Pray for me

Just a short note to say that I am recovering very slowly. I am always tired. I have had a ceaseless headache since last Friday. I am often dizzy when I try to stand. It is likely just anemia, but I have no way to test it. And, with Paul's unpredictable schedule, I cannot make an appointment to see a doctor. I am taking all the supplements and vitamins that I took while pregnant. But, maybe they are not enough to support me and a nursing baby.

Paul is driving a UPS truck today. And, is likely to be driving far more often in the new year. UPS laid off 7 full-time drivers. And, in their place, they are using part-time drivers (like Paul). Good for Paul. Good for pay checks... not good for me at home trying to recover. I want to be stronger than I am. I want to be able to get up and cook meals, clean the house, etc... but I can't. A few ladies from the local homeschool association are bringing me meals for another few days. And, for that I am very grateful. Then... the real work begins.

In these hard days we are watching a lot more movies. We are reading a lot more books. Rebecca is reading to the little kids. And, I do not know what I would do without her! Praise God for teaching her to read at just the right time! (She read Meet Felicity this week, all by herself!!!)

Pray for me, in my extreme fatigue. Pray for Paul as he is working more hours than before - and very soon adding even more hours. We need a lot of prayers.

Meet Josiah Eugene

Since we left on the evening of the 24th, the hospital gave us a Santa hat. Though our family does not "do" Santa, this hat is just too cute!

We're Home

Baby Josiah and I were discharged from the hospital last night. We got home about 8pm (Thursday). My parents were with us all day today, but have now left to go home (to IL).

I am tired, but feeling as well as can be expected. I will post pictures and a birth story in the coming days. For now... I need sleep.

Thanks again for all your prayers. As you read our birth story, you will see how much we benefited from God's answering them!

Josiah Eugene Woods

We are glad to announce the birth of our newest family member. Josiah weighed in at 9 lbs. and was 21 inches long. He is doing quite well. Bethany is healthy as well. She is recovering a little slower than usual, but recovering all the same. Please continue to lift her in prayer. When Bethany and Josiah get home she will fill you in on all the other details. Thank you for praying.
Paul

It's Official...

My labor will be induced. I go in to the hospital at 6am tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. It seems unreal, considering all the contractions I have had this past week, but I am no more dilated than I was last Tuesday! I am VERY surprised... so was my OB.

My OB has the rest of the week off for Christmas, so I will be under the care of a different OB tomorrow. I am OK with this change. We have been praying for months about this delivery, and I trust that God has a plan and reason for all things... including my delivery doctor.

I asked if they could break my bag of waters, rather than use Pit, but the answer was "no." It turns out that there is a greater risk of Baby's cord getting tangled when you break the water (as a means of inducing labor). So, the OB will start with the absolute lowest does of Pit in the morning... and we will go from there.

Prayer Needs:
1- That God would intervene and put me into labor without being induced
2- For my parents as they watch the kids all day
3- That Paul and I will share the Gospel through our life witness before the hospital staff
4- Last, but not least, that I would manage the pain well (My last 3 babies have been drug free! But, I am not so arrogant as to say that it is easily done...especially on Pit)

Today?

I did not go to the hospital last night. Shortly after I wrote my update, my contractions slowed down to stopping right at 9. It boggles the mind how this is all working out! I have never had anything like this happen before! This is just very odd.

Everyone here (aside from me?) is quite comfortable with Baby being induced today at my 41 week appointment. Unless I go into labor before then, I will not write another update till I come home. I assume that Paul will be letting you know of a new baby sometime tomorrow. (Like I said, we consider home internet a luxury, we certainly do not have fancy phones and gadgets to connect away from home).

Baby's Name: Did you figure it out yet? He's a good king, who was prophecied during the reign of King Jeroboam. If that does not give it away... this good king also tore down all the high places!

Update

My contractions are close... about 3-5 minutes apart. One might wander why I am still here, instead of driving to the hospital... simple - they have stopped so many times, that I want to be sure! I will wait for a few more contractions to verify. These contractions are pressure, but no pain. I ought to be feeling pain, if a baby is coming...

Everyone here is getting a little antsy... they would all really like me just to go in and get this show on the road. Since I am already overdue, everyone is hoping that the OB will just break my bag of waters or induce me.... hmmm... those are the two reasons that I have not yet gone in. I want to do this as naturally as possible.

As it is, if I do not go into labor tonight, I have an OB appointment tomorrow at 3pm. She mentioned last week that (if I should be late) she would induce me at that time.

So... it looks pretty certain that tonight will be my last night as a pregnant mama. Either I go in to deliver naturally, or she induces me tomorrow afternoon. I pray that God will let it be all natural. I really hate being induced. I have a high pain tolerance, but being induced hurts worse than the normal labor/delivery pains. Plus, do we really know what these medicines do to Baby?! I do not like taking any risks with Baby's health. Yet, I will submit to being induced tomorrow... so long as the OB agrees to begin with the absolute lowest possible dose of the "Pit."

Please God, I will not have to worry about these issues... May He, in His great mercy, deliver my Baby before it comes to that point!

Timing

I slept through the night. I did not have too many contractions after I laid down. Paul went to UPS to work.
Everything is fine... just waiting for God's Timing.

Another Day

My parents arrived safely this afternoon.

No Baby yet. I have had contractions 10 minutes apart for over an hour. But, I am tired now. I am going to bed. I do not expect to have this baby during the night. In fact, I am hoping he does not come, as Paul expects to head into UPS very early (leaving before 2am). The week before Christmas is not a good time for a UPS employee's wife to have a baby...

My parents are staying in a hotel in town (15 minutes away). So, if I do "pop" while Paul is gone, I have to wake up his parents and ask them to drive me into the big city.

Wrong Again...

I thought the baby was coming last night. I had contractions to 3 minutes apart. I did not go to the hospital, for two reasons: 1) Since my contractions kept stopping all week I wanted to be sure. 2) I was not in any pain, and contractions that cause birth - hurt! So, I stayed home... again... and slept... again.

My parents will be here this afternoon. I am not sure how long they will be able to stay. But, while they are here we will celebrate Christ's birth together.

Grandparents Coming

I consulted with my mother and father, and they have decided to come tomorrow morning. So, my parents will be here by afternoon and will be able to watch the kids as needed. This is a great relief to me, knowing that we will have child care when the Baby comes.

As for how I am feeling... I feel "weird." I feel "different." I think it will be soon.

Happy Day!

Paul and I celebrate ten years of marriage today! We have both changed so much!

We hope to have another member added to our family today!

I had contractions during the night... again. And, they stopped... again. But, I will not lose hope! He has to come some time!

Waiting...

No Baby yet. I am SO surprised that Baby has held out this long, knowing that my body was laboring days ago! Each baby's birth is so different!

However, Baby DID drop during the night. I can breathe with greater ease, as he is no longer at my ribs!

Baby Name Clue

This is a big clue... in fact, you ought to easily find the answer.

Baby's first name will be a good King of Judah. His particular kingship was prophecied during the reign of King Jeroboam (of Israel).

Baby's middle name is still undecided. Though I think it will be a family name.

Almost there!

I had slow, steady, time-able contractions all evening (last night) and into the wee hours of the morning. I could not wake my poor husband, and decided to let him sleep "till the last possible minute." I laid down and fell asleep. At 2, when Paul's alarm went off, I told him not to go to UPS... I was still having contractions.

He went back to bed and we both slept. The contractions ceased sometime during the night.

So, Paul and I are both well-rested and ready to meet this baby today! We really want it to be today, as my own OB is the Dr on call all day!

I am making a hearty Baked Oatmeal for breakfast... should this (hopefully) be my last meal pre-delivery!

Getting MUCH closer

Went to the OB this afternoon. Without being crude or specific, I will say that it is very likely that Baby will come tonight or tomorrow. I would be very surprised if Baby stays in more than 48 more hours!

Keep us in your prayers. Pray for my in-laws too, they will watch the kids while Paul is with me at the hospital.

An answer to prayer: I met a doula today... quite by God's providence (rather than "accident.") She was a lovely and encouraging lady! She told me that the staff at my hospital is very good about following the wishes of the patient. She also said that the birthing rooms are wonderful. Since I knew little of the hospital before now, this is greatly encouraging to me!

Cloth Diapers

I forgot to mention y-day that I got a package of cloth diapers in the mail. This is what they look like, I don't know exactly where they were purchased. (I bought some a few years ago at the links I used below)

Indian Pre-fold - our kind friends sent us 20 of these! Adorable... I love cloth diapers!

Bummis cover - the ones we got in the mail are size small and white... SO CUTE! (Our generous friends sent us 5 covers!)

Today? Maybe...

I went to bed last night with slow steady contractions. When Paul's alarm went off just before 2 AM, I was still having contractions. I timed them for hours, after 4 AM the contractions were 10 minutes apart. I was about to call Paul and give him some notice at work, but decided to wait and make sure... mostly for the sake of my in-laws, whom I did not want to wake at that time of the morning. Anyway, the contractions stopped between 4 and 5.


I have my last (hopefully) OB appointment this afternoon at 3. Will today be the day? Will I even make it to the scheduled appointment. I know I am getting close... but today? We will all have to wait and see.

No News

No Baby yet. No news. Will you settle for pictures of the other kids instead? ; )

Below: Paul reads to the kids

Lydia holds Joshua

Mommy helps Lydia sew a paper mitten (I punched holes around the edges, and she sews with yarn). Rebecca hand sews with real needle, thread, and fabric. Nelson also sews a mitten.

 

I still feel good... just tired (which is, of course, to be expected). I like being pregnant, and I will miss feeling the Baby inside of me... these are most precious times! When I sound like I am eager for the Baby to arrive, it is because I know that the only thing better that feeling Baby move in my tummy is to feel him in my arms... and I am eager to meet him!

Also, I want to assure our readers that Paul understands his duty of posting a notice as soon as he can after Baby arrives. But, we do not have fancy phones or a lap top. So, there may be a bit of a delay. He will do his best to keep you informed!

Still Here

I am still here, no baby yet.

We drove down around on a lot of gravel roads today... still no contractions.

I am due one week from today!

Ask the Blind Man...

He Saw it All, performed by the Booth Brothers

39 Week Check Up

I had almost all good news at the OB!

Not such good news first:
- high blood pressure (145 over 89, for me that is VERY high!), but NO other sign of hypertension

The good news:
The baby measured beyond 40 weeks, so she ordered an ultrasound. Remember, the concern was that the baby would be larger than 10 pounds (Baby #4 was 9 pounds 5 ounces). Well, the ultrasound showed a LOT of fluid, but my smallest baby yet! His weight y-day was about 7 1/2 pounds... and they supposedly put on a half pound a week. So, this could potentially be my smallest Baby! We will have to wait and see, but that is a huge answer to prayer!
Rebecca got to attend the ultrasound with me. This was her first time to see an ultrasound, and she had a great time! She did amazingly well identifying body parts! We could see on the pictures that Baby has hair on his big head. We could see Baby's whole rear end and legs under my rib cage... that explains all the shortness of breath. We even got to see the blood traveling through the umbilical cord! All very neat!

No signs of labor yet. I have not had a tummy contraction for about a week. I still have back spasms, but the OB did not think they are back labor. The OB wants me to come into the hospital when my contractions are 8 minutes apart (because this is Baby 5, and because I am roughly 45 minutes away from the hospital). I have only had one baby in the past in which labor started with contractions, and hers began at 6 minutes apart. But, no worries... she still took a few hours to arrive!

I am feeling more confident these days. I know that you all are praying for me. And, in addition to that, I am trying to put my focus on the good times following the pain and trauma. Every time that I think about labor and/or get panicked, I simply tell myself it only lasts a short while, then I get to hold my new little man! I try to set my mind to guessing the color of his hair... or how long he will be... or remembering the smell of the infant shampoo they use (with a hint of lavender)... and then I calm down again.

Almost there... only 9 days (or so) to go!

The Bondage Breaker

I wrote about the book, The Bondage Breaker, on my old blog. I want to keep all potential controversy far from our family blog.

Click HERE to go read about the book and how God is moving in my life.

Healed - Brian Free

A terrific song to bless you today!

One Day Closer

Every day is one day closer to Baby Day! My lovely widget says that I have 13 days to go!

I am trying to stifle my nesting instinct, so that I do not over-do! I tried to clean my oven y-day, but I got too tired... so now the job is half done. It looks and smells better, but I did not get it rinsed well enough, and the baking soda left white residue... oh well.

Paul is driving a UPS truck this morning, and he forbid me to do housework while he is gone. He said specifically that I am not to clean the oven... oh well. I will try to obey... I'll try... does baking count as housework?

I know. I'm naughty. I just cannot seem to sit down and "take it easy." But, I'll try... really, I will try. But, my common sense says, "Do what you can while you can! Don't you know you could have a baby any day now?!"

Galloping the Globe

I have had the Galloping the Globe Geography Unit Study homeschool curriculum for about a year and a half now.

Negative points:
- It is supposed to be for the primary grades, but most of the activities and books are for the older end of that spectrum
- It is by Christian authors, who are supposed to be putting forth a biblical wordview, yet almost all of the books recommended promote secular evolution
- Many of the sources recommended are from websites that are no longer active
- Some of the books recommended are from a set, but do not say which title within the set

Positive Points:
- it is a unit study... if you like that kind of thing...
- neat worksheets for bigger kids (3-4 grade)
- includes cooking around the world lessons, geared towards bigger kids
- emphasis on missionaries

Basically, I like the idea of the curriculum, but it is not working for us. I may try it again in a few years. But, I  doubt that I will ever use it as a unit study. I would more than likely just use it's worksheets and some of its suggested books as a supplement to something else.

Waiting Game

So... last night I was terribly sick. (I will spare you the details!) And, I was up half the night. I was so sure that it was pre-labor purging that I got panicked. I actually started shaking so bad (from an adrenaline rush) that I could not lie still! I just knew that I was starting labor! I was wrong. No sign of labor at all today. No contractions, no back spasms, nothing.

My dishes are all clean, the laundry is all done, I got a nap, the house is clean, the house is vaccuumed... I am ready to go to the hospital... but things rarely happen in my timing. The way I figure it, the Baby will come when the dishes are stacked to the ceiling, the laundry is piled up, the house is a wreck, and I have not had a nap... that's usually the way it goes.

As you can see, I don't really have anything to say. I just wanted to write a post, so that you would know I am not having a baby today.

38 Week Check Up

I am not showing any signs of labor yet. Despite all my back spasms and contractions, it does not look like I will have a baby this week. I am not disappointed. We want this all to happen in God's time!

Last week's vitamin D test came back. It was the 25(OH)Hydroxy D test. New research shows that scores should be around 55-60. My score was a 41, which qualifies to my OB as "low-normal." This past week I have been taking 5,000IU of Vitamin D one day, and then alternating with 10,000IU the next day. I have felt much stronger in the past few days! And, I know there is no danger of overdose. (The blood test confirms that, plus I have been prescribed with much higher doses before - while pregnant too).

In other news, we are still trying to get everything on the house ready for winter and for Baby. We still have not gotten all our plastic on the windows. We are trying to heat without propane this year. We have our space heaters running in almost every room. This keeps the house at a consistent temperature, but the circuits are TERRIBLY overloaded, and we blow/trip a fuse at least hourly. You see, we have a system, we know exactly how high each heater can be. But, if/when a child adjusts a setting... you guessed it, it blows the fuse.
We keep the central furnace set at 61, so if the house does drop in temperature, the "real" heater will kick on. So far our plan is working pretty well. The price per day of running electric heaters is a WHOLE lot cheaper than it was to use propane last winter!

That's all of my news for now. I know I have been pretty quiet lately... not too busy on the blog. I am just finding other things to do, like baking (just one more way to keep the house warm!).

My Husband = My Hero

I am so proud of Paul! He fixed the toilet! It has been broken since Wednesday morning. I knew they Joshua had put bath-tub toys in the pot, but I thought I had gotten them all out. (Yuck, Paul was gone, and I had to do that myself!) Well, two days passed and the toilet still was not working right. So, Paul took it completely apart to find the trouble. He quickly discovered that the problem was the toilet itself, and put it in the bathtub to run water through it. It was a nasty, dirty, stinky job... and I am glad that my husband was able to do it! End cost = nothing but hard work!

I think from now on I will ban all small bathtub toys!

37 Week Check- Up

Yesterday was my 37 week check up.

Good news:
- NEGATIVE Group Beta Strep test! What a relief!
- Baby is still head down
- Thyroid and Iron levels look good

Not such good news:
- protein in my urine, but it is NOT hypertension, because blood tests ruled that out
- my blood pressure is a little elevated

Still waiting on:
-Vitamin D results, I will let you know those next week

Blessings

Thanks to God's goodness, and the generosity of friends (some known, some anonymous), Paul and I were able to buy some much-needed items at Wal-Mart today! We bought two radiant oil-filled space heaters, so we will not have to use as much propane. And, we bought plastic sheeting to cover windows and doors!

Here is the assembly crew putting together the new heaters!

Kitchen Crew

I had to enlist some help in order to get these pumpkins processed before they got too ripened. We had a blast... except for the clean-up afterwards. I am a bit of a clean freak, but I knew this would be a very messy job and I did not utter any complaints... outloud.

Below: I work with the kids. Joshua and Lydia look on, as they were not allowed to help.

Paul took my space when I got tired (after doing only one half...). Joshua is still looking on, but where did Lydia go?

 

Lydia hated being left out - I should have known better. But, I honestly thought she was not big enough/strong enough. She showed us! She sat herself down at the kitchen table to work! She is wearing a coat, because she is always cold in the house. Nelson (above in the T-shirt) is always hot.

 

They are all such big helpers! I could not have processed those pumpkins without them!

Job Update

Just about everyone we know is praying that Paul's job at UPS will go to full-time very soon. But, it does not look like this will happen soon. Paul found out a few days ago that four of the full-time drivers (at his center, in Columbia, MO) have been laid off... and this is at the start of "peak season." These men will be used as "driver helpers" for a few weeks before Christmas... The outlook, at least from a human perspective, looks grim.

We beg for your prayers. We are praying for wisdom and guidance from the Lord:
- We do not have insurance at present, Paul will get insurance in about 6 more months if he stays at UPS, the family would qualify in another 6 months after that
- If drivers are being laid off, then there is no chance of Paul's going to full-time soon and getting the salary we need to live on.
- Should he stay part-time for benefits to come? Or leave UPS entirely and seek a different full-time position?

We ask you to join us in our prayers! God has answered so many prayers already, and provided so many of our basic needs. We now ask for wisdom.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (NASB)

Unbelievable

We visited a different church today. I want to write more about the church and our overall impression at another time. But, for now - I gotta tell you...

We did not tell anyone about our needs. But, while we were at church complete strangers offered us some deer meat. They have already killed two deer this year, and had not yet used up the old meat. She asked if we like to take her old meat (less than a year old!). So, we came home with bout 75 pounds of deer burger. AND, when we were leaving another member brought a bag of groceriess to the van. She gave us a bunch of produce, some bread, and some deer summer sausage.

It is so unbelievable! I prayed on the way to church this morning that God would give us some deer meat this year, since Paul and I decided that we could not afford to hunt and process our own. But, I never told anyone that we had any need of anything!

God just keeps showering us with gifts at the hands of strangers and anonymous friends! To God be the glory!

A Reading Update!

Exciting news... no Baby has not yet come... that will be in about 27 days! But, this news is exciting too! I think we have had a reading break-through! Rebecca was bored the other day and went and got a Little House book. I thought she would look at pictures, but guess what?! She started reading it! All by herself! Without being prompted by a parent in any way! What's more, she understands what she is reading! She said to me, "Mommy, Laura lives in Wisconsin." And, later she said, with awe in her voice, "Mommy, Laura's family has to cross the Mississippi River!" I am so happy! My Big Girl is reading! Praise the Lord! She has had so many set backs... so many struggles. But, now she is reading by herself! It is like someone turned on a light bulb in this past month! I am starting to think that some people were right, when they said, "she is not delayed, she does not have a reading problem, she just is not ready." Maybe they were right. Maybe she was just not ready.

I have said before, on the old blog, that Paul had a "reading delay" as a child. He was held back in first grade. But, in the following year, he became such an advanced reader, that he had to be moved to the gifted class! (He was the same age as Becca, about 7-8, when he had his breakthrough). I thank God for giving us the courage to homeschool, even when people were openly hostile about Rebecca's reading delay. Some said, "This is one more reason that she should be in public school." (Implying, of course, that I am not an adequate teacher). Others would say, "This is exactly the reason that you need to homeschool!" (Implying that Becca needs more individual attention, and not a classroom full of kids who would likely laugh at her.) I cannot tell you how many times I have doubted and blamed myself in the past three years. I cannot tell you how many times I have wanted to give up, call it quits, and enroll them in a school. But, God carried us through those challenges. And, I am glad that we stuck with it. Still, I am not trying to take the credit for Rebecca's progress. If I am a good teacher at all, it is by the grace of God. Sometimes He gives me new ideas and approaches, new insights, that I know HE is the one at the helm! I praise God for setting Becca free from whatever it was that has held her back so long. It is so good to hear her read with growing confidence! She has a long way to go, of course, but I am encouraged by her progress.

To parents who do not homeschool because they say, "I cannot do it, I am not qualified." Friend, I feel the same way each and every day! Few homeschool moms feel that they are really qulaified for such a high calling! Yet, we rely on God to give us the strength to follow through on our convictions. If God is moving you towards a desire to homeschool, then be assured, He will enable you to do the job. There are new challenges to face every day... but He will go through them with you!

To the homeschool veterans that have encouraged me so much in the last year as I have cried over my daughter's "delay" and especially over the way kids teased her... thank you so much! I needed your kind words and I took them to heart! It is, in part, thanks to friends like you that I did not give up! I will try to follow your example and encourage others as I get further along in our homeschool journey.

Phone Bill Mystery

Paul discovered y-day that our delinquent phone bill was paid. (Which is why our DSL and phone were never disconnected.) I should not be surprised at someone anonymously paying our phone bill, but I am! I was not at all expecting this... how in the world did someone trace down all that?! I should not be surprised that God would provide for this, since He has provided for so many other things as well.

I think the reason I feel "surprised" by generous humans and by God, is that I just feel so unworthy. Yes, I cried out to God and expected Him to answer... but I am still such a sinful creature. I am so short-tempered. I am so impatient with the kids (and myself, and Paul, and...). Yet, I know that God's good gifts do not depend on our good behavior and sinlessness. If they did, we would never even receive salvation.(Because He died for us while we were yet sinners! Romans 5:8)  But, we know that "every good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17).

Also, y-day, we received another benevolent gift from a local church (the same church that sent the box with clothes in it! Paul is going to meet with the Pastor this morning and tell him thank you!). While I am very grateful and excited to see God provide, Paul is overwhelmed and quite beside himself.

Though we have differing reactions to the many blessings that God is bestowing on us, we are both very grateful for all the many gifts God is sending! We are grateful to our anonymous brothers and sisters who are being the hands of God to reach out to us at this time! We appreciate all your prayers! God is answering them!

Make Your Own Instant Mixes

I know that I have told you about The Family Homestead at least 50 times already. But, it is just such a wonderful resource! (At least for those of us that are not in metric... sorry to my Aussie friends!)

Anyway, today I wanted to tell you about Crystal's bulk mixes. I highly recommend that you go check out the Instant Oatmeal, Bulk Pancake Mix, and Taco Seasoning! Can you guess what I will be doing in my kitchen today?! What a blessing to be able to prepare these things in advance, with real ingredients, instead of buying the expensive store-bought mixes that contain MSG, high fructose corn syrup, and all those other nasty things that make our bodies weak!

Updates

Pregnancy Update: I had my 36 week check-up y-day. Everything looks great. Baby is still head down. He is measuring well.

Nesting Update: I am seriously nesting. I think it is because I know that I am only going to get more tired as the weeks continue. So, I am still putting up food in the freezer for later. I had Paul get my non-maternity clothes from the attic, so that I could pack some in "The Bag." And, of course, I have started packing The Bag. My non-maternity clothes are now hanging in my closet. I am SO excited by all the clothes I have to choose from in a few weeks (I always get back into my normal clothes right away). After having only a few maternity outfits to choose from, my normal closet looks excessive! 

School: I have not been scheduled in my schooling lately. Our regular routine has flown out the window. But, we read every day. And, we read out loud every day. Rebecca's reading is VASTLY improved! I am so excited by her progress. Even Grandma was surprised by her improvement when they came last week. The only thing that holds Becca back, I believe, is the impatience of grown ups and older children. Since Becca has learned/is learning to read phonetically, she has to sound out words. And, often grown ups finish her words, assuming that she doesn't recognize it. This has been frustrating for Becca, because I have labored hard to force her to sound out words until she is certain that she knows them by sight. And, the crazy thing is, the only words that Rebecca is reversing now are the three letter words! "Bat" may be "Tab," but she would never reverse "Israel"! She is able to read the Bible for our family worship fairly well. She is able to follow along in the Psalter fairly well. And, she is reading baby books to the younger kids. She can read a lot better than she thinks she can! She is afraid to read new things, even if I know that she could. She hates to fail... she is a bit perfectionistic like her mother. So, we just keep pushing her to try new things.

My health: I know that many of you are very concerned about my disability... will it come back with the cold weather, will I be able to labor with and deliver a baby, am I in remission??? I ask some of these same questions. However, I can tell you that I feel great (for a nine-months pregnant lady). In fact, I still think that my perspective of what real disability is has made this pregnancy better than any other! I cannot think that vomiting, nausea, or fatigue is really all that bad compared to a real disability (not being able to walk, button my shirts, wash my hair, dress myself, etc). 
When the weather started changing at the end of September, I did have a lot of pain and fatigue (beyond that of pregnancy). But, Paul asked me to raise my dose of Vitamin D to 5,000IU/Day (doubled what I was taking,) And, I take that with my cod liver oil pill, to improve its absorption and effectiveness. Now, I have no joint pain. And, I do not even have to take a nap every day. Am I tired? Of Course I am! I am pregnant with Baby Number 5! Any pregnant woman this far along will be quite tired, but I do not think that this is at all disability related. So, maybe I am in remission... maybe God is healing me through the use of Vitamin D... maybe God is giving me only what I can handle at this point... only time will tell.
Keep the prayers coming. God answers prayers, and he is using my brothers and sisters literally all over the world to bless me with strength and healing!

As you can see, we still have internet access. We are afraid to call and see why they have not yet disconnected us, for fear that they will see their mistake at once and cut it off immediately. Though the home phone is not terribly important to me, I sure will miss home access to the internet... that is, when they get around to disconnecting it.

Trip to the Dentist

I took Rebecca and Nelson to the dentist y-day. I thought that my family would like to know that they have no cavities!

Rebecca - Will those two front teeth (that were removed at age 2) ever grow back?! Yep, they are on their way in... very slowly working through the scar tissue.

Nelson - The only concern was a "weird tooth" as the dentist called it. Two of his baby teeth on the bottom have "fused together." But, though it looks odd, it is nothing to be concerned about.

I go to the OB this afternoon. Hopefully (if the internet is still on) I will have another good report for you.

Changes

My bedroom seems to be changing as much as my figure.

Here is the bassinet... waiting for deposit.

And, next to it, the new car seat.

(Which is not usually in the room, we just wanted to share the blessing!)

Changing table and two clothing "dressers."

The little one on the left is for New Baby,

the one on the right is Joshua's.

 

ME! Only 32 days to go!

This is my new skirt (the anonymous gift)!

And, I am wearing one of my new tops under the sweater.

 

A Picture is Worth...

Rebecca and Grandpa S. snuggle

Grandma S. reads to the kids

Grandpa poses with Nelson, Lydia, and Joshua

Paul is "training" one of the kittens to be an indoor cat.

(More like, Paul is spoiling the kitty!)

Grandma and Joshua play with the kitten, "Princess"

(and, boy, does she ever live up to her name!)

My Mama

Grandpa and the kids look at the digital camera pictures

Nelson used his birthday money from Great Grandma S (my grandmother) to buy a BIG gun!

I will try to get a picture of my big belly on sometime... if the DSL remains connected. I don't honestly know why the phone and DSL have not been disconnected yet.

Gifts

We got a big box in the mail today with clothes in it and a few school supplies! Among the clothing items were NEW maternity clothes! Two tops and a skirt! (Receipts included for the maternity clothes!) I haven't tried on the maternity clothes yet, because I am afraid to shut the door... what would the kids do in the time it takes me to try on a few items? (well... there was that one day when Joshua put dark clothes in the bleach load...)

The big question - who is it from? The return address is a church in Columbia that Paul and I visited for a while, but no longer go to. Whether this gift is from the church (as a whole) or from an anonymous member that wanted a safe return address to conceal their identity -  WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL! Thank you, dear friends!

I am so unworthy of the Lord's kindness. God reveals His Grace in many ways... and I always feel so unworthy! Praise God, again, for all His provision.

Counting Blessings

"Count your many blessings, name the one by one" says the hymn. I am so excited about all the stuff we got y-day, I just have to tell y'all!

-oddly enough, we still have a phone and DSL, and now it is weekend. Who knows when it will be disconnected now?
- some friends bought us a car seat for baby. It was out of stock at one store, and the other store had it on sale!
- my parents bought us a bassinet
- my parents bought us a ton of everyday stuff that we were completely out of: garbage bags, paper towels, dish soap, free clear laundry detergent, strong smelly laundry detergent (for Paul's work clothes), toilet paper, a toilet scrub brush, bleach, rubber gloves (for Becca to do dishes), diapers for Joshua (in a big BOX), wet wipes, fabric softener, light bulbs, and work gloves for Paul
- my parents even bought a few items off of my "just dreaming" list: a 12 inch skillet, and 8 small Corelle plates
- my MIL took an old phone and got it connected with their family and friends cell phone plan, so that I will never be without a phone...only 34 days till Baby is due!

God has been very kind to us in providing these provisions. I think Paul will sleep better at night knowing that we have everything the Baby needs to make his grand debut! And, I will sleep better with clean sheets, washed in detergent! I am earnestly saying, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." But, I am also trying to be mindful that this difficult financial season is a blessing. Paul has been very a stable pillar of strength that always points towards our eternal Tower. I am blessed to have such a husband!

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous runs into it and is safe . Prov 18:10 (NASB)

For Some Reason...

I still have a phone connection and DSL... very peculiar! Paul called y-day morning and they said that it would be disconnected as soon as they could send a man out. I did not even attempt to use the phone or internet y-day afternoon, because I was certain that I had no reason to. How odd!

My parents came to town y-day and spent the night. Last night they took us to dinner! Today they are taking us shopping! Guess what?! Someone gave my parents money to buy us a Baby carseat! And, my Dad talked like he and mom would buy us some necessary household items that we are out of! Praise the Lord! I will have laundry detergent! I don't know what is more exciting... getting a carseat or getting these other necessities!

Oh - and there's more! My parents brought birthday presents for Nelson last night. (Remember, we missed going up to IL for his birthday). Well, they bought Nelson the winter coat he needed! And, they bought Rebecca brown shoes that she can wear (as opposed to the white ones she has been wearing - even to church)!

I do not know why the phone is still on... or when it will be disconnected, since they are already two days late... very odd. But, I do want to let you know that Paul's folks are going to get me a cell phone on their "Friends and Family" plan, which will cost them $10/month. Seems that no one likes the idea of me being without a phone 35 days before Baby's date. : 0 )

I am assuming that this will be my last post for a while... surely they will disconnect the phone sometime. So, I will leave you with this -

Another Baby name clue:
Clue One was: It is an Old Testament name.
Clue Two: It is NOT the name of an Old Testament book... so, if you were thinking "Deuteronomy W____" then think again ; )

Last Thoughts

Rebecca with Grandpa at lunch break. Hopefully it will be the last day of soybeans... so long as the combine keeps working.

In case I don't get back online for quite a while, here are my pregnancy, labor, and delivery prayer needs:
- I would prefer a baby under 10 pounds, because the Dr will not let me labor with a baby bigger than that.
- That these last few weeks would be healthy for the whole family, and we would not contract any illnesses
- That I would be a light to the doctors and nurses during labor and delivery
- That the pain would be manageable, and if it is not manageable, that I would STILL be a light to the lost world around me
- A speedy recovery
- That my desire to keep from being induced will be honored
- That my desire to keep Baby from receiving the Hep B vaccine will be honored
- That God would allow me to make it to the hospital in time (December is known to be cold and/or icy)
- That Paul would be able to attend the birth (and not be stuck at work)
- That God would fortify Grandma W to watch the kids while I am at the hospital... and that they would be safe and well behaved
BUT, if you think this list is too long, pray for this one thing - that I would be a witness for Jesus Christ during my entire hospital stay! That is my single greatest desire in labor and delivery.

Until I get back online again...
Bethany

P.S
- I know the background is boring, but I was not sure when I would be able to change it again... so I thought I better keep it neutral

Who Can Satisfy

Here is a very tame version of one of my favorite songs. I chose this version, because the lyrics are written out. But, if you ever hear me singing from the shower... or singing in the car... or singing while I do dishes, you will hear a much more lively arrangement!

Something Useful

As I said the other day, this is the first year I have ever processed/pureed my own pumpkins. I am still excited about this seemingly small achievement. I know that all you ladies reading my blog have probably done this for years - but to me, it is new and exciting!

If you have not yet processed your own pumpkins, let me encourage you... if I can do it, you can do it! Plus, look at the money you may save.

I spent 50 cents/pumpkin. I got about 3 cups of puree from that one pumpkin! The can of Libby's pumpkin goop is at least $1.50, and it has only 2 cups of puree in it! That's what I call good stewardship! I hope to get to the Amish store and buy a dozen today, if there are any left. And, I am keeping all my seeds for next year's garden!


I have been married almost 10 years, and it is the little victories like making my own pumpkin puree that bring me great joy. I am finally becoming a homemaker! And, I am finally able to teach Rebecca (my 7yo) a few practical helps.

I have been praying that the joy of the Lord will be my strength. And, I am allowing little pleasures like pureeing pumpkin myself, to bring me great joy!

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6 (NASB)

38 Days to Go...

... until Baby Boy's due date.

I had an OB appointment this afternoon, everything looks good. She asked, "Are you having any contractions?" I answered, "All day, every day." She was not concerned about it. Blood pressure is good. Baby's head is down, but high. No swelling in the ankles. I am measuring at 36 weeks. And, I gained a half a pound since my last visit (2 weeks ago)! She was very glad that due to my new acid reflux medicine I can eat and sleep!

Thanks for all your prayers! When we lose our home internet (first thing Thursday morning, because tomorrow is a holiday), I will try to get to the library once a week to update you on everything important. (I am now on weekly OB appointments) Hopefully, our internet will be back on before Baby comes, so that you can learn his name and see some pics.

Your first name clue: It is an Old Testament name.

Blessed Be Your Name

3 AM Panic

(Edited 2 pm the same day for content. I posted this while Paul was at work, and I did not have his permission. He has not asked me to erase it now, but he is visibly hurt by my mentioning finances. Please forgive me friends for mentioning things that ought not to have been shared.)

Paul left for work at 3... and I am still awake.

I just remembered that our phone and DSL will be turned off today, because we could not pay our bill on time. This will be our first ever phone disconnection... truly humiliating, but unavoidable.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Psalms 37:23-26 (KJV)

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 2 Cor 4:7-9 (KJV)

Book Review

Dinner is in the oven and I have a few minutes to write a quick review.


The Complete Financial Guide for Young Couples, by Larry Burkett

- a very easy read, I read it it one night
- I think it would be a great tool for premarriatal counselling, or a gift for newlyweds!
- I wish we had read this book 10 years ago! There was nothing new to me now... everything in the book (by way of practical help) we have learned the hard way
- God-centered and Bible-centered
- unlike the other guy (you know, the one on the radio with the Money, Money, Money, Money theme song), Burkett does not encourage women to work to meet the financial needs. In fact, he says that a woman's income should not even be included in the budget, because at any point she may need to leave her job
- very practical... again, if I had only read it 10 years ago...

My favorite part was in the introduction, where he mentions different personalities. I had to work to keep myself from laughing out loud when I read my personality: (The reference to the swing set is a comparison to a different personality... the guy who does NOT read the instructions...)

"Compliant is the perfectionist who wants clear-cut guidelines and conformance to detail. You'll know them when the order the swingset, because not only do they read the instructions, they correct the spelling and grammar before the begin."

Isn't that hysterical! OK, so maybe you have to know me... anyway, I think it's funny.

This book is a must read for the engaged or newly married couple.

Busy, busy days

I have a million things I ought to be doing right now, but I thought I would take a short break to say how busy we have been.

Paul has been helping his Dad with farm stuff for the last week. I went to take a picture of him working in the field today, but as usual, the combine was broken down... again. These pictures probably show much of what they have been doing for days! It is supposed to rain tonight, and they need to have the beans out... I am doubtful that it can be done...

Paul is the one in the brown shirt with his head in the machine. That is his dad beside him. They called in another mechanic to help, he is by the cab.

 

As for me, I have been on vacation... sort of. I am due in 5 weeks, and everyone is worried about me. So, Paul has taken Nelson to "work" with him every day! I have had some QUIET days around here! So, I spent one afternoon finding recipes for pumpkin. I spent another afternoon learning to process my own pumpkin. And, I am spending every afternoon working on a new recipe (that usually includes pumpkin!) I am getting all my recipe ideas from The Family Homestead - my new favorite site!!! (Go me! I made my first ever pumpkin puree!) I should also mention that since I do not have a sturdy mixer I am mixing and kneading by hand! My hands are not too sore these days... and I am going to enjoy this labor while I can!

This afternoon, I took Paul, Nelson, and Paul's parents lunch out in the field... then, I came home to start garlic cheese dinner rolls (another new recipe). Oh, and I bought groceries this morning. It was a vacation with only three kids - the busiest one being absent!

My folks are coming from IL on Thursday, so I probably won't be around much at the end of this week. There is cleaning to be done... hospitality to extend... and so on.

Tomorrow I have another OB appointment, I will let you know if I learn anything new.

Meet Rebecca

Rebecca wants to tell you a little more about herself and our family.

I have 1 sister and 2 brothers. Their names are Nelson, and Lydia, and Joshua. I live in MO. My favorite colors are pink, purple, blue. We have 1 big black dog and 4 kittens.   

Funny things that Rebecca actually said while writing:
"Mommy, there is no V"
"Why don't they put computers in alphabetical order?"
"I don't think there is a Y"

Week in Pictures

Above and Below: Nelson opens gifts

Below: Someone bought all the kids pajamas!

  

 

Below: One day I was VERY tired and rested on the couch while Lydia practiced her letters in the living room, at a make-shift desk

Below: The kids love kittens! We let them bring in kittens a few minutes every day. And, they snuggle under strict adult supervision.

Total Praise

I cannot endorse everything that the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sings and/or believes, but I LOVE this song!



Lyrics:
Lord, I will lift mine eyes to the hills
Knowing my help is coming from you
Your peace you give me
in time of the storm

You are the source of the strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise to you

The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power

Teaching Reading/Writing

I had something of an epiphany last night. (Well, actually, it was more like a "DUH, Bethany!" moment)

A few days ago, I let my 7 year old, Rebecca, write her first ever blog post. She was so excited, that it was all she would talk about for days. She is still asking, "Did I get any more comments?" She was very challenged in the writing of her post and (even more so) in the reading of the comments. But, she is yearning to read the comments all by herself and write all the replies herself. I help a little, but she says, "OK, you can go now," after I answer her question. I secretly laugh with Paul over the way she dismisses me, as though she is such a big girl now!

Then, yesterday, I helped her write a letter to a local friend. We write a few letters a month. I consider it to be part of her schooling. And, as with the blog post, she has to keep copying her letter until it is very well done. Through this, she is learning her spelling rules, grammar/punctuation rules, and much more! I knew this was a good exercise for her, but I really did not see the whole picture until last night.

I always thought that the best way to teach a child to read was to gather (and read) books on any and every topic that the child is interested in. And, that certainly is a GREAT thing to do with a beginning reader. However, Rebecca was not made in such a way that she desires to accumulate knowledge. She asks a lot of questions, and she does like learning, but she does not care to spend time reading to answer her questions. BUT, God has programmed her in such a way that she is VERY driven to want to use language to communicate! More specifically, she desires human relationships. Through writing the blog the other day, she realized that in using her reading and writing skills she can actually communicate with other people!

As I was thinking through this little epiphany of mine, I realized that from a very young age, Rebecca wanted to learn to read the Bible. In fact, this is the only book that she ever seems really interested in reading (by herself). Now I know why, and it is VERY exciting to me! She love the Bible, because it is all about building a relationship! She knows that God is a real being, and that Jesus, Paul, Peter, etc were real people! And, she wants to develope a relationship with God! This is so very exciting to me! I have no doubt that Becca loves the Lord. She hungers for His Word, and wants to learn more... not just facts about the Bible, but the real-life relationship she can have with its Author!

So, I now know that relationships/communication is a motivator to teach Rebecca more about reading and writing. I know that blogging is good for her, along with letter writing. I will be more aware to look for such motivators with my younger children.

Another Neat Site

I want to recommend that you stop by The Family Homestead and see their helpful site. There is help and information on a variety of topics: cooking, homeschooling, gardening, home-birthing, and much more. Go check it out!

Suggested Site

I found a neat site today!

Pick Your Own features:
- finding a local orchard
- recipes (with pictures!)
- canning helps
- much more, go check it out!

Rebecca Writes

I have decided that part of Rebecca's schooling will be getting acquainted with technology. She wrote her post on paper first, and now she will type it below. I told you this would be a family blog!

I am Rebecca.  I am 7. I want to play music. I like to sing.

She did that very well. Next time I will let her write more, but I expected her typing to be much slower than it was. If you leave a comment to Rebecca, she will read it. 

 

Family Driven Faith - a book review

I finished reading Voddie Baucham's Family Driven Faith, last night. (I cherish my quiet evenings alone to read! Paul and the kids go to bed before 8.)

I thought this book had some really good material in it! It reads like a partial autobiography...with Baucham sharing his own journey in: becoming a husband, father, and spiritual leader in his home. He is honest and open in sharing his short-comings and successes. The prose of the book is an easy read.

However, some of the ideas may not be so easy for some to swallow. For example:
- Baucham promotes the idea of all families doing family worship regularly
- He is unashamedly a homeschool dad, and encourages others to rethink public education
- He supports the idea of family-integrated churches, and points out the short comings of age segregated churches
- He sees no reason why young men and women should not marry and have children while they are young (college aged)
- He encourages leaving your womb open to God's control
- He constantly brings up statistics that show how our children are leaving the church in droves... and how they have no worldview

While I love the book and agree with most of the points he made, I think this may be a love it or hate it kind of book. His language can be, at times, harsh to those who see things differently. The book has a loving, pastor-like tone. I have no doubt that he wants to see families grow in their spiritual lives! However, some comments will leave you saying, "ouch."

I do recommend this book. However, I can see that a lot of people will not like it, because it is so radical. Overall, I was VERY encouraged.

Confessions of an Inconsistent Mom

I have been working on my old blog (Grace in Bloom), pruning it to get it ready to some day turn it back on. I have read through every post I wrote since I started. Here is one thing that stood out very plainly to me...

My kids used to be pretty well-behaved. Last winter we had the children pretty well trained. They were following orders after being told to do something only once. They knew what was expected of them and they complied. And, we parents rarely had to raise our voices... ever. I was not afraid to go to church or have friends over. In May, we even had another family of 6 stay at our home for about 10 days. During all this time, my web-log shoes that the children were doing very well.

THEN... I got sicker and weaker. You likely remember that I could hardly walk last May through June. I certainly could not run and play in the yard with the kids. I had a hard time getting around. I could not cook or clean. And, Paul (or Rebecca) had to dress me.
THAT is when the children's behavior began to change! Instead of getting up to enforce my commands, I would not be able to get up.

First, you need to know that we correct our children with Scripture. We believe Scripture is the only standard by which to raise your children by, therefore is it the primary discipling tool. When a child in our home misbehaves we take them to a private bedroom and speak with them about their sin. We read or quote Scriptures to them to show them they have sinned. And, often, we reinforce these teachings with a firm nudge to their bottoms.

But, this is what things have looked like in our home since Mommy got sick:
Nelson would run in the house or jump off the furniture. We have LONG standing rules forbidding any such behavior INDOORS. I would say, from the couch, "Nelson, are you allowed to jump on the furniture?" Nelson says, "no," and then runs about the house and jumps on the couch again. I get a little louder, "Nelson, you are NOT to jump on the couch." Nelson looks at me then runs off again to jump on the bed. I am, meanwhile, sitting on the couch crying, because I cannot get up... so I scream, "NELSON, STOP!" This gets his attention...finally... and he sits down (for a few minutes).

Do you see what has happened in my home? I do. I fell short, and the kids began to rule me! I was being inconsistent. I said that I expected certain behavior, but I did not immediately correct the problems that came along. Over time (a few months), the younger children have turned into little monsters. (Rebecca is different. The Lord has changed her heart- she is a Christian. She obeys from a genuine desire to please and serve the Lord!)

So, here is the new gameplan. I sat down with them this morning and had a discussion with the children. I asked them if they used to behave better than they do now. They are readily agreed that they used to behave better. I asked if they used to obey when Mommy said something once, and they answered to the affirmative. Then, I told them that Mommy was being sinful in her inconsistencies. And, I said that they were sinful in the lack of honor for me (and Daddy, at times, but usually me).

God was with us... and the children listened. They are already behaving better. And, I am already being more consistent. I am guessing that the next few days will be exhausting, but I know there will be some immediate results (and others that will take much longer).

So, that is my confession. I hope that you will be encouraged in your own parenting from this post. If you are not yet a parent, I hope that you will glean something positive from it as well.

The Big 6!

Nelson turned six on Sunday! I did a birthday interview with him. He's getting so big!

I know that he looks kind of shaggy... we are in the process of growing his hair out to look more respectable (you know, like the good-looking boys in the Vision Forum catalog, or a Normal Rockwell calendar.) He has worn his hair short for about 3 years, because that is the only way Paul knows how to cut it. But, I would like to see it longer... even if it means paying for a cut!

It's All About the Blood

This is my favorite Southern Gospel group, singing one of their best songs! Enjoy the message!

Good Decision

I am very glad that Paul's final word was "we will not go to IL this weekend." At first, I was disappointed... but, now, I am relieved. God's Providence is always best! (By the way, Lydia is great!)

1- I started having contractions y-day afternoon and they continued all night

2- Contractions again this morning and continuing through the afternoon, despite my best efforts to push fluids

3- We drove down to Jefferson City last night (less than one hour away) and I was terribly uncomfortable! How would I have ever managed 4 hours to IL in the van?

4- I just spent an hour planning school for next week. It is such a HARD, time-consuming task... but is it also greatly rewarding. I love seeing my planner all filled out! But, if I had been visiting with family today... this task would have been put off till the last minute. (And, I still have to make copies of the worksheets we are doing!)

5- We are getting ready to have Nelson's birthday dinner: steak, macaroni, and pumpkin pie... YUMMY

The BIG Little Man turns 6 tomorrow!

Weekend Trip Called Off

Lydia is much better. Her fever broke last night. And, she asked for a drink!

Still, we do not want to take her on a roadtrip, because we want her to keep recovering! Sleeping in another bed, and travelling in the car is all so tiresome, and we want her to keep improving.

Today she has been up moving around, as opposed to lying around like a sick baby. She has eaten at every meal today!

We know that this healing is from the Lord, ultimately, and we strongly feel that He ushered it in through Vitamin C! I am a believer in Vitamin C! (And D, and B, and so on)

ALSO, Here is a pregnancy update that I forgot to mention the other day!
I went to the OB on Tuesday. I am measuring big... my last baby was 9#5 oz. The Dr said we will do another ultrasound to see how big he is getting to be. She does not want me to labor with and deliver a baby bigger than 10 pounds.
Also, she was able to pull some strings to get my insurance to pay for Prevacid (for GERD), which it never has before. (Prevacid is $7/pill!) So, along with my dietary changes, I am sleeping much better at night! At my appointment, I had lost weight, and the Dr was concerned. But, now I am actually able to eat again! I am not eating like you would expect a pregnant woman to eat... but I do eat.

Sorry to all my friends and family that I will miss seeing this weekend. But, I will not be making any more plans to travel in the next 7 weeks, unless something tragic happens. We will plan to travel to IL a few months after Baby is born (and there is less snow, ice, cold air, etc...) I am thinking February, but we will wait on the Lord to make the way plain when the time comes!

Thank you all for your devoted prayers!

Classical Education

If you read my other blog (before I shut it down), then you know that I recently ordered The Well-Trained Mind from the library. (I LOVE my new library - in the "big" city - I can order books on the internet and they hold them for me!)

I did not read the whole book, because it would have been information overload! (And, because I am much too busy!) I read the portion of the book pertaining to the Grammar Stage of Education (through 4th grade). I was already persuaded to try classical education before I read the book. But, this book told me HOW to go about it! I found the book very helpful, with a LOT of great references.

The author of the Well-Trained Mind, Susan Wise Bauer, also wrote a history book called The Story of the World (SOTW). I checked this out from the library also, but I was disappointed. It would not be my first choice for a primary history text. But, a comment on the old blog referred me to The Mystery of History, by Linda Hobar. I have looked into this book, and read reviews, and I think it is what I will go with (as soon as I can afford a used copy)! I am excited to have a little more direction in my schooling. I was a little too eclectic before, and it was driving me mad pooling so many of my own resources from the internet. I was doing it because it was FREE!, but it was very taxing on my time!

This is not meant to be a controversial post. I am not trying to persuade my readers to switch to classical ed (or to switch to homeschooling). This is just an informative post for my dear friends and family who are encouraging me in my schooling journey.

Weekend Planning

In theory, we are going to IL this weekend to see family. I say, "in theory," because these plans are contingent upon our health and our van.

The van - Paul did replace the one misfiring sparkplug, and it worked really well... for one day. Then, on Tuesday, it starting misfiring again. He got under the hood and tightened the plug wire, and it is working again... for now. The plug wire does not want to stay in place.

Health - Lydia is not feeling well. If you followed my old blog, then you know that Lydia is VERY frail and still underweight. She has filled out enough that we no longer fear for her life (like we did before), but we HATE to see her get sick. I have been giving her Vitamin C crystals in her drinks, but she still seems puny. She has not been eating (this is day two). And, this morning she is whining that her head hurts. So, it could be a common cold, the seasonal flu... anything.

We ask that you would pray for Lydia (we call her "Lucy"), that she would fight this sickness off. OR, that if God is not going to remove this trial that He will sustain her strength and health.

Our weekend plans are:
-Drive up to see my folks on Friday
-Saturday my Grandma, Uncle, and Aunt are coming down to my parents' house to visit us
-Sunday we are visiting the church in IL where Paul was pastor before we moved (in Aug 2008)

We look forward to seeing our friends and family in IL, but Lucy's health takes precedence over all plans. We put it in God's hands and will make our decision tomorrow morning. In the meanwhile, I will pack, and make cookies (for my brother), and get ready to go.

More Scripture Memory

Another original tune (by Bethany) for Matthew 22:37

Scripture Memory

An original tune (by Bethany), for Colossians 2:3

Van troubles - Part 3

We have a diagnosis for the van. Good news - Bob was kind enough to do the diagnostic test for free!
More good news - it looks like we just need to replace the spark plugs and wires. (At least, we will start there and see...) Bob also recommended that we regularly use fuel injector cleaner, which we stopped doing months ago when the cost became a "luxury."

Paul will have no trouble changing plugs and wires himself. (Only cylinder number 1 is misfiring, so he may just replace that one. Because we cannot afford all six plugs and wires) Looks like we may still be able to make our trip to IL next weekend to see family.

Van troubles - part 2

Paul is taking the van to "Bob" to be looked at, at 10:30 this morning. Bob used to work for Ford and has all kinds of cool equipment! He can "plug in" the van to a computer that tells him exactly what is wrong. So, we pay Bob $20/hour for a diagnosis, then we beg God for the money for Paul to fix it himself!

I love being married to a mechanic! What I love most about it, is the way he stops on the side of the road to help out people in trouble! What a great way to shine for the Lord!

Van troubles

Dear Family and Friends,

Please pray for us. Our van has a severe miss and Paul is not able to drive it to work. He is borrowing his parents car tomorrow. We do not know how we will be able to get it repaired. Pray we do not lose heart in these difficult times. Thank  You.

Funny Story

Rebecca: "Daddy, I can spell 'aldo'. A-L-D-O"

Daddy: "Yes, that is good spelling. But, we have no word 'aldo'"

Rebecca: "Yes we do. Like we say 'aldo this' or 'aldo that'"

That's right, friends, our Missouri speech must be pretty bad. Daddy had the chance to improvise a lesson on the contraction "I'll" and how to properly say "I'll do..."

Fall Pictures

Starting Over

Our family is starting a new joint blog, both Paul and I will write.

WHY?
We are starting this new blog, because we feel like in many ways we are starting over. We want to forget the past and press on toward the goal (see Phil 3:13-14). We do not know where we will find ourselves in the coming year. But, we want to have a family blog that we can refer new friends, old friends, and family to that does not carry all the baggage of our bad decisions. We still believe that God is Sovereign. He will use our mistakes to make us stronger, but that does not mean we need to make all former mistakes public. We are praying about taking down our personal blogs soon. If for some reason I decide to keep my blog, it would be severely pruned and limited to reveal only parts of our history.

WHAT does your title mean?
I took the title from a Scripture text and a hymn. The Scripture is Exodus 33:18-23. Moses askes God to show him His glory, and God agrees. However, to protect Moses from His whole Glory, He hides Moses in the cleft of a rock and covers Moses with His Hand.

The hymn is "He Hideth My Soul", by Fanny J Crosby ... one of our favorites!

So, we are entering a new era in our family. We are starting over. And, we are asking the Lord to show us His glory. And, we are trusting Him to always protect us with His Hand!

If you want to see my older blog click here.