I had someone mention that I seem to have a lot of time to write on my blog. Well, not really. If you check the times it is usually late at night, or early morning when everyone is sleeping. I am usually waiting for laundry to finish so I can swap loads, plus it helps me to remember what I did. This documentation helps me in a variety of ways: 1) for my family to see what we are up to 2) what type of homeschooling activities we incorporate into our every day life and 3) to help me think. This blog is not designed to appeal to the "public". It's for me, and if someone else happens to read it, then fine, but I guess I should label it "NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT AND NEVER WILL BE", since I get complaints regarding that too..
My Statement of Belief would be that we are primarily a Bible-believing, conservative, Christian family. Always will be. But we are also a family that is working towards being self sufficient, not totally there yet, not even close, but working at it. We treat our animals humanely, but also realize that most of them are food sources, or will be in the future. Our animals have a working, farm related purpose, though we do have pets also. We are not strict environmentalists, but I don't pour oil in my pond. I am not, nor will I ever be a vegetarian, and I am proud of that...I am not a follower, maybe not even a leader, I like to do my own thing, and sometimes that corresponds with others doing their own thing, more often than not. I am surrounded by "sheeple". You know people who are like sheep, running in a flock, doing what the other is doing. Not me.. I am different and PROUD of it.
Okay, off that soapbox. For the past three nights we have successfully kept James from fussing (thank you God). I have taken a long length of fleece and I tie him to my front (the knot is in the back). All this after his bath, and being fed. He snuggles onto my chest, sucking his pacifier and goes to sleep as I walk around the house, type, or just generally bounce and pat him. I know a sling is not a new thing, but I can't afford to buy a sling right now. For the past 7 weeks, he generally cries from 8:30 pm of so until 11 pm. It has been very nerve wracking and frustrating. He is no longer on formula (another Praise God!) so I am hoping his stomach issues are over too. He seems generally happier, more social and has been smiling at me for the past couple of days. Primarily when I change his diaper. I think he likes being "nekkid".
We are finished painting the living room of the cabin, and only have the ceiling of the bedroom left. It has been slow going as he is using a spray gun, the cabin is mostly metal, and the fumes are strong. A respirator is very much needed when using this paint in a confined space. The rest of us have been enjoying the shade on the gazebo. I also managed to pick up a gallon of paint at Lowe's for $5.00. It was on the "mistake" rack and is a sage green color, perfect for the walled in portion of the bathroom. Normally, a gallon costs me $26.88, so that is a good savings. I also have a 5 gallon bucket of toothpaste mint green color paint that I've had for over a year, I was going to paint my bedroom here at the house that color, but since we put it up for sale, I changed my mind (so if you would like this paint let me know, hopefully I can get it to you). Also found a leftover box of vinyl floor tiles, left over from another household project here, with luck it is enough to do the cabin bathroom floor.
We will be selling the bulk of our furniture and household belongings, as well as, taking on side jobs to help pay for these needs.
For the past several days the four dogs (Sophie and her brood Thomas, Annabelle and Rose) have been eating mice and rats. It's pretty gross, but I guess they are rat terriers for a reason. Sophie is a stray that was so skittish when she first came to us, that it took MONTHS to be able to pet her. She was pregnant, and had four puppies, but Katrina disappeared one day. Any who, I don't know their exact ancestry, but they are obviously part terrier (I need pictures of them). Rose also dug fast and furious into a gopher hole, caught a gopher and gave it to our Rottie Duchess. Duchess didn't so much as eat it as she played with it.
It's been wonderful knowing that Lauren knows how to cook and bake a few things. Like grilled cheese especially, and I have been buying cake, brownie and cookie mixes for her to make on her own. Since having James I am usually preoccupied with him until he is asleep. The girls are junk food junkies and have an EXTREME sweet tooth, so I normally bake a lot, but lately haven't been able to. Therefore Lauren has stepped up and bakes. Tonight she made chocolate cupcakes (no icing). She was so cute, she took her daddy a hot cupcake and a glass of milk, and he promptly came out looking for more, pronouncing them "really good" telling her she did a good job. She didn't say anything or smile, but you could tell by the way she walked that she felt even more grown up then she already thinks she is....
Well, tonight while baking Lauren and Hannah (who likes to give Lauren a hard time and tell her "not too much oil" and "measure carefully" - by the way Hannah is five LOL!) came out of the kitchen screaming. Apparently, they heard a noise on the kitchen window, and upon opening the curtain saw a bat! The bat was repeatedly banging itself against the window. Hannah was convinced it was a vampire bat and was after her blood. She came to me over and over asking what vampire bats eat. I tried to tell her that more than likely it was a Mexican free tail bat or a brown bat but she wasn't buying it. I told her they eat bugs, but sometimes they lick blood from cattle BUT not little girls or baby boys. She gave me the look, like she didn't believe me and walked away to ask her dad. The cupcakes WERE wonderful by the way...made me wish the box made more than six ;-)
It's midnight and James is stirring and ready to eat, so I gotta go. Good night or is it good morning?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I fogot!
I forgot to post that my chickens are laying again. Yeah! I have eight hens, but two are elderly, and I am getting six eggs a day from my young chickens. I am so excited. This means that I am running over with eggs at over 3 dozen a week. I gave a dozen away yesterday to a neighbor, and have another dozen for a family at church today, that leaves me with a dozen and a half, and we don't eat eggs, except in pancakes or if I make a cake, cookies, etc. If they were white I could dye them for Easter but they are brown, and the dye looks really sick on brown eggs. I am happy though.
We have also produced five surviving New Zealand meat rabbits, four we gave away to be butchered and one Lauren kept. We are expecting two litters any time now. I am going to try and keep a record this year of what we have produced, not necessarily all for our consumption, as I am not to the point of having time or space to butcher the rabbits. Though Bonita is going to show me how IF I ever get a moment to learn.
We have also produced five surviving New Zealand meat rabbits, four we gave away to be butchered and one Lauren kept. We are expecting two litters any time now. I am going to try and keep a record this year of what we have produced, not necessarily all for our consumption, as I am not to the point of having time or space to butcher the rabbits. Though Bonita is going to show me how IF I ever get a moment to learn.
Platform
http://www.constitutionparty.com/party_platform.php#Preamble
I just wanted to appeal to those friends and family of mine to read the platform for the Constitution Party. I believe that if you are a professed Christian, once you read the platform and realize what the party stands, and that the party strong promotes Christian and Biblical foundations, that many will abandon their predominantly Republican leanings and support this growing and viable third party. I really hope so, because we need the support.
Don't let yourself be convinced that to vote third party is to throw your vote away. If you vote against the Bible on any topic you have disobeyed God and thrown your vote away. When voting Republican or Democrat look at the issues, the candidates and their voting records carefully, if any violate Biblical mandates/teachings we should not vote for that candidate or legislation.
Many are still burned out on the intense political pressure of the recent, past election cycle, and understandably so. The entire procedure left a decidedly bad taste in my mouth, and a fear in my soul. Daily I work at giving God control of this area, but inevitably something happens that allows it to resurface. I am only human after all.
I just wanted to appeal to those friends and family of mine to read the platform for the Constitution Party. I believe that if you are a professed Christian, once you read the platform and realize what the party stands, and that the party strong promotes Christian and Biblical foundations, that many will abandon their predominantly Republican leanings and support this growing and viable third party. I really hope so, because we need the support.
Don't let yourself be convinced that to vote third party is to throw your vote away. If you vote against the Bible on any topic you have disobeyed God and thrown your vote away. When voting Republican or Democrat look at the issues, the candidates and their voting records carefully, if any violate Biblical mandates/teachings we should not vote for that candidate or legislation.
Many are still burned out on the intense political pressure of the recent, past election cycle, and understandably so. The entire procedure left a decidedly bad taste in my mouth, and a fear in my soul. Daily I work at giving God control of this area, but inevitably something happens that allows it to resurface. I am only human after all.
Why I don't go to church anymore...
a very interesting piece, thought I'd share....
http://plainsabbathkeeper.blogspot.com/2009/03/why-i-dont-go-to-church-anymore-by.html
http://plainsabbathkeeper.blogspot.com/2009/03/why-i-dont-go-to-church-anymore-by.html
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Crockpot Recipe
I borrowed this recipe from another web site and plan to make it this week.
Chili Verde
4 pound chuck roast, or pork shoulder/butt (I used a chuck roast)
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small onion, diced
1 (4 ounce) can diced chile (mine were mild, your choice)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
10 tomatillos, diced (peel off the outer wrapper, if they have one)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons sage
1 Tablespoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
The Directions.
I used a 6 quart. Trim any visible fat from the meat, and plop into your slow cooker stoneware. Add diced bell pepper and onion. If your tomatillos have the leafy-outer skin left on them, take the skin and stem off, and dice finely (I used the pampered chef chopper thingy. You can pulse in a food processor, instead, if you'd like). Pour in the contents of the diced chile can and the tomato can. Add spices. Stir a bit to get the spices down the sides of the meat. Add chopped cilantro to the top.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, high for 6, or until meat shreds easily with a fork. After 7 hours on low, my meat was still pretty tough, so I chopped it into large chunks, and put it back in the pot for another 2 hours. By then, it had shredded nicely for me.
Serve with rice, corn tortillas, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. oh! and refried beans.
Chili Verde
4 pound chuck roast, or pork shoulder/butt (I used a chuck roast)
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small onion, diced
1 (4 ounce) can diced chile (mine were mild, your choice)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
10 tomatillos, diced (peel off the outer wrapper, if they have one)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons sage
1 Tablespoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
The Directions.
I used a 6 quart. Trim any visible fat from the meat, and plop into your slow cooker stoneware. Add diced bell pepper and onion. If your tomatillos have the leafy-outer skin left on them, take the skin and stem off, and dice finely (I used the pampered chef chopper thingy. You can pulse in a food processor, instead, if you'd like). Pour in the contents of the diced chile can and the tomato can. Add spices. Stir a bit to get the spices down the sides of the meat. Add chopped cilantro to the top.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, high for 6, or until meat shreds easily with a fork. After 7 hours on low, my meat was still pretty tough, so I chopped it into large chunks, and put it back in the pot for another 2 hours. By then, it had shredded nicely for me.
Serve with rice, corn tortillas, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. oh! and refried beans.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
I'm going Green
It seems the popular thing to do lately...from Starbucks to my credit union. I made a deposit the other day and was told I wouldn't get a receipt for the transaction unless I asked for one because the credit union is "going green".
So, in honor of Spring, I thought I'd go green too...;-) Now, it's me, Starbucks, the credit union and Kermit, all in this together.
So, in honor of Spring, I thought I'd go green too...;-) Now, it's me, Starbucks, the credit union and Kermit, all in this together.
Hail
We were not expecting rain today but we have had rain all morning, complete with thunder, lightening and now hail. The hail has ranged in size from pea size up to the size of a 2o oz bottle cap (not quite golf ball size). I went out and moved my car to cover. The streets are flooded. I am quite happy, as we haven't had any significant rain in a long time. The only thing that would make this better would be if it did this for a couple of days (and included raining at the land).
Thank you God for answering my prayers!
Thank you God for answering my prayers!
Mr. Obama's Town Hall Meeting
It's a tough situation. Personally, I consider myself without representation, and I do not recognize Mr. Obama as my President. I only just now found out about his online meeting this morning. I wish I had stumbled across this earlier, I would have loved to post some questions. After reading some of the questions posted by people in the United States, one of my questions would be "What do you plan to do to make people accountable for the debt they are in, the education they are receiving, and to stop relying on the government to change their lives?
I cannot believe that many posters believe that the government is responsible for alleviating the debt that they entered into willing, or that the government should fund their education, or make it more affordable. Once again, I am harping on personal responsibility here...it's what you make of your self that is important here. Let's move away from this man's socialistic agenda, IT IS NOT THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF YOU.
He sure does seem to be very pushy in trying to get the American people to swallow even more of a "stimulus" debt. And President Bush received flack over his economic policies? Mr. Obama is not experienced enough to know how to handle this situation, and I for one don't appreciate his putting us even further in debt in such a short time he has been "in charge". I think he figures the more he talks about his plans, the more the American people will be swayed to "support" his ideas, or maybe he thinks they will get so tired of hearing from him that they will tell him "fine, whatever, just be quiet". It appears in that last few weeks/months that the American people have spoken, and are telling him NO MOREDEBT, but he isn't listening. He reminds me of my kids, how they will keep asking for something with the hopes that one time they will receive the answer they want.
I cannot believe that many posters believe that the government is responsible for alleviating the debt that they entered into willing, or that the government should fund their education, or make it more affordable. Once again, I am harping on personal responsibility here...it's what you make of your self that is important here. Let's move away from this man's socialistic agenda, IT IS NOT THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF YOU.
He sure does seem to be very pushy in trying to get the American people to swallow even more of a "stimulus" debt. And President Bush received flack over his economic policies? Mr. Obama is not experienced enough to know how to handle this situation, and I for one don't appreciate his putting us even further in debt in such a short time he has been "in charge". I think he figures the more he talks about his plans, the more the American people will be swayed to "support" his ideas, or maybe he thinks they will get so tired of hearing from him that they will tell him "fine, whatever, just be quiet". It appears in that last few weeks/months that the American people have spoken, and are telling him NO MOREDEBT, but he isn't listening. He reminds me of my kids, how they will keep asking for something with the hopes that one time they will receive the answer they want.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A variety of pictures from Rodney's Camera Phone
The story behind this picture is that Lauren came rushing home one day saying "Look Mama! I shot this hog!" I was so excited until I remembered she had only taken her .22LR. I didn't believe her then...she and Rodney started laughing because they were trying to trick me. It was actually dead in the field across from our land, so they stopped and took a picture. Most girls would be grossed out, but not Lauren. We think it either got shot and ran off before dying, or hit by a car before falling in the field to die.
James at 2 days old in the hospital. I am holding him and Lauren is in the background.
Hannah "driving" Daddy's tractor
From our trip last year to Kentucky. I was very excited to go to Churchill Downs. It would have been better if it was during the Derby, but I was very appreciative of Rodney's boss taking us here for a tour of the grounds, museum and lunch in the Derby's Cafe.
20 questions to get to know me...
- What foods do you like or dislike the most?
I like Mexican and Italian food - Who is your best friend?
very interesting...I don't know that I have a BEST friend as an adult, I have several really good friends. - Who do you most want to be like when you grow up?
hmmm....I just want to be me - What embarrasses you most in our family relationships?
disrespect - What is the greatest fear in your life?
don't know - What is your favorite activity?
Reading - What is your favorite song? Favorite kind of music? Favorite group?
Daddy's hands, I like country and Contemporary Christian Music. Favorite group...I don't have a favorite group. - Outside our family relationships, who has the most influenced your life? How have they influenced you?
My family, extended, and close, are the ones who most influence my life, but I do believe I have been influenced by many others that I have come across (unnamed) that advocate a more self-reliant life style, as well as, a life dedicated to God, which I aspire to. - What do you like to learn about the most?
Homesteading, self reliance - What accomplishment in your life so far gives you the greatest sense of achievement?
Homeschooling my kids - What irritation in our family bothers you the most?
The lack of personal responsibility for picking up after ones self. - What makes you really angry?
Disobedience and disrespct - What do you want to do when you grow up?
I want to do what I am doing now... - What has been the biggest disappointment in your life so far?
The lack of relationship between my son and his dad - If you had the power to change anything about the way you look, would you use that power? If so, what would you change?
Yes, I'd like to be a little taller - What do you appreciate the most about each member of our family?
I appreciate Rodney's work ethic, Lauren's abilities to step up at times and take responsibility around the house, Hannah's sense of humor - What biographies have meant the most to you?
Susannah Wesley, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson - What do you like to do the most as a family?
Spend time at the land together - Encourage them to be honest. If you could change anything about me, what would you change?
I'd change my grumpy attitude. - When you get to the end of your life, what do you want to look back on and say that you accomplished for God?
That I raised my children to know Him and to love Him, and that they have come to salvation.
We Have Pictures!
Thanks to a friend, who is never without her digital camera, I have some updated photos to post of the cabin construction. We painted the floor green. It's a little dusty since we have been building the bathroom (see the wall on the back left?). The table will be leaving and going back to the house as we really don't have room for it at this time. There will be a counter top installed on the right, and the refrigerator, two burner stove top will be on the left. The kitchen sink and tank less hot water heater will be installed on the wall to the left (straight ahead), which is actually the outside wall of the bathroom.
The grey cabinet is currently my pantry, but will be taken out eventually and the washer will sit there. I will leave my main washer and dryer at the house, and if I have to I will do laundry there.
We started painting the outside of the cabin today. It's a sand color to help it blend into the landscape. Tomorrow we are scheduled to load up the table, and start clearing out some of the trash and mess. We will start setting up the back bedroom first, and bringing the girl's bunk beds from the house. Once the back bedroom is in order, I will clean out the front room, and bring the love seat from the house.
The little black lights along the roof on the cabin are my solar lights. My new Wonder Wash washing machine is sitting on top of the pantry. My mom gave it to me for Christmas. I was so excited!
We are now civilized. We have a flushable toilet. The shower is ready too, except for the lack of water and a shower curtain. The bathroom is 4 X 8, and doesn't have a bathroom sink. I have a wash stand in there now to the left (out of sight). I am on the look out for a shelf that is about 4 feet long and 8 inches wide to stack towels and toiletries. The colors of hunter green and tan will be carried throughout the cabin, though the metal sides (inside) will be white.
The grey cabinet is currently my pantry, but will be taken out eventually and the washer will sit there. I will leave my main washer and dryer at the house, and if I have to I will do laundry there.
We started painting the outside of the cabin today. It's a sand color to help it blend into the landscape. Tomorrow we are scheduled to load up the table, and start clearing out some of the trash and mess. We will start setting up the back bedroom first, and bringing the girl's bunk beds from the house. Once the back bedroom is in order, I will clean out the front room, and bring the love seat from the house.
The little black lights along the roof on the cabin are my solar lights. My new Wonder Wash washing machine is sitting on top of the pantry. My mom gave it to me for Christmas. I was so excited!
We are now civilized. We have a flushable toilet. The shower is ready too, except for the lack of water and a shower curtain. The bathroom is 4 X 8, and doesn't have a bathroom sink. I have a wash stand in there now to the left (out of sight). I am on the look out for a shelf that is about 4 feet long and 8 inches wide to stack towels and toiletries. The colors of hunter green and tan will be carried throughout the cabin, though the metal sides (inside) will be white.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Cabin status
Walls are up, bathroom and bedroom doors installed, and we are just lacking the shower head and...WATER! The pump on the well has apparently gone out. We do not have that large chunk of money to purchase another, especially the size that is on it. This pushes our moving day back until we can save for it. On top of putting on hold additional renovations (insulation, sheetrock, AC, a kitchen, and a front door), this also puts on hold saving for additional containers to expand the house.
Blech! If it's not one thing it is another. Please pray for the pump situation. Thanks!
Blech! If it's not one thing it is another. Please pray for the pump situation. Thanks!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I think the formula I supplement breastfeeding with is not agreeing with James. I noticed today that when I gave him 2 oz of formula, directly afterward he drew his legs up like his stomach hurt and started screaming. Later, after nursing him, I gave him 2 oz of breast milk in a bottle and he was fine. I've been trying to nurse him more frequently, but he seems starving after he nurses, and giving him the 2 oz of formula/milk satisfies him. Feeding and pumping more doesn't seem to be helping provide more milk.
I will have to get soy formula tomorrow to try, and start drinking my Mother's Milk Tea, eating oatmeal, drinking more water and taking the Fenugreek to help increase the milk supply. He is much happier and less gassy when he eats solely breast milk.
He was up crying for four hours last night. I guess he finally fell asleep, because I woke up around 6 a.m., with him sleeping on my chest. I really needed him to eat by that time, but he was not interested so I pumped to give him later. He finally woke up around 8:30 a.m., and I nursed him, and he fell asleep again until 10:30 a.m. He has been up ever since, and it's almost 2 p.m. I've been trying to put him to sleep around 9:30 p.m. I do my routine of bathing him, massaging him with baby oil, putting him in his pjs, wrapping him up in a blanket and putting him in his basket. The past few nights it has worked great, but last night was a bust. No amount of walking, jiggling, rocking, or patting helped. I was ready to give him up for adoption around 2 a.m. (kind of joking)
Lauren is taking care of him now, they are cleaning her room. He is lying in his basket in her room and she is talking to him while she cleans.
Well, off to get the girls ready for their dental appointment.
UPDATE: The girls are cavity free! Praise God!
I will have to get soy formula tomorrow to try, and start drinking my Mother's Milk Tea, eating oatmeal, drinking more water and taking the Fenugreek to help increase the milk supply. He is much happier and less gassy when he eats solely breast milk.
He was up crying for four hours last night. I guess he finally fell asleep, because I woke up around 6 a.m., with him sleeping on my chest. I really needed him to eat by that time, but he was not interested so I pumped to give him later. He finally woke up around 8:30 a.m., and I nursed him, and he fell asleep again until 10:30 a.m. He has been up ever since, and it's almost 2 p.m. I've been trying to put him to sleep around 9:30 p.m. I do my routine of bathing him, massaging him with baby oil, putting him in his pjs, wrapping him up in a blanket and putting him in his basket. The past few nights it has worked great, but last night was a bust. No amount of walking, jiggling, rocking, or patting helped. I was ready to give him up for adoption around 2 a.m. (kind of joking)
Lauren is taking care of him now, they are cleaning her room. He is lying in his basket in her room and she is talking to him while she cleans.
Well, off to get the girls ready for their dental appointment.
UPDATE: The girls are cavity free! Praise God!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Parents Raising Children
I started a bible study today on line on Parenting. I know the end result that I want with my kids, but sometimes I am at a loss of how to accomplish these results.
My parents did a good job. Sure I got upset at them when I was younger, but I always knew the rules they set for me were for my own good. I rarely questioned the rules, but then I used to be a great rule follower.
Anyway, the bible study encourages parents to prevent their children from having friendships with children that have immoral, irreligious and just plain awful habits. I often feel bad for Lauren that she doesn't have any friends to play with on a regular basis. I tried to find Christian, homeschooled friends for her, but that didn't work out too well after a while. The friendship she had was primarily through my friendship with the mom, and when that fizzled, Lauren was hurt that she couldn't still play and talk with the little girl. I often receive flack from friends and family that don't homeschool about how much time Lauren spends without kids her own age. Frankly, I don't see this as a problem, though I realize that the majority have bought into society's lie of socialization and isolationism.
The one year that Lauren attended public school (not at my choosing) she made a really good friend. They were close, spent the night together, talked on the phone, and were inseperable at school. Well, over the course of a year, I noticed how Lauren's behavior just fell apart. The little girl didn't have the same home rules regarding respect and discipline, and was unknowingly encouraging Lauren to be disobedient. Thankfully, that relationship has also fizzled, and Lauren doesn't seem to care. Thank You God! I feel for the little girl and her situation (we did invite her to church all the time, and she went a couple of times), but having Lauren around her wasn't working. Now, don't get me wrong..Lauren is not perfect. She is smart, and very comfortable around adults, which can be off putting to other adults. They view her as rude and disrespectful. Yes, she is sometimes, but I also see where adults are rude and disrespectful FIRST to her, then are shocked that she responds in kind. I am not one of those moms that tell my kids to do what adults tell them to without thinking, even family members. You get what you give....I have told Lauren that if an adult (even in our family) asks her to do something that she doesn't think is right, that she needs to respectfully let them know she needs to clear it through me first. Or if they are being mean she needs to just walk away, she doesn't need to respond mean back.
I see where I make mistakes in parenting, but some things are important to me, while others are not. I am learning a lot so far with this study, thinking a lot on what God's word says, and trying to come up with some realistic goals for my children. So far I have:
1. accept Christ as their Savior
2. be self sufficient and self supporting
3. be close to family members
Now, to come up with a plan and discuss it with Rodney. I find many of our issues come in conflicting ideas of what is acceptable and what isn't. Areas I'd like to change are:
1. limiting TV
2. enforcing the "yes ma'am" "No ma'am" thing ( you know making them say it)
3. having each other find out what the other parent ordered so as to not cause conflict
4. broadening each child's responsibilities (i.e., chores)
Here's a quote from the study I am doing:
"Christians generally know we must not depart from God's pattern to follow human theories for worship, salvation, the church, etc. But raising children is a God-given command and obligation just as surely as are these other areas. When human ideas differ from God's word, we have no more right to follow them in raising children than in any of these other areas."
My parents did a good job. Sure I got upset at them when I was younger, but I always knew the rules they set for me were for my own good. I rarely questioned the rules, but then I used to be a great rule follower.
Anyway, the bible study encourages parents to prevent their children from having friendships with children that have immoral, irreligious and just plain awful habits. I often feel bad for Lauren that she doesn't have any friends to play with on a regular basis. I tried to find Christian, homeschooled friends for her, but that didn't work out too well after a while. The friendship she had was primarily through my friendship with the mom, and when that fizzled, Lauren was hurt that she couldn't still play and talk with the little girl. I often receive flack from friends and family that don't homeschool about how much time Lauren spends without kids her own age. Frankly, I don't see this as a problem, though I realize that the majority have bought into society's lie of socialization and isolationism.
The one year that Lauren attended public school (not at my choosing) she made a really good friend. They were close, spent the night together, talked on the phone, and were inseperable at school. Well, over the course of a year, I noticed how Lauren's behavior just fell apart. The little girl didn't have the same home rules regarding respect and discipline, and was unknowingly encouraging Lauren to be disobedient. Thankfully, that relationship has also fizzled, and Lauren doesn't seem to care. Thank You God! I feel for the little girl and her situation (we did invite her to church all the time, and she went a couple of times), but having Lauren around her wasn't working. Now, don't get me wrong..Lauren is not perfect. She is smart, and very comfortable around adults, which can be off putting to other adults. They view her as rude and disrespectful. Yes, she is sometimes, but I also see where adults are rude and disrespectful FIRST to her, then are shocked that she responds in kind. I am not one of those moms that tell my kids to do what adults tell them to without thinking, even family members. You get what you give....I have told Lauren that if an adult (even in our family) asks her to do something that she doesn't think is right, that she needs to respectfully let them know she needs to clear it through me first. Or if they are being mean she needs to just walk away, she doesn't need to respond mean back.
I see where I make mistakes in parenting, but some things are important to me, while others are not. I am learning a lot so far with this study, thinking a lot on what God's word says, and trying to come up with some realistic goals for my children. So far I have:
1. accept Christ as their Savior
2. be self sufficient and self supporting
3. be close to family members
Now, to come up with a plan and discuss it with Rodney. I find many of our issues come in conflicting ideas of what is acceptable and what isn't. Areas I'd like to change are:
1. limiting TV
2. enforcing the "yes ma'am" "No ma'am" thing ( you know making them say it)
3. having each other find out what the other parent ordered so as to not cause conflict
4. broadening each child's responsibilities (i.e., chores)
Here's a quote from the study I am doing:
"Christians generally know we must not depart from God's pattern to follow human theories for worship, salvation, the church, etc. But raising children is a God-given command and obligation just as surely as are these other areas. When human ideas differ from God's word, we have no more right to follow them in raising children than in any of these other areas."
'Many sources profess to offer parents advice, and many parents accept this advice: psychologists, sociologists, government officials, social agencies, and other child-raising experts.
Other parents just raise their children the way their own parents raised them. This may be done knowingly, but often it is done without thinking. We just naturally treat our children according to what we are familiar with - we act the way we saw our parents act. This amounts to accepting their own parents as the best authority for how to raise children.
Notice that these are all human authorities. Humans are fallible and often make mistakes, so it is reasonable that many of their theories do not work. This is especially true if our goal is to raise godly children."
****************
It was so cute tonight...Rodney was screwing the wall together for the bathroom in the cabin, and James was sitting on my lap. I was seated on the closed toilet lid holding him. He was just staring at Rodney and watching his every move. Rodney would look up and smile at him, and talk to him while he was working. James wasn't scared at all of the drill sound. He slept through it for a while, then woke up to sit quietly and watch. Earlier he sat in his carseat in front of the window, watching the sunlight and he loved the fan blowing in his face. He would put his face up, close his eyes, lick at the wind, smile and make lots of vocal sounds. He was quiet for the longest period of time I have known him to be. A good half hour just sitting in front of the fan.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Crazy weather! 87 for today's high, very bright and sunny.
Taylor, and the younger children went with me to my doctor's appointment, and behaved very well in the waiting room. After wards we headed over to the F.E.A.S.T. used book store to look for a Saxon Math book for Lauren. They didn't have the one I was looking for (Math 76 and 87), but I did find a few things for Hannah from the Abeka curriculum, and a Bob Jones Science text complete with workbook and tests for Lauren (7th grade edition). The used books at F.E.A.S.T. run from $1.00 for paperback and $2.00 for hardback, so the price is way better than $85.00 for the Saxon text, and $25.00 for the Workbook. I did pick up the Saxon Math Algebra 1/2 text, that I will need in a year or so for Lauren. I didn't want to wait in case I couldn't find it later.
We then stopped for lunch, to feed the baby, and then dropped Taylor off at his grandparents. He is helping his grandfather repair the roof. His grandfather is almost 80, and doesn't need to be on the roof, but he is very independent. I think having Taylor live there with them has turned out very positive, in that they each provide a service for each other. Taylor needs a place to live, and they need help with the heavy farm/household work.
Well, gotta go finish up the dishes and get dinner started while the baby is sleeping. Ya'll have a good day!
Taylor, and the younger children went with me to my doctor's appointment, and behaved very well in the waiting room. After wards we headed over to the F.E.A.S.T. used book store to look for a Saxon Math book for Lauren. They didn't have the one I was looking for (Math 76 and 87), but I did find a few things for Hannah from the Abeka curriculum, and a Bob Jones Science text complete with workbook and tests for Lauren (7th grade edition). The used books at F.E.A.S.T. run from $1.00 for paperback and $2.00 for hardback, so the price is way better than $85.00 for the Saxon text, and $25.00 for the Workbook. I did pick up the Saxon Math Algebra 1/2 text, that I will need in a year or so for Lauren. I didn't want to wait in case I couldn't find it later.
We then stopped for lunch, to feed the baby, and then dropped Taylor off at his grandparents. He is helping his grandfather repair the roof. His grandfather is almost 80, and doesn't need to be on the roof, but he is very independent. I think having Taylor live there with them has turned out very positive, in that they each provide a service for each other. Taylor needs a place to live, and they need help with the heavy farm/household work.
Well, gotta go finish up the dishes and get dinner started while the baby is sleeping. Ya'll have a good day!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Weather was nice!
Today the weather was nice in the afternoon. After church, we picked up lumber and a few other supplies and then headed out to work on the cabin. Rodney finally was able to get water connected to the cabin, and we now have a totally flushing toilet. Before, the toilet was installed, and would flush if you poured water into the tank; now we don't need that...Hallelujah!
Next on the list is installing the shower, then framing in the bathroom. But at least the toilet works and is ready for the church to visit on April 12th.
Next on the list is installing the shower, then framing in the bathroom. But at least the toilet works and is ready for the church to visit on April 12th.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
41 and raining....we've had the stove going all day...
A few minor set backs with getting the cabin ready...Rodney believes due to the rain and the settling of the cabin, the cement foundation blocks cracked. He had to jack up the cabin, and put several wood pieces in place to prevent the destruction of the plumbing he had installed. In addition, the water pressure tank isn't holding the amount of pressure he wants, though the water does work fine. Plus, due to the rain and cold he hasn't been working on the cabin. He hates cold weather. I thought it would be a good time to work inside...you know fire up the wood stove and get to work installing the shower and framing in the bathroom, but since I am not the one doing the work, it's not getting done. He has spent the last three days holed up in the house watching t.v. The forecast for next week is looking good, so hopefully "we" will get back on track. I am anxious to get the cabin in shape.
I want to move so that we can cancel a lot of what we have here, and save some money. The DirecTV, cell phone, electricity, water and gasoline costs are sucking away all of our money. Once we move, I won't have the higher DirecTV costs, as we are getting it for just one t.v., the cell phone will be canceled and I will get a Tracfone only, electricity costs will be lower, and the water bill will go away. Plus the daily driving back and forth to care for the animals will go away.
I had ordered the Duggar's new book "20 and counting" online and received it today. I just finished it around 1 a.m. It is really good and I learned a lot, and plan to try some of their ideas. Especially, to do with organization and discipline. One thing I also learned was to REALLY pray over EVERY decision, asking God's direction. We both tend to plow ahead if we feel something is a good idea. I pray for major things on my own, but never with Rodney. I have moved from going full steam ahead to offering my ideas and suggestions, then praying that God moves Rodney in the way we should go...often times he has done so, and it is along the lines that I have been thinking, but not always.
A few minor set backs with getting the cabin ready...Rodney believes due to the rain and the settling of the cabin, the cement foundation blocks cracked. He had to jack up the cabin, and put several wood pieces in place to prevent the destruction of the plumbing he had installed. In addition, the water pressure tank isn't holding the amount of pressure he wants, though the water does work fine. Plus, due to the rain and cold he hasn't been working on the cabin. He hates cold weather. I thought it would be a good time to work inside...you know fire up the wood stove and get to work installing the shower and framing in the bathroom, but since I am not the one doing the work, it's not getting done. He has spent the last three days holed up in the house watching t.v. The forecast for next week is looking good, so hopefully "we" will get back on track. I am anxious to get the cabin in shape.
I want to move so that we can cancel a lot of what we have here, and save some money. The DirecTV, cell phone, electricity, water and gasoline costs are sucking away all of our money. Once we move, I won't have the higher DirecTV costs, as we are getting it for just one t.v., the cell phone will be canceled and I will get a Tracfone only, electricity costs will be lower, and the water bill will go away. Plus the daily driving back and forth to care for the animals will go away.
I had ordered the Duggar's new book "20 and counting" online and received it today. I just finished it around 1 a.m. It is really good and I learned a lot, and plan to try some of their ideas. Especially, to do with organization and discipline. One thing I also learned was to REALLY pray over EVERY decision, asking God's direction. We both tend to plow ahead if we feel something is a good idea. I pray for major things on my own, but never with Rodney. I have moved from going full steam ahead to offering my ideas and suggestions, then praying that God moves Rodney in the way we should go...often times he has done so, and it is along the lines that I have been thinking, but not always.
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