Todd's test results were NEGATIVE!!!  I am SO thankful!  The melanoma is gone, there was no trace of it from the second surgery and his lymph nodes were clear.  NEGATIVE - a terrific word!

Thank you all SO VERY MUCH for your prayers and support!  Without you ladies, I would have had to deal with this pretty much on my own but your encouragement and prayers really were felt.  Bless each of you!

We had to be in Portland at the doctor's at 10:00 am, which means we had to leave at 7:45 am, which means we had to get the kids up WAY earlier than they are used to (me, too, really - I was up at 5:45, ugh!)  We didn't leave until 8:05, had one slight delay road-wise, but actually made it there on time.  I believe the Lord allowed that.  Anyway, we saw the doctor, got the terrific news and he even spent some time talking with our kids (he was happy to teach, we told him that it was a field trip!)  I cried, laughed, cried, it was so emotional.  But it was the best doctor visit I've been to in eons. 

Out the window of the waiting room, we could see the aerial tram that takes patients and medical staff up the hill to OHSU, a huge teaching hospital up on a hill in Portland.  Todd said we were going to ride it.  Up and back.  I was scared but went out with the family to wait in line.  I looked at Todd and said, "This is for Emily!  (I was SO thinking of you Em!)  We embarked the space-age little tram (it holds up to about 70 people but it only had about 25 riders) and up we went.  It swayed a bit as it went by the huge support tower (about 20-stories high) but it was a pretty smooth ride.  It felt like we were on a blimp or a hot air balloon (though I've never been on those things).  That's the best I can compare it to.  The view is amazing, Mount Hood in the distance, Oregon is so beautiful.  Boy, was I glad to get to the top of the hill, though!  We went to the hospital gift shop and then went back out to ride the tram down.  Still scared but I knew what it would be like, we got back on.  The conductor turned out to be a retired Coast Guard rescue person and knew all about Astoria.  It helped me to chat with him the whole way down.  I was very happy to get to the bottom and very proud of myself for riding the tram without freaking out.  The kids loved it!

O.k., Emily - it's your turn!

Next, we went to the zoo (again).  The baby elephant that was born the day after we visited the zoo 1-1/2 weeks ago was being allowed visitors.  We waited in line only about 25 minutes and got in to see mom and baby.  Baby was sleeping but after a few minutes, it got up and walked a bit.  Everyone was "Ooooh"-ing, it was a real thrill!  It might be the only time we ever see a newborn elephant, so I'm really glad we had the chance.  Right after the birth, the mom elephant had a tough time, nearly hurting her baby but she calmed down and now is bonding well with her offspring.  The zoo vets are terrific.  After that, Chad and Alec got to feed lorikeets (bright green parrot-like birds and REALLY loud!), which was fun but kind of scary.  Two of the birds were perched on Chad's arm - no camera for that picture, bummer!  We walked around for way too long, judging from how tired I got ... well, I was carrying everyone's waters and my enormous purse.  Plus I was running on emotional fatigue and very little sleep.  It was time to go.

What a day.  But the best part is that the day is over.  I had been really dreading this day and to have it over with such great news - I just can't be grateful enough.  God answered our prayers so favorably.  He is good. 

Oh, yeah ... we homeschool.  That means I need to turn my attention to preparing for our school year.  I hate that word.  But what else do you call it?  Our "learning" year?  Our "learning time"?  Our lifestyle of learning?  Life?

It's time to begin again and break out of the emotional bonds I've been in since late July.  Enough wallowing.  It's getting tedious and boring.  Changing my focus to the task at hand will be good for me.  Although, it's a big task.

I really wanted to spend the summer getting more organized and tidy.  Um, o.k., it didn't happen.  But I didn't have a plan.  Now, I need to make a plan plus plan our homeschool year.  The homeschool planning is easier and more fun.  So I'll start there.  I want to make some changes to the way we have been doing things, like, for years.  Shake things up a bit.  It will be good for my kids as well as me.

Tomorrow, we will begin our school year by getting some vaccinations.  (I said I wanted to shake things up!)  That will be followed by a trip to our local toy store (not a big box but friends of our who have a great little toy shop in town) where the kids can spend their allowance.  Then on Thursday, we are going to the Oregon Zoo to see the new baby elephant!  It's the first one born in 14 years, can't miss that, can we?  We actually were at the zoo last week, on the day it was supposed to be born.  But, like all babies, it didn't arrive as planned but was born the day after.  After the zoo, we get to find out about Todd's tests results and possibly ride the aerial tram that was put in to take people from the bottom of the hill to the top of the hill where the hospital is.  This thing looks like something out of a 1950's space age film.  I'm scared but it will be fun - I think.

Then, next week, we will actually be sitting down for some book time.  I am thinking about making a schedule for each kid, so they will know what they need to work on and I won't have to keep reminding them.  Maybe getting each of them a binder to keep their work in.  That would eliminate papers scattered on their homeschool shelf.  More consistent Bible reading.  Get going with that American History.  This sounds more slapdash than it really is.  I'm just thinking out loud here, areas of our school (ugh) time that I want to work on or do better at.  You know what I find interesting is how easy it is/was to advance my oldest son, but how hard it is to remember to advance my younger two kids.  What's up with that?  Like the younger kids don't grow at the same rate as Chad?  I mean, Alec is 10, and it's hard for me to see that.  Suddenly, I find myself thinking, "O.k., have we done all we should be doing for his age?!!"  I guess it's because Chad was born old, while Alec and Carmen are more age appropriate.  I don't know.  I probably should have had only one child because I just hate repeating myself or doing the same thing over again.  Isn't that awful? 

Speaking of Alec, he has recently discovered some Enid Blyton books that we picked up last year and spends all day on the couch reading, laughing out loud and reading parts of the story to his sister.  It's awesome!  Alec has been more drawn to magazines like Air & Space, so it is fun to see him enjoying books.  I hope he has run out of ideas for jellyfish crafts.  We are overflowing in jellyfish made out of all kinds of materials.  It's his way.  Oh, and he got glasses last week (like all the rest of us, except Carmen).  He looks just adorable!  And he likes them, which is a plus.

Todd and I were looking back on 20 years of Labor Day Weekends, realizing that either he or I have worked every single one of them (as well as we can recall).  The only good thing is that now he gets overtime for working it!  When we both had our businesses (at different times) we looked at Labor Day as a way to get a bit caught up on our work.  We truly labored on Labor Day!

Of course, he's gone tonight.  His overtime will end in about 5 minutes.

Thanks so much for your prayers. Todd came through the surgery just fine. In fact, he suggested we go to the zoo while we were in Portland. I thought he was nuts. None of us had slept much the night before but, hey, the kids all wanted to go to the zoo as well. What could I do? And, of course, this was the day Portland decided to reach 81 degrees. Nothing I like better than walking around looking at animals in the heat, amongst a throng of noisy kids (not mine, everyone else's) with their harried parents and bored teenagers on first dates. Can you tell I'm still exhausted?

Anyway, we got home yesterday and God was good. He took care of us and Todd. God even helped me get to the hospital after I was tearfully lost without my map. (Todd drove himself to the hospital and we arrived later - long story). Our hotel was only 12 miles away but, if you know anything about Portland, it's not the easiest city to navigate (at least, not to me). I'm not the one usually driving when we go there. We did, however, get to see a lot of culture driving through downtown! Lead to a great discussion with the kids but I was too stressed to really enjoy it.

 
The main thing is this: The surgery went very well and things looked good visually. Now we wait. We will know by this Thursday, if not before. If they find anything, they will call us sooner. I am praying that they won't call. Please continue to pray that the test results will be negative. I am so thankful that the Lord took care of Todd and the rest of us so well. I trust that He will continue to be with us. Thanks again for your support and prayers.

Thank you so much for your nice comments.  Does wonders for the self-esteem!  It made me sad to put my dress back into storage in the garage.  Maybe I'll take it out again for our 25th.  That goal ought to keep me in good shape!

Now that you know what my handsome husband looks like, it will make it easier to pray for him.  Todd had several surgeries for melanoma (a potentially fatal skin cancer) about 15 years ago.  And several weeks ago, he had a mole removed from his arm that turned out to be melanoma again.  This one is unrelated to the first but just as scary.  A second surgery has been recommended, as well as removing two lymph nodes for inspection.  This is a precautionary procedure, to make sure the cancer has not spread.  We do not believe it has but it is still unsettling.  He is having this done in Portland, which means a trip overnight, with the kids, and all that entails.  Not an easy task, for me, anyway.  Some moms sail right through things like this but I'm not one of those moms.

I would very much appreciate your prayers for Todd.  Please pray that God would cover everything involving the surgery and the hospital staff.  Pray that it would be God's will that there is no more cancer anywhere and that it would not return.  Please pray that the Lord would give Todd a long life (this is not only for his sake but mine, too.  Is that selfish?)  Also pray for me, that I would be able to focus on Todd and not be stressed out by the trip or the kids.  And for our safety (I'll be driving us all home).

Thanks.  The surgery is scheduled for Aug. 22.  Then we'll have to wait for the lab results.  I hate the waiting.

I am taking a positive outlook on this until I have reason to think otherwise.  God is good and He is in control.  But I am weak and often allow stress and fear to affect me.  "Little ones to Him belong .. they are weak but He is strong."  Now I understand why we are taught "Jesus Loves Me" at a young age.  To prepare us for what's ahead.  I want to be strong.

O.K., this is it.  I picked the best of the bunch.  As I said, my son took our photos and we didn't expect him to think about camera angle or lighting.  And we still can't figure out why my nose is whiter than the rest of my face - it wasn't when I looked in the mirror!  Anyway, you get the idea.  I think Todd is still as handsome as the day I met him.  Seriously!  I have noticed that he has a special grin reserved just for photos of himself taken with me or the kids.  Age has brought changes in our faces and bodies but has only deepened the love we have for each other.

This brings to a close my special series on our 20th Anniversary.  What will I write about next?  I have exhausted this topic!  But it is a milestone and worth recording. 

(For those of you who read my blogspot blog, this is an exact copy of my recent post there.  I'm being lazy, I know but hey, 20 years only comes around ... well, every 20 years!)

Oh, you kind, kind ladies! What nice things you have said! Thank you so much.  That bottom photo of me (on my last post) is one Todd really likes - me and my toothy smile. It's who I am, I guess.

So, what did we do on our 20th anniversary? Funny you should ask. Well, o.k., I don't think anyone asked but I want to record it anyway.

Todd got up before me and made a white cake, complete with "20" frosted on it. It was beautiful and delicious. Carmen kept saying it looked like a wedding cake (she's quick!) We each had cards for the other and shared some chocolate-covered cherries before breakfast.

Later, after lunch and before we cut the cake, I instructed the kids how to sing "Happy Anniversary" to us. When one of them balked, I said, "No cake unless you sing". Got results fast. 

It was precious. I stopped breathing so I could just focus on that moment and devote it to memory in my heart. They were so sweet. Then I grabbed the video camera and said, "O.k., now let's do that again so I can record it!" "Mom!" Just kidding - I wouldn't make them do that over. 

After lunch, Todd got out my stored wedding gown and veil, ironed them for me (no small feat) and I put them on. Believe it or not, after 3 babies, the dress still fits! I now weigh 15 lbs less than I did when we married but having kids redistributes your weight. It was only a bit tight around the waist. Whoopee!

 

Todd put on a tuxedo that he inherited from my late step-father and he looked very, very nice. Then we had my son takes photos. Not the best idea, I'm afraid.  The photos he took were almost acceptable - except for a few things we couldn't quite come to terms with. Bad lighting. Bad angles. Sigh. We looked pretty good (if I do say so myself) but we haven't decided which one to post. Funny, Rebeca asked about "then and now" photos. I'll let you know, Rebeca!

When that was done, it was time to go out to dinner - just the two of us. A first in 13 years! I don't often have a chance to get really dressed up so that made it even more special. Todd looked very handsome in his sport coat. I didn't make him wear a tie. I fussed over which pantyhose to wear, changing 3 times. It was a wonder I had pantyhose at all! Has this ever happened to you?

We went to a fabulous restaurant overlooking the Columbia River - we save this place for special occasions (it's spendy). We sat in the loft section where we were the only ones seated for at least an hour. Very private and very awkward at first. We kind of looked out at the water and around and at each other for a bit. I was nervous, like on a first date or something! I finally relaxed and we had a great time. I want to go out with this guy more often! It was so fun. We just talked and talked. We held hands. The food was great and we ordered coffee and dessert as well. I didn't want it to end. Finally, Todd's phone rang. It was Chad, wondering when we were coming home. Time to go. We picked up Subway sandwiches for the kids on the way home (we ate early, we didn't leave them starving or anything!) The kids were thrilled to get Subway plus cake for dessert!

I had a lovely anniversary. We really enjoyed each other's company on our special day. I have often said that my wedding day was one of the most perfect and wonderful days of my life. Nothing, absolutely nothing, went wrong on that day. Seriously. Even it if had, it would have been o.k. but what a blessing that it went as well as it did. Well, my 20th anniversary now has to rank right up there near it. I praise the Lord for a simple and lovely day to remember.

This Wednesday, August 6th, Todd and I will be married 20 years.

On my other blog here, I wrote about being married 20 years.  So for this post, I thought I'd write about our humble beginning.

Around September 1986, a friend of mine suggested I start praying for my future husband.  Around that same time, my husband-to-be (whom I had not met yet) became a Christian.

In 1987, I walked into the young adult's group at church and found a seat near the back.  During the visitor greeting time, a handsome blond young man stood up and said his name.  I didn't hear him but I saw him.  Later, when I found a seat with a friend for the church service, wouldn't you know it - this same young man was sitting in the pew in front of me.  We shook hands during greeting time.  Weeks later, I was spending time with a friend and we (being girls and all) started talking about the guys in our church group.  To my surprise, I said that I thought "Todd" (by now I knew his name) was nice.  I was on a committee in our group and my friend was in charge - at a committee meeting, she suggested we ask Todd to be on the committee.  She did and the committee was supposed to meet after church at a local Togo's (sandwich shop in Long Beach, CA).  Todd came up to me and asked if he could drive me to the meeting.  I agreed.  We were the only people who showed up.  It was a divine appointment, no doubt.  We talked for a long time and he took me home, then asked me out for the following weekend.  "I'll have to check my calender", I (too honestly) said.  But, yes, I could go out with him. 

Now, in the weeks before all this, I had mentioned at work to some coworkers that I wanted to marry a carpenter, like Jesus was.  I thought it was an honest occupation.  Guess what - Todd was a cabinet builder (I found this out at the sandwich shop).  Then, on the Friday prior to our first date, Todd sent 3 roses to work.  I told the same coworkers that I was going to marry this guy.  They were skeptical.

On the morning of our first date, Todd was late.  He showed up in beachwear, saying he had been surfing and lost track of time.  All was forgiven - I have a soft spot for surfers.  He went home and changed and returned.  We went to the Los Angeles County Fair (a first ever for me), watched the horse races, ate corn dogs and lemonade.  Didn't want the date to end, so we went back to his house and I met his Mom.  Then we went out to dinner.  I don't remember more than that - anything to add, Todd?

Fast-forward 5 weeks later.  Since I lived with 2 very social roommates, Todd and I often took walks for time alone.  One night, we were sitting on the brick fence outside of the AAA Autoclub office about a block down from my apartment.  Todd asked, "Will you marry me?"  In my infinite wisdom, I asked, "Why are you asking me now?"  He simply said, "Because I love you and want you to be my wife".  I couldn't think of a reason not to, so I said, "Yes."  That was it. 

Our marriage has survived this long.  Can't say the same for the AAA office.

Since then, we've experienced me starting and running my own typesetting business in CA for 2 years.  The big move to OR.  Raising llamas.  Todd starting and running his own cabinet business for 13+ years.  3 babies.  Todd's mom moving in across the street (it was monumental, let me tell you).  Another move into town.  My middle son's cleft lip surgery.  Todd's melanoma surgeries and his heart surgery last December.  Todd going back to school to become a nurse.

When you think back over 20 years, so many things flood in.  I've known him nearly half my life.  The better half of my life.  He is my better half - my dad used to call my mom that and I now know what he meant.  Todd taught me how to cook.  He's there with a hug when I need it.  He makes me feel young and pretty, even though age is creeping in.  He encourages me to better myself, to write more, to make a lot of money so he can retire (he's kidding, I think.)  Todd fills the gaps in who I am - I can't say it more plainly.  God gave me a man who is strong when I can't be.  Who lifts me up when I fall.  You know what I mean.

Please pray that the Lord will bless us with many, many more anniversaries.  I love this guy.  For better or worse.  We've already experienced the "sickness and health, richer and poorer".  We've had it all.  The vows you take really do say it like it is.

Happy 20th Todd!  Thanks for the journey.  What I would have missed if I had said no.

Love, Kate  

Many, many thanks for all the wonderful advice on "How to Teach Responsibility"!  As my oldest just turned 13 yesterday, I shall be putting those tips to good use. 

(Look, Emily!!  Photos!)

We just returned from a three-day trip to our state's largest aquarium, about 3 hours south of us.  My kids are really into sea creatures and other shore life so this was perfect timing.  And it made Chad's birthday extra special.  Instead of parties, we usually like to go somewhere for our kids' birthdays.  All three kids loved the aquarium.  My younger two are especially taken with jelly fish.  We saw lots of jelly fish.  They are certainly more interesting swimming around in a tank than they are washed up on the shore, half-dead.  Been there.  Anyway, there is also a marine science center near the aquarium that we visited twice (this place was free), and it had even more jelly fish.  Carmen was in jelly fish heaven.  She called it "Jelly Fish Day".  She and Alec each bought a jelly fish stuffed animal and we got her a jelly fish t-shirt and pencil.  (The day after we got home, the kids got their "Ranger Rick" magazines and guess what?  There was an article on jelly fish!  Do you see a theme here?)

What I thought was so great was that the kids had already spent a lot of time drawing and reading about sea life.  At the aquarium, I didn't need to teach them - they taught me.  They already knew what a lot of the species were.  This was a visual, real-life experience that enhanced what they have learned.  I can't take credit for their knowledge of all these things, all I did was supply them with tons of books (bought over several years) and lots of time to read and learn from them.  Anything Alec draws, Carmen draws.  And they label everything, sometimes asking how to spell something if they are drawing from memory.  Learning, learning, learning.  I love it.  They will sit for long periods of time, drawing whatever is the current subject of interest.  Makes me wonder what they will go onto next.

Remember how Alec likes to dream big?  Like wanting to build his own submarine or Concord Jet?  Now he wants to build a giant salt water tank to hold jelly fish.  Sigh.

I am tired.  Very, very tired.  Some day, a trip away from home will actually be fun and relaxing for me.  Currently, that's just not an option.  Well, there were a lot of fun times, like when I was totally exhausted but my sweet dh asked me to go for a walk near the shore - just the two of us.  Couldn't say no to that!  But these trips are so much work for me.  I stress a lot.  Plus all the discipline in the car ("Don't touch your sister, don't hit your brother", etc.)  I am glad we went, though.  I loved the jelly fish, too.

Here's a good question:  How does one teach responsibility to one's children?

I am open to any and all suggestions.  I've about had it up to "here" with my oldest.  He'll be 13 next week and I truly believe that he should be more responsible than he is.  I am not expecting too much from him.  But I know he can certainly do better than the status quo. 

My husband and I went for a walk up the hill after dinner tonight.  It was really nice to just be the two of us.  Anyway, I asked, "How do you teach responsibility?"  Then I thought, "Hey, there's a whole group of smart moms that are kind enough to read my blog - maybe they can help me out!"

So there it is ... responsibility.  What can I do?

We finished up our week of clay time yesterday.  I wrote more about that on my other blog here so I'll not repeat myself (for once!)

Today, I was thinking about how often our family's way of life is so drastically different from others.  This week, we had the good fortune of being in a class of 3 extremely nice young ladies, ages 8-11, as well as a bright and talkative 5 year old (accompanied by his grandma).  Our teacher was also very nice and personable.  I was so pleased and thanked the Lord each day for the nice people He put us with.  Even the parents that came in to get their kids were nice.

But, of course, there were times when someone would start talking about something that our family doesn't do/eat/watch.  I continually teach our kids what to say or do when times like that occur.  And I also discuss with my kids that it's o.k. to be different from the majority of the rest of the world.  True, there are a lot of people out there like us that homeschool, don't watch TV, don't go to the movies, don't drink soda, and have an extreme dislike for that character made out of a sponge (I don't wish to have his name linked to my blog).  But I'd have to say that most people are not like us.  And in case you are wondering, these very subjects came up this week, as we were working with our clay.  My husband and I are very good at nodding and smiling, contributing to the conversation if we can.  Of course, if there's a situation that calls for us to stand our ground in our beliefs, that's a different story.  But, in the course of normal conversation, subjects like this often come up (pop culture, TV, music, etc.)  So I feel it's my duty to teach my kids how to act and/or respond in these situations.  I think it's called diplomacy.  And it's something I've gotten really good at.

I first learned this skill when talking with my sister.  After I married, it seemed that everything I said to her would put her on the defense and things escalated.  I got very good at walking on egg shells with her and now, we hardly ever talk.  So be it.  And she and I actually have a lot in common.  Go figure.  Anyway, it taught me how to conduct a casual conversation without actually agreeing with someone, while not making them feel uncomfortable.  I read or hear enough about the world to be able to comment on most subjects, which is helpful, but it's also o.k. to just say, "No, I haven't seen that film."  I know of people that take a firm stand against nearly everything and end up offending people for no good reason.  That's not my way.  I used to do that, as a teenager, and it caused a lot of grief.  You live - you learn (don't The Cranberries sing a song like that?  I digress ...)

I pray that the Lord will guide me and my husband, as we teach our children to live in a world that wants them to be cardboard cut-outs of everyone else.  That's not us and I hope my kids will never conform to this world.  I pray that they will be the individuals that God wants them to be.

Our poor homeschooled kids are getting a taste of what it's like to get up early EVERY day and have to be somewhere at 9:00 a.m. - EVERY morning! 

Yes, I've signed them up for an art class this week.  We are learning how to work with clay and it's been fun.  But having to get up at 7:30 is not what they are used to (I'm up at 6:30!)  We have to leave at 8:30 to be at the class by 9:00.  It goes until 12:00 and by the time we get home and eat lunch, all we feel like doing is laying around the house, watching TV or using the computer.  Major bummer, since the weather is absolutely beautiful and warm (simply not the norm here).  I want to get out and do something but I'm too tired.  After dinner, off to shower and bed so we can all get up and do it again the next day. 

But, we are having fun creating with clay.  The instructor gives me clay every day to work with, even though I didn't sign up for the class.  I was just going to hang out and watch (rather than drive all the way home and drive back) but he wanted me to learn too.  And today, my husband got to go with us and the instructor gave him clay as well.  My younger son and my daughter are clay naturals, so I knew they would enjoy this class.  My oldest has never been too interested in working with this kind of medium but Chad said he is having more fun than he thought he would.  And today, his creation turned out really, really well.  I am please for him and having fun myself.  My stuff is lopsided but I don't care.  I'm having fun but, boy, am I tired.  Off to bed, tomorrow will get here soon!

Today is the second day of our school break.  Those silly kids don't realize that they don't have to learn right now!  What's with them?  You should have been here.

My middle son, Alec, decided he wanted to write a book about undersea ocean life, tide pools, under water terrain, stuff like that.  He used the "Magic School Bus" book about the ocean and made a little 10-page book, completely illustrated.  He spent all morning on it and proudly showed me and the rest of the family.  He wants to use it as reference for when we go to the tide pools tomorrow.  After that, he spent time on our computer encyclopedia, looking up sea life.  While this was going on, I pulled out a Scholastic Children's Dictionary for Carmen to look at.  Now that she is reading, I thought she might appreciate it more.  She sat in the kitchen, turning page after page.  At the same time, Chad, my oldest, was on his computer, where he's been entering an 8-page list of animals that he made a few years ago.  Now he wanted to enter it on the computer in alphabetical order.  Later on, Carmen and Alec each made simple dioramas of undersea life, displaying them on the piano. 

While all three kids were busy doing this, I was running back and forth doing laundry and dealing with a banking issue.  Each child was saying, "Look, Mom, look" or "Mom, look at this" or "Mom, can you come here and see this?"  I tried to keep up but finally said, "I only have one pair of eyes!"  Of course, I wasn't angry, just a little frazzled.  I didn't say one word about how cool I thought it was that they were all spending their morning learning without me having to tell them what to do.

Yesterday, Alec spent the day making undersea drawings of various marine life and under seascapes, taping them up on the hallway wall (and no, I don't mind artwork on my walls).  Carmen, not to be outdone, labeled her drawings of sea animals as "Exhibit A" and so forth.  Not sure where she got that!  Her drawings fill the wall behind the piano.  Both kids are really into undersea stuff this week, which is why we're going to the tide pools tomorrow.  It's called "Catch their interest while it's there!"

Now, this isn't how they spent their WHOLE day or anything, they went off and played later on.  But it is so nice to see them pursuing learning on their own, something THEY want to learn more about or create.  I really think they get so much more out of it when it's their idea.  And summer time is the best time for me to stand back and let them go. 

Just a few weeks ago, I was lamenting how our structured (if that's what you could call it!) school days were coming to an end.  I was "in the groove".  Now, I am more than ready for a break.  The boys are coming to a finish with several of the things they have been doing and it just seems like a natural end for now.  My daughter - you know, the one who loved math so much - is really balking at Miquon Math, even though it's the book she chooses to work in.  I am hoping that in a few months, she'll be a bit more mature and easier to work with.  The boys did the same thing so I'm pretty sure it's just that she's 7.  Miquon starts kids into multiplication fairly early, I think too early at times.  We are backing off and spending more time with addition/subtraction and other math stuff that she can do and does willingly. 

So, tomorrow is our last day.  I always think we should go out with a "bang!" or something but that's just not our style.  We are planning on continuing with Carmen's reading to me (she is reading in the Pathway Readers series and we all enjoy listening).  I want the boys to continue copying books from the Bible.  Chad has loved doing this and has tackled all of Luke, then moved on to shorter books for now.  Alec has been in Luke way too long and I suggested he stop there and go on to something like "Philemon" for a quicker satisfaction of finishing what he started.  (Do you say "Phi-lee-mon?" or "Phill-ay-mon?") 

I also want to continue reading to them about world history and hope to get back to our American history (I started that with gusto but it didn't last - shame on me!)  So, reading and occasional writing is all I wish to continue with.  Of course, they can pursue other interests that they've been wanting to spend more time on.  It will also give us time to really clean our poor house.  Having the kids home all day sure creates a lot of papers and such.  It's not that big of a deal to me most of the time but every now and then I can't stand it (Todd HATES it!)  But, I wouldn't wish for them not to be here.  I can handle the mess just to have their sweet faces around me.  Today, everyone (including Todd) was in the kitchen, doing various things and we were weaving in and out of each other's way.  I just had to smile to myself because that's exactly how I like it (most of the time!)  Having all my loved ones around me, happily pursuing something, whether it be fixing a snack, getting paper to draw, finding the scissors to create yet another submarine (that would be Alec, of course!)  I feel the love!

I had to laugh ... When my husband read my post about him, he told me, 'I'm not that good!"  I said that I thought he was.  He said I was looking through rose-tinted glasses!  He's right, of course, but isn't that fabulous?  I mean, aren't we supposed to see our spouses in the best light possible?  I know for a fact that when I start concentrating on the things I don't like or want changed about someone, I get disgruntled easily.  But when I dwell on the things that are good about a person (like my husband or my kids) I quickly see how fortunate I am to have them be a part of my life.

And that was the point of my post.  When I read about the challenge to write about our husbands, I thought about the things I appreciate most about Todd.  And that's what came out on the page.  Rose-tinted or not!

We know of a couple close to us that is going through difficult circumstances at the moment and separation looks imminent.  It breaks my heart to see this happen.  I couldn't help but remind the wife how she used to call her husband her "Prince Charming".  I didn't say it unkindly but I was hoping to remind her of why she fell in love with her husband in the first place.  When those difficult times come (and they do come to everyone at some time or another) remember what is good about your spouse and think back to why you were attracted to them in the first place.  I think rose-tinted vision is vital in most cases (of course, not when there's serious trouble but you know what I mean).

If you can, please pray for this couple.  I'll call them J & K.  They need it.  Thanks.

Thank you, Lord, for my spouse.

At the end of a recent post by dixiecajuns, she issued a challenge for others to post about their husbands.  Since Father's Day is today, I think I will answer her challenge and post about my husband.  How about you?  Will you answer her challenge?  And please pray for her and her family.  They are really hurting right now.  Thanks.

So, here goes ...

For starters, his name is Todd and he is an ICU nurse.  Most of you know that, if you have read any of my posts.  You already know that he came through a major heart surgery last January.

But what you don't know is what a capable guy he really is.  He's one of those people who, when they set out to do something, they do it.  He is a goal-setter.  I stand in amazement.  I am a dreamer.  The difference being is that the goal-setter actually achieves something.  The dreamer usually just wishes they could.  If.  If they had time.  If they had ...   You get the picture.

So when Todd says he or we will do something, it usually gets done.  Years ago, he set out to have his own cabinet shop.  And he did - and he did it well.  After many years of this, he decided it was time to shift gears and do something less damaging to his knees.  He set out to become a nurse.  And then it was a nurse in ICU.  And he wanted to work 3, 12-hour shifts a week.  And he is doing all these things.  The night shift is bittersweet - he likes the quieter night time at the hospital (no doctors or visitors running about) but he misses being home (as do I, but you already know that.)

So my husband is capable.  I know I can count on him.  I don't even think otherwise.  I take it for granted.  But I am thankful.  Todd is either here or at work.  I nearly always know where he is.  And he prefers to be here.  He has set goals for our family, for the work to be done around the house, for where he wants his (our) life to go.  It might take a long time, but I'm sure he'll achieve the goals he's set or he'll know when to readjust them.  I have faith in him. 

Todd is many other things ... hard working, artistic, logical, can fix nearly anything, predictable but also able to surprise me.  Loves his mom.  Loves the Lord.  Loves me and the kids.

After nearly 20 years of marriage, I've learned a lot from him.  He taught me to cook.  He doesn't allow me to play the martyr (I hate that!)  He changed all our firstborn's diapers.  I admit I've come to depend on him more than I should at times.  But since he started nursing school, graduated and started working nights, I have had to do a lot more on my own, which has caused me to grow up quite a bit.

Several nights ago, after the last child went to bed, we were getting ready to watch a DVD and I heard him in the kitchen but I couldn't figure out what the noise was (it's been a long time since I had heard the blender going).  Then he came in, carrying two malts that he had made for us.  For some reason, it was just the sweetest thing to me.  He didn't know why I made such a big deal about it but to me, it just felt like love in a glass.  I truly hope that in another 20 years, I'll be able to turn around and see him carrying two malts for us to share. 

Happy Father's Day, Todd.  There is no one like you.

In the Sunday paper today, I read an article in "Parade" magazine that talked about the homeschooling issue going on in California right now. And the magazine wanted people to go to their website and vote on the following: Should parents need teaching credentials to homeschool their kids?

I went to parade.com and voted where indicated. I voted "no" because I know very well that parents do NOT need teaching credentials to teach their kids. I want to encourage those of you who homeschool or support homeschooling to go to parade.com and vote your opinion. As of 10:45 pm, over 15,000 votes have been tallied and it's 90% - no and 10% - yes. I was thrilled! On their website, under the heading "What's New", click on the article entitled "Taught At Home".

I really can't stand to see anything that puts homeschooling in a negative light when I know so many, many families that homeschool successfully, including my own (in my opinion). Enough said.

Thank you so much for taking the time to give me your opinions!  I appreciate your kind comments so much.  I did actually look at all the templates again (it's been a long time since I've viewed them) and when I got to the rooster near the bottom, I started to laugh.  And laugh - for a long time!  I don't know why!  So I was tempted to use the rooster, just for a joke and just once, but couldn't bring myself to do it.  I have considered every response and I think, for now, I will stick with the status quo.  Thanks for your input!

Now, here's something actually related to homeschooling!  My kids recently went through a "calculator" phase where they were playing with all the calculators in our home.  I won't allow them to use a calculator during school but they are allowed to check their work with one or use it any other time.  My 7 y.o. daughter likes math and is fascinated by using a calculator.  So, during this phase, I was in line at the grocery store and there was an inexpensive calculator hanging there with the candy bars and nail clippers.  I bought it for Carmen and she was thrilled.  She did, however, complain a bit about the small buttons (my own calculator is larger and that's what she was used to) but I reminded her that she didn't have to use it.  She decided it was fine and has been using it ever since.  She plays a game called "Bug-opoly" based on the classic game and she calculates how much change she should get on the calculator.  We had Chinese take-out last week and everyone got a fortune cookie.  After dinner, I took all five fortunes and showed Carmen the lottery numbers on the back.  She added up everyone's numbers and put them in numerical order.  This is a child who actually likes math and seems to enjoy numbers a great deal.  So I was really pleased to see how the calculator has become a fun way for Carmen to learn even more.  As long as it doesn't make her lazy about doing calculations by hand and in her head, I don't mind how much she uses it.  And any learning tool under $3.00 is a bargain!

Since my last post was excruciatingly long, I have chosen to make this post extremely short.  I appreciate the hardy souls who endured my flat tire story to the end and commented - true blog friends!

Now, I have a question to ask:  I have had the same template always and wondered if any of you think I need to update it.  I kind of like the comfort of seeing the same header appear and it takes a snap to load.  On the other hand, I hate to be in a rut and, worse, I don't wish to be boring.  Is it time for a change?  Tell me your opinions.  I can take it!

Well, that's one way to amass a large number of birthday greetings - just leave your post up forever and everyone will get around to reading it!

Just kidding!  Thanks again for all the nice birthday comments!  So kind!  In sharp contrast, Mother's Day was a pretty average day.  My kids don't quite get Mother's Day and unless my husband is actively involved, Mother's Day is a wash.  And I don't feel quite right about asking everyone to celebrate Mother's Day after the birthday event.  Todd worked Sat. and Sun. nights and was sleeping most of Sun, so I just asked the kids to try and be extra good that day.  And I ordered Chinese take-out for dinner, my own contribution to my day.  Those sweet ladies at the restaurant wished me a Happy Mother's Day (and I returned the greeting) and then they gave me a rose before I left.  That was really all I needed!  It's been fun reading about other bloggers' Mom's Day.  Especially the breakfast-in-bed posts.  Precious.  I seriously doubt I'll ever get that kind of treatment but it's totally o.k.

Yesterday turned out to be a learning experience for me.  I had driven into a suburb of Portland, nearly 100 miles away, to do some shopping.  As I was leaving to start the journey home, I saw a warning light on my new car's dashboard.  NO ONE wants to see a warning light now, do they?  And wouldn't it be great if those warning lights SAID what they meant in words instead of some unfamiliar symbol that doesn't seem to match anything you can find in your manual?  It looked like a fish bowl with a candle in the middle.  Seriously!  I found a good place to pull over and got out my car manual.  I finally figured out it was low tire pressure.  Hmmm.  I got out and looked at the tires and, sure enough, one was flat.  The nearest gas station was ahead on Hwy 30, at least 10 miles away and I had nothing but a sharp, curving road to drive before I got there.  Well, this is a good time to pray!  Amazingly, the car didn't feel like it was driving funny at all.  I made it to the gas station and checked the tire pressure.  Uh, wait a minute ... there WAS no tire pressure, at all!  Geesh!  And, of course, air costs 75 cents (quarters only) and, of course, I only had 1 quarter.  I went inside the station and got quarters, returned and put air in the tire.  Did I mention that this was the hottest day we've had all year?  It was 95 degrees.  95!!  No big deal if one is used to it but just the day before, I was still cold and wearing a sweater.  That's the way it is here, quite often.  It's cold forever and then one day, boom, you get a sweltering day.  And not just hot but WINDY.  Not the usual cold wind we get but a really hot wind, like the Santa Ana winds I grew up with.  Anyway, there I was, sweaty, hot, filling the tire, checking the pressure, praying that the tire would get me home.

It didn't.  About a mile down the road, the fish bowl light appeared again.  This wasn't good.  I pulled over and called my dh (again).  I could have called AAA (our roadside membership) but since the car was still driveable, I decided to keep going, being so far from home and all.  Several miles down the highway, I spotted a car dealer and I pulled in.  They agreed to put my spare tire on for me but when they found out how far I had to drive to get home, they suggested I go further down a few blocks to a tire store and see if they could fix the tire.  I thanked the guys who helped me and headed down the highway.  It was getting late but the tire store was still open.  They were so nice, they took the tire off right away to inspect it ... then they showed me the 8" steel nail that punctured the tire, bent and then shredded a big hole in it.  Yikes!  They didn't have a tire to match so my dh said to have them put the spare on and just come home.  When I asked the tire people how much I owed them, they said it would be "Free dollars".  At first I didn't understand, then I got the joke!  By now, I am wind-blown, really hot and sweaty and probably not smelling the greatest.  But I thanked them graciously and started on my way home, being warned not to go more than 40-50 mph.  So I went 43 mph all the way home.  I must have pulled over 10 times to let cars pass me (Hwy 30 is a 2 lane hwy for much of the stretch to the coast).  I kept looking in my rear view mirror to check for cars and once I looked up and saw a red truck behind me.  In the next instant, suddenly a police car appeared with flashing lights and siren blaring!  Where he came from, I do not know.  I skidded to the side of the road to let him by and sat there to collect myself a bit.  Boy was I glad he wasn't after me!  By this time, I just wanted to get home, you know?  It was 4:00 when I originally left to head home but it was 7:30 before I got there.  It should have only taken 2 hours.  You tend to feel a bit cheated out of your day when something like this happens.  I was so glad to turn into our driveway.  I was tense all the way home because of the spare tire and worried about the people behind me.  I did have a few cars drive up suddenly and pass me too fast but most people kept their distance and didn't tail me.  God kept me safe and I when I was afraid, He helped me.  My husband took care of the kids and dinner was ready when I got home.  Bless him. 

Today was another learning experience.  When we bought this car (about 3 weeks ago) we paid for a program that would give us discounts on several services, including tires.  I called the program center and asked how to proceed with this tire claim.  We made an appointment with the car dealer and my husband took the tire in for me (another "bless him"!)  His appt. was at 1:00 pm.  By 3:00 pm, I called my dh and he said he was still waiting for the program center to approve his claim.  This wasn't right.  So I called the program center and they said they hadn't received the claim.  They said they needed pictures of the damaged tire before they could approve a new one and they hadn't heard from the car dealer.  I'm starting to get frustrated at this point.  I called the car dealer and explained the situation.  They said they emailed the photos.  I said, "Well, the program center hasn't received them.  Can you follow up on this?"  Within 10 minutes, my husband called me back to say that all had been approved and they were putting on the tire.  I was furious that they made him wait 2 hours for something that should have only taken 10-15 minutes.  He was 50 miles away as well, which meant he had to hang out somewhere all that time (in another sweltering day).  It turns out that the guy at the car dealer did email the photos but attached the wrong customer name to the photos.  I was so glad I called everyone and made things happen.  I think God gave me that nudge.  If I hadn't have intervened, my husband would still be there (o.k., he wouldn't be there this late but you get the picture!)

Lessons learned:

     1.  Read your car owner's manual.  Sometimes a fish bowl isn't a fish bowl. 

     2.  Pack extra food/water and maybe an extra shirt when you have to travel over 50 miles away from home.

     3.  Never assume people will take care of things for you.  You must follow up on things yourself.  People make mistakes.  Keep your cool and ask for help - people usually respond in kind.  Smile a lot and thank everyone who helps you.  Never assume help is free - always offer to pay.

I finally remembered when and where I hit that stupid 8 inch nail.  I had heard a loud thump under the car but I didn't see anything in the road before I heard it and when I looked in the mirror behind me, I saw nothing.  But then I wouldn't see something like that, would I?  No, today was just one of those days that you see the lessons you had to learn and thank the Lord for being at your side.  And be grateful for the kindness of those who tried to help.