A blessing from the Lord!

Hello out there, what a blessing we have had! I have known for 6 months that our washing machine (a now 8 year old Fisher-Paykel eco-smart) was leaking. We moved last month to a lovely home on acreage in the country, and when we did - it started REALLY leaking....like, it took a beach towel to catch all the water over the period of a 24 hour period. (With 5 kids I do 3+ loads of laundry a day.) So we have been looking and looking and looking at washing machines. I really liked the GE 4.1 cu. ft. front loader. Reviews seemed good, and I discovered that a dear friend of mine who has 9 children has one and loves it. But, it retails for $999. Logistically, I could not justify spending that much on a washer. So - I put it out of my mind. We have to be content with where the Lord has us.

As I said, Hubby and I have been researching machines and looking around the local shops and on the internet and found one we thought would be a good fit - for just under $700. We had been waiting for payday (yesterday) to purchase it.

Of course, I chat with my mom often - she is such a blessing in my life. Ok, daily. I admit it. So my mom knows the washing machine saga - and how I had hoped to limp our old leaky washer along until we got our tax return in February or so. But I just couldn't wait any longer. We had discussed the $700 washer Hubby was getting, etc. Yesterday, I am on-line checking our bank accounts to make sure Hubby's pay had been deposited and that it was for the correct amount. You see, working for the military - mistakes in pay are not uncommon and it is always a fear of mine that payday will come and we will only get 1/2 a pay check or something. You would not believe how often things like that happen. Someone pushes the wrong button somewhere and "whoops we accidentally took your husband off of the payroll". But that is another story for another time. So, I was on-line and discover there was an extra $500 in our account - deposited from my mom. I called mom to ask her about it. She said, "The Lord has been nagging me about it. I don't know why He didn't put it on my heart to give you the entire amount of the washer, but He didn't. He kept telling me to give you guys $500 for a washer." Of course, I thanked her profusely, and told her how grateful I am.

Ok, stay with me. So now it is yesterday afternoon. We have to go into town to take Liv (16) to her church youth group weekly Bible study. Since we are in town - we go over to Home Depot. I needed a bolt that I had lost to Esther's bed in the move last month. The poor gal has been sleeping with her mattress on the floor and when I went to assemble her bed yesterday, discovered we had lost a bolt in transit somewhere. While in Home Depot I feel this prompting to go and look at the washers. In my head, I thought "Why? We have already decided on the washer we are getting at another place." Well, the urging kept telling me to go and have a look "just because". So, I tell Hubby that I want to go check out Home Depot's washing machines -"just for grins". Thankfully Hubby didn't balk at me, or get cross at me since we had already decided on the washer for us. He is good that way. I love him.

So we saunter on over to the appliance section. The first washer we encounter is that GE 4.1 cu ft. front loader. Imagine my shock to see they were on sale for $578 (remember they retail for $999 normally). So I point this out to Hubby - and a really nice lady, Nancy says that if we buy the pair (washer and dryer) we get en extra $100 off the set. I tell her we are just buying a washer and she says, "Well then you still get $50 off". Hmmm. That brings the price down to $528. Nancy then mentions that if we are customers of PUD (Peninsula Utility District) for our electricity we get an extra $50 rebate for buying a high efficiency appliance. Well - since the move we ARE PUD customers. So, let me get this straight, I ask to make sure. This $999 washer is now going to cost us only $478? Her answer yes. I look at Hubby. He looks at me. He tells me to double check to reviews, and they are 95% good. Hubby then says, "we'll take it".

To bring this story around full circle. A few days ago Lord lays it on my mom's heart to give us $500 for the new washing machine. She doesn't understand why He would say $500 and not the entire amount for the $700 machine we were planning on purchasing - but she obeys. I listen to Him tell me to check out the washers at Home Depot while we were there for something else and get a $1000 washer for $478. God had mom only give us $500 because HE was going to provide a washer for less than $500. Isn't that just amazing? God is sooo good! If we will just trust and obey - and NOT lean on our own understand He will bless our socks off! Oh, and just a side note - yesterday was the last day of the sale. :) :) :)

All good things must come to an end.

Tomorrow we go home. Where did these 3 weeks go? I am all vacationed out and can not wait for 2 things. A warm embrace from my husband, and the cool sheets of my very own bed. This winter gal will be more than willing to trade hot and humid for the high 60's in my own home.

A little recap. We spent 2 days at Legoland - 1 enjoying the rides, and 1 at their new waterpark. Let me just say that the Legoland waterpark is wonderful. Not too big, and not too small. I was able to let the 3 older kids go and enjoy the 4 water slides geared towards "big" kids; while the little kids and I played and enjoyed the area for "little kids". And as a bonus Pippa taught herself to swim! Way to go Pip! We spent 3 days at the Disney Resort. 1 day at Disneyland with all 5 kids. 1 day at Disney's California Adventure with all 5 kids. And 1 evening/night with the 3 olders. It was nice to be able to spend sometime with them doing all the big kid things without having to worry if it would scare the littles - or if they were big enough to get on the roller coasters. My mom too the 2 older girls to the Broadway play "Mary Poppins". Ok, I went along too. It was a great adaptation of the books. Much better than the Disney movie. I took Esther up to Los Angeles to the American Girls store there. The kids spent the down, inbetween activity days in grandma's large jacuzzi. Mostly, things were very nice. There were a few times tensions ran high between my mom and I. We just do not parent the same way - and she is not used to little boys. My boys are boys. Loud, active, rough and tumble (with really big, sweet hearts). They are into guns, and explosions, digging a hole to China in the backyard, and Legos (that can get underfoot). My mom at 70 - doesn't like big loud noises, and stepping on the occasional stray Lego (who does?), or gun fights at the OK Coral. Well they are preparing to be men - to protect us womenfolk, and all of that. But that is a topic for another day. But I encourage it, embrace it - and love to watch what my little men are growing into. Of course, I have had to buy 2 suitcases to bring back all the stuff we seemed to acquire while here. Toys, books, summery - hot weather clothes that we hadn't brought enough of.

Today will be a day of laundry (who wants to take tons of dirty laundry home?), and of putting my mom's house in order from our visit. So - if I don't post before then - catch ya' on the flip side.

Over the river and through the woods to grandmothers house we go.

Hello out there! 2 days ago I packed up the 5 kids, all the suitcases, 2 car seats, and 1 stroller and headed to Sea-Tac Airport with the goal of flying to Southern California to visit my mom for 3 weeks.

The joy began as Izzy FLIPPED OUT when I had to take his shoes off to go through security. I had to drag him through the check - kicking and screaming hysterically (him not me). He is incredibly strong and I couldn't get him back into his stroller for all of his back arching and stiffening up. In the end, I moved him out of the flow of traffic and sat their until he was all cried out. After that fiasco - we resumed out journey to the gate. Boarded the plane. The plane taxied. All was well. As soon as we lifted off the ground Izzy flipped out again - screaming for all to hear that, "I am going to fall! I am going to fall!!!!!". This was coupled with him grabbing my arm and squeezing so hard that he left fingernail marks on me. Thankfully, after about 10 minutes - he fell asleep, as slept until we started our decent. While Izzy wasn't relaxed or enjoying the flight in the least - as long as we kept the shade down on the window, he wasn't screaming. As soon as we landed Izzy was happy as a clam. The deplaning went well, as did the walk to the other gate, and boarding the 2nd plane. Of course, the 2nd flight started as the first did. However, as soon as I closed the shade on the window he calmed down. This flight was shorter - and only lasted an hour. We were barely at cruising altitude for 15 minutes or so before we were starting the descent. The Lord blessed us with coming into a gate that was close to baggage claim. I rented 2 of the luggage carrier carts and got out to the curb just in time for my mom and sister to drive up. Well - we may had to wait a few minutes, but not many.

We are enjoying our time here with my mom. It is hotter than I like, of course. I am not a hot weather gal. Sleeping isn't easy, but we are enjoying our afternoons in the large jacuzzi. The kids will be sporting some nice tans when we return to Washington. I am doing laundry today - as we are headed down to San Diego for the weekend.

God even cares about the books we long to read.

I was over at a friend's house last night. She showed me a few books she was reading.

and

Being a stay at home, home schooling mom of 5 and wife...surviving on an enlistedman's pay in the US armed forces we don't have a money tree growing in the back yard. Books are pricey. I was hoping to maybe get one of these books as a birthday gift in a few months.

However, this morning I was checking my e-mail and found out that VisionForum.com was having a rather nice sale on homeschooling resources. I was able to purchase Large Family Logistics for 50% off, and Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God for 60% off. What a blessing! Thank you Lord!!!

Righteous has no fellowship with the wicked.

I recently had to sever ties with 2 friends. I had really struggled with it for months before I finally ended the said friendships. I realized, that Biblically, it was wrong to bind myself with unbelievers. A blog I follow had a post just the other day about the same thing. Now, while it deals with being friends with unbelievers involved in sexual sin - the same Biblical principals apply to people living any lifestyle of perpetual sin (including the sin of unbelief). I am linking it to this post - as she has it laid out, better than I could. It is a bit of a long read - but worth it. Enjoy...

A 2nd Generation of Homeschooling: How to BIBLICALLY work with those in sexual sin...

How to BIBLICALLY work with those in sexual sin...

Our family works with women living in sexual sin (at the abortion mills). We have hosted them in our home (and yes, ate with them), but when they choose to reject Christ and to *continue* to willfully live in sin...that's where we cannot yoke with them. That's where the *bond* MUST be broken, according to Scripture. Sound harsh? Look at the Scriptures below and see where Jesus' compassion alligns with His commands and warnings...

2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NIV): Do not be yoked together [associate; befriend] with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship (associate) can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

Matthew 10:14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.

Acts 13:51-52 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

..... to shake the dust of any city of Israel from off one's clothes or feet was an emblematical action, signifying a renunciation of all further connection with them, and placing them on a level with the cities of the Heathen. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them (reprehend severely; rebuke; convict).

James 4:4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred (hostility) toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy (hostile) of God.

[Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world] How strange it is that people professing Christianity can suppose that with a worldly spirit, worldly companions, and their lives governed by worldly maxims, they can be in the favour of God, or ever get to the kingdom of heaven! When the world gets into the church, the church becomes a painted sepulcher; its spiritual vitality being extinct. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Regarding associations with perpetual sinners who call themselves believers....

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 "I have written you in my letter not to associate (keep company or be intimate) with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat (directly translated that we are to not eat, "not even in a continue negation"). What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel (remove) the wicked man from among you.'

It is vitally important to understand that we are not to judge those who are outside the church (non-professing Christians), but we are to remove those who practice homosexuality from our Church body (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). We cannot "police" the homosexuals (that's not our job), but we can remove them from our presence, as stated in the aforementioned verses.

Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

Psalm 26:4-7 I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor will I go in with hypocrites. I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked. I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O LORD, That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works.

Proverb 29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

This is crucial........

1 Cor. 15:33 "Do not be deceived (led astray): ‘Bad company (companionship) corrupts good character (habits, customs).'"

There is no difficulty in this saying; he who frequents the company of bad or corrupt men will soon be as they are. He may be sound in the faith, and have the life and power of godliness, and at first frequent their company only for the sake of their pleasing conversation, or their literary accomplishments: and he may think his faith proof against their infidelity; but he will soon find, by means of their glozing speeches, his faith weakened; and when once he gets under the empire of doubt, unbelief will soon prevail; his bad company will corrupt his morals. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

When comments have been said to me about how Jesus hung out with and associate with unbelievers and those in sexual sin, I urge them to look at his friendships with them. My friend had an excellent response...

Jesus had dinner with "sinners", but they were not in His circle of "friends". There is a huge difference, IMHO. There is a distinction between interacting with homosexuals (or whichever other "sinner") and "yoking" yourself with them in a friendship that entails regular interaction. We are known by whom we associate with (sad, but true) and we are also influenced by whom we associate with. Do you want your kids hanging out with the kid who smokes and sneaks alcohol from their parents' cabinet? Or do you want your kids hanging out with the kid who - while they aren't perfect (because no one is) - does their best to make good choices? I know which one I want my kids hanging out with. I know that it has become politically correct to be "tolerant" of homosexuals (which is watering down the fact that according to the Bible, it is a sin, an abomination), and I AM "tolerant" of homosexuals (my SIL is a lesbian, and has been in a relationship with the same woman for over 10 years), but I am not going to befriend a homosexual. All of the examples (addiction to porn, lusting, having affairs) are done in secret. It isn't as though people engaging in those things show up at church with a sign around their neck saying "I'm a porn addict". Those examples are red herrings. If a man DID show up at church with a sign that said "I'm addicted to porn", I think that the article Lisa posted [HERE] would apply. But to answer your question about "how do we choose who is moral enough to keep company with", the answer is spelled out very clearly in several places in the Bible. I've already gotten long-winded, so I won't quote the scriptures or even post the references. Don't be deceived into thinking that you have to be "friends with" an immoral person in order to witness to them. You can be friendly, without being "friends". A former pastor of mine used to always say, if you're standing on a chair, it's much easier for someone to pull you off the chair, than it is for you to pull them up on it with you. - Kathy H.

Our family proclaims the truth to those we meet who are living in sexual sin. This can be done while still obeying the Scriptures. We encourage them, in love, to break free from sin (aborting their babies; continuing in sexual sin). We never know when someone will be called into eternity. There is no time to let those that we are supposed to love and care about feel comfortable in their sin. Jesus never made sinners feel comfortable to stay in their sin. He spoke the truth and yoked with those who sought forgiveness and repented from living in sin. When we meet young women at the abortion clinics, we meet their practical needs, present the Gospel, fulfill our promises to them and eventually move on if the Gospel has been rejected. We check in on them now and again and continue to minister to them. BUT...we never yoke together or befriend/hang out with, etc. Quite a difference there...

We *all* sin, but it's what we do to prevent that repetitive sin and Who we've accepted as covering for our sin that makes the difference.

The Word is very clear on this. I cannot debate feelings (we all feel differently about many things...what we prefer to eat, what style home is our favorite, what clothes we prefer to wear, etc.). If you want to show me IN SCRIPTURE where it refutes the Scriptures I listed, I'd love to see it. For me...I take Scripture as it is.

Cha - cha - changes....

A month ago or so, Hubby and I decided we were no longer going to wrestle with the Lord over our family planning. It was a long time coming - and a hard thing for Hubby to let go of. Men, being the big strong providers often fear what more children will do to the economics of the household. That said, we took our hands off the childbearing issue. I freely admit that I would love another baby (or 2). Hubby, however, has said from the get go that he feels 5 is enough for us and that we are complete. Needless to say, it was a leap of faith for Hubby to let go and let God. However, I was so thrilled for Hubby when he, despite his fear, gave control back to the rightful holder, the Lord.

Fast forward to yesterday. Hubby, out of the blue asks me, "So, do you at all feel pregnant?". I was very surprised by this question. My answer was, no. And let me say, that after 5 babies - I usually know when I am pregnant, even before I test +. I raised an eyebrow at him. He continues with, "I don't feel like someone is missing from our family - but I am hoping for another". I was in shock. This is the same man, who just a month or so ago was terrified at the thought that the Lord might bless us with more children. The Lord sure does work in mysterious ways.

When good neighbors do odd things.

There are many things I do not fancy about living here. But I do love our neighbors! We live on a corner, so our only real neighbors are to the left of us. Lovely, God fearing couple are John and Sue (not their real names). Have a great son, we'll call him Danny - just graduating from high school. We all get along well. Their son Danny has taken on an "older brother" role with our oldest son Jack who will be 9 this August. As I was saying, we all get along well. They come over for dinner and board games at our house. We go over to theirs. We chat over fences. We pray together in tough times. Just really, great people. Of all of the times we have thought of moving to another house - it is always the neighbors, and not wanting to move from them, that was the swing vote against.

Tonight left me scratching my head a bit. Maybe it is that we live so far north that it doesn't even begin to get dark until after 9:30pm. Maybe it is that they haven't had small children for a long time. But, after chatting with John and Sue for about 20 minutes this evening, AND mentioning I had to get in and put the littles to bed because they were sooooo tired (at 7:15pm)...John starts up his lawn mower and proceeds to make all kinds of racket at 8:45pm! I don't know what possessed him to do that. I had gotten Pippa and Izzy to bed. I was in the basement doing laundry. You know. Putting wet clothes in the dryer. Starting a new load in the washer. Sorting dirty clothes into the proper hampers. Folding clean clothes. You get the idea. Jack comes down stairs and asks if the babies are in bed and sleeping because, "Mr. John is out in the yard with his lawn mower." Now way, I though. But sure enough - yes. I was a bit irritated to say the least. Especially since he was mowing his lawn until after 9:30pm. I don't want to be one of those dragon lady neighbors. But I also don't think it is ok to be mowing the lawn well after my little ones have been down for the night. I try and respect them by not doing our yard work early in the morning - and keeping the kids inside until a respectable hour in the mornings on weekends and in the summer (they are teachers and are home during the summers). At any rate - I am going to have to have a little chat, in love of course. Do you think bringing some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies will soften their hearts to my words? Or maybe oatmeal-chocolate chips. Oh I am such a wimp when it comes to any kind of confrontation. Even thought it won't really be a "confrontation". I have such a hard time with this type of thing in general....

A Foreshadow of Blessings Being Sewn...

Every night we have devotional time with our kids. Hubby and I take the 2 littles (Pippa -4, and Izzy - 3) upstairs. We read to them from a Bible Story Book, ask them questions about it after, pray with them, and sing them a hymn or 2 while tucking them in. After that, hubby and I come downstairs and have devotional time with the 3 olders (Liv - 16, Esther - 10, and Jack - 8). We read from the Bible, discuss it, and then have family prayer time.

Tonight Hubby has duty - so I was flying solo. I read to the littles about the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21). After reading, we were talking about how everything we have is a gift from God, that we need to be thankful to Him for blessing us with. I asked Pippa what she wants to thank God for. Her answer? "Forgiveness". WOW. Pippa went on to say that the best thing God has given her was that Jesus paid for her sins by dying on the cross. I was utterly speechless. I was expecting to hear that she is thankful for her family, or her favorite lovey - "bunny", that she just can not sleep without.

Tonight I am thankful that the Holy Spirit is touching and filling the heart of my blessings, my children. It is moments like these - that I feel the Lord whispering, "keep going, keep going...this is a taste of the harvest that you are planting". What a great encouragement to my soul. Sometimes, as a mom - I get a bit discouraged. I feel like all I ever do is discipline some times. Time outs. Swats when they are overtly defiant (which is really only the littles now). Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all that taking care of 5 children entails, keeping the house, cooking, homeschooling. Sometimes I wonder if I am reaching them...really connecting; conveying to them the serious stuff about life. You know? Sure they love me. Sit in my lap. Snuggle in bed with me in the mornings before everyone is up. And of course, I love them intensely. I'd die for them. But still, sometimes I fret over what may become of them in another 5 or 10 years. But then the Lord will allow me to see how he is molding and shaping them, like a master potter. I will get a little glimpse of what He is making them into. And all the worry vanishes. How can I worry when the God who created the heavens and the earth is holding them in His hands. They are His, for He truly does have the whole world in His hands.

I'm baa-aack.

I am back from my visit to my mom's. It was a very nice time, but I missed my children soooo very much! I missed hubby too, but it just isn't the same - rip your heart out of your chest feeling as being separated from your little ones. Everyone survived a week of daddy being in charge. Personally - I think it is good for everyone to have some dad time. Because I homeschool, and hubby is gone with the military a good amount of time...sometimes when hubby is home, the children don't go to him as an authority in the home. Example: if hubby is home and in the living room, but I am in the bathroom - the children will come and knock on the bathroom door and ask for help. They forget or discount that daddy is in the living room and able to help. When I am gone for a week - it really helps strengthened the bonds between hubby and the kids. Helps the kids realize that though daddy does things "differently", it is just "different" and not "wrong". And you know what? Sometimes I need to be reminded of that too. ;)

Funny Chat with Pip and Izzy

I had a funny chat with Pip (4) and Izzy (3) this week. I was getting Izzy out of the bath. As I draped a towel over his head and wrapped him up he squealed, "I'm Noah!". By the way, can I mention how thrilled I am that my kids think of Biblical Noah and not spiderman, or superman? It does my heart good. At any rate...the cutest conversation insued. ...

Me: Izzy, what did Noah do?

Izzzy: Noah built the ark!

Me: Who told Noah to build the ark?

Pip: God!

Izzy: Jesus!

Me: Why did Noah God have Noah build the ark?

Pippa: Because of the flood.

Me: What went on the ark with Noah? *this got blank stares from the kids

Me: Did animals go on the ark?
*Pip and Izzy both said yes and started naming some of the animals that were on the ark.

Me: What happened to all the people that did not go on the ark with Noah?

Pippa: When the flood came, and they got washed and shrunk!

Good Friday

Today I have a heavy heart. It is Good Friday. Or, as I discovered, some people around the world call it Big Friday. Today is the say when Jesus was nailed to the cross. I can not help the tears running down my face. A sinless, perfect, spotless lamb went to slaughter. For me. For you. Nails through his hands and feet. A thorn of crowns pressed into his brow. Jeer at and mocked. And he willingly did this so that I could stand before God, blameless one day.

Esther sees me weeping and reminds me how we should not be sad today - as in 3 days Jesus will have risen, conquering the grave. She is such a sweet child. Hates to see me sad. My pain is her pain. I explain there is much joy in Christ's resurrection. However, today - I am deeply sorrowful. That MY sins...not always obeying God, or treating my husband with respect, lies I have told...are what nailed Jesus to the cross.

May I never forget. Lord, help me to keep this repentant heart always - feeling always the complete gratitude for Christ's sufferings for me. In Jesus' precious name...Amen.

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a...a...plane.

Hello out there! Today we booked the flights for me to take our sweet blessings on a trip to Southern California to visit my parents, and my father-in-law. For those of you don't know, both Hubby and I were born and raised in Southern California. I, in Fountain Valley (next door to Huntington Beach - not in "The Valley"). And Hubby, in Anaheim. Since we are now stationed on the west coast - it is much more feasible for me to take the kids down for an extended visit to see the grandparents.

So, from July 7th to the 27th we will be in Southern California. Of course we are going to be doing the touristy things. I am taking the kids to Disneyland, Legoland, and the San Diego Zoo. My greatest hope is to be able to spend a Sunday worshiping at our old church, Calvary Chapel San Diego. Oh how I miss it! Pastor Bryan Newberry is so anointed by the Lord. The Lord just speaks right through Bryan. I could sit and listen to him for days. In fact, I do. On the church's website, they have all of Bryan's sermons through every book of the Bible. Often , as I cook or am cleaning up I will put on one of his sermons. In the last month, I have listened to him preach through Malachi, Micah, and am nearly through his preaching of Ezra. His sermons are nearly 90 minutes. Line by line through the Word. It is fascinating how he can extrapolate on the meanings of the words in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic...what things meant to people in the time when the Bible was penned, and Biblical history - how the prophets, and governments ran together and such. If you care to listen - go here...

http://www.calvarysandiego.com/CCSD/pages/BibleStudyTools/Sermons/PastorBryan/ThroughTheBible.htm

Moving away from our home church in 2007 was so difficult. We have yet to find another church quite like it. We grew so much as a family in the Lord. So much meat. I really like our church here, Sequim Bible Church - but what I don't like is the 4o minute sermons. Just when the pastor here at SBC is getting into the meaty stuff it is over.

Oh dear - I didn't mean to go off on a tangent. And I certainly do not want to come across as being a worshiper of man. However, those of you who have had the experience of learning from someone who the Lord just flows through - knows just what I mean.

There you have it. As a quick re-cap, we are going to California this summer for a time of visiting family, and also fun. Hubby won't be coming, as he can not get the time off. I'll miss him. But, I am sure the time will fly. It is only for 3 weeks.

Decision has been made.

Today hubby and I read this...it is from this blog.

A 2nd Generation of Homeschooling: Is it sinful to try to conceive more children?

A 2nd Generation of Homeschooling: Is it sinful to try to conceive more children?

Is it sinful to try to conceive more children?

Reposted from June 9, 2008

The Box

Since sometimes we struggle grasping the idea of children being gifts from God, here's another way to look at it. Assume you have a special hiding place where your husband habitually leaves sweet presents for you. Say, a little box on a shelf in your closet.

One day, he finds that you screwed the box closed and then wrapped duct tape securely around it in your best efforts to keep him from putting any other gifts in there. He still COULD [put the gifts in the box], but he definitely got the message. He would get the impression that you obviously didn't like his previous gifts (if he had already given you any). So much so that you didn't want another one.

If you had just gotten married and you both knew that he was PLANNING to put gifts in this little box and he found it in the above described way, he would probably be hurt that you didn't even want the first gift from him. "She doesn't think I can give her good gifts!" he would think to himself.

However, how would he feel if you put that box right where he could see it, perhaps even leaving it open, eagerly waiting for his gift! YOU cannot put the gift there, but you can certainly do your best to remind him that you LOVE his gifts and are EAGERLY awaiting another one!

Now, think of the husband as God and the special box as your womb. Keep in mind that God is God and not a man who doesn't always get us. He knows what is best for us, He knows what we need, He is our provider, our protector, He gives us all that we need and never gives us something that would destroy us but gives us "every good gift. ~ Kelly Leinbach

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After reading it, hubby looks at me and says, "that was rather profound". I said that I agreed. We then, together came to to realization that we need to give my womb to the Lord. That sounds so silly. It conjures up a very odd mental picture. However, we are. From here on in - trusting the Lord 100% with our family planning. I was ready, hubby was a bit fearful. But onward Christian soldiers! Before reading the above blog post - we had never thought of my womb in that fashion. As a place where God places special gifts to us. And how by trying to control it we were tell God that we don't want any more gifts. We may never be gifted with any more "blessings" - or we may have many more. One thing is for sure. We are content to let the Lord guide us down the road of life with as many blessings as he wishes to send.

A Quick Recap for the Week...

Today is Sunday. The Lord's day. Hubby had duty last night - so I am awaiting his return in the next half hour or so. A little recap from this past week: The government seems to have avoided a shutdown - for now. Of course, there is already bigger things looming ahead. That is ok, bring it on. Nothing will ever compare, or be bigger than my God. So go ahead. Let's roll on the 2012 budget, and the debt ceiling. We finished week 2 of Brain Integration Therapy. Schooling is rolling along at a nice pace. Esther has just about finished the language arts part of her curriculum. I have switched their math from Saxon to Abeka. I think Esther had been falling behind a bit with Saxon. I will be continuing with math over the summer with her to get her caught up. 2 weeks until Easter. I am going to be teaching the Sunday school class about Moses and the Passover this week. I was going to do Passover next week - when Passover starts, but next weekend is Palm Sunday - and we will be focusing on that, then Easter. I hope hubby gets home in time to stop off at the store so I can get some Matza for the kids to try. I am still debating heading down to California for my dad's wedding. Fred is more than willing to take a week off so I can go - but I just don't like the idea of leaving jack amidst the new schooling routine, and having Fred burn a week of leave. He only has 28 days on the books. That would take him down to 20 (he is taking 8 days - so we can have a day together when I return). Personally, I don't like him being down to less than 3 weeks of leave on the books. He will be taking another 3 days in mid-August when we go camping. And I was hoping he could take 5 days or so when the kids and I travel down to Cali for a month. Hmmm. All of that would take him down to less than 2 weeks on the books. I guess more prayer is in order. Well, I must go if I wish to get everyone ready in time to be on time. Until next time friends...

Thursday, and frustrations over our tyrannical government.

Happy Thursday to you! Wow Thursday. Today is the last day of our learning week. Tomorrow is Brain Integration Therapy day. So no other big schooling. We will do read alouds - but no formal schooling.

Tomorrow is the big day - the government is supposed to shut down. I hope the Repubs stand their ground and let it shut down. I know, I know. We are military and won't get payed. But. BUT...the dems. refused to pass a budget last year - and now we are in a horrible mess. We can not keep spending at the rate Obama and the liberal/commies want to. For some reason they seem to think that you can spend yourself out of a deficit. Hubby has been put on alert. They had a big meeting yesterday that said, "Even if the gov't shuts down - as expected, you still MUST come to work". No biggie. What gets me is that the house has sent 2 bills to the senate allowing for continued funding for the military through the rest of the fiscal year - but the evil Harry Reid won't let it be voted upon. Ugh. Nothing like arm twisting - eh? Nothing like telling the very men and women putting their lives on the line to work for free. I stand firm that this shut down needs to take place. If the rebpubs don't get their rears in gear and stand firm - then the dems are going to bully them forever, and there will never be any clout when the repubs put their foot down.

Ugh. This all just gives me such a headache. Come Lord Jesus Come! My heart aches at our government. Well, I can hardly say "our" government. They are not looking out for us. They want to crash our nation and turn us into some - oh I don't know. Some Nazi - communist state. Deciding who gets the opportunity to live or die. Who gets needed medical treatment. Oh and lets not forget - who has the right to worship openly. Lord help me, because I am having some not very Christian thoughts this morning.

A Not so Manic Monday.

Good Monday morning sheeple! What a great weekend! I love weekends like this. Olivia went across the sound with her youth group (First Baptist Port Angeles) to a Christian concert and youth rally called "Acquire the Fire". She didn't get home until after midnight and had a blast. The other children were rather sullen as we spent the day giving the house a good spring clean - and they saw her absence as "lucky" for her. Sunday I was up before the sun baking a cheesecake and key lime pie for dessert because our fabulous neighbors were to be over for dinner. Church was FANTASTIC! There were 11 kids in my class. I love having a class with multiaged class. Everyone got along well and were so well behaved. Pastor Dave gave a great sermon. Well, he always does. My only complaint is that I wish he would teach longer. So here we are - and a great blessing just walked through the door! Hubby!!!! He had to go into work for a bit on Saturday and he went to work to find that all those that had to come in had been given the day off. Yippee! This may just call for a field trip day at home school. Hiking up at Hurricane Ridge sounds nice.

Ok. I admit. I have the fever.

Baby fever that is. Oh gosh. Did I just admit that? I have been trying to lie to myself that I didn't want another child. I have been dropping hints at hubby. He hasn't really commented one way or another. Yesterday I told him I had some news for him. I forget now, what the actual news was. He said to me, "You're pregnant?". I said, "yes I am". Of course I was joking. But part of me wanted to see his reaction. I asked him what his reaction would have been if I really was expecting another baby. His answer, "It would be weird". I told him unashamedly, "you know - I would not be sad at all". That is kind of where the topic ended. How did this happen? I was so sure we were done - and I didn't want anymore. Here we are 3+ years out from our last baby's birth. I thought for sure I had made it. I was looking forward to the prospect of being completely done with diapers soon. Being able to get away on date nights. Yet all of a sudden I am plagued by this overwhelming desire to have more another baby. So I am accepting baby dust I guess? Well, that and prayers that hubby gets the fever too.

Update on Jack and Things on my heart.

Hello! Well we are nearly a week into Jack's new schooling regime. It is going quite well. We hardly have any fussing. The biggest problem I have is that Jack likes to chat...and when you are doing a task that is timed - say 20 minutes of oral reading, it messes with the flow of things when he decides he wants to have a deep discussion. I will say how nice it is to get his schooling done in about 2 hours. Soooo nice!

Spring is here! We are having warmer temps - up into the low 50's a few times this week. But, we are still having the gloomy, overcast, drizzly days. I have been able to turn off the oil heat boiler during the day as it gets warm enough to keep the house over 60. But most nights I have to turn it on to keep the house at 60.

News on the family front. Or rather the family planning front. I have been wrestling with the whole, "we should trust the Lord with our family size" issues. It says so many times in the Bible that He opens and closes the womb. And in an effort to trust in God more - rather than my own understanding...I have been feeling like we shouldn't be trying to take control from God. It especially hit home after watching a You Tube video on the declining reproduction rate of non-muslim families around the world - and how the muslims are literally going to take over by virtue of out birthing them. It was rather shocking that in some European countries the muslims account of 50% of the births in the nation. I think it was the Netherlands that had the highest islamic birth rate per populus. Anyway - I got to thinking. There are 2 main reasons nations' non-muslims population is failing.



(1)Abortion. In American alone millions of babies are aborted every year. WHen you think about the fact that this has been occurring for 30+ years. If all of those babies had grown up to have babies of their own, and later grandbabies - our population would be much healthier (numerically speaking). Reason (2) - birth control. It is no wonder, that in our self sufficient nation we do not rely on God for our provisions - least of these in the planning of our families? Even in the majority of Christian families - we decide how many children we ought to have. When we should have them, etc. We don't trust God to provide for the children He blesses us. How strong would our nations be if we allowed for God to lead in these matters?

So, I have been struggling. Izzy is 3. He has, by far, been the biggest challenge to our parenting. Strong willed, into everything. I won't lie. Part of me is very afraid of having another "Izzy". But then again, I don't even know if the Lord has any more for us. Well, I think hubby is struggling with this too. However, Proverbs 3:5 keeps coming into my mind, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart - lean not on your own understanding". I need to keep praying some more. I will keep you updated.

Help for Jack - despite his silly mother.

I must confess. I have major self esteem issues. Always have. One of the joys that my dad bestoyed on me by abandoning his family for another woman, and divorcing his children at the same time he divorced his wife. But that is a whole can of worms to be spilled another time. Just be happy to know, that I have those self esteem issues. I know, I know - many, MANY people have self esteem issues. But mine are lovely. They often keep me from reaching out and asking for help. Won't you be my neighbor...

Case in point. Homeschooling. I homeschool my children. Or rather most of them. Our oldest has autism and attends school in a special program. So the rest I homeschool. I refuse to render to Caesar what belongs to God. Remember in the Bible? When Jesus was asked by the Pharisees if they ought to pay taxes to the Caesar? Well, Jesus asked them who's face was on the coin. When they told him Caesar's image was on the coin, Jesus then said, "Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21) I refuse to give my children's souls to the government to brainwash. For they are God's.

Ok, I know - I know. Just follow me for a bit down this rabbit hole. My mom was a public school teacher for 40+ years. She taught 1st grade most of those years. Some she taught 3rd, and a few years she was a reading specialist. But mostly, 1st grade. She has never really supported our decision to homeschool. Well, to say that is rather a stretch. She frequently tells me they "should be in school". I think she takes it as a personal affront to her that I don't trust the school system with my children. Again, another can of worms for another time. So, I have this anxiety/self esteem issue that I am not doing a good enough job with the kids at home.

Then there's Jack. He is all boy. I am sure if he was in school, he'd be labeled ADHD. He can't sit still, talks faster than his brain can think, very active. Like I said all boy. He is struggling with reading. We are working through 2nd grade with him, although he could be in 3rd. His birthday is mid-August, and if he had been going to school, I would not have sent him to kinder the year he turned 5 - only 2 weeks before the cut off date. So, the year he turned 5 - I did a pre-K type of program with him. Very loosey goosey. He wasn't interested. I did more hands on/real life learning with him. The next year ( he turned 6 - when I WOULD have sent him to kinder - if I had gone the whole school route), I did a kindergarten curriculum with him. Still with me? Good. Well now here we are *technically* in the 3rd quarter of 2nd grade. Well, he is actually doing 3rd grade math. And 1st grade work in reading/language arts ...but I digress. He is still struggling with reading. He can, MAYBE read mid-1st grade. And of course, my mom is all in a twitter (upset, in a dither - not to be confused with Twitter the message system) telling me how far behind he is and he SHOULD be in school to catch up. He is 8 now. I make sure I am working with him 1:1, alone first thing in the school day on reading. Catching him fresh - first thing. But here we are. We have been working on it for several years and he isn't making much progress. In fact, it is one step forward, 2 steps back. This is where my self esteem issues come in. I realize there is a problem here. But for fear of people finding out (or thinking) I am an incompetent teacher, I don't seek help. From traditional sources. I do, however, pray and seek guidance from the Lord. And read the Word.

Today - BREAKTHROUGH! No, not for Jack. (Well kinda for him - but not what you are thinking). FOR ME! I belong to a Large Family Living group on Facebook. I know there are many homeschooling mamas there. So, I take a deep breath, say a prayer, and post about my situation with Jack and his struggles. I ask for help from any homeschooling mama who have been their and done that. God gave me the strength to not care if they thought I was an incompetent boob or not.

And guess what??? People RESPONDED! Kindly. Sweetly. I got several, "don't worry about it - my kids didn't read well until they were older" responses. But - I also got a few responses from mamas who had struggling learners and where they found help. One lady gave me the link to HSLDA's "struggling learner" page. *Side note. We have been members of HSLDA for 4 years now. So why I never thought to check them for info is beyond me. So - on the HSLDA site, there is an article written by Dianne Craft. http://www.hslda.org/strugglinglearner/ . I read it, and then click on the "Visual Processing Dysfunction" checklist link. It is Jack to a "t". I couldn't believe it! Here it is...I cut and pasted from the aforementioned site.

Visual Processing Dysfunction Characteristics

A child struggling with visual processing issues will display some of these characteristics:

• Reading reversals (“was” for “saw,” “on” for “no,” “big” for “dig,” etc.) after initial introduction of the words.
• Skipping of small words when reading.
• Needing to use finger to track after age 7.
• Oral reading that is smooth at the beginning of the page, but becomes more labored the longer a child reads.
• Experiencing eye fatigue shortly after reading begins (watery eyes, rubbing eyes).
• Yawning shortly after reading begins.
• Continuing to struggle even after being prescribed eye glasses.

My poor little guy! (Although not so little anymore - we like to keep them little in our hearts. Don't we mamas?) How many times had he complained of having tired eyes, rubbed his eyes, even said they hurt? I put him off ...knowing he eyes were fine because I'd had him to the eye doctor in the last year - and I thought he just didn't want to work at reading. Oh the guilt! But the guilt turned to joy. I kept reading. Dianne Craft mentions that there are exercises I can do at HOME (Me! I can help!!!! YIPPEE!!!!). So I go over to HER site. http://www.diannecraft.org/ There I find a book called, "Brain Integration Therapy", along with a few other items that should help me help Jack to retrain his brain. So, they are purchased and on their way. I'll keep you updated on his progress.

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!! Although technically this sorrow turned to joy in the afternoon - I am blessed abundantly, and so is Jack.

In shock. And grieving.

12 March 2011. Palestinian terrorists broke into the Fogel home in Itamar. They killed a husband and wife, and 3 of their 6 children. Their only tresspass? Being Jews. My heart aches. I have cried and prayed, and prayed and cried. Come Lord Jesus come. How much longer do your children have to suffer at the hands of monsters? I can not fathom...there just are not words. I pray the Lord blankets the survivors, and those touched by this heinous crime with the peace that passes all understanding.

The Week That Was...Sick

Wow. That little gem of hubby's spread like wild fire. So, hubby got ill last Tueday night with a bad tummy bug. He was sick through Wednesday - slept all of Thursday, and finally managed to drag himself back to work Friday - where his underlings declared he looked like death warmed up.

Friday afternoon, on the way back from looking at a house (did I mention we are house hunting again?) - Izzy came down with it. In the van. All over the van. Oh joy. Then later that night - I got it. Thankfully Izzy bounced back and was right as rain in the morning, because I was about as useful as an overcooked noodle. And hubby had duty. Nice. But then, hubby's boss let him come home for an hour or 2, not once - but 2 different times during the day. That WAS nice. Such a blessing! I need to get a nice "thank you" note and a coffee off to him. So Saturday saw me dazed, and sicker than a dog - on the couch. Hubby was home around lunch time and fed the troops. I mustered the strength to order pizza delivery for dinner, and got everyone tucked into bed. Praying that God would let everyone sleep peacefully through the night.

Praise God! Not only did all the kids sleep well - but they slept in! My kids! Who usually can smell the sun rise...I got to sleep in. Seeing as how I crashed at about 9:30pm and slept until 8ish am, I got nearly 11 hours of good, solid sleep. I awoke on Sunday morning feeling much MUCH better. Still tired and weak - but much better.

So, Sunday things started pretty uneventful. We obviously skipped church. I did not want to visit these germs on anyone else. And a good thing too. By early afternoon poor Esther had it. She had what hubby jokingly called prison pallor. The poor gal was so ill - she was gray. And Sunday night - Pippa came down with it too. I was on dawn patrol with Pippa. I always bring the wee ones in bed with me when they are ill. It just makes it easier on us all. I can doze when they do.

Monday. Esther is still couch bound - looking more like she is a human incarnation of a wrung out dish rag than the sweet, beautiful 9 year old she is. Pippa, however is bounding around the house like she was never ill. It is amazing how quickly the littlest ones recover. Hubby had the day off and took Jack to swim practice. However, almost as soon as they return home at 3pm...you guessed, Jack came down with it. Jack, however surprises me. By the time I decided to send him to bed (around 9pm or so) he is improving and keeping down liquids. He is alert and talkative. Esther is now keeping down sips of liquid - but still looks and acts quite ill.

Tuesday. Jack wakes up fine. Yay! Esther is much better too. Still a bit pale. But able to eat bland foods and get up and around. Bed time sees everyone well. Olivia never got it. But then again, as a high functioning autistic teen-ager, she spends a lot of time in her "girl cave" (read room). So she wasn't around us sickies much.

What a week! I don't want to do that again any time soon. Or ever. On the plus side? Hubby was SUCH a help. Laundry, dishes, cooking for the kids when I was ill. He kept ASKING me what he could be doing. What I would like him to do. What a joy! I was so blessed in my illness to see what he can and will do to pick up the slack. It really makes me realize that despite my frustrations with him - he is a good guy. He loves me. He would swim through shark infested water to bring his family lemonade.

On no...not again (warning - TMI to follow)

The dreaded tummy bug has settled upon my sweet hubby. Again. Poor guy. He is the throwing up-iest man I have ever met. He gets these bad tummy bugs at least twice a year. I am praying he keeps this little gem to himself. It started suddenly yesterday evening. This morning when I woke him up for work at 6am...yes, I said work. You see guys and gals, when you belong to the military you don't get the option of calling in sick. You have to drag your raggedy ole self into what they call "sick call". Meaning you have to go see the base doctor/nurse/health person and they decide what to do with you. So my poor sick hubby went into sick call and he was so dehydrated they placed an IV and gave him 2 bags of saline. They wrote him a note to give to his command saying he can't work today or tomorrow. Hubby stumbles in the front door at about 10am with some anti-nausea meds, and some gatorade. He basically slept the day away - which is a good thing. For when the body is sleeping it is not vomiting or doing other ghastly things.

I just hate it when hubby is ill. I mean, when he is ILL - like he is now. Can't get out of bed, sleeping all day. I just feel so vulnerable and, I don't know - helpless. It is times like these that I realize how much I do rely on him. He is my rock that I lean on. He provides for us. He is my strong he-man who has the ability to make everything better - and banish the monsters from under the bed. And somehow when he is so down and out sick - I worry about living without him. I know that probably sounds corny, or hysterical. But that is just how I am. God gifted me with him - my better half, my help-meet to walk through life on earth with...and I don't want to go through life without him. When he is so ill, it hits home that people do get ill and die...and I get a morbid glimpse into what life without him would be like. And I do not like it Sam I Am.

Hello Again.

Welcome to the house of insanity - would you like something to drink? Take a seat, anywhere. Just kick the Lego's out of your way as you find your seat. Toss the dollies off the couch - but please don't knock over the pile of clean laundry. Post number 2. And I apparently can not figure out how to come up with a witty title for my posts.

My dad flew up from Southern California for a visit yesterday. So far so good. He is enjoying the kids. Mom says his hearing is much in decline - which explains how he can smile with joy amidst the screams of the kids. So, dad is here and I cooked him a good meal last night. We just lounged around this morning, waiting for hubby to get back from duty last night. Well, lounge being a subjective term. Dad lounged. Kids played. I did laundry, and dishes. And dishes, and laundry. Somewhere in there I fed them troops breakfast, and guzzled a cup of coffee.

Izzy isn't doing well. He was up at 2am fussing and not wanting to sleep. And why is it the kids save up these joys until Hubby is gone for the night? Well, at least I can say it keeps my prayer life active, and the knees of my jammies well worn. Back to Izzy. Yesterday he woke up way too early. Fussing and whimpering about his front teeth hurting. There didn't seem to be anything wrong with them - so I gave him a small dose of Tylenol and went on with my day. He seemed a bit irritable but got through the day without much more than the normal high maintenance, demanding moments. Fast forward to last night. 2am. Have I mentioned I don't sleep well when hubby isn't home? Well, I had just started drifting off at 1:30am...and at 2am Izzy is in my room fussing and whining. I take him back to bed, and spend the next 30 or so minutes patting his back, singing to him, and praying. Finally he settles enough to sleep. For a few hours. At 7am I call to see if the doctors' office is open on Saturdays. You think I'd know - but eh, we've only been here 8 months and the kids haven't been sick - so there hasn't been a pressing need. So I call, and yes they open at 9am. Yippee! I call later to get him in for a 12:10 appointment. After 30 minutes at the doctors' office we leave. Me - tired. Izzy has 2 ear infections and a sinus infection. The doctor's comment? "He must have a very high pain tolerance". Lovely. Now home, antibiotics in hand. Hoping I will indeed get a long winter's nap. For tonight it is hubby's turn for dawn patrol.

Welcome to my life.

I am a 39 year old mom of 5. Married to a wonderful, military man. We are currently living in the Pacific Northwest. As the title of my blog suggest, our oldest and youngest children are autistic. Hence the term bookends. They sandwich the rest of our children together. I am a homeschooling mama. If you were to peek into our home - you'd see the chaos that is our life. We are often in jammies until way too late in the day. Who needs to get dressed, when you only have shuffle over to the dinner table to get to school? The basement is home to an ever growing pile of laundry - threatening to rise up and take over at any moment. The sink is nearly always full of dishes waiting to be done. I love to cook for my family - but dishes, eh not so much. In reality, I do dishes. Everyday. Several times a day. In fact, my dishwasher is constantly going - at least 3 times a day. The poor thing - I am sure it is just going to pick up a sign and go on strike one day. And I am sure the washer and dryer will go with it. You see, ladies and gentleman - while others dream of cruising in the tropics, or insanely expensive - sporty cars, or living it up on a resort island somewhere palm trees abound and warm breezes blow year round ... my dream is to have a home with 2 dishwashers, and 2 clothes washers and dryers. Impressed? Aside from that - I am in love with my life. And to close this maiden post - I'd like to thank my wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ for every blessing and good thing in my life.