Catching up!

Wow, it's been awhile since I posted! Yikes! What's happening in the Nelson family?

(photo: baby 5 at 21 weeks. Baby's head and five fingers.) Well, I'm about 22 weeks pregnant - yay! over halfway! Went to a doctors apt last week. Had an ultrasound & everything looks fine. For my other FOUR kids - they did an ultrasound at 8 months. Well, then, I was going to different doctors. This time around, unless there's an "issue" I don't have another one. I can't say that I prefer the doctors at the Medical center - the only reason that I'm really going there is because Rod is working in Redmond.

Thinking about deliveries and Rod having to drive home - I thought it would be better to deliver in Mt. Vernon vs. Bellingham. Julia was born in Bellingham at St. Jo's. I really like my doctor, Dr. Madsen. Bummed for needing to switch doctors again - but in the long run, I'd rather Rod make it to my delivery - than having my preferred doctor. Hopefully the swine flu stuff will be mostly done by then, so that friends and family can bring their friends to the hospital to see us.

We haven't seen much of Rod this week. He's been working long hours, because they approved overtime for the moment. It's because they are pre release of the Natal project in this version - and they want to get them out. I'm glad for the overtime, not glad for missing my sweetie.

(Baby 5, 21 weeks, face shot) This week, I think I've seen him after work once. Literally, by the time 8 pm rolls around and he's home after working overtime - well, I'm usually asleep on the couch after dinner. I've been making great evening company for the last few weeks! :D

I've finally begun to really feel baby moving. I thought I was feeling it earlier in this pregnancy. But at 21 weeks it became really obvious. Now i'm looking forward to baby being big enough so that Rod & the kids can feel it. Jedediah was super cute about 2 days ago. I was sitting on the couch and he walked up and said "hello baby" to my stomach.

So, NO we didn't find out which sex the baby is. It's either a boy or a girl. Definitely a baby. Rod & I LOVE the surprise. There are so few true surprises in life - that we are taking advantage of this one. The baby shower will probably be after the baby is born - which works out fine for me - everyone gets to meet my new little one! (Still working on baby names - haven't decided! Expect something that begins with a "J". I know a real shocker!)

I had a talk to Julia & Jaden a week or so ago. Josiah & Jedediah understand that we don't get to pick whether it's a girl or a boy, but Julia & Jaden don't. So, we had a heart to heart about being thankful and happy with whichever the Lord decides to give to us. I think they all would like another sister - but truly, in the grand scheme of things, the Lord knows which would be best for our family. And that's what I'll take!

Holidays in Hand - Free JS Class!

Interested in a free digital scrapbooking class??
It's a Jessica Sprague class www.jessicasprague.com.

She does great stuff and this class will have freebies & be lots of fun.
I'd recommend it for teens & up!

This would be a great ice breaker into the world of digital scrapbooking and hybrid scrapbooking/memory keeping!

Registration is open as of today.

Class runs November 16-23, 2009.

"No digital scrapbooking or Photoshop experience is needed, just some holiday stories to tell. :)" JS

Bye Bye Bunny

We brought Easter home right before Easter 2006. He was still a baby. We gave him to the kids on Easter morning. We've not ever been easterbunny parents - Easter is about Jesus. Anyway, the kids loved him and we've had him for almost four years.

They've learned a lot about taking care of a pet - cleaning up after him and feeding him daily. We've done silly things like take him to the beach with us... we've brought him in on cold nights to play with. The kids have taken him out to granddad's garden to have a veggie.

Yesterday, Jedediah went out to feed our bunny, Easter - and he was gone. Not missing gone, but dead gone. So we got to spend a good portion of our day processing death from a child's perspective. Bless the kid's hearts - they really are good kids. I got asked good questions, like, "Will I ever see him again?" and "Will Easter be with us in Heaven?" Oh, how it all pulls the heart strings!

Something I realized awhile ago, is that Jed is closer to me emotionally than the rest of the kids. He reacts the way I naturally do. Things affect him/effect him (whatever) the way that things effect me.

So when Jed came in and said that there was something wrong with Easter, I had Josiah go out and check. Yep, he's gone. Jedediah took it so hard. Hard enough, that the rest of us felt so bad that we didn't need to be upset. Jed was carrying that burden for us all. Like I said, that's something that I would do, he reminds me of me!

Last night, I printed six or seven pictures of the kids with Easter. Hoping that that would help the process along...

So, immediately the plans of having bunny babies in the spring fell. I let the kids know that we'll just need to get two bunnies now to have bunny babies instead of a mate for Easter. So, begins, the process of looking for new bunnies. I think I'd like to get dwarf bunnies again, Easter was such a nice manageable size.

Lord, thank you, for using pets, as a way to teach us about the real things of life.

14 Weeks & Counting...

(Nelson baby #5, photo on 10/5/09)

Apparently, it was around my Birthday in August, that I posted last. I've had much higher hopes of myself blogging more often than this! Lots lots going on - and keeping me busy - and keeping me from my blog. Part of it is my pregnancy! Yep, it's official. I'm pregnant.

My due date is April 10, 2010. I kind of hope, because it would be a cool birthdate, that this baby is born on it's due date. I'm usually about 10 days early, which would put it at April 1st. I guess we'll just have to wait & see! But the first couple of months of pregnancy, I usually check out of the world. So I haven't been on facebook as much either. Even been lousy with my email... Ready to be done with the nausea and the tiredness...

(Nelson baby #5, 10/5/09)

I just found out last week how far along I am. As of today, I am 14 weeks, 5 days. The reason it took me so long to find out was because there was a glitch with our insurance. (And apparently, I didn't keep track of things very well!) Seems like there's always a glitch somewhere. When I miscarried last spring, I notified my insurance. They didn't take me off of the maternity care. So when I told them I am pregnant, they said, well, of course you are! So I had to wait & get that straightened out before going to the doctor. I wasn't too worried about it - it's not like it's my first baby :D

I went in a week or so ago for my first appt. and they couldn't find a heartbeat. Here I am, thinking, that I am far enough along that there is supposed to be one. I tried not to be upset, maybe she just couldn't locate it. So they set me up for an ultrasound appt. They wanted me to take one of the appts where Rod couldn't be there - I was like - uh, no. My last was a miscarriage, and i'm not doing an ultrasound, where I could potentially get bad news, by myself. The midwife understood & we rescheduled.

What a blessing it was to see our little wee one moving and kicking and wiggling around! After a miscarriage, there are always those doubts you fight off - thinking that you have lost your vitality & that you couldn't get pregnant if you wanted to. It's been about 4 years since Julia - so there was lots of room for doubt. After the miscarriage, I knew that I wanted another baby. And we decided to give it to the Lord, that we would let it happen, if the Lord would have it!

I had determined though, that NO MORE November babies - well, getting pregnant in November. Julia & Josiah were both conceived in November - born in August. (My first miscarriage was also due in August!) We have 3 birthdays (Julia, Josiah & Mine) within the first 10 days of August! I was sincerely hoping to avoid another August Birthday!!! :D Funny, the things we decide!

Anyhooo - now that i'm out of my first trimester - you'll probably be seeing more of me ;).

The Cakemaker's Wife Got Strawberry Shortcake

Today is my birthday! Or it was before Midnight. And I had a sincerely wonderful day. I was up early with Rod & the kids before Rod went to work. Some days he leaves pretty early & none of us are up. Sad but true. Today though, after we were all up & Rod was checking to make sure that the last of his school stuff actually did get turned in - we discussed that it was my birthday.

I was just going to have Rod take me out for dinner & a movie. It's been such a long time since we've done either. I guess it's not been forever. We did see Star Trek in the theatre (but it was about 7 months since we'd seen one before that) and we also went to Azteca down by where he works a couple of months ago... Really, we just haven't had any time to do anything together since summer quarter started. So that was my wish to go to dinner & a movie.

Well, we told Jed that we weren't doing a party for mom and he sprouted tears. Real tears! He wanted to celebrate my birthday with a party! Bless his heart! So within 30 seconds, our plans for the evening changed. Once I saw his heart and how real he meant it - we made arrangements.

Funny as it sounds, by the time my birthday comes, I'm done with eating cake :D So what we did do, was dinner, gifts, strawberry shortcake & ice cream out at my parents. Yep, the cakemaker's wife got strawberry shortcake! (bet that would be a cute cake though!) On kinda short notice. Too funny, eh? Then Rod & I went to a well deserved movie!!!

The kids today, were absolutely adorable. The gifts that Rod & the kids bought, the kids wrapped. And then they made me wonderful pictures and cards. All of their heart felt hand made goodies really did touch my heart. Josiah took charge and made sure that they each made me something and that they signed their cards. They took the time, made the effort to do a good job and they were excited about doing it. What more could you really ask? Our kids really did make me feel good today. loved. appreciated. very sweet. This was a birthday that I will always cherish!

PS: Thanks to all of my facebook friends & their well wishes. (Anyone who says FB isn't good for much of anything, obviously hasn't had a birthday while being a member of Facebook!)

Way to go Rod!

Last night, we stayed up late once again to get Rod's work done for school. I spent time proofing papers and websites - donning some encouragement when needed. You'd think that for the last day of school - and knowing it's the last day - that somehow it would be easier... but it wasn't. Somehow, it seemed harder. The last day of the quarter - and there was so much to do. He spent almost every waking moment Sat. & Sun. in front of a computer getting his work done. He did take a break here or there, to run to the store, play with the kids and eat - but really that was about all!

I can't say enough, how proud of him I am for seeing this all the way through. When he signed up for it eons ago, at least it seems that way now... he signed up because he was struggling finding jobs to turn in for unemployment. Honest. So, he thought he would try retraining. In the midst of it, he got a job - he told the college counselor he'd like permission to do both work/school. Now, if his current job doesn't pan out, I guess he has a new skills set.

Yesterday, he got a certificate in the mail from SVC - he made the honor roll! Gosh, it's been so long (esp. with homeschooling) since I've thought about modern schooling conventions like the Honor Roll! Flashback! What was your GPA??

So, in the next few weeks, you may not catch us home in the evenings. *see Zindra doing a little jig* We have some serious summer time fun catching up to do with Dad. Boating, lake, fishing, bike rides, walks, pool time and maybe even a trip to the zoo. Hopefully, I'll have the energy for it!

Way, to go Rod! I so look forward today, to seeing you tell the kids - that you're done!

New Friday School Directors

A couple of months ago, Traci, our Director of Friday school here in Skagit County, decided to step down. Rod & I considered doing it ~ but we are so involved in so many friday school things! It would mean there are things that we would need to give up. Would someone want to take up the things that we need to let go??

About a two weeks ago, I emailed the leadership team to see if anyone had stepped up. Not yet. A few interested. Finally we sat down with Polli & Randy to see what it all entails. After much discussion, we believe that it is something that Rod and I are cut out to do. We are leaders, we can handle tough situations and we have a strong vision for our co-op and for First Class Homeschool Ministries.

After some thought & prayer, Rod & I decided to do it - because it would just seem unfair to someone new who wasn't already part of the leadership team - there is so much to learn... And because we really understand the vision, the ministry and the heart of being a part of a co-op.

We had a Leadership Team (Board Meeting) on July 21st and we were voted in. Traci stepped down officially yesterday, Aug. 1st, 2009. So here we are, the newest Directors of First Class Skagit County!

Things that we will need to change our involvement in:
*We are going to need help with the teen group.
*I need someone to print the newsletter for me.
*I'm planning on looking for someone to do the newsletter.
*We need to find a replacement for me in Coffee Corner.
*We're hoping that we will have the time for Rod to still teach classes at Friday School.
I guess those are the things that us becoming the Directors, will really affect.

If you would have asked me a few years ago - if this was where I planned on being Aug 2009 - I would have told you "get out". Not as in get out of my house, but the expression "get out!" Would never have thought that I had the self confidence, the leadership skills, the ability to talk with people or the ability to resolve conflict back then. The Lord has made some big changes in our lives & has been preparing us for this for quite some time.

What are we hoping to do as the Directors? Continue to encourage a sense of community in our co-op. Build relationships with homeschooling families. Show God's love. Encourage others to step up into leadership roles. Support those homeschool families that need support. Encourage more of a relationship between the "local" FCHM co-ops. Give our vision for our co-op and FCHM to the families in our co-op. Encourage parents to homeschool high school. Encourage those in our co-op to support FCHM.

So, buckle up, here we go, off on another Adventure!

Happy 4th Birthday Julia!!!

Miss Julia turned four today. Hmmm, it's hard for me to believe that now we are beyond toddlerhood in our home. Every which way I turn I see signs that I, personally, am not done having kids. I do not know what the Lord has in store, but I do know, that I don't think I'm done seeing little feet & little toes - smiles with nonsense words. Another discussion for another day. I suppose at some point, physically, I will be done having children. We aren't there yet - but we are also waiting to see when and if the Lord blesses us again.

Funny, normally, in August, when it's warm - you choose to do things outside. Birthday parties, bbq's, walks, bikerides etc. Here, it was a warm 80 plus day and we went to Chuck E Cheese. Why? Because a little girl requested it. She's seen others celebrate their birthday there & she thought it was her turn. But for me, it was so that I could sit in an air conditioned room with friends and family and chat. (I also thought it would be nice to get my Dad with his bloodsugar issues - out of the heat! It affects him so!)

The cake we made for her was a bit beyond what we should have tried making with Rod only having one week left in the quarter to get everything done. Sometimes though, I just crave doing something and schoolwork wasn't on the menu last night. We have eyed at Michaels the castle cake set for a few years, actually. Thinking one day, when she could appreciate a castle, that we would make one for her. It turned out beautifully. A bit over the top, the way that they have you decorate it. We decided to decorate it the "right" way the first time & then if it's too much - the next time we decide to use the castle set, we would know where to tone it down.

It was definitely over the top. Adorably so. It was quite complicated to make - not hard - just had so much involved. I'm glad to have done it. We have to make Josiah a cake - but I'm thinking that the next cake we make that's not a birthday one for our kids - I really want to pipe one. I really enjoy piping frosting.

Josiah's birthday is on thursday. We're going to do something with the family for his birthday & then probably next weekend, do something with his friends, after Garrett gets home from his dads. It just doesn't feel right not having Garrett around for things like this.

Julia loved her gifts. She got way too many gifts. Loved all of them. Got something with ponies - friends gave her barettes & makeup etc. and she loves that. I put together a blanket (not quilted) that is adorable. (Which gave me the itch to start quilting again. Yes, I have too many things I enjoy doing!) Oh & from the boys & grandparents, she got a three wheeled scooter - which was a hit! So, one more birthday down for 2009.

Julia, I love you. I love your name. I love your blue eyes. I love the way you smile, the way you laugh. I love the way you have perticularly Josiah wrapped around your little finger. I love your girlie shoes and your pretty dresses. I love - that you love - that you have many swimsuits. That you love pretty shoes. That you love dollies & horses and swinging in the front yard. But something else I love about you, is that having you has changed me. Having you has changed the way I think about and percieve myself. I'm thankful every day that the Lord gave you to us. You were worth the wait! You are a blessing! Happy Birthday to the sweetest little girl I know!

10 things... x4

A dear friend of mine, Steve Lambert, has a blog to encourage homeschooling families. He's so thoughtful and insightful & I love his stuff!!! He has such great perspective!

Today Steve challenged his blog readers, "Make a list of 10 things about each of your children that you feel good about or are proud of. Make a plan to tell them so. If you were raised in a negative, critical environment growing up you may need to “schedule” positive comments just as you might schedule dental appointments or dishwashing chores. Yes- it’s that important!" CLICK HERE to read the blogpost that inspired mine today!

Here goes~
Josiah(age 10 & 11.5/12 months):
1. You take such good care of your siblings.
2. You're respectful.
3. You are spontaneous.
4. You have a spirit that hears the Lord.
5. You are an encourager.
6. You will do something - the First time.
7. You have a fantastic relationship with Grandma & Granddaddy. You have earned Granddad's respect.
8. There is evidence in your life, that you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
9. You are a member of the Skagit Men's Garden Club - and have earned the respect of all it's members. Young and old.
10. You honor your parents in your character.

Jedediah (age 8):
1. You know how to get things done.
2. You're good at almost everything you do.
3. You are consistent.
4. You remind me of your Granddaddy ~ and that's something I LOVE.
5. Schoolwork is easy for you - I admire that.
6. You are the youngest member of the Skagit Men's Garden Club!
7. You can beat Josiah at video games :D (something, I Cannot do!)
8. You have a soft heart & a sweet spirit.
9. You believe in Jesus.
10. You are kind to those around you. You give good, heartfelt, gifts.

Jaden (age 6):
1. I love all of your expressions - no one else, has that many!
2. I love your exhuberance!
3. I love the way you look out for your little sister, Julia.
4. You are amazing with a set of Legos.
5. You can unload the dishwasher!!! At age 6!!! Amazing!!!
6. You know how to push your brothers buttons (waterfight!)
7. You really know how to talk with people!
8. You believe in the Lord.
9. You like to talk about indepth things, like your older brothers.
10. Your smile ~ makes me smile.

Julia:
1. I love your blue eyes.
2. I love your girlyness.
3. It amazes me how much people respond to your kindness~ you are treasured.
4. You are always trying to keep up with the boys.
5. You do things that are much too hard, and don't even know it.
6. You have us all wrapped around your little finger. I admit it.
7. You sing all of the time.
8. I love the fact that you twirl.
9. You have such a soft heart.
10. Your brothers are the most important things in your life.

I know, you can't tell, I really do love my kids... they are amazing gifts that God has given me. And I am thankful every day for them!

All Stars Update

(Josiah on first as runner, Game 1, July 9, 09)
I can say that Mom (me) made it through the All Stars games. The kids practice mon-friday for three weeks or so to get ready for the tournament. Josiah liked his coach, Coach Mike. He was really good for Josiah. All this season, Josiah has had issues getting his bat on the ball. Rod's been trying to work with him, but hadn't been able to explain to Josiah how to correct his swing - something to do with his hips.

Somehow! Somehow, Coach Mike got Josiah to fix whatever issue it was that Rod was talking about. Ever since, Josiah's has done a much better job of making contact. Not that any of this was really an issue during the regular season, Jos got on base anyway, mostly because the other team walked him time after time. Must have something to do with his height - he's bigger than other kids his age, so the strike zone is different. You'd think that since he's bigger and obviously his strike zone is bigger, that he'd be easier to pitch to. Not so.

During the season, he pitched. During All Stars practice he started out Catching. Turns out they needed a first baseman. It's like he has velcro on the inside of his mit, he catches just about everything! First base is fun for me to watch, because he's so good & there's not the stress involved like when I watch him pitch. Not that he's not good at pitching, he is, it's just that the game is so dependent on the pitcher, that if he has a bad inning - it could lose the game. So~I enjoy watching him play 1st base. Rod got a couple of good shots with the ball in Josiah's mit during the games :D

(Jos playing 1st base, forced out & runner not even close to plate! 7/9/9)
So the first game was last thursday against North Whidbey. They lost 9 to 7. It was a pretty good game. You could tell out of the shoot though, that the kids were nervous. They bobbled the ball too much & it affected the game. At least in the beginning. Josiah was awesome though. He caught every stinking ball that they shot his way. I love the sound of the ball when it hits the mit. You would probably classify me as an over excited mom - he makes a fantastic play and we're all hooting and hollering and you could probably hear me over everyone! I really struggle though with the anticipation of tournament games. Rod handles it well, but he's played tons of sports. Me, it kills me to watch, knowing that if Jos doesn't catch the ball, literally it could be the end of it all... Yes, so dramatic!

The ump made a call that he thought was correct and the opposing coach literally had the ump or baseball president call the LL association in California, stopping the game, to try to get a reversal of the call. Talk about frustrating. It held up the game ~ the call wasn't a bad call to begin with. Everyone was frustrated and it was irritating and we all sort of left the game with a bad taste in our mouths. Feeling like we didn't really earn a loss.

Second game, Friday night, he went with the Waldes. Rod & I had had plans before the tournament was on the books - so we couldn't go. Bummer, they won against Burlington. A blowout of 28 to 8. It wore the kids out though, & you could tell the next day. I guess that in one inning that the kids went up to bat 3 times! Josiah then spent the night at the Waldes and had a fantastic time :D

(Josiah scores! Game 3, 7/11/9)
Third game, Saturday afternoon, the kids were stoked. They'd just won the night before & were excited to be playing. They lost this one 11 to 13 against South Whidbey. If I had a complaint about baseball it would be the umps. When they make a bad call, they should just admit it & retract. Game 3, a kid was safe on the thrid out, the ump called him out. Everyone, including the other team saw that the kid was safe & not tagged. Even second ump saw it ~ and they stayed the call. They had two runners on base. They could have tied up the game & the ump made a bad call & they are out of the tournament.

Tournaments are tough. You work real hard and then it's over fast or you go on to state. It would have been a stretch this year for us to go to state. I'm glad though that Josiah got to play. He became better friends with his bud Austin. Coach Mike also told a friend of ours that if Josiah wanted to play on his Majors team next year, that he'd have a spot on his team. I don't know what we'll have him play. He did show me this All Star season though, that he is ready to move up. I'm not sure if I'M ready for him to move up! It's a daily committment for about 3 months.
Anyway, that's for next year. Glad he got to play ~ glad he did so well.

Josiah, I love to watch you play baseball. You're awesome. You're enthusiastic. You energize everyone on your team. You're a leader and it shows. You are an encourager. You're the loudest guy on your team. You are MY son!!!

A Surprise for Shawna!

(Mathbook cake for Shawna, 7-10-09)
Last night we threw a surprise birthday party for Shawna. I think we actually got her! The look on her face when she opened the door was a good one. Everyone yelling "surprise" actually made me jump ~ it was so loud!

Branden & Katie had some neat ideas for the party ~ which I really loved. Rod & I made a math victorian cake ~ see photo.

(Shawna, when she came in 7-10-09)
We actually brought our camera to take pictures & B brought their photo printer and Kevin & Kirsten printed the pictures on the spot. Someone is going to take the photos and scrapbook the party ~ neat idea. Rod got family shots of everyone that came.


We all brought a chocolate dessert, so we all ate a LOT of chocolate! Many of us brought an old memory to scrap too. I chatted too much. Brought the scrapbook paper home & will make a couple of pages & take down the next time I see them. I guess I could just send them to work with Rod. LOL.

It was a fantastic party! Got to catch up with old friends and get acquainted with new ones! We were asked to make a Math cake. So we made a math book. It really did look like a book, somehow that surprised me! I made fun stuff out of gumpaste ~ an eraser, a protractor and a ruler. Rod made the pencil.


(Kirsten & Kevin ~ Scrapbooker & Photo Printer extraordinaries :D)
What was funny, is that many of us saw Shawna last weekend for the fourth of July ~ and we all had to NOT talk about our plans or do the "see you next friday" thing. That was an exercise in will!

Happy Birthday Shawna!!!

What a GREAT Weekend :D

(Rod & Jaden, July 3, 2009)
We had such a nice, long weekend! It's been awhile since Rod's had more than two days off. The last week was so crazy busy (and this week should be pretty busy too!) that it was nice to have some down time. This week we All Stars games begin.

Friday, Rod & Dad worked on the van. We need to get some tires & have a realignment done. Later, we went out to the reservation and bought some fireworks. Then we went to Mom & Dad's for a BBQ & fireworks. Best chicken ever! Rod & the kids did fireworks, while Mom, Dad & I watched. It was great fun. Rod's really good about being safe with the kids.

Josiah burnt his foot on a morning glory. That was our only incident. While it was going off, a spark landed on the inside of his shoe. Icepacks insued (or is it ensued?). After we got home, I put burn relief spray on it ~ and we sent him to bed. He's worn flip flops yesterday & today, to make sure it gets some healing time in before baseball. (Nelson Kids at home, 7/3/09)

For the 4th, we spent time with the Powells, the Bussards and the Jurys ~ and other friends. I've lived here, my whole life. I had NO idea that there was a beach out on the Tulalip reservation! What a nice place, amazing view! We all had a great time! B let all of the kids blow off fireworks ~ and they loved it ~ right on the beach!

(Kids on the Beach, Fourth of July, 2009) We had to get off of the beach because the threat level was definitely higher as we got towards dark. I was frustrated by the kids next door who were throwing M80's off the dock by hand... I guess demonstrating to our kids WHAT NOT TO DO!

We were sandwiched in between I think the two heaviest arseneled houses in the cove... We sat up on the dock, under blankets watching everyone else light off fireworks. It was crazy loud ~ crazy tons of fireworks. I don't think i've seen a better show (maybe Skagit Speedway's show ranks higher.) In honor of Shawna, the evening ended with an Iphone version of Neil Diamond's ~ I'm Coming to America. Classic!

Today, Sunday, was homework day. The kids had down day, playing outside in the sprinkler, doing chores, arguing with the neighbor boy (some days they get along great, others not) and playing video games. (Our Xbox 360 came back in the mail on Friday!). It was so good though, after being so busy to be forced to be at home. Rod did homework. He's trying to get as much done as he can. (Kids on the beach, 4th, 2009)

What we didn't realize for Summer Qtr. is that there's just as much homework as Spring or Winter Qtr. but much less time to do it in. Today he got a mess of homework done, so hopefully, it'll be less stressful this week homework wise - his first homework deadline is the 13th. I'm praying he meets it with time to spare! Positively thinking, here...

(Tex, Julia & Me, ponycamp, 2009) One of my favorite digital scrapbooking sites has a free class ~ which I signed up for. So here's out first assignment. Those of my facebook friends have already seen the picture ~ but I liked it, so I used it for this quick assignment. Love Jessica Sprague!

Julia's First Graduation

Today Julia "graduated" from Horsecamp. We had my Mom & Dad, Garrett and our family come watch the arena part of our lesson. We all enjoyed it. My favorite part of the week, was listening to Julia giggle as she trotted around the arena.
Jaden thought she did a good job. Rod thought it was pretty amazing that a 3.5 year old could lead a horse so well!

Afterwards we came home and hung out & then had lunch. We were due to be up to a friends house near Bellingham about 1pm. Leeann has a pool where she lives, so the kids got changed into their pool clothes & we headed to her house.

We all had a great time. The kids loved the pool. I got the chance to really talk to a good friend of mine. Glad that we took the time ~ glad that she thought enough to call and plan to see us. She has the ability to understand some of the emotional things I've been dealing with lately ~ in such a understanding and motherly way. Talking to her, always helps me steer myself back on path. Her faith in the Lord is so tangible and real. I love her very much!

Got home just in time for Josiah to play the second scrimmage game before the All Stars tournament next week. I dropped him off at the baseball field with my mom & Garrett. Left Jed there with them as well (my dad stopped by to pick him up for their Garden Club meeting - Josiah couldn't go b'c of the game.) Jaden, Julia & I headed home for some quite time. I did a load of laundry, realize how sore I really am, & went & sat down on the couch with the kids & watched the first Night at the Museum.

Rod came home with Jed from the Garden Club meeting. He drove over there after work. He's officially recieved permission to go ahead and develop a website for the Skagit Men's Garden Club. They don't have one. I think they should... Anyway, Rod needed a final project for his Adobe Certification in the design field ~ so he decided to do their website. Tonight he took it to the president to get the go ahead. Glad that's decided. All in all, it was a good day. Tonight, tired, I will sleep well. What a crazy busy, yet great week!

Yep, We sure did!

(Tex & Julia)
Today was an eventful day, I guess.
We started out at horsecamp, day 3 of 4. Had a good morning with my little Jules. Today she got to experience guiding the horse with no help from mom or her teacher. We were in a small arena, and we took off their lead ropes. Then we played sort of a hide & seek. I went somewhere in the arena a ways away ~ and it was her job to her her horsey over to me. It was quite fun & I was profoundly surprised that she was able to do it. We she also went on a long trail ride in the "jungle" (where I led Tex.)

Then I got Jaden from Mom & Dad's. Mom had Jos & Jed out at the gleaners with Shirley. When I came home, she showed up with the boys shortly after. Jed asked if he could go to Grandmas for the day. I said okay. It's summer afterall.

Julia & I had a nap on the couch while Jaden & Josiah played. That was good. Then Mom came to take Josiah to baseball practice. (Garrett has been helping out at practice, so she's going over to the park anyway.... I'm getting to the point where I'm park-ed out!)

I showed up before practice was over so that we could all go to the Matt's practice. We all headed over to one of the players homes. Mon & Wed, Josiah & Jed have been going to practices of sorts with their coach from this season. This last Mon they went on a hike of Little Mountain. The boys had a GRAND time & so they all agreed that for practice Wed (today) that they would go up the other side.

I didn't have anything better to do & wanted to take the opportunity to participate in what the boys were doing ~ so I went to. I should have known better. It was much harder than I had anticipated. Julia was with me & my little doll was such a trooper. She did better at it than I did. (I "heard" that Jaden had no problem on the hike at all!!)

I should have known that there was NO way that I, a relatively seditary housewife, could keep up with "the boys" on a three mile hike. 1.5 each way. We let the boys go on ahead. Julia & I got about 3/4 of the way up & the trail split. Didn't know which way to go. Julia thought we were lost. I got out my cell to see if I could get ahold of Garrett or one of the other dads that were hiking... when a lady & her dog showed up & told us the way to go. Not much later I ran into Matt & David. Matt went on ahead with the boys & David stayed with Julia & I.

I seriously thought about heading back. But, I wasn't sure of the exact way. I asked about the way back down the trail & then I thought, I'm not feeling well enough to make sure I go the right way ~ and I didn't want to take the chance of getting lost with Julia in tow.

I thought about the boys, Garrett, Josiah, Jedediah and Jaden who all brave-heartedly went ahead of me & expected me to show up at the end. That spurred me forward. Literally. Then I thought of my Youth Dynamics days, where, we rockclimbed, river rafted, repelled and hiked. We went on a week hiking trip in the North Cascades ~ I have pictures to prove it :D

I thought about how I have not done one thing as hard as what I was doing right at that moment since I had gone on that North Cascades hiking trip with YD. I thought about how difficult some of the hiking had been and yet I kept going and pulled through. It wasn't pretty, but I had done it. Which of course, means, that I can do it again. Day to day, now as I raise my kids, I still see the effects of the time that I spent as a Youth Leader with YD. The investment my leaders made in me, and I am so thankful.

There were times today, that I literally couldn't make the next step. David held out his hand and pulled me up. Talk about "seeing" what the Lord can do. Isn't that what He does for us when it's tough enough we cannot do it on our own?

Honestly, I would not have gone today if I would have known how hard it would have been. I certainly would have left my precious little three year old daughter down at the bottom, safe and sound with her Grandma. She & I went on an adventure & boy, that's what we got!

There were a few times, where I had to tell her to stop talking and just keep walking. She just kept saying that she needed to go to the bathroom, that her legs were tired or "Where are my boys?" she would say. Each time she said one of those things, which in those moments, were complaints or downward thoughts, I had to ask her to not to talk. Sometimes, it's just better to not say anything at all ~ than to discourage those around you, as well as yourself. That may not have been a lesson for her, but it was for me.

Made it to the top. Had hoped to get a group picture of the team & the other kids from their families that had come. No chance. We were too late. Oh, well, got a picture of Julia & I. That'll just have to be good enough.

The way down was so much easier. We talked much of the way. There we were, almost back. I get a call from Garrett on my cell. Where are we? On our way down! Did we make it to the top? Yep, we sure did!

Nope, didn't do it pretty, but we got 'er done! And I got to tell my boys that, although we finished a good 1/2 hour after them (probably more honestly) and that even though it was tough, that I wanted to quit, that I weighed my options ~ finishing something that was very hard, was the better way to go.

My bandwidth has been compromised.

(photo: Tex & Julia, June 29, Lang's Horse & Pony Farm)
Wow, didn't realize that it's been a couple of weeks since i've posted!

Since we went white water rafting, a few things have happened. Baseball ended for Josiah & Jedediah. Josiah had been told when All Stars tryouts were, but we decided not to have him play. A day or so later, Coach Mike called asking if Josiah could play ~ they didn't have enough boys. Fine. Lesson learned: Avoid tryouts = Get asked to play anyway!

So his baseball schedule got extended a couple more weeks. Jedediah's not old enough to do All Stars. The All Stars games are July 9-14. It's a double elimination tournament. I like how things are going much better this year (compared to last year~the reason that I didn't want him to play this year.)

(little video: Josiah, June 30th, All Stars practice) I've almost finished all the levels of New York in Mafia Wars on Facebook. I know, that means I've spent much too much time playing it in the last few months. It does get me the "cool" award with many teens and kids of my own. Sometimes it's just fun to have something in common with those around you. This is one of those things.

Lately, we have been working on when the kids were going to go to horsecamp at Lang's pony farm this year. They started something new this year, a Mommy & Me camp for kids under 5. Well, normally during horsecamp, I schedule Pony rides for Julia because she gets so upset she can't go & she doesn't understand that she's not old enough. So for a bit more than what I usually pay for pony rides during her brothers horsecamp week ~ I scheduled her for camp. We we re actually supposed to go a couple of weeks ago, but a friend died ~ and I wanted to go to the funeral. So we rescheduled for this week.

Needlesstosay~ Julia is having the time of her life. It's two hours in the morning, for four days. Today was day two. She's gotten to go on trail rides, trotted and learned to steer her pony "Tex." She's also helped saddle him and brush him. She says she wants to buy him and take him home. He's her "best friend." I think I'd let her fall in love with horses, if it could keep her away from boys for a few years... hmm, have some time to think about that :) I personally would love to have horses. Maybe one day that dream will come true.

Rod has once begun school again. This should be his last quarter at Skagit. Today he was excited because he actually used one of the skills he's been learning ~ at work! He has about 6 weeks left of school and then he will be done with his Adobe Certification. He has one class left to take someothertime ~ they did n't offer it this quarter ~ and then he will have a Graphic Design Certificate. I'd like to see him take that last class to finish it out. I'm all about tying up lose ends.

Speaking of lose ends. I feel like i've been doing FCHM an injustice lately. We've been talking about switching from a monthly ezine to a weekly ezine ~ for awhile. There are some things in my life that has made me a crazy woman. My bandwidth has been compromised.

I've been putting them out once a month for well over a year. And, I've been putting off making the switch. Dominic had said that he would like them to go out weekly, on tuesday. So, I got our first weekly ezin e out, on a tuesday (late, but done!) and have started on the next one. We use constantcontact.com for them. It has worked out nicely ~ but it took me a bit to really figure it all out. Here is the June Ezine.

The highlight, was figuring out a banner/button for an advertiser! I used some of my photoshop skills! Now, i've seen though what Rod's been doing in Illustrator & Flash and I hope to use some of that - put to good use sometime here soon.

What am I looking forward to? This weekend for Rod is a three day weekend! He now gets holiday pay :) So, we're planning on going and getting fireworks at the reservation on the 3rd. And then planning on spending time with good friends on the 4th! Maybe this year, like last year, we'll get another cool family, professional looking photo!

White Water Goodness!

For quite some time, we've had posted that we were interested in taking the FCSC Teens Rafting again this year. We go with YD Adventures. One day a month or so ago, one of the teens sent us an Urgent email saying that she reallly wanted to go rafting. I told her that if she wanted to go that she needed to sell the idea to the rest of the group. We needed at least 10 people to be able to have a group....

Well, she mainly put it out there. Rod was in school and I was busy helping him & getting the boys to baseball... We got 10 people, and eventually 15.

Well, this last saturday was the day! Putting a day like that together isn't necessarily hard, but there's just so many details, that it can sometimes drive me crazy. Once we get there & get on the water - it reminds me of giving birth (of all things!) - all that work really was worth it!

We left Mt. Vernon about 6:30 am, stopped in Stanwood to pick up a couple of the boys. Headed over to Leavenworth, go to the put in about 1/2 hour early. Leeann & Eddie were there - I guess I knew there were going to be, but somehow it really surprised me that I was getting to spend a little bit of time, with some people I really care about, in a place that is not where I usually see them. It sort of feels like when you see your doctor in the grocery store.

We played some fun games while we waited for the drivers (Scott & Rod) to get our cars moved. We got divided up & got into our boats. Rod & I thought that we would try putting our old Sony P8 in a ziplock bag & taking it with us. Turns out, that really worked & we got a few good pictures. How I always wish that you could take a telephoto lens with you so that you could take awesome shots of the rest of your group going down the river! We were so far away & with our little camera - that the boats were little in the pictures...

Rod, Josiah, and I rafted together with the other Josiah from our group and four raft guides. It was quite a neat experience, because they didn't want the two younger boys as the bow babies - because of all of our adult weight in the boat - that Rod & I got to be the bow babies the entire way! We had two Josiah's in our boat, the oldest was Josiah 1 and then our Josiah was Josiah 2. That was kind of a fun way to refer to them. I think Josiah 2 had the time of his life!!!

Eddie was so good to the boys - he let them jump in bunches of times, they did trust paddles, waterskiing as well as them both being on the bow while we paddled through rapids! We also walked around the outside of the raft while in motion. That was one of the neatest rafting trips I've ever done - for a couple of reasons. One, I finally got to take one of my boys. Two, we did so many things that I've never done before on a rafting trip - and I've gone on a bunch!!!

Looks like we already have enough interest to go again next year. I'm thinking that maybe next year we could do a two day trip - a Rock & Roll or something. I'd really like that. And if we plan now, we may even be able to do enough fundraisers to get more kids there!!!

The "thing" that I got out of it this time, was, Eddie had us paddle through rapids for a time with our eyes closed. It seemed like quite some time. We had no idea where we were going - only trusting that Eddie was our guide, giving us commands and knew the way. That he would keep us safe. Then, afterwards, he talked about how sometimes in our lives, that that's what our walk with God feels like. It feels like we may be paddling with our eyes closed, not knowing where we are going - yet, we are to keep the faith and keep doing what we are to do - because He knows where we are going, will guide us and He can keep us safe.

This last year has been a whirlwind for me. Rod losing his job, not having a job, paying our bills with very little money, Rod getting a fantastic job - but not knowing if it's somewhere where he will be or if he will have to look for another one - makes me feel like we are paddling with our eyes closed. Out of all of the teachings that Eddie could have chosen during those moments we had together, I find it interesting, that he chose one that would speak so loudly to my heart. The Lord really used him!

The teens - had such a great time. You could just see the bonding - the excitement, the fun, the exhiliration, the common experience. That's the reason we want to do things like these - because it creates such a strong common bond. I'm thankful we were able to do it this year & hope to do it again next year.

Being out there, on the river, reminded me of being a part of YD in my youth. Of the dream that one day, that I would be a part of that ministry again. I think one day - we may...

If you are interested in more info on rafting or YD Adventures - check them out HERE!

Done Testing For the Year!

Thursday I finished up Jedediah's testing. So glad to have that done for another year. Forgot how much more energy goes into testing grades under grade 3 - much of the test instructions you end up reading! (For Josiah's test, I think I put in 1/2 the effort!) The tests were put in the mail Friday for scoring, and will be returned to me in about 6 weeks. Hopefully sooner.

Last year was my first year as a tester. It seemed so stressful figuring it all out. This year, although there was some anticipation, there wasn't nearly as much stress on my part. Hopefully I can remember this for next year. And I may end up testing a few more kids before the summers over.

My non testing kids really seemed to suffer - not. They spent the day out at grandma's working in the garden and swimming in the pool. They've really been enjoying Grandma's new saltwater backyard pool.

Besides testing, here are some things I accomplished this week that are relatively significant. Hopefully some of this will help me free up some of my time:D
*Baseball wrapped up this weekend.
*Testing the boys was finished this week.
*Teens Rafting trip on the Wenatchee River Saturday.
*Horsecamp plans.
*Figured out an answer about a computer issue.

One another note, a friend of mine lost her father to cancer this week. Knowing that this day could come doesn't really take away the surprise. Most of the time I really spent around Bill I simply knew him as Shawna's Dad. There were so many good things I saw in their family when I was young that I hoped to have in my own one day. Shawna's parents owned the local Homeschool store. They showed me that homeschooling in general as well as homeschooling through high school is a reality. I will always have her parents to thank for that. Bill, you will be missed.

You may have noticed that there haven't been pictures in my last couple of posts - I'm hoping to get into a habit of watermarking them before posting. I don't mind my friends having my pictures, but I don't just want whomever to have them & use them as they please - so i'm planning on watermarking, for now anyway.

One of my dreams, is about to come true!!!

This weekend, Saturday, we are going to take a group of 15 people over to Leavenworth to go white water rafting with YD Adventures. I am really excited about going Rafting, can't believe it's the day after tomorrow! Really wished that some of our teens were able to figure out how to pay for the trip - but we'll have a great time anyway.

Josiah has been asking me for the last two weeks, if we would ask if they would make an exception to the age rule, so that he could come with us rafting. I finally gave in - the worst thing they could say is no, right?

Well, about the time I decided to ask about them making an exception (this week), we found out that Josiah has a baseball tournament this weekend. Snafu. How do we decide??? Josiah's the size of some small adults. He's a month and a half short of 11 (the required age to be able to go Rafting...). (If I would have known the age was 11, we would have seen if we could have gone rafting later in the summer... I don't even know though, if they raft that late...) We've been planning this rafting trip 6 weeks, the tourney only 2 days...

Well, the YD Adventures leadership came back and said, yes, he could go! Completely surprising us. So we had to choose between a brand new tournament that we found out about a couple of days ago and going on a once in a lifetime trip rafting. Reality, he plays baseball daily, Rafting - never been. Who knows if we'll be able to even go next year.

Honestly, I've dreamed of this weekend since before the day he was born. I was a student leader with Youth Dynamics back in the day. It was my home, I loved our people and I love our YD Adventure trips. We went white water rafting, repelling, camping and so much more. I made friends, we went on adventures.

Rod & I were volunteers at YD for some time. Since then Rod & I have gone on the day paddling training trips a few different times since we've been married. I love to Raft. I've watched as other parents took their sons on their first river adventure & couldn't wait for my turn... I kept thinking, one day, one day... And Saturday is going to be our turn.. Seeing something come to reality brings tears to my eyes!! One of my dreams, is about to come true!!!

That usually means... Cellulitis!

(Julia running the bases at Bakerview Park, just like her big brothers! June 2009)

I don't feel particularly witty tonight. There's a lot going on. I'll feel like I got some things finally checked off of my list though, after this week!

I have a few projects that I'm working on... Rafting with Youth Dynamics Adventures is this upcoming weekend in Leavenworth, WA. Trying to get that all together. One of the teens emailed me seriously wanting to go rafting again this year. I wasn't planning on it, because I hadn't gotten much of a response before. We're doing it, in the Lords good graces, because I haven't had the time or energy to get it together!!!

Really glad that we are going, I just don't particularly like all of the work involved in organizing something like this. Especially when I haven't had the time to do a good job. We've only been planning on going about a month, and tonight, I sent out the final info - which I usually do eons ago... Better late than never, I guess :D

Another thing that I'm doing this week - I'm a certified tester for homeschool testing - and i'm testing two days this week. I usually stress out about testing, but once i'm doing it, I really enjoy it. I can test a couple different tests, but I like the Iowa ITBS - because I like the results that I get back. I don't make a ton of money from it, but since i'm testing my own kids anyway, I figure I might as well serve another family & take care of their testing needs at the same time!

Personally, I'm a little concerned about Josiah's test scores. He's not really up to grade level - or I don't think so. I'm testing him at grade level this year to see how I'm doing. Then for this next year, I'll make the adjustments I need to make. He was a late reader and that affected so many things involved in schooling.

Feeling quite thankful that Jedediah is reading already. Josiah took off about the same time Jedeidah really got readers. Now Jedediah is beyond readers - and I'm feeling really good about having two down. Two to go!

Sunday morning Rod got up and he had a fever. That usually means cellulitis. We watched it allll day & didn't see any signs of it on his right leg. After Urgent care closed, we finally notice that yes, he has real signs of cellulitis. So he & Josiah went over to the ER to get Meds. About an hour later (quick trip) he came home with plenty of medication. He took today off. I'm feeling quite good about the whole thing though, because it's the most mild case of it he's ever had! In that, there's a blessing!!

What I do feel bad about is that he can't really take any more days off of work - I'm pretty sure that he doesn't have sick pay. But he did get a good two days rest & should be feeling much better tomorrow ~and he'll be feeling better in time to go.. Rafting!

What HAS Rod Been Working on at Xbox??

(Julia & what she referred to sweetly as her baby slug!)

Many of you have asked about what Rod's working on at Xbox. For those of you who don't game, it's a division of Microsoft :D Well, this week was a big week in our house because WE finally found out what Dad's top secret project that he's been working on at work is.... It's called Project Natal.

From what I understand, it's a voice, facial and gesture recognition camera that works as a controller - and will be used to play video games on the 360. Rod's the DevKit guy for Project Natal (Development Kit) - which means a lot and then not so much. He was so excited to finally be able to tell us!!

Branden, a friend of ours, co-worker of Rod's, got to go to E3 - a big electronics conference in California - and was one of the guys in charge of putting on the live demo with all of the big names - and it appeared to come off seamlessly. I watched the demo online and it was exciting to realize that Branden was backstage putting it on!! Woot! Woot!

This week also hails the end of another quarter at Skagit Valley College for Rod. He's supposed to have one more quarter where he will be taking Adobe Flash, Adobe InDesign and Advanced Webpage Design. The webpage design might get swapped out for another class - but probably not.

I am just feeling like it's a good end of week for our family. Finally Rod can tell us what he's been up to and since it's the end of a quarter, we'll be getting our evenings back with Dad!

The two webpages that he's been working on for his MIT classes are:

Our photography: http://www.herronpoint.webs.com

Our cakes: http://www.bluevaser.webs.com (this isn't even alllll of our cakes! I didn't realize we'd done SO many until I had to dig up pictures for this site for his class!!)

If we decide to actually use these sites, we'll probably change them over to their own named sites, for class they wanted us to use a freebie host. We will also probably make quite a few changes after the class has been finalized - and then much more after he's worked on the Adobe Flash. You can do some fantastic stuff with flash. These sites are basic, supposed to show, what he's learned in his books...

What A Nice Surprise!

We have the kid's school pictures taken every year. We started when Josiah was K/1st grade & have been doing it ever since. This year, we had pictures taken in the Fall - at Friday School. First Class Skagit County has had Lifetouch come in for the last few years to do school pictures/student id cards. This year - we were just going to get the most basic plan because Rod was on unemployment. Turned out that the photographer put our info in wrong - so I said I'd order them over the phone.

Here, MONTHS later, in April I ended up ordering them. Easy enough to order them over the phone. I ordered the packages I was planning on getting last Fall. When they arrived, I realized that I ordered the package that I wanted when we were on unemployment, not the package that we could afford since Rod's working... So, I had Rod (yah, I know, I give him some of those kinds of things & he's such a good sport about it!) call them & get it fixed.

They were more than happy to help us out. We realized that if we paid $9 more than we originally paid per kid, that we could get the CDR's with reprint & viewing licences. So, we paid the extra $9.00. I was kinda frustrated in figuring out the CD's & downloading each of the photos - but each of the kid's picutres came in Color, Black & White as well as Sepia.

I went ahead and uploaded the pics to Costco - to see if they would print correctly. And they did! So, I have photos that look like they came from Lifetouch at a fraction of the cost! Woohoo! I was a very good girl and took in the licence agreement - which basically says I can use the photos for whatever I would like... within reason.

Awhile ago, when Julia was 9 months old or something, we had Sears pictures done, and they gave us 10X13 Sepias for cheap or free with package. We bought frames & put them on the wall. So when I saw that I could update the wall photos - at that size for $3.00 a kid - I ordered them from Costco. Now my beautiful 10x13 frames are updated with current photos! I never thought I'd be able to update those because of their size - so that was such a nice surprise!!! I would also not ever thought to actually order a package with reprint/display rights - but i'm thinking that I like them well enough, I could do it again next year!!!

One thing that was memorable about photos this year, was that the photographer took like 10 shots of Julia to get the right one. The last one (above) was best. Her shot was 1162 or something. Then the boys, in succession Jaden, Jedediah and Josiah each took ONE shot to get the above photos - uh, that's uheard of! And what great shots - on the first try! So their shot numbers I think were 1162, 1163, 1164 and 1165 - in order! That made reordering very easy! (Photos: 2008-2009 School Pictures by Lifetouch)