2HOMESCHOOL

Six of us in one photo! Amazing!

2009-12-14T22:44:00.001-08:00

Sorry its a little off kilter, the couch took the photo! :-)

Black Friday

2009-12-06T17:48:00.000-08:00

My dear friend called me today, and I realized how long it's been since I posted...

I don't have much to say,... But I have LOTS of Pictures.

Now this is my idea of a GREAT Black Friday! Help Grandpa decorate the Christmas Tree!

Now I realize I went a little crazy with how many pictures I loaded, but it was just so much fun! I figure having a few to many every once in a while is ok. ;-)

Anyhow, to properly view these I need you to go to the END of the post a scroll up. I know, I know... Lazy me, but It would take quite a bit of time to reverse the order of these, so I hope you'll humor me, this once ;-)

Lots of fun! See ya all soon, I hope. :-) ~Heather

Lots of things to be Thankful for!

2009-11-29T16:05:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day!

2009-11-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

Andrew made the front page of the news paper!

Record Searchlight: Veterans Day!

Seizures

2009-11-09T11:32:00.000-08:00

George had three seizures this morning. One of them with a loss of consciousness. :-P

They changed the time he takes his meds and he's been having some minor traumas and sleep deprivation... The whole combination seems to be taking a toil.

He has started to have muscle pain after the seizures. Jaw pain and tongue pain. Not fun. He had a little trouble walking after the last seizure. Didn't quite have his sea legs back yet.

Now we come to the dilemma... change the time of the meds back? or give him more time to adjust to the new time...

He had a seizure on Saturday also, so I am anticipating the new time is not working, but we may try a couple more days. It appears ANY changes to the meds effect him.

Reason for the change in the first place? He was a little tired during the days. They thought if they changed the time of the meds, he might have more energy. He hasn't been as tired, but if the seizures don't go away, then we will have to go back to the normal time.

New topic

I went to a funeral this week. On the way there I walked past a lady with two kids who were completely ignoring their mother. With sympathy I said "I understand, I have four of my own" thinking just a little empathy might make her feel better. She replied "I am so sorry". It took a minute for what she said to sink in. By that time I was climbing in my car. I was truly horrified by what she said. I wanted to yell "Hey, I like my kids!" but she was out of hearing range. I may have my moments of frustration, but I LOVE my kids.

"The father of a righteous man has great joy;

he who has a wise son delights in him."

Proverbs 23:24

Harvest Party.

2009-11-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

I'll fly away...

2009-10-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Andrew & George's first airplane ride!

9AM flight school for Andrew and George!

Preflight instruction and mini checklist...

Picture with their Pilot! Everyone say cheese!

Sitting in the airplane before take off!

On the taxi way...

And they are off and Flying!!!!

Of course the boys didn't take pictures of each other in the plane but they had lots of fun!

Today, yesterday and tomorrow.

2009-10-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Plan for today? School work and sleep. Hope to get some extra sleep to prepair for the crazy weekend headed our way.

Yesterday: George had his blood drawn to check med levels and kidney and liver functions. Jonathan had his first allergy shot. He had a really bad reaction to it. (supose to be a little bubble test like a TB shot, he ended up having a reaction that was over twice that size) They are going to have to redue the strength of the shot before we come back, cause they can't make the dose any smaller. Then we did the phamacy run. Less then 10 min. Pretty good for us,... Although did I mention that the DIDN'T HAVE the med and we have to go back in a day or two??? lol. Oh, well.

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. Flight, Gems, and harvest festival. Then Sunday is the funeral and tuesday George goes back to the neroulogist about the blood and the meds. :-) Yap, normal live for us... At least for now.

Hope all is well with everyone else.

Loves, H

Ps. I posted this shot earlier with no explination... This a picture of George having a Hyperthermia reaction to his medication. The picture was taken right before he went down on us and had to be taken to the medic station.

Anna

2009-10-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

Anna learned to jump!!! Yea! both feet off the floor!

~H

Good Morning...

2009-10-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Pictures are from Mountain Camping that the 'men' in my family went on. :-)

Good Morning to all.

Plan for today? Chores and homework. Not much else.

News? Our community has a Young Eagles program. Looks like my boys might get to go up in an airplane on Sat if all goes well, but Shhhh... I am not telling them in case if falls through. :-)

There also is a German news station suppose to come to R.B. to do a news article on Young Marines... Y? Got me. But in any case they have picked two kids to do the article on and it looks like Andrew is going to be one of those kids. ;-) Again Shhhh... I'm not wanting to get his hopes up just in case. Cause I don't know if it will all come together. :-)

Lets see,... Baby Joel C. was born :-) Yeah! Congrats to the C. family.

And sad to say my great cousin passed away this week. Good news is she knew the Lord. So we shall see her again in heaven. :-)

:-( Sad for the family though, who is going to miss her.

Sleepy, Sleepy.

2009-10-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

Sleepy, sleepy off to bed.

Head on pellow.

Nose under covers.

Cat on bed.

:-)

Goodnight to one and all.

2009-10-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

Spencer's been gone so much that the children and I have been starting to wonder if he is a figment of our imaginations. Today I have proof that he is still in our lives. A dozen red roses sitting on my diningroom table. Sorry no pictures. I can't find my camera.

2009-10-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, where to start? It's been awhile. No matter how determained I am, I seem to not be able to get back in the habbit of blogging. So, I am promising nothing. Just that I am blogging today. :-)

Our lives have pretty much consisted of Work (spencer's been working 51 hours a week, with a split shift that comes out closer to away from the house 61 hours a week), Schoolwork, Housework and medical appointments. We've been averaging 4 doctor appointments a week. :-P I am ready for the doctor appointments to be DONE!!!

Money's been tight, weither due to lack of managment could be debated, but whatever the case. It's been tight. Now we are starting to get doctor bills in the mail. :-P

Speaking of doctors... Anna just got shot in the eye with a velcrow tipped nerf bulet and is bleeding out of the eye. I am headed to an opthomologist. I am not spell checking this, but I will post it just for the pictures.
H

Sherrie and Joy playing on Heather's blog

2009-09-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

Summer is having fun on a camping trip to the out country in Ethiopia.

feeling better

2009-07-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

Finally feeling better. :-) Still have a little cough, but it could be worse.

Started up with homeschool again. Not that I quit. It's just with all the kids camps and illnesses, it just got lost in the shuffle. Anyhow, we appear to be on track again. Everyone is getting lists to work on every day. We chip away at our list. Even I, cleaned off my desk. Pretty impressive. My room is starting to look like a room and not a junk pile. :-)

Andrew went to the E.N.T. today to have his blood work read. Doctor said Andrew is allergic to: Peanuts, sesame seeds, most trees and most grasses. He said the allergy to grass is extreamly high. He recommended Andrew have allergy shots. Don't know yet what we are going to do.

Any thoughts? In general I don't care for shots/immunizations as all of you are aware, however, I can see that the allergies are affecting lots of area's of his life, hearing, equilibrum, consentration, school work, relationships (hard to have friends when you don't answer them when they talk to you), plus I would like to have him off of all of the allergy meds he is on, but I don't really want another burst eardrum from allergies. So, I don't know, I guess I will have to put some research into it. Well see.

Anyhow, the kids have Karate tonight and I have an appointment with a Elliptical machine! :-P

Hope all is well with everyone.
~H

Parade pictures

2009-07-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

Struggle

2009-07-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

Not much to tell. I do have pictures though, but I don't know if they will load. Been having a little trouble with that.

My two big boys are away at camp.

I didn't do anything for the 4th. (though the boys did as you will see,...BIG PAUSE,... or not, because the uploader will not work. Andrew was in a Parade, but grandpa took him to it.)

And I am sick. :-P

I hope all of you are,... well,... NOT sick.

Love to all,

~H

Ps. Lene, Miss you. ;-)

H

Sorry Friends

2009-06-30T10:41:00.001-07:00

Sorry friends.

George started having seizures again and it really through me for an emotional loop. We've changed his meds again. :-P

The seizures themselves weren't very bad, but I found, though I didn't feel particularly emotional about the seizures themselves, I kinda fell apart about everything else for a few days.

Too add to my trouble since Spencer's work schedule changed again, I have not been able to get a schedule going and have been staying up to late. Not enough sleep. So, I am looking ahead.

Today, will be a work day. I need to do something and see if I can pull out of this slump and get some sleep tonight. Today will be a hard day, but I can do all things through Christ. :-)

Update? Let's see...

Anna had her third birthday. We have lost all therapist (another reason the schedule is messed up). The last test placed Anna at 11month speech. 24 months language comprehension. 25month cognitive. 20month gross motor. Although, I think I already told you guys all this... No help from CCS, Regional Centers or any other normal assistance. I have paperwork to fill out for more financial assistance, but I can't see that panning out at this time.

I am still doing schoolwork with the boys even though it's summer, but it's probably a good thing. We have been close to 110' degrees this week, poor George turns red and starts to swell within 20 minutes of being outside.

I have only been making it to the gym 2 times a week. :-P My goal is 3-4. I hope when we get a new schedule that will go back up. However, they are talking about giving him a rotating shift, so that may not be helpful. :-)

I hope and pray all is well with everyone else.

Love... Lots of love,

~Heather

At the daddy and me camp out, the boys went to visit a cave!

A blackmail photo for sure!

Andrew & George's new Karate Gee's

More photos from the daddy and me trip.

The BIRTHDAY GIRL!

The party!

True Party Animals, that's for sure!

To cool!

Mommy and Me!

Forts and Friends

2009-06-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

We have had a fun week of friends and forts. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

The new fort.

A frame style.

If I were a kid, I would be proud to say I had a hand in it. But to the 'normal' adult, I will just say, "I did the out of reach nailing and tree climbing." :-)

My darling girl, all sweet and ready for a day in the heat!

Andrew laughing so hard!

Mr. Theatrical! My George.

Mr. Jonathan and his milk mustache.

Papa in his 'proud' shirt.

Inside our nifty fort! Oh, and as far as kids go, lets see... We have our children (duh), and three of the neighborhood kids.

Here is our friends from Africa! No, not my parents, the other people!

More friend photos!

Of course more photos of our strong and steady fort builders.

And more!

And MY FAVORITE! Anna's Three year old picture, taken by yours truly... :-)

Ta Da!

Beutiful shot, Beutiful Girl!

Love to all,

Heather

School print offs!

2009-06-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

Here is a tooo cool website with Phonics Spelling word Posters, You have to click on the poster and then download them to your word or acrobat program and then print them for the kids.

They are pretty neat! http://www.adrianbruce.com/reading/posters/index.htm

Hope all is well with everyone. I am running from one thing to the next, near as fast as I can go.

I have started Karate with my husband. Just about killed me. My body is way tooo out of shape! I only go once a week, the other days of the week I am working in the Cardio room or the pool at the gym.

All the theripies end at the end of this month. It's good and bad all at the same time. Probably an over all good thing.

We had plan to continue speech theripy for Anna, but we found out our co-pay will be $200-$300 a month! I don't know what the plan is now. Prayer, I guess. ;-) Not that we wern't praying in the first place... but I guess now we have to pray about weither we want to pay that kind of fee. :-P

Anna is starting to attempt to read. She is mimicing me while I am reading. I am still working on indevidual sounds, so I don't know, that she needs to see the theripist. Maybe I just need a little bit of training from a speech theripist than I can take over... I don't know. :-)

Anyhow, all the kids but one are napping.

George is needing a nap every day while changing his meds. Hopefully, it wont stay that way after he is on the new med for a while. He is complaining about ringing in his ears on occation and he still gets small headaches about an hour before its time to take his meds, but they are no longer all the time.

Oh, guess what I am doing???? I am teaching my neighbor to drive. Yap! That's me the driving instructor. :-) It's a long personal story that I wont go into, but she's a mom about my age, with no drivers license. I have been squeezing in a lesson whenever I can, but it's hard when bettween me and her, we have more kids then will fit in one car. :-) It's been a super fun thing to throw in to mix up our day and it gives her a chance to get out of the house.

They changed spencer's work schedule again. Thank you Lord, he still has Sunday's off. But he is morning the loss of his Sat. with the kids. :-(

He is now working a split shift with 4 hours in the middle :-P but that is supose to change to 2 hours in the middle. Hopefully.

Umm... well, I can't think of much more at this moment, I really just got on with the intention of posting that cool website I found.

Hope all is well with you guys! ~H

Ps. Oh, I found one more, I just had to come back and add... This site you type in what you want and the site makes a sheet of trace work out of the words you typed. Tooo cool! http://www.handwritingworksheets.com/

Oh

2009-05-26T22:48:00.000-07:00

Oh, our trip has continued to be an adventure. We got the hospital, and they had never heard of George,... Didn't have the appointment, didn't have his paperwork. etc.... :-P Anyhow, LONG story I am not up for. We got him the EEG.

Here are a few shots on my way to bed.

Love all.

Well, we've made it!

2009-05-25T23:16:00.000-07:00

Well, we've made it! Tomorrow is the start of the 24 hour EEG. :-P

We only left home 5 an'half hours ago,... It's already been an interesting trip. A car in front of us had a tire ceatch on fire. We got to 'rescue'/meet up with a friend half way here. We ended up in a room that had an airconditioner that was as noisy as a Jet Plane and ended up changing rooms... And last but not least, mom already called hotel security on me!

Yes it has certianlly been an interesting trip!

Hope all is well with you guys. Here are a couple of pictures from and of our comfy hotel room.

:-)

Oh!

2009-05-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Oh! It has been a long time since I blogged.

I want to do a long drawn out update, but I know that is just not possible.

So here is the best of my ability:

Jonathan:

Is learning to read! (Go Dick and Jane books!)

Andrew:

Has promoted again in the Young Marines and is now a Lance Corporal. :-)

George:

Has only had one seizure since he started the meds. Has had two migraines. Has an appointment with a new neurologist next Monday.

Anna:

Anna has been diagnosed with, Mild right hemiplegic cerebral palsy, developmental apraxia of childhood, laryngomalacia, and Vaso-vagal syncope. No new symptoms, just new names. ;-)

Heather (that's me):

It appears that after 10years of being a stay at home wife and mom, my body has decided to protest. We are thinking that there is a possibility that I have a Mitral Valve Prolapse. It's not diagnosed, but the symptoms were enough to make me change my diet and habits.

I can praise the Lord in saying that I have completely come off of caffeine. I have removed most of my "high" sugar items (Sodas, candy, cakes, brownies, etc.). I have a few favorites, that I have on occasion, but that is exactly what it is now, a special treat (rocky road ice cream, in honor of momma bug, of course.) This turn about happened in one day. It was defiantly a God thing. There has been no big desire to have it all back!

My sweet husband has bought me membership at a sports club and I am now exercising 1/2 hour five days a week. (With child care provided :-) Very sweet and just what I needed to get back on my feet.

Spencer: Has Sundays off! Praise the Lord.

I hope that gets you up to date. I will TRY to check in more often, no guaranties.

~Heather

To the show we go!

2009-04-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Baseballs and scrambled eggs!

2009-04-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

Baseballs and scrambled eggs, that' was how my day started out yesterday. This season is a REALLY bizzzzy season for us. (The reason I don't take college classes in the spring, even on-line) This week in particular. Yesterday was play try-outs (after baseball). Wow, what a day. Good,... No, great news is both boys got a part in the play.

Bummer news is I forgot to take my camera. Sorry folks, I will try harder tomorrow. :-)

In the mean time. Check out these shots from the game and the scrambled eggs. Night all, 12:35am ~H

Opps!

Yikes!

Andrew's first time playing cetcher! Not a bad job, if I do say so myself!

Deep concentration!

A very hot day!

Get ready!

Get set!

Swing!

Samoa!

2009-04-19T23:27:00.000-07:00

I will try and post more pictures later, but my computer is not working so well. (Battery is not recharging.) Anyhow... Here are some fun pictures from our trip to Samoa! Lots of fun. Hope all is well with everyone. Hopefully one of these days I will have a chance to get on and chat. Love, H

George in his ATV get up.

E.M. showing off!

Jonathan on a solo flight!

Don't we look pleased!

Anna (very happy that it's not turned on) She really didn't care for them much!

J.M. Smile!

Jonathan cutie!

Push boys, Push! George (L) Andrew (M) T.M. (R)

Pack!

2009-04-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

Packing,... Packing,... And more Packing... See'ya in a'couple a days!

:-)

Great, Great History!

2009-04-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a great His-story book. ~H

Ps. For homeschooling or otherwise!

God is Good!

2009-04-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4

Seizure

2009-04-14T10:25:00.001-07:00

George had another seizure this morning.

Georgie ~ Update

2009-04-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

Ok. I finally have a little time. So, I thought I would drop ya’ll a REAL note. Here is where we are at...

George has been having “Episodes” for a couple of months now. I took him to the neurologist and they did an EEG.

The EEG said he had Right Temperol Lobe Seizures, or in other words “Epilepsy”, even when there were no outside symptoms.

We have had a couple of weeks of craziness since.

He has had blood work, MRI and other miscellaneous tests.

Good news (for the most part). His blood work was good so we were able to start him on an anti-seizure medication right away. His MRI came back with only minor issues, none of which were in the brain or related to the seizures. (They were all related to sinuses and allergies, big surprise there.) Other tests are still pending.

Before we started the seizure medications, the seizures had moved to day and night, up to three times a day. :-P Not too good. The good news is that since we have started him on the meds, he has not had any seizures (that we are aware of).

Prayers: We are all praying that the meds will continue to work and will not cause him any side effects. He will have to be monitored (by blood work) to make sure the meds are not causing bone loss, anemia, and/or kidney/liver failure. We would appreciate any prayers in that area.

Love to all,
Heather

Prayers

2009-03-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who prayed. The EEG went great. Couldn't have gone better. In fact, I think he even fell asleep for a little while.

I took lots of pics with my phone, unfortunatly they aren't free to get off. So here is my favorite shot.

Lots of love to all

~Heather

The Zoo and other animals we saw on our trip!

2009-03-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

Large Coy Fish...

Donkey and Cow...

Lemur...

Does anyone know this one? I am afraid it's out of my range...

Chimpanzee...

Other forms of monkies!!!!

Ostrich...

Zebra!

Giraffe...

Turtte... ummm... In the past tence.

The labels on the turttle.

Jonathan's FAVORITE animal in the zoo... The tractor!

More funny looking animals!

My favorite animal shot of the day! Wild Animals!

"Mom, that Emu is having a BAD HAIR DAY", George.

"Ummm... Hate to tell you, but those are feathers.", Mom

Emu...

Anna's favorite,... The Ant Eater! Wow that thing was BIG! Reminded me of a toddler, it never stopped moving...

Last but not least, the Lions!

Lots of love to all!

~Heather

The hotel...

2009-03-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Here are some shots from the hotel...

Opps, and one from the zoo....

All the animal shots to follow! ~H

Devo Time!

2009-03-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

Blue letter Bible Daily Bible Reading!

I got on line today with every intention of getting on-line today and asking HOW IN THE WORLD all you mom's make time for Devotions. I am having a hard time of it. I am not a morning person and can't seem to get up before the kids, but I need the refill before my day. Not after!

Anyhow, I found this Site: Blue letter Bible Daily Bible Reading!

I love it! It reads you the bible while you follow along. Today I was able to have all the kids sit on the coutch and we all listen to three chapters of the Bible. If you follow along at the pace it says you end up reading the whole bible in one year.

I hope tomorrow goes as well.

Love to all,
Heather

Just a typical day in the life of... Me.

2009-02-28T23:20:00.000-08:00

Part one:

George Episode#6:
2-28-09 7:00am

Night before: Was sick and ran a fever (102). Gave Tylonal (or IB not sure) and sambulicol and lots of fluids.

Episode: was the girggling noise in his throat and exesive drooling. Seemed awake enough to come to me but not all there.
Tried to Grab video camera, but couldn't make it work in time.
Episode lasted 30seconds after he got me.

Note worthy: Appeared to me that his eyes were un-naturally dialated for about 5 minutes afterward.

Part two:

Just got home from taking Spencer to ER. Unsure of why his face is swelling but they said he will live and gave him meds. Yeah. Typical night... ;-)

Winter in CA'lly!

2009-02-25T13:06:00.001-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures from the trip. I will try to add a few more later. ~H

Pets

2009-02-25T12:44:00.001-08:00

Ruby...

The large algie eater...

Anna has pierced ears!!!

2009-02-24T21:27:00.001-08:00

That's what we did today. Pierced Anna's ears.

It' went MUCH better then I was expecting.

I showed her on her webkins 'monkey' (The monkey ran around ALL DAY with earings)

Then we gave Anna Tylonal before we went.

(Grandma and I, took this adventure on together)

The people at Claires pierced both ears at the same time and Anna was completly calmed back down in no time.

Then we went and had our picture taken. (Anna and I)

Then we three girls took the town on and went shopping. Lots of fun!

Anyhow, I just had to share some pictures!

Hope all is well with everyone!

~Heather

Ps. I have lots of pictures from my trip, but I need to save them for another day.

Finally have the camera!

2009-02-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

Here is "Mean Fish"...

Here is Horratio!!!

And here is the Best!

Here is "Private First Class Bell, Andrew!"...

More to come later

Camara

2009-02-08T21:42:00.000-08:00

Man I wish I had my camara,... well my, almost camara. That is to say, not my camara, but my daddies.

Anyhooo,

Today was a day for a camara, but I had none. Hopefully soon. I like blogging a lot more when I have a camara. That is for sure.

;-)

Yesterday I showed our house. :-P
A LOT OF WORK!!!
Today I hitched a ride to church, to early in the morning to speak of... (Because I had a flat tire on my car)

Then we went to walmart and got new tires for my car.

Then I took all the kids to the pet store. Boy, I auta know better!

We came home with two chinese algie eatters (one for each tank), a new male bata for my bedside table (to sit and look at as I go to sleep), and a bird. :-)

I named the bata 'rubie'. A very red fish,... We will all just pretend it is female ;-)

But the bird does not have a name yet. He is VERY pretty. He has a yellow head, green body and a blue tail.

Andrew thinks we should name it 'polly' as in "polly want a cracker".

I am thinking "King Tut"

What do you think?

Andrew!!!

2009-02-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

Andrew did it! He PASSED his Test!!! And got his promotion...

He got his promotion!!!!!!!! He is now a "Private First Class".

In fact his is the Youngest in his local branch to be a Private First Class.

We are VERY proud of him.

He said that out of all the kids, only three passed the test. And he was one of those three.

Very, Very happy.

The house showing went well...

Now spence and I are headed out on a date!

Very, Very Happy!!!

New day.

2009-02-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

I am really needing a fresh start. Hopefully today will be that.

I have a couple of hours to get the house clean for a buyer. Not my favoret task, I have made good head way the last couple of days, but this is still going to be the messest a our house has been for a showing. Oh well. I am still sick. Not really up for pushing. I tried it one day and couldn't get up the next.

Andrew's TEST is today. I am very, very exited.

George is headed out on a 'outing' with grandpa. Grandpa is taking him to see a play version of the Lion, the witch and the wardrobe.

Hope all is well with everyone.

~Heather

New Antibiotic

2009-02-06T10:59:00.001-08:00

The symtoms are back. Trying a new Antibiotic.

Sick

2009-01-25T20:22:00.000-08:00

My sweet, sweet husband took 4 days off for our anversary and got babysitting and rented a bed and breakfast. What did I do for our anaversary? Got REALLY sick and had to cancel all of his plans.

I FEEL AWFUL.

MRI

2009-01-20T16:11:00.000-08:00

MRI did not go well (the meds made her combative), but they got the shots they need. I will let you know when we have the written results, should only be a couple of days.

~Heather

Signing

2009-01-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

Signing Time

Here is a great clip about a signing DVD set that T.O. suggested. Expencive little puppies. I don't know if we will be able to pull off buying very many. Well see.

Hope all is well with everyone,

Heather

George's Episode Log...

2009-01-15T10:41:00.000-08:00

Here is our first entry into George's Episode Log...

This log only lists the Episodes that are adult observed.

If anyone has any idea's feel free. I tried to grab the video camera but I was just a little late, the whole episode only took about a minute.

~H

George’s Episode Log

Episode #3, 1-15-09 7:00am:

Day prior to Episode: Low physical activities. High computer time. Spent a lot of time in his room. Did a lot of school work. Rode in the car for two hours in the morning. Drank two Ener-C packets. High fluids. Sick with loose stools, cough and snotty nose. No headaches, no stomach ache no fever.

First impression of Episode: Thought he was about to throw-up.

Observations During Episode: Rhythmic throat ‘gurgling’ and what sounded like failed attempts to swallow. Sounded worse than rattley. Like someone who was about to drown. He was awake enough to come to me and awake enough to follow instructions after hesitating. But still seemed out of it.

His lips were not equally shaped, like half of his lips were limp. (He says his left side.) Large amount of drooling with uncontrolled rhythmic chattering of the jaw, mouth area and throat.

Sounded like:
“humm, mum, mum, ma... humm, mum, mum, ma”

Repeated over and over. No body shaking. Inability to speak. Able to answer yes and no questions with nodding of the hand. The episode it's self took less then one minute.

He had a ‘waking’ moment, just a moment of clarity. Symptoms of gurgling and drooling stopped within five seconds of this ‘waking’ moment. Speech returned in 30 seconds slurred and within 3 minutes was fully restored.

After Episode: Woke up done for the day. Said there was no pain, no discomfort, no light sensitivity for his eyes. Had a dream but it wasn’t bad, although he couldn’t remember well enough to tell me what it was about. Fixated on the fact that there was daylight outside for over 30 minutes. He said that it is normally dark out and seemed distressed that it was daylight when he had an episode.

The season...

2009-01-13T22:17:00.001-08:00

This is a season and I want to come out of the season,... Seasoned. Not wiped out.

Hmmm. Something to ponder. So my new start is:

Psalm 16:11
‘Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore.’

He is coming soon.

MRI time...

2009-01-13T21:42:00.000-08:00

Well, after much prodding (by my mommy), I have finally scheduled the MRI. It should be done (if no one gets sick) on the 20th...

I know, not very far away is it...

Not much time for mommy to prepare. Good news is it should, SHOULD be covered 100% by our insurance. Thank you Lord.

At the moment we are all sick. Not terribly, but sick none the less.

Despite this our therapists are not afraid of us. So I have our first new speech therapist coming tomorrow.

Side note. So far no more episodes with George since we moved him down to the floor. Don't know that it was the heat causing it but I am happy for now they have stopped. I don't think it is permanent though... Why not? Mommy intuition.

A video of Anna ~ I hope... 2 1/2 years old

2009-01-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

I hope this will be a video of Anna. I tried really hard to pull it off of the Face book and get it here. I hope it workds.

Anyhow.... Here is a site I have found that has really helped us with the times tables... A little bit expencive, but I think well worth it. City Creek Times Tables

Lots of love, hope everyone is having a great day.

~Heather

Jonathan's 4th Birthday Party!

2009-01-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

The photo Above (Head line photo) is also from today

These are kind-of in reverse order... Opps and oh well.

CHEESE!

HUH? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

BLOW HARDER!!!

C.M. LOOKING...

GLOVE? I THOUGHT IT WAS A HAT!!!

HERE YOU GO PAPA! IT'S A HAT FOR SURE!!!

DON'T TOUCH YET!!!

J.M & BIRTHDAY BOY!!!

DUCK!!!!

THE BOYS AT THE PARTY!!!

MISS ANNA!!!

THE FAMILY!!!

Christmas photos

2009-01-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

Pictures from the Bell Family Christmas!!!

Marriage advice? From me?

2009-01-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know that I am probably the last person that people want to take marriage advice from, due to the fact that I have one of the most unusual marriages, but hey, I thought I would still pass this on. I wrote this up for a friend and I decided I wanted to post if on my blog to for reference sake. Anyhow, hope everyone had a good day. ~Heather

1) On those rare occasions you can schedule a date, set them up two in a row. One date for the fighting, and one date for the kissing and making up. I have found that our dates are so infrequent cause there are few people willing to watch four children with disabilities, that we tend to work out everything that can't be said in front of kids, during our dates, and then are left frustrated about not having a date.

2) Find out what makes the other person feel loved. (Spencer feels loved when I wait on him hand and foot, I feel loved when he brings me gifts.)

3)Find out the other persons 'bare minimums'... Spence needs the floor clean. The rest of the house can be dirty but he need the floor cleaned, in order to not feel as overwhelmed.

4) Writing to each other. I have found if I write... A) I am not yelling B) I don't forget what I wanted to say C) If I say something I shouldn't I can erase it before I give it to him (or re-write it better) D) I can separate feelings from fact. Example: I FEEL like I need star bucks to survive. I NEED more sleep.

Medical update:

2009-01-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

Here is the current medical update for all those who keep up with our MANY medical issues. Mom, if I have any of it wrong, feel free to add a comment with the corrections. J

Anna (2 1/2):
Saw the Neurologist yesterday. He said he is seeing "Global delays" that are significant. He is ordering a MRI to help us (as a diagnostic tool). We are thinking there may be another issue other then the Toxic Encephalopathy. Possibly stroke, seizure, CP, or other disorder. He is also going to do some blood work and check for some "markers" that might indicate what else is going on. (Like Anglemen’s or some such)

Currently she is able to say two words completely and correctly, Yes & mommy. (She is 2 and 1/2 years old). She is saying probably 10-20 other words that we can "sometimes" understand. She is able to sign aproximatly 60 words. She understands about 90% or more of what we say to her.

She appears to have difficulty manipulating the right side of her body. She is slightly turning her right foot out and chooses to avoid using her right hand.

She is still in all kinds of therapies and will be re-starting speech therapy hopefully sometime in January.

George (7):

My one baby, who doesn't have very many medical issues, has started having episodes at night. Unknown cause. He is waking up shaking and unable to form words even though he is awake and able to nod yes and no. We are thinking possible night terrors or other sleep disorder, or seizures that only happen at night. The neurologist very kindly consulted with us yesterday to determine the he needs to be seen and needs a sleep study.

In the mean time he wants us to try a mild sleep aid to see if the episodes are sleep disorders. The mom in me is trying hard not to panic.

Jonathan (almost4):

Has been doing way better as far as behavioral issues. He does appear to have almost constant muscle spasms in his legs. He is constantly on the go. VERY, VERY active. His nails wear off before I ever have to cut them. We have been giving him calcium to help him with his iron absorption; it also has a calming effect. We have been rubbing lotion into his legs for his dry skin and muscle spasms.
These past two weeks we have seen a lot more ‘attitude’ issues. I am hoping we don’t see a return to behavioral issues.

Andrew (almost 9):

Not much of an update. He still shows signs of learning disorders or autism spectrum. Still not diagnosed. Has not been much of an issue since he is homeschooled. He is doing better than expected in the young marines. So far he has been able to keep up with the group.

Spencer (37) :
His first eye surgery resulted in one eye being 20/15 and one eye being 20/30. He has now had the second surgery. We are still waiting to see if the eye will respond.

Ok, I think that is everyone’s most updated medical info.

Todays up date is that I have invites all over the place. However, I stayed up until two in the morning, so I don't think I am doing anything today. J.M. and I went to Barnes in noble and had coffee and cheese cake and talked for two hours. Then we went and saw a movie. Then I drove her home. By the time I got back it was two in the morning. So, I am kinda toast. I don't know, maybe I will find some energy to do something, but I think even if I do, I am going to do some homework. Scratch that. I am going to do some house work... :-). Man I am tired.

I have more christmas pictures from the in-law christmas. I haven't really even looked at them. I will try and post some later today.

Talk to ya'll later.

~Heather

Hi guys, I am back.

2009-01-01T23:28:00.000-08:00

Well, that went way better and way worse then I expected.

In other words, could have been better, could have been worse.

I am back, I think I am all in one piece but I am still taking inventory so I will have to get back to you on that.

Tomorrow is Neurologist for Anna, so the fun never ends.

George had an episode the other night. We are still trying to figure out what it was. I don't know if it was seizure or night terror or what. So I may find out about getting George seen while we are there.

I really needed a down day but this seems to be important so, I don't know when I will have my down day.

Talk soon,
Heather

Movie up load ~ Maybe

2008-12-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

Early Morning:

I started a face book yesterday. However my computer keeps freezing any time I try to load a video. So, I thought I would try it here and see if I still have the same issue.

:-)

Today we are passing on Church. My little ones are fighting something and we are supose to head off for spencers parents tomorrow. The in-laws are wanting the boys,... Yeah. Pray for us.

I am listening to Veggie Tales Rocks and Christmas music I got from my daddy. I know, what a combination huh? The kids are playing with thier new moon sand. I was worried that the amount I bought was too little (10oz bags each), anyhow, it appears it is enough. They are all playing with it quite happy. I still think I would buy one larger package if I were to do it over, (so I could place it in a tub with a lid on it, but 10oz in a bowl will work)

Evening:

Opps! I guess it never loaded. I spent all day today and yesterday trying to get the computer up and running better. I spent 4 hours on hold (and online with) AT&T. They are sending out a technician tomorrow. Hopefully they find something outside the house (please Lord). I don't think we can aford to have someone fix the inside of the house. Maybe we will have to call in a favor or two.

My brother spent a fair amount of time today trying to find a virus or bug on my computer without finding anything. He even changed my browser, hoping that was the issue. Oh well.

Anyhow, for those of you with face book, I was able to record directly into face book. I recorded Anna signing and Anna saying "bye". Too cute.

Have a nice day. Talk soon,

Heather

Off I go to wrap and pack.

The night before Christmas...

2008-12-26T21:54:00.000-08:00

Most of these pictures are from the night before Christmas...

Here is a picture of the 'newly transformed' room at Grandma's house:

Top: Double loft bed, mommy's bed

Middle left: Converted shelf, Jonathan's bed

Bottom: Queen on wooden frame: Andrew and George's bed

Far Right: Toddler bed, Anna's Bed

Here are some pictures of the kids checking it out!

Here are some pictures of the new PJ's (tradition to get on christmas eve)

Here they are in the morning:

I will do the rest of the morning blog on another day. Lots of love, H

ACTS 20:35 'In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

2008-12-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

A day away.

2008-12-22T22:28:00.000-08:00

One whole day of going through stores without having my arm pulled off. One whole day of sitting down and resting when I was tired. One whole day of shopping to my heart's content (or better yet, until my check book was empty,... of both checks and money). One whole day of eating without getting up to 'retrieve' things or take someone to the bathroom. One whole day of not stopping to look for a lost diaper bag, or better yet, a lost child. One full day without having to never take my eyes off of the children. One full day of eating whatever I wanted without a child saying "mom, can I have some?" One full day of being, just a "person" and not "mom".

Ahhhh,...

Not that I would want to many of these days, but I think once every two years is pretty good. I think that has been about how long its been unless you count the women's retreats where your schedule has been planned for you and your told what is for lunch. Not that I don't love women's retreats and mommy moments, but a few moments of care-free-ness, felt pretty good today. I think I might even do this more often, maybe once a year. :-)

And best of all I was not alone. My "mom" came with me. Thanks mom for being the "mom" today!

2008-12-20T23:34:00.000-08:00

Too...

Tired...

To...

Blog...

Yawn!

Here are a couple of shots from our Family Christmas Story time...

Building a Manger with Grandpa.

Love,

Sleepy.

Make it easy and make it fun

2008-12-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

Some idea’s for those moms who are traveling or recovering from surgery

(or Both, love you lots momma bug)

1. Let the kids do school on their own!

Learn once,

Do once,

Teach once,

Let the older ones teach the concepts to the younger ones. That will help them solidify what they have learned (although, if they are teaching letters, make sure they are the correct direction. I learned that lesson one day when George was teaching Jonathan)

2. Have the older ones read to the younger ones.

3. Watch Educational video's. (If you need some new ones you can pay $9 a month with Netflix an watch them on-line if you have good internet access or there are some on the PBS website that you can watch, like this old house etc. Watcher be ware, with both of those ideas. Defiantly preview)

4. Have them do a typing tutor on the computer. (my favorite is Mavis Beacon)

5. Have them work on computer learning games (Jump Start is my favorite, and you can buy and download them on-line and use them instantly). http://shop.knowledgeadventure.com/

6. Here is one I do rarely because we don’t have a lot of extra cash: Buy a science kit and give it to the one who reads the best. Have them follow the instructions. (If your are supervising without input its best not to get one that has chemicals, such as physics or electric. However, I just want to share, one of my favorite kits was “my first discoveries, eye-popping early science” by discovery kids, defiantly need an adult to help with this one though)

7. We are currently learning self-motivation at our house. I assign the homework in the morning and they are in charge of following through with getting it done without reminding. The end of their day just does not come until all the work is done. (Not something you can do if your low on sleep... I currently charge $1 an hour for every hour mommy has to stay up past her bed time, waiting for them to be done.)

8. Take your calendar out and pick a day, that is still in your memory. Think about what you and the children talked about. If you talked about pretty flowers and how they make seeds, write down science ~ Plant life. If you talked about how to figure out if something was cheaper in bulk, write down Math ~ math applied. Take what you talked about and what you did and document it as school work. Often times we do stuff that is natural learning and forget to document. DOCUMENT IT!

9. Verbal drills. This one is good for cars, spoken by someone who almost spent a year in a car on the way to visits. Example: If I bought two gallons of milk for four dollars, how much did I spend on each gallon? How do you spell "frog". What are three meanings of the word "2". If I have a 4, what number would I need to add to get ten? If a baby gets a diaper rash what are three things we could do to help it???? :-), that is probably the one our kids wouldn't have any problem answering. ;-)

10. Ask your husband to help. I know not one that you want to do, however, when I am having trouble getting the point across, I will ask Spence to help. He often sits by Andrew when he comes home, and just sits there. It seems to really help Andrew to realize not only how important it is, but that it’s not just a mom thing.

11. Copy work. Not only is this good for spelling but it works for other things like math and art. I hand them their favorite picture book and have them copy one drawing out of it.

12. Games, I don't know if your eldest are old enough, but mine are now doing chess, boggle, scrabble and other games on their own. I just pick ones like scrabble, that I can write down for school work.

13. Hobbies that can be schoolwork. Such as the rock tumbler is turning into how to make jewelry, which I consider money management and art. Kids can crochet in the car,... But I would buy LOTS of hooks, for when you hear, MOM, I DROPPED IT AGAIN!!! Hummm. maybe put it on a string and tie it to the seat belt? Could do the same with the pencils they keep dropping.

14. Invention books. Drawings and explanations in writing of things they would like to invent.

15. Puzzle books, like the kind where you search for the word and then circle it. Here is some on-line one's you could print off http://children.calvarychapel.com/site/curriculum.htm

16. Learn about each state you are in... http://www.kidzone.ws/geography/usa/

17.Books on tape. I know you already do this one, but if there are books you specifically want them to hear and aren’t up for reading you could try and find them on tape. Then they could listen while they look at the book. If you are having trouble finding some, try typing in books for the blind or something like that. In fact I think there is a library in Washington that has a whole bunch of books on tape for the blind, I doubt if they ask if your blind when your rent them and you can rent them through any library and they ship them through interlibrary. So you don't have to pay shipping I don’t' think.

18. Don't forget exercising. Some days the kids spend all day in "exercise" class. P.E. like a marathon day at school.

19. Field trips. Think about all the places they have been, use those as documented field trips.

20. Paces. A.C.E. school of tomorrow. Paces. My boys are old enough now to correct their own school work (other than some handwriting sloppiness), I have to correct about 7 pages out of 30. As long as you buy the score key. http://www.schooloftomorrow.com/Default.aspx

I may add more as I think of them. If any of you have ideas, feel free to add them.

~Heather

Tripple A

2008-12-19T08:49:00.000-08:00

Early Childhood Education: A

College Typing: A

Allgebra: A

VERY HAPPY!!!

Yoooo Whoooo!

2008-12-16T22:34:00.000-08:00

Ok guys, I think I am back in the game. I hope.

I am effectively done with school. Not quite literally but soon.

Let’s see... What is up?
I have a Christmas tree in my living room. Poor thing looks a little forlorn. It is quite pretty and full and the exact shape it should be, however, it is missing it’s decorations. Just one little ornament that I hadn’t put away yet (yes, since last Christmas). Hopefully I will get some sort of decoration on the thing before Christmas. No guaranties.

Tomorrow I have Far Northern coming in for an I.F.S.P. should be interesting, it is our second to the last. This is the one where I say, “No, thank you. I don’t want a referral to a public school”, and they say “YOU DON’T????”
Good news is it looks like they are going to start up Anna on speech therapy again. Yea! I think I told you guys about the time she yelled for her dad for like five min. before I figured out what she was saying. It will be nice to have speech therapy again. She is two and a half now and I really have very few words that I can recognize.

I am having fun taking lots of pictures. I am gearing up for if I ever want to start my own on-line business. Spence and I have talked about it and eventually we would like to have a business up and running before the kids are teenagers. I don’t know if it will actually happen but it is worth a shot. We wouldn’t be able to do it if we don’t try, now would we?
Actually, I really want a little brake from school and Spence thought that trying out a little business as a trial run might be a good use of next semester. We shall see. I don’t know if I will actually do it, but it is fun to dream and take pictures.
Oh, how did I do in the classes?
I HAVE NO IDEA!!!

Actually that’s not quite accurate. I think I got an A in two classes, Algebra and Early Childhood Education. I am not sure if I got an A or a B on my typing class. You see someone forgot to mention that typing included proof reading. Yeah, not good. That is really hard to do when you are dyslexic. Oh, well... I knew when I took nine units I might lose my 4.0 GPA. I will admit to being sad at the prospect, but I think that might just be a little pride peeking through, so I guess I might as well hand that to the Lord before he removes it anyway.

ROAD TRIP! ROAD TRIP! ROAD TRIP!!!
I am dying to take a road trip. Sigh. Maybe soon. Probably not before Christmas though.

Did I tell you I went Volcano climbing on my last road trip???, No. That is probably because I didn’t but I did get a nice close view. (Although, I hear it is currently covered in snow.) We went rock exploring while we were there. I think the highlight of the trip was actually jumping off the rocks, not so much reading about them. But we did have fun.

Our tumbled rocks turned out pretty nice. It took quite a while to get them polished though. We are having fun just looking at them. We haven’t quite figured out what to do with them yet. But, something for the Grandma’s for Christmas I am sure.

Well, it is 10:30 and I still have to do dishes and sweep.
Talk to you ladies HOPEFULLY in the morning.
~Heather

Almost back guys.

2008-12-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

I am almost back guys.

The computer is back and I have three more days until I am done with school.

BRB

Love to all,

Heather

November 30, 2008

2008-11-30T22:06:00.001-08:00

(Joy here)....Heather doesn't have access to a computer right now and asked me to post pictures of Anna/Jonathan's new bed and twin-sized mattresses. She also asked that I say "THANK YOU" to those who helped....

I pealed anna banana's finger... :-(

2008-11-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

What happened you ask? I shut Andrew's door with Anna's finger in it. :-( Not very smart momma. When I couldn't get it to shut, I tried again! Poor baby didn't even squeak until the second time around. I had no idea her hand was anywhere near it. Back to the old,.. "She can't talk when its important." She didn't even utter a moan, until her finger was released and then re-squeezed.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!... (that's me). Anyhow, I was home with no car. I had to call my dad. He came and got me and Anna and took us to E.R.

Anna is ok. It is not broken. (they checked with an x-ray) The skin got "pealed" back from the top of the nail all the way to the first knuckle and the back of the nail popped up and off the skin. The other finger has a dark bruise under the nail. The skin on the other side of the finger is red, like a VERY, VERY rosie cheek and it's swelling quite a bit.

They said not to wrap it and to give her tylonal as needed. That's it. (other then to watch to make sure the bruising doesn't spread or get worse). (Lene, you won that one. :-)

Oh, I am going to have a hard time on this one!!! I can't even look at it. Other then being shaky and traumatized, she is not even seeming to act like it hurts. I, on the other hand, start hyperventilating every time I go to look at it. I had to sit on the other side of her at dinner (9:00pm dinner), just so I could eat.

Yeah, this aught to be exiting... Can't wait tell the first time I have to wash some sticky goo off of it.

I think it is partially because it brings flash backs of having my toe nail popped out of my toe. Man did it hurt. Although putting it back hurt worse.

I've got to get some sleep. Talk to ya all in the morning.

~H

46 out of 50, not bad

2008-11-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

I got 46 out of 50 on my BIG test this week. :-) Very happy. I will take a 92% any day.

I actually had two BIG tests this week, I am waiting to hear back on the other one. Highly unlikely I will do as well on this one. Sad :-( Dispite the fact that I type really well, apperantly the college thinks that people taking a typing course should not only be able to type but should also be able to proof read. HA! Yeah right, in my dreams.

Well, I have lots of work to do, but I am FALLING OVER. I think I will actually be able to think better after some sleep.

WHAT? ME? GO TO BED BEFORE 2 A.M.?

I know, unheard of. :-)

Good night y'all.

~Heather

I feel like a pumkin, an old, used, mushy pumkin...

2008-11-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

Proud momma, check out the pictures on the last blog!

Today has been a good day, however, my "momma" job was supose to stop at 4 when my husband came home (I had plan to leave and go somewhere else to take my test, for school) so I could concentrate. Then my husband called and said he had to work over time. Then when he did finally come home he was sick and fell asleep sitting up.

So, here I am 7:30p and everyone is fed. But me. Kids are getting ready for bed. Not me.

What are my chances that they will head for bed and magicaily fall asleep? Not good. I have to take the test by 11pm or it falls off the on-line calandar and I get a F for the test. :-(

Anyhow, I can't take the test while they are up (because it's timed) so I guess I will go eat until all is calm.

Type soon,

~Heather

Ps. The pictures are from the day I went with J.M. to the Pumpkin Patch.

You guys want me around???

2008-11-12T00:13:00.001-08:00

:-)

Proud mommy,

Oh my goodness, it has been forever. Sorry to drop out like that. I have been in school (college) in addition to everything else going on in our lives. It just about killed all my free time.

I really felt like this topic needed to be addressed, so I broke my rule to "hold off blogging tell the semester was over". Opps! Actually I am glad I did.

:-)

As far as how we are all doing... We are MISERABLE!!! We are trying to recover from the most nasty of head colds. Knocked me down flat. In fact my mom had to take all 4 kids for me for almost 48 hours, cause I was UNABLE to take care of them. And if you knew my mom, that would be quite a telling statement (not a multiple kid person - one at a time only). Anyhow, I have finally given up and am starting antibiotics. I have had it for 5 days and I still hurt.

Take care, I will try to get on your site soon,

~Heather

Momma bug,

Thanks. I hope I am back I miss y'all.

Love,

Ps. My computer is down, so only a couple of pictures available, I will try and post.

Faith,

Ah, so nice that it passed, I hope and pray it holds up through the next administration!

"A Strong Delusion" By Joe Dallas

No, I haven't heard of him. I probably would like to read it. Stuff like that makes me cry sooooo much, put it also increases my prayer time.

Ok, I take it back, NOW I have read some (I looked it up in order to link it). I read a couple of pages. I liked what I read so far. :-)

Nice to see you on my page, type soon,

~Heather

Now for a quick update:

(I am sorry that is all I have time for it's 12:24am and I am still sick, I can't stay up much later)

1. We listed our house. Don't know if it will sell, we shall see. If it does, we are out-a-here! (aim-out-a-state)

2. George got a rock tumbler for his birthday (don't have any pictures yet)

3. Andrew is having a blast in Young Marines. I will send a picture of him at a Y.M. "Ball". He also was 'Published' in their local Y.M. paper for writing an article on his Uncle who just joined the army. (I will see if I can attach or paste in here some how)

4. Anna's still not talking 'right'. She is mimicking FINALLY and is able to hit the highlights, so I can kind of figure out what she is saying for common phrases "I don't want it" is "I-dn-wa". Her signing is adorable. She is starting to make up signs for things she doesn't know. Actually a very good thing, most of signing is just miming anyway. Did I ever tell you guys I caught her signning in her sleep? TOO CUTE!

5. We found out that calcium goes a long ways in helping Jonathan be a little calmer. The older boys have nicked named his calcium pill, his "chill pill" :-)

6. Poor spence got written up at work and is likely to have a ONE YEAR consequence. (pray hard that they give him grace) He was at fault but, it is no less painful. It is likely for one year they will deny all transfers, raises, bonuses (in the $3,000 dollar range), and promotions etc. Not a fun thing. It has been REALLY hard on him. Well, actually it has really been hard on him since they had a change of management. They have pretty much taken out all human factors of management and basically taken it down to a rule book, that rules their lives. So, you can get away with things that drive the other employees nuts and there is very little or no consideration of the employees needs & the fact that they are human and make mistakes. He has a written request for Sundays off. They have stated they "May" change it next time the schedule changes. He is putting in for a promotion, however, this whole being written up thing may effect it. :-(

7. I am in school, college. Going well. I am getting 2-A's and 1-B, and my teacher says if I haven't brought my B up by the beginning of Dec. she will try and give me extra credit or let me retake a test or something. (very nice of her, in the mean time I just get to 'stress' about it. :-)

Well, if you consider that a quick update, I guess it's yours. Anyhow, if you have questions let me know and I will try and fill in the missing pieces. :-)

Having-A-Ball-At-The-Ball!!!

"Are you ready?"

"Yikes, maybe I wasn't ready... Must pass Daddy enquire"

"Phew, there she is!"

(Note one flower for girl, one for mom, AND one for little sis.

Sorry grandma, I didn't know you were going to be there.)

"Yes, mom"

"What do you mean, no one wants to dance? I love to dance!"

(Oh, where is my hair brush, Oh, where is my hair brush,... I lost my hair brush)

"Cheese"

"Some of the parents and leaders"

"There we go, thats better"

"Wow, what is that? That's cool"

(poor child, obviously, doesn't get out often enough)

;-)

"Yes, that is me doing a slide"

(You should have seen my not-my-date when she did the robot! Mom almost lost her breath from laughing so hard)

"We look down right miserable, don't you think?"

"Wait, wait, wait... I have to get your door!"

(Nope, no good night kisses, I refuse to even CALL her my date! This was a ball, not a date!)

Wow, yeah, just a few minutes here. AHHHH, its already two, I knew I shouldn't blog! Not that it is not nice chatting just, time slips away!

I guess I will post the paper another day. Love all,

~Heather

The Bridge

2008-11-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

How many of you would stand idly by while your friend crosses a dangerous bridge? How many of you would stand there and say nothing? How many of you would attempt to stop them? How many of you would speak up?

I said something a couple of months ago… I said it off handedly. Not precisely. I caused offence, I was misunderstood and people assumed things. I am now going to attempt to be exactly clear. I am sure I will still cause offence, be misunderstood and some of you may assume things I didn’t say. However, I have found through this experience that the pen is truly mightier then the sword, I feel we need to stop standing idly by while our country falls away from God, I feel like it is our responsibility to stop running from the influences and start standing up for what is right. I hope that you can see past my words and into the heart of a servant, a servant of God.

Many months ago on a very smoky day I typed these words.

“Does anyone else find it coincidental that these 900 fires come just days after CA legalized gay marriages? Or is it just me?”

(http://2homeschool.blogspot.com/2008/06/straw-that-broke-camels-back.html)

Though I have received no comments on my blog, I have, at least, received 3 comments in person. I feel that I did not explain my view enough. With the elections pressing down upon us I feel I need to be clearer.

What does the bible say about Homosexuality? Note: These are not my words, this is exact quotes from a NIV bible.

“Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.” Leviticus 18:22

“If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” Leviticus 20:13

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plan to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:18-32

I am sure by choosing to post these quotes, I have most likely put myself and possibly my family in harms way. I want you to fully understand that I do not believe we should harm those who are homosexuals. One of my all time best friends that I shall every have, is homosexual. Great harm can be done if you take scripture out of context like this. If you will please, continue to read…

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you towards repentance?” Romans 2:1-4

I, of all people, have no room to pass judgment on those who are homosexual. There, but for the grace of God, go I. God’s kindness leads us towards repentance and His judgments against those who do such things is based on truth. Not us. Him.

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1Corinthians 6:9-10

Does this mean those who are homosexuals can never repent and go to heaven? NO. Keep in context…

“And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1Corinthians 6:11

Lets continue, what consequences has God handed out previously for Homosexuality?

“Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. They called to Lot, “where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.” Genesis 19:4-5

“By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorah—from the Lord out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the Lord. He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, toward all the land of the plain, and he saw dense smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace.

So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.” Genesis 19:23-29

Again, this is taken out of context, please read the whole passage to get the clearest meaning of the message.

For Sodom and Gomorah, he sent burning sulfur and rising from the land was a dense smoke.

Now with this background lets examine current time events…
What events happened politically?

May 15th, 2008 The California Supreme Court struck down the state’s ban on same-sex
marriage. Ruling was 4-3. The ruling took effect June 16th, 2008.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_California
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gaymarriage16-2008may16,0,6182317.story

What happened in the weather?
Lightning sparked fires across the whole state on the weekend of June 20th - 21st, 2008. There were approximately 6,000 lightning strikes, more then 800 fires and between June 22nd, 2008 – August 6th, 2008 more then a million acres burned.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_2008_California_wildfires
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/24/local/me-fire24
http://www.fire.ca.gov/downloads/incidents/All_statewide_Fires_0622_0806_a.pdf

Are these two events connected?
I am going to answer that question with a question… Who can know the mind of God?

If you look back, what I said was “Does anyone else find it coincidental that these 900 fires come just days after CA legalized gay marriages? Or is it just me?” I was asking a question. I was wondering. I can not say it was, but I am unwilling to say it wasn’t. I am willing to say, it is only God’s to decide.

“Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.
Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.” Job 38:1-4

“Can you raise your voice to the clouds and cover yourself with a flood of water? Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’?” Job 38:34-35

“The Lord said to Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!
Then Job answered the Lord:
“I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer—twice, but I will say no more.”
Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm:
“Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?” Job 40:1-8

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you towards repentance?” Romans 2:1-4

Does this mean that we need to stand by and do nothing while our government chooses to allow homosexual marriages? No.

By choosing to have homosexual marriages in this state, we are choosing to go down a dangerous path.

Like I asked at the beginning of this blog, “How many of you would stand idly by while your friend crosses a dangerous bridge? How many of you would stand there and say nothing? How many of you would attempt to stop them? How many of you would speak up?”

I want to speak up for those I love. I want to help them avoid the pain of being separated from God. I want to help them come back to the love of God.

“…God’s kindness leads you towards repentance?” Romans 2:4b

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not parish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10

With all this information what are we to do?

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Pray and Vote.

Read the word of God in context, see for your-self if what I have said here is true.

I would hope that those that were offended by my earlier off handed comment were at least willing to sit down and listen with an open heart. To see that I have no malice, only respect for the Lords authority and love for my fellow man in need.

Now:

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Homeschool site

2008-08-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

Kids Answers

This was passed to me at VBS this week. I have only looked a little but so far I liked what I see.

~H

Good bye to pickles... Hello, the kitty?

2008-08-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Our beloved 'pickles' has moved. We had to say goodbye. Everyone was very sad.

Then today, (about a week later) Daddy aloud the 'big boys' to spend their money on...

The kitty.

We have yet to name the kitty.

Everyone is putting in their vote.

Last I heard they wanted to name it King Lunch.

WHO KNOWS what we will end up with for a name, but the cat is purrrrfect. Very playful, but gentle. Doesn't cry too much, for a kitten and tends to find a lap to sleep on when he gets tired. Couldn't get any nicer!

Hope all is well with everyone.

VBS take 5

2008-08-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Set four VBS

2008-08-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

VBS Set three

2008-08-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

VBS set two

2008-08-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

Part one VBS...Dino

2008-08-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

Not for the faint of heart...

2008-07-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

After you get to the site you have click on the spot that says, 'if you already have real player, click Here...' This is what I saw... Lasik eye surgery

H

Back safe and sound

2008-07-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

We are back safe and sound.

Spencer's surgery went well. One eye has 20/20 vision and the other has 20/30 vision. The doctor was unwilling to say how long it will take for the second eye to finish changing but he indicated a couple of weeks... Only problem with that is Spencer is suppose to start work in the morning, which he can't do without 20/20 vision.

Good news is, if it doesn't end up 20/20, they will go back and work on the eye again for free.
Hopefully that wont be necessary! He says he can already feel it changing and it has only been 24 hours since the surgery.

Well, am needing to get the children down for bed.

Talk soon.

Heather

Who knows

2008-07-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

My life has been a little bit crazy here... Alright, I know, I tend to be a little bit dramatic,... on occasion. However, I Have proof. Here it is!

Our Fort:

Picnic at the sea:

Tide pools & hermit crabs:

The good wife deed (in other words Salmon festival):

Sorry I didn't include pictures of the rock band or the 'drinks'.

The trolley ride:

Here is us waiting in a very wet fog for the fireworks; including Jonathan on a leash (second picture):

Yes! And here is the famious fire works:

Nope, after two hours in a wet, wet fog, we couldn't see a darn thing.

Here is us on the car ride back to the camp site after the fireworks:

The last day! Finally the sun comes out!

All of us stuffed (litterally) back into the car for the ride home:

Yes, that is what it takes to get all of us and our camping gear into my van!

Opps! I forgot, here is the camp site:

Here is Anna's first braid:

Glass beach:

Anna's new dress, thank you Aunt Dorthy:

Anna's new friend:

Young Marines Boot Camp:

Young Marines Boot Camp Graduation:

From this day forward, I sincerely promise, I will set an example for all other youth to follow and I shall never do anything that would bring disgrace or dishonor upon my God, my Country and it's flag, my parents, myself or the Young Marines. These I will honor and respect in a manner that will reflect credit upon them and myself. (Semper Fidelis)

The young marines only gave out four awards at boot camp. Andrew recieved one of the "Can Do Attitude" Awards.

Anna's first time brushing her own teeth without help:

Grandma made a beautiful baby blanket:

Oh, this one you have to figure out on your own... Tell me this is not out of the ordinary,... even for my life:

Cream of the crop. I am trying not to put a label on this one because I wouldn't want it to be pulled up in a search,... So make sure you read the words on the beast behind him. (If you haven't already figured it out by the previous pictures.

Finally home safe and sound. Andrew is back from all of his adventures. We hopefully have pictures of kids camp on an old fashion film camera, but knowing me it will be a while before I have them to post.

Thats it! Well, as long as you don't include all of the normal stuff, that I don't take pictures of, like theripies, and setting up peoples brand new computers and installing everything under the sun, laundry and braking my washing machine, Having to do all of this vacation laundry and my parents house (thank you Lord they live so close) Vacation Bible School, kids getting sick & running 104 fevers,... re-infection of an ear on one of the kids, Oh, and now, blogging. :-) Actually I am really grateful that my life is back to normal enough that I CAN BLOG.

Love you all,

Heather

Ps. Pray for spencer, eye surgery is tuesday!

Back

2008-07-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

I am back

Info to come...

Gone!

2008-07-03T00:14:00.000-07:00

GONE FISHING!

BE BACK SOON!

MM
O O
+ l +
==

Blue sky

2008-06-30T22:10:00.000-07:00

I saw blue sky today for the first time in over a week. It didn't stay all day but long enough to air out the house. And boy did it need it!

Today was a long, long day. My shoulder is really hurting this evening.

Down at 1:30am up at 6:30am and running all day. I went shoping today... Yes I know, not a big deal, but when you no longer do ANY of the shoping, it is a big deal. Probably why my shoulder hurts though, kids pulling on the cart. Good news is everyone came out of the store with jeans without holes in them,... at least for a good ten minutes, if they don't fall.

Andrew currently has an ear infection to beat all ear infections. They are using anti-biotic and anti-fungals, and they are thinking the may have to do surgery to remove some scar tissue. :-P

We are starting to pack for our trip to the sea... Should be fun. If I were not so tired already I think this would be exiting. :-)

Well, I am apparently so tired I can't think of what else to say, so...

Have a great day everyone! (or night, whatever the case may be!)

~H

Promised Pictures

2008-06-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

Here are the promised pictures of the smoke...

Smoke

2008-06-26T09:54:00.001-07:00

Not much to update. It appears our home is still not in danger from any of the fires. The smoke is still here, but not quite as bad.

I will put pictures of the smoke on soon. I took them but I don't have them downloaded off the camera yet.

Here is some other pictures just for fun. Can you guess what we have been up to this week?

Duck Tape!

Here is the website to keep up on what is going on, although, I am learning there are no good sites to tell where we are vs. the fires and where the firemen are fighting. But these give you a good idea of how many fires we are dealing with here.

http://www.fire.ca.gov/index_incidents.php

Fire Update:

2008-06-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

The fires continue to burn.

Our home still appears to be in a safe spot. I can't say I am totally relaxed because fires are so unpredictable and we are in such a dry area. So far though the Lord has given us total grace. One fire was blocked by a river otherwise we may have been in its eventual path.

I am watering the grass around our home when possible, prepairing for the next storm that is supose to hit later this week.

The smoke is really bad. It is almost completly blocking the sun. All we see is a red glow that looks more like the moon.

All of our allergies are not having fun. Jonathan had trouble sleeping last night due to breathing issues. The rest of us are starting to get sore thoats and stuffy sinuses. I am starting to hand out allergy meds quite regularly. The smoke looks like a fog. It is really weird to look at. The sad news is we can't really get away from it. Anyone we normally would evacuate to because of a fire, has a fire near them also and the smoke is just as bad.

So unless we want to leave the state, we are stuck in the smoke.

Hope all is well with you guys.

Heather

The straw that broke the camels back.

2008-06-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

As of 6:45pm on Monday, we are ok and our homes are not in danger. However, there is one fire within three miles and another fire across the freeway from us.

We are currently at J.M.'s house. The smoke has taken us to less then a mile visibility and we are watching ash fall down around the house. So far no sparks.

So far our house and J.M.'s house are not in evacuation zones.

E.M. is out fighting fires that are up the road 45min or so.

So, please pray for E.M.'s safety and continued grace that our homes and lives will not be in danger. Plus the protection from the next lightening storm that is headed our way.

Now Think...

Does anyone else find it coincidental that these 900 fires come just days after CA legalized gay marriages? Or is it just me?

~H

I needed the reminder

2008-06-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you Momma Bug and Blessed Quietness...

I needed the reminder.

Tired most describes us today,... All of us. Today was suppose to be a special day and here I am facing four tired kids and being tired myself. Today is one of those days where you just wait for night. I would put everyone down for nap but we are expecting company from Africa and I would be a little afraid that they might not sleep tonight.

Our bedtime has been sneakily been getting later and later without catching our notice until last night at 10:30pm, they were not down.

Anyhow, thank you guys for the reminder that bible/devo/one-on-one time with the Lord, is NEEDED. We are starting with a quiet time and then handing out bibles. I hope it helps.

Here is my passage from today:

Psalm 33:
10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.
13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-
15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

It felt like christmas!

2008-06-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Father's day, Mother's day and Anna's Birthday all at once. It was a great day. Here are some fabulous pictures.

Yesterday we meet up with Jonathan's Bio's again for the first time in quite a while. It went very well. We are having a little trouble with finding a good spot to meet. Restaurants are to difficult to handle this many children and too impersonal. Parks are too hot this time of year. And houses are tooooo personal. Any ideas?

I enjoy the lake, so that is my first pick... Prayer would be good, trying to decide if that is wise or not. It's right in there with tooooo personal. :-)

Today we have an I.S.P. for Anna (group of therapists deciding what the next plan of action is going to be). This of course is at my house, so I am going to be spending a lot of today cleaning.

Hope all is well with everyone. Type at you soon, I hope.

~H

On our feet

2008-06-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

Well, we appear to all be doing better. However, I am finding my energy level lower then normal. Going back to bed sounds pretty good. Not going to happen with four little ones though.
I have pretty much been on my own for watching them the past couple of days because Spence has been tied up with other things.

Yesterday I tried to take the kids swimming. We were able to in the morning, but by afternoon the valley was filled with smoke enough that it was too unpleasant to be outside. Praise the Lord though the fire missed R&L C. house and K&C B. house. Came really close though, if I understand correctly it burned R&L C.'s barn and neighbors homes. And missed K&C B's house because firemen set a back fire. Still waiting to hear about others in the town (My old home town). A lot of my friends have been evacuated. Thank goodness for cell phones though, it has allowed us to check on people even when the lines were down.

Today we plan to head to church and then go to grandparents for Father's day. I am still trying to pry my eyelids open and I have to get four kids ready for church on my own. Keep praying for Spence to get Sundays off.

Well, hope all is well with everyone else.

Heather

Things you missed

2008-06-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things we did that you missed while we were sick, just because I didn't feel up for blogging.

Here is Andrew and George sick on the couch:

Here is our new Chore charts:

Here is my bread which I have been meaning to show you a picture of for a while. I even have made a Cinnamon raisin bread with pecans in it (not in the pictures). Very good:

Here is my darling daughter:

Here is my babysitting project, and YES they are still alive:

This is ONE of the holes I have dug, as you can see our soil is soo nice. The wasps have been enjoying my mess.

Well the kids are wanting to watch Mr. Robinson Crusoe. I shall go, hope you all had a nice day. ~H

Recovered

2008-06-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

As long as I do not have a relapse, I think I am recovered. This was my first day of normal food and activities.

So, I decided to have 'normal' activity... I went out and dug a hole in my back yard. My husband and I sat down and brain stormed ideas that the P.O.A. would not object. I was REALLY surprised at how many things we think we can do without wrinkling feathers.

Anyhow, step two (after praying of course) was plant fruit trees. Mostly because of how long they take to come to maturity and grow fruit.

So, I went outside and started digging. I was impressed. I was expecting our usual rock hard yard. I happened to dig it in the middle of the lawn, apparently we have been watering there sooooo long that it actually had a worm in it. I have never seen a worm in my yard before. :-) I was very happy. :-) (lets just put it this way, the other day the kids were digging the the yard and came up with asphalt, real asphalt!)

Sad thing is that the lawn (that is so easy to dig in) is where I was hoping to put the tulip tree in...No fruit :-( So I am water the spot I want to put a peach or nectarine tree. Hopefully after a couple of days it will be soft enough to dig. But I still feel like I am accomplishing something.

My excitement of the day was breaking a vase with my bear arm giving it a hole just big enough to let all the water AND THE FISH out of the vase. WATER EVERYWHERE... The fish took a final adventure afterwards. He tried to live but spent most of his time just laying on the bottom of the glass. I finally took pity on him and let him swim on his final adventure.

Well my children are reading joke books in their beds. One is picking up the toys HE dumped right before bed and the baby is running around in a diaper, so I guess I shall go. Thank you for all the prayers, I can't even tell you how much they were appreciated.

~H

Why does mom put corn on the cobs in the tub? So you'll wash behind your ears!

Ps. We also broke my couch! Yeah! One of the foots came flying out and THUD on the ground it landed, lucky us not to far of a drop. Hopefully we can fix it! ~H

Pss. Oh, I forgot one of the better ones! My phone line has not been working (which means no Internet by the way, quite devastating!) for two days. I investigated my self (locking myself out of the house in the middle of the night TWICE!) and tried our phones at grandparents house. I called the phone company to come check it out (55 dollars if it was NOT on their end, I am sorry, I just find that outrageous, and that is the starting rate, even if they don't fix anything!). Anyhow, I called them out and then my nice daddy stopped in to check it out for me. Well, it only took him a minute to find the problem. (Saved me 55 bucks) Jonathan had stuck a 3 inc screw into a phone jack in his bedroom, I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HE HAD A PHONE JACK IN HIS BEDROOM. I probably wouldn't have found it even if I did, he stuck it so far in you had to be nose to nose with it to even see the head of the screw. Ah, children.

Some great idea's

2008-06-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

I found some great idea's for the summer time boredom on my friends site.

The secret life of Joy

Here are a few to add:

I put white flour in a 2inc. deep foil baking pan and then let the kids drive their 'hot wheels' in the snow. Especially great when you have a snow plow. I would suggest doing it some place easy to sweep up.

I like to have the big boys teach one of the little ones how to do a chore. (They tend to not even notice they are doing the chore while they teach)

Together time. Pair up one child with another, they have to play in a designated place for about 20-30min. Rotate the children so each child gets alone time with each other kid. If you have a behavior issue they both get moved to a chair for the remaining time.

Entertaining but instructional videos. Leap frog, drive through history, national geographic.

How to books; (first steps series drawing and painting animals, a step-by-step drawing book D is for Doodle by Deborah Zemke, The American Boy's handy book, The American Girls handy book, Back to Basics.)

How it works books (The new way things work by David Macaulay)

Picture chore charts. This is our newest adventure. I printed off pre-screened pictures off the Internet of chore like things (A child sweeping, a tooth brush, a cartoon trash can, an elephant using a 'big' toilet), a lot of the pictures were funny. Then the boys cut out the picture they wanted and pasted it to a small poster board and made a list of things to do. Get ready for bed(brush teeth, comb hair, use restroom, get P.J.'s on). Clean Bathroom (clean toilet, wipe sink, wash mirror, take out trash, sweep floor). It was a lot of fun.

Ok, got to go...

~H

Flu 2

2008-06-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

Better but not great.

It appears we are down to only two of us with the flu. If no one relapses.

I am not doing great, but I am able to get up and get my own drinks now.

How do I tactfully put this? Upside to a flu, if there is one... My carpets got cleaned today. They have needed it forever and poor Andrew gave us a reason to do it now. So anyhow, my wonderful husband went to a lot of work today making my WHOLE house pretty again.

I am watching way more T.V. then is good for a person and trying to keep my mind off my misery because I have found that is the best way to stay less miserable. :-) I would be running out of good things to watch but between the prelinger video's on-line and my mom who shares her netflixes with me and J.M. who very kindly left me a season worth of D.V.D's (in exchange for keeping four ducks and six chickadee's in my garage) I have yet to run out of stuff to watch. Although tomorrow, I think I shall be watching mostly kids.

I am praying none of you get this.

H

His Girl Friday

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Flu

2008-06-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

The conclusion of all of the nasty tests is we have a fourteen day flu. Which makes total since seeing how today is day 15 and George feels great... Bad news is the rest of us are only on day like 7 and one of us isn't even sick yet, so I am looking at like a month until we feel better.

Good news is this means no fighting with hubby, bad news means less blogs from me while I try to survive this.

Love to all,

Heather

3:00 AM, Day 15

2008-06-04T02:52:00.000-07:00

Flu.

Still waiting for the test results, I am starting to pray there is something wrong, just so they can fix it. I am tired of being sick AND taking care of sick kids.

Hope all is well with everyone else.

~H

Testing one, two, three... Third times the charm...

2008-06-01T21:48:00.000-07:00

I love my husband!

The wonderful guy took off 3 hours today to help me take the kids to the doctor...

Boy am I grateful! It took two hours in a walk-in-clink and four in the hospital. George now looks like a pin cushion and has had to do unbelievably embarrassing test, but we are looking at test results in 24 hours for blood tests and 5 days for stool samples. In other words we are well on our way to finding out what is going on.

I am still sick BUT...

I have good news. Thank you mom. I have good news.

The grapevine still works. We think we have narrowed down the cause. And I think we have found the cure.

Grapefruit seed extract. I took one less then 30min ago and I am already starting to feel better.

Pray for S and I. The cause, if it is the cause, is going to put strain on our marriage. No more detail then that, but please pray.

Love you all,
Heather

Bit by the flu bug - Day 12

2008-05-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

This is day 12 of the flu for one of our little ones. It comes and it goes, no fever, still drinking fluids, eating enough that I am not too worried... However, despite the fact that we are in general a ride it out family, I am thinking it has been going on a little too long, I think it's time for a doctor. Plan is to take him to an immediate care tomorrow if he is not better. I am a little concerned that he might have Giardia or something.

I still am not feeling great my self, but I am functional. Today was a nice day despite our illness. I got a date with my husband (thanks mom) and got to spend some time with my dad. We watched a nice movie called Noah Dearborn. One I would actually recommend.

Talk at you all later,

H

To Momma Bug and everyone else can listen in...

2008-05-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

The school work grind, is what we have been doing. As soon as everyone was well enough to sit up, we went back to work. I have been taking a self given refresher course before I head back for college.

I am going back and looking at all my homeschool extras I have picked up over the years and studying what I can of the math and the English. I have a lot of really good supplies. I know your not real thrilled with the Saxon math, however, as an adult I am enjoying it because I can go through and read each chapter to see if I missed something in school.

I also have math-you-see I plan on watching, but I don't have a VCR to play it on... I will probably have to go down to mom's house to watch it.

The kids are getting the hang of doing their school work... We are not yet to the point that I don't have to sit in the room, but we are getting close, we are no longer taking the W-H-O-L-E day to do it.

I am thinking they have earned an outing/field trip... I am thinking maybe to a creek. A nature walk or something... Only problem is today is not the day for it. We have a dentist Appointment today and everyone is still not completely well. Real soon though.

Hey, let me know if you know of any really good English courses I could look at to get refreshed in English before the fall...

Talk to you soon,

H