Washington Walkers

>> Thursday, November 06, 2008

Here are thirteen sayings that I have read recently on T-shirts. I think my boys would like to own some of these.

1. Warning...Sometimes when I laugh....I pee

2. National Saracasm Society...Like We Need Your Help

3. I'm confused...wait maybe I'm not

4. SARACASM...Just one more service I provide

5. DANGER...Mouth operates faster than brain

6. Don't interupt me when I am talking to myself

7. Put on your big girl panties and deal with it

8. Warning...I have gas and I know how to use it

9. I tried being good but I got bored

10. I have multiple personalities and none of them like you

11. You don't have to be crazy to live here...we'll train you

12. I'm not stubborn...my way is just better

...and I saved the best for last...

13. My sister has the best sister in the world

For more TT, visit this site.

>> Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Schilly, Schilly Schisters!

>> Saturday, November 01, 2008

Baby Boy Walker

@ 20 weeks

Facial profile with hand up by face.

Isn't he just so handsome?

Like father, like son!

His teeny, tiny foot.

Yesterday Tim and I spent an hour and ten minutes at the Steck Medical Clinic adoring our growing son. We smiled, we laughed, we cried. Well, I cried...I don't know about Tim. Tears of joy and happiness. (But also tears of remembrance.) Baby Boy Walker is alive and healthy. All measurements were right where they needed to be. We saw everything...eyes, nose, lips, tongue, ears, kidneys, stomach, brain, legs, arms (including muscles...and let me tell you, the boy's impressive), fingers, toes, and boy parts. Everything looked wonderful. I walked out of the office relieved and praising God for His goodness. I am growing more and more excited each passing day. I dream of the day he will be born and I will get to hold him in my arms. The thought of that day makes me tear up. But for now I am enjoying him daily growing inside of me and praying for the man that he will someday be.

Thank you, Father.

A Must See

>> Monday, October 27, 2008

The Catholics have put together a great message!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

October 27, 2008

Outside My Window...It is dark and a cool 58.4 degrees. The fall leaves continue to drop as the gentle breezes blow.

I am thinking...that the T.V. is very loud. But that's okay because Tim has a friend over and they are watching a manly movie.

From the learning rooms…It was a great Monday. The kids had excellent attitudes and they all did their lessons well. Cayla is in the playroom finishing up her subjects. For typing today she wrote on her blog. You'll have to go check it out at Cayla's Creative Writings.

I am thankful for...my dinner date with Cayla. Monday night is Taco Nite at The Tall Timber here in Randle. We ate tacos, played Yahtzee and laughed. Just in case your wondering...I smoked her.

From the kitchen...I just made Tim chicken, onion and mushroom quesadillas. Other than that, the kitchen is closed (and clean) for the evening.

I am wearing...a maternity shirt and capris. No shoes and hair up in a ponytail.

I am creating...sight word flashcards for Lucas.

I am going...to Texas one week from today.

I am reading...Beautiful Boy...a father's journey through his son's addiction to meth.

I am hoping...for blue skies next Monday. I would love to fly from Portland and be able to see the beautiful Northwest from the airplane window.

I am hearing...the hum of the computer and the very LOUD T.V.

Around the house...Tim and his friend are watching a movie, Cayla is finishing up school, and Katie and Larah are fast asleep. All of the boys are gone for at least the next couple of hours.

One of my favorite things...is hearing Tim laugh.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
It's a busy week here at the Walker home...
Tuesday...school, a library trip, and going to

friend's house for dinner and the making of apple cider.
Wednesday...school and Cayla has her first

piano lesson. She is so excited.
Thursday...school and Justin has a dentist appointment.
Also, we are going to Morton to get some more firewood. Yippee!!!
Friday...I have a 20-week ultrasound scheduled

at Steck Medical Clinic. After that

Tim and I are going shopping for my trip to Texas.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Ain't she just plain cute?

Hop on over to The Simple Woman for more Daybooks!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

>> Saturday, October 25, 2008

This is one of the those catchy tunes that I can hear once and I continue to sing throughout the day. It is called You Never Let Go by Matt Redman. The words are very timely. I stuggle with living in fear of losing this baby. I know I don't need to and I am commanded to fear nothing (Isaiah 41:13). Every morning as I lay in bed, I place my hands on my belly. I surrender our baby to Him and ask for comfort and peace. But somedays I give in to worry and fear. Yesterday I recieved an email from a friend in Alaska. Her words were sincere and encouraging. As I watched this video and read the words to the song, I was reminded of the words she wrote to me. Here is a portion of her email:

I do have a suggestion to help you with your anxiety. Just pray and ask the Lord to help you stand against the fear of losing this baby. Ask Him to forgive you for any way you have taken the fear in as well as forgive yourself for being anxious or fearful. In the name of Jesus, cut off satan's power and authority in this area of fear and command it to go. Ask the Holy Spirit to heal the wounds that losing these babies has caused and ask Him to speak peace to your heart.

I praise God for His Word and for the people he places in my life. I thank Him for this dear friend and for her words of truth and love. I thank Him for the life growing inside me.

For more Then Sings My Soul Saturday, visit Amy and others here.

Cayla the Entrepreneur

>> Friday, October 24, 2008

This picture has absolutely nothing to do with this post

...except that it is about Cayla.

Today Cayla amazed me. Not that she doesn't amaze me everyday, because...well, she is just simply amazing. But today was different. She was brave...she was bold...she was confident. Never at 11 would I have done what Cayla did today. And to her, it was no big deal. It was as natural as waking up in the morning. Tonight as I sit here, I continue to be amazed.

Back in the summer she started making bracelets out of yarn. She came up with the pattern herself and began selling them at our garage sale. She made all different colors and sizes. Some were plain and some were decorated with beads. She made over $30 selling her bracelets priced at just $2 a piece. She has been making them since then.

For the past couple of months she has wanted to take them to our local gift shop to sell. I have been putting her off and putting her off. For no reason other than it is so easy to say no. (One of my biggest downfalls.) She asked if I would take her last Friday so she could talk to the owner. I told her no because she didn't have her school work done. Being persistent, she then asked if I would take her this Friday. I agreed, as long as she had her school complete. This morning we called a sick day so no school was to be done or turned in.

Guess what Cayla asked me this afternoon? Yep! Would I take her to the store so she could talk with the owner. I finally said yes. I had no out. I had no reason to say no. I had to keep my word. Around 3:30, Cayla got her basket of bracelets and we headed to the gift shop. On the way there we talked about what she was going to say and how she needed to present herself. We talked about introducing herself, shaking hands, and thanking the kind lady for her time. Before getting out of the truck, I asked her if she was nervous and she shook her head and said with a bit of a questioning tone, "No, why would I be?"

As she exited the truck and walked toward the store with confidence and ease, I prayed for my daughter. I thanked God for working in and through her. I prayed for His strength to be her strength and for her confidence to come only from Him. I prayed for her protection as she was about to enter the business world.

She was in the store about 5 minutes when she came out with a smile on her face. The lady working in the gift shop complimented her bracelets and said she had done a fine job of making them. Although the owner of the store was gone for the week, Cayla was given a business card and was asked to come back soon. She was not discouraged. She was not sad. She accepted the news and made plans to come back next week. I suggested she write a letter to the owner, but I have a feeling she will want to go back in on Friday. She is determined to talk face-to-face with the owner.

Next Friday, I will not be saying no. I will be supporting my daughter, believing in her, and helping her to achieve a dream.

Thursday Thirteen

>> Thursday, October 23, 2008

We found out a few weeks ago that we are going to have a baby boy! So for today's Thursday Thirteen I have picked 13 boys names that I would consider naming our son. We already have Justin Todd, Matthew David, Lucas James, Emmett Christopher*, Thomas Ward and Micah John. We are blessed by Justin, Matthew and Lucas daily and one glorious day we will be joined together with Emmett, Thomas and Micah, who are with Jesus.

Here's my list:

Jacob
Timothy
Samuel
Isaiah
Wyatt
Aaron
Bradley
Zachary
Nicholas
Josiah
Sawyer
Jonah
Peter

There you have it. 13 boy names. I know that Tim will not agree with some of them, just as I don't agree with some of his. But we have a few more months to decide and I am confident that we will come up with one that satisfies us both. We will decide on his middle name after we have chosen his first name. Let me know what you think.

To read more TT's, visit here.

*Emmett Christopher died at 22 weeks in the womb. At the time of his death, we did not know if our baby was a boy or girl! I felt as though I was carrying a girl and so we named our precious one Emma Christine (after my sister). After an autopsy, we found out Emma was actually a boy and so we changed his name to Emmett Christopher. It was the closest name we could come up with to Emma Christine.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Shrek, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lopez were all having lunch together. Shrek said, "I have always thought that I'm the strongest man in the world, but how can I be sure?" Brad Pitt said,
"I'm pretty sure I'm the hottest man alive but I've never had it confirmed." Jennifer Lopez agreed. "I'm told I'm the sexiest of them all, but sometimes I wonder." They all decided that the best way to find out if their beliefs were true was to approach the wicked Queen's mirror to confirm for them whether Shrek was the strongest, Brad Pitt was the hottest and Jennifer Lopez was the sexiest. They agreed to meet again the next day for lunch to discuss their findings. The next day Shrek walked up with a smile. "Well, it's true. The mirror told me that I am the strongest man in the world." Brad Pitt followed and boasted, "It is true, it has been confirmed that I am the hottest man alive!!" Jennifer Lopez walked in, head bent, tears in her eyes and asked, "Who the heck is Rebecca Walker????????????"

Birds and Skeletons

>> Tuesday, October 21, 2008

My Lucas Boy

I had the awesome privilege of spending some one-on-one time with my Lucas Boy this afternoon. Our outing consisted of dropping off the co-op order at Kendra's, going to Bear Country Espresso and then on to Fischer's Market. While driving to Kendra's house, Lucas informed me of how mama birds feed their babies. He explained how the mama bird chews up the food and then sticks it in the baby bird's mouth. We conversed about it for a few minutes and concluded we were both very happy that we weren't birds. It doesn't sound very delicious to share A.B.C. food.

After Kendra's delivery was complete, we drove to the Bear Country Espresso. I owed a debt I had to pay...a long story. At the espresso, Lucas noticed a Halloween skeleton hanging from the building. He asked what it was and I explained it was a skeleton and it is what the bones look like inside our bodies. I explained the beauty of our skin, and once again we shared a moment of thankfulness. We were thankful for God's design of the skeleton and the wonderful covering he chose to give us. We had fun laughing at the thought of everyone going about their days with just a skeleton.

We eventually drove home, both of us glad we were able to spend some time together. It was awesome to be with only Lucas. It was wonderful to listen to him...to listen to the things he thinks about and to answer his curious questions. His mind is incredible.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

>> Monday, October 20, 2008

THE SIMPLE WOMAN’S DAYBOOK
FOR TODAY
October 20, 2008

Outside My Window...the sky is grey and the clouds are bringing in the rain. The leaves are changing from shades of green to burnt oranges, reds and yellows.

I am thinking...that Jessica is perty darn awesome. In the mailbox today I received a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Thanks, Jessica. You rock!!!

From the learning rooms…lessons on geography are being done and questions are being asked. Questions pertaining to geography, math and reading.

I am thankful for...the gift of new days. Some days seem so long and overwhelming. I have had quite a few of these lately. I am glad when each day comes to an end and another one begins. Each new day brings hope of better happenings.

From the kitchen...lunch is over and the kitchen is cleaned. It should remain in that state for the remainder of the day. We have been invited to a friend's house for dinner, so there will be no evening mess.

I am wearing...a new maternity shirt (from Jan's Thrift Store), capris and blue and white socks (given to me by my lovely mother-in-law). I don't match at all.

I am creating...this blog entry. Pretty original, huh?

I am going...to Texas 2 weeks from today. I can't wait...even if I have to sleep on the floor!

I am reading...Dear John by Nicholas Sparks.

I am hoping...that this weeks goes more smoothly than last. I am also hoping that Tim is able to get away this week and relax. He needs a break.

I am hearing...the rustling of school papers behind me on the table, Justin humming, Cayla's no name bird, the whirling dryer and my wind chime on the back porch. Happy sounds of a happy home.

Around the house...the little girls are napping and everyone else is working on school. The fire is blazing and the clothes are drying.

One of my favorite things...is the popping sound from the jars when I have just finished canning something delicious. I'm sure my family gets tired of hearing me, but during canning days I am constantly asking with great excitement..."Did you just hear that?"

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...dinner tonight with friends, a trip to the vet with Ginger, a Laura appointment Wednesday and school, school, school.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Autumn Fun with Friends!!!

Go here for more Daybooks.

Larah's New Helper

>> Saturday, October 18, 2008

Larah has learned the benefits of her little chair.

Yes, she sits on it, but she has found so

many more uses for this wonderful piece of furniture.

It is her new best friend.

Just this morning Larah has used this chair to...

...stir the pancake batter

...open the back door

..."help" with dishes

..."help" set the table

...get into the bird's food

...open the other back door

..get movies off the shelf

...blow out my candle

...see if there is any hidden candy on my shelf

...push around her baby doll

...check her email

...stand on and sing as loudly as possible

...get on the counter to eat the left over pancakes

...brush her teeth

...try to get to Cayla's fish

Is it naptime yet?

On Prayer

>> Wednesday, October 15, 2008

God looks not at the elegancey of your prayers, to see how neat they are; nor yet at the geometry of your prayers, to see how long they are; nor yet at the arithmetic of your prayers, to see how many they are; nor yet at the music of your prayers, nor yet at the sweetness of your voice, nor yet at the logic of your prayers; but at the sincerity of your prayers, how hearty they are. There is no prayer acknowledged, approved, accepted, recorded, or rewarded by God, but that wherein the heart is sincerely and wholly.

~~Thomas Brooks

Just for Fun

>> Monday, October 13, 2008

My aunt sent me this quiz via email and I thought it was fun. I don't believe in stuff like this but I find it interesting to see the outcome.

Here's the quiz:
1. Which is your favorite color out of: red , black , blue , green , or yellow ?
2. Your first initial?
3. Your month of birth?
4. Which color do you like more, black or white ?
5. Name of a person of the same sex as yours.
6. Your favorite number?
7. Do you like flying or driving more?
8. Do you like a lake or the ocean more?
9. Write down a wish (a realistic one).

Here are my answers:
1. Green
2. R
3. June
4. White
5. Kendra
6. 7
7. Driving
8. Lake
9. To give birth to a healthy baby boy in March

Here are what my answers say about me according to the quiz:
1. My soul is relaxed and I am laid back.
2. I try to enjoy my life to the maximum & my love life is soon to blossom.
3. I will have a strong love relationship that will not last long but the memories will last forever.
4. I will have a friend who completely confides in me and would do anything for me, but I may not realize it.
5. This person is my best friend.
6. This is how many close friends I will have in my lifetime.
7. I am a laid back person.
8. I am loyal to my friends and my lover and am very reserved.
9. This wish will come true only if you send this to five people in one hour. Send it to ten people, and it will come true before your next birthday.

Here are my opinions about what my answers say about me:
1. My soul is saved by Jesus Christ and therefore I relax in Him. I would like to be considered laid back...but the hard cold truth is...
NOT SO MUCH!!!
2. I do indeed try to enjoy my life to the maximum. Daily I am surrounded by those I love most and it doesn't get much better than that. My love life is perpetually blooming. My husband and children cause infinite amounts of blossoms.
3. I have a very strong love relationship that WILL last for a loooooooooong time. Because it has and will last for so long, my memories will be endless.
4. I have some who confide in me. I consider this to be a huge blessing and gift from my Lord. I, too, have a few in whom I can confide. I am certain we realize it.
5. Tim is my best friend and always will be. Although Kendra is high on the list! My life is blessed because of her gift of friendship.
6. I have always thought 7 to be a great number of kids. Even though I am the parent, I look forward to them being adults and us having close, lifelong friendships.
7. Like I said before...NOT SO MUCH! I wish I were!
8. I do consider myself to be very loyal and very reserved...at least until one gets to know me. Once one gets to know me well, I can loosen up and be crazy!
9. I am not going to send this to five or ten people. I do believe in the Lord and I know His plans are for His glory. I pray everyday for this wish. In the end may His will be done...before, on, and after my birthday.

Weekly Wrap-Up

>> Friday, October 10, 2008

Kris, at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers, is doing a (homeschool) weekly wrap-up. I have decided to participate this week. It is now 10:46 PM and I am being a really cool parent. I am sacrificing my sleep for my oldest son. He has not been able to spend any time with Audrey this week…except for now. I am trying to be so way cool and am actually succeeding (I think)…although I don’t know how long I will last.

Okay, now for our weekly wrap-up…

Our homeschooling week seems to have gone by quickly. Monday, Tim and I went to Morton to run some errands. We had lunch out and enjoyed our time together…alone. While we were gone the little girls took their naps, Justin did school with Lucas, and Cayla and Matthew did school on their own. Our new curriculum arrived Monday afternoon, a day early, and everyone, except Larah, received their new stuff. It always brings me such joy to get new school books in the mail.

Tuesday, Cayla, Matthew, and I went to an orthodontist appointment (out town) with some of the Heath People. The day was spent at the appointment (I used my time wisely and graded papers) and then to Wal-Mart for some grocery shopping. Tim stayed home with the rest of the family playing games and just being together.

Wednesday through Friday were normal, at home, school days. Lucas started his second grade math book and moved on to a new book in the Explode the Code series. Cayla learned more about fractions and had some struggles with the manipulatives. She shed a few tears, but by the end of the week she had them conquered. She can now tackle them with confidence. I bought me a new weekly planner that I am very excited about using. I have color coded certain spaces for certain kids. Matthew and Cayla will be responsible for entering their daily work. I will be responsible for Lucas and Katie. This will be used as a permanent record of our daily work should I ever need to show a record of our schooling.

We have had Evan spend a few days and nights with us. Evan is in kindergarten and attends public school. I was the one to take him in the mornings and pick him up in the afternoons. Being in the school brought back so many memories. Memories that make me thankful that God has called me to be home with my kids. I know homeschooling is not for everyone, but I am so grateful God has afforded it to our family.

That pretty much sums up our week. If I stay motivated and organized I might be back here next week with another Weekly Wrap-Up. It is now 11:36 PM and I am done being the cool parent. Good night...

A Randle (not Randall) Update

A Randle update has been requested...so here it is.

Ginger is our new 2 1/2 year old, potty trained Rat Terrier. She is absolutely wonderful. Tim and Lucas left our house Tuesday at 5:00AM to drive to Graham to pick up our newest pet. Ginger has settled right in and all members of our family adore her. Yes, even me. She has won my heart. She doesn't beg, shake uncontrollably, bark, pace, potty or poop (in the house) or follow me around. She is gentle and cuddly. So cuddly she has slept with me and Tim the last two nights (on Tim's side, of course). She goes to the office everyday with Tim, which is a blessing. Otherwise, the kids would not be able to concentrate on school. I'll try to remember to post a picture.

Our new school curriculum arrived Monday. Most of it has been gone through and organized, but I still have some left to get in order. Katie is most pleased with all her new workbooks and big pencils. She loves doing school like the other kids. Lucas was excited to be able to start his second grade math book. Cayla and Matthew are starting a new geography series on Monday. Geography is one of those subjects I have not enforced. But because of some recent geographical knowledge (or lack of), I have decided to add it to their list of daily subjects. Justin is waiting for me to organize his new high school curriculum. As soon as I get it done, he will be ready to start his year.

Our garden produce is just about all put up for the winter. Today we will pick the rest of our tomatoes...the weather report is calling for a freeze soon. We still have pumpkins and squash, but they will last through the first couple of frosts. I haven't decided what to do with our pumpkins. Should I can them or use them for fall decorations? I don't have an over abundance of the cute, little, orange things. On one hand I would like to be frugal and prepare food for my family, but on the other hand I love fall decorations. If I decide to use them for fall decorations, I'll take a picture and use it for a Wordless Wednesday post.

It's 3:17 PM and I'm still in my jammies. Just in case you wanted to know.

Evan has been with us since Wednesday after school. He is a delight and fits right in with our family. I have always wanted a redhead and for four days/three nights I have one. I pick Audrey up tonight (Evan's sister) and we will be blessed with her company until sometime tomorrow. We being everyone except Justin. He has to work until 9:30 tonight and has to be back to work tomorrow morning at 8:00. He's just a bit bummed...to say the least.

I visited our midwife on Tuesday and we found out we are having a boy. I am so excited. Laying on Laura's bed, with the warm jelly on my belly, I giggled with glee when she told me the news. Cayla was on the bed beside me and even she could tell he is all boy. Praise God! Before leaving Laura's, Kendra prayed with me for our new son! I thank God for such a wonderful friend.

It's time to get Justin to work. I guess I'd better go get dressed. I'll be back to post more later.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

>> Monday, October 06, 2008

THE SIMPLE WOMAN’S DAYBOOK
FOR TODAY
October 6, 2008

Outside My Window...the sky is grey and it is raining on and off. The temperature is a brisk 54.3 degrees. We had to turn on our heat for the first time this morning.

I am thinking...that the noise I am listening to will soon be shut off. Matthew and Justin bought 5 new CD’s yesterday. I am trying to be a sweet, cool mom by allowing them to listen to 12 Stones on my stereo, but I have just about had enough.

From the learning rooms…are some motivated students and some that need to be motivated. After 6 kids, it continues to amaze me that they can be so different.
Our new curriculum is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

I am thankful for...God’s work in my life. This past week I was crushed, squeezed and beat up. But that means growth and utter, complete dependence on Him. Resting in His arms can bring such peace and comfort, even in the most difficult situations.

From the kitchen...are sounds of a busy homeschool morning. The washer and dryer are going, the dishes are being done, Larah is playing with her new baby doll and the dill awaits to be placed in the pickle jars.

I am wearing...my Cabela’s tee and denim capri’s.

I am creating...this blog entry.

I am going...to Graham today with Tim. We are going to pick up

our newest family member, Ginger. I’ll post pictures soon.

I am reading...Heart of the Wilderness by Janette Oke,

borrowed from Kendra. It is a much better book than the last one I started.
It is pure and uplifting, not depressing and dark.

I am hoping...that it will get cold enough to be able to

burn a fire in our wood stove. There is nothing like

the warmth and glow of wood heat.

I am hearing...kids, kids, and more kids.

And the chirping of Cayla’s unnamed bird.

Around the house...the noise has been turned off,

the chores are almost complete and the school work has begun.

One of my favorite things...is hearing and witnessing my children using their creative imaginations. It is so fun and entertaining to listen and watch them play.

A Few Plans for The Rest of the Week…organize new curriculum,

orthodontist appointment for Cayla, babysit for a

friend and school. I would love a trip to the

library and a visit with Jodie…but only if time and scheduling permit.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

For more Daybooks, visit here.

He's a Keeper

>> Saturday, October 04, 2008

I don't know what makes me happier...

#1. Matthew cleaning the shower at 9:00 PM with a great attitude or

#2. Matthew wearing my all-time favorite shirt.

Thursday Thirteen

>> Thursday, October 02, 2008

13 Things on My Calendar for the Month of October

1. CCH’s birthday is October 4th.

2. Cayla and CJ have an orthodontist appointment October 7th.

3. The two boxes of curriculum I ordered last week are to arrive at my doorstep Tuesday, October 7th.

4. On October 8th I have 26 days left until I fly to Texas.

5. I am babysitting EG October 8th-11th, 4 days/3 nights.

6. Larah, Katie, and Lucas have eye exams scheduled for Wednesday, October 8th.

7. Sunday, October 5, we are having an associational wide communion service in Longview.

8. Sunday, October 12th is my mother-in-law’s birthday.

9. Columbus Day is observed on Monday, October 13th.

10. My dear mommy’s birthday is October 17th.

11. I have a Laura appointment October 22nd @ 10:30 AM.

12. Justin has a dentist appointment Thursday, October 30th.

13. On October 31st, (AJP’s birthday) I have 3, YES ONLY 3, days left until I fly to Texas. YEE-HAW!!!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!