Happy Mom At Home

New Year's Day-after

2012-01-24T10:30:00.007-06:00

The Slot Family has a fun New Year's Day tradition. We sit around, mostly in pajamas, and do three very important things to celebrate the new year. 1. Eat. 2. Play new games. 3. Watch new movies. Yep. That's all we do. It goes on all day. In no particular order. This year, since New Year's Day fell on a Sunday, when we spent the day worshipping with our amazing Grace family Baptist Church family, we had to postpone the festivities until the next day. Our family looks forward to this every year. This time we had MiMi with us-she just moved back from Utah and we were so happy to celebrate with her!

We had yummy brunch, with crock pot egg and sausage casserole, hot spiced fruit, and homemade cinnamon rolls (thanks to my new Christmas breadmaker)

Then we played our new favorite game Logo. What a blast we had! If you don't know about this game, look it up here!

We watched movies, played someWii, and then ate again. We don't really have a "lunch" or "dinner", but more of a "grazing all day long at the feeding trough" meal. This year's menu consisted of chips and cheese dip (of course), Aunt Jennifer's Herbed Crackers, spinach dip, make-your-own sandwiches, tuna salad, and bacon wrapped chicken bites. Yes, I know, but the spinach in the spinach dip counts as a veggie, right?

After more games, movies, and wii tournaments, came the most celebrated meal of the day. Dessert!! Yes, dessert counts as a meal when you do it like The Slots do! On the table this year, as always, the world famous chocolate chip cheese ball with graham crackers, my MeMaw's peanut clusters, homemade fudge, and making it's first appearance at our extravaganza, the chocolate chip cookie-oreo-brownie. Oh. My.

We did do other productive things, I played on my new Kindle Fire and washed mountains of dishes, Brianna worked on her itouch, Bryson investigated his new laptop, and Braden built one of the 13 Lego sets he received for Christmas. But, we started the year off right by making our family time together our priority.

Next year, remember, y'all are welcome to The Fourth Annual Slot Family New Year's Day Extravaganza! Just be sure to wear your pajamas so you won't feel overdressed!

Mother of Four

2011-11-12T17:05:00.005-06:00

"We only have three" I said. The sweet, homeschooling mentor-sage we were having dinner with was asking everyone at the table how many children we all had. "FOUR!" my heart shouted. "You have FOUR!" I smiled as everyone else answered. "We have six", "We have seven", "We have five with one on the way". Then. "We have seven. We have six at home. We lost one in between five and six". Oh, I wish I could have been that brave.

I lost a baby two-and-a-half years ago. Well, eight hundred and sixty-four days, but who's counting. After way too long foolishly thinking we were in control, repenting, and praying, I got pregnant. I adore bring pregnant. I savour the fatigue and the heartburn. I was even thankful for the nausea that came when I had chocolate. And even better, my brother's wife was pregnant too. Due the week before I was. Christmas was going to be so much fun.

Then came the emotional crash I didn't have time to swerve to avoid. I lost our baby at nine weeks.

It happened on a holiday weekend. When Marshall went to church on Sunday, naturally he shared our loss with our church family. Almost immediately they started calling, sharing their own stories of heart break. They sent cards expressing heart-felt sympathy for our loss. Some friends even brought food, knowing I couldn't even get myself off the couch long enough to even care what anyone else was going to eat. Friends emailed Marshall, noticing I was spending an inordinate amount of time on the Internet all night long. I am so thankful for a church that truly values children. As much as I love my church family, it was more than a month before I could bear to be back in church. It took every ounce of strength to walk in the door. I only did it because Marshall is a deacon and my absence was very conspicuous. And he pretty much made me. We sat in a different place-Providentially I'm sure. I was plopped in the middle of two VERY pregnant women who both made eye contact with me and hugged me. I cried all the rest of the way through the service. I felt like God was mocking me. Pregnant women and lots of children all around me. The music speaking of God's love and promises. It was so many months more before I could get through a service without crying. Well, crying is not really the word. Sobbing uncontrollably describes it better. Now, two years later, I still cry in church. I still cry when I see my adorable nephew because I can't help comparing him to my baby that would have been born at the same time. I still cry after baby showers. Sometimes I cry in Kroger. I'm crying right now. It's still painful.

I wish I could say that I'm in that place that some of my friends are. Some of them are so brave. Some carry many children a year and lose them. Some know they won't be able to carry a baby to term but are genuinely thankful to be allowed to carry a soul that will live eternally. No, I'm still in that place where I want to stamp my feet and scream to get my way. I want the Lord to stop making me be around 20-somethings who say, "I know how you feel. I lost a baby before too" as they caress their swollen belly. I want to shout at them, "But you're 25!! I'm 43!!" *stamp* I want the Lord to stop allowing barely-teen aged girls to get pregnant and get their own reality-TV show. *stamp* I want the Lord to take into consideration that I love being pregnant. I'm not one of those whiny pregnant women who complain about being tired, or nauseous, or fat, or uncomfortable, or can't wait for it to be over, or this or that. *stamp* I want the Lord to reward me for repenting from preventing His blessing and allow us more children. *stamp stamp* I want the herbs, oils, and supplements to work. I want to somehow go back in time to when my eggs were healthier and and maybe we wouldn't be so stupid. I want. I want. I want. *stamp stamp stamp*

But, none of that happens. My heart is still broken. Shattered. Crushed. Ground down into a fine powder. Scattered to the four winds. And all over again every 29 days.

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" Psalm 34:18.

Slowly, I am working through this grief. Very. Slowly. Not only of a child I will never hold in my arms, or kiss his sweet face. But grief knowing that the time when I could conceive and bear children is coming to a close. Grief knowing that we foolishly denied what the Lord calls a blessing. Grief over sin. Thankfully I know that God forgives sin. He forgives the sin, but sometimes we still have to walk through the painful consequences. God, in His sovereignty, can do all His Holy Will. He is still near when my heart is broken.

I am, and always will be, Mother of Four.

Girlfriends wanted. Apply here.

2011-06-07T14:43:00.004-05:00

I have spent the last couple of weeks contemplating. Maybe it's because I'm 40-something. Or maybe it's because I've been to several weddings and funerals lately. Or, maybe it's because I'm coming to a point in my life where I'm seeing things shift. My children are almost all taller than I am. People who are my peers are retiring from their jobs. My 25th class reunion was recently. I am no longer expected to take everyone with me everywhere. No more diaper bags or car seats. I am reminded monthly that there are no more babies in our future. So, what comes next? Yes, I am still training my children and growing every day as a helpmeet to my sweet husband. Mind you, I'm not at all discontent, I am just in need of some girlfriends. Not the high school I'll-only-like-you-if-you-wear-your-hair-this-way kind, or the whiny, nothing-is-going-my-way, my-husband-is-so-awful kind. I am seeking those kinds of friends who will be brutally honest with me. As in. "Sheryl, why are you still wearing the same clothes you wore in high school?" Or, "Honey, get in the car! You're coming with me for an intervention-lip wax!" Friends who will exhort me and point me to scripture when it's needed. Friends who will save up their vacation time to spend an annual weekend together where we just pick up where we left off last year. Friends who will serve food at my relatives' funerals so that I won't be burdened to do it. Friends who will attend my children's weddings and cry with joy alongside me. Friends who will answer my calls or texts at all hours. Share books with me. Laugh or cry with me. Share secrets with me. Play Bridge with me. OK, maybe not Bridge. Maybe it's because I don't have sisters. Maybe I have some crazy romantic notion about having a group of friends who will love me when I'm 97. Who knows? So, if you think you're up for it, and you won't just whine about your husband, give me a call. Apply here. Maybe we can learn to play Bridge together. :-)

Altered Notebook

2010-08-10T18:25:00.009-05:00

As Brianna approaches young lady-hood, I am seeking new ways to keep our communication open. I have been wanting to make one of these for a while. Since we cleaned the house this morning I didn't feel so guilty dragging out the crafting stuff this afternoon!

First, I took an ordinary, every day spiral notebook. They are on sale for 15 cents now for back-to-school. Then I took a pair of pliers and bent the ends open and wound the wire out of the notebook. I set the paper and backing aside so that I just had the cover.

Then I gathered my papers, stamps and ink, and frillies together.

I cut a piece of scrapbook paper the same size as the cover. I attached it to the cover with scrapbook adhesive. Then I punched tiny holes in the side of the cover using a tiny hole punch. I put the cover on top of the notebook and wound the wire back into the notebook.

Then I took more papers, the stamps and the flowers and decorated the cover.

Brianna is thrilled with it and so am I! I am planning on using this as a way for us to ask each other questions and for me to share scripture verses with her. I am sure she'll want to glean wisdom from her wizened mother! Ha ha ha!

It was a fun, easy project, and since I had all the materials it was free! Can't beat that!

Shelf Reliance Give-Away

2009-06-17T05:59:00.002-05:00

The food storage company, Shelf Reilance, is having a give away. They call it "Free on Friday". This week they will be giving away a food storage shelf to help you begin your food storage preparations. Check out their site at www.shelfreliance.com.

20/20

2009-05-02T09:17:00.005-05:00

As most of you know, my sweet husband is a bit of a celebrity! 20/20 did a story on a homicide case that he worked and it aired last night. You can see part of Marshall's interview here

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7464068

(If I know how to add a video I would have done that; sorry.)

Please know that this video/story may not be appropriate viewing for everyone.

TEA Party

2009-04-22T18:55:00.003-05:00

I almost forget to post picture of our first attempt at political activism! Our family attended the TEA Party in Sugar Land on April 15. What an experience.

Don't even ask me what I think about secession!

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

2009-04-22T18:32:00.003-05:00

One of the things I love about GfBC is that we concentrate on one hymn a month. It really helps with family worship and maybe some handwriting assignments or piano lessons ;) One of the most recent hymns was Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. I had never heard of it but it has become one of my favorites in this season of my life. Here is the first verse:

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded,
For with blessing in His hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
Our full homage to demand.

Wow! So, since I am "mortal flesh" I should at least attempt silence. Does anyone else have trouble with that? So often I am just busy. Doing what? Homeschooling, laundry, correcting, playing, reading, crafting, talking, watching tv. Hmmm. Ok, keep silence. "And with fear and trembling stand". Yikes. Silent and reverent. Thinking about the awesome-ness of God-the Creator of the universe. And me. "Ponder nothing earthly minded" What? That means no "to-do" listing during worship. No thinking about what I can do when we get home. No worrying about the week ahead. Nothing earthly minded-only Heavenly minded. "For with blessing in His hand, Christ our God to earth descendeth, Our full homage to demand." He came to earth, as God-Man to bless us and He requires our full homage. What is homage you ask? Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines it as this:

HOM'AGE, n. [L. homo, man.]
1. In feudal law, the submission, loyalty and service which a tenant promised to his lord or superior,when first admitted to the land which he held of him in fee; or rather the act of the tenant in making this submission, on being invested with the fee. The ceremony of doing homage was thus performed. The tenant, being ungirt and uncovered, kneeled and held up both his hands between those of the lord, who sat before him, and there professed that "he did become his man, from that day forth, of life and limb and earthly honor," and then received a kiss from his lord.
2. Obeisance; respect paid by external action.
Go, go, with homage yon proud victors meet.
3. Reverence directed to the Supreme Being; reverential worship; devout affection.

I have alot to work on this week!

NASCAR

2009-04-22T18:02:00.005-05:00

My dad (what was he thinking?) took us to the NASCAR race a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure he knew what he was in for when he piled all of us into his motor home, but we sure had a great time!! I think the kids liked the part where they didn't have to be buckled into seat belts!

At the race we were right up front, which some people would have complained about, but I thought they were great seats. We were picking rubber off of our blankets! And my motorhead, Braden, actually fell asleep about lap 100! How does that happen??

We had a great time! Thanks Dad!

2009-04-22T17:50:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I also got to sew for a bit. At church on Sunday, my sweet friend Emily taught us how to make a skirt from a pair of jeans. This interested me because my girl is way tall and way skinny so a good fit is out. So, I took a pair of jeans that were given to me, some fabric and lace out of my stash and set to rippin'! Here is the result:

Not too bad for a totally free skirt! She loves it and can't wait to wear it and I'm planning on making more. Goodwill here I come!

Another birthday

2009-04-22T07:45:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday. We had a great day!!

Birthday cake-what girl doesn't love chocolate?!

And...

Birthday roses! Am I a lucky girl or what?

Braden's party

2009-03-23T13:32:00.004-05:00

We had Braden's birthday party on Saturday. We called it a "speed party" because we started with presents and cake so that we would have more time for the actual fun! Marshall and I surprised Braden and his guests with the parts to put together their own marshmallow shooters. Then we all went out to the playground to test them. I think we went through 5 bags of mini marshmallows! The kids, big and small, loved it!

Here is Braden getting his ready for the next shot!

Operation Hospitality update

2009-03-23T13:27:00.005-05:00

We are moving right along in what my friend, Dee Dee, calls "Operation Hospitality". The mission to get our home ready for the Biblical command of hospitality. We have been working hard and I wanted to show off a picture:

This is our "new" dining room. The box is a shelf that needs to be returned to IKEA, and there are several things that need to be hung on the wall, but we are very pleased with the switch.

Opa's bag

2009-03-16T10:17:00.005-05:00

When Marshall's mom moved in December, our children received their Opa's bag from when he was in the Marine Corps-he served in Vietnam. They had such a ball going through the stuff! Here are some pictures:

Thanks, Opa! The kids really were excited about all the "old stuff" in there!

What's going on at my house

2009-03-16T09:39:00.003-05:00

We have been very busy around our house. We are getting our home ready for the practice of hospitality! My sweet friend, Dee Dee, (you may remember her from my traumatic event with the car in June) came over two weeks ago and helped me. We started switching our school room and our dining room. The new dining room will now have more space where we can actually eat in there and add tables if necessary. We also took the table and one chair to a repair shop so that we will be able to use them! They belonged first to Marshall's grandparents and then to his parents so we would like to keep and use them. It was pretty hairy for a while because we had to wait before the china cabinet was in the right place. I had my great-grandmother's china all over my kitchen counters for a week! My poor children were banished from the kitchen!! The former dining room is now the office. We put up shelves around the walls and moved the computer in there. We do school in the kitchen anyway so it is all turning out nicely. We also bought more shelves for the living room when we went to IKEA so that has been turned upside down also! It's been a crazy time! It seems like everything has been a "hurry up and wait" issue. We are having to move heavy pieces of furniture and then piles of stuff. Then more furniture and then more piles. And Marshall is having to put together lots of shelves and is really giving his tools a workout!! But it is coming along and looking very nice. I'm posting a picture of the living room today and when the other rooms are done I'll take some more. So far there has been only one casualty: my wedding china sugar bowl, so if anyone is taking notes for Christmas, it is a Lenox Federal Gold sugar bowl-*sniff*

Here is a picture of the living room shelves:

Don't they look great!! Now I just need my Aunt Mo to come over and "tweak" it all! There is more to be done and it won't happen while I'm blogging!

Happy Birthday Braden!!

2009-03-15T20:19:00.003-05:00

I can't believe my little man is 6 years old today! It seems like yesterday that we were racing to the hospital only to have Braden before the doctor even got there! Life moves too quickly! Braden enjoyed our family tradition of chocolate chip pancakes for dinner!!

In Defense of Choice

2009-01-28T17:17:00.004-06:00

I am a bit discouraged today. Last week I was sharing with a friend that some of the members of our former church had been very vocal in their disagreements about our choices for our children. She was very hesitant to believe what I was saying, wanting to give the benefit of the doubt. I spoke with her again yesterday and she apologized for doubting me. She had been to a function at our previous church for the outgoing pastor and our family was mentioned in a conversation she had. The other person, whom she did not name, had heard that we were going to "a homeschool church" and mentioned that our children are "so sheltered". So, I'm working this out in my own head. Do we attend a "homeschool church"? Well, we do attend Grace Family Baptist Church, were we believe that the education of our children is our responsibility, not the responsibility of the state. (See anything by Dr. Voddie Baucham for more of that-'The Children of Caesar' is a good place to start!) Most of the families there do homeschool, but not all of the children are homeschooled, not all of the families have school aged children, and not all of the members are even married yet. So, let's just say we attend a "homeschool friendly" church. Next, about those "sheltered" homeschool kids. What exactly is meant when people use that phrase? Do they mean we barricade our children behind our locked front doors and keep them from encountering any other human beings? If you take a look at my schedule this week that is hardly the case. Or, more likely, do they mean that we keep them close, mentoring them ourselves rather than throw them into a group of peers and expect them to learn anything? Can our 12 year old son really learn how to act like a man by "hanging out" with other 12 year olds? It's amazing how we are perceived as preventing our children the "experience" of public school and the "opportunity" to be a light in the dark world. We have been ridiculed, both behind our backs and to our faces, for not letting our children attend church camps, not letting them spend the night at church with other children, not letting them read the latest trendy teen novel, not letting them watch rated PG moves, not encouraging them to have a boyfriend/girlfriend, and *gasp* not steering our daughter toward college. I have been told by my friends that I am way too strict; the world has changed and I can't really expect my children to act/do/say/be a certain way. Well, maybe the world has changed, but God certainly hasn't! I AM will always be! Praise Him! "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ". Galatians 1:10. Are we perfect parents? Ha! Hardly! We are in the continual process of sanctification. We are learning, growing, and making mistakes everyday. We are trying our best to do what God has called us to do. Here are some verses to emphasize our position:

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." I can't necessarily do all of that if my children are away from me for several hours a day. How could I be sure that another teacher will be "diligently" speaking the things of God into my children?

Ephesians 5:24 "Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands" I don't feel like I would be able to do that if I placed myself under the authority of anyone other than my husband.

Stay at home wives/homeschooling families are not popular positions. They seem to incite controversy even in Christian churches and groups. It's frustrating to have to defend your choices, but I am learning to be glad about it. It provides me the opportunity to defend my faith-something that I struggle with because I never know the right thing to say and end up getting flustered and loud! Not conducive to winning one over!

So, in spite of the criticism, we will continue to shelter, homeschool, train, guide, protect, love, and be "one of those freaky homeschool families" for as long as that falls in line with God's Word!

Finally, a new post!

2009-01-23T13:52:00.003-06:00

Well, I know it's been over two months since my last post. I can't imagine why, with three children, a husband who just started a new career, homeschooling and a new church I can't find time to update my blog! Let's just say that we had a great time at Disney World, the lost wallet was returned by the airline, Thanksgiving and Christmas were great and now we are starting a new year! Hey, everyone needs a do-over once in a while!

During the Christmas holidays, Marshall and B1 went hunting with my brother. While they were gone doing manly, yucky hunting-type things, I got to stay with my sister-in-law, which I never get to do. We don't often get to spend time together so I really enjoyed it. Not to mention she has two of the cutest girls so B2 got to be among girls-finally! She also has two nieces who came over to play with them! It was so much fun. While I was there, my SIL made these yummy crackers. As soon as I got back to my aunt's I had to make them for her and I made them again when we got back home!! I want to share it with you but with a warning! They are VERY addictive!!

Herbed Crackers

1 box saltine crackers
one package dry ranch dressing mix
1-1/3 cup canola oil
2T red pepper flakes

Put all of the crackers into a gallon jar with a lid. Mix the other ingredients together, pour over the crackers. Turn the jar occasionally for 24 hours (if you can wait that long) until crackers are coated.

Enjoy!

Disney Day 3

2008-11-05T19:27:00.002-06:00

Another great day! Today was also cold and cloudy but still fun. We spent the day at Animal Kingdom. We saw two of the most amazing shows. "Finding Nemo" and Festival of the Lion King". Both different but both spectacular! I loved the costumes and choreography. In Lion King, the cast came out and chose B3 to march around in the finale. He loved it!! We got to see some beautiful animals on the safari, like the white rhino and elephants. Marshall and B1 went to ride on the Expedition Everest and became part of the year of a million dreams. One of the cast members chose them out of the line and moved them to the front! They were so excited that they rode twice! B2 has been getting lots of character autographs and photos. We met a cast member from Sugar Land and another from Friendswood. We bought some cool mouse ears (one set will need to be replaced as we left them on the bus to bless someone else). :) We had dinner and are just about to fall out! Marshall took B1 and B2 to play mini-golf and B3 and I are about to head to bed. Tomorrow is the day for the Magic Kingdom and I want to be rested up and ready to go!

Disney Day 2

2008-11-05T19:07:00.003-06:00

Oh my! What a day! We got up early and spent the day at EPCOT. We got to see all kinds of fun stuff. We saw a very cool show called Turtle Talk. Totally sweet! We also did the Mission Space ride. B2, B3 and I did the one that was less intense but Marshall and B1 did the higher-excitement one. Let's just say that my "thrill junkie" husband walked off with an air-sickness bag in hand (unused but handy just in case)! He recovered enough to ride the Test Track! We saw lots of cool stuff in the World Showcase and then got our snacks and headed to the hotel. Then we were in for a real treat. Marshall made reservations for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Review. What a blast! It was so worth the 9:30 dinner time. The food was good and the show was so much fun. Well, there was a tie between the show and the couple, D'nea and Steven, who sat in front of us and played the "Hoop-Dee-Doo" game with the all-you-can-drink draft. When the finale came around, Marshall was chosen by the cast to go on stage. He got to play the Indian. I took plenty of pictures that I hope to share soon! The kids and I laughed so hard! He even got to talk about it on the bus back to the hotel! Marshall rocks for putting that together for us. B1 and I decided that he just likes to say, "Hoop-Dee-Doo" Just ask him! My feet hurt and I am so exhausted. There will be no trouble with getting the kids to bed!

Disney Day 1

2008-11-05T18:48:00.002-06:00

Well, we pulled off one of the most exciting secrets I have ever been a part of!! It was brilliant in its covertness. Virtually flawless. We (mostly Marshall) planned a secret trip to Disney World. Yes, we kept it a secret!! On Monday morning we woke up at 3:00, packed the car, got the kids up at 4:45, dressed them, brushed their teeth, and put them in the car. They had no clue where we were going!! B1 figured it out when he saw the terminal sign to Orlando but like the great big brother he is, kept the secret until the others figured it out. We got on the plane and B3 had his first plane trip! He even got to sit in the cockpit with the captain-after we landed of course! While we were on the plane we had the kids convinced that we were just going for the day and that we were there to check out a super new Wal Mart that was being built. When we landed, B2 and B3 saw all the Disney stuff and figured it out. The look was priceless!! What a blast! We did have a kink in the plan though. Once we got to our hotel Marshall realized that his wallet was missing. It caused some stress for a bit but once we got everything taken care of, (thanks Billy) he was more upset about the loss of his sticker. B1 had given him a red smiley face sticker that he has had for about 10 years. It is very special to him so it will tough to get over. We finally got settled into our room and then went and had a yummy dinner. After, we went to Downtown Disney. What a trip! We loved the world's largest Disney store but went nuts in the Lego store!!! Uncle Erik would not be able to come out!! Stay tuned for more adventures in Disney for the Slot Family!! (When I get my computer running again, I'll post some of the fun pictures!)

Finely Choreographed Chaos

2008-10-06T08:34:00.003-05:00

I was telling my aunt the other day that I believe that my life is defined as "finely choreographed chaos". :) Certainly not choreographed by me, but by my gracious Lord. In August, we spent a week on a mini-vacation, then ten days at my youngest aunt's house learning how to make pickles the way my MeMaw used to. Even using my great-great-grandmother's pickling crocks! (no, not the shoes). On the day before we were to start school, we got a call that my oldest aunt was sick. It turns out that she had a seizure caused by a tumor in her brain. So the children and I have spent most of the last six weeks up in East Texas with her. So instead of doing Greek and Latin and Algebra, we are learning things like ministry, compassion, and flexibility (not my strongest quality). God has been teaching me that even though I spent most of the summer writing out beautiful lesson plans (thankfully in pencil) and working on science experiments and history field trips, He had already written out His lesson plan for me which includes none of those things! I am learning things like how to pack quickly, how to do school in a hospital waiting room or a strange public library, and how to spend my 15th wedding anniversary without the one with whom I have spent those 15 years! Instead of reading classic Greek literature or even plowing through my Summer reading list, I have been doing massive amounts of reading about herbal healing, nutrition, and cancer. My children are not happy with lowering their intake of white sugar. My husband has missed us. My aunt is not happy that I took away her beloved Oreos and replaced them with lots of supplements, green tea and spinach. It sounds like I am complaining, but I'm not. I am grateful that we are able to help in such a way. My Aunt Mo is very special to me. I am really just being thankful that I am not in control and laughing that I am enjoying just taking each day as it comes and as Elisabeth Elliot says, "doing the next thing". So, while I may not have choreographed this particular dance, I sure am happy knowing that my partner in all of this, God, knows each dance step that we need to take.
When I was talking to my Dad last week, telling him all about what we are doing, he said something to me that really helped me put it all in perspective. He said that he heard a quote that pertained to my life. "It's not as important to teach your kids to count, as it is to teach them what counts".

Libraries

2008-07-09T13:43:00.000-05:00

I love libraries! I could spend hours in one. Wait. I have spent hours in not one but many! When I was younger, my best friend, Sherry, and I used to walk from her house to the library where I would check out the Beverly Cleary books for the hundredth time. Then we would walk to Mister M and get a Sprite in a glass bottle, drink it, and return the bottle for a nickel. (Remember those days?) I spent long summer hours reading Little House in the Big Woods at the tiny library in the town near where my grandparents lived. When I was in high school I could drive to the library in the next city and they were open on Sunday! College gave me the huge 24-hour library at Texas A&M-whoop! When I started working in Alvin, the police department was next door to the library. The first thing I did when I moved back to my hometown was renew my old library card (which I still have!) and we got library cards the first week we moved to our present home! It has become a rite of passage that when each of our children turned 5 they got to go to the library and sign their names on the backs of their new cards. We have also mourned the temporary closing of our church library to make room for a new elevator. I love libraries! So, today was our library day because the children have already finished the summer reading program and were going to receive their trophies. We all checked out our armfuls of books, carried our prizes from the summer reading program and loaded into the car. (usually I have a rolling cart that we wheel in and load up with books but we used only bags today!) Then I experienced one of my favorite things: The sound, if you could call it that, of my children devouring their books in the back seat. I love looking in my rear-view mirror and only seeing the tops of their heads! They are totally quiet for the entire ride home! I find myself enjoying the peace and sneaking a peak into my mirror to watch. Then I thank God for what He has allowed me to do everyday! I am a Happy Mom At Home!!

Re-run

2008-06-27T12:22:00.002-05:00

For those of you who missed it last October, CBS is re-airing the 48 Hours show they did on the Whitaker case. The first time it aired I was so nervous hoping that they would portray the police department (and Marshall) and Mr. Whitiaker's faith in a positive light. They did a good job and I have to say I was surprised. I plan on watching it again and this time maybe I won't be so nervous! I will still have to tease Marshall about not having a picture of his wife on his desk! (He really does-tons, but the camera angle didn't show it!) :) Saturday night at 9:00 Central.

Helping Heads

2008-06-12T17:09:00.004-05:00

Well, as some of you know, I did have a former life. :) For nearly eight years I worked as a dispatcher for the Alvin Police Department in Alvin, Texas. As a matter of fact, that is where the Lord placed both Marshall and me so that we could meet and fall head over heels in love-well, he did anyway. I took a bit longer! I really loved my job and the people that I worked with. They became my family and most all of the members of the department come to our wedding. I received an email today from my sweet APD friend Roger. One of the officers there has a son, Brian, who has Pre-B Curser Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The police department is fully supporting officer Hill and his family during this time. Really supporting. Most of the officers, including the chief, gathered this afternoon to shave their heads in a show of camaraderie to Brian and to raise money for the family. Brian is in remission now but will have to undergo 2 1/2-3 more years of chemotherapy. To read the story go to http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19769397&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=635585&rfi=6. Please pray for this little boy and his family when you think about it.

Have a great day and go hug your babies!

My Prince Charming

2008-06-10T14:33:00.004-05:00

Well, I had the craziest weekend! I was all set to attend the SETHSA conference on Friday and Saturday. We spent three days playing the "clean room game" (Mom's idea of a great way to spend the first days of summer!). My children were going to spend the weekend at Nana's house in the country with The Swan Sisters (My two aunts). I had spent weeks on my shopping list, tweaking it just right so that I could get maximum shopping in between attending the amazing workshops. Marshall was on a golf vacation with his father and brother and was coming in Friday to go with me on Saturday. Things looked awesome and I was excited! So, you know that something had to change my plan, right? Well, the children and I rode up to meet my Mom and everything was great! The a/c in the car worked and it is a Honda so it got greater gas mileage than the Suburban, and we played the alphabet game and B3 even found the "X" all by his five-year-old self! We met Nana and hugs and kisses and admonishments to behave went all around and I left them blissfully shopping in Target. So, I did what any mother of three who was alone for a few minutes would do: I went across the street to WalMart and did my own shopping!! I got some essentials for the conference-dark chocolate M&Ms-and I picked up a couple of cute t-shirts for myself. I was on my way home, singing too loudly probably, when I got a call from Marshall. I had to turn down the radio to talk so when I did I noticed that the car was overheating-yikes! He told me to stop where I would be safe and let it cool down. Well, three hours later, I had moved about 45 miles! I ended up staying the night in a very small town at the closest hotel I could coast in to. The manager was so very gracious and kind to me. He even called a mechanic for me. My friend Dee Dee called me to say that she was going to be able to meet me at the conference. I tried not to cry as I was telling her that I wouldn't be there. Sheryl's side note-this is the one thing that I really look forward to every year. My sweet friend worked overtime to try and help me. To make a long story shorter, and to get to the reason for the title, my sweet husband left his trip early to come and rescue me. He knew how much the conference meant to me as a homeschooling mom and he did everything he could to get me there. Talk about a Prince Charming! We had a great time together and got to hear some great teaching on some things that we can work on in our home. What about the car you ask? Well, a very nice Christian mechanic fixed the car for us and less than an hour later the engine blew out! But, God really taught me some things this weekend:

1. It doesn't matter how many lists I can make (and Marshall will tell you that I am the queen of lists). He is still in control.

2. When my sweet husband says, "Let me be your husband and do this for you." It is perfectly acceptable, even in this post-modern, feminist society, to say, "yes, Dear" and mean it. (Thank you Lord for opening my eyes)

3. God is still God even if my plans change. He will always look after me because He loves me and I am his child. He will always provide for me and protect me.

4. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and if He wants to provide us with a new car, He can. If He chooses not to, that's OK too. He is still God.

I hope that if you are reading this you have that relationship with our Savior and know that He loves you very much. If you don't know that, please let me know. I would be so happy to talk with you about it.

Bless all of you!

Our weekend

2008-05-27T10:04:00.000-05:00

In our family devotions this morning, we talked about believing what the Bible says over man may say. (We are reading Starr Meade's Training Hearts Teaching Minds and are only on question #3 :)) It was nice to be able to show our children that we are to measure everything against scripture. Everything. Hmmm...do I do that? It's easy when training my children to say, "Now, how does God feel about that?" or "What does God's Word say about that?", but do I do that in my own life? Interesting question. One I am going to have to think about for a while. Especially now when we are in the beginning of Summer and evaluating what we are going to be doing in the Fall. I also just last night finished reading Dr. Voddie Baucham's book Family Driven Faith, which has really challenged me. I loved it! I had to read it very slowly to let it all sink in. There are lots of points in there that we will be praying about in our home. I may have to read it again :). We heard Dr. Baucham preach in March and while he was speaking he said, "If you can't say 'amen', you gotta say, 'ouch'!" I love that! You can hear his message at http://www.gracefamilybaptist.net/ and go to their pod casts. It is the one titled Biblical Headship. It was a great message!

On a different note, we had a great Memorial Day weekend. Marshall and the boys have been creating a plan for a tree house in the back yard. We have some big beautiful oak trees and just recently we had them thinned out. The boys went shopping and when they came home they started work.

Here is how they started:

Needless to say, Mom tried to not pay too much attention and trust that Dad knew what he was doing to let her baby, who is only 11, up on that great big ladder all the way up there...but I digress...

While Dad and B1 were up on the ladder making all kinds of noise, B2, B3 and Mom were planting our Grape Tomatoes in the old tires from our Suburban (don't look at how worn they are, Dad) Since we are new to the garden thing we decided to start simple. We love Grape Tomates and we have four huge old tires so here we are!

Now I need to go finish my butter pecan ice cream for dinner! Yummy!

My first post!

2008-05-26T12:06:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is. My first post. Who would have thought? I asked Marshall what he thought about my having a blog and he said that I could blog all day if I wanted. I don't really think he meant it, do you? ;) After I get more proficient I will post some pictures from the projects that are going on around here. I hope you all have a very blessed Memorial Day. Thanks be to God for those who have served or are serving our country.