Good evening! 

 

Woo, what a day.  We did so much today!  I've been preparing my boys for the upcoming school year by learning some new skills. They are learning to make their own breakfast, clean up and do their own dishes.  That sounds minor, but learning to do it from start to finish and "leave the kitchen like you found it" is challenging.  They did very well.  They are also choosing chores to do in the afternoon.  They will be doing things like dusting, vacuuming, wiping mirrors, and cleaning sinks & toilets.  FUN!  They don't seem to mind, and like having a part in the work around the house.  This week I'm training the boys on how to do their jobs so when school starts they will be familiar with what to do.

 

The boys went to their 3rd swimming lesson today.  They have progressed soooo much.  Ben could not swim when we started and now he is swimming across the deep end without help.  Tyler is swimming fast with cross strokes.  I'm so proud of them.  Here's a pic of Ben swimming in our back yard.

 

After swimming we took a nap and then I made homemade pizza, and I had a little helper.

So cute.  He rolled out the extra dough and helped me put on the cheese.  Ryan has been progressing so fast the last few weeks.  His speech is coming along, and he's level of understanding is amazing.  Today I told him we were going swimming.  He went and got his suit, then got his sandals and wanted them on, then he got the sunscreen for his arms and legs, then he got the face sunscreen stick, all without being told.  He knew everything he needed to go swimming.  I was so impressed.  This is just one example of many that have been happening the last few weeks. Praise the Lord!

 

I'm continuing my school planning and I'm feeling better about Ryan going to preschool.  I had another homeschooling friend email me after reading my blog. Her youngest son, who also has special needs, has been attending a public school special ed preschool.  He has done well and her report gave such encouragement to me.  I felt like God gave me a big hug and said, "You can do this!"  (Thanks Hollie)

 

So we have the count down to school.  Only 2 more weeks and then we start.  Next week the boys will finish learning their new chores and the following week we will start going to bed on time and getting up early to get ready for school.  Doing this a week early, allows everyone's body clock to adjust (including mom's). LOL  We will be starting school earlier in the morning than last year.  The workload this year is increased, so getting an early start will be necessary. I also want to get as much school done as possible while Ryan's at preschool.  I have 2 late sleepers, Tyler & Ryan, so easing into it will be wise.  I mentioned getting up early for school in the next few weeks, and he responded with a miserable moan. 

 

That's about it for now.  Be blessed and let me know how you are doing.  Email me at jenny29.11@verizon.net  Have a great night!

 

This beautiful butterfly was in our yard just the other day. Tim took a picture.  It's always a wonderful gift to see God's creation and have time to stop and wonder.

 

The boys are back from their trip with grandparents to Galveston.  They had a great time.  They went swimming in the ocean, visited Moody Gardens, NASA, and Kima Boardwalk. 

 

I have been very busy decorating while the boys were gone.  I worked on the homeschool room the first few days.  I painted it and sewed some curtains.  I'm working on the artwork on the walls now.  When it's finished I will post a picture. 

 

After the homeschool room was somewhat finished, we painted the master bedroom.  The first color was just not right, it was misty green.  It reminded me of something you would paint an Easter egg.  LOL  So we went back and chose a darker green and we were very satisfied.  We are still working on the window coverings and artwork in the master as well, but when we get closer to the finished look I will post it too.

 

The boys start swimming lessons today.  I arranged private lessons this year, because there is so much waiting around in the group lessons.  They are excited to go.  

 

We have 3 weeks until school starts and I'm working hard on my planning.  I try to balance my planning and allowing time to have spontaneous activities as well.  You just never know when one child will respond well to something they are learning and want to delve further.  I try to leave extra time for those academic rabbit trails.  Children learn best when they are engaged in a topic and want to learn more about it.  I do too.

 

So there you go, not so exciting few days, just lots of hard work.  I will leave you with a cute picture of Tyler and Suzy our dog.  Tyler had just come back from their trip and was so tired.  Suzy was excited to have her "friends" back.  Two sleeping friends.

 

~Jen~

Good Morning!

 

It is only 7am and it is 80 degrees already.  It reached a high yesterday of 107.  Needless to say we have been hiding like bears in a cave.  All the blinds are kept closed and as many lights as possible are off. LOL  Tim has been doing his tree service from 6am to noon and then coming home since it has been so hot.  It's suppose to let up this weekend, so I'll be praying.

 

The boys left yesterday with Tim's parents for a trip to the Galveston area.  Tyler and Ben have been talking about it for weeks.  They looked like they would just burst yesterday morning.  They yelled, "It's today! It's today!"  when they woke up.   I'm already enjoying getting some things done here at my house while they are away.  Ryan is still here and I've enjoyed some one on one time with him. 

 

School will be starting soon, and after much prayer we have decided to place Ryan in the public school special ed program in our town.  I was dead set against it earlier in May, but after looking at all our options, and praying, I feel good about him going.  He will be there from 8-noon each day.  This will allow me to homeschool the 2 older boys and Ryan will get speech, OT, and PT at the school without me (or him) having to run everywhere.   I visited the school in May and was not impressed and felt that I could do a better job at home.  I still feel that way somewhat, but realized that there are limits on what I can physically do. I can still work with Ryan at home like I planned, but it will be in the afternoon and the other 2 boys in the morning.  What I decided was that Ryan would not get much one-on-one with me while I was teaching the boys in the morning and would probably just play with toys.  Since he's behind, he could benefit from as much therapy as possible and his time would be better spent at the special ed preschool.  This will streamline the older boys schooling, Ryan's therapy, and keep my sanity.

 

This has been a hard decision for our family.  As mentioned on my homeschooling page, we are not a "homeschooling is the only way" family; however, as you can imagine, we prefer to homeschool our children by choice.  So placing Ryan elsewhere has taken a great deal of trust in the Lord.  I am excited to see what a great year the Lord has planned for our 4 boys and a girl family. 

 

I know many of my homeschooling families read my blog and I want to encourage you this week as you are looking toward the new school year.  Are there things God might be asking you to change this year?  Are you seeking Him and being receptive to what His plan holds?  Can we let go of our "plan" and embrace His?  He wants the best for our families. 

WOW!  What a weekend it has been and it's not even finished!

 

I have been quite the socialite the last few days.  This is good for me.  Thursday night I went with some friends to a beginner's class for English Country Dancing.  I had a blast.  It is the dancing that was done in the 1600's in England, very formal and proper, but fun.  Our instructor, Karen, had names and some information on each dance, which made it all the more interesting since I'm a lover of history.  It is a great date night for Tim and I.  It gives us something to do besides eat or go to the movies.  They have this dance group about twice a month, with close to 60 people attending.  Very fun. 

 

Next, on Friday I went bowling again with a few homeschooling friends.  It was "disco" night at the bowling alley and at about 8pm they turned on the black lights and disco balls.  I was already pathetic, so yeah...that helped.  One of my friends who said, "Oh, I'll go but I really don't know how to bowl...yada, yada, yada," was the one who creamed the rest of us.  Thanks Kristi!  Afterwards, we went to Kristi's house and visited till midnight.  Lots of stress was relieved. LOL Here’s our wonderful team.

 

Saturday, we went to the lake in the 104 degree weather!  Woo Hoo.  It was really cool in the water.  We rode the Sea Doo, and played with the kids in the water.  Tyler made a huge sand castle and Ben liked playing football or tennis ball catch with everyone.  And for those of you that were there, I know I throw like a girl, I are one.  LOL  Ryan came down to the water for a little while.  He played in the sand and sat in daddy's big kayak.  Then he was sleepy and needed a nap.  My niece watched him while I came back down to the lake.  THANK YOU HANNAH!  It has been a few years since I got to really play with Tim, Tyler and Ben at the lake.  In the past, Ryan wouldn't last long and I would have take him up to the house while everyone else would play.  So this time I was able to have some fun. Oh, yes, one highlight for Tyler and Ben...well all of us I guess, was that Cole came with us.  He's proof once again that teens can be great!  Here's pics of the boys and Tim & Cole at the lake.

 

So overall a great weekend, but it's not done.  We are going to my BIL's tonight for spaghetti dinner.  Yum....oh yes, did I mention that I lost 5 pounds this week?  HOORAY for me.  And your question would be, "how'd you do that?"  Right?  It's very mysterious.  I ate less and exercised more.  Sorry, no quick and easy solution here.  Just what goes in will come out on your thighs. 

 

Have a great Sunday!

 

Jen

Good Morning,

 

Well, Ryan did fine as much as we can tell last night.  I think I looked at him about 25 times through the night.  I'm still not sure what we will do.  I am calling the neuro today and we will see.  Ryan seemed to be his regular self yesterday and I could see no change, so that is good.

 

I went bowling with my boys and nieces yesterday after Tim came home.  Tim was exhausted and he took a nap with Ryan while we all went bowling.  Here's my team:

Good looking huh?  We played 2 games.  They all used the bumpers to keep from having gutter balls, and I didn't, but I still won the first game; however, I came in dead last the second game.  I don't understand how you can slam it up against the bumpers all the way down the lane and still have it hit the remaining pins like you planned it that way???  Crazy.  We had a great time!

 

Afterwards our whole family, (Tim's side) went to see Pirates of the Caribbean.  It was GREAT!  My suggestion is to watch the original before you go so you will remember the complete storyline, jokes, etc.  I had heard that it was long and somewhat boring.  I didn't feel that way at all.  I really liked it and was not wondering "when will this end?" I was wondering, "what happens next?"  I can say this without ruining the ending....there will be a 3rd movie.  And that makes me happy because Orlando Bloom is such a hottie. AAARRRRHHHH!!!! A Pirates life for me.  Yeah right. 

~J~

Here's a silly Ryan at the lake yesterday.  He's trying to smile while looking at the sun.  Crinkle nose!

 

We had a great time visiting our family from out of state.  We went to the lake yesterday and swam, visited and enjoyed some grilled chicken for dinner.  This was the first time in Ryan's life that he was really interested in playing in the water.  He walked right out and was ready to play.  It was wonderful to see.

 

My nieces came to spend the night last night.  We got home about 10pm and I put Ryan to sleep in my bed and the rest of us stayed up till midnight watching Pirates of the Caribbean.  We are all planning to see the new one today at the theater.

 

I had gotten everyone down to bed and went to sleep, when my greatest fear happened.  Ryan had a seizure, a tonic clonic, at night.  Why this is so scary is because I know 3 different families of small children (2-5) that have died in their sleep from this type of seizure.  It's frightening to me.  Tim was still at his soccer games, but I called him and spoke briefly to him.  Then a called a friend who lives close to me.  She talked with me for 1 1/2 hours IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.  What a friend huh?  I never did really go back to sleep.  If he as much as breathed heavy I was up watching him.  I think this is the end of good sleep for me. 

 

I will be calling the neurologist today and talking about options.  The only reason that I could think of for his seizure was that yesterday afternoon he had gagged and spit up a little and his medicine was spit out.  It is timed release and I had given it 2 hours before, but it still looked almost whole.  I didn't feel comfortable giving a 250mg pill again since I didn't know how much of it was gone, so I gave him a 125 instead. This could have triggered the nighttime seizure.  So I’m going to watch and see.  He’s had 3 simple partial seizures in a month and now this tonic clonic.  It’s time to call the neuro.  Please pray that some day this will end and that I will live through it. 

 

~Jennifer~ who hates seizures.

Good Morning!

 

Tim is playing soccer today.  He is in the firefighter Olympics this week and his team won all 4 of their games yesterday, and he scored 2 goals.  There is a chance they will be playing for the gold medal today.  The boys and I did not go with Tim this year to the games.  The time, distance, and expense were factors.  We wanted to save our money for Tim's scheduled vacation in September.  But, Tim's cousin, Debra, who lives in the city where the games are played, came to watch him yesterday and she sent me some pictures that were just awesome! 

 

I, of course, thought he was very um...handsome in these pictures.  Some of my thoughts are not appropriate to type. LOL  But anyway, I'm very proud that he is my husband and I love him very much. 

 

The boys and I went for a walk last night.  We went the opposite direction of our usually walk. It is more residential.  There is a RR track along one of the roads.  We see trains there rarely, but this time a train was sitting on the tracks waiting to take off.  It was huffing and puffing.  They boys liked watching it.  We went by a friend’s house, Cole, who works for Tim.  He is almost 16.  The boys just think the world of Cole, and they made him some pictures to give him as we walked by.  Cole was sweet and made a big deal over the pictures, saying he was going to hang up in his room. I love that they boys have connected with Cole.  He is what every parent would want in their teen boy, and a great role model to my children of a boy who really loves the Lord.   Their whole family is a blessing to us. 

 

On our way back from our walk, the train was taking off.  It blew it's whistle, which Ryan loved. It sputtered and moaned and eventually it pulled forward until it was moving along quickly.  We ended up home right about sunset.  Altogether we had a good time together. 

 

XOXOXO

~Jen~

 

 

 

Hello everyone!

 

The holiday was an interesting one for our family.  On the 3rd, Tim was doing some tree service (his 2nd job) and had an injury.  It was a fluke event, one of the ropes with a hook flew off and smacked him on his left arm.  It was so painful that he went to the local hospital to make sure he didn't have a fracture.  It's quite colorful now. Quite impressive huh?  He has had to take things a little easier the last few days.  That's a little hard b/c Tim is so busy with his tree service in the summer.  But fortunately he has 2 strong teens that are working for him this summer and they are taking up the slack.  I was very thankful that Tim was not hurt more seriously. 

 

Well, I'm off to do a bit of shopping and visit a friend.  Be blessed!

 

Jen

Happy Independence Day! 

This 4th of July has a deeper meaning it seems to my boys this year.  We studied early American history this last year and so they have a better understanding of what we are celebrating.  This morning I was asking Benjamin (7), "Why do we watch fireworks on Independence day?"  And after giving it some thought, he mentioned our national anthem “The Star Spangled Banner" and how the bombs would light up the sky at night and that we could see our flag.  I asked him who we were fighting against and he said, “We were fighting for our freedom from the British.” 

 

There are actually 4 verses to the “Star Spangled Banner.”  Traditionally, we only sing the first. My boys learned all of them last year.  We learned 11 different patriotic songs and their meaning in history, this last year.  While learning them, I thought of how much we as Americans take for granted.  I thought about how much we, as Americans, think we are entitled to without sacrifice.  How some are so quick to give up something that was fought for through the blood and death of many not to long ago.  When I would read the words of the songs, the depth, wisdom and determination of our past Americans is evident.  I pray for our country and for its future.  I pray that we have noble, just, God-fearing, men and women stand for what is right and protect our freedom.  This 4^th I am taking extra time to pray for our country and soldiers, to be thankful for the blessings of freedom, and to ask for understanding and wisdom for the people of America.  Can you too? 

 

I thought it would be good to put one of the songs on the blog to read.  Here's all 4 verses to the national anthem.

 

 

Star-Spangled Banner
Words by Francis Scott Key, (1780)
Music by John Stafford Smith

Oh say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hail at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad strips & bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
Tis the Star-Spangled Banner: Oh, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution,
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
from the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made & preserved us as a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.