She's Aliiive!

Yes, I am still alive and I am waaay overdue for an update! I have had such good intentions, but I have been so super busy.
This would make week 5 of our new home schooling adventure and I can now say that things are going pretty darn well. ;) I must admit that week 3 was a difficult one, though.

We had visited our family in C-town (for the first time in almost a year!) for the Labor Day weekend. Once we were back home, I started hearing a lot of complaints from Sage. She was voicing her desire to return to public school on Facebook and Myspace but not so much to me.

It hurt my feelings. It hurt that she had not yet given home schooling a chance. That she wasn't talking to me about it. I let her know how I felt and then left the ball in her court.

The past two weeks haven't been so bad. I am getting more organized and figuring out what works for us.

I'm happy with that.

Last week I finally took care of something that has needed to be taken care of for a while.

I am (what I figure to be) a typical mom in the aspect of taking care of the husband, kids and house and not taking care of myself so much.

I found out a few years ago that I had what they call dysplasia when it comes to my cervical cells. In other words, the cells were abnormal and could form into cancer.

I found this out at about the same time I found out I was pregnant with KK. In fact, I found out about the pregnancy the day I went in for the biopsy.

Praise the Lord that it was not too bad at that time and all I had to do was come back every 6 months for another pap.

Well there I go again not taking care of myself. I went to my first appointment a few months after Kaitlan's birth but failed to make my next appointment 6 months later. And the next 6 months after that.

With some hard nudging gently coaxing from dear husband, I finally went in for an appointment.

What do ya know, it had gotten worse.

That's when the wonderful Dr. W scheduled me for what is called a LEEP procedure. I went in Tuesday morning last week for a (really) quick day surgery that hopefully took care of what ailed me. (When I say quick I mean quick. I went in at 6am and was on my way home at 9am!)

Now I just pray that it has been taken care of and I will not have to face this issue any more.

In other medical news, it seems that Sean's maternal grandfather will probably be joining his wife in the Lord's arms sooner than we had hoped. We found out that he has stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to his liver among other places. We're talking about an old tough Marine who is now weak and depending on his children to take care of him. It's really sad and the family could use your prayers. I don't know if it's awful to think this way, but when it comes down to it, sometimes I just wish God would take them and get them out of the misery they're suffering. Such a difficult subject.

Okay, I really need to get out of the doom and gloom that I'm starting to fill with, so on to something great and sad in it's own right.

My baby girl is going to be 2 years old in just about 2 weeks now! I can't believe it! She is so tiny, but I can see how much she is growing and I wish she could just stay little forever. Especially when I think of her sister and that attitude! Only kidding... kinda. =) Actually, this kid is a teenager in a toddler body, I tell you. She has attitude that is unimaginable for a kid her age. I'm really loving (almost) every minute of it, though. Our family wouldn't feel complete without her.

Well that's it for now, folks. Someone has to do laundry around here and I can tell you that it isn't any of the other 4 people that live here! Have a blessed day and I hope to post again soon!

She's Aliiive!

Nerves

I almost feel as though am about to have a panic attack.

This is tough.

I am sure I've made the right decision, but I am still so apprehensive.

I feel like a fool sitting here crying over whether or not I am doing the right thing. I am though... right?

I definitely don't take my children's education lightly and that is why I decided to home school them. I would never down the public school system even with all of its flaws, but last year was a difficult one for us. I was tired of hearing my son tell me that he can't. It was hard to see my daughter struggle at something that I know she can excel at.

We start school in three days and I feel so unprepared as sit making our first weeks lesson plans. I know that I have put a lot of thought into home schooling. I thought about it for over a year before I decided for sure to do it. I really believe that we can do this and that my kids will be better off.

Then why do I feel like this?!?

I think the other issues in our life are contributing to this feeling. Money matters. Talk of moving. Talk of fixing up our house in order to sell. Would anyone even buy our house? Wanting to start my own business on top of it all. It is something I really want to do and know I can do, but is it the right time?

I'll be praying for insight and doing what I have to do in the meantime.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Nerves

Gone Fishin'

Today is the last full day of our little (much needed) vacation. We haven't been on a real vacation in about 5 years so this has been so nice!

On Thursday, we drove over to Possum Kingdom Lake to meet my dad and then my sister, Brandi and her family joined us on Friday.

This has been the best weekend we've had in a long time despite the sweltering heat!

Yesterday we rented a boat for four hours where we rode out to a spot called "Hell's Gate". There we all jumped in the water for a swim. Well, everyone except for Sage. She was not real happy about the boat at all! As soon as we got on she started telling us she didn't want to go. The rocking was making her sick. It didn't make me feel that way until we had been off of the boat for a few hours.

I can't wait to share pictures! I have never seen an elevator in the side of a cliff that takes you from your house down to the lake until yesterday. As Kaitlan says, it was "tooool"!, or cool for anyone who doesn't speak toddler.

I've been so proud of myself for making sure everyone has their sunblock on. I usually underestimate the power of that big fire ball in the sky and it's effect on our near-transparent skin! The only thing that seems to have been looked over is Sage's scalp.

Now I think we're going to go on a hike.

Catch y'all later!

Gone Fishin'

Five Question Friday

Good Friday evening everyone! All I can think about right now is getting dinner ready so I can eat, so I'm gonna jump right in to it. Shall we?

1. Did you have a favorite blanket or toy as a kid? If so, do you still have it?

I still have a little doggie that is white with blue tips all over. My Great Aunt Mary gave it to me for my first birthday. She passed away when I was really little, but my mom says that she was really nice.

2. Do you dream in color?

 

I think so... I don't really know. I'm gonna say yes because I just figure that I do.

3. How tall are you? Do you wish you were shorter or taller?

 

I totally wish I were taller!!! I'm the shortest of my sisters and the oldest. It so sucks! (you can't tell I'm a little bitter about that, can ya?)

4. If you could have anyone's (celeb or other) voice as the guide on your GPS, who would it be?

 

Ah, this one is easy. William Shatner. I don't find his voice sexy or anything, I just like the way he talks. It's kinda funny.

5. Do you return your shopping cart to the corral or leave it wherever in the parking lot?

 

I always return my basket!!! If it's closer, I'll even take it up to the front of the store. That is a HUGE pet peeve for me. I find it lazy to just leave it. You've just walked around the store. You can manage a few more yards to return the cart to it's proper place. It just makes sense.

Okay, I am about to have a mutiny here on my hands if I don't go get dinner ready. You can go to Mama M's place, My Little Life, and play along if you don't already. Catch ya later tater.

Five Question Friday

Hey people! I have an announcement to make!!

Well whadaya know. I finally did it. Post 100.

WooHoo!!!

So, for the century mark, I though I would share a few changes that are going on here around the homestead.

First I am excited to announce that I will finally be contributing monetarily to my household once again. It's been almost 2 years since I left my job to stay home and take care of the kids full time. The best part is that I still get to stay home with the kids. I love my babies and could not imagine leaving Kaitlan with someone else all day long. Not really because I don't want to leave her, but because I would never want to do that to another person. I'm telling ya, she's a firecracker!

Things aren't all set up, yet, but I'll be happy to share once they are. Now I just need to come up with a cute, catchy name for my company. Any ideas out there? Think gift shop....

In other news, it seems my kids will not be going back to public school this year. Yes, we have decided to begin home schooling!

I'm really excited about it and have started stocking up on little things and looking into curriculum. We have joined a home school co-op through our church and are signed up for classes and even an archery course for Sean to participate in with the kids. Now I gotta start making money so I can pay for all of this stuff!

Do any of you home school or have you considered it? Any advice?

I have already heard from family and friends the whole, "are you sure you wanna do this?" and "won't the kids be missing out on socializing with other kids?"

Actually, I am sure I want to do this. I've only been going through the thought process for over a year now. I don't take my children's future lightly.

And actually, I'm not worried about the kids losing out on social interaction. We have class once a week with other kids in the co-op. Kids that my kids are already friends with. Kids with parents that I know are like-minded in the way of the Lord. There are other get-togethers, field trips and extra-curricular activities that the kids can participate in.

All of this change does have me a bit nervous though! But it's a nervous excitement.

So please wish me luck in my new endeavors and keep a look out for my new business coming out soon!

Hey people! I have an announcement to make!!

A few of my favorite things...

There are so many things in life that we take for granted.

I know that I am so guilty of this.

I started thinking of the things that I really love, though.

You know, the simple things.

The quiet of the morning. It makes it perfect for sipping hot coffee and reading.

The sound of my children laughing.

A cuddle from my almost teen daughter.

Babies. Any and all babies. I just love 'em.

Ice cream. It's amazing how a scoop of Blue Bell's Homemade Vanilla can perk up my day.

A beautiful sunrise. Also great while sipping my coffee.

My husband's hand in mine.

Filling my kiddo's bellies with their favorite foods.

Hearing the voice of a loved one or friend.

A beautiful day spent with my beautiful family.

 photo via google images

A few of my favorite things...

Five Question Friday

Howdy, folks! I am so glad it's Friday. I have convinced the hubster to take the fam to an Asian museum in Dallas. The theme is Modern Twist: Japanese Art. We have been wanting to go check the museum out for a while now but haven't made the drive. I'm excited!

I'm also excited to participate in Mama M's Friday carnival. That's right, it's Five Question Friday time! And now for the rules and regs per Mama M:

Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then c'mon back to link up! If you don't have a blog but would like to play along, feel free to leave your answers in the comments of this blog, or any blog along the way!

Questions for Friday, July 16th: (Thanks to Cristy, Renee, Emily, Maryanne, and my Belle [from her vlog debut] for your question suggestions! Want to be linked in a future 5QF? C'monover to my community and offer up your best question suggestions!)

1. Do you collect anything?

2. Name 3 celebrities that you find good looking.

3. Do you have any scars? If so, what's the story behind it (them?)?

4. What is a food that you like to eat, but others might think it's gross or weird?

5. Have you ever seen a tornado in real life?

 ******************************

1. Do you collect anything?

 I don't collect anything, per se, but I didn't touch a little bit on my hoarding tendencies. I know it's weird, but I don't care.

2. Name 3 celebrities that you find good looking.
Oh goodness, we just had to go there. Well, there are a few that I find to be just delectable. Brad Pitt for starters. He is just gorgeous. Even in The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons where he was a little old man was hot. I also have a girl-crush on Tyra Banks. I think she is beautiful and if I were to swing that way, she would be the subject of many a dream. My third pick is Tyrese Gibson. Rawr! He has the face, the body (oh the body!!) and he seems to be a nice guy. I would sop him up with a biscuit! I know the question wasn't who I would trade my husband in for, but I do find all 3 of these to be very good looking. Now I must move on to the next question because I am committing sin in my head!

3. Do you have any scars? If so, what's the story behind it (them?)?

Hmmm, I have a nice scar that runs along my right arm just above my wrist. That's also were my favorite tattoo resides, so luckily the little scar is next to it, not on it. I got it from our cat we used to have when we first moved into our house. I miss that cat. I don't miss his mean streak. Other than that, I can't think of any more.

4. What is a food that you like to eat, but others might think it's gross or weird?
My entire family thinks it gross that I like Moo Goo Gai Pan. They say it looks slimy. I say it looks delish!

5. Have you ever seen a tornado in real life?

Why, of course I've seen a tornado in real life... I live in Texas aka Tornado Alley! When I was a kid we lived in a tiny community in West Texas called Tell that had a population of about 40(that's being generous) and a cotton gin. That's it. Once there was a tornado in our front yard. It was a small one, but it was purple and we thought it was pretty. I've seen so many tornados that I don't think I could even begin to come up with a number as to how many.

There's my answers and I'm sticking to 'em. Wanna join in the fun? Click on the 5QF logo above and get with it. Everyone have a great weekend!

Five Question Friday