of months, the Lord has made such provision for our family--even down to giving Paul many Christian men to be godly examples to him. This afternoon the chicken house will be delivered and unloaded. I know Paul will be in the right in the midst of the men, learning more lessons in manhood.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Independence Day
I awoke this morning to Paul saying, "Happy Fourth of July, Mommy!" and Lydia saying, "Happy Birthday, Mommy!" Matt got the patriotic music playing on the cd player while he made pancakes for our hungry crew. Joel bobbed his head to the music as he waited in his chair at the table. We are truly blessed by the Lord.
Wednesday, my summer Bible study reconvened. Three of us gals have been meeting for the last three summers to work through Nancy Missler's "Way of Agape" series. This year we had considered not meeting at all due to our busy schedules, but then decided God's Word should be first and we would meet, although for only four or five sessions instead of ten. We're studying A.W. Pink's "Repentence" this year. We're all very aware of how much we have to learn in this area. As we sat in the unair-conditioned room of the church where we meet, I could feel a "murmuring and complaining" spirit well up within me. Then the Lord reminded me how blessed I am to be able to study His Word without restriction or fear of persecution. As a nation, we are blessed. His mercy has definitely been upon us since our nation's beginning.
This afternoon we will head to church for a 4th of July BBQ. The donations gathered will go towards the building of our new church and school. Matt was asked to be in charge of kids games. I know he plans on splattering some British Redcoats with water balloons. I'm not sure what else he has up his sleeve (he probably doesn't either), but Matt is good at thinking up games on the fly and I'm sure all the kids will have a ton of fun.
Tonight we'll watch the city's fireworks display. The kids love the 4th of July because bedtime rules do not apply. They're already all stoked up and will probably be good and crabby by the time the show starts, but maybe we'll get a good quiet time in today to ward off the crabbies (hah, hah).
Wednesday, my summer Bible study reconvened. Three of us gals have been meeting for the last three summers to work through Nancy Missler's "Way of Agape" series. This year we had considered not meeting at all due to our busy schedules, but then decided God's Word should be first and we would meet, although for only four or five sessions instead of ten. We're studying A.W. Pink's "Repentence" this year. We're all very aware of how much we have to learn in this area. As we sat in the unair-conditioned room of the church where we meet, I could feel a "murmuring and complaining" spirit well up within me. Then the Lord reminded me how blessed I am to be able to study His Word without restriction or fear of persecution. As a nation, we are blessed. His mercy has definitely been upon us since our nation's beginning.
This afternoon we will head to church for a 4th of July BBQ. The donations gathered will go towards the building of our new church and school. Matt was asked to be in charge of kids games. I know he plans on splattering some British Redcoats with water balloons. I'm not sure what else he has up his sleeve (he probably doesn't either), but Matt is good at thinking up games on the fly and I'm sure all the kids will have a ton of fun.
Tonight we'll watch the city's fireworks display. The kids love the 4th of July because bedtime rules do not apply. They're already all stoked up and will probably be good and crabby by the time the show starts, but maybe we'll get a good quiet time in today to ward off the crabbies (hah, hah).
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
That Lydia . . .
Since Lydia was sick Saturday night, we've had several conversations concerning her diet. She requested chicken nuggets for lunch on Sunday. I steered her away from that choice, saying, "I think you should have some soda crackers and diet ginger ale instead. I don't want you to throw up again."
Matt grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner that night. Lydia said, "I want a hot dog because I don't want to throw up again." I said, "How about a half of peanut butter and jelly sandwich instead?"
Last night, I made meatballs for dinner. Lydia came into the kitchen, surveyed her plate on the table and said, "Mommy, I don't want to eat this. I don't want to throw up again."
That Lydia--she's a dandy.
Matt grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner that night. Lydia said, "I want a hot dog because I don't want to throw up again." I said, "How about a half of peanut butter and jelly sandwich instead?"
Last night, I made meatballs for dinner. Lydia came into the kitchen, surveyed her plate on the table and said, "Mommy, I don't want to eat this. I don't want to throw up again."
That Lydia--she's a dandy.
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