Daddy

Happy Father's Day Daddy!! I've found a collection looking back.... and I want you to know I love you!!!!

You all were surprised by the rabbits!!! :)

You and little bitty Ladybug!!! She's almost 1 month!

Wish we were there.... love ya Daddy!! Always your daughter!! ss

Texas Shakespeare Festival

For years we've enjoyed the Texas Shakespeare Festival!!! We've celebrated our anniversary many times with their plays.....

Now I'm thinking to take the girls. I really want to take them to see Twelfth Night & 1776.

Our study of Shakespeare has been a joy. We pull out our clothes pin dolls every time we work on a play. Generally, we'll make some new boys... we're always a boy short!! This month we'll finish the term with The Comedy of Errors.

Let's see.... we'd not need a babysitter & we could save by not going out to eat... That would actually be chaper than a date!!! Sounds good!!! Hummm... not sure Hubbie counts that way...

Maybe Hubbie could sell candy at work for our school fund!! Ha!!! Grace!! ss

Life!

We played Life this morning!!! We made it all the way thru!!

Lovebug won!!! She ended up with $2,555,000. I think we finished because she won!!! Daddy & I both made it to the millionaire circle even after he encouraged everybody to steal my Life tiles... Ladybug played like a sweetheart with $750,000. She won last time, yesteday....

Maybe we'll try real Monopoly!!! The girls are just starting the count money.... we'll see how that goes!!!

Play a game!!! Grace, ss

Maternity Clothes - Gone!

I didn't think it would be hard... to give clothes away!!

I'm praying a baby for Caroline!!! She's like 22 weeks.

In my closet I have a stash of clothes... maternity clothes... that I do NOT need. So, praying a bably for the clothes, I need to hand them off.

This morning I gathered them together to head out on time for VBS.... red check, lime green, a fun pink dress, a black & red dress.... They'be be good for summer.... I thought I could hand them off easily.

I was surprised as the tears welled up as I talked with Caroline. I'm thankful for sunglasses!! I'm thankful to hand them off and run! Done.

This has been the week!!! We've looked back to Hubbie surgery with his tests!! All clear! Praise. Then, today I'm looking back at the days we hoped to have a baby... Kyle.... He took the direct route to heaven.

His grace abounds to me.... ss

Lord Your Beautiful by Keith Green

Lord You're beautiful
Your face is all I seek
For when your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me

Lord You're beautiful
Your face is all I seek
For when your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me

I want to take Your word and shine it all around
First help me just to live it Lord
And when I'm doing well help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You

Lord please light the fire
That once burned bright and clear
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with holy fear

I want to take Your word and shine it all around
First help me just to live it Lord
And when I'm doing well help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You

I can see your face now
I can feel your grace now
I can see your face now
I can feel your grace now

Its all I seek
Its all I seek

Lord You're beautiful
Your face is all I seek
For when your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me

I can see your face now
I can feel your grace now
I can see your face now
I can feel your grace now.

50!!! A long way off...

Hubbie got the... come back when you are 50 today!!!! That's ennough years to grow our girls!!! Lovebug should be in college & Ladybug will graduate HS!!! God knows!!!

Praise!!! He has one med to help him feel better... and he's good for many miles!!! Now to feel better!!!

Grace!! ss

Eat a Horse

Hubbie is hungry this morning!! He's declared he could eat a horse.. or two!

Yesterday he's been on only liquids... Today he gets nothing until he sees his GI Dr. He's not seen him face to face yet... I guess his dr want to look from the inside out before he chatters with his patient.

Praying the Dr. wisdom & God to direct him. Pray for hubbie to be pain free & worries loose their holding power. Pray for healing.

Song for this morning... Trading My Sorrows by Darrell Evans.

Grace! ss

My Birthday

Me :) Grace! Often now it is thought to be my name :) It is God's gift to me... and I hope 2u.

I'm happily married to Hubbie. We have 2 lovley daughters!
I'm 30 soemthing & We've been married 15 years this month... Something more to celebrate!

If we need more to celebrate... Hubbie & I are making plans for our 20 year reunions!

My mom & dad just celebrated 44 years together!! My hubbie parents will too celebrate 44 years this summer. May we follow in their years.

I've been home for 8+ years.
The Accounting world and industry friends seem like another life time ago. It was definately another world at Trinity Industries.

I'm a full time teacher! I love it. We enjoy homeschooling. My Ladybug laid on her pillow chattering with daddy. She likes mama teaching her to read. Lovebug has said math is her favorite! Wow.

Kitting gives me patience to listen to her read and survive her squirms. I've knitted 4 pair of socks finishing the last yesterday morning. It is the only pair that do not match.. grrr... 2 stitches made my toes off. I've pulled yarn to start another pair aqua blue for the girls.

I'm a better teacher than homemaker and occasionally I can conquer that world. I'm a stacker more than a stower. The pile here at the pc is 6" deep with cookbooks, crosstitch, Otto, Nature & a Spanish NT. Decluttering is a place difficult to get to.

I treasure my Bible. It is a cute small purple KJV. I'm studding Psalm 23 this summer with a great book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. I'm enjoy finding God as my Good Shepherd... and I'm seeing the challenge to "not want". I've just found Corinthians in my Bible without any highlights... so that's my casual read... The girls and I are reading Genesis... and studying "I AM" verses. We are trying to develop a habit to review memorized passages of Ps 1, 19, 23, 139.. God's word is our treasure... Oh that we find the jewels!! Jewels for each day!

I enjoy blogging and am thrilled to convert to here. I'm eager to print my 2007. My struggle is looking at all that I did not blog... now do I back blog??? That is overwhelming... I don't have the pennies for a book so there's "time" to back blog.

The best way to reach me is an e. I use my cell mostly for email & web. I have hundreds of unread emails related to AO hsing that I'd like to read (399+101!). My phone is weak and often runs out of batteries. I despise my home phone and hubbies is ready to cut the line.

I always cook dinner & clean up. I'm thrilled we always eat at the table together. Hubbie does great to make it to dinner!! I'm blessed to be in a cooking group for 4+ years now & my freezer has many meals. I wish Hubbie would help in the kitchen.... That'd be a B gift for sure. Our timing is so different. I want to immediately clean up.. he could wait... days!??? I need to teach my girls more here.

A Cool Gift I'd enjoy... Just pondering not suggesting! Handheld GPS, iPod, Auto DVD.. What I've asked for is a clock for my car. The back light is out and Hubbie does not want to spend pennies to fix it... lots of pennies... Oh, if it is for my B day can we fix it???!!! It will be hard to put a bow on.

I'm thrilled about my garden box. The plants have not come into their own yet... they yet look small and fragile. Even so all is yet alive... Only a few bean sprouts have demised. My pink cone flowers in the front are beautiful! They've just started to bloom!!! And they reseeded on their own and I'm watering about 10 lovely seedlings.

This has ong long & probably way too much of me!! My clothes say there is too much of me too!! Hummm.... only 7ish #s will take me back to my lifetime weight watcher weight... yet that seems like a soooooo loooong way away... Oh, I need to try to get there. Maybe I'll not make a birthday cake on that note!! This year I feel too much like Eyore.

Maybe I'll celebrate with a trip to the bookstore.. kidless... wow!! That would be a treat!! Lunch too... so come join us!! And I'll never see WOW in the same way!! I'll always see it as Ladybug exclaimed... "It says MOM!!!"

He has ordained all my days!!! Thanks to my Good Shepherd!!
Grace! ss

Comfort

Our Pastor has been looking for God's working in the lives of our church.... As I've transferred the blog... all the year was on my thought. Pastor Jim used this in his sermon on God's comfort. I think he's putting together a book!!

"We wait upon the Lord.... He so comforted me with these words... We sang them in worship just the Sunday before.... They we a treasure to find and get the CD!!!"

Pastor Jim- Here's a starting point... we've had alot in the last year...

God's Comfort

We had plans for Six Flags on Tuesday... but God's plans took us to GSMC 7/31/07. Monday night KjS passed out and we knew this was not normal. We called friends to stay with the girls and headed to the hospital. K said to hurry as we waited at red lights... hazards on we rushed. After midnight K headed into emergency colon surgery for a burst diverticuli. He awoke not know what neither diverticuli or colostomy were.

Gracious friends kept our girls as I stayed 24/7 with K in the hospital for what would be days and days... nearly a week. God's comfort came in a worship song we'd sang the week before... it played over and over in my head... strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord.

K was in bed for days and sitting up was slow. Even his breathing was weak. He was days not talking on the phone even to family. Strength will rise as we wait on the Lord. I wrote it on the board in the hospital room. After 3 days he started to walk around the nurses station... Over and over it played... and I had to track down the song... I called FBC and finally figured it out... Everlasting God...

God's comfort came in loud and clear.. through friends & FBC that were truly our family that hard week. Day six K finally was released to go home!!! God was returning his strength.... God was giving strength because we'd have to repeat the entire process in 2 months....

Even now nearly a year later when we sing Everlasting God in worship... I'm instantly taken back to the hospital... tears well up and I know He is our comfort & He gives strength.

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

Lunch for my B?!

Hey!! Tomorrow I'm celebrating my 30 something B!!!

Want to go to lunch w/ me!!??

McAllisters after V!!

Yea!! Thanks!

Deb- thanks!! HUGE THANKS!! The girls were thrilled to get to VBS!!!!
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

No word of the car... I may be making calls for tomorrow!! I should.

Humm... I'm out of milk, eggs, bread, bananas... and a car.... humm... my plan for tomorrow is not to grocery shop.... now to seek God's plan!!!

God Provides & directs!!! ss

Impossible

I think she' protecting her mess!!! Or maybe just part of it!! This was the day before my birthday... and I was not going to ground her on my birthday!!! Grace! ss

Engine Light

God's plan....

Bummer!! Hubbie's engine light came on today. We just put my car in the shop Friday for a new timing belt & tension something & tires... to the tune of 800.... and now his engine light is on... sigh....

It looks like we'll be grounded tomorrow... Hummm... I shouldn't be surpriesed... God's plan is different from my plan.... maybe we'll make it later in the week for VBS...

We're praying for God to guide our pennies... He owns the cattle on 1000 hills!! He is our great provider!! He knows just how this penny puzzle fits!! Med bills even yet, car bills, library bills....

My grace is sufficient for you...
ss

Done!

With a deep sigh... I've converted all the posts.... both hospital visits in Surgery... and even the cryptic messages from that night of Hubbie's emegency surgery....

There's a great heaviness in looking back. I've been on the edge of tears with all the Kyle posts. Even yet the girls think of him every time we talk of heaven. They don't have a great sadness looking at heaven... but a wonderful expectancy of meeting their brother.

I also tracked down emails when we lost or dog Holly. Even now we are dogless... Our round with Cocoa was full of her bites & getting car sick. That was a combinating we could not endure. The girls long for a dog. I just don't want another loss.

When I look back I don't see the grief and sadness that I feel posting it. I know that's God's working... healing the wounds. I know everytime we sing Everlasting God in church, I'm taken back to those hospital days so vividly.

I know Hubbies pains are becoming less frequent. He's definately doing better. He yet has reminders that all is not normal...

And truely... Strength will rise as we wait upon the LORD. Grace! ss

Job Offer

Lovebug was offered her first job offer on Thursday!!

We hit Jimmy's Donuts on the way to the park. We've enjoyed visiting with the gent that's always there. He is oriental with a heavy accent and always a smile. I think our visits are curious to him since the girls are "out of school." This time he expected them to be out of school.... and they said they are yet in school :)

He offered Lovebug to come work with him.... she's liked the idea....
"How much do you want to get paid?"
"10 Dollars."
"Per hour or per day?"
"I don't know."
What time does she need to be here?
"2:30 am"
Lovebug is that day or night?
"Night."

She's thought of it since then!!! Daddy's offered to wake her up to see what 2:30 looks like....

How fun!! Grace! ss

Summer School

Summer is upon us!! We are schooling with the end in sight!!

AO2 Lovebug is 5 weeks to completion and add an exam week to be done. We are finishing up the term's readings of Island Story, Joan of Arc, Robin Hood.. and a few other in the mix. I expect we'll actually finish late in July!

Robin Hood has been a great family read. I'm sure Debbie would laugh at my accent in the read!!! We have fun and will finish it after the term completes. (I highly recommend this to read!!!)

She's embarked on the independent read this last term. Joan of Ark about carried her away as she jumped ahead of schedule in the read. That will be a learning... How to s.. l.. o.. w.. l.. y.. read a good book. She's also read Pilgrim's Progress & Seabird.

AOO Ladybug is reading. She has all the wiggles of a little bug yet!! All too soon time tames those squirms. She's reached her short I book in SSRW. She's reading it daily and working a big in her workbook. Really I'll call her done... only she's scoping out the O book... and these are the steps to get there.

Summer Reading
Today we swam in the sea of humanity at the library to sign up for the reading program. That was not my best choice!! Alas, we escaped and the girls enjoyed a car wash & lunch at Chick-fil-A. Oh, we missed the friend who planned to go that way.... I bet they were on the other side of town.... Alas, we thought of ya'll!

Back to reading!! My Chicago Red Library has a bunch of books I've set aside for this summer.... biographies, nature books, and on and on... I'm eager to enjoy this!!

Grace!! ss

3 Steps Back

I'm spending my time dancing between blogs... old & new...

I hope to finish this week in converting ALL the posts to this site... my goal is a page a day of the 7 pages of entries... something like 140 entries in total!!!

When I'm done I want to us the Blog2Print and have a 2007 book!! That will have our year of surgeries and all in a book! Scrapbooked and all!!

This is even easier than my online scrapbooking!!!

Then I'll need to have a scrapbooking sale!!! Oooo that's back to cleaning & rearranging!!!

Grace! ss

Grocery Run

Headed to Super1 last night. I enjoy the Christian music they play... last night it was the Voice of Truth... (Humm how to get that to play on my site???)

Here's some Highlights:
Cherries 2.29/#
Mushrooms sliced 2.29
Pink Lady Apples 2.46
Nectarines .97
Hrml Turkey 3.27
Oceanspray CranGrape 3.56
Potato Bread 3.69
Red Barron Pizza 4.00
Power Lemonade 4.79


Off the beaten track:
Milk 5.00 -Farm Fresh g. w/ Cream from the CoOp
Eggs 2.00/dz Farm Fresh and often gathered by the girls

Yikes it was way too expensive... Hum... wonder what gas is running!!

God provides!!! Grace! ss

The Birds, and the Bees (and Gators???)

Howdy all Ya'll,

I sent out an e-mail to some folks around my work here at N and I have gotten some questions from folks over at V. I think I knowwho the "leak" is but that's ok. I figured if it generated that much interest I would send a note out to all.


I had an interesting weekend and went to see my in-laws in B. Take a look at the photo of what we found in the back yard then ext morning.



Ok... Ok... so it wasn't in the back yard but still it is not veryoften that you come across one.
My mother-in-law asked if we wanted to go down to High Island to a little bird sanctuary which they had gone to the previous weekendand seen the baby birds with their mothers. She was telling us that it was pretty cool because there is a pond that has a small island on it and many different kinds of birds come and roost and build nestsfor their young every year. It is kind of cool to go looking for the different kinds of birds, last time we did this in March we were ableto see eagles in the wild and I was able to get a good picture.

So we set off on the grand adventure.

When we got to High Island (middle of nowhere actually, AKA "TheSticks" to my girls), I parked the car and did not have any problem with getting a parking spot. We did not really see anyone else thereat all. S grabbed a package of fig newtons and off we set ona hike to the pond on a very well marked path.

About halfway to the pond, and I can only tell you that because I have been there, we did not know we were only halfway there. Did I mentionit was HOT and HUMID and we were all pretty well soaked in sweat? Anyway at about the halfway mark to the pond we began hearing this loud whirring sound, Linda told us that it was the birds out on the island as she began swatting at some flies that seemed to like her hairspray. We stopped and sprayed everyone except myself with bugspray and then continued on (I can't stand the way bug spray makes you feel oily). We passed a small building and the whirring sound was now considerably louder (did not sound like birds roosting). Everyone was now having to swat "flies" out of their hair and off of each other's backs before they got BIT, the flies did not seem to bother you unlessyou were sweaty. Did I mention it was HOT and HUMID and we were allcovered in sweat? The flies did not have stingers but they seemed about the equivalent of "tse flies" or maybe just extra large fireants with wings. We all took off running for the lake and finally made it there and the flies became tolerable.

The view was great and we saw spoonbills, egrets, and many other kindsof birds that you don't normally see in the wild. We then decided to go to the other side of the pond and catch a better view of the backside of the little island. As we began heading around the pond we came to an area about three feet wide and in the middle of the pathwas the gator shown in the picture being prodded to move out of the way by yours truly. Anyway he was not impressed and barely even acknowledge that we were there except to look around and see if we would present much of a challenge for him to eat. He was more interested in finishing his siesta than moving and letting us pass. He did not try to make us pay any toll and so we decided that it would be better to turn around and head back the other way.

The flies took the "toll" out of our flesh on the way back to the car.

Note to self... next time I go looking for birds make sure to pack a cattle prod, and air conditioned bee keepers body armor.

Later Gators, KjS

Moving

You found me!!!

Just how do you move a blog? Oh! I really like my world map... but I'll loose that moving...
Humf...

Is moving wise?? Hummm.... I did figure out that I could copy the htlm code and convert my posts... then I could scrapbook them.... Yea!! And that is a project for sure!!

Uh oh... the hubbie knows... wonder what he'll think....

O! I wish I could move all the comments... how to do that???!!!

grace ss

Organizing, shuffle, repeat...

I'm setteling out a bit! The Expedite is getting full... Each of the girls have claimed one of the baskets. I'm busily filling each spot and trying to maintain some order...

Ladybug is sooo close to loosing those Peter Pan teeth!!! She has four that are wiggly.. and one that will fall out any day!!

Back on the Expedite.... Check out this one.... Ooooooo

Find it here!! http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/paints-stains-finishes/look-colorful-ikea-expedite--032349

Stuff & More Stuff!! It's just stuff!!!

Grace! ss

Fruit Box Turnover

I thought I was winning... The Library was taking shape. All the years book lining up together. Hubbie figured our the lighting and it is so cool! The shelves are amazinly full...

Monday we headed with Daddy back to Ikea. We studied the bookshelves and this other stoage system... My defining point was I wanted storage with baskets... so the book shelves were eleminated.. We cam home with the Expidite for the sunroom....

Now, I enjoyed organizing my library... but now I need to organize my whole world... and I am not winning. (I think it is easier to move!!) Projects imagined & supplies acquired only to sit yet in bags stowed away.... capri sun bags, indian dresses, sand & shells for a frame that lacks that good beach pic.... and so much ods and ends...

It would be easier to eleminate it all!!! But that is easier done without being seen. So now I'm just shuffling. Fruit box turnover!

Alas, These items are lost in my chaos...

1. Search the Scriptures- a great devo taking you thru the entire Bible. Alas in all my hunt I've not uncovered it. Now I'm searching every nook & crany.
2. Homestead Pickerf Folk Songs- I know this is somewhere.. and at one point was even on top. Now it must be burried.

Praying the God of the Universe brings His order to my chaos!! Off to seek Him!! Grace! ss

I don't want a sticker...

With stickers on their hands... "This one is for you, Mama."

"I don't want a sticker." fixing dinner... ginger salmon, green beans & Lovebug made the cheese rolls...

"But it says 'Mom'." I'm swept off my feet!!! She read it!!

I'm enjoying my "mom" sticker!!

Grace! ss

My Chicago Red Library

It is done!! What follows is the never ending task to organize my Chicago Red Library!!

Tuesday I was so thankul Jamie took the trip with us! We made the drive to Ikea. Bookshelves were my aim... and my debate was white or red.... With that option, I just have to go red!!! God paved the way wtih a great trip & no probles & moving traffic heading home at 5:40.

Talking to Daddy in the car presented a challenge to NOT MENTION IKEA!!! They could talk about the dentist that morning or the plans for tomorrow.... Lovebug was caught when Daddy asked "Where are you?" "In the car" Where have you been?" it is 9p.... "Daddy, I cannot tell you."

Now the girls refer to our extra room as our Library :0 (It is also known as our guest room & when we are officially sick... the tv room.)

Wednesday I could not get the boxes out of the car. Too heavy!! Piece by piece the girs and I labored to prepare for assembly. Our afternoon's work was getting them together. I had help hammering & fitting all together...

Thursday & Friday I have moved and arranged our library of books. I actually have my AO1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 books marked!!!!

School is done. The week has been fun. And now to enjoy a long Memorial weekend!!

Surprise Daddy!!!!

Grace! ss

Haiti Blue

This week I've been reminded of Haiti Blue!!!

I painted my sunroom what we call Haiti Blue. As the girls and I had some free time, we enjoyed a project. I've looked for a photo of that event without finding one! Hubbie??....

**Found One!!! July 2004! Lovebug is 4 & Ladybug is 2!!!

We'll we've created a bit of free time this week :) Pinched between schooling & friend celebrating end of the year. Lovebug nearly gave it away chattering to Daddy. It is very hard for a child to keep a secret.

Hummm... what did we enjoy this time??!!! :)

Grace!! ss

Memorial Day

"Older men declare war. But it is youth that must fight and die. And it is youth that must inherit the tribulation, the sorrow, and the triumphs that are the aftermath of war."

Herbert Hoover, 1944

Cinderella

Last week I heard the coolest song and just had to look it up!!  I downloaded it!!!

Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman... mezmorized me!!!  I played it over and over... and I think hubbie thought I was trying to give him a guilt trip!!  Not so!  It just fits our little girls!!

Tonight this song brought tears to my eyes...  I receiveved and email to Pray for Steven Curtis Chapman.. 

Hey guys,

If you are a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman's music like I am or even if

you are not, please pray for his family today. Yesterday one of his

teenage sons ran over his 5yo daughter (sister) in the driveway and she

was killed. What a horrible tragedy. Here is a link to an article I

found about it.

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/05/22/1211182968194.html

Pray for everyone involved..

Oh... I pray God's healing in horrible grief.  God knew her days!!  She did not surprise Him!  He called her home to Him....   Only God can heal the broken hearted.

Here's Steven Curtis Chapman's Cinderella...

 

 Here's a memorial to Maria & a video w/ her..  http://tinyurl.com/68ee4a 

 This is the background story to his song... http://tinyurl.com/6jsfb9

 Praying for my girls tonight!!!  Grace! ss

Memom Estelle & Happy B Brother!

Today is my Memom Estelle's birthday!!! Tomorrow is my brothers birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Eric!!!

Looking back to 1998!! I had to dig up thes photos!! I'm thrilled to post them! Hubbie must be taking the photo... We'd celebrate our 5th anniversary that year!!

Memom did not get to meet my girls!! Since my eldest carries her name sake, I think of Memom often. Just this week we gathered with her sister's family... She always cooked up a storm when we'd come to Sour Lake!! She was a great cook! There were chicken & dumplings.. always! and a roast, greens, and a salad.... she'd have to cook for days!!! Then she made chocolate pies & coconut! Her peach cobler was my daddys favorite, I think!

When I was in my teens I remember her teaching me to cook!!! My favorite then was her cinnamon rolls!!! As a little one I climbed in a chair to play in bubbles at the sink!! Oh.... I think my girls will have to do this tomorrow!!!

She'd also would hide the dishes in the oven!! I caughter her one time and was diligent in the hunt thereafter!

I'm thankful to Jesus for my family!! Then & now!! Miss ya Mom & Dad!! All my Love!! ss

Drawing Phones

We've added a new item to our week!!! We are drawing!

The girls enjoyed drawing fire last week.. and phones this week!!

We are following the Harmony Art Mom at http://harmonyartmom.blogspot.com/

She comes up with a weekly assignment and posts the drawings...

http://harmonyartmom.blogspot.com/2008/05/sketch-tuesday-sink-or-swim.html

Drawing!!! Grace! ss

Singing Sisters

Year End!! Sweet & Sour!! The girls gave their year end Choir Recital. They sang and smiled... and had a good show of their year's work... They ended on a sweet note... with cupcakes!! Yum!!

Here's their lullaby... All the Pretty Little Horses:

I hope you enjoy this snipit of their program!! This is my first try video to post!!!

We started the venture on a very sour note!! Lovebug was dressed and ready... Alas, Ladybug had an official melt down... just as it was time to be gone.

Tears... "I don't have any capris (tears) Those don't fit. (tears) The shirt is too big. (tears) I won't wear it." More tears.... Oh, I don't think she'll ever out grow these clothes issues!!! They sound way too familiar!!! With many tears she had to go the car to find her shirt & shoes to finish dressing. Tears and more tears and on our way across town.

I do hope to wade thru the tears.... maybe like grass she'll get tall enough to see thru... by the time it was all over... she was thrilled with her too big shirt!! She'll probably wear it tomorrow too!!!

Somehow the sour is yet with me. It is like a bitterness that I wish was gone. I'm thankfull tomorrow is a new day... I pray I'll not make the same mistakes.... better managing time would have helped...

I pray God give me the grace to love & teach my girls... God's wisdom to guide our paths... His word to light our way.... and hope & faith that He goes with me.... In my weakness may He be strong. Praying He'll give me sweetness for this lingering bitterness. May I yet cling to Him!! Grace! ss

Here's the sweetness... and the sour is only a memory.....

AWANA

I'm thankful for the challenge AWANA presents to memorize Bible verses!! I'll be glad to reclaim to Sunday evenings... and I'll miss those McAllister evenings too!!!

I wish our Grands and family could join us in the celebrations!!! As I saw other Grands around.... so here's the highlights!!

Lovebug finished all three of her Sparks books!! I cannot believe this is her last night as a Spark!!!

Ladybug was on the program... but had a few sections to complete!!!

Ms Cindy graciously heard her final sections.. maybe the last one's for this year!! She finished book #1!!!!!

Lovebug first said she did not want to use her new AWANA Bible... it to keep it clean.... I encouraged her to love the Bible, take care of it and find the treasured verses inside!! She pulled out her new Bibe and my hightlighter started to highlight favorite passages!! "Mama, can I have a hightlighter?" "Yes love, as soon as we can get to the store."

Hummm a highlighter for the Bible!! That's an easy yes!!!

Now where to put this treasured award!!!

Grace to you!! ss

Destination Prayer

We have enjoyed praying in the car. It has been a habit. The girls grow in their prayers. A privilege has been to hear them learn to pray scripture. We've also seen such brevity and wondered how to reach their hearts.

This week I've been challenged. I was listening to Christian radio and heard a gal talking about prayer. Her challenge was to pray until she arrived somewhere. It was a learning process with a distracting start. She tried to seek God and pray about who He brings to mind! Application....

Destination Prayer:

We are learning to pray along the way. This is an add on to the God bless our day that sometimes we stopped at. I know we'll have a season of learning what we can pray about. Ladybug's AWANA list has been a good starting spot:

• Pray for: Someone in your family


• A Friend


• Your Teacher


• Grandparents


• A Missionary

We've enjoyed praying for Memom & Grandaddy's truck. We've prayed for our missionary Crystal too. We'll celebrate when we see God work!

I'm also thinking of ways to praise God. Scripture is such a fit. I love learning with my girls. This is a cool lesson for me... and I pray for them :)

Learning for a lifetime!!! Praying! Grace! ss

A Third Eye!

It is not a monster!! I decided Ladybug needed a third eye!!! Not in the middle of her forehead!!! But at her finger tip...

Her third eye is to help her read. I think her age is an inhibiter to her reading... and this eye at least helps her stick to the page!!!

We are taking reading slowly. This week she's asked to take her book end assessment!!! She's also looking ahead to the "Inch worm book". She's eager... even if she cannot sit still!! The third eye helped!! (Yet it was difficult to actually write on my child!!! Arggg!!! It has all since washed away!!)

Loving learning to read!!! As a help to me I'm knitting as she works thru her book!!! That helps my patience so I do not get frustrated!!! I even yet enjoy it!!! Grace!! ss

Comments

May. 18, 2008 - Cool Eyedea!!!
Posted by Idea watcher
I love the third eye... Cool concept! 123

My Garden Box

Planted!!!

Finally I've planted our garden box!!! I'm so thankfull Hubbie decided to level it!!! Or all the dirt would be tilted out!!!

We have tomatoes & cucumbers. Watermellon, green beans, squash, and an uncountable number of carrots!! Ladybug was the planter... and she put some in thier square... and over her... and a few there.... Hummm... we'll see if they sprout!!!

Those carrots were for our rabbit, I'm sure!!! Sadly that rabbit played in the street and was hit last week... oh... now what with the carrots!! The girls were sad... and recognized the error of being in the street....

Grace!! and many hopes of fruit in the garden!!! ss

My Mother's Day Card

Precious to me are my girls. Years came and went that I dreaded Mothers Day. Lovebug's card is so neat! Three times on Mother's Day she said her favorite of her mama was homeschooling. Wow! And yes we rocked before we rested!!

Where's my sandwich board?

At lunch today I, Hubbie, took a look at the Bible and at the mainstream headlines.

Keep in mind that every one of the below headlines is on the front page of the DrudgeReport today (05/13/08).

Check out Matthew 24:3-14, watch out for verse 9 (also see Mark 13:5-13). I personally think the earth's birth pains are at hand. For those who believe in a pretrib rapture, and I am not saying I do or don't because I have found evidence for each of the most popular beliefs on when the rapture will take place, but ponder one question... would God rapture the church and remove the salt at the most critical time? Over time the Roman Christians would not say so, they could probably be quoted as saying "lions, and tigers and bears... oh my!" What about the Chinese Christians who are praying that persecution will come to America's Christians to make us wake up.

Lord come quickly... what am I doing to drag someone with me?

You can add this to the blog if you want to... KjS. (Yes!!)

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (even better, read the whole chapter) I think Jesus is telling us not to fear the coming events, but we ought to study what He is saying so we will be less anxious. FYI... if you are reading this and don't have a relationship with Jesus, it is tough to understand a love letter if you don't have a relationship with the sender. If you would like to find out how to know Jesus personally leave a comment that I can get back to you.

1Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.

Today's frontpage headlines on http://www.drudgereport.com/:



1. Denial of God and the Jews

2. Massive earthquakes

3. Dormant volcano wakes up

4. Dormant volcano wakes up

5. 1/4th of wheat at risk

6. Iranian President Ahmadinejad: Israel to be 'swept away soon'



1. Belief in God 'childish,' Jews not chosen people: Einstein letter

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080513122249.m3ds3b6j&show_article=1



2. Magnitude 7.9 - Report: Death toll in China quake exceeds 12,000

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D90KS7HG0&show_article=1



3. Lightning bolts appear above and around the Chaiten volcano as seen from Chana, some 30 kms (19 miles) north of the volcano, as it began its first eruption in thousands of years, in southern Chile May 2, 2008.

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//080511/ids_photos_wl/r4184494436.jpg/



4. Etna volcano rumbles back to life in Sicily

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080513115454.2kkv9hjr&show_article=1



5. UN alert: One-fourth of world's wheat at risk from new fungus

http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2008/me_iran0128_05_13.asp



6. Iranian President Ahmadinejad: Israel to be 'swept away soon'

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/205101,ahmadinejad-israel-to-be-swept-away-soon.html

Comments
May. 14, 2008 - Huh... a sandwich board....
Posted by spike
Oh you don't eat it!! You wear it!! That was alot to find on one day... Great hunt!! May we have eyes to see & ears to hear... Grace! ss

Mother's Day

Thank you Hubbie!!! I had a wonderful Mother's Day!! I wish I could have hopped over my mom & hubbie's mom!!! Wish you were closer!!!

Saturday I headed to the Homeschool Book Fair! Hubbie & the girls worked on my garden box!!!

They filled it with dirt & it is nearly ready to plant!!! I'm hoping for tomatos & yellow squash!!! Cukes too!

We headed to early service. Daddy & the girls gave me a beautiful orchid!! We had a wonderful lunch at Cheddars!! I didn't have to cook or clean up!! I was so surprised to go out!! Our wait was brief... Thankfully. I had a wonder nap that afternoon!!!

Dinner I did cook as Hubbied headed to the hospital to check on a friend's bike wreck!! He was home & ok... I was in process... since camping the girls are thrilled with blueberry pancakes!!! Yumm!!

Wish we could share them with you moms!!!

Love ya! Happy Mother's Day!!! ss

Comments
May. 12, 2008 - Mom
Posted by Hubbie
Hey I just wanted to say you are the greatest mom... I am so glad that you finally let me hold your hand!!! ;)

Homeschool Bookfair Show & Tell

Saturday I had such fun!!! I joined 3 others to head to the Homeschool Book Fair in Arlington BEFORE 7a. We walked all over the convention center!! Then we headed to the Scholastic Booksale!! Finally we headed to eat with very tired feed & my book bag was laden down!!! We returned home at 9ish soooo tired!!!

For my AO journey!! Show & Tell!!

Great Artists Explained - We looked up our current artist Van Eyck & saw he lived in Joan of Arc's day. Cool we are reading about her!! I think this will be a great help to me for our artist study. I like learning about who they are! (Now I'm curious about the related Great Art book!!) (S - Scholoastic)

Composers (Fandex Family Field Guides) This fandex gives a bio on the composers we study!! I use another one of these for our Shakespeare plays!! (S)

Make Your Own Itty-Bitty Princesses These will add to our Shakespeare troup.

Klutz Book of Knots Knots to tie with Seabird. We've been using an online site. This will be handy!

These are from my used book hunt!!

The Jungle Book This is for AO4. Alas I think is does not have book 2. Drats. I even had a Disney version... and that's surely not an original. (Kathy... maybe I could borrow your at the book 2 point!!)

Robinson Crusoe AO4 A paperback from way back in 1988!! Our graduation year!! And it has been 20 years!!

Rip Van Winkle and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow AO4 A hardback & illustrated. Fun.

And the Other things!!

Holy Cow Science - Geodes, Wacky Water Tricks, & a growing Alligator- Cool science fun.

Geographical Terms Map from Rand McNally This shows all those terms on one map!! It truely shows the difference between a pond & a lake!!! Now they can see it!!

Miller Pad & Paper - Asundry of paper & index cards.

A Chicken's Guied to Talking Turkey with Your Kids About Sex by Dr. Kevin Leman... I got the audio CD & Hubbie can listen to it for his drive!

Miracle of Creation Series My girls enjoyed the first book of flowers. Then the bird book will be great with our bird studies next year.

Finally some Spizzirri maze books of shells & birds & animals... That they've started already!!

Wow!! If you made it to the end here... I'm surprised!! I've bearly made it to the end~~ Grace!~ ss

Comments
May. 15, 2008 -
Posted by lklivingston
You can surely borrow our Jungle Book for the second part. I have two copies because the one I like only has the first part. Glad you found some of the other books you needed, and cool to find the audio for Leman's book! (Although I am much happier having it in print, myself, but I know you'll like the CD.)

Aunt Jeanie

Thursday morning I pugged in the crock with dinner.... and started our day....

Tuesday my Aunt Jeanie died. She was Memom Estelle's sister. We've traded Christmas cards for years now. I'm missing my Memoms!

I looked at the distance to the funeral and decided that with 2 hr & 20 minutes... I had to go to the visitation tonight or the Funeral Friday.... I called Hubbie and we decided I'd pick him up inroute and we'd head to the visitation! A bouns would be seeing Aunt Patty & Uncle Donnie!! I quickly put the crock into the fridge!!!

Oh! I needed a family tree!!! Faces so familiar and names so forgotten!!! Oh! We had a very giggly visit as the girls made fast friends with my extended family!!! I pray we brought some smiles in their grief at Aunt Jeanie's passing.

We talked alot with the girls about dying. Aunt Jeanie had been bless to truely be old and full of years (at 87). Jesus so knows our days. Remember, He numbers them. As we chattered it was more than just her body wore our... truely Jesus called her home.

Enjoy our family pics!!!

Comments
May. 12, 2008 - Family
Posted by Hubbie

I soooo wish we could be closer to those in our extended family. I am glad we are able to adopt so many others too though.

123 KjS

Upgrade... Coming Soon AO1&3

Balance! We are in a comfortable nitch in our school schedule. With our AO2 books we cover 2 books/readings a day... Mostly I read. Lovebug insisted on reading Understood Betsy!

On the horizon I can see this balance thrown way off!! How to juggle all the AO1 schedule with Ladybug... and AO3 with Lovebug... hummmm.....

We are starting the upgrade... with encouragement from Kathy we are jumping ahead with this new balance. Lovebug picked three of her books to read solo. Today she read Seabird and gave a great nararation! We are doing more tandum readings... We are off to a good start that I pray smooths the way to next year.

Ladybug and reading... Our wonderful start has hit a challenge with "e". After a week of tryign to read the SSRW E book... I took a deep breath and knew we needed to move slower. She's been happily readng the A book again... with much more speed and understanding. Gradually we'll head into that new ground. Now I'm treasuring my 5 year old.... and too soon she'll be reading to sissy!

btw... Bloggers!!?? How do you read a blog? Dana just mentioned G reader & I've been blown away with the ease of getting to sooo many blogs!! Wow! This is another upgrade!!

The girls sleep! We have a little rabbit in the back yard. Our Goldfinch & Indigo Buntings have left fond memories. Tonight hubbie acquired wood for my raised garden!! I hope for tomatoes!!! Grace! ss

**Update: G Reader is Google Reader :)

Comments
May. 7, 2008 - by Anonymous

SS, so glad you found my blog ;) loved your camping post. maybe we'll get to go one of these days. we love bob sanlin. glad ya'll had a good time. :)

May. 8, 2008 -
Posted by lklivingston
For blogs like yours, I have your headlines posting to my Yahoo frontpage. That way I know when new entries appear. I'm glad your babysteps into independent reading are going well so far! Mine is very much looking forward to choosing more books to read on her own for Y2 (although she may not be so enthusiastic when push comes to shove). She's even done her entire school day by herself once, in a pinch.

May. 9, 2008
What is G Readers?? =o) Thanks! Angie in Ga

**That's Google Reader :)

22 Fish!!!

Wow!! We had a wonderful weekend camping!!! We ended with catching 22 fish... a huge bonus!!

My Top 10 Camping!!

1. I set up the tent solo!!! The Taj... all by myself! in less than an hour!!!
   

   

   
   


2. The girls had a blast biking and biking and biking some more.
   

   

   
   


3. Blueberry Dumpcake in the dutch oven was yumm yummm!


4. Dry Ice... very cold is an understatement for our rock solid icecream!!! We could not even cut it. Finally we grilled the icecream :) And for the record -109.3°F is soooo cold!!


5. Sharing meals with friends has blessed me hugely!


6. Walking the trails took us to taste honeysuckly, read about & see many trees, girls learned to bike the gullies... and we nearly missed lunch! In the middle of all that hubbie & the girls were lost in a creek bed hunting tadpoles & crawfish!! Hubbies true delight!!
   

   

   
   


7. Braided pigtails are so very cute!! & a braided poney tail is perfect! Also, God provided girls for our weekend!! We were out numbered 8 boys to my 2 girls... Yikes. I'd wished for girls to borrow to camp with us!! God provided neighbor campers with girls 5 & 8 that biked & skated & shared their dog wiggles!!


8. The sleeping bag is warmer that a blanket... the fully functional facilities in the tent were an upgrade & carpets in the tent make it homey!


9. Night crawlers abound under logs & aside the driveways.
   

   

   
   


10. The little fishies... all 22 we very impressed with our night crawlers, one cricket, & 2 crawfish. Lovebug caught her first fish. Ladybug was saddened when the fish stole her last worm.
    

    

    
    

We are all tired!! We fished inplace of the ice cream evening. The car is unpack... Laundry is in process.... We ordered a pizza for dinner... and my bed is so much better than an air matress!!! Camping is a repeater!!! God is great!! Grace! ss

Comments
May. 6, 2008 - Posted by Jilann
Sounds like you all had a wonderful time camping! I'm hoping we'll get a few trips in this summer, as well.

May. 9, 2008 - Posted by Anonymous
Awesome camping trip!! We just got home from one and it was wonderful also! I am enjoying your blog!! Angie in GA

My shoes are too tight!

Practice, Practice, Practice, Dress Rehersal, & Recital

Oh.. my shoes are too tight... O, the sequins hurt.... I don't want a low bun!!!

All tears must be dried before makup is applied!! The night of our ballet recital has come.

They had a wonderful evening dancing wih a teddy bear and a well loved horse!!

Comments
Apr. 27, 2008 - Recital
They are beautiful!!! I love their costumes and know they will give them many hours of pleasure - can't wait to see them.

Tree Flying! Catapillar Naming! Camping!

Going 70mph..."Did you see that catapillar?" "Are you kidding... we're going 70!! A catterpillar???!!!!" Swinging us around we went back for that critter... Hubbie braved the traffic to catch it!!! A Giant Leopard Moth Catterpillar is HUGE!!!


Tree Flying!! Steve launched the kids from the trees!! The aftermath thru the forrest was evidence of the flights! I have some videos... humm.... to post them!????


With spring comes caterpillars!! Caterpillars were adopted and named... Cheetos, Peekaboo, SillySnake, Cheeto....


This Luna Moth joined our camp site. It liked the Hill's Christmas lights :)


It was a definate repeater!!! We had a great time!!! ss

"Mama, shhhh come slowly!" Lovebug called from the kitchen.

We had FIVE Indigo Buntings!!! Wow!! They visited off & on all day. We also were amazed by a new crowd of Goldfinch. A female Goldfinch is with our Indigos as well as a sparrow & Mourning Dove. There's 2 Indigos here, both a boy & girl!!

The crowd of Goldfinch enjoyed baths in the backyard. They preened and dried in a bush that looked like it was alive with wiggles.

We've seen one Indigo before but to host a handfull was wonderful. I wish either the Goldfinch or Indigos would make a home our way!! And I'm praying for a Painted Bunting! Today I could not imagine heaven without these precious birds!!

Grace! ss

Comments
Apr. 12, 2008 - Posted by lklivingston
We saw an indigo bunting at the walking trail once, just after we moved here. It's the only one we've seen, but I couldn't be more sure that's what it was. How lovely!

May. 9, 2008 - Posted by Anonymous
I also would love to see a Painted Bunting!!!!!!!!!! Ange in GA

Jacob's Ladder

"Mommy, Mommy, I got it!" Jacob's Ladder! Yesterday in our Genisis reading we were at Jacob & Esau. As I looked ahead we'll soon read of Jacob's ladder. I pulled out some string and tried to remember just how to make Jacob's Ladder. I found it on the web too.... this is definately a handicraft!!!

Tonight is the Big Girl & Little Girl Sleep Over. I hope the girls can pick up some string knots tonight.

Update! Beautiful Goldfinch are still with us with a Nuthatch today too! Hubbie had an Xray Monday and has new meds... praying his insides work right!

Grace!! ss

** Update 5/9 Ladybug proudly made her Jacob's Ladder!!! I wondered if her little fingers at 5 could do these tricks. Many times she started only to slip the strings and start again.... Welll start again she did!!! And just a month later she got it!!!

American Goldfinch

Here and Hungry! The Goldfinch are passing this way! I do hope they stay but this crowd is very hungry and fighting over a spot to nibble! They seem to be stocking up for their journey!

With birdseed generously covering the sidewalk... Daddy and the girls enjoyed their visits this weekend. I'm just thrilled they are still here. Years ago we had a flock and they emptied the feeder in a day and were off!! Maybe we'll be better hosts this round :)

Grace! ss

Herron & Eagles!

Herron & Eagles!

Friday we hit the paradise of birds…

We started at Shangri La and were in awe. The Herron Bird Blind provided us the view of a hundreds of wetlad birds… These Herron made their nests in the bayou wetlands of Orange, Texas. With many young birds in the nest they made several nests in each tree. A pair of Spoon bills were also making an appearance. Lonely in the back ground we spied and Osprey. Wow!!

Then we headed toward Memom's we stopped to watch Eaglets!!! Then one of the Bald Eagles returned to feed the two "little" birds. These baby birds were huge and yet with a dark head.

We saw more birds than I thought possible!!! We are in awe at God's creation!!!

Grace! ss

Resurrection Sunday

From our family to yours.... Happy Resurrection Sunday!!! Grace, ss

Comments
May. 9, 2008 - Posted by Anonymous
They are beautiful =o) I am so used to boys I wouldn't be losting buying clothes for girls!! =o) Angie in GA

Spring! Happy B Memom!

"Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world."

-- Virgil A. Kraft

Hope you have a wonderful B-day mom!!! Love ya!! ss

First Place

Ladybug answered the phone....

She won First Place in the Library Coloring Contest!!!!! Wow!!

Lovebug enjoyed coloring too!

Comments
Mar. 30, 2008 - hi
Posted by Beckyg
i was just hitting the random blog button and ran across your blog. your girls are very pretty. aren't coloring contests so much fun? dh and i competed for votes on my blog a while back.

Resurrection Sunday!

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Matthew 28:6

This week has been packed full!!! St. Patricks day we looked at clover and remembered they stand for the Father Son & Holy Spirit.. We've make a milk run for fresh jersy milk. We've been to the Circus and ridden an elephant!! Wow!!!

We are reading a Harmony of the Gospels and enjoying the walk to Jesus' resurrection!!

We pray you celebrate our Risen Lord, Jesus the Christ, this Easter weekend!!!

Grace abounds because of the cross!! ss

Humf... Election...

I'm tired of the election all ready.... I don't like the candidates.... In the primaries I more cast a vote against someone than for someone.... And I've even wondered about even voting in the next round...

I think that is more apathy and there's not someone I like... that's not good!!!

Alas, I've been challenged to engage in the election.... because the next President will set the next round of Supreme Court Justices & like 4-5 are around 68 years old.... and that will set the court for 30 years!! The adulthood of my elementary daughters.... I cannot afford to be apathatic!!

Election & Voting Records.. These are Interest Group Ratings from Project Vote Smart they provide non-partisan information on voting and candidates. I thought it was a cool way to know where they truely stand. Since all these candidates have elected offices they have clear vote records... and this is better than a 30 sec commercial....

• Senator John Sidney McCain III (AZ)


• Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY)


• Senator Barack H. Obama Jr. (IL)


• Representative Ronald Ernest 'Ron' Paul (TX)

I hope you'll look thru their votes!!! It has helped me to evaluate & want to see this election thru!!!

I found this info listening to David Barton on the radio and here's his site Wallbuilders.

I'm thankful that God is guiding me this election!!! Election 2008.. WWJD!! ss

Comments
Mar. 15, 2008 - Frustrating
Posted by WisdomBuilders
We were also frustrated by the election this year. We are avid voters, and yet we couldn't even FIND the place they held the Republican primaries! We found the Democratic one easy enough, but by the time we found where we were supposed to be...vote over, sorry! Rrrrr.