Well, I can finally tell the news.
We're moving back to the States next week.
After much prayer and waiting 8 months for God to give us a clear direction, we feel that we are being called back to the States. It has been a long, difficult year of uncertainty and change. John is doing much better, but if we were to stay here, he would have to live on medicine because of all of the parasites and other things. And he would not be able to go out and do the village work as we were supposed to do.
John has accepted a call to come as Minister of Evangelism and Missions at a church in my hometown. We actully did our stateside assignment there 2 years ago and love the people dearly. They have a wonderful pastor and youth minister and John is really looking forward to serving with them.
It's such a bittersweet week for us. We are thrilled to be going back and are very excited about our new ministry there, yet at the same time, we are so sad to be leaving the mission field. That's kind of all our children know. They've been to the States, yet they're MKs at heart. We love living on the mission field and will really miss our friends and the culture. Plus, it saddens us to know that our neighbors are still not Christians.
I have been packing this week and the movers will come one day this week to crate it all up and send it on to the States. It's not a typical move where you put it all in a box and take it from one house to another. We have to pick and choose what we are taking and get "X" amount of space to fit it into. We won't really know what will fit and what we can take until they are here crating it. So, we've had to go through every little thing in the house to kind of pre-sort and pre-pack as much as we can. Missionary moves are interesting..........you fill every tiny little crack with something to maximize your space. So, when you receive it on the other end, it's not really the most logical assortment of things in each box. : ) We are thrilled to get to take anything at all though. We thought we might have to leave it all behind. If so, it would be ok, but I felt so sad to think of it because we have little sentimental things from each country and it's all we have left of our "former life". What a blessing it is to take some of it with us!
Yesterday, I was teary-eyed for most of the day. Listening to the girls outside playing with their friends and seeing their friends look funny when they realized we were packing inside the house. It seems the missy life is one of constant change and goodbyes. You kind of get used to it, but it's still hard. There are so many "perks" though too---- we have friends literally all over the world and have been blessed so much by our relationships and experiences as we have lived in 4 different countries. How many kids can say that, right?
The exciting thing is that we'll still be "doing missions". And John will be doing exactly what he is gifted in. God has truly blessed us with this opportunity and we are very excited about the possibilities. And who's to say we won't have more of an impact this way than if it were just our family of 7 on the field? : )
Right now we're praying about the pets. We thought we would be flying Continental and it was not going to work out to bring our dogs. The kids were devestated. (me too) But, now we're flying Delta and it looks like it should work. We'd like to bring the cat, but we'll have to see what the regulations are. The kids really want to bring her. She really is a sweet, good little cat. (and a great mouser, obviously!) John and Isaac may have to drive from Atlanta with them. I'll fly home with the rest of the kids. We'll know for sure tomorrow what we're doing.
Isaac is excited because we're flying home on his birthday. Sam's is the next day. What a present, right? They get to go home and see Grandma and Grandpa!
So, in a few months we should be nice and settled. This has definitely been our wildest year yet.
None of this was planned or expected. We never dreamed we would leave the field before retirement. But God has other plans and His are always best, so we'll go with them. : )
We're looking for a home to buy and actually have a few favorites picked out already. We're working with an agent and plan to go look at them next week. Hopefully we'll be able to sign on one right away. Then we can begin the homestudy process and come back for Carmelita.
It has been truly amazing to see God's hand in all of this. We have already had some ministry opportunities/experiences there because of our upcoming move. We are praying we will not get in the way of any of God's plans and that we will be true servants willing and able to be used by Him in any way.
It's also nice that we know the area and many of the people. It feels like "going home" even to the kids (even though they've only spent short amounts of time there) and the adjustment will be much easier. Although, in about 6 months it will probably really hit us--- the reality of being back for good.
We appreciate your prayer this week especially as it will be a hard week for us. And for the upcoming weeks and months as we step into a new minstry and follow God's leading for this new journey. We have truly loved being missionaries and always will be. We don't feel as we are leaving the field............we like to think of it as "just changing fields".
I'll keep you posted.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Congratulations MEGAN!!!!
Megan got to celebrate yesterday...................
She finished her reading book "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons".
Woohoo!!!!!
We celebrated: We bought frozen burgers shaped like Mickey Mouse heads (they were actually good) and made french fries. For dessert we bought stuff to make banana splits.
I even ate a bowl of ice cream (chocolate, of course) with nuts and whipped cream and bananas. It was good!
I told her that when she finished the book we'd celebrate and have a little "party".
She was so proud of herself.
Now we're still working through her phonics and reading through another simple reader.
She's doing great.
It kind of made me sad.......my last baby can read now.
Well, there's always Carmelita. I can work with her next. : )
She finished her reading book "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons".
Woohoo!!!!!
We celebrated: We bought frozen burgers shaped like Mickey Mouse heads (they were actually good) and made french fries. For dessert we bought stuff to make banana splits.
I even ate a bowl of ice cream (chocolate, of course) with nuts and whipped cream and bananas. It was good!
I told her that when she finished the book we'd celebrate and have a little "party".
She was so proud of herself.
Now we're still working through her phonics and reading through another simple reader.
She's doing great.
It kind of made me sad.......my last baby can read now.
Well, there's always Carmelita. I can work with her next. : )
Now John has what we had.........
Poor John! He feels bad.
He has the same stuff we all had while he was gone--- fever, achy, sore throat.......
The bad thing is that it feels like it's in his lungs because of all of the congestion. He took a round of antibiotics, but it's not really better, so he's back at the doctor's this morning to have his lungs checked to make sure.
He had pneumonia a couple of times in the past, so we make sure we check his lungs out when he's sick! It's easy for him to get it since then.
I think in a few days he'll be better. It took us about a week to get over it. Megan ran a fever for 4 days and then got better for 2 and then had a low-grade fever again one day and slept for 2 more days on and off.
It sounds like it's the same thing that is going around in the States, too.
I hope he's better soon!
I just made him a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup, so he has to feel better, right???
At least the house will smell good...........
update: after writing this, John called. He does NOT have pneumonia! YEAH! The doctor gave him more meds and said it was great he checked and to make sure we always stay on top of that because it is really easy for him to get it since he had it twice before. Thank you, God!
He has the same stuff we all had while he was gone--- fever, achy, sore throat.......
The bad thing is that it feels like it's in his lungs because of all of the congestion. He took a round of antibiotics, but it's not really better, so he's back at the doctor's this morning to have his lungs checked to make sure.
He had pneumonia a couple of times in the past, so we make sure we check his lungs out when he's sick! It's easy for him to get it since then.
I think in a few days he'll be better. It took us about a week to get over it. Megan ran a fever for 4 days and then got better for 2 and then had a low-grade fever again one day and slept for 2 more days on and off.
It sounds like it's the same thing that is going around in the States, too.
I hope he's better soon!
I just made him a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup, so he has to feel better, right???
At least the house will smell good...........
update: after writing this, John called. He does NOT have pneumonia! YEAH! The doctor gave him more meds and said it was great he checked and to make sure we always stay on top of that because it is really easy for him to get it since he had it twice before. Thank you, God!
Monday, March 16, 2009
It's A Girl!
We're expecting! No, it's not what you think......................
We are adopting a beautiful little girl from Mexico. She is 4 years old and will turn 5 on our wedding anniversary this year. How cool is that?
I have started an adoption blog with a little of her story and some pictures. I'll be adding more as we go along. We hope to bring her home this summer.
Here's the blog: Once Upon A Time
So, without further ado, introducing Carmelita...............
(I figured I might as well put a picture of her eating, because she loves to eat!) We got to go spend a few days with her recently. She is wonderful and we are all very excited about bringing her home to her forever family!!!
She is really small. She has Down Syndrome, but is very high functioning and can do anything! (trust us.. she made even us nervous when she was climbing up things...... I think she'll try anything!) She is very smart too. At school, she is the first one done in her group all the time. We got to visit her school one day, too. It was really neat.
She is very loving and is a very happy person. She really enjoys life. I'm sure you'll get a hug if you meet her.
We can't wait to see her again.
Please pray that the process will go smoothly and that she will be home this summer. She has never had a family, as she was abandoned at the hospital at birth because she had Down Syndrome. She has always lived at the orphange.
She is just precious and we love her so much already! Thank you for praying for us and for her.
Friday, March 13, 2009
US History field trips
Here are a few interesing places to visit that go along with what we have been studying this year.
President Andrew Jackson's home--- The Hermitage, near Nashville, TN
http://www.thehermitage.com/
This weekend, on March 15th, there is a Birthday Celebration to honor President Jackson and celebrate what would be his 242nd birthday.
President James K. Polk's home in Tennesse
http://www.jameskpolk.com/new/exhibits.asp
They have week-long day camp experiences for kids in the summer. It's called The Polk Academy Children's Summer Camp. They do activities like President Polk would have done as a child, such as writing with quill pens, making soap and candles, panning for gold, etc.
Laura Ingalls Wilder's Home in Mansfield, MO
http://www.dahoudek.com/LIW/RockyRidge.htm
This is "Rocky Ridge" where she and Alonzo raised their daughter, Rose, and lived until they died. They are buried there, along with Rose.
I definitely want to take the kids to Laura's home this spring.
Each of these places offer tours and educational experiences.
Laura's home is near Silver Dollar City, so it could be a fun little mini-vacation for the family.
President Andrew Jackson's home--- The Hermitage, near Nashville, TN
http://www.thehermitage.com/
This weekend, on March 15th, there is a Birthday Celebration to honor President Jackson and celebrate what would be his 242nd birthday.
President James K. Polk's home in Tennesse
http://www.jameskpolk.com/new/exhibits.asp
They have week-long day camp experiences for kids in the summer. It's called The Polk Academy Children's Summer Camp. They do activities like President Polk would have done as a child, such as writing with quill pens, making soap and candles, panning for gold, etc.
Laura Ingalls Wilder's Home in Mansfield, MO
http://www.dahoudek.com/LIW/RockyRidge.htm
This is "Rocky Ridge" where she and Alonzo raised their daughter, Rose, and lived until they died. They are buried there, along with Rose.
I definitely want to take the kids to Laura's home this spring.
Each of these places offer tours and educational experiences.
Laura's home is near Silver Dollar City, so it could be a fun little mini-vacation for the family.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
George Muller
John started reading a book to the kids today. It's about George Muller.
Isaac read it when he was younger and even did a play about him at his Christian school in Brazil in 5th grade. It's really a good book and the kids were so amazed at "how bad" he was when he was younger--- lying, stealing.... They really laughed about him finally going to school to be a lutheran minister because his dad wanted him to since it was a good paying job with a lot of respect. He agreed even though he had no desire to really do that and he had such a bad reputation as a partier and drinker while he was a "theology student". And when John read that he "should probably buy a Bible and go to church more than 3 times year" the kids really laughed.
Of course, that's part of what makes his story so neat later on. But growing up as MKs and knowing what seminary is like, and all about "being called by God" to serve Him full-time, it really made them kind of laugh to hear how he started out on that road and why. They could not imagine someone doing it that way!
We're looking forward to this book as a family and it will be great having John read it to us each day.
This is the book we're reading:
http://www.amazon.com/George-Mueller-Guardian-Bristols-Christian/dp/1576581454
George Muller
The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans
by Janet & Geoff Benge
It's published by YWAM as part of their Christian Heroes: Then & Now series.
We have several books in this series. They are very good.
Isaac read it when he was younger and even did a play about him at his Christian school in Brazil in 5th grade. It's really a good book and the kids were so amazed at "how bad" he was when he was younger--- lying, stealing.... They really laughed about him finally going to school to be a lutheran minister because his dad wanted him to since it was a good paying job with a lot of respect. He agreed even though he had no desire to really do that and he had such a bad reputation as a partier and drinker while he was a "theology student". And when John read that he "should probably buy a Bible and go to church more than 3 times year" the kids really laughed.
Of course, that's part of what makes his story so neat later on. But growing up as MKs and knowing what seminary is like, and all about "being called by God" to serve Him full-time, it really made them kind of laugh to hear how he started out on that road and why. They could not imagine someone doing it that way!
We're looking forward to this book as a family and it will be great having John read it to us each day.
This is the book we're reading:
http://www.amazon.com/George-Mueller-Guardian-Bristols-Christian/dp/1576581454
George Muller
The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans
by Janet & Geoff Benge
It's published by YWAM as part of their Christian Heroes: Then & Now series.
We have several books in this series. They are very good.
Latch Hook
We got a couple of latch hook kits for the girls for Christmas. We brought them back here with us in December, but accidentally left the hooks at my parents' home. John bought 2 new hooks and brought them back home with him yesterday.
Faith LOVES it! She is doing a cute little rainbow with a sun. Meggie's is a dog. It's too complicated for her because the yarn colors change constantly, so I'm letting Sam do it. I didn't really pay attention to that when I bought it. I knew it looked kind of harder but she loves dogs so much so I bought it anyway. I wasn't even thinking about reading the pattern.
Levi really wants one and so does Meggie. We got online today and found the best prices here:
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat2099
It's a link for latch hook kit sets at JOANN fabric and craft stores. Many of them are half priced.
I'm going to order a few more kits. Levi and Megan get to each pick one out. Of course, Faith is "hooked" on it (pun intended ) and has a list of the kits she wants to do next. So does Sam.
I thought it would be something good for them to do with their hands and kind of crafty, yet not hard. It would help them to learn concentration and to start and finish a project. (hmmm..... I could use a little of that myself. How many craft projects do I have "almost" finished?)
I think we're going to have a lot of fun doing crafts this summer.
I also want to let them make one of the fleece blankets with the tied fringe that are so popular now. They are cute and look really easy to make. That would be a fun activity and they could enjoy the rewards of their labor for a long time. My kids love to sit around with a blanket in the house when we watch movies or read.
Faith LOVES it! She is doing a cute little rainbow with a sun. Meggie's is a dog. It's too complicated for her because the yarn colors change constantly, so I'm letting Sam do it. I didn't really pay attention to that when I bought it. I knew it looked kind of harder but she loves dogs so much so I bought it anyway. I wasn't even thinking about reading the pattern.
Levi really wants one and so does Meggie. We got online today and found the best prices here:
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat2099
It's a link for latch hook kit sets at JOANN fabric and craft stores. Many of them are half priced.
I'm going to order a few more kits. Levi and Megan get to each pick one out. Of course, Faith is "hooked" on it (pun intended ) and has a list of the kits she wants to do next. So does Sam.
I thought it would be something good for them to do with their hands and kind of crafty, yet not hard. It would help them to learn concentration and to start and finish a project. (hmmm..... I could use a little of that myself. How many craft projects do I have "almost" finished?)
I think we're going to have a lot of fun doing crafts this summer.
I also want to let them make one of the fleece blankets with the tied fringe that are so popular now. They are cute and look really easy to make. That would be a fun activity and they could enjoy the rewards of their labor for a long time. My kids love to sit around with a blanket in the house when we watch movies or read.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Five In A Row
I really do like the Five In A Row curriculum. Isaac and I did that when he was little. I gave it all away years ago when we went to the mission field since we wouldn't have access to a library or books. I just ordered one volume of it again for Megan. She has missed out on so much literature and reading time with us since she was raised outside of the US. We went to the library constantly when the kids were little. Seriously, like 4 or 5 times a week John would stop by and get new books for them and I would take them at least once. When we went to the States for vacation in Nov/Dec last year, we went to the library one day and just sat there reading and looking at books for about 2 hours. They were so happy!!!
I thought the FIAR would be great for her. I'm looking forward to having fun with some of the classic children's literature with her. I think she'll really like it.
Here's the website for FIAR http://www.fiarhq.com/
I need to pick which stories we want to do and what themes we want to study based on them.
Meggie is really enjoying what we do as a family for our home school, but most of hers is listening for history and such. I thought it might be fun to pick out something for just her and we can spend an hour a day or so doing FIAR activities for some of the books she would like the most. If the others want to join in that's fine. She has just kind of jumped in with us and followed along, but I think it's time to give her a little something that is just her own.
Isaac and I still have some favorites from the FIAR lists that we read when he was little. They just stick with you. I think Megan and Faith will really like reading them too. (and I won't be surprised if the boys try to listen and read over our shoulers!)
I thought the FIAR would be great for her. I'm looking forward to having fun with some of the classic children's literature with her. I think she'll really like it.
Here's the website for FIAR http://www.fiarhq.com/
I need to pick which stories we want to do and what themes we want to study based on them.
Meggie is really enjoying what we do as a family for our home school, but most of hers is listening for history and such. I thought it might be fun to pick out something for just her and we can spend an hour a day or so doing FIAR activities for some of the books she would like the most. If the others want to join in that's fine. She has just kind of jumped in with us and followed along, but I think it's time to give her a little something that is just her own.
Isaac and I still have some favorites from the FIAR lists that we read when he was little. They just stick with you. I think Megan and Faith will really like reading them too. (and I won't be surprised if the boys try to listen and read over our shoulers!)
New Magazines!!!
John ordered me two magazine subscriptions for Christmas---- Oxygen and Better Homes and Gardens. (yes, I have kind of ecclectic taste)
I am sooo excited!!! He came home today and brought me one of my issues of BH&G and 2 issues of Oxygen! WOOHOO!!! And it was great timing--- I made chocolate chip cookies for him today. After getting my mags and seeing the awesome abs on the fitness models, I lost my desire to eat cookies with him. Yeah me! (for now ---LOL)
He also surprised the kids with girl scout cookies. Oh, they do look good......................
But, I ordered new running shoes last month and he brought them back for me. So, the cookies don't look "that" good. Now I can run with my new shoes and read my motivational mags and avoid cookie temptations! (I'll let you know if it works)
All of this stuff goes to my parents' house and then we get it whenever we can.
So, today was a good day!
I ran 3-1/2 miles last night. Maybe I can do 4 today. You know that new shoes make you run faster and jump higher............. at least that's what my kids always seemed to think when they were little. : )
I need to keep it kind of light since I was sick, so maybe I won't go very far. Then again, I might just curl up with my hubby and watch a movie. I missed him so much!!!
I am sooo excited!!! He came home today and brought me one of my issues of BH&G and 2 issues of Oxygen! WOOHOO!!! And it was great timing--- I made chocolate chip cookies for him today. After getting my mags and seeing the awesome abs on the fitness models, I lost my desire to eat cookies with him. Yeah me! (for now ---LOL)
He also surprised the kids with girl scout cookies. Oh, they do look good......................
But, I ordered new running shoes last month and he brought them back for me. So, the cookies don't look "that" good. Now I can run with my new shoes and read my motivational mags and avoid cookie temptations! (I'll let you know if it works)
All of this stuff goes to my parents' house and then we get it whenever we can.
So, today was a good day!
I ran 3-1/2 miles last night. Maybe I can do 4 today. You know that new shoes make you run faster and jump higher............. at least that's what my kids always seemed to think when they were little. : )
I need to keep it kind of light since I was sick, so maybe I won't go very far. Then again, I might just curl up with my hubby and watch a movie. I missed him so much!!!
Mouse Free Week!!!! woohoo!
Yes, you read that title correctly!
John was gone 8 days and we did not have one single mouse. THANK YOU, JESUS!!!
We did have one live bird that the cat brought in and tried to eat in front of us. I ran upstairs, like any good mother would do (HA) and left the kids to get it out of the house. Ok, I must admit, I am not nearly as freaked by birds as I am mice (there's no way to be THAT freaked...), but still, a live bird in the mouth who doesn't want to die and a cat that wants to teach our biology class for the day.................... ummmm, I don't think so!
So, the bird and cat went outside and the bird got loose and actually flew away. Wow! Poor little bird.
We had a great week and I even did ALL of the laundry. Can you believe it????
So even with 5 sick kids plus myself, it was a great week!!! ("mouse-free" gives you a whole new perspective, trust me..........)
Just so you don't think I'm the world's worst mom ever.... I really enjoy doing laundry but not when the machine is outside where the mice stay. And our dryer is completely fried now for sure. It quit working in December and we can't fix it here. Mice chewed through the wiring. yeh, gross, huh? So, this week I actually did all the laundry and then stayed out there long enough to hang it all and take loads off of the lines and fold them. I should earn a medal, right???
John was gone 8 days and we did not have one single mouse. THANK YOU, JESUS!!!
We did have one live bird that the cat brought in and tried to eat in front of us. I ran upstairs, like any good mother would do (HA) and left the kids to get it out of the house. Ok, I must admit, I am not nearly as freaked by birds as I am mice (there's no way to be THAT freaked...), but still, a live bird in the mouth who doesn't want to die and a cat that wants to teach our biology class for the day.................... ummmm, I don't think so!
So, the bird and cat went outside and the bird got loose and actually flew away. Wow! Poor little bird.
We had a great week and I even did ALL of the laundry. Can you believe it????
So even with 5 sick kids plus myself, it was a great week!!! ("mouse-free" gives you a whole new perspective, trust me..........)
Just so you don't think I'm the world's worst mom ever.... I really enjoy doing laundry but not when the machine is outside where the mice stay. And our dryer is completely fried now for sure. It quit working in December and we can't fix it here. Mice chewed through the wiring. yeh, gross, huh? So, this week I actually did all the laundry and then stayed out there long enough to hang it all and take loads off of the lines and fold them. I should earn a medal, right???
Life Happens...........roll with it!
We definitely did not have the week I thought we would. John went to the States and was gone 8 days. I envisioned us at the house having a wonderful week of school, playing games, doing projects.............
hmmmmm.
not quite how it went...............
Let's see. For 4 of those days Meg had a high fever, for the other 4, we were all sick. I think I even napped 3 or 4 days in the afternoon. That never happens! Poor little thing--- she finally ended up with goo even coming out of her eyes. She has done that several times when she had a sinus infection. It seems it goes from start to bad instantly. We're both on antibiotics, so she is feeling a lot better and up and about again.
2 days last week I tried to do school with the kids. It amounted to everyone on the sofas and recliner with pillows and blankets and me reading a weeks worth of history at a time, a little science, and our Bible readings. (We're reading through the Gospel of John together right now.)
I thought I would redeem it this week, and then I had no voice. I am just getting my voice back today, but it's still really bad. So, one day I had Ike read to all of us a little, but we all felt so bad that we finally put it away after we finished history and all either took a nap or rested and watched movies.
I'm glad we all had it at the same time though instead of staggering it out for a month! This was way easier. Everyone feels much better today so we should be "back in business" tomorrow.
John came home today too, so the kids are really happy. They love their daddy so much. He's a great dad!!!!
We made a list today of some things we want to do this spring for school. Projects, field trips, etc. It should be pretty fun.
hmmmmm.
not quite how it went...............
Let's see. For 4 of those days Meg had a high fever, for the other 4, we were all sick. I think I even napped 3 or 4 days in the afternoon. That never happens! Poor little thing--- she finally ended up with goo even coming out of her eyes. She has done that several times when she had a sinus infection. It seems it goes from start to bad instantly. We're both on antibiotics, so she is feeling a lot better and up and about again.
2 days last week I tried to do school with the kids. It amounted to everyone on the sofas and recliner with pillows and blankets and me reading a weeks worth of history at a time, a little science, and our Bible readings. (We're reading through the Gospel of John together right now.)
I thought I would redeem it this week, and then I had no voice. I am just getting my voice back today, but it's still really bad. So, one day I had Ike read to all of us a little, but we all felt so bad that we finally put it away after we finished history and all either took a nap or rested and watched movies.
I'm glad we all had it at the same time though instead of staggering it out for a month! This was way easier. Everyone feels much better today so we should be "back in business" tomorrow.
John came home today too, so the kids are really happy. They love their daddy so much. He's a great dad!!!!
We made a list today of some things we want to do this spring for school. Projects, field trips, etc. It should be pretty fun.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Sick children
It seems we're all sick here. John's out of town until Wednesday, so I figured something would happen. At least there have been NO MICE yet! And I have even been doing the laundry! You know I haven't been going out there since all of the "critters" keep scurrying in front of me when I'm out there...........
So I guess it's been a pretty good week!
Well, at least, until you ask me about home school.........
Yesterday we read the Bible and then curled up on the sofas with pillows and blankets and read a week's worth of history and some science. That's it! No one felt well, so we just kind of hung out and watched movies all day. Normally that wouldn't be so bad, but we just had that 8 day trip, and then we took a day or 2 to get John ready for this trip, and now we're sick, and ...........
I have all kinds of exciting news and updates, but I'm waiting until after the move to tell all about them. So, I've kind of kept a low profile on here lately. That will all change though soon. I guess you'll just have to wait.........................(don't you hate that???)
I better go check on the drama queen...........I mean Megan. She's a Momma's girl all the time, but when she's sick, Oh my goodnes!!!! It's crazy how clingy she is (and did I mention whiney?). But that's fine with me. That's what momma's are for................... I hope her little fever is gone soon. The rest all have bad colds and just feel icky.
Thursday we sat outside and read for school. The kids put a bunch of blankets out on the grass and 2 big over-sized ubrellas and a play tent. (yes, we had a LOT of people passing and staring.....) We were all comfy in the shade but sweating like crazy! My legs were out and the backs got burned. I tried to run yesterday, but they hurt too much. The sun is very intense here! I would love to have some shade trees or somewhere to be outside but not HAVE to be in direct sun! I LOVE spending time outside. We read the last several chapters of the book about Sequoyah and the Cherokee alphabet. It was a very interesting book.
Even though school's been kind of crazy, we have kept up with the basics. Ike is almost finished with Algebra 1. I think he has a couple of chapters left. Biology too. And they are all working hard in their math and engligh/grammar/phonics(whatever their level is) I must admit we have not written like we started out doing though. I realoy have to hit that hard the next few months. They've seen and learned so many things though that most kids never experience becaue of living in other countries.................so I don't feel too badly about it. The other day I was kind of down on myself because it just go so crazy, then I kind of sat and made a mental list of all the things they have done and learned that are beyond what most kids will ever experience. So, I felt better. It all balances out, I guess.
I think the kids have a passion for people and a love for all people. They can cross cultural lines easily and adapt to new situations. They love adventure and new experiences. They are such a neat blend of so many cultures now. It's kind of cool. They enjoy speaking Spanish and have all done very well. Even though we may have travelled a lot this year and had our craziest year EVER, I wouldn't trade it for the world. (well, maybe the sickness parts, but not the rest) We have been so blessed by all we have experienced and done.
Ok, before I get all sentimental.........I better stop!
So I guess it's been a pretty good week!
Well, at least, until you ask me about home school.........
Yesterday we read the Bible and then curled up on the sofas with pillows and blankets and read a week's worth of history and some science. That's it! No one felt well, so we just kind of hung out and watched movies all day. Normally that wouldn't be so bad, but we just had that 8 day trip, and then we took a day or 2 to get John ready for this trip, and now we're sick, and ...........
I have all kinds of exciting news and updates, but I'm waiting until after the move to tell all about them. So, I've kind of kept a low profile on here lately. That will all change though soon. I guess you'll just have to wait.........................(don't you hate that???)
I better go check on the drama queen...........I mean Megan. She's a Momma's girl all the time, but when she's sick, Oh my goodnes!!!! It's crazy how clingy she is (and did I mention whiney?). But that's fine with me. That's what momma's are for................... I hope her little fever is gone soon. The rest all have bad colds and just feel icky.
Thursday we sat outside and read for school. The kids put a bunch of blankets out on the grass and 2 big over-sized ubrellas and a play tent. (yes, we had a LOT of people passing and staring.....) We were all comfy in the shade but sweating like crazy! My legs were out and the backs got burned. I tried to run yesterday, but they hurt too much. The sun is very intense here! I would love to have some shade trees or somewhere to be outside but not HAVE to be in direct sun! I LOVE spending time outside. We read the last several chapters of the book about Sequoyah and the Cherokee alphabet. It was a very interesting book.
Even though school's been kind of crazy, we have kept up with the basics. Ike is almost finished with Algebra 1. I think he has a couple of chapters left. Biology too. And they are all working hard in their math and engligh/grammar/phonics(whatever their level is) I must admit we have not written like we started out doing though. I realoy have to hit that hard the next few months. They've seen and learned so many things though that most kids never experience becaue of living in other countries.................so I don't feel too badly about it. The other day I was kind of down on myself because it just go so crazy, then I kind of sat and made a mental list of all the things they have done and learned that are beyond what most kids will ever experience. So, I felt better. It all balances out, I guess.
I think the kids have a passion for people and a love for all people. They can cross cultural lines easily and adapt to new situations. They love adventure and new experiences. They are such a neat blend of so many cultures now. It's kind of cool. They enjoy speaking Spanish and have all done very well. Even though we may have travelled a lot this year and had our craziest year EVER, I wouldn't trade it for the world. (well, maybe the sickness parts, but not the rest) We have been so blessed by all we have experienced and done.
Ok, before I get all sentimental.........I better stop!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Road trip
We've been out of town since last Tuesday. We'll get home tomorrow. It has been a wonderful trip!!!!! We went up north and got to go meet the children from this country featured on the Reece's Rainbow site. It was so much fun to meet them and to be able to get new pics and have first-hand knowledge of them to pass on. I would definitely recommend adopting from here if you're thinking about one of the beauties in this country featured on RR! The orphanage is amazing and the social workers, lawyer and other govt. staff working for their version of family services are great.
We spent 3 days with them. We toured the special education school some of them attend and got to play with the children a lot. We really liked the city they are in. It's a great place to live or visit.
more later once we're home..............................
We spent 3 days with them. We toured the special education school some of them attend and got to play with the children a lot. We really liked the city they are in. It's a great place to live or visit.
more later once we're home..............................
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