Online Yard Sale

I never new there was such a thing but I got the idea from some fellow bloggers and thought I'd give it a try. I'm having a yard sale right here on my virtual lawn!

We all have things that we need to get rid of around our house and we all could stand to get a purchase some items far below the retail price.

Hopefully, some of the items I list here, will be found as great bargains for you!!

Depending on the item, and your location, a shipping fee will be added to the price listed below. If you're interested in a particular item, post a comment or email me at JeoffsRib at hotmail dot com and let me know.

Flash Skills Phonics - Vowels (Grade 1) $2.00

Vocabulary Bridges from English to Latin & Greek by Harvey Bluedorn $12.00

Designing Your Dream Husband - How to Build Your Man Up and Release Him to His Full Potential by Amie Dockery ... like new $5.00



Family Driven Faith - Doing What it Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk with God by Voddie T. Baucham Jr. $12.00

Seeking Him (Workbook) - Experiencing the Joy of Personal Revival by Nancy Leigh DeMoss $10

I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman L. Geisler, Frank Turek $5

Operation World - Wehen We Pray God Works by Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk $5

Bible Doctrine - Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith by Wayne Grudem $5

The Eternal Church - A Prophetic Look at the Church, Her History, Restoration, and Destiny by Dr. Bill Hamon $5

The Blessings of Brokenness - Why God Allows Us to Go Through Hard Times (Book) by Charles Stanley .... like new $5.00

Jennifer Knapp CD - Kansas - ... used $1.00


What to Expect When You're Expecting ... like new $5 (purchased for $14.95)

The Chronicles of Narnia - The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis ... $2

Rebecca St. James CD - Pray ... $1.00

Kathy Trocolli CD - Love & Mercy ... $1.00

Experiencing God CD - Music for Knowing & Doing the Will of God ... $1.00

Kathy Trocolli CD - Love & Mercy ... $1.00

Microsoft Office Mac 2008: Special Media Edition for Digital Media Enthusiasts - (Also includes Expression Media) - Suggested price is $249, but name your price!

Homeschool 2008-2009

I'm still working on this but here's my list of approaches and curriculum we're considering for this school year. The bottom list is where I started. The top list is the more "narrowed down" list.


This is where we are now:
The list includes all of what we'll use. Some will be only for Kitty (first grade) and The Pupster will kind of tag along with. Everything else we'll do all together and all the kids will glean from it.


Discipline - The Bible, The Rod of Correction

Phonics & Early Reading: Letter of the Week (FREE), and TATRAS - Teach America to Read and Spell

Multiple Subjects: Five in a Row by Jane Lambert.  I love this because we'll be reading books that were already on my list of books to read this year (and learn through reading), and the Five in a Row lesson plans cover a number of subjects such as Social Studies, Language Arts, Math, Art and Science.

The bulk of our homeschool day will be focused on the areas above (1) reading - to enrich the mind, build vocabulary, broaden their view of the world, (2) writing (3) work & service ethic, (4) discipline, and (5) honoring God & parents ... we will pull from the areas below as well but these five are of primary concern.  We follow the Trivum Method of Classical Homeschooling. 

----------------------------

Additional Literature: Veritas Press First Favorites - Volume 1, Billy Blaze Books, James Herriot's, Literature Pockets, Treasury for Children and other Classic Children's Books, A Child's Garden of Verses, The Children's Book of Virtues -- for reading aloud, memorization, copywork and narration

History: Diana Waring's History Alive - Audio plus activity book and read-alouds
Capyboppy -- for reading aloud, copywork and narration

Bible & Godly Character: Big Truths for Little Kids (Catechism), My ABC Bible Verses, For Instruction in Righteousness by Doorposts -- for memorization

Writing: ReadyWriter -- for writing practice

Spelling: Spelling Workout A & B

Geography: How to Use a Map, Land Forms and Bodies -- we'll do narration with these to test comprehension

Science: Things Outdoors, Science With Water, Science With Plants -- we'll do narration with these to test comprehension

Math: Developmental Math, Living Math books, Calculadder, The Complete Book of Math,Wedgits & Cuisenaire Rods

P.E. - Homeschool Family Fitness

Art: How to Teach Art to Children, Drawing with Children, Come Look with Me: Enjoying Art with Children, Come Look with Me: Exploring Landscape Art with Children,

Music: Piano Lessons, Introduction to the Orchestra

Foreign Language: Hebrew & Greek - Little Bitty Baby Learns Hebrew by Johanna Bluedorn, Greek - A Greek Hupogrammon -- memorization

__________________________

This is where we started:

Letter of the Week (FREE)
Lapbook Lessons (FREE)
Homeschool Share Free Unit Studies & More Free Lapbooking
Typing
Veritas Press - First Favorites
Wedgits
Cuisenaire Rods
Timberdoodle
Little Bitty Baby Learns Hebrew by Johanna Bluedorn
Big Truths for Little Kids
ABC Bible Verses
Teach Your Child to Read
Basic Phonics Skills B and C
Spelling Workout A, B and/or C
Italic Handwriting A and B
Shurley English 1 - Grammar - 1st grade
How to Use a Map
Land Forms and Bodies..
Literature Pockets: Nursery Rhymes
Literature Pockets: Caldecott Winners - 1st grade
A Child's Garden of Verses
A Treasury of Children's Literature
20th Century Children's Fables
Where the Wild Things Are
Homeschool Family Fitness
How to Teach Art to Children

Books for Parents
The Well-Trained Mind
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Say Goodbye to Whining...
Easy Classical
Choreganizers

Cleaning challenges ..aargh!

I'll be very honest on this post. More than one person asked me, in so many words, if I needed help with keeping the house clean. Here's part of my response:

Do I Need Professional Help?
When asked if it would help to hire someone, I said I hadn't done that yet because I would have to have someone come regularly. They could come and do a good thorough job but I would still have to work on keeping it up and maintaining it. I have days that I have the whole day to clean and I clean it and it looks great and then it has to be done again. It takes regular maintenance to keep it clean and it comes and goes (times when I can keep it up, and when I don't). It takes improving habits for children adults and it takes child training in maintenance.

But I'll take the help. Regular professional cleaning... sure! In the meantime I'll keep working on improving my game.

Advice from others

I hear mixed advice and information from other people. Including, "I have young children and my house is always clean" (yeah right, I've never heard that). But I HAVE heard people who have young children now and those who had young children at one time.

1) Some say they get really stressed out about the fact that cleaning and keeping it clean and training kids to clean is so hard and frustrating but thank God the kids become older and more able to help.

2) Some say like this older lady whose children are now grown, that they did the main areas of cleaning and other things they didn't stress about because it was more important to spend the time with the children, that they need, like talking to them, reading to them, enjoying those moments that will never come back after the kids grow up and are out of the house. One lady told me that years from now your kids won't remember the house being tidy or not, when they grow up as much as they will remember the time you spent with them and the things you taught them.

3) Some just let their house go! I do not do that. I actually work really hard!

4) One friend's parents paid for someone to come and clean her house and her floor and she said she appreciated it, she really did, but she was left with still having to maintain it and work on rules and habits of keeping things tidy. And she's still working on that.

5) One friend's house I thought always looked immaculate. She told me about the challenges she has throughout the week. I was like what? Not her! That let me know almost everyone has challenges.

Chores

Just last night I put together a new chore/chart system for the kids to remind them of areas to clean on their own, without me having to remind them (hopefully). They get stickers for what they do and that earns them the privelege to watch movies and to go see this show they want to see at the Children's Theater at the end of the month. They have improved a whole lot in that area. I used to not stay on top of them about dropping things on the floor and not putting things back where they belong and having stuff right in the middle of the floor. Now I do that. It is hard, constant work though!!

Energy

I have a lot more energy did than when I was pregnant (of course) and more than I did when Baby was first born. Before I say more about my cleaning challenges, I can say that lately I have been spending energy on another area where I really needed to improve. That's in the areas of cooking. One of the things my husband has talked about over and over and over is healthy eating, and not eating out.. not to just to save money but so that our bodies are healthy and less likely for disease and fatigue. I was bragging to my mother and sisters the other day and telling them that last week I actually cooked 4 times out of 5 nights of the week!!!

Back to energy and issues with keeping up with cleaning...... I have to allocate how I spend the energy in a given day and these are the things I spend that energy on --- reading books to the kids, listening to them read, washing the dishes, fixing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, clearing and clearning the table, sweeping the kitchen, mopping the kitchen, washing each category of clothes, folding and putting away each category of clothes, giving baths and showers, doing hair, cleaning bathrooms and tubs (we use the master bathroom for almost everything so that's the main one I clean.... and the kids bathroom toilet now needs to be fixed but when it works I have to work hard to keep it clean for guests right?) the list goes on.

It's similar to the challenge that it was when the kids were in school and I worked. It's just that season of life, having little kids in the house.

So if I had a long day and was out of energy one night or if I was sick or whatever there may be days where I have absolutely no energy, and if someone knocks on the door on those days, I literally don't want to answer the door. I don't know when those days will come but I know they will. I have really really good days and every now and then I have much worse days. And some of those are when I have someone drop by. I'm working on having more of those drop by days also be clean house days!

Frog and Toad All Year

My kids love these books. We read them first, as one of the many stories in the book, Ready Set Read. Then we found them in audio format at the library and they fell even more deeply in love with them. Especially The Pupster. He wil sit and listen and follow along, over and over and over and he asks for it almost every day. After I'm done with the library loan, this will definitely be one to purhase.

To top it off, we're going to see Frog & Toad All Year dramatized.... at the children's theatre in a couple of weeks. They are so excited! (I am too)

Baked Salmon Fillets

From cooks.com

Salmon fillets, any portion size, boned and skinned
Onion powder, to taste be generous
Garlic powder, to taste be generous
Dried dill, to taste be generous
Mrs. Dash, to taste be generous
Mayonnaise
Paprika

Wash and dry fillets. Spread thin coat of mayonnaise over salmon. Spray Pam or similar product over Pyrex or tin foil pan or rectangular pan (depending on amount and size of portions).

Sprinkle seasonings over fish ending with paprika. Bake in 375 degree oven for 10 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily.

(This recipe can be used for chicken as well!)

Family Schedule

Here's a new schedule I'm working on to help keep my life prioritized and in order as we exist in here together all day!! It's difficult to do with so many opportunities to get off track and having a large (or larger than normal) family; and one with littles who can help some but not nearly as much as they will some day!

I started by prioritizing each area of life and the jobs I have to do throughout the day, then detailing out the tasks under each area (without being anal and putting everything down to a T). The ones listed below are somewhat in order by priority. My desire is that this will also help me focus on the things I should be doing with the children (teaching and training) during times that i could be distracted by the phone or the computer.

I also included the chores that I do each day of the week.

That used to just be a list of chores by day, but now I'm including the times of the day I HOPE to get them done!

(The hour-by-hour schedule is on my computer in a nice format with tables, but I haven't worked out how to get that format displayed here on the blog).

Oh one more thing, the children have a different set of chores. I'll post that one later. When I'm on my job of management, they do chores that last 10 minutes or so, and those are done every hour except during lunch, naptime, and dinner/family time.

Morning
A. Prayer with Jeoff
1. Personal – hair, nails, eyebrows, lotion, etc.
2. Children's grooming - baths, brush teeth, etc.
3. Children reading
4. Cook breakfast
5. Eat breakfast
6. Cleaning the home
7. Daddy's clothes (help with preparation, cleaning, ironing)
8. School – Bible principles / heart shepherding :-), reading, memorization, teaching, crafts, etc.
9. Dance practice time (children)
10. Field trips (as scheduled)

(hourly schedule coming soon)

Afternoon

1. Cook (prepare) lunch
2. Eat lunch
3. Personal – prayer, Bible reading
4. Cleaning the home
5. Phone calls
6. Read to kids
7. Nap time
8. Husband requests – admin / projects / check mail and file it
9. Personal email / blogging / etc.
10. Planning - homeschool, family calendar, children's activities, shared community of believers
11. Service to Others – mail cards, take gifts, etc.
12. Field trips - as scheduled
13. Field trips - as scheduled

(hourly schedule coming soon)

Evening

1. Cleaning the home – declutter family room
2. Cleaning the home – declutter kids room
3. Cleaning the home – declutter school room
4. Cleaning the home – declutter kitchen counters
5. Finish dinner preparation
6. Eat dinner
7. Personal – jogging, exercise
8. Piano and voice practice time
9. Family talk
10. Children's grooming - brush teeth, etc.
11. Prayer with children
12. Children’s story time, bed time

(hourly schedule coming soon)

Night

1. Prayer with Jeoff
2. Husband requests – admin / projects
3. Cleaning the home (dishes for the night)
4. Cleaning the home – declutter master bed room and bathroom (if necessary)
5. Daddy's clothes (help with preparation, cleaning, IRONING)
6. Personal – shower, lotion, brush teeth

(hourly schedule coming soon)

List of Weekly Chores - work in progress

Sunday
Clear kitchen counter (including the bar)
Clear dresser

Monday
Clean toilets
Clean kitchen cabinet doors
Clean bathroom sinks and counters
Wipe walls and baseboards in bedrooms
Clear school desk

Tuesday
Clear kitchen counter (including the bar)
Clean kitchen counters
Clear coffee table
Clear dresser
Wipe walls and baseboards in halls

Wednesday
Sweep/Mop Floors
Clear school desk
Wipe walls and baseboards in family room

Thursday
Clean toilets
Clear kitchen counter (including the bar)
Clean kitchen cabinet doors
Clean bathroom sinks and counters
Clear coffee table
Clear dresser
Wipe walls and baseboards in bathrooms


Friday
Clean shower with amonia solution
Dust
Clear school desk

Saturday
Clean toilets
Sweep/Mop Floor
Clear kitchen counter (including the bar)
Clean kitchen counters
Clear coffee table
Dust
Clean shower with amonia solution

Book of the Week

Heart & Mind: What the Bible Says About Learning by Ruth Beechick

Garlic Lemon Chicken Breast

from cooks.com

2 tablespoons grated lemon rind (fresh)
4-5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Hungarian paprika
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
olive oil
salt, pepper, garlic powder (for sprinkling)
4 sprigs Italian parsley
4 onion slices (sliced in thick rings)
heavy duty aluminum foil

Cut 4 rectangles of heavy duty aluminum foil, each about the size of 1/2 a standard cookie sheet.

Combine first 5 ingredients (this can optionally be done in a blender).

Spray (or brush) the 4 large rectangles of aluminum foil with olive oil. Place chicken in center; brush with lemon/garlic mixture, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and lightly dust with garlic powder.

Place a slice of onion and a sprig of parsley over each. Fold up aluminum into a loose, square packet and crimp edges tightly to seal well. Place in a shallow baking dish or on the grill.

Bake at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes (this depends on the size of each chicken piece).

4 Servings.

Athletes in the Making

Coach Dad & I took the kids to the park to work on some pitching, catching and batting skills today.

Kindergration Graduation Plans!

Yay! We're officially going to have a Homeschool Kindergarten Graduation for Kitty and some of her friends. I'm very excited to be able to do this for her and I know it'll be something that she can look back on for years to come.

There are some things that our kids will miss out on because they're not in government schools or any other institutional school. Some of those things I am glad they will miss out on, but others, we will create on our own or join a group of other parents in doing them.... but only those that are worth it.

Kindergarten Graduation is one we believe to be worth it.

The program will be in a few weeks.

More and more alert!

I noticed that yesterday our baby reached that more-alert-point where babies (well at least for my babies) can do these things for longer periods of time without crying

- lay on the bed
- sit in the bouncer longer
- and thanks be to God... he can ride in the car longer

We ran an errand this morning and there was no crying in the car at all. Halle -- lujah! My last two babies are not like the typical babies who immediately become quiet and fall asleep when the car begins to stroll. They're often quite the opposite. They've been known to cry and cry and cry until we pull into the garage and stop the car :-)

This is a big big big relief to me because it allows me to get more things done and I can select the times for baby holding and cuddling.

Before this point, if baby was not sleeping, he was either wanting to nurse or wanting to be held. So I would feed him, burp him and cuddle him and he'd sit or lay alone for a very little while, but before long it would be back to feeding or cuddling again until his next nap. I think he figured "as soon I wake up I need to eat" and "to go to sleep I need to eat".

That was fun and cute and I'd love to be able to do that all day but there's lots and lots of work to be done, books to be read, food to be prepared, dishes to be washed, showers and baths to be taken, clothes to be washed, folded and put away, ..... you know the drill. --- reality!

So I'm glad baby is starting to grow up.

This is also making things more fun because he's smiling more and starting to coo. So so cooot! (get it ... cooot :-) LOL )

Easy Fresh Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry

from cooks.com

Ingredients:

* 1 pound chicken breasts, cut in strips
* 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup baby carrots, cut in halves
* 1 cup fresh broccoli, cut in bite-size pieces
* 2 celery stalks, cut up
* 1 cup fresh zucchini, sliced
* 2 cups plus 1/2 cup water
* 1/2 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 2 Tbsp flour
* Cooked rice

Method

Cook vegetables in simmering water until crisp-tender. Cook chicken strips in a separate pan in oil, using salt and pepper to season. When chicken is cooked, add 2 cups water, the sugar and soy sauce. Mix until sugar is dissolved. After both chicken and vegetables are cooked, drain vegetables and transfer them to the chicken and soy sauce mixture. Bring to a boil, then simmer. Take 1/2 cup water, add flour and stir until flour is dissolved. Add to the simmering chicken and vegetable mixture. Simmer and stir occasionally for 5-10 minutes. Serve over rice.

Notes: You may need to adjust your sugar and soy sauce to taste. My son absolutely loves this recipe. It's a good way to get the kids to eat their vegetables.
Number of servings: 6

Addition Lapbook

My goal is for us to start some of these of our own this summer and be pros by the beginning of next school year!


Find more videos like this on Lapbook Lessons

Daughter of Stephen Curtis Chapman Killed by Car

I can't imagine the pain he and his family are feeling. Here are a few videos of him and his girls, the song, Cinderella, that he wrote about daddy's and daughters, and the story that was reported by the Associated Press.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The 5-year-old daughter of Grammy-winning Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman was struck and killed Wednesday by a sport utility vehicle driven by her brother, authorities said.

The girl, Maria, was hit in the driveway of the family's home Wednesday afternoon by a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by her teenage brother, said Laura McPherson, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

The brother, whose name and exact age weren't available, apparently did not see the girl, McPherson said. No charges are expected.

"It looks like a tragic accident," she said.

Several family members witnessed the accident, which happened in Williamson County just south of Nashville. The girl died later at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, hospital spokeswoman Laurie Holloway said.

A publicist for Chapman's charity organization said the family was expected to release a statement later Wednesday night.

Chapman, who is originally from Paducah, Ky., and his wife have promoted international adoption and have three daughters from China, including Maria. They have three biological children.

The singer's Web site says the couple was persuaded by their oldest daughter to adopt a girl from China. The experience led the family to adopt two more children and create Shaohannah's Hope, a foundation and ministry to financially assist thousands of couples in adoption.

The Chapmans did missionary work at Chinese orphanages in 2006 and 2007, according to the Web site.

"After our first trip to China, my wife and I knew our lives were changing — our eyes and hearts were opening to how big God really is, and we have wanted to experience more of that," Chapman says on the Web site.

"We've really wondered whether or not we should just go to China and stay there. But I don't think so. I believe God is saying, 'I want you to go, get your heart broken, your eyes opened, and then take this story back to the church in America and around the world.'"

The 45-year-old singer also has released a book about being a father entitled "Cinderella: The Love of Daddy and his Princess." He has won five Grammy awards and 51 Dove awards from the Gospel Music Association.

Stephen Curtis Chapman is an incredible songwriter and I've loved his music for many years. Here are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs of his....

"Dive"

The long awaited rains
Have fallen hard upon the thirsty ground
And carved their way to where
The wild and rushing river can be found
And like the rains
I have been carried here to where the river flows, yeah
My heart is racing and my knees are weak
As I walk to the edge
I know there is no turning back
Once my feet have left the ledge
And in the rush I hear a voice
That's telling me it's time to take the leap of faith, So here I go

I'm diving in, I'm going deep in over my head, I want to be
Caught in the rush, lost in the flow, in over my head, I want to go
The river's deep, the river's wide, the river's water is alive
So sink or swim, I'm diving in

There is a supernatural power
In this mighty river's flow
It can bring the dead to life
And it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing
Worth living and worth dying for, yeah
But we will never know the awesome power Of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away into this holy flood
So if you'll take my hand
We'll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let's go

Book of the Week

40 Unforgettable Dates with Your Mate

Past Books of the Week
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
The Birth Order Book by Kevin Leman
Teaching the Trivium by Harvey & Laurie Bluedorn

Lemon Pepper Round Steak

Ingredients:
2 pounds round steak
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/3 cup water
1 can cream of celery soup
Turn this recipe into a puzzle! [click]

Directions:

Cut steak into cubes. I usually do 1x2", or so. Mix flour & seasonings. Coat meat thoroughly. Heat oil in skillet and brown meat.

Place browned meat in crockpot. Combine water & soup. Pour over meat.

Shake on additional lemon pepper and seasoned salt if desired. Cook on low for 7-8 hours. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Rotel Chicken (I forgot the original name)

This is a recipe from Beth Moore. A friend sent it to me and it's directly from Beth's blog I believe.

I modify this recipe according to what I have at home and I sometimes stir fry it, instead of baking it in the oven.

Ingredients:
*1/4 cup butter
*1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
*1 medium onion, chopped
*1 can cream of mushroom soup
*1 can cream of chicken soup
*1 can (10 oz) RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (This is a staple in
every Texas cupboard and critical to this dish but I'm worried that some of
you far from the Lone Star State won't be able to find it. Look for it near
the cans of whole tomatoes. If there's only one RO*TEL on the shelf, God put
it there and is equipping you for every good work. Believe it or not, Keith
uses two cans instead of one but don't try that at home. We're
professionals.)
*2 cups cubed cooked chicken. (If you don't boil your own, please don't tell
Keith. He thinks that's sacrilegious. You're supposed to always do your own
so that you have fresh broth on hand for whatever recipe you come up with
next. Gosh. This is boring me to tears.)
*12 corn tortillas, cut in halves or fourths
*2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (If you don't grate your own and,
instead, get the kind that's already prepared in the bag like I do, don't
tell Keith that either.)

Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cook pepper and onion in melted
butter until tender. (5 or so minutes. Like anyone cares.) Add soups, RO*TEL
and chicken, stirring until well blended. In a 13X9X2-inch (that dimension
took me ten solid minutes to type. This is more than I can take) baking pan,
alternately layer tortillas, soup mixture and cheeses, repeating for three
layers. Bake 40 minutes or until hot and bubbling. (Good grief. I can't
believe I just wrote that. Hot and bubbling. How stupid is that? This whole
recipe thing is bringing out my insecurities.) Serves 8. Or at my house, 3,
because we eat like pigs.

Kindergarten Lesson Plan - Help with the Morning Routine

Since baby was born it has been even harder to get up and get the other kids going for the morning. After four weeks of struggling with it, I decided to print out a copy of the morning routine for Kitty (the Kindergartener) and let her read it the night before.

Thank God the next morning (this morning) I rolled over when she came in my room, list in hand. She told me that she had already started on the list and they (she and her little brother and sister) were ready to move on to the next thing. I heard her excitedly reading the next items on the list.

Not only is this teaching them responsibility but it's also helping me to get on out of bed! Because by number 3, 4 or 5 on the list they definitely need supervision (#3 & #4) and assistance (#5).

I'm sure I'll make adjustments to their list as we tweak and add to it but here it is so far:

1. Pray.
2. Get clothes and underwear for the day, take them to Mommy & Daddy's room.
3. Get wash cloths & wash faces; put cloths in white bag (for towels).
4. Brush teeth (& help Lamby brush hers).
5. Clean sink and put toothbrush/toothpaste away.
6. Take a shower / bath (put dirty clothes in green bag, for kid clothes).
7. Apply lotion.
8. Put on clothes for the day.
9. Sit down at table for breakfast.

I wrote out the list in sentences because Kitty has a love for details, and of course because she is 6 now. And since she loves reading sentences now, the more words the better.

It also helps prepare her for writing her own sentences and helps her learn the spelling, punctuation, capitalization and grammar. The Bluedorns suggest teaching grammar, spelling, etc. through reading and writing (copywork), instead of formal books on those subjects, at this age.

So her list is about routine... and it's also a lesson plan ...for learning reading, writing, grammar, spelling and more!

My Vote for AI This Year - David Archuletta

Book of the Week

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness (and Financial Freedom)

www.DaveRamsey.com

You can also hear Dave online via Podcast and on radio stations in many cities.

Past Books of the Week
The Birth Order Book by Kevin Leman
Teaching the Trivium by Harvey & Laurie Bluedorn

Book of the Week

Jeoff and I really enjoyed this book, especially since we are both the youngest of four children in our family. And the author of the book (who is hilarious) is also the youngest in his family.

It's not all 100% accurate for every person but we certainly received many insights about how we behave and how we can improve our behavior.

A great book to learn about yourself, your siblings or your own children. It may even provide some answers to questions you have about conflicts you have difficulty resolving.

Book of the Week

www.TriviumPursuit.com

Baby Boy's Stats

Baby Boy Thompson

Born 4/6/08 @ 8:49pm
7lb 8oz, 20 1/2 inches


Birth Story

Welcome to the World Baby Boy!

Part I - 11 Days Before Your Due Date

(by the way, I do have a version of this that includes photos, 

but I moved it to my personal blog)

I'm over 38 weeks pregnant now so you're full term but there's still 11 days until your actual due date.

Last night was much like last Sunday night. I'm continuing with this pre-labor which gives me no indication of how close I am to actual labor, like I would prefer. But that's okay. I'll be patient.

The contractions last night were from about 4am until about 9:30am today.

Consequently, we didn't go to church today, we had family worship at home. That worked out great. Especially since it was another opportunity for Lamby to get some home training for sitting still and listening to service.

I had a few contractions here and there throughout the morning and they started back a little more regularly at about 3 in the afternoon. So now they've been going on since then.

In afternoon, I had more energy so I finished some laundry and organized the laundry bins, I don't know when the last time was the case but almost every single clothing item has been washed right now! The bins in the laundry room and in our bathroom are just about empty. I even labeled them like Jeoff has been asking me to for a while now LOL. All those clothes are not only clean but also folded/hung and put away. Can somebody say Grace of God!?!?

I also completed Diona's lesson plans and worksheets for the week. How ironic? I never have those all done by Sunday night!

Back to the contractions, they're only lasting about 30 seconds or so and there's not a regular interval...... 20 minutes, here, 9 minutes there, then 14 minutes, and back to 9 minutes. I didn't start timing them until about 4:30 and I'm still not too convinced that this is it. It's now 5:40pm.

I think I'll take a nap after a little while to get some rest. Oooh, here comes a contraction now. Hold on a second.....
.
.
.
.
.
Ok I'm back.

Oh wait I can't take a nap now, Daddy needs to go to the grocery store first so I'll shower now and do that (get some rest) when he gets back.

I can't believe this pre-labor thing can go on for days and days, and weeks for some people.

I'm having flash back from when Lamby was born and Lisa told me that!

Part II - You're Here!

Daddy didn't make it to the grocery store and I never had a chance to lay down and nap. We did shower, at least.

I called the birth center at 6:50p and Carol told me to go ahead and come in. We arrived there about 7:45, she checked me at 7:50 and I was at 7cm / fully effaced.

All the kids were with us and we proceeded to unpack our bags and get ready for the next phase.

Who would have known it would be another quick one. The kids did really well as we got everything together and as Daddy came and supported me during the contractions. Kitty ended up being our photographer for most of the time. She loved that.

Some friends of ours (the Weirs - Pastors of City Church International) came to help with the kids until Granny and Grandma arrived. We were so very thankful for their help! They even brought us some food later. We were honored!!!!!!

Around 8:40, Beverly or Carol ran water for me to get in the tub to relax and just as I was walking over to get in I had to make a U-Turn (a very slow U-Turn) and head to the bed because it was time to push.

Yes!

Our son was born at 8:49pm. Weighing 7lb 8 oz and 20 1/2 inches long.

name..... coming soon!

Turn Up the Music

My husband turned me on to this song. He loves it! He listens to it several times a day and it reminds him of the importance of not being so stressed about all the more serious things in life, and just sit down and enjoy time with the family doing the small things that make life meaningful.

Great song, Point of Grace!

2 weeks before your due date

It's now two weeks before your due date and it's been somewhat of an eventful week. The week began with me beginning to think you were going to come much sooner than your due date!

I wrote about it in a previous post but, I had contractions for a couple of hours in the middle of the night Sunday night and some of the morning on Monday. I think all they did were got my cervix a little more effaced (thinned out). But that's a good thing. It's better than labor starting and my cervix still being hard and thick - I know that may have been a TMI foul LOL. I had a check up yesterday and found out the information about my effacement. I'm 70% effaced and still dilated about 2cm. I measured a little over 43 inches around. I forgot to ask what your station was. Last time I believe I was at -3 which is pretty high up still. Looking in the mirror, it appears that you're starting to drop. Hopefully I'll get to take another one of the comparison pictures so I can see the difference.

Since reality is setting in, I've been walking a lot more lately. ...... around the neighborhood with the kids and also at the park up the street after Daddy gets home from work. I've also been practicing more kegel exercises and squats.

Today we had school as usual and this afternoon took your big brother to soccer practice. He was a bit cranky when we arrived because he had taking about a fourth of a nap in the car on the way there. I ran back up the hill to me and told me he wanted to go to sleep, after about 3 minutes of practice. I told him he had to stay and the if he ran back down to the field it would help him wake up. He did so, but he was still pretty out of it through practice. Poor Buddy's little allergies have been kicking his behind this season, especially with the watery and itchy eyes!!

At the end of practice he ran back up the hill with a big smile on his face because he know we were going to the park next door to play and that dinner time was soon.

Tonight your siblings really wanted to watch Cherub Wings so we watched it on Netflix's Instant Play. It's a very good show. Not really silly like some of the Christian cartoons and it includes several really good lessons. The one we watched tonight was called Moldy Gold and it taught them about putting their treasures in heavenly things, instead of things on this earth...... and valuing the things that we have vs. all things we could want (covet) and ask for over and over...... and how it's more important to have a heart like Jesus than have things that will make you popular and well-liked by people. Really really good little show. I highly recommend it.

We're still anxiously awaiting your arrival. I'm torn between wanting to see your face right now and relaxing until the times comes and enjoying a little more rest. One thing is for sure, the contractions Sunday night made us get a little more serious about preparing for labor. I've been reading and reviewing a lot more about relaxation, accupressure and such and Daddy went to the store the next day to buy all the things on the list, that we'll need to take to the Birth Center - newborn pampers, receiving blankets, Depends, olive oil, wheat thins, a black & white disposable camera, juice, Lanshinoh, and take home outfit. Oh, I still need to make a rice bag and get my music cd and candles together.

All the bags are packed and in the trunk (except snacks and orange juice which had to be refrigerated of course.)

Well, that's about it for now, little guy. Wuv you!!!!!

Baby Shower

The baby celebration on yesterday was really special to me and I was so grateful for the fellowship, the gifts, the words of wisdom and the prayers that were shared. Even from those who couldn’t attend but passed along a blessing!

Look at the cute little baby boo on the cake. He looks even sweeter now that I look back on the photo....



Best Advice
At the shower, we asked everyone to write down the best advice they have received, either from their mother, as a mother, or from a spiritual mother. There were so so many good ones but here are 8 of the best ones (in no particular order).

1. Tell God everything. Don't hold back. His grace is sufficient for it all.

2. Always remember to listen to God's word regardless of how it looks in the eyes of the world and regardless of what this world says. If you stand firm on god's word rather than man's word, you will always be secure on your solid rock. ---- and that came from a teenager!

3. Realize your child is "in training". Training children to obey your voice. First time obedience. Doing this will train them to obey God's voice.

4. Have patience, and remember you were that age before and experienced and explored the same things.

5. One of my favorite sayings is "years from now people won't care about how much money you made or how may cars you drove, but most importantly that you poured into a life of a child." That is how you effect the world.

6. As mothers, we are not only shaping lives, we are forming the next generation. There is no vocation that can compare to the value of motherhood. Giving all of what and who you are to your children is a position of honor that should never be taken lightly. Regardless of the sacrifice, pressure, heartache or pain you face as a mother - continue to give it your all and the rewards of Godly fruit will be yours for generations to come. --- from a mother of eight children

7. You can go to God and find out what your children need when they need it (without depending on them to tell you).

8. Try to plan your meals early in the day. That way, when it's time for Daddy to come home, dinner will be ready, he can eat and be in a good mood! He will be more inclined to meet your needs as well.

Great advice!!!

Spiritual Moms
My friend, Lynn Scarborough shared some words from her ministry, Spiritual Moms, and talked about the importance of us birthing children in the spirit, regardless of whether we have children in the natural or not. Lynn has an amazing testimony, a wonderful book by the same title, and a new blog for us to read and keep up to date on what’s going on with this mentoring group. Please visit when you get a chance. www.holymamas.com

Blessing
Here’s a blessing that was written by my new friend, Angela. A blessing for all mothers, with wonderful and encouraging references from the Word of God.

Joyfulness - "joyful mother of children"
Psalm 113:9
(happy, cheerful, rejoicing, festive)
"That the joy of the Lord will be their strength"

Fruitful - "the fruit of the womb is a reward" Psalm 127
“That their training would bear plentiful, good fruit bringing great reward”

"Your wife shall be like olive plants all around your table"
Psalm 128:3

Wisdom - personified as a woman in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom beyond their years - wisdom for every decision, wisdom on your lips. Wisdom in all your instruct, wisdom in the way you manage your household

Grace - unmerited favor, undeserved blessing, a free gift
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor 12:9
May God's strength and power rest upon you.

Endurance - (constancy, steadfast, patient endurance, bearing up)
Hebrews 10:35-36
"Do not cast away your confidence which has a great reward for you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise."

Love - Both to give love and receive love!

Giving love - patient, kind, not rude, not prideful, rejoice in truth, believes the best of every person (child), bears all things hopes all things, endures all things... never fails.

Receiving love - hearts and minds and spirits that are significantly impacted by the abundance of the Father's love, Being filled back up moment by moment, as you give out, you receive back "good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over." Imparted with a revelation of the Father's heart for you - Love that adores you, love that delights in you, love that never leaves you, love that is never retracted or taken away, love that embraces you when you fail, love that will never fail you, the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus! Romans 8:35-39

Contractions Update
In the middle of the night, Sunday night, I was surprised by contractions that came and went for almost two hours! Then they were off and on every 30 minutes or so until about mid morning. If he would have come on Monday, that would be very surprising! Even if he came some time this week, 2 weeks before the due date. We'll see.... Jeoff was off work for the morning and took Pupster to the doctor and Lamby went with him, so Kitty and I went out for a walk. I tried to walk for an hour like they suggested at my last appointment but I only got about 30 minutes in. I walked about 30 minute more later that evening.

Will keep you posted, for those of you who care to know, LOL!

Birth Center Orientation

Today we attended the orientation/birthing class at the birth center. It's mandatory, no matter how many births you've had there, so although this will be our third birth there we had to attend.

They've remodeled since 2004 since we birthed there last and Cherie has changed the color scheme. It's a really beautiful home.

We were very proud of how The Pupster did during the meeting. We sat at the end near the door and he played in the next room, with the puppets and other toys.

For almost two hours straight, he stayed there and played and made almost no noise. The other couples even complemented him on doing so well. I think a lot of his energy, at other times, comes from the stimulation of his other siblings.


During the orientation, one of the mothers-to-be asked about the level of involvement she should expect from the midwives and birth assistants.

I'm really glad she asked that question because Cherie's answer included some statements I don't think I had heard before.

She talked about their goal of having the husband and wife work as a team and having the wife see her husband as her savior during the process.



She said that if they see that the wife needs a cold towel or a warm rice sock on her back, they take it and place it in the husband's hand so he can apply it, and the wife will thank him for helping her.

That's was really great to hear.

She also mentioned that there are many birth situations where there is a doula present, and that's helpful mostly in a hospital setting if the couple is not allowed as much freedom.

Many times doulas get a lot of credit for doing the comforting and encouraging and coaching that is designed for the husband to do.

No disrespect to doulas, I just like it this way. It strengthens the bond between the husband and wife during this extremely sacred process.


Below is the tub where the Pupster was born in 2004. I didn't plan it that way, I was there to relax and out he started coming!!!!



Hopefully I'll get to take a happy picture like the one below, during and after labor, when we come back in a few weeks, or a couple of weeks!!

3 weeks before your due date

Here's how you're growing so far. You're still moving quite a bit so I guess you still have a bit of room in there.

What are we up to? Today at school we read a chapter of David Livingstone (missionary to Africa), we worked on memorization (a poem we're learning, called The Year), we worked on writing (copywork), and we had an interview with Uncle Ed (Jeoff's brother) in Japan since we're studying Asia for geography.

During the younger kids' naptime and Diona's independent work time, I washed and folded a boat load of clothes and did the dishes.

I didn't have quite as much cleaning to do as usual because the kiddos are becoming such better helpers and much better at playing in one area and cleaning that area up. But only if I stay on top of them with reminders and pointers - that's the key!

This evening your big brother had soccer practice, which was cute as always, and afterwards we all headed to Lowe's to look at some kid room decorations and wallpaper for the kitchen.

Tonight we watched the finale of America's Best Dance Crew - Go Jabbawockeez!!!!

I missed the finale of Celebrity Apprentice although I watched the show pretty faithfully through out the season. I'll have to catch it online tomorrow or this weekend. I think Trace Adkins won. At least I hope he did. These are really the only two shows we watch and Jeoff just got into Dance Crew last week as I was flipping through the channels. The other two I flip on every once in a while are A Baby Story - which is getting on my nerves, Top Model, and Extreme Makeover Home Edition. A Baby Story is getting on my nerves because I want to see stories of more women walking around during labor and pushing in different positions other than laying almost flat. Oh we also flip in at Biggest Loser and Dancing with the Stars.... and yeah Hannity and Colmes or Larry King if there's a good guest or topic. Why am I rambling about this??? Hmmmmm .... I guess just so I'll have it documented for history's sake. Seriously though, the tv is usually off at our house except about 5-6 hours all week.


Update: Friday, March 28
We went for my appointment at the birth center today and I was dilated almost to 2cm. Beverly encouraged me (reminded me) to make sure I walk an hour each day to help with labor. My blood pressure was normal and she took blood for them to check my iron level again. My stomach measured 43 1/2 inches today.

Another update - Piers won Celebrity Apprentice. Oh goodness. I hope he improves his attitude.

4 weeks before your due date

Today was a date day for Daddy and me. Wow! We don't even remember when we had the last one of those. But it was absolutely great. We felt like teenagers out on a date together or something.

It was nothing major just good time spent together.

We had an appointment that morning at 10:30 and after the appointment we had lunch at Red Lobster.

Stopped by Fry's Electronics.

Went walking at the new outdoor mall.

Came home and greeted Grandma and the kids.

That night we had planned on watching a movie but opted out of that and decided that talking and actually having more reflection on the day would be much better than taking in a movie.

I had an appointment at the birth center yesterday. My waist (well whatever the part of my stomach that's biggest right now) is about 43 inches. I've gained about 22 pounds so far. Blood pressure and fetal heart rate were normal, thank God! They'll check my iron again NEXT TIME - Thank God!

Your estimated weight as of yesterday was about 5.5 lbs.

One Month Before Your Due Date: Baby Update - 36 Weeks

Today is the first day of Spring Break. We'll rest today and do some activities later in the week.

Before we go out and do a lot of activities we're cleaning inside the house. Daddy got you guys (well all of us) a little sweeper which we desperately needed. Today we're testing it out and teaching everyone how to use it - Even Lamby.

This past weekend was pretty eventful. Friday night we went to Auntie Rita's for their Bon Voyage party, before their cruise. Saturday morning at 7 I had breakfast with my friend, Tasha. That was long over due for us. It was nice to get out early and have the fellowship with a good friend.

Later on Saturday, I took all your siblings to Cia's birthday party at Going Bonkers. They had a really good time. Especially your sister Lamby. If I had let her, she would have ran loose all over the place!

Yesterday we all went to worship service. I can't wait until you have your turn to learn to sit in service with the family! :-) After service, we visited the Farmer's Market again and got lots of good fruit and vegetables.

The afternoon, was family BTU (Bible Study) at Granny's House. We're currently studying Ephesians 6 - Responsibility of Children & Parents and The Full Armor of God. Your sister, Lamby, hung out with Daddy while we were there so she could get her good long 3 hour nap; and after that they went grocery shopping at Walmart!

You are continuing to grow like a weed. I'm 36 weeks pregnant and I'm sure you're running out of room to get around in my tummy. I am very thankful that, at my last birth center visit, Cherie suggested that I start taking a calcium/magnesium supplement. And it has done wonders for the joint aches and pains I had been really suffering from!!!!

I take one whole one and two halves, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner respectively.

There's a baby shower planned for the end of this month. I'm excited about it! I know some people to have showers after a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd baby (or more) but I'm hoping this will just be a great time for fellowship and celebrating the fact that God has added you to our family!!!!! We'll also be celebrating motherhood in general - both natural and spiritual. I think it'll be a fun time. Especially since there will be some friends there who I didn't get to celebrate any of the other pregnancies with - so that's special JUST FOR YOU LITTLE ONE!!!

I put a comparison photo below, in the same outfit so you (and all of us) can see how your grow over time!

Oh yeah, you've also had a couple of little buddies born within the last couple of weeks that I'm sure you' grow up right along with. Little Carson was born about 5 weeks ago and baby Joel was born just on Friday.

Talk to you soon!

Here's how you're growing......

Baby Update - 35 Weeks

Pupster's Prayer

After the usual and most often uttered, "Now I lay me down to sleep.....," The Pupster asked us to repeat the following "open prayer," as we call them.

It was so cute, I had to post it:

thank you Lord
for making this day
we love you so much
because you’re so friendly
and whenever we do something bad
mommy pinches us, or daddy pops us or grandma puts us in the corner or granny pulls our ear
amen

I didn't realize........

....I looked so big!

Until Jeoff took this picture of me today, outside in the bright light LOL

34 weeks and counting

Baby Update - 34 Weeks