Our 24 family Ways

  A few years ago when I started researching home-schooling I discovered the Clarkson family.  They have a ministry for Educating the Wholehearted Child.  I just love their materials!  I ordered the book Our 24 Family Ways, which is a series of devotions based around their 24 ways in which to instill Christian values in their children and family.
 Well, we used the book for awhile, then put it away for awhile.  We strive to have a devotion after/during dinner. Lately we have been using Meal Time Moments.  Tonight I got Our 24 Family Ways out.  I remembered they had a Way centered around choosing to be gracious even when we don't feel like it. Lately in our family this is something we have struggled with, therefore we started here.  The first lesson was great! There are 4 more to follow.  Sophie is our accountability girl, she makes sure we continue our devotions, I love that about her.  Davis had some very great points tonight, emphasizing that one who is wise is also mature.  The first lesson happened to emphasize worldly wisdom verses Godly wisdom.
  So, as I mentioned above the topic of home-schooling. We will be home-schooling Sophie in the fall.  One might ask... but why? There are many reasons...that will be in another post.  We are excited for the fall! More on that to come.  Davis will not be home-schooled, he is in no way interested at this point.
  If you are interested in the Clarkson's materials I believe you have to purchase them online or order them through Mardels.
  Have a blessed day!!!

Random thoughts Thursday...

I have a new thrift store desk, $15 desk that is. It sits in my bedroom, small bedroom, so I can now work from home doing Medical Transcription. I am so blessed.

Since starting Medical Transcription I have learned more about grammar, Word, Excel... sort of, and of course medical terminology than I ever imagined. I like it.

Having gestational diabetes is a full time job. I start insulin shots tomorrow. I am not pleased. I had no idea what diabetes entailed, when you are trying to manage it... unfortunetely some people don't. I pray there is a cure for the children and those who have dealt with it way longer than I. I pray mine goes away when the baby arrives.

My daughter is so full of surprises! She keeps us on our toes around here. From her crazy questions and comments to her neverending obsession with "projects" and the weather. I'm afraid her husband will have to get used to numerous unfinished projects all over the house. I love her creativity!

David is teaching Bible Class for the first time on Sunday. I am proud. He will do great! Something tells me completing a CR step study had a little hand in giving him the confidence to say YES, when asked.

French Bulldogs are wonderful.

I am often perplexed by comments on facebook informing everyone of alcohol intake... one is a family member.

I love my new white w/ pink Texas Longhorn hat that my aunt brought me from Texas.

In 4 years I will have been married 20 years! How does that happen... God... thats how that happens. Oh and commitment :) Plus, I will have a 15 year old, 8 year old, and 3 year old. Will I ever have empty nest syndrome? Not for a long time!

The final countdown....

For some reason I feel like I am in the final countdown of this pregnancy, 9 weeks to go. Maybe it's because I go to appointments every 2 weeks now, I don't know. Or, perhaps it's because I am so ready to be finished. I was never this anxious with my other two, but then again they were a breeze compared to this one.

Many have asked how I am doing. Well, it varies from day to day. Most days are good. I am still battling to keep my glucose level below 120. I have until Friday to bring it up, otherwise I will start the shots. So far I am measuring only a week ahead, which is good. My prayer is that the baby does not grow to big, so I can have the birth experience I am praying for. As of Monday I am off of "modified bed rest!"

Am I going back to work? Not teaching. I am working as a medical transcriptionist from home. It is very interesting and challenging all at the same time. I was blessed to have this opportunity to stay home and work, thank you God!

Tomorrow my aunt arrives from Abilene! We are all looking forward to her visit. She will be making me some cloth diapers while she is here. I am so excited!

Off to put Sophie back to bed.... that silly girl!

If you want to laugh out loud you must watch this one!

Way Random.....

I've been meaning to write some things down that are so random, but what better place than to do it than here? Right? I mean it's 1:12 am, why shouldn't I get back to sleep.....

• I've been questioned by Oregon friends, "Why on earth would I want to live in a tornado hazardous state?", does anyone have a good answer? I tell them because we love the people, it's a great place for our family, we have roots here, family, and the odds of getting hit are very slim.... Really, I love Edmond! It's a great place! I did fail to mention the hail storm we endured today...
• I am addicted/craving so many foods these days. Due to my diet restrictions, that have grown since learning I have Gestational Diabetes, I can still consume raw almonds, ICE from Sonic, rice cakes w/ peanut butter, roast and potatoes, cucumbers, carrots... I'm seeing a crunchy theme here :)
• I am learning what it is like to have a child smack dab in the middle of puberty, and I'm somewhat grateful for having "puberty" to blame it on, it helps me chuckle when he is acting so ridiculous. I also love hearing his perspective. So far he will actually talk about it. Tonight he did get very angry with me when I mentioned a girl that he has liked for over a year. It was so funny, but I had to stop due to fearing my safety. Later in the evening Sophie wanted to know what puberty meant, Davis was quick to tell her she would experience it about age 10, because girls start it sooner. Thanks son, I had forgotten that. She was excited, and wanted to know what would happen, it was a very fun conversation that I'm sure she will not forget, and I will be reminded often!
• This little girl inside of me is so active at night. So far no hiccups. She seems to twist and turn mostly. I did learn she is head down and low at the last US, I believe it! I'm praying that is why I have such sciatic nerve pain, and it will instantly disappear when she is birthed.
• We are hosting a new student from Panama, she is great! She will only be with us for 2 weeks, while her current homestay is in Boston.
• I currently need a new dishwasher and washer. One leaks and one won't spin :(
• I'm planning to cloth diaper this time around. Better get a new washer first!
• No stretch marks yet, keeping my fingers crossed.
• I love our new floors in the dining and hallway, maybe I'll post a pic someday. The are honey colored.
• My room is a wreck, when I clean, everything gets thrown in there, I know, I know I am breaking all decorating rules. My bedroom should be a comfortable place to go, I'll add that one to the list.
• I am so grateful for friends who have given us much needed baby items. I am still looking to borrow a bassinet, just in case any of my readers know of one????
• Thank you to my hubs for letting me use the much coveted pillow, that we usually fight over, every night. It means more than you think. I know you don't read this, but just in case.
• I am still in awe watching seniors graduate, seniors I babysat when they they were 2. One in particular who actually slept in bed w/ David and I for 2 nights, my first experience sleeping w/ a toddler breathing in my face all night, BTW. Now you are like 6'3 or so.... how does that happen Lee? Not to mention my little flower girl, Meagan, who is on the verge of becoming engaged. I guess I am 36, that's how that happens.
• It is now 1:40 am, I must return to my favorite pillow, that is if it is still available....

This is pretty neat! Thanks Amy!

My cousin Amy posted this, just had to share!

Pregnancy Update...

Remember this is for me to remember too. I hate to bore you with all the pregnancy tidbits, but I know I will forget if I don't log it somewhere. I am actually feeling pretty good... for the most part. I still have several sciatic nerve flair ups each day, which at times bring me to tears, literally. I have come to grips that they will continue until the end, so I have learned to grin and bear it. In addition today I learned that I have gestational diabetes too ...oh joy. I will see a nutritionist next week, as well as, starting the finger pricking to test my blood sugar. Prayerfully it will be controlled by diet, otherwise, I will have to take insulin.

On a more positive note... we will be enjoying a traditional Chinese dinner tomorrow prepared by our Chinese students, who will be departing on Tuesday morning. I believe they are going to make us Chinese Dumplings!

Last but not least I have new flooring in my dining area and hallway, thanks to the hubs, Davis, Sophie, and my mom. They have labored to get it done this past week. I love it!