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.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
When life throws you down, have surgery and get back up!
Oh, where to begin? Weeeell. We were all doing fine, great really. Ben has been going to class every Monday and Wednesday night. The kids are involved with church and, of course, school. I have been attending college full-time this term. We are also looking to purchase a new car and sell our old Honda (I use the term "we" very loosely here as Babe is the one who is accomplishing this for us).
I have class every Tuesday and Thursday and I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I woke up Thursday feeling under the weather and that feeling just continued to worsen as the day wore on. I checked on the kids and was on my way back upstairs when it "clicked". I was having a hard time pulling my right leg up to the next stair. Huuuh. It's almost like I had overworked my abs on just the right side. But I only had run 4 miles the previous day so I knew that wasn't it. The only other thing I could think of was.....appendicitis. But I was supposed to vomit with that right? Or at least be nauseous. I wasn't. I laid on the bed and pushed my lower, right abdomen. Wowzers. Yup, that hurt. When Ben got home he didn't even ask, he just helped me down the stairs and took me to the Immediate Care up the street. After 20min there they urgently requested that we go to the ER for an appendectomy.
By 12.30pm that next day (Friday 2/11/11) I was in recovery from surgery and by 6pm HOME! YAY! Modern medicine has it's perks. My entire operation was only 28min. Katie, my recovery nurse, said the speed was due to my "small body" and the enlarged organ. Nice.
Today is Monday and I am dressed and wearing a little make-up. I have been off pain meds since Saturday afternoon and I almost feel myself again! Now, back to life!....and homework!
Hopefully minus anymore surgeries.....
I have class every Tuesday and Thursday and I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I woke up Thursday feeling under the weather and that feeling just continued to worsen as the day wore on. I checked on the kids and was on my way back upstairs when it "clicked". I was having a hard time pulling my right leg up to the next stair. Huuuh. It's almost like I had overworked my abs on just the right side. But I only had run 4 miles the previous day so I knew that wasn't it. The only other thing I could think of was.....appendicitis. But I was supposed to vomit with that right? Or at least be nauseous. I wasn't. I laid on the bed and pushed my lower, right abdomen. Wowzers. Yup, that hurt. When Ben got home he didn't even ask, he just helped me down the stairs and took me to the Immediate Care up the street. After 20min there they urgently requested that we go to the ER for an appendectomy.
By 12.30pm that next day (Friday 2/11/11) I was in recovery from surgery and by 6pm HOME! YAY! Modern medicine has it's perks. My entire operation was only 28min. Katie, my recovery nurse, said the speed was due to my "small body" and the enlarged organ. Nice.
Today is Monday and I am dressed and wearing a little make-up. I have been off pain meds since Saturday afternoon and I almost feel myself again! Now, back to life!....and homework!
Hopefully minus anymore surgeries.....
Saturday, January 22, 2011
"I think I'll scooch my chair back and lay a little."
This is what Sam (10y.o.) declared after stuffing himself on our family date last night. It was a night of celebrations. We had been planning this night for over a week. At first it was going to be an outing to a local video store, but it soon morphed into much more.
When the kids work hard and complete tasks above the normal duties they earn a payday. As I was paying them and helping them divide their money (tithe, spending and saving) I realized they all needed to deposit their savings in the bank. This was plan change #1. Now that we are all going to the bank the kids excitement was elevated a notch. They were already excited to go to VGW, but now they are going to their bank. The kids love their bank. I think it has much to do with how mature and older they feel during the transaction.
Once Ben is done with his bit of homework he gets into the truck and the kids cheer. We are ready to go. The music is loud and the voices are charged. Ben and I look at each other and smile. It was one of "those" moments. We are blessed. As we walked into the bank and wait in line I can feel the three tellers assumptions. "This is going to take a while" I can almost hear them think. But it didn't and we gather together to look at our receipts after all our transactions are finished. Another customer walks in and pauses. Due to our blob of humanity he looks confused and wonders if there is a problem. "We're just having a meeting" I say. When I refocus to what I heard the kids saying I realize we are in for plan change #2. "Joey gets a party!"
We have a tradition that the kids get to have a party when they reach increments of a hundred dollars in their savings. I couldn't believe that my just-turned-nine-year-old had reached this goal. I congratulate him and suggest the party commence that very minute at the restaurant across the street.
We ordered. We ate. We laughed. That was not unusual but the location was. We don't often go out to eat and run errands as a family. As we were finishing dinner we were talking about when Zach would accomplish his savings goal. He only needed two dollars to do so. He decided to accomplish it that very night! He and Ben walked back to the bank to check if they were still open. As we didn't see them for several minutes we knew they had been successful. Another party was needed, but we were too stuffed to party anymore that night. The plans were made for the following day, and we left for the video store.
No, this was not a typical night. It also wasn't the night we had planned; it was so much more. My kids are growing in maturity and wisdom. I was impressed by them. I was humbled by them. They truly are my best treasures. I would live all the hard days all over again just to live last night once more. Yes, it was that good! If only I had taken a snap shot. Oh wait, I did! Its memory is laying in the folds of my heart, never to be forgotten.
When the kids work hard and complete tasks above the normal duties they earn a payday. As I was paying them and helping them divide their money (tithe, spending and saving) I realized they all needed to deposit their savings in the bank. This was plan change #1. Now that we are all going to the bank the kids excitement was elevated a notch. They were already excited to go to VGW, but now they are going to their bank. The kids love their bank. I think it has much to do with how mature and older they feel during the transaction.
Once Ben is done with his bit of homework he gets into the truck and the kids cheer. We are ready to go. The music is loud and the voices are charged. Ben and I look at each other and smile. It was one of "those" moments. We are blessed. As we walked into the bank and wait in line I can feel the three tellers assumptions. "This is going to take a while" I can almost hear them think. But it didn't and we gather together to look at our receipts after all our transactions are finished. Another customer walks in and pauses. Due to our blob of humanity he looks confused and wonders if there is a problem. "We're just having a meeting" I say. When I refocus to what I heard the kids saying I realize we are in for plan change #2. "Joey gets a party!"
We have a tradition that the kids get to have a party when they reach increments of a hundred dollars in their savings. I couldn't believe that my just-turned-nine-year-old had reached this goal. I congratulate him and suggest the party commence that very minute at the restaurant across the street.
We ordered. We ate. We laughed. That was not unusual but the location was. We don't often go out to eat and run errands as a family. As we were finishing dinner we were talking about when Zach would accomplish his savings goal. He only needed two dollars to do so. He decided to accomplish it that very night! He and Ben walked back to the bank to check if they were still open. As we didn't see them for several minutes we knew they had been successful. Another party was needed, but we were too stuffed to party anymore that night. The plans were made for the following day, and we left for the video store.
No, this was not a typical night. It also wasn't the night we had planned; it was so much more. My kids are growing in maturity and wisdom. I was impressed by them. I was humbled by them. They truly are my best treasures. I would live all the hard days all over again just to live last night once more. Yes, it was that good! If only I had taken a snap shot. Oh wait, I did! Its memory is laying in the folds of my heart, never to be forgotten.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
...bliss...
This vacation has been just that. Oh, it was wonderful! This kids were off from school for 10 days and Ben and I were off work for two-4 day week-ends in a row. As far as I can remember this has been the most restfull and low-key Christmas and New Years.
Christmas was beautiful. We told the kids they could wake us up at 7. No.earlier. Due to how excited WE were....we woke early but still let the kids think they woke us up. We took our time opened stockings, ate (though the kids were too excited and couldn't eat =) and opened gifts and played with them.
The Twins entered their last single digit year, for forever, last Friday. As is tradition they were able to nearly do anything they wanted the day previous....the last day of 8. As I was tucking them in that night I asked what it meant to be nine. Joe responded "It's like eight is gone. It went into a forest and got lost. No, actually it's like a dog catcher catches 8 then turns it into 9." Yup, it happens just that way.
Now we're back to the old routine. Blah. A class of mine was cancelled and I had to rearrange my schedule. I'm taking full credits this term, which is a new. I work M & W and go to school all day T & Th. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm tired. Don't worry, the tea is brewing and I'll get my caffeine. =D
The next post will include exclusive photos....not even the paparazzi have 'em yet.
Christmas was beautiful. We told the kids they could wake us up at 7. No.earlier. Due to how excited WE were....we woke early but still let the kids think they woke us up. We took our time opened stockings, ate (though the kids were too excited and couldn't eat =) and opened gifts and played with them.
The Twins entered their last single digit year, for forever, last Friday. As is tradition they were able to nearly do anything they wanted the day previous....the last day of 8. As I was tucking them in that night I asked what it meant to be nine. Joe responded "It's like eight is gone. It went into a forest and got lost. No, actually it's like a dog catcher catches 8 then turns it into 9." Yup, it happens just that way.
Now we're back to the old routine. Blah. A class of mine was cancelled and I had to rearrange my schedule. I'm taking full credits this term, which is a new. I work M & W and go to school all day T & Th. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm tired. Don't worry, the tea is brewing and I'll get my caffeine. =D
The next post will include exclusive photos....not even the paparazzi have 'em yet.
Friday, December 10, 2010
I picked up the kids early from school....
....and we shopped. We ate. We rode. We listened. We bought. We sang. We lived. I am a blessed woman indeed. This is the life I always dreamed of. "For in him we live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28
P.S. My school term is DONE. I am baking cookies and planning ahead! I learned that I will need a MA in order to get my teaching licence. This is something unexpected. God knew. =) This is good! Still running....lost weight....running a 1/2 in May. Christmas is AROUND THE CORNER!
P.S. My school term is DONE. I am baking cookies and planning ahead! I learned that I will need a MA in order to get my teaching licence. This is something unexpected. God knew. =) This is good! Still running....lost weight....running a 1/2 in May. Christmas is AROUND THE CORNER!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
just one day
This all we have left until THANKSGIVING break!!! My heart is flipping! I'm working Friday, then later Friday we have Ben's fam. over. YAY!!!!! Then taking my WR final and a MTH test Monday.....then.....DONE for the WEEK!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited? =D
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
We Aren't Jack-o-lanterns
Kooky kids.
Zach-the wounded, yet victorious, Ninja.
Joe-the Silly Clown.
Sis- the Black & White TV show. (She thought
of this on her own. =)
Sam-the I-know-Zombies-aren't-real Zombie.
Sam-the I-know-Zombies-aren't-real Zombie.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Whatever.....
doesn't fly at our house. That is unless it's used sarcastically; then it's a free for all!
Before 9.20am today I had already dealt with a day full. But this story will need some back up. Get ready....get set....
While studying Finland and it's exceptional educational system (for a paper) I realized that I have 'hovering' tendencies as a Mom. The article I read stated that the lack of hovering by parents and teachers was one reason for the high scoring academics."Hurry up. We need to be out the door in 15 min." or "Ummmm. Is this plate clean? Yeah, I didn't think so either. Please clean it again." are just two of some very common sentences I use. I will often catch myself reminding the kids (usually the boys) of what they should already do on their own. Ick. I don't enjoy it and neither do they.
So, this morning I told Them All that since they knew (and have charts to help them if they forget the spot in the routine) I wasn't going to remind them of anything. This was my brilliant plan. Looking back I now realize the mistake of having children....er....I mean of not giving more preparation for them and ME. =D (For the record: I LOVE my kids and am glad I have them.) By the time we needed to leave NO.ONE. yes you read right.NO.ONE.WAS.READY. That is, except me.
I knew the consequences as time was ticking. Feet were slow and mouths full of food and talk. Sometimes it doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize the facts; we were not going to be on time. I HATE being late. HATE. I guess that I'm not a typical Baby Child in this way. Don't get me wrong, I love jokes and having fun. But there is a time for that and this wasn't it.
One kid sat 'farting around' for 45 min. at breakfast. Glory be. Others, due to their lack of completing their jobs, spoiled some breakfast food. Did the Mamma clean up after the kiddo's? Nope. This, I learned, was the hardest part for me. Also untypical to the B.C. (baby child) I need order and tidy-ness. Really it's not just a need; it's a have-to-have-it-or-I-feel-as-if-I-can't-breathe thing. Truly. Well, we made it on time but with consequences. Ones that I didn't choose.
So, while the milk container sat on the table for The Child to take care of it all afternoon, I dealt with me. I wrote in my journal the other day that it really doesn't matter what grade I receive on my mid-term. What matters is how I handle Ben and the kids while juggling the studying for said test. That is the real test for me. Do I say no to often trying to achieve my degree goal? Do I hurt feelings unintentionally in order to make things in my space 'right' for me? This is were I will be working the hardest.
Yup. My house was a mess today. But I'm trying to learn to smile through that mess. I have a feeling this week will be a doozy as I relinquish more control and let the kids understand freedom = responsibility. If that responsibility is not taken care of there is no freedom. Or video games. Or candy. Or vacations. Or rest. Or world peace. =0) Heh. Those last three were added just to test you. A messy house cannot promote world peace....or can it?.....
Before 9.20am today I had already dealt with a day full. But this story will need some back up. Get ready....get set....
While studying Finland and it's exceptional educational system (for a paper) I realized that I have 'hovering' tendencies as a Mom. The article I read stated that the lack of hovering by parents and teachers was one reason for the high scoring academics."Hurry up. We need to be out the door in 15 min." or "Ummmm. Is this plate clean? Yeah, I didn't think so either. Please clean it again." are just two of some very common sentences I use. I will often catch myself reminding the kids (usually the boys) of what they should already do on their own. Ick. I don't enjoy it and neither do they.
So, this morning I told Them All that since they knew (and have charts to help them if they forget the spot in the routine) I wasn't going to remind them of anything. This was my brilliant plan. Looking back I now realize the mistake of having children....er....I mean of not giving more preparation for them and ME. =D (For the record: I LOVE my kids and am glad I have them.) By the time we needed to leave NO.ONE. yes you read right.NO.ONE.WAS.READY. That is, except me.
I knew the consequences as time was ticking. Feet were slow and mouths full of food and talk. Sometimes it doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize the facts; we were not going to be on time. I HATE being late. HATE. I guess that I'm not a typical Baby Child in this way. Don't get me wrong, I love jokes and having fun. But there is a time for that and this wasn't it.
One kid sat 'farting around' for 45 min. at breakfast. Glory be. Others, due to their lack of completing their jobs, spoiled some breakfast food. Did the Mamma clean up after the kiddo's? Nope. This, I learned, was the hardest part for me. Also untypical to the B.C. (baby child) I need order and tidy-ness. Really it's not just a need; it's a have-to-have-it-or-I-feel-as-if-I-can't-breathe thing. Truly. Well, we made it on time but with consequences. Ones that I didn't choose.
So, while the milk container sat on the table for The Child to take care of it all afternoon, I dealt with me. I wrote in my journal the other day that it really doesn't matter what grade I receive on my mid-term. What matters is how I handle Ben and the kids while juggling the studying for said test. That is the real test for me. Do I say no to often trying to achieve my degree goal? Do I hurt feelings unintentionally in order to make things in my space 'right' for me? This is were I will be working the hardest.
Yup. My house was a mess today. But I'm trying to learn to smile through that mess. I have a feeling this week will be a doozy as I relinquish more control and let the kids understand freedom = responsibility. If that responsibility is not taken care of there is no freedom. Or video games. Or candy. Or vacations. Or rest. Or world peace. =0) Heh. Those last three were added just to test you. A messy house cannot promote world peace....or can it?.....
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Virtual Constipation
I guess that's better than physical constipation. =D Well, it's time to clean this virtual 'body' out! I've been wanting to post but I've also been doing the needed things so my blog has gotten....backed up. At least it has in my brain.
*sigh* As I sit and type, the kids are watching their last of Saturday TV; we've got a full day. As most Sat. go, we're cleaning the entire house. But today we'll also be aiding Ben by organizing the garage and cleaning the back patio. This will be a gift to the Mamma. I love sitting and chatting with Babe at days end as we sip our wine. The treat will be to have that experience seated in front of an outdoor fireplace.....it's a beautiful thing and I CAN'T WAIT!
School is going good for us all. The kids LOVE their teachers and the new schedule. Babe will be taking a much needed break from college next term (he's taken math all 6 of his consecutive terms....ick). I'm taking Math 211 and Writing 121 and completely love my instructors. Both my teachers have earned doctorates in the classes their instructing. Dr. Nolan (MTH) is a quirky, random, grampa man (it shocked me at first but I'm learning this style keeps me on my toes)who is hard of hearing and Dr. Sanders is super organized and linear (which I dig). Mid terms are in about 10 days. Yay.
The remaining will be updates via photos.....I just can't get over the joy in our lives. God is good!
Our new toys. Ta-da!
The grasshopper before its legs and wings were mysteriously
"amputated". Zach.
Our house can hold company! This is proof at
how good Anna and I have it.
The before and after.
The process.......he was exited at first. Then came the chewing and brushing pain. =/
*sigh* As I sit and type, the kids are watching their last of Saturday TV; we've got a full day. As most Sat. go, we're cleaning the entire house. But today we'll also be aiding Ben by organizing the garage and cleaning the back patio. This will be a gift to the Mamma. I love sitting and chatting with Babe at days end as we sip our wine. The treat will be to have that experience seated in front of an outdoor fireplace.....it's a beautiful thing and I CAN'T WAIT!
School is going good for us all. The kids LOVE their teachers and the new schedule. Babe will be taking a much needed break from college next term (he's taken math all 6 of his consecutive terms....ick). I'm taking Math 211 and Writing 121 and completely love my instructors. Both my teachers have earned doctorates in the classes their instructing. Dr. Nolan (MTH) is a quirky, random, grampa man (it shocked me at first but I'm learning this style keeps me on my toes)who is hard of hearing and Dr. Sanders is super organized and linear (which I dig). Mid terms are in about 10 days. Yay.
The remaining will be updates via photos.....I just can't get over the joy in our lives. God is good!
Our new toys. Ta-da!
The grasshopper before its legs and wings were mysteriously
"amputated". Zach.
Our house can hold company! This is proof at
how good Anna and I have it.
The before and after.
The process.......he was exited at first. Then came the chewing and brushing pain. =/
The jog-a-thon yesterday (aka the kids' marathon....=). Since Ben completed the Portland all the kids were in on the process. Pace yourself. Breathe. A few days before the 'thon Joey came to me and wanted to make sure they get their "carb load" the night before the big race. Yup. Oh, and I just look ticked. I'm not really. =] Totals: Es and Sam-2 miles; The Twins-1.75 miles; Mamma-4 miles.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
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.
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.
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