Life is funny. We travel through our lives, meeting people, going through experiences...all of it helps to make us who we are today, good and bad. Think of all the people you have known. My grama and I had a talk, not too long ago, about how many people each one of us touches in our lifetime. Family, friends, strangers...so many that we meet and influence in whatever way. We remembered that when Grampa died, there were so many people that came to his funeral. I remember looking back, from the car we rode in to the cemetery, and watching the line of cars, headlights beaming, winding along the route. It was a long, long line of people making their way to pay their final respects and it struck me that Grampa knew so many people! That thought stayed with me.
In the last 6 months, I have connected, thanks to technology, with people that I lost touch with years ago. Two of them were dear to me and I thought they were gone forever. Thanks to an invention called Facebook, familiar faces have been found. Lisa, a close friend from college, found me back in December and that was so exciting! We have found that over the years, we have both looked for each other and came up empty. Finally, we connected and it has been great to be in touch again. A friend from high school sent me a message a few months ago and that was a surprise. And, now, Julie!! Julie was my stepsister, but our parents divorced in the 80's and our paths went in different directions. That happens. The common bond between us split and we went from being close friends/sisters to strangers. I believe people come and go for a reason. They are a apart of our lives for a season and then, time marches on. Julie, my sister, Samantha and I had some good times. I am remembering many happy memories. It was a shock to see Julie's face in a Facebook message...I didn't recognize her at first. How awesome it is to hear from her and learn how life has been all of these years. I am so happy to learn she homeschooled her children too!! All of this is because of technology! Nowadays, with computers and satelites, we can find almost anyone!! It is truly amazing!! Type in a name, a school, so many ways, and you can find your long lost pal! I love it.
I have this picture of Kristopher, Julie's son, and he was barely walking. It was taken on one of the college lawns, the Fall Julie and I went to Seattle Pacific University. Kristopher had on a pair of sunglasses and was soooo cute! Everyone loved having the little guy around. I remember that time like it was yesterday and tonight I learned that Kristopher is now a US Marine serving in Europe. Wow!
It has been a nice couple of weeks. We left Da Cabin and headed for The Disbrows 2 weeks ago and have had a wonderful time. Yesterday, we drove to see our other dear friends in Nevada for a birthday party. It was nice to visit and hang out with Andy and Renee and their boys. The little guys get cuter and cuter! Devon turns 15 tomorrow and his parents had a party for him to celebrate this time in his life....a time of entering manhood and learning what it is to be a Godly man in this crazy world. They had several men stand up and offer words or wisdom to Devon. It isn't a common way to celebrate a 15 year old's birthday, but one that more people might want to consider. Very touching and uplifting!
We came back to Michael and Shirley's today and it felt so good to be home. God has blessed us in so many ways. We have friendships that are more valuable than gold and silver!! This week, we start hunting again for houses or a place to park Da Cabin. Maybe we will just bring the box to a park in the area as we look for our new home. Hard to know what to do. There are so many sweet friends at The Cove, it will be sad to leave them when the time comes. Something will come up and God will direct us as He usuallly does. All is good!! Take care and find time to laugh until you cry! It is medicinal to laugh, you know.
July 3rd is coming...Kent and I will have been married for 15 years on that day! Amazing how time just marches on. I like to think back on how crazy times were when we were first together. It was not easy adjusting to marriage, especially, because we were older and set in our ways. Can any of you relate? But, God has really blessed us and has helped us in our walk together. It all works out, but it takes work. We are trying to decide on something to do to celebrate...what a boring couple! Probably, we will have dinner and go home. Not much imagination, I am afraid!!!!!!
We are at The Disbrows again...it is our home away from home and we are happy to be back. I am not sure for how long, but we are thankful to be here again. May you all be blessed and have a fabulous day!!
Well, it is offical, Ron Paul has ended his campaigning for the presidency. I knew he wouldn't win, but I sure hoped all of this time that he could somehow make it. I had faith. Now, who will I support? I do not trust the 2 candidates representing the major parties. I cannot in good faith vote for them. I have always been a rebublican, I was born into the party, as my grama used to say. But, the GOP just ain't what it used to be anymore. It is a strange year for politics. It is a strange time for a lot of things! Like, the gas prices, grocery prices, disasters around the world....times are tough aren't they!! Well, the Bible tells us that things will change, that is for sure, and there is something big afoot, I believe!!
Today, we did something I never thought I would do. Never dreamed of it!! Are you curious?? Bryan and I were invited to go to the Bodies Revealed exhibit, by our sweet neighbor Elaine. Have you neard of it? Oh my...it was a strange, yet facinating, thing to see! Real bodies, preserved in a way that allows one to see their insides, all of the glory of God's creation! We saw muscles, ligaments, nerves, organs, bones, all of it! Truly amazing!! How can anyone look at the body and believe that it came from some pond ooze...or that it just...happened...POOF! There is no way! None!!! It is so obvious that there is an intelligent Grand Designer, our Creator and God, that knit each body, each living thing together with love and care. It was facinating to move through the exhibit, each of us in awe! Well, that was a good way to end the 7th grade! A huge science lesson in anatomy! I have to share something, a little embarrassing, but, well....here goes. We were standing there, looking at the skeletons and talking about it all. There was one hanging, you know, like you see in the Dr's office? Well, I looked around to see if there was a sign and I never saw one, nothing saying 'DO NOT TOUCH'. So, me being me, I took the skeletal hand in mine and introduced myself. Of course, Bryan did it too! It was then that Elaine whispered," It says DO NOT TOUCH!" We let go quickly and I had to stop the arm from swinging!! Sure enough, right below the, er, gentleman's foot, was a clearly displayed sign with the instruction I missed. I felt to stupid! No harm was done, thankfully...can you imagine if....I do not want to go there! We moved on with no longer existant ancestral tails between our legs!! Isn't science grand!
I hope you are having a good week, wherever you are. Take care and take the time to enjoy God's splendor! He is so amazing and so generous to us all!
It was a beautiful day yesterday. We had a picnic/potluck for a few of us here at The Cove. It was nice to hear laughter and funny stories as we fellowshipped on the lawn. Good food and good friends always make for good times. We were wondering what took us so long to have a get-together!
Our search still continues for a house. When did I first mention we were planning to move?? It seems like forever ago! We have looked at many places, some wonderful and some not so nice, but nothing has gone our way. We are not unhappy where we are, this is the best neighborhood we have ever, ever lived in! I am constantly amazed at how blessed we are to have so many good people around us. But our goal has been to be closer to our dear friends, The Disbrows, and also be a little closer to Kent's work. Our two families have been through a lot together and we sure miss them. So, we continue to look. I have been waiting for 3 or so weeks now on a house in the mountains...so cute!...but there has been no word. I have called and the owner assured me he would call as soon as his decision was made. Well.....I think it is time to move on since that call has not come. We found another hopeful today. Pray for us, if you will. We just want to have a home with more room to spread out. Just today, I have whacked my knee 3 times, due to the lack of space around me. I am not whining, well, maybe I am a alittle, but...a gal just wants to have a house!! Hopefully, all will come together before long.
I guess that is all I have for today. Take care, enjoy your coffee and enjoy the view, wherever you are!
Happy Birthday to sweet Katey Grace! If there is one 13 year old girl that has it going on it is Katey! She and I love to sneak downstairs, late at night, and grab a spoonfull of peanut butter!! It is a grand celebration for the tastebuds and so sweet to share that with Katey.
OOOPS
I don't think I was supposed to share that! Oh well!
Katey, we love you and miss you and wish so much that we were there to celebrate you!!!! We will have to make up for it when we get back to town, back home.
What a beautiful day!! I love it when it isn't too hot and a nice breeze blows through. Bryan and I sat outside with Patti and Cyndi, chatting and sharing stories. Good stuff. It is so good to sit and relish moments like that. After all of the drama we have had around here lately, it was nice to have the calm.
My laptop arrived too! I sent it in to HP 2 weeks ago to be fixed. For someone who spends a lot of time on her laptop, it was driving me crazy to be without it. So, when it arrived, I was happy!! Yahoo!! The joy was short lived...one problem was fixed but the main issue had not been resolved. They did not address it at all! So, after another hour and a half with a technician, they said to send it in again. Aaargh! A frustration to be sure, but, I am thankful for warranties!
I just talked to Kent, my truck drivin', pedal to the metal, man. He had a scare today. If you live near Sacramento, you know about the freeway closures. It is not fun to navigate, I hear, and if you are in a big rig, you do not want to miss your detour exit.....I repeat...you DO NOT want to miss it! Well, Kent missed it. He said the sun was glaring in his eyes and he missed the sign for the exit. As he drove by it, he realized, "OH OH!" He took another exit, praying it was a street he could get through without too much problem, and was ready to call the police to help him get back on the right detour for trucks. Well, all went well, and after a few extra heavy heartbeats, he managed to get back on track. Ain't road construction grand!!!
I am praying for my dear friend, Shirley. She is having a rough time right now and she could use prayer. If you think of it, pray for her and her family as they go through these times. It will all come out okay, but trials are trials! I am also praying that we hear soon on the house. Still, no word and I am thinking it is not a good sign. We shall see.
Be well, and as my mom likes to say, "May your days be filled with green lights and blue skies!"
How many times have you, as homeschooling families, had to deal with naysayers...those that cannot stand the fact you school at home and are surely ruining the next generation? It really amazes me, how some can believe that children would do so much better in a public school. I have friends that always refer to public schools as Government Training Grounds. I may giggle at that description, but I wouldn't go THAT far...or would I??
Well, we have had to deal with such people, but that is the price for being different. Those that swim against the flow have to expect a bit of flack every now and again. Our latest trial is with a neighbor. One who lives here at The Cove, but is not a part of The Cove, if you know what I mean. He has expressed his views to us, a few times, about how much damage we are doing to our son by not letting him go to a local school, where he can be bullied and maybe, beaten up, so the boy will know how to deal with life. Isn't that an interesting way to look at life. Well, I suppose without God, that is how life can seem. Survival of the fittest and all of that stuff.
We are thankful for our choices and the life we live. God takes care of us and He has blessed Bryan with knowledge and understanding. Bryan has a thirst for God that is refreshing and wonderful! I love watching him grow and learn. And as for his social skills....he does very well, with all people, of all ages. Bryan treats people with repect and honor. Isn't that a part of what citizenship is? Aren't we supposed to teach our children to be respectful and kind, helping others and living a life free from mischief! To be a grounded person, one does not need to have to be bullied and bloodied. I know, I know...let it go...it's just that my feathers get ruffled when I have to listen to some.
One thing I have learned in my life thus far is that when the attacks come from those around you, it is a good indication that you are doing things right and living a life closer to God. At least, that is what I have noticed. So, maybe, the evil one is trying to stir up trouble to get us all fired up and full of bad ju ju! I ain't going to happen! We are praising God all the more! School is still in session in our house and we are thankful for it!
Well, how do you like my revamped blog?? I spent the day working on it and, if I do say so myself, it looks pretty snazzy. I have a few more things to update, but, other than that, this is it!!
Whew! Changing templates take a lot of work! I am still no expert with html code, but I managed to figure things out.
We went to see Prince Caspian the other day..it was so good! We loved it! It is wonderful that they are making the Narnia movies. I know that they are not as true to the story as they could be, but overall, they have done a good job. Seeing the movie and then talking to Bryan about the storyline has made me remember the Further Up and Further In curriculum. I have wanted to use it, but put it off. I think we will plan on doing the Narnia study next year. It seems like fun. Have any of you used it? What did you think? Saxon is our choice for math, and we buy the DIVE CD's, which have been a blessing for me! I am a math illiterate and need all the help I can get in teaching it. That is far as I have gotten in my choices for 8th grade. Any suggestions?? I am always open to advice and suggestions.
Today has been a nice day. The sun was warm and plentiful, the grass is mowed and so green, (thank you Frank!) and it was good to chat and watch Darth zip and zoom all over the place. He thinks he is a big dog. All 4 pounds of him tried to attack a very large black Lab this afternoon! Thank goodness the Lab did not see Darth as "lunch". It is nice here at The Cove!
Bryan had show and Tell today too. He had fun showing his knife and sword collection. Everyone was duly impressed.
Darth Pood got a haircut! Anyone who has seen the pooch lately can attest to the fact that the boy was getting mangy! So, now Darth is looking spiffy with his new doo..including a moustache.
Isn't he adorable!! Just so smucious and sweeter than pie! Yoshi, don't be jealous! It is not becomming of a prince to show such emotion!!
May is flying by us, isn't it! Bryan is busy trying to finish up his subjects, anxious to end the 7th grade. I find that funny. We have never put much stock in the whole grade system, leaving that for the public schoolers. But, kids need to have the label, their "place" in life, I guess. So, my 7th grader is anxious to be called an 8th grader and I am just thankful my son loves learning. Books are great, but today, was another one of those days that makes my heart swell with love and gratefullness for my son. He told me that he felt God's joy today, so overwhelming it sent him to his knees. My son has more going for him than any book or field trip can offer! I am so thankful. God is good!
We also had a visit to the vet today. Darth was miserable and shaking his head in a frenzy. I suspected something in his ear and asked for help from our dear neighbors. We could not find the offending matter and I had to take The Pood to the vet...to the emergency hospital, that is. We had to go, but why...WHY did this happen on a Sunday afternoon? After hours? -sigh- The doctor found a foxtail that had wedged itself into my baby's eardrum. No wonder he was in such pain! They said they had many dogs today with that very problem. Rotten stickers! Darth was cooperative and he allowed the doctor to remove the pokey thing and have medicine rubbed into his ears. The bill was hefty, and I stood at the desk wondering how I could pay it today. I would have to dip into our house fund (a savings we have to move us into the house we are planning to find). I prayed for God's help and wished I could be billed. That would be the best thing for me. A few minutes later, a woman came out from the back and said the computer was down and they would have to bill us. I laughed out loud and she must have thought I was a nut!! I told her that was just fine with me and we left. Praise God! He worked it out for us in a big way.
So, today, was a great day at Da Cabin. It may be sweltering hot and it is tough to stay cool here at the park, but, the refreshing and loving Spirit of The Lord touches us and lifts our spirits high! We have been loving life and I am always amazed at how things work out. We are blessed daily. Enjoy your week...remember to thank God for His grace and love!!
Happy Mother's Day to you all! Isn't wonderful to be honored! I love it. There is nothing better than being honored by your child(ren) and husband. I love thinking back on previous Mother's Days, remembering the breakfasts and time with my family. I remember when Bryan used to sit near me and watch every mouthful of the breakfast he helped Daddy make. This morning, Bryan made me the most delicious skillet. It was FABULOUS! and the coffee....mmmmmm....I wish we could have that meal again....right now! Kent was able to stay home most of the day before leaving for work and that was nice. It was a good day and one that will linger in my pleasant thoughts for quite awhile.
It was sweet talking with my mom and grama this morning too. Both are so important to me and I cherish them so much. I am the mother I am, because of my mom and grama. Thank you both!!
For all of you that are mothers, whether with children at home or raised and on their way, or even for those of you who just found out you are carrying a new little one in the safety of your belly, enjoy! Relish every moment with your precious one(s). What a wonderful job God has given us!
That is a word that makes my skin crawl! I get that little shudder whenever I hear there is a skunk in the area. I used to think they were so cute, as they ambled along their path, with their bushy tails waving in the air. I had never been squirted by a skunk and never had to deal with the chaos those little critters can cause. That was before our sweet Goldie learned how much fun it was to chase skunks. You may remember my post from last year, when Goldie brought me a baby skunk...in her mouth! That was a miserable ordeal, but we got through it. Gallons of soap and peroxide (Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel found that recipe to be the most effective.) and lots and lots and lots of patience got us through it. Our trailer has been blasted a few times since then, but nothing serious. Since we live on the edge of the pond, all kinds of critters meander about in the moonlight, including the polecats. I think they just mist us every so often to keep us on our toes. Yuck! I prefer to not deal with skunks and I do not think they are cute any longer.
So, this morning, at about 3 a.m. or so, as we slumbered in our beds, finally feeling the cool morning air filter in through the window, there was a familiar scent as well. I thought, "SKUNK!!! Some dumb skunk passing by and giving us a whiff of his power. Blast the varmit!" I kept my eys closed. It would pass. But instead, the scent grew stronger! It was bad! Almost as if the polecat had climbed right up into my bunk. And then I heard..."Mrs. Sands! Dixie got sprayed! Ugggghhhh!!!" I opened my eyes! DIXIE!!!! Blast that hound! She was SUPPOSED to be cuddled up with Kolton. Bryan and Kolton slept on the deck last night. (They ain't no dummies! It was hot last night!) I asked Keri if she was sure. "YES! I am looking right at her! She got downstairs, to the side of the house and....Mrs. Sands...she is rolling all over the ground!" Another "ugggghhhhh!" Keri was fuming!
Dixie is the big, lazy oaf of a dog that normally just lounges about. She isn't partial to moving much...but I guess the moonlight seduced her into an early morning walk and, perhaps, a walk with a skunk. That dog! She was blasted...up close and personal....right under our window. The air was thick and our throats burned. Bad!!! Bad!!!!!!!! Bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The boys awoke and helped Keri contain the smelly hound in the backyard. The damage was done and there was little to do except groan and hold our noses. Michael and Shirley were blessed to continue their sweet slumber. I was glad for that; their room is on the opposite side of the blast zone. With Dixie safe in the backyard, some of the kids wandered back to bed. Some went downstairs to lay on the couch and lament. I looked at the clock and decided to just leave...get out of dodge! Now do not think I was being ungrateful and heartless by just upping and leaving my generous host's home. I was planning to leave anyway, a few hours later, but, under the circumstances, I decided to get an earlier than planned start to my day. I had to drive back home for an appointment. The scent stayed with me, though. My clothes...my PILLOWS! And they weren't even sprayed, but, oh, they stink! There may be a bonfire here tonight!
The last I heard, Dixie was pouting in the backyard, shunned by her family, oh except for one, Shirley. Shirley can face the skunky dog. She can sit right next to her without a care or a plugged nose. It is no secret, as Shirley has shared this fact before. She cannot smell...AT ALL...the musky, skunky, sickening smell of the polecat! She is blessed. God has spared her olfactories and she has no idea why everyone gets so excited when they hear....SKUNK!!!!!!!!!!
April is zooming buy us, isn't it! Funny how time rushes by adults and drags on and on and on for kids. I miss those days....ho hum......You know, being an adult isn't for whimps! I know several families with teens that are in so much of a hurry to grow up. They want to have the fun adults get to have and the freedoms!! I remember feeling that too. Oh the blessed freedoms that come with leaving home and going it on your own!! Oh, how I wish I could still be young again!! (OOoops...I sound like my parents now!)Bryan is still content to be a kid at home, enjoying life as a kid. Whew! I hope to keep it that way for awhile!!
Last Thursday, Bryan, Pood and I decided to hit the road and pay our dear friends, The Disbrows, a visit...I know what you are thinking, we did NOT pack for a month!! Anyway, we are here again, nestled in the trees with our friends and thinking about house hunting again. I think it was good to take a break from it. I am ready to look again. It is so nice to be here. Michael and Shirley are the best...kind, giving, and encouraging. They wrote the book on hospitality!! Kent, Bryan, and I have been blessed over and over in our relationship with the Disbrow family. I love how God places people in our lives to show His love and care for us. It is a good thing, indeed.
Yesterday, we took a trip to Lake Tahoe. It was a beautiful day and a peaceful drive along the winding roads and through the forest of thick pines. We were living life and enjoying it all! I have included some pics so you can taste a bit of what we enjoyed. Darth and Yoshi went too, and they frolicked in the sunshine and were thrilled to have so many new places to mark as their own, if you know what I mean...
Well, that is about it for today. I pray that life is sweet where you are and remember to share laughter with all!! It is such a healing way to enjoy the day.
This is looking down on Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe. The water is always so blue and so clear!!
Have you heard of this site?? Not only do you challenge yourself with vocabulary, but you help contribute rice to hungry people around the world. We have been playing this for days! Try it out!
Spring....such a beautiful season...full newness and life. Bryan is having a hard time focusing on his work, because the pool calls to him. His bike screams for attention and he aims to please. I give him plenty of time to play and enjoy the wonderful weather, but I am pushing for him to finish his schoolwork too! Crack that whip! We are doing pretty well overall, and should finish most of the work by the end of May. Soon, oh too soon, Bryan will be finished with the seventh grade. High school is creeping up on us....and as it does, something is happening to me...I am doing what I counsel people all of the time NOT TO DO! I am feeling the cold sweats and the fear that we have....gulp....I can hardly get the word out...
GAPS!!
Yes, I fear we have gaps in our learning. Okay, who am I kidding? We DO have gaps! I have tried to make sure we cover everything, but there are those areas where we are weak. Bryan needs more history, more science, more writing...more and more and more and......GULP!
This is where I usually place my hand on my friend's shoulder and say, in a calm voice, "Shhhh....calm down...it is all okay. You are doing fine. Look at your child...he is doing fine!" Sooooooo....why am I not listening to my own advice? Why am I slowly nurturing a panic?? OKay....Suzy....breathe!!!
I have been going over curriculum ideas, asking for suggestions and am trying to piece together resources. I am looking at doing something new next year, doing what we all do as we look over requirements for the coming school year. I need to expose the, er, uh, GAPS, and fill them.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. I need to calm down, get a cup of coffee and relax! It is going to be fine.....right?!
Movies...not too many these days that we like or care to even try out. Isn't that sad? I used to LOVE to go to the movies, be it a theatre or drive-in, I loved it! There are just too few out there that I like or care to spend money on.
When we were at Mom's, we watched a few really good movies! I loved them. One was "The Straight Story". Have you see that? It is a great story about an older man who needs to get to his brother to repair their relationship. The brother had a stroke and the two had not spoken for years. So, a trip was made, on a rider lawnmower, from Iowa to Wisconsin. It is a good story.
We watched "The Winslow Boy", which is about a boy that is accused of wrongdoing. He didn't do it and his family gave up everything to clear his name. No one thought they would win, because they were going after the government, but they did! The father wanted his son's name to be clear of any blemish, especially when the lad was innocent.
"The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn" was a wonderful, maybe my favorite film! You should check that one out for sure! It is a story of a man so simple and honest that he is unaware of the outside world and its corruption. Until they try to force him from his land. We should all be more like Noah Dearborn!!
Last night, Bryan and I watched "To Kill a Mocking Bird", which is always a great story.
I love movies that make me stop and think about life and how simple it should be. I love movies that make me smile and/or cry. Our focus should be on loving and caring for others, not on unwholesome behavior, like so many films today depict! Good movies are so hard to find.
Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. -Isaiah 40:31
My laptop arrived too! I sent it in to HP 2 weeks ago to be fixed. For someone who spends a lot of time on her laptop, it was driving me crazy to be without it. So, when it arrived, I was happy!! Yahoo!! The joy was short lived...one problem was fixed but the main issue had not been resolved. They did not address it at all! So, after another hour and a half with a technician, they said to send it in again. Aaargh! A frustration to be sure, but, I am thankful for warranties! 
He had a scare today. If you live near Sacramento, you know about the freeway closures. It is not fun to navigate, I hear, and if you are in a big rig, you do not want to miss your detour exit.....I repeat...you DO NOT want to miss it! Well, Kent missed it. He said the sun was glaring in his eyes and he missed the sign for the exit. As he drove by it, he realized, "OH OH!" He took another exit, praying it was a street he could get through without too much problem, and was ready to call the police to help him get back on the right detour for trucks. Well, all went well, and after a few extra heavy heartbeats, he managed to get back on track. Ain't road construction grand!!!
Isn't he adorable!! Just so smucious and sweeter than pie! Yoshi, don't be jealous! It is not becomming of a prince to show such emotion!!
Kent and Bryan down by the river.
Kent and Michael 
We are doing pretty well overall, and should finish most of the work by the end of May. Soon, oh too soon, Bryan will be finished with the seventh grade. High school is creeping up on us....and as it does, something is happening to me...I am doing what I counsel people all of the time NOT TO DO! I am feeling the cold sweats and the fear that we have....gulp....I can hardly get the word out...
