One night down

Toby's first night with us went fairly well. He has only had two accidents so far. I think the dog slept a little better than I did. I am not sure how much school we will get done today. Hopefully the little guy (Toby) will fall asleep soon and then I will be able to give my younger two children a bath while the older two do handwriting and math. I also want to finish reading a book about Martin Luther to them this week since Reformation is on Sunday. I need to think of a nice Reformation day craft for them to do. We could always draw Luther's rose on clay then paint them. I will just have to see how wild this little dog becomes after he is used to the house.

Life can not be to boring

In our house we like our life to be interesting. On Sunday, what should we find in the newspaper, but an 8 week old male Springer Spaniel. We talked, wondered, mused, and then desided to go and look at the dog. Well, anyone that knows me, knows that I was going to bring the dog home. We named him Toby and now the fun begins.

We also had some friends over after church and we carved 9 pumpkins. It was so much fun and everyone helped clean pumpkin seeds. To bad we only get to carve pumpkins once a year. Those seeds are just so tasty.

Roy Dog June 6, 1994 to October 21, 2006

Our very loyal dog, Roy, was put to sleep today. He was always willing to be by us and love us. In the days of his youth he would run circles around the yard play fetch and loved to take us for walks. You see, when he was a young dog he was very strong and would pull us along as if the most excited thing in the whole world was waiting for him around the next corner. He had a grand collection of toys and would prance around the house carrying them in his mouth. Roy's most prized toy of all was a rather large stuffed cat that he would drag everywhere. He would make everyone of his meal times a grand event and would walk up to the person that was not putting the food in his dish and make sure that they knew he was being feed. His whole body would start to wiggle at the excitement of eating. When Roy was 3, his world was turned up side down when we brought our first new born baby home. He was immediately very gentle with children and he always look after them. As each new baby was brought into the house he was a little older and more patient. Roy also had a terrible time with ear infections so by the time he was nine and half he had lost most of his hearing. This was a very sad thing to happen to him because he never really wanted people to pet him. He wanted people to talk to him. He wanted to know what was going on and he would turn his head and seem to really be paying attention to whomever spoke to him.
He loved to roll in the grass when we all outside. He always slept in our room unless there was a little new born baby in there that woke up often. I think that he wanted his sleep and did not like to be disturbed. He was also a great singer. I know you all are wondering how does a dog sing. But while I studied music in college, he would sit and watch me practice my voice music. One day he just started to sing along with me. From that point until he lost his hearing he would always to sing if we said "sing Roy". He will always be remembered for being the wonderful dog that he was. We will greatly miss him.

What is wrong?

I have an eight year old daughter who is mostly very happy and upbeat but sometimes there is something wrong. I can just tell by the way that she is walking. The way she is holding her head. The way she moves her arms or sits in the chair. Something has made her sad or unhappy or hurt her feelings. She also tends to worry about things. I mean really worry about things. I, as her mother, know that if she does not talk about what ever is bothering her she will become a very melancholy girl. So I then ask the question "what is wrong?" She will then cry and do everything but tell me what is wrong for about 20 min. This then causes me to loose my patience because I do have four children and can not stand there all day while she will not answer a simple question. She is a perfectly normal girl and very smart but when it comes to her talking about he emotions it becomes completely impossible. Usually I can not even understand her because of all of the crying she is doing. When the whole ordeal is over it turns out that she was making her self crazy over something that was so minor and insignificant. My husband and I try to have patience with her but it is very hard. Her little worrying habits can just about take over the whole household if I do not keep a tight reign on them. I think that some times she is using it as a way to get a little attention from my husband and me.

I am sure that often times, in our sinful nature, we will bring many meaningless worries to our Father in heaven. He is the ever patient Father. Always there for us and always providing for us. We need to never worry because He will always give us all we need to support this body and life. Yet, despite this, we worry. We through our sins at God and wonder if they can really be forgiven. His answer will always be a resounding YES! In our darkest days he will forgive us. Some of you may be asking why? The reason is because he said so. Yes I am forgiven because He said I was. He spoke forgiveness at baptisms as a wee baby, and he speaks forgiveness every time He feeds me at the Lord's supper. He speaks these words of forgiveness in the prayer he gave us. The Lord's Prayer. To the free gift of forgiveness, all I can say is amen.

Photo time

My parents came to visit us this past weekend and that always means picture time. Taking pictures in one of my Mother's passions so we always pose for pictures. My husband puts up with us and our many photo sessions. The kids loved getting to spend so much time with their Nana and Papa. We did have a few things on our plate while they were visiting but everything still went just fine. I am hoping that we will be able to get a lot more school work in this week. For some reason last week was just terribly off. A few assignments were done in a few subjects but not enough to make me feel like I taught them anything. I was able to go through three of the children's clothes and pack up things that no longer fit them. This week I would like to finish going through Constence's clothes and give my room a good cleaning. Now just because I say that I would like to get these things done does not mean that I will get around to it. Just as long as every thing in the house runs smoothly. Yeah right, I have got four busy little kids in the house. I will be lucky to get the laundry done. So it goes for my busy life.

Nursery field trip

Today our Lutheran Homeschool group went on a field trip to a local nursery. It was very interesting and I think that the children really enjoyed it.

Here we were learning about grafting trees. We were able to see the scar on the tree where it had been graphed.
This was the machine that planted all of the little seeds in to the flat so that the seed could germinate.
This is a photo of my oldest son looking at one of the carnivorous plants that they sold at the nursery. He was very excited to see one up close and personal after he had read about them this summer.

We had just finished up the apologia botany book so it was really neat for the kids to see so many different variety of plants growing.

Silence

I was just looking at a few blogs I like to read and I noticed how completely silent the house is at this moment. The washer and drier have stopped. The dishwasher is done with its job. The weather is nice so there is no A/C or heater noise. My two daughters are silently picking up their room, which means they are probably playing. My son is doing his English which is a quite subject and the baby is taking his nap. Oh, and while it was so quite I ate a piece of chocolate. Ahhhh! I also found out that when I scroll up and down with my mouse every now and then a little beeping sound will come out of the speakers. Funny what you notice when there is silence.

Happy Dance

I did it! I added links to my blog. Yeah for me!

I took the flower quiz

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Which Flower are You?

You are a Lily:You are graceful, gentle, calm, and pure and perhaps a little shy (though your shyness is part of your charm). You are a very honorable person who always wants to do the right thing. Your calm attitude has a soothing effect on others.Symbolism: The lily has long been used as a symbol of majesty, honor, chastity, and purity of heart.
Take this quiz!








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I had never taken one of these quizzes before and it was fun. It is amazing how true the results are. I found it on Barb the evil genesis blog.

The sun is shining just beautifully today and I am looking forward to finishing up the school week. Tomorrow I will be gong to a introduction to the new hymnal that the LCMS is putting out. I should be a very interesting day.

Again

Again I find myself trying to do the same things. Trying to finish one day just to wake up in the morning and try to start another one. My little guy is sleeping right now and I should be cleaning but it seems like I will never get to end. That is how life is like in a sinfully world. The work in never and we long for rest. There is only one place for me to find the rest that my soul is longing for. That is in the feast that our Lord Jesus Christ gave us. His very own body and blood shed for all sins. He will be our eternal rest and deliverance from this world of sorrow. Oh I know that my picture that I posted does not really have anything to do with my post. I just thought that it was very cute. On the brighter side of my life I am now back into my regular blue jeans. I took 19 months this time but at least I am finally in my jeans.

Shame on NBC

I heard about a sad state of affairs on our local talk radio station this morning. It turns out that Veggie Tales is now going to be on NBC on Saturday mornings. "Wow" I thought to myself, I had not heard of this. But then I found myself fuming. The so called wise people in charge of NBC have said that Phil Vischer (the man behind the tales) is not to have any reference to God during the show. WHAT? Say it again because I know I did not hear it right. Sorry, but yes, I did hear it correctly. I just think now, what in the world is happening.

I can not let my children watch the basic three channels because everything they put on the air is awful. OK sometimes the shows they may have on are OK but then you better watch out for those commercials. You never know when they might show a commercial for an rated R movie during a sporting event that everyone in the family is watching.

I would like to challenge Mr. Phil Vischer to tell NBC off. He does not need their money. He should hold true to his art and not take any of it out. If we, as competent people, begin to compromise where will it end. Everything in the world is being compromised. We must hold true to our faith.

School, Stuff, and things

So, I teach my children and my house is messy. I am doing a wonderful thing by teaching my children. I care for them and love them daily. Why then do I feel so darn guilty about my house being messy. I have a 4 year old and a 1 year old that can drag out more thing in one hour then any normal human being could possibly clean in one hour. It is unbelievable! Toys, blocks, dolls, clothes, snow boots, mittens, winter coats, and many books will all be dragged out before lunch. I must help the third and almost second grader a lot. They need to be guided and set on the right course before their works begins. Then once they begin to roll I must quickly get the clothes washing and dishes rinsed. After my chores are done I will read a picture book or two to the young ones before I must guild the learning again. By the end of our adventure in learning the floor is a mess. Cleaning must happen so that we may be able to walk around the house freely for the rest of the day. At least tonight I can see my living room floor.

9-11

On September 11, 2001 I was getting everything together to go to Matins at church. At the time I had a 3 year old daughter and a 2 year old son. I was also pregnant with our third child. The children were watching Nick cartoons and I was packing their toys and snacks. We had breakfast and the drove to church. When we pulled into the church parking lot, the radio dj began to talk about what was happening. I was shocked. What a comfort it was to be able to walk into Matins worship and hear comforting words for my pastor.

psalms 27

The Lord in my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?

When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

One thing I ask of the Lord, this what I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter fo his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.

Hear my voice when I call, O Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
You face, Lord, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.

Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen

Laundry, laundry, laundry

The Laundry Monster is back in my home. I had tamed the terrible beast this summer while we were taking a break from school. But now that school has really picked up, the beast has returned. My mornings seem to get sucked away from me. I am trying to get the children to do their chores and then we eat breakfast. After the meal is over we have devotions and catechism study. After that the days just starts to roll away and before I know it is lunch and my washer still is not humming. I need to try and make it a priority to get that machine a humming first thing in the morning. Hopefully by dinner time these piles of clothes will be tucked away in all of their little homes. Tomorrow there will be more laundry to do again.

Let school begin

And so it begins. The education year has begun in our home and chaos has followed. The baby has pink marker on him, one little child tossed all of the homeless sock out of their bag and there are mega blocks all over my living room floor. In amongst all of this mess learning is taking place. We are reading aloud Tom sawyer and the older children are really enjoying it. We are about half through our story of the world book and I hope to finish it this school year. We will finish one more chapter about trees in our Apologia science and then move on to the astronomy book. I am also focusing more on English this year and we do about 20 min. of work everyday. Math-U-See is of course done everyday and the children also do handwriting and silent reading. I have not tackled our new spelling program yet. We will be using Spelling Power for the first time. My goal is to have a better understating of the program and begin to use it next week. I also hope that we will learn one word a week form the English from the root up program. Hopefully the younger two will not destroy to many things while they explore and play. Now back to checking on my son and English assignment.

45,000,000 deaths

45 million deaths, a genocide, and abomination and a end to human life. What on earth could cause so many deaths? The plague? Oh, I bet the dreaded bird flu. Maybe the coming world war three that so many people are a buzz about. No, none of these things have caused so many deaths or probably will cause so many deaths. Our own government has caused these deaths all for sake of a woman that we scared to become a mother. Well that woman had her child anyway and still these babies are dyeing. In 1973 the government made abortion legal and I am sure you all know that. It is a very well know fact and it is very sad! It troubles me so to realize that since the year I was born so many little babies were never loved or held by their mothers. Their cold hearted mothers decided that rather than fall in love with this baby, that would have it sucked out and killed. Sad, Sad, Sad. Is the sinful nature of human kind really this awful? Do we all have that same type of sin in us? Are we all poor miserable sinner? YES! We all deserve death and eternal punishment. But is there hope? Why should even go on living in this awful horrible world? Because we, even though we are sins are loved and we are given great and glorious gift from God. His only Son, Jesus Christ, was made of the flesh as a wee little baby. Do you not think that Mary was scared to be mother? She was not yet married and the man she was to marry and he was not the father of her baby. How many of the 45 million deaths were killed because of those reasons I wonder. She was given a holy Child to carry and her heavenly Father was the baby's Father. These baby was sent down for such sins. He is the perfect Lamb to die for our sin. He is the payment for such terrible things. All people that are baptized into Christ have this forgiveness of sins. We receive the gift of this forgiveness at the Altar, in His Body and Blood that he shed for us on the cross. Jesus's Blood washes us clean. Amen.

I Love My Mp3

As you can tell I am a part of that first MTV generation and heard the song I Love My MTV on the radio often during my youth. Now on to my play on words. I bought my dear husband a mp3 player for father's day this spring. Since he received this nifty little gadget, I seemed to have claimed it. I stay at home everyday and constantly hear little children laughing and talking and basically making noise. Now do not get me wrong, I love my children and their happy voices but I also need adult voices. Now this is were the mp3 player comes in. I spend much of my day picking up and cleaning, folding clothes or doing dishes while the kids are playing. While my hands are busy and I can have one of the ear buds in and I can be learning. When we first got the player, swimming lessons were just beginning to start for the older three children. My husband downloaded many Issues ect. Episodes for me to listen to during these lessons. I loved being able to walk around with my youngest child and play with him while I was learning about different important issues. There are always things to learn about the church and now I have a way to do it without having to be strapped to a radio or computer.
Our church has been a sponsor of Issues ect. for a few years and I always wanted to be able to listen to show. But being a busy Mom it was not a reality that would happen. Now I can download a show and listen to it when I can. Plus I can also stick in my favorite baroque music every now and then. So I apologize to my husband for loving his mp3 player so much, and I thank him for being so willing to share. I Love you dear!

Dying the death

Why do some people struggle with controlling everything? They think that they can fix all of the problems that happen in life and yet fail to discover that sin has caused these problems. People of today have a "can do" attitude about everything; finances, marriages, emotional issues, you name it. I can fix it! I can take care of everything. I am in control of my life! What if Noah would have said that. What would have happened to The Church? Could you imagine Noah telling God his ideas about saving human kind. God, I think I have another idea, this ark thing of yours will just be to time consuming. Why not a raft that would only take a few days. I don't know about taking all of the animals either. Man, that just sounds like to much work. How about I just take a few of the really good ones. You know God, I am really proud man and I think I can do this alone. I can take care of everything. I do not want to die the death!
The only way that any good can come out of any sinner is to die the death. We all must be crucified with Christ. We must drown in the waters of baptism and die, only to then rise up out of the water and then clothed with Christ. Then and only then can Christ in us take care of all of our problems. Then we can have peace. Then we can have ever lasting life. I am hungry for the supper to come at the Divine Service!

We are almost there

Last night was Sunday and that means popcorn and ice cream for supper. I know that it sounds crazy but it is the one time a week that I do not cook a meal. So we make it fun and enjoy it. My husband usually scoops out the ice cream. When I say he scoops out the ice cream I mean that he really brings it on. Heaping bowls of ice cream are brought to everyone in the family. Needless to say his is always very full. He asked me to scoop the ice cream last night and I looked at him and asked why. Well he then told me that he always put to much in his bowl and then pays for later. I then smiled at him at said " You are always trying to feast before the feast comes."
As children of God we await Heaven and look towards it with longing hearts. In the world there is so much pain and torment, it is so easy to get sucked into it all and feel sorry for ones self. This last week I had selfish feelings, thinking my life was so terrible. In reality it is not. I am blessed by God in many numerous ways, His Body and Blood were shed for me and I know that all of my sins are blotted out by Him. We all want the "big bowl of ice cream" but for now we receive His Body and Blood until He will take us to our Heavenly home.

The child's gate no longer will hold my 16 month old son down stairs. Thank goodness that the gate squeaks when ever his little hand begins to pull on it. No longer can I leave him alone in the living room. My life is again filled with new worries as one of my little children begins on a new adventure in their life. It is so hard to begin to see them grow and learn new things. We must, as parents, see them fall, get banged up, frustrated and then try all over again. We, as parents, are always ready to hold them and comfort them when the times comes. They do not always come to us but we are always picking them up. Our Heavenly Father does the same with us. We will try new things and fail. Our lives will not be as we think that they should but He always has His plan for us. His promise of Heaven is what we can remember when we are being bruised by this world around us.