Show and Tell

Show off those talents. Share a story, a special moment, a piece of artwork. Any accomplishment, great or small, is fair game.





Because of our busy schedule I haven't have time to enjoy Home Education Week as much as I had hoped. So today (Friday) I am making up for lost time and I will post on Thursday's topic, Show and Tell. I am attaching some pictures that show some of our special moments and great accomplishments. And for more Show and Tell, feel free to visit Dana.













This is Justin. He is our yard maintenance man. Here is a shot of him pruning "a" tree in our apple orchard. Although our apple orchard consists of only one tree, it brings Tim great joy to call it an "orchard."










Matthew often takes time out of his schedule to read books to his little sister. Katie loves the one-on-one time.










Cayla, along with the rest of our family, took a homeschool opportunity to help some friends move. We spent the day packing box after box after box after box...and shedding many tears.










One of the highlights of homeschooling is doing school with Papa. Here Lucas and Papa are enjoying a moment of World History together.









Why we are on the kitchen floor...I don't know. But Katie is letter crazy and so do we letters just about anywhere.










Larah doesn't do too much in the area of school, but she is cute and we do have oodles and boodles of special moments with her.

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Our "Normal" Homeschool Day

Home Education Week continues.

Describe yourself, your family or one of your children. What is it like to be home educated in your family? What is “normal” for you?

Normal-huh? I can't quite put my finger on it, but I'll give it a good shot.

Tim rises and shines around 4 AM. He does his stuff and then treks across our backyard to his office. He works best EARLY. However, the "teacher" requires a bit more sleep (especially now that we have a brand new king-sized pillow top Simmons Beauty Rest--major thanks to our church family). So I rise and shine around 7. I have struggled with the discipline of getting up early (5-6 AM) to have some "me" time. But the family has discovered that when I get enough sleep, our days are much smoother and Mom is much happier. One happy Mom equals six happy kids.

I make breakfast, help the little ones get dressed, and start the laundry while the kids get busy on their chores. Breakfast is usually served around 8:00, at which time we call Papa home from the office. After breakfast, Tim and I like to play a few games of cards while the kids finish up their chores and get ready for school. After I lose 3 games of cards, Tim heads back to his office (or whatever he has lined up for the day) and we get going on school.

Justin (17), Matthew(13), and Cayla(10) work independently, most of the time. Justin and Matthew both do school in their rooms. They have their own desks...their space. Cayla likes to work out at the kitchen table with Lucas(6), Katie(3) and I. Although if it gets too loud she will move into the living room or onto our bed. Larah goes down for a nap around 10 and this is the time I do school with Lucas and Katie.

Lunch is between noon and one. Then it's clean up and back to school...until school is done for the day. Sometimes the kids have after school chores, sometimes they don't. I try to have a family, sit down dinner and more often than not, we succeed. Every night before bed, we have our Family Time. During Family Time we close out one day and begin a new a day by reading the Word, praying, memorizing the book of Hebrews, and worshipping. It is the absolute best part of our day. There is nothing like being together as a family at the end/beginning of the day with our Lord.

That pretty much sums up our "normal" school day. Now here is a brief summary on our "normal" kids.

Justin has committed to finishing two years in one. He plans on enrolling in the Running Start Program at our local community college in the fall. This will give him college credit while still obtaining his high school diploma through Christian Liberty Academy. Most of his days are spent huddled at his desk working continuously on deadlines. He is doing exceptionally well with his subjects. Huge improvement over last year. You go, Boy!

Matthew is totally self-motivated. He, following the lead of his dad, likes to get up early and get his stuff done. It really bothers him to have down time, time where nothing is being accomplished. Matthew (AKA: MADDOG) completes all but one subject by himself...he and Cayla do history together. In his free time, he likes to take his sisters on walks, jump on the trampoline, and hang out with friends.

Cayla loves school. She is awesome at math and reading, but her passion is drawing horses. She is wonderful at teaching the younger kids. She and Katie are creating a book from old magazines, alphabet letters and numbers. I call Cayla my little mom because she can do practically everything I can...from changing diapers to cooking a meal. She is a very kind, sweet and beautiful 10-year old. I love to listen to her pray. She is her Papa's Princess.

Lucas is well into 1st grade. He has finished the first four Explode the Code books, is on lesson 70 in Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, and is almost done with Saxon 1st grade math. He goes to a friend's house each week for science and really enjoys the hands on activities. Lucas likes school but would much rather be outside playing or holding his baby sister, Larah. He is an incredible big brother.

Katie is our energetic preschooler. School for her consists of recognizing letters and numbers, doing her workbook, and doing "logic" with Papa. She loves to color and glue craft sticks together. She can come up with some pretty amazing pieces of art that she likes to give away. Katie is her Papa's Puddin' Pie.

Larah's days are full of hugs, "no's", walks, toys and anything else baby. She takes one nap, usually 2-3 hours. She loves to watch for her Papa to come through the back door. She plays peek-a-boo and "Where's Larah?" Although only 1, she is a huge part of our homeschooling day. And Larah is her Papa's Punkin' Noodle.

There is a description of our "normal" day with our "normal" kids. I'm sure to a lot of people we are not so normal, and that's okay...I wouldn't change a thing. I consider myself to have the best job in the world...caring, nurturing, teaching, training, discipling and enjoying the best kids in the world.

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Life Before Homeschooling

Dana, over at Principled Discovery, is celebrating Home Education Week and has encouraged fellow bloggers to join in to share some stories. Today's topic is Life Before Homeschooling and here is our story.

We began homeschooling 8 years ago and it has been absolutely amazing...challenging at times, but still amazing. When we started homeschooling Justin was 9, Matthew 5, and Cayla 3. Justin had gone to public school from Kindergarten through 3rd grade. After his 3rd grade year, we moved from Texas to Washington...and that is where it began.

While living in Texas, Tim worked full-time and finished his Bachelor's degree. I worked part-time (Tuesdays and Thursdays) at a Mother's Day Out and babysat the other three days. I also took some college night classes. We had 3 small children and our life was busy. Looking back, we didn't know that life could be different. We lived what we knew.

My days were busy taking care of other people's children. I was hurried, tired, and frustrated. I was giving my time and energy to other children when I should have been giving them to my own. And to be truthfully honest, I don't really like working with other people's children. I know that sounds heartless, but I believe it is a special calling to work with children (other than one's own) and I have never personally experienced that calling. I can love other people's kids all day long, as long as I am not responsible for them.

After some time, God had other plans for us. In 2000, He called our family to move from Marshall, Texas to Randle, Washington. This was when and where we made the transition from public school to homeschool. The first few years were trying, as I had never embarked on such an adventure. I doubted myself and felt very insecure. But as I continued to draw my strength and confidence from the Lord, He began to show me new and glorious things. Homeschooling became easier and I began to feel as though things were being accomplished.

Here we are today. Justin is 17, Matthew 13, Cayla 10, Lucas 6 and Katie 3. Larah (14 months old) is the baby in our homeschool, and she thrives just by being with her brothers and sisters. We by no means have the perfect homeschool but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Our family wakes up together. We spend our days together. We enjoy our evenings together. We are rich with God's treasures.

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Home Education Week

Dave Heineman is the governor of the state of Nebraska. I have just today learned of this man, and I like him already. On March 13, 2008, he signed a proclamation declaring the week of March 30-April 5 Nebraska Home Education Week. It is a week set aside to honor and recognize home education in Nebraska.

Here is the proclamation:

WHEREAS, The State of Nebraska desires to promote excellence in education; and

WHEREAS, Dozens of studies confirm that children who are educated at home score significantly above average on national achievement tests; and

WHEREAS, Studies demonstrate that home-educated students excel in college; and

WHEREAS, Home education has a long history of success in this country, helping to produce such notable Americans as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson,James Madison, John Quincy Adams, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, John Marshall, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Booker T. Washington, Thomas Edison, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt,Mark Twain, Irving Berlin, Rembrandt Peale, George Patton, Douglas MacArthur, John J. Pershing, Standing Bear, Roscoe Pound, Edward Creighton, Willa Cather, William Jennings Bryan and Bertram Goodhue, architect of the Nebraska State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Home education strengthens the family and promotes the highest standards of honesty and morality, which are essential elements in the preservation of a free society; and

WHEREAS, Home education promotes good citizenship and positive socialization; and

WHEREAS, The State of Nebraska recognizes the fundamental right of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children; and

WHEREAS, Home educators view the cost of their children’s education as their own responsibility and do not add that cost to the burden of the state; and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate that home educators be recognized and commended for their dedication to excellence in education and for their significant and vital contributions to our society.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dave Heineman, Governor of the State of Nebraska, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM the week of March 30 – April 5, 2008, as NEBRASKA HOME EDUCATION WEEK and I do hereby urge all citizens to take due note of the observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have here unto set my hand, and cause the Great Seal of the State of Nebraska to be affixed this Thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Eight.

The governor of Florida, Charlie Crist, signed a similar proclamation on the 29th day of February. It is the second time Governor Charlie Crist has done this. Click here to read about it. This excites and encourages me, especially in light of the recent homeschool happenings in California.

I don't reside in either Florida or Nebraska, but I am thankful that those states are standing up for home education. Thank you Governor Dave Heineman and Governor Charlie Crist for believing in your people and thank you for your dedication to the family. My hope and prayer is that the great State of Washington will follow these incredible examples.

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Bad Hair Day

My friend, Kendra, just wrote a blog entry on kids helping out around the house. I agree with her 100%. Older kids can be so helpful to the upkeep of the home...and very well they should. But what happens when a determined, adorable 14-month old wannabe insists on helping? Should I allow her to participate? Or should I just take her on a stroll to the bathroom and fix the bad hair? Hmmmm...I think I'll go for the latter.

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Gifts from the Heart

Cayla, Katie and Larah took a walk yesterday to a friend's house to let out her dog. On their way home they picked me this beautiful bouquet of springtime flowers. I wait with anticipation for the many other bouquets I will be given this spring. Being the recipient of such gifts brings immense joy to my days, especially on days like today...it is snowing.

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Via Dolorosa

This is a video of my friend, Lisa, taken on Good Friday. Lisa and I have known each other since the 5th grade. She lives in Corpus Christi...just a bit too far away. She is a beautiful person, inside and out. This video brought tears to my eyes. Gosh, I miss that girl. (Go to sidebar and turn off music)

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Goldrush Chicken @ Claim Jumpers

My dinner last night was extraordinary. "Margaret" and I ate at Claim Jumpers in the Clackamas Town Center. She had steak. I opted for chicken. My meal was absolutely amazing.

Goldrush Chicken
A Double Chicken Breast Topped with a Sour Cream Mushroom Onion Sauce and Mozzarella. Served with Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Vegetables and Buttermilk Biscuit.

WOW!
It was incredible.
It was scrumptious.
The list goes on...
Divine
Succulent
Exquisite
Sapid
Juicy
Heavenly
Mouthwatering
Saporous

Goldrush Chicken at Claim Jumpers was unbelievably marvelous. When Tim and I reach our goal of being debt-free, this will be the restaurant where I will chose to celebrate. Wanna join us?

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New Again

By Brad Paisley and Sara Evans
(Go to sidebar and turn off music!)

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Listening...or Just Hearing?

This is what took place in our home early this morning.

Tim was standing at the counter by the stove, I was sitting at my computer checking my email, and my 13-year old son, sleepily, appeared in the kitchen.

I said, "Good morning, Matthew."

He said, "Hi Mom. May I go take a shower?"

I acknowledged Matthew's presence and said, "Sure."

Matthew went off to take a shower. Tim continued to stand at the counter. I continued to check my email. A few minutes later, while listening to the shower water running, I turned to Tim and asked, "Who is in the shower? I didn't even know anybody else was up?"

He, completely confused, turned to me and asked, "Are you serious?"

I, completely confused on why he would ask me if I was serious, replied, "Yeah. Why are you asking me if I am serious?"

He then proceeded to tell me that I was the one who told Matthew he could take a shower.

I was in utter disbelief. I heard Matthew. I even responded to Matthew. But I did not listen to Matthew.

About a month ago, God showed me, through my daughter Cayla, that when I am on the computer, I am oblivious to all that goes on around me. God gave me another gentle reminder this morning through my husband and son. I do not want to be such a person. My desire is to listen to my children and to my husband, and ultimately, to my God.

I am continuously amazed at how God uses circumstances and timing to teach me things. I am currently reading a book by Gary L. Thomas called Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls. The back cover of the book states: "Sacred Parenting is unlike any other book you have ever read. This is not a "how-to" book that teaches you ways to discipline your kids or help them achieve their full potential. Instead of discussing how parents can change their kids, Sacred Parenting turns the tables and demonstrates how God uses our kids to change us."

"Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being faithful. Thank you for my wonderful children and loving husband. Thank you for being my teacher and thank you for using my children to shape my soul. I praise You for books like Sacred Parenting that can cause me to grow closer to You and closer to those I love. May this lesson that I have been taught never be forgotten."

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Listening

The Lord and I are working together on some issues in my life. While we are working together and I am seeking guidance from Him, I have decided to take a break from blogging. I will miss you. I do still have email, so feel free to drop me a note. Until a later time....

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Happy Valentine's Day

Some quotes to share with you on Valentine's Day. May yours be great!!

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
~Aristotle

Many waters cannot quench love,

neither can floods drown it.

~Song of Solomon 8:7

Age does not protect you from love.

But love, to some extent, protects you from age.
~Anais Nin

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

~1 Corinthians 8:1

The best and most beautiful things in

the world cannot be seen or even touched.

They must be felt with the heart.
~Helen Keller

Who, being loved, is poor?

~Oscar Wilde

A bell is no bell 'til you ring it,

A song is no song 'til you sing it,

And love in your heart

Wasn’t put there to stay -

Love isn’t love

'Til you give it away.

~Oscar Hammerstein, Sound of Music, "You Are Sixteen (Reprise)"

Spread love everywhere you go:

first of all in your own home.

Give love to your children,

to a wife or husband,

to a next-door neighbor.

~ Mother Teresa

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

~Romans 12:10

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I'm Just Wondering...

Who's the cutest?

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Little Fingers, Big Circles

Katie Jane is having fun doing school. Everyday we work on recognizing letters and she has to do one worksheet, usually practicing lines and shapes. Today, at her request, she did three. I just love her enthusiasm. May she always be so excited to learn.

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High School in the 80's

So often I think I know what I want to say or what I want to write, but I just can't quite get the words to come out naturally. Then I come by someone who has already done so, and who has done it much better than I ever could have. Here is one such writing.

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Odor in the House

Tim is gone for the week and the older boys have taken advantage of his absence. I know they miss him much, but I have to say they are enjoying the use of their AXE body spray. They spray it just because they can. My whole house has been overtaken by the smell of male teenagers.

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A Winter Walk to the Mailbox

Papa and the Pumpkin Noodle

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One Step Closer

September 1, 2007 we committed as a family to get out debt. Because of this commitment, we have had to make drastic changes in our life style. Most have come easy, a few have been hard. But along the way we have been blessed numerous times. One simple, yet huge, blessing came just yesterday. Our insurance office called and our policies are up for renewal. Because our credit score has improved so much over the last few months, our monthly insurance payment went down $40. How exciting! $40 X 12 months = $480 a year. We are saving $480 a year. WOW!!! We are on a roll. Thanks to everyone who has helped us be successful. And a big thank you to God for leading us in this direction and for helping us stay committed.

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A Great Read

Passionate Housewives Desperate for God is the book I am currently reading. It is absolutely wonderful. The book is co-authored by Stacy McDonald (mother of 10) and Jennie Chancy (mother of 8). These two women have done an incredible job portraying the beauty of biblical homemaking. Passionate Housewives is a must read for the wife and mother who is striving to be all God has designed her to be. This great read will leave you encouraged....and convicted.

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A Poem by Kathie Davis

The men are gone and the girls are busy doing girl things. I am playing around on the computer. I came upon a website about SAHM, a term I have seen a lot lately and until recently, didn't know the meaning. The acronym has probably been around for quite some time, but I have just taken notice of it. SAHM means Stay At Home Moms. Anyway, I found this poem and wanted to post it. I have seen situations like this time after time. I hope and pray I can be a good role model for mothers such as this.

I was sitting on a bench

while in a nearby mall,

When I noticed a young mother

with two children who were small.

The youngest one was whining,

"Pick me up," I heard him beg

but the mother's face grew angry

as the child clung to her leg.

"Don't hang on to me," she shouted

as she pushed his hands away,

I wish I'd had the courage

to go up to her and say...

The time will come too quickly

when those little arms that tug,

Won't ask for you to hold them

or won't freely give a hug.

The day will sneak up subtly

just as it did with me,

When you can't recall the last time

that your child sat on your knee.

Like those sacred, pre-dawn feedings

when we cherished time alone

Our babies grow and leave behind

those special times we've known.

So when your child comes to you

with a book that you can share,

Or asks that you would tuck him in

and help him say his prayer...

When he comes to sit and chat

or would like to take a walk,

Before you answer that you can't

`cause there's no time to talk.

Remember what all parents learn

so many times too late,

That years go by too quickly

and that childhood doesn't wait.

Take every opportunity,

if one should slip away

Reach hard to get it back again,

don't wait another day.

I watched that mother walk away

her children followed near,

I hope she'll pick them up

before her chances disappear...

by Kathie Davis

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My Signature

I am trying something new. As always, I don't know how to do this so I am just going for it. Let's see if it works....and if it does, let's see if I can keep it working.

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Early Morning Ramblings

It is 5:58 AM as I sit here at my computer. I am not quite ready to motivate so I thought I would sit and blog. What am I going to blog about? I'm not sure. But at this moment it sounds better than doing laundry, making the bed or doing any other sort of housework that needs to be done. The Blueberry Bread is in the oven, my diet Pepsi has been poured, the dishwasher is going, iTunes are playing (Newsboys), my last creme brulee candle is burning (thanks to my most wonderful sister-in-law...CDJ, you are so cool), and all my children are still sleeping.

Tim, Matthew and Lucas have a day full of "man" things planned out. They are going to take off early this morning and head to the new Cabela's store in Lacey, where they will spend the majority of their day. Tim asked me to pack a lunch for them, but we have absolutely no lunch food. Sorry Dave, they are going to have to eat out. Then this evening they are heading to Toledo for the Southwest Washington Baptist Association Men's Annual Hunting Banquet. That's where the Blueberry Bread comes into play. Tim asked me at the beginning of the week to make something for the banquet. Guess what? I forgot. Until about 10:30 last night. He suggested I make Blueberry Bread. So I got up at 5 to make bread. Want the recipe? It is simple and quite delicious.
Blueberry Bread~~from my good friend, D.P.

2 eggs

1 1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup syrup (Karo or Rodger)

1 cup milk
2 tsp. vanilla
4 cups flour
5 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
fold in 2 cups blueberries
Fill 2 loaf pans. Mix will be heavy. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until done.
It is yum-yum good.

My house smells delightful....with Blueberry Bread baking and the creme brulee candle burning. Talk about aroma therapy. The kids will for sure wake up hungry.

I haven't decided what my day will hold. I am babysitting for a friend for a couple of hours this morning. After that I don't know what we home folk are going to do. Justin received his new curriculum yesterday. We might take some time and get that in order. He is due to start his new year on Monday. AJ is going to spend the day with us, starting around 11. That will be fun. Other than that I imagine I will do school with Cayla and Katie.

I suppose that is enough rambling for this morning. I should be a good mom and get something going for the kids for breakfast. Lucas and Katie are now up and have asked for something to eat 3 times already. Why they got up so early, I do not know. Maybe it was the aroma permeating our home. They are going to be extremely disappointed with oatmeal.

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Evolution of Dance

If you are in a bad mood and need a good laugh...here you go. Cayla and I laughed out loud as we watched it. It is 6 minutes long, so watch it when you have time to watch the whole video.

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A New Fresh Look

I change my template about as often as I rearrange my furniture. I can handle changes on the little things...it's the big changes that scare me. Maybe if I take charge of the little changes then I won't have to deal with big changes. I don't think it happens that way, but it's a good thought indeed.
I hope you enjoy the new template. I picked this one because my favorite color is green. Take notice, I have added a question on the sidebar. You'll have to take a peak...and just for fun, leave me an answer. Also, for those of you who read my blog and don't comment, just for fun would ya comment? I love comments. Have a great day.

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Link Question?

How in the world do you get a link (with picture and all) to appear on a sidebar? I have been sitting here for two hours (waiting for Justin to come home) trying to figure this out. I am about to go insane. I have signed up for http://www.themomblogs.com/ and I cannot get the link to appear on my sidebar. Well it is there, but not how I want it. My desire is to be able to click on the picture and go directly to the link. Can anyone please, please, please tell me how to do this? You can email me with any suggestions.

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Larah's 1st Birthday

Here are some pictures from Larah's 1st birthday...January 4th. I am a little late getting them posted. But if you read my next post, you will learn how slow I truly am. Larah had a quiet first birthday. We thank the Lord that we were able to celebrate it. Her awesome cake was made by our good friend, Eleanor. She is a woman with many talents. Thank you, Eleanor and Happy Belated Birthday, Larah. I love you both!!

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Duh

Do you know that a slow cooker is called a slow cooker because it cooks slow? I would have to guess that your answer would be, "Why of course, doesn't everybody know that?" Well, you see, some people have logic and some....not so much.

Early this morning I put a roast in the crock pot. I let it "slow cook" all day. The house was filled with the aroma of BEEF!!! One of my favorite smells. Weird, I know, but it is. Anyway, my plan was to let the roast cook all day and when my wonderful hubby came home from a long day in the big city, I would present him with a delicious well-planned out meal. But this is where I failed to be logical. I thought if I added the potatoes, carrots and onions to the roast in the "slow cooker" at 4:30, they would be ready about 5:30. My great friend, Lolanda, had to break the news to me gently....if I put the veggies in at 4:30, it would be 3-4 hours before they would be ready. Thus the term "SLOW COOKER!"

Tim came in the door about 5:30 and I fed him leftovers. He was sweetly grateful. It is now 7:25 and the potatoes are still not done. My crock pot and I have something in common...we are both a little slow.

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A Lesson Learned

Sunday morning is not the most appropriate time to write a post. But I feel this matter is of utmost importance. If for nothing else, it will serve as a reminder to myself in the future as I go back and read what I have written.

Life is short and our children grow up FAST, way too FAST. I've heard this many times over the years but I think it may finally be sinking in. Last week, Justin took his driving test and upon successful completion, obtained his permit. We now have a teenage driver in our home. It seems as if he was born just yesterday, but no...that was 17 years ago. Seventeen years have flown by.

Seventeen years ago, when Justin was a baby, I was busy. Too busy. Too busy working, too busy socializing, too busy cleaning, too busy hanging out....too busy to hold my baby. And this pattern continued over the years through a few more babies. But God is actively taking a hold of my heart and I am slowly learning that time with my children is short.

Last night Larah went to bed at 7:00. For some reason or other she woke up at 9:00, thinking it was time to rise and shine. In previous years, I would have gone into her room, laid her back down and told her to go to sleep. She probably would have cry and protested, until finally crying herself to sleep. But as I learn that time with my baby is precious and fleeting, I took this opportunity to hold her. I picked her up, held her in my arms and cuddled with her for an hour and 10 minutes until she finally drifted off to sleep. During the hour and ten minutes that I held her, I marveled at God's gift to me. I sang to her. I prayed for her. I rubbed her face. I smelled her hair. I cried. I cried out of sadness that I didn't take these opportunities with our first children and I cried out of joy, for God has continued to bless me with more babies. I cannot go back and fix my yesterdays but I can learn from them and I can live today. Today I will slow down and hold my baby. Today I will not be too busy.

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Two Of My Favorite People

Aunt Amy and Larah at her suprise and belated FIRST birthday party.

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Family Reunion

January 12, 2008

Elkhart, Indiana

Steve, Dad, Micheal, Ben, Amy, Mom, Me

I love you guys!!!

And I miss you already!!!

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Happy New Year

January 1, 2008! Our celebration into the new year was wonderful...although now I am ready for it to be over and I am very, very ready to be in my bed. "Rumor" has it that that will take place in approximately 30 minutes. I wonder just how accurate "Rumor" is. Right now it is 1:12 A.M. Will I still be on here in 3o minutes or will I be snug as a bug in a rug??? I'll let ya know.

We held a prayer meeting in our living room tonight. Our house was packed. I was quite pleased with the turnout. I assumed not many would come because of snow and ice, but I was wrong. And how glad I was. Something amazing happens when Christian brothers and sisters gather together to pray. What a way to bring in 2008.

Shortly after prayer meeting Justin and Matthew took off to the Goodrich's house. I called there at straight up 1:00 and they were just getting ready to come home. Yesterday (December 31st) was Audrey Jeanne's 16th birthday (AKA: AJ). The boys went to help celebrate. They were going to eat burritos and go sledding. Well...I think that was the plan. Happy Birthday, AJ!! You're awesome.

Lolanda stuck around our house until 12:45. She's a trooper. She, Katie and Cayla stayed up and watched a movie...Seasons of the Heart. Lucas fell asleep in my recliner, Tim and Larah had long gone to bed and I dozed on and off on the futon. It wasn't an overly exciting New Year's celebration, but we were all warm and cozy.

My boys are home so I am on my way to bed. The time is 1:38...4 minutes early. Good night.

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