Our little ballerina - Sweet-Pea!!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Friday, November 09, 2007
Friday Faves - Candle Scent
Friday Faves: Candle ScentWell, I absolutely love candles!!! Yankee Candles are my favorites, but I do enjoy others. I don't have one favorite scent, but a favorite category of scents...all the warm autumn 'food' flavors...Cinnamon, Vanilla, Frosted Pumpkin Pie, Apple pie, Macintosh, Cookie dough, Coffee, Cider Donuts, Autumn Wreath etc. etc. What I don't like are the florals - yuk! They make my allergies burn and my eyes water! I love flowers, but not their smell in candles.
Here are some of my favorites...
One of the newest scents they make is called Shortbread Cookie. I enjoy this scent because it reminds me of Christmas when growing up, but not as much as the 'real thing'!! MyGramma made the best shortbread in the world (Yes, she was Scottish!!) and the smells from her kitchen were always wonderful. I too make it every year and it's a hit with my husband and kids as well. With the holidays fast approaching, I'm sure I'll be in the kitchen whipping up a batch or two pretty soon.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Air Museum Field Trip
What an awesome field trip we went on this morning to visit the local Air Museum. We had the best tour guide ever...he knew quite a bit about the planes - especially the older ones from WWi and WWii. The kids got to ride on a simulator machine, sit in a 1950's jet cockpit, and learn all about planes from when they first were built. The first concept began in the 1500's and the first actual flight (in a hot air balloon) was in 1783...amazing.
Lionel & Sweet-Pea pose in the lobby of the museum. The ceiling was covered with all sorts of aircraft models...very cool!!
Lionel thought sitting in this cockpit was just about the greatest thing since sliced bread (well, except for the time he got to go inside the engine of a big diesel train, blow the horn and make it go!)
Daddy makes a pretty handsome pilot if I say so myself! He said it was a tight squeeze sitting up there and that the pilots of this aircraft must have been miserable sitting there for hours!
OK, this has to be the funniest name for a plane! The Pukin' Dogs! It's a Naval fighter plane (F-14B)...the kind that they use today. Totally awesome piece of technology! The back has the large catch thing that stops them when landing on aircraft carriers.
Lionel is standing beside one of the helicopters that his grandfather worked on. It is the Bell UH-1B Iroquois Army helicopter.
Look out! Here comes fighter pilot Sweet-Pea. OK, so maybe fighter pilot doesn't quite fit her name, but she did think it was a blast sitting in the cockpit pretending to fly all over the world!
Lionel in the simulator!
Oh my goodness was this plane just too awesome to look at!?!?! It is the same exact style/size plane that the Enola Gay was - the fighter plane that bombed Hiroshima. This B-29 bomber was called Jack's Hack. There was room enough for 11 crew members, but not like a conventional plane...there were no seats except for the front where the pilot/co-pilot sat! The rest of the crew were manning the weapons while squeezed into very tight places. How horrible it must have been to fly like that!!
Here is the front view of the plane...exactly like that of the Enola Gay. I always pictured a small plane, but it was enormous in person! There's a person standing in the background on the right side...see how small they look?
A color-coordinated Lionel, beside a very cute early bi-plane.
"Honey, I'm home!"
Hey...where's the parade? Where's the big warm welcome?? No balloons? No big marching band?? Humph! I guess no one knew that 'I've arrived'.
After leaving the air museum, this plane appropriately flew overhead while we were driving. Good thing we have a sun-roof or I'd never have gotten this awesome shot!
So, as you can see, we had a great field trip today. It was so nice that Daddy could tag along with us for a change. The kids just love having him on our trips...and so do I!!! Have a happy evening and if you ever need to fly somewhere, I know where you can find an airplane and a few good lookin' pilots!!
Lionel & Sweet-Pea pose in the lobby of the museum. The ceiling was covered with all sorts of aircraft models...very cool!!Lionel thought sitting in this cockpit was just about the greatest thing since sliced bread (well, except for the time he got to go inside the engine of a big diesel train, blow the horn and make it go!)Daddy makes a pretty handsome pilot if I say so myself! He said it was a tight squeeze sitting up there and that the pilots of this aircraft must have been miserable sitting there for hours!
OK, this has to be the funniest name for a plane! The Pukin' Dogs! It's a Naval fighter plane (F-14B)...the kind that they use today. Totally awesome piece of technology! The back has the large catch thing that stops them when landing on aircraft carriers.
Lionel is standing beside one of the helicopters that his grandfather worked on. It is the Bell UH-1B Iroquois Army helicopter.
Look out! Here comes fighter pilot Sweet-Pea. OK, so maybe fighter pilot doesn't quite fit her name, but she did think it was a blast sitting in the cockpit pretending to fly all over the world!
Lionel in the simulator!
Oh my goodness was this plane just too awesome to look at!?!?! It is the same exact style/size plane that the Enola Gay was - the fighter plane that bombed Hiroshima. This B-29 bomber was called Jack's Hack. There was room enough for 11 crew members, but not like a conventional plane...there were no seats except for the front where the pilot/co-pilot sat! The rest of the crew were manning the weapons while squeezed into very tight places. How horrible it must have been to fly like that!!
Here is the front view of the plane...exactly like that of the Enola Gay. I always pictured a small plane, but it was enormous in person! There's a person standing in the background on the right side...see how small they look?
A color-coordinated Lionel, beside a very cute early bi-plane.
"Honey, I'm home!"
Hey...where's the parade? Where's the big warm welcome?? No balloons? No big marching band?? Humph! I guess no one knew that 'I've arrived'.
After leaving the air museum, this plane appropriately flew overhead while we were driving. Good thing we have a sun-roof or I'd never have gotten this awesome shot!
So, as you can see, we had a great field trip today. It was so nice that Daddy could tag along with us for a change. The kids just love having him on our trips...and so do I!!! Have a happy evening and if you ever need to fly somewhere, I know where you can find an airplane and a few good lookin' pilots!!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Joy
True 'joy' is inexpressible. It's a feeling you get when you have a deep personal relationship with Christ. No one can take that away from you!
I thought that since I had such a bad day yesterday, I would concentrate today on the joy that Christ alone can give me. I felt much better today despite spending several hours trying to get my Dad up. (He did get his shot by the way...thanks to all of you who prayed.)
With that said, here are a few things that bring a little bit more joy (and often laughter) to my life...
Sweet-Pea - silly as always!
My beloved...who will absolutely slaughter me once he sees this photo.
Lionel - sporting a big fluffy dog on his head, not a Russian Ushanka hat, although it looks like it would be quite warm in the snow!
My 3 children...Lionel, Sweet-Pea and, of course - my Dad. hee hee
Lionel & Sweet-Pea - our beautiful, crazy, fun-loving, drives us nuts at times, adorable gifts from God!!
See?? I really do have a lot of joy in my life! If you're not sure where your joy is, step back every now and then and take a good look at the people who God put in your life! He put each one of them there for a reason!!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
I thought that since I had such a bad day yesterday, I would concentrate today on the joy that Christ alone can give me. I felt much better today despite spending several hours trying to get my Dad up. (He did get his shot by the way...thanks to all of you who prayed.)
With that said, here are a few things that bring a little bit more joy (and often laughter) to my life...
Sweet-Pea - silly as always!
My beloved...who will absolutely slaughter me once he sees this photo.
Lionel - sporting a big fluffy dog on his head, not a Russian Ushanka hat, although it looks like it would be quite warm in the snow!
My 3 children...Lionel, Sweet-Pea and, of course - my Dad. hee hee
Lionel & Sweet-Pea - our beautiful, crazy, fun-loving, drives us nuts at times, adorable gifts from God!!
See?? I really do have a lot of joy in my life! If you're not sure where your joy is, step back every now and then and take a good look at the people who God put in your life! He put each one of them there for a reason!!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
It Was the Best of Times....
...it was the worst of times....
Ahh, there's that infamous first line from Charles Dickens book "Tale of Two Cities". That totally explains my day yesterday! I woke up in a great mood (best of times), but it was quickly squelched by the attitudes of two nameless little ones who also live in this house (worst of times). OK...so you know who they are...Lionel and Sweet-Pea. Sibling rivalry is an understatement for what's been going on between those two lately. It's downright war! Their conversations these days??? They go something like this....
Sweet-Pea: "Mommy, he hit me"
Lionel: "I did not!"
Sweet-Pea: "Yes you did and I'm telling!"
Lionel: "Go ahead and tell"...said while tongue is flapping in the breeze at his sister.
Sweet-Pea: (screams and cries real tears)
Now, what's a mom to do when the whole time they were yelling, I was behind the oh so wonderfully private bathroom door?!? (My favorite place to go to 'turn off the world' for a few moments of peace!) I did not see him hit her. There are not marks to prove he hit her. BUT...due to the fact that I know he teases her to no end...I pretty much believe that he did hit her...ALTHOUGH...it may have been instigated by her bothering him and following him all over the place. UGH... ever have one of these days?? Kids...gotta love 'em. Had I wanted to deal with these issues though, I'd have gone to law school.
Things did quiet down a bit, but at the same time, I had to wake my Dad up to go to the doctor for his flu shot. I phoned him at least 15 times between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Every time I called, he said he'd get up and get ready to go. I talked long enough with him on the phone once to get him to walk to his kitchen and grab a bite to eat, but after he ate, he went back to bed. I heard him in the shower once too, but yet again, he went back to bed. He has been sleeping his life away lately and it worries me. Even if I go over (he lives in our home but in an in-law suite - separate entrance), he will get up but then eventually go back to bed. If he's not in bed, he's sleeping on his chair in the living room. The kids want to see him, but he has no get-up-and-go. He needs to get up and get out to live, but he just isn't. He's got Alzheimer's Disease, is anemic and also has diabetes - not a very good combination!
Long story short...I ended up sitting at the dining room table with phone in hand, talking to him on the phone yet again, but while crying hysterically. No matter what I said, he didn't care. He has made life around here completely miserable and although it's not his fault, it's hard not to resent him. I love my Dad dearly. I want the best for him. I even love having him live here with us...but when he doesn't get up and live, I get extremely upset. He is a diabetic on top of it, so when he doesn't eat, he isn't getting the nutrition he needs to stay healthy either. His sugar levels drop way down - lower than they should. Dad never did get up to get his shot. I had to cancel his appointment. He got up around 4pm. Today is a new day...I have called about 5 times and so far nothing. He won't get up. He has a new appointment at 3:30...we'll see if he makes it today.
Our whole family just feels trapped and bogged down right now. We're trying to understand what God has in store for us through all of this, despite it feeling very stressful. We know it's just for a season in our lives...but I don't want to blink and see my children all grown up and wonder where the time went. I want to spend my time with them. I want to do things outside the house with them. For now we'll just keep praying and keep trusting God that we are following His will for our family. Keep us in your prayers too if you think about us. We sure could use it!! Now...will you please pass me a tissue...I'm not done crying.
Ahh, there's that infamous first line from Charles Dickens book "Tale of Two Cities". That totally explains my day yesterday! I woke up in a great mood (best of times), but it was quickly squelched by the attitudes of two nameless little ones who also live in this house (worst of times). OK...so you know who they are...Lionel and Sweet-Pea. Sibling rivalry is an understatement for what's been going on between those two lately. It's downright war! Their conversations these days??? They go something like this....
Sweet-Pea: "Mommy, he hit me"
Lionel: "I did not!"
Sweet-Pea: "Yes you did and I'm telling!"
Lionel: "Go ahead and tell"...said while tongue is flapping in the breeze at his sister.
Sweet-Pea: (screams and cries real tears)
Now, what's a mom to do when the whole time they were yelling, I was behind the oh so wonderfully private bathroom door?!? (My favorite place to go to 'turn off the world' for a few moments of peace!) I did not see him hit her. There are not marks to prove he hit her. BUT...due to the fact that I know he teases her to no end...I pretty much believe that he did hit her...ALTHOUGH...it may have been instigated by her bothering him and following him all over the place. UGH... ever have one of these days?? Kids...gotta love 'em. Had I wanted to deal with these issues though, I'd have gone to law school.
Things did quiet down a bit, but at the same time, I had to wake my Dad up to go to the doctor for his flu shot. I phoned him at least 15 times between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Every time I called, he said he'd get up and get ready to go. I talked long enough with him on the phone once to get him to walk to his kitchen and grab a bite to eat, but after he ate, he went back to bed. I heard him in the shower once too, but yet again, he went back to bed. He has been sleeping his life away lately and it worries me. Even if I go over (he lives in our home but in an in-law suite - separate entrance), he will get up but then eventually go back to bed. If he's not in bed, he's sleeping on his chair in the living room. The kids want to see him, but he has no get-up-and-go. He needs to get up and get out to live, but he just isn't. He's got Alzheimer's Disease, is anemic and also has diabetes - not a very good combination!
Long story short...I ended up sitting at the dining room table with phone in hand, talking to him on the phone yet again, but while crying hysterically. No matter what I said, he didn't care. He has made life around here completely miserable and although it's not his fault, it's hard not to resent him. I love my Dad dearly. I want the best for him. I even love having him live here with us...but when he doesn't get up and live, I get extremely upset. He is a diabetic on top of it, so when he doesn't eat, he isn't getting the nutrition he needs to stay healthy either. His sugar levels drop way down - lower than they should. Dad never did get up to get his shot. I had to cancel his appointment. He got up around 4pm. Today is a new day...I have called about 5 times and so far nothing. He won't get up. He has a new appointment at 3:30...we'll see if he makes it today.
Our whole family just feels trapped and bogged down right now. We're trying to understand what God has in store for us through all of this, despite it feeling very stressful. We know it's just for a season in our lives...but I don't want to blink and see my children all grown up and wonder where the time went. I want to spend my time with them. I want to do things outside the house with them. For now we'll just keep praying and keep trusting God that we are following His will for our family. Keep us in your prayers too if you think about us. We sure could use it!! Now...will you please pass me a tissue...I'm not done crying.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
The Lighter Side of Life
We homeschoolers may seem quite unique to those around us, but in reality we are more like them than they realize!! Check out these comics...been there...done that!!!
...and this is a problem because??? hee hee
...fortunately for us, Sweet-Pea picks up on Lionel's studies, so she's not like this boy...but the time spent with the second child is always less than what's put into the first! Homeschoolers always overload on the first child!
...yet again, been there...done that...minus the curlers!!
...and this is a problem because??? hee hee
...fortunately for us, Sweet-Pea picks up on Lionel's studies, so she's not like this boy...but the time spent with the second child is always less than what's put into the first! Homeschoolers always overload on the first child!
...yet again, been there...done that...minus the curlers!!
Are You Ready?!?
For those of you who used to frequent my other blog, you may remember this video. For those of you who haven't...I'm posting it for you! This little clip is extremely intense, yet is so very real. I'm proud to say that I'm a Christian...a Bible believing, God fearing, Child of the King, and even watching this video clip scared me! Wow...watch it and think about where you're going when you die, or when Christ comes again. Either way you're going somewhere...why not choose eternity with Christ!?!
Have a blessed evening and enjoy the video!
Have a blessed evening and enjoy the video!
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Movie Night
Well, last night was one of the first nights in a long time that I went out with a friend. I don't get out much these days except for homeschool meetings and family functions with my dear husband and children, so it was a big deal. My friend and I went to see the movie "Dan in Real Life". It was such a great movie. Yes, there were a couple things in the movie I wasn't thrilled with, but on the whole, the movie had such a sweetness to it.
The thing that grabbed me the most in the movie was how close this large family was. In all there must have been almost 20 people...the parents, 4 sons (2 married, one widowed - Dan, and one single), the 2 wives and the new girlfriend of the single son. Also were Dan's 3 daughters and his other nieces and nephews. They were all staying at the parents' cabin on a lake in Rhode Island. They had so much fun playing games together, exercising together, eating large meals together and they even had a huge talent night show where everyone participated.
It was a picture of what a family really should be like...spending time together and enjoying one another. Of course they had their issues, but it was mainly with Dan and all he was dealing with (being single and raising 3 daughters)...no movie portrays life like it 'really' is...but it sure would be fun to be a part of a big family like that. When I look back to holidays and family events when I was young, it was similar to Dan's family, yet now there seems to be no one left around. They all have either passed away or moved away. People don't stay close to their roots anymore...but I guess that's due to modern transportation and how life is these days. I just wonder if there are still families out there who get to be together like Dan's family. The holidays are coming up soon, so if you have family close enough (or the money to travel), spend them with family and simply have fun!! Just my .02 cents.
Oh...and if you're having a wonderful time...think of me.
The thing that grabbed me the most in the movie was how close this large family was. In all there must have been almost 20 people...the parents, 4 sons (2 married, one widowed - Dan, and one single), the 2 wives and the new girlfriend of the single son. Also were Dan's 3 daughters and his other nieces and nephews. They were all staying at the parents' cabin on a lake in Rhode Island. They had so much fun playing games together, exercising together, eating large meals together and they even had a huge talent night show where everyone participated.
It was a picture of what a family really should be like...spending time together and enjoying one another. Of course they had their issues, but it was mainly with Dan and all he was dealing with (being single and raising 3 daughters)...no movie portrays life like it 'really' is...but it sure would be fun to be a part of a big family like that. When I look back to holidays and family events when I was young, it was similar to Dan's family, yet now there seems to be no one left around. They all have either passed away or moved away. People don't stay close to their roots anymore...but I guess that's due to modern transportation and how life is these days. I just wonder if there are still families out there who get to be together like Dan's family. The holidays are coming up soon, so if you have family close enough (or the money to travel), spend them with family and simply have fun!! Just my .02 cents.
Oh...and if you're having a wonderful time...think of me.
Saturday Photo Hunt #82 - CLASSIC
Photo of the kids viewing a 'classic' piece of artwork at a local museum!!
Friday, November 02, 2007
Friday Faves - Fruit
Blogamama has their Friday Faves, and since I'm listed under their site, I suppose I should join in on the fun. So, here goes:"OK - let’s talk about something HEALTHY - What is your favorite fruit?"
This is an easy one since I absolutely love fruits. I have several favorites...bananas, strawberries, kiwi's, guavas, grapes and oranges. There are also a few that I actually don't like as well...Mangoes (I'm highly allergic to them!!), papaya, and cranberry (except for when it's in juice form).
Just for fun, have you ever heard of some of these? I never knew there were so many out there...crowberry, buffaloberry, saguaro, rowan, loquat, chokecherry, lapsi, sea buckthorn, sageretia, and durian (which is supposed to give off such an offensive odor, that it is not allowed in most public places in Asian countries!!)
God really created some interesting fruits! The best kind to have though, has to be: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control!!
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:22-25
Thursday, November 01, 2007
From the Gut
Do you love to laugh as much as I do? There's nothing like a good burst of laughter in the middle of a boring day. My children are always making me laugh (well, not always, they make me cry too, but I choose to forget those days). We enjoy reading funny stories, watching funny movies, and just plain 'ole laughing for kicks. My son and I have one thing in common...we have the exact same sense of humor. He can come up with one liners quicker than I can pick 'em up! On the other end you'll find my daughter who is extremely sensitive, so if you're laughing, it better not be on her account! My husband also doesn't have that same sense of humor - his is quite dry, but when he laughs, look out, it comes from the gut!
You know, God must really have a sense of humor too. Just think about it and look around you...look at the animals in the zoo, look at some of the trees and plants that grow around us and even look at the people you see day to day. He truly wants us to be happy and content, and the only way to be that way is if we are following His will in our lives. Next time you're having a bad day, go look in the mirror and laugh at yourself...I know I do. If that doesn't work, try one of these on for size...they're my favorite Christian comedians and will make you laugh so hard you'll forget your problems, at least for a little while.
Chonda Pierce.............Mark Lowry...............Ken Davis
You know, God must really have a sense of humor too. Just think about it and look around you...look at the animals in the zoo, look at some of the trees and plants that grow around us and even look at the people you see day to day. He truly wants us to be happy and content, and the only way to be that way is if we are following His will in our lives. Next time you're having a bad day, go look in the mirror and laugh at yourself...I know I do. If that doesn't work, try one of these on for size...they're my favorite Christian comedians and will make you laugh so hard you'll forget your problems, at least for a little while.
Chonda Pierce.............Mark Lowry...............Ken Davis
"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:21
The Purse Driven Life
I am currently reading through the book entitled "The Purse Driven Life...It really is all about me". The author is Anita Renfroe - who has lately been famous for her rendition of the William Tell Overture for Moms. If you haven't seen it, here is a link. It's worth a good look if you have a few minutes.
Anyhow, this book is perfect for those of us over 40 since we are the ones who can truly relate to what she is saying. She talks about some of the more serious parts to life yet with a bit of reality and a sense of humor. I loved reading the part where she referrs to her age...the year she turned the big four-oh (40) she refused to say she was 40...instead, she said she was $39.95 plus shipping and handling. She also talks about motherhood, being a wife and how our bodies change over time...and oh how they change...and sag...and droop...and fall apart....need I go on? She will have you laughing all the way through this book which is very easy to read. I highly recommend it, even if you're not quite 40...you'll be there eventually and I'll be waving to you from behind my walker!
Anyhow, this book is perfect for those of us over 40 since we are the ones who can truly relate to what she is saying. She talks about some of the more serious parts to life yet with a bit of reality and a sense of humor. I loved reading the part where she referrs to her age...the year she turned the big four-oh (40) she refused to say she was 40...instead, she said she was $39.95 plus shipping and handling. She also talks about motherhood, being a wife and how our bodies change over time...and oh how they change...and sag...and droop...and fall apart....need I go on? She will have you laughing all the way through this book which is very easy to read. I highly recommend it, even if you're not quite 40...you'll be there eventually and I'll be waving to you from behind my walker!Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tweet-Pea
Yes, you read the title correctly...I said 'Tweet-Pea'. Today Sweet-Pea made her own bird feeder out of simple supplies we had around the house. She is having so much fun with the Apologia Zoology books this year (and so am I!!)
She took a clean 2 liter soda bottle, put small 1/4" holes in the sides and then slid a wooden dowel through them to make a perch.
Above those holes we put another small hole for the birds to feed from. She filled it up to the top with wild bird seed and then hung it on our Pear Tree which the birds LOVE!
She's already had several 'customers'...black capped chickadees, blue jays, doves and a few others that were too quick and couldn't be identified. Here are a few...
She took a clean 2 liter soda bottle, put small 1/4" holes in the sides and then slid a wooden dowel through them to make a perch.
Above those holes we put another small hole for the birds to feed from. She filled it up to the top with wild bird seed and then hung it on our Pear Tree which the birds LOVE!
She's already had several 'customers'...black capped chickadees, blue jays, doves and a few others that were too quick and couldn't be identified. Here are a few...
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