I should be studying right now...

...but before I forget, I need to post our current schedules. I will forget. I know it.

Sundays: all kids practice for Christmas drama 9-10.30. All stay for service. Home. RELAX (or catch up on studying).

Monday: Ben and I get up at 4.55am. Work-out. Ben leaves at 6.40. I wake kids. Breakfast 7.15-7.45. Take Twins to school 8.10-8.30. Walk Es and Sam to bus stop 8.55-9.10. STUDY. P/U Twins 2.30-3.05. Begin dinner. 4.40-4.50 meet Es and Sam's bus. 5.30-6.15 dinner. 9.30 blessed sleep!

Tuesday:All is the same until I drop the Twins off. 8.50-9.50 internship at PCC. Class 10-11.50. Intern noon to 2.20. Directly P/U Twins and home by 3.05 (beginning the 18th the Twins will be p/u at 4). The remaining is the same.

Wednesday: All is the same except this is late start for Es and Sam. Bus p/u 9.55-10.10. I work my first job this day (my last day is the 12th of this month. Then I will be working my PCC job during this time) until 5. My mom p/u the Twins. Dinner and then church. THEN SLEEP!

Thursday: Everything the same as Tuesday.

Friday: Morning is the same. Then I intern from 9.30-12.30. After the 12th not be working the internship this day (Wednesdays instead) but will use this time to study.The rest of the day matches Monday.

Saturday: enjoy being a family!

We've switched up several ideas as a family. There is no TV watching from Monday a.m. to Friday morning. We used to have a huge cleaning day on Saturday, but we've begun talking little bits of our Saturday chart thought the week.

This term I am taking HE 242 (WEBonly), HST 201 and ART 205 (WEBonly). I am considering taking classes through this summer to enable my graduating at that terms end (if my memory serves correct I will only have 11 credits that term).
Es and Sam both are required 7 periods. They are maturing FAST! Es: Science, Math, CSI, Orchestra, Social Studies, Choir and Language Arts. Sam: Orchestra, Art, PE/Health, Language Arts, Social Studies, Math & Science. They do not share the same lunch time, but they see each other in the halls and their lockers are in the same spot. And of course, they ride the same bus. =D The Twins are enjoying the second to last year of their homeroom. I am amazed at the sponges the kids are. The literally soak up all this information. That is....if they are paying attention to their teacher! This is becoming less of an issue. THANK GOD!

Well, that's it. Nos vemos. See you!

**everything changes**

I love school. I actually believe I'm addicted to learning and the people that come with it. ADDICTED.PEOPLE. Here in lies the issue. I am taking some time off from school. I'm sad. More sad than I though I would be.

In my writing class this term our instructor has us "free-write". This is the time we can just explode our thoughts on the page. He usually give us a prompt. This is interesting for me. One was, "The Table" another, "Cheap Thrills". We are not required to use the prompt and Tuesday I decided not to. I wrote about our future plans and dreams. I wrote how I would miss school and wondering if, even if I was near earning a degree, I'd miss it. Then this mind game threw me for a loop. I wondered if I was addicted to school and its diversity. Then it morphed into maybe that being the reason I love the idea of teaching. Newness. I would get a new class every fall. Just as I would get a new instructor and class mates every term. Hmmmm. I think I just love learning. I hope I just love learning and I won't miss this interaction as much as I'm feeling I will right now. I'm thinking I will cry. These fellow students have helped change me to who I am right now. I love myself and them.

Why don't I just continue? Weeell. Our first financial goal was home ownership in 7 years. This would be the year Esther would be entering COLLEGE. Yes. You read right. If I take a one year pause (and work the hours they want me to)we would have more than the bank requires for a down payment. One.Year. Then I can go back OR I can pause another year and have enough saved for a little perk. That perk? Nip and tuck. =D

Who knows? God. I daily put my hopes, dreams, mistakes and desires at the feel of His Grace. Only he knows what will really transpire. I have had so many different plans that have changed. He is the one constant. He will faithfully direct our future.

So, beyond this this term's end; I.have.no.idea. I'm learning that not knowing is okay. It even can be fun. I'm waiting for the fun part to start....tomorrow maybe? Kidding. =D We will be patient. We will rest. We will accept. We will create. We will grow. We will believe. This is our quest.

Switch-o Change-o

OH. BOY.

We're moooooved. We so very much ENJOY our new spot on this round ball. I didn't realize how much havoc surrounded our other place.

There are several reasons why this spot is one of peace for us.
1- It's larger. We aren't tripping on one another.....ever.
2- It's on a quieter street. THREE days went by before we heard a siren. WOW!
3- I haven't see a single illegal transaction. Serious.
4- The kids school is a brisk, four minute, walk from our place.
5- The Quartet's school begins one.hour.later. and since we're closer.....it's just a beautiful thing. Our mornings are not longer filled with MAJOR time management. We still watch the clock but not as strictly.
6- We are a quick three minutes away from our church. We googled it and found it would be a 23 min. walk and a 7 min. bike ride. LOVE IT!
7- The way this house is laid out is perfect for our family. It's been added on to about twice (in 60 years) and I think God had us in mind all along! The boys room is large enough to house all their items AND to be used as a play room as well. The Four all have a space to complete homework away from distractions. This has been a HUGE advantage. We have a fire place again!
8- Our Land Lady is across the street and a DEAR. She's the one we've told the kids to run to if there's an emergency and we aren't home.

So, since the 6th of August we:
Signed the lease*Moved*Unpacked*Found all the school supplies*Kids stared a.new.school*Had Peso partially fixed*Katy started a new job*Cleaned old house*Walked through old house*Reinstated our library cards for this county*Run in a new and multi-hilled area*Purchased this terms collegic text books*Had several margaritas and made oh-so many memories already.

I truly cannot describe how blessed I feel. At this point I'm not even sure there are words in existence to describe.

Thank you for praying. Thank you for helping. Thank you for supporting. Without you all.....there wouldn't be a THIS.

xy = x (y) .....and this is my life

I've been negligent of my blog. In my defence it hasn't been purposeful but the natural consequence of a busy Mom. =)

So, for my own documentation, I'm going to type my schedule for this term down.

Monday & Wednesday**5.40-up, dressed and face washed. 5.50-6.15Coffee poured, Bible read and prayed. 6.20 sandwiches started and laundry or dishes started. 6.30-kids up. 6.40-kiss Ben bye. 6.55-kids eating and sandwiches completed. 7.05-my breakfast. 7.15-start Pesorita so she's warm for the drive. 7.28- on the road to the kids school. 7.45-kids to school and on my way to my campus. 8.15-at campus and studying. 9-11.20-algebra. 11.20-1-homework and lunch. 1-2.50English lit. then leave to get kids by 3.30. 3.55-home. Then the kids complete their homework, Ben gets home and we eat dinner. Essy usually has more homework after dinner then it's beddy-bye for the kids! Then Ben and I finish up some of our homework and hit the hay.

Tuesday & Thursday** The only portion that changes is that instead of going to my campus I run at the kids school. Then study or work for Nana. Thursday is no homework night and we watch a movie.

Friday**The Lewis Quartet don't have school (hip-hip-hooray!) but they do need to complete their week-end homework (as do I if I have any left). This is the day I complete a weight work out.

Saturday**PLAY DAY!!!! YAY!!!! Then we finish homework and Ben and I complete our 'big'
run (it's been at least 10 mi. these days).

Sunday**Church and ball games and getting ready for Monday.....=)

Running has been okay. I've been battling lower back, hip and knee pain. That's been difficult to push through but even with all that pain I completed 12 miles (11.70 min. miles). YAY!

My instructors are hilarious. I find myself baffled that I am often the only one who laughs out loud in class. Then that makes me even more giddy and it's even more difficult not to laugh. BOTHER! I'm glad I get the jokes. Maybe the classes are too early/late for the others to get it??? Who knows!

And this, Folks, is my life!

Buried

Ahhhhh! Buried and loving it! Just part of our new back yard!

Catching Up (pt. dos) and More

I feel like I'm always catching up. Will I ever feel caught up? Maybe today's the day!

O.K. we went to Eugene this week-end. Such a great time but we are tired. Ben was installing a french drain for his Grandma's house (his Mom's Mom, Roberta....the kids call her Grandma Berta =). LOTS of back breaking work. Lots of concern on my part that he was working himself too hard. Lots of concern on his part that the job was taking longer than expected, hoping we were all happy. Whew. Both Ben and I are exhausted!!! Thanks Babe.



What beverage is essential for hard labor?
Why Starbucks of course!


We're having Thanksgiving at our house this year. I'll make the pies, rolls, drinks and, of course, cook the Bird (I thought the poor turkey deserved a capital. Here Birdy, Birdy! Good meat.).

We had our parent teacher conferences this week. I loved them. It totally helps pin-point issues and helps us (parents and teachers) work together to get results. YAY!
High points: Es's teacher said that she is very respectful and polite. She makes sure she is inclusive to other students and is just pleasant. =D Nice to hear! And Sam's teacher said "I know Sam works hard to follow the family values you have established. When he's presented with a easier choice that goes against what his values are, he chooses your family values even though they might be more difficult. =D Wow. Double wow, considering I'm not sure if his teacher is a Christian. His teacher did work hard to make sure he didn't make any reference to God.....it is public school after all. The Twins are doing well. It was hard to cram both of their meetings into the 1/2 hr. slot though. They are working hard to keep their mischievousness in check..... ;D They both spell at a first grade, ninth month level. She was impressed with that.

Tonight, Zach was still hungry after he'd eaten his treat and asked if he could drink a V-8. He wants more veggies??? "Sure" we say and he excitedly pops the top of one. A while later he's still sitting at the table 'drinking' his juice. Both Ben and I look over and he says "It tastes different than last time." I probably say that if I'd just had some candy too! Needless to say, he didn't finish his precious drink. I couldn't help but laugh. How can you not laugh at that expression?



Makes me what to have a V-8.....

Crazy Happenings

At our house school is in full swing, complete with homework and assignments.

Here is a little taste of our life. (more for my own documentation.)

Night Before: On Sun., Mon., Tue. and Wed. nights (no school or work Fridays!) I give the kids two options for the next days breakfast and set out bowls, spoons or fill the tea pot up if they want oatmeal. I also set out our vitamins and make sure we have bread and meat thawed for sandwich making. I fill the coffee pot with water and grounds. I have the kids fill their water bottles and put them in the fridg. Get out the sandwich containers and lids. Fill snack tubs and veggie or fruit tubs (they get one or the other every day). If I'm making P.B. and J. or H. then I set the items next to the thawing bread. Make sure all home work is packed and that all kids have all parts for their uniform washed and in rooms. Kids in bed by 7.30pm. Mom to bed by, no later than 9.30.
Day Of: I've switched up my exercise schedule. I'm working on running again, so I get to the club M-F. I wake up at 4.10am and go to the gym. Home by 6. Smelling the coffee as I walk in the door! Ahhhhhh. Shower. Read Bible. Wake kids at 6.30. Keep the boys on task =D (there are three of them in one room....lots to get distracted by!). Eating breakfast by 6.55 and if they get done with their bed room charts before breakfast they work on their job charts. Brushing teeth by 7.18. In car and by 7.28 school by 7.45. I go to work. Mon., Tue. and Thurs and I'm done by about 2. Wednesdays done by noon. Go home. Clean or start dinner. Leave to get kids 3.15. Home with them by 4. Get them started on school work and have them do job charts. Fix or finish dinner. Prep for the next day. And on it goes!

What they're up to???
Essy has chosen to play the flute for band. We've found several good brands on ebay for $28!!! YEA! She's taking Spanish and loving it. She's also going on her first away trip with her class the end of the month. Oy. Breakin' my heart! She learned about personal space today too. Someone stole her $.89 bottle of Aveeno lotion from her desk. I got a call form the Principal saying they do not accept this kind of behavior and they are taking care of it. Oh my word! Loved the swiftness and efficiency of their code of conduct. LOVE IT.
Sam is required to play the recorder this year but he can move to strings and band next year (he already has his violin ready!!!). He has chosen to study Chinese again this year for his foreign language. He enjoys his new teacher!
The Twins are both in music appreciation, Spanish and Chinese. No, their teacher cannot tell them apart. Poor woman! I'd dress them differently BUT they have uniforms!!!! They do wear different colored shoes.......maybe that'll help. I think Joe has a crush on Ms. King. Zach best friend is sill......SAM! The first few days of school I asked him what his favorite time of the day was. He responded "Playing with Sammy." Awwwww. Here come the tears.

Well, I must continue on with my regime. I've learned that the earlier I start to hustle and rush, then I can always slow down later. Here...comes........Mr............slow.................d-o-w-n. "Welcome!" I say and turn my brain off. =D Hey, I can still smile even when my brain is dead. It's that sort of far-off-dazy-stare-smile. Nice.
Next post: "How to look beautiful and carry on a conversation while brain dead". *smile*

Does anyone else miss summer, or rather,

the summer schedule? I love what God's been doing with our weather here, but school's still in session and I still work. Now, don't get me wrong. I love both things!!! Love, love.
I do, however, miss: *sleeping in*late nights*vacations (even mini ones!)*seeing the kids during the day*our pool (it died:(

Yet, I do love a schedule :D So, to me, trading the summer schedule for the fall one has it's perks too.
Like: *all the new things the kids come home bursting to tell me*getting enough sleep (I'm not a late night still-good-in-the-morning kinda girl)*my job (I'm helping my Uncle get his house organized and tidy.....my dream!!!!)*reaching our GOALS*consistency.

Since, 9-6-08, I've worked (approx.) 21 hours at my uncles and 4 hours at my grandmas. For me that is ALOT of time away from home.

I was about to get into details about my schedule.....but not tonight. I'm going to rest with my Love. Mmmmmmm.