Day two PM - Cape Ann Whale Watch - Gloucester

So, on day two after Saugus, we quick drove up to Gloucester to catch "our" boat to the whale watch. This was the first time our kids had ever been on a boat (yes - Dramamine... especially Chris who was pretty out of it by the time it kicked in enough for him not to be sick!), so this was more than one adventure! Here is the view as the ship started up...

This is a castle you can see from the bay - it is a European style castle - the man who built it couldn't seem to decide on one style - so it is a combination of 4!!! It also has a pipe organ throughout the entire house....

The lighthouse as we went out to sea...  : ) 

Leaving Gloucester behind......

Our first sighting. This was a VERY playful humpback whale that we stayed with for a good bit of our time. He kept coming up around the boat every 10 minutes or so between feeding dives. There is a protected area from Cape Cod up to Maine, and there are three feeding "ledges" that the whales tend to stay around. We went to the most Northern (Tilly's I think??). There was an organization called "Ocean Alliance" that was on board for education - they gave us a lot of information on feeding habits, size, and even names of the whales we may see. Michael Ben got the only shot we have of that tale going in. It happens SO fast that I was glad he got at least one!

Here is a humpback whale breaching the water... see the itty bit of green on the side? That is where the whale's color turns white. You can't see how big they really are while you are out there.

Another breech. This time with a blow... Again - notice the green - that's his FIN! 

Michael also got the only shot taken at the dock. For perspective - that's grown man standing on part of a fin. They spray painted the outline of a humpback on the dock - the previous pictures show the really tiny part of the upper body. Amazing creatures!!

Heading back, I had a thought. We were only 10 miles out. That's it. 10 Miles. Here is a shot from the back of the boast as we headed in....

Here is a shot from one side of the boat. Again - remember 10 miles.

The other side of the boat....

See anything?  Me neither.... the front of the boat looked the same. In fact, while the boat was moving we were freezing, so as we rushed back to shore, we were really, really looking for the sight of land. Really scanning for it. Again - we were 10 mile out. and there was NO land in sight. NONE. One of the things that struck me are the many references in scripture and song in which we refer to the sea. How vast it is! And yet, I had never realized quite the extent of that vastness. You don't have far out to go before it becomes very obvious how small you are and how great the ocean. 

Psalm 104: 25-26:

"O Lord, how manifold are your works!
    In wisdom have you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
Here is the sea, great and wide,
    which teems with creatures innumerable,
    living things both small and great."

Another thought that kept running through:

"O the DEEP deep love of Jesus vast unmeasured boundless free, rolling as a mighty ocean in it's fullness over me. Underneath me all around me is the current of Your love- leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above"

and:

" Here is love vast as the ocean, loving kindness as a flood, when the prince of life our ransom, shed for us His precious blood. Who His love will not remember, who can cease to sing His praise? He can never be forgotten throughout heaven's eternal days!" 

(Actually caught myself singing it out loud!)

And some day - we will sing.... on that day

"Hallelujah -bless your name. We will bow at your throne singing Hallelujah we are finally home!!"

And we will finally feel that vastness with a full understanding!!!

"For the earth will be filled
    with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord
    as the waters cover the sea."

 (Habakkuk 10:14) 

Come soon Lord Jesus....

Picture Explanations in LOTS of Posts! Our trip to Massachusetts... First stop? Boston.

 Well - technically, Franklin. We left our house around 5 AM to get to Franklin to worship with our sister church, Crossway. I don't have any photos of the church, but we were very blessed and happy to visit with them. We got to see some familiar faces from Youth Camp and meet a few new people. Worship was good and the sermon was just what I needed to hear (it was the first on a three part series on Cynicism ). We really enjoyed our time there, and, since we hope to continue heading "up north" on occasion to see Mike's sisters, it is great to have a New England "home church". 

   I probably didn't mention yet that two of Mike's sisters live in Massachusetts. They have been up there a few years now - Mike's family lived up there until he was 14. Anyway, we took the train from Somerville (where his "baby" sister lives) into Boston. Mike's sister had a light lunch waiting for us when we got to her apartment, then it was off to the station. This was the kids first train ride ever, and they were SO excited!! These first two pictures were taken from the train as we on our way into city. BEAUTIFUL!

 

      This is Park Street Church - one of Mike's previous pastors is now preaching here. A lot of history has happened in this building. We didn't get a chance to see North Church this trip - we only stayed for the afternoon.

We didn't go in, but did take time to visit the graveyard next door. Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, Phyllis Wheatly and Ben Franklin's parents are all buried here....

      Next - it was off to Boston Common. This is a preserved space for the enjoyment of the city. It is a park - the weather was perfect, and we enjoyed things like the fountain (which they just finished renovating),

      The "Make Way for Ducklings" sculpture - the story took place here in Boston, and the ducks are heading toward their pond...

      We had the kids pose with their Aunts, but apparently there was a lot of glare... Everyone is trying not to go blind - Chris must have given up because his hand went right over his whole face...  Oh well..  : )

The Carousel was also open that day. Everyone got a chance to ride...

Then it was off to Beacon Hill to see some of the Architecture...

      The kids had found this door knocker online, and were so thrilled to see is "in person"!!

      Then we headed over to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.

Here's another shot of Faneuil Hall - see the golden grasshopper weather vane on the roof?

Here's a better shot of the grasshopper. They have drawings of old fashioned fire engines spraying it clean... Again - the kids loved seeing him "in person"!

We had dinner at the Green Dragon (again - no pictures - sorry!!), and then headed over to see the scene of the Boston Massacre. The building and area seem so out of place among the skyscrapers that surround it. We did learn a bit about this from Mike though. Since we have been doing school, symbolism has taken on so many more meanings! I will explain more on that later, but when dealing with historical sites, the carvings and sculpture actually meant something - other than ornamentation. Do you notice the Lion and Unicorn?

They are the symbols of the English monarchy. The Lion is England, the Unicorn is Scotland, and they were incorporated together under James who was already the sovereign of Scotland when he became the King of England. They are the symbols of the crown. So, there was even more outrage in the colonies because the "Massacre" took place under the "full view of the crown" symbolically. In fact, the originals were torn down and burned in a bon fire - that's how seriously it was taken...

      Here is the "site" itself. It is a paved round with labeling around the edge that states it is the sight of the Boston Massacre. After this, we headed back to the subway (across the street from the site - that was strange for me!), said goodbye to "the Aunts", and headed over to West Peabody, which is where we were staying. We packed a lot into that day. We slept well! It was also such a gift to be able to spend time with Mike's sisters. They put so much time and energy into planning our time in Boston, fitting things in, showing us things we were specifically studying in school - all things they really didn't have to do, but did with such willingness. It was awesome!
      This was our first "family" vacation we have ever taken. After the first day, we were alone and seeing things as a nuclear family for the first time ever. It was such a gift to be able to do this. The weather and timing of things were so perfect and we are so grateful for the blessing this weekend away was!

Love. These. Kids.

Another update....

Once again, I haven't posted in awhile.  I am learning that that's OK :)  !  To update the last 2 month old update!

We are DONE homeschool for the year.  Glad to be there. Still have portfolios to submit, but that is easy - I just have to get motivated......  I am starting to evaluate for next year.  I am kind of a set in stone kind of teacher.  I know what I like - and those things don't change.  If I don't like it, I'll try something new.  I think for us we have a spelling program we like, an awesome history program we love, a math program we love, and a science program we like.  Language Arts doesn't thrill me.  Still flipping between programs - we have one we are trying this year, but I can't say I am necessarily excited about it.  All in all pretty low stress.  I have no problem with trial and error.  We will try this program for the year, and if it doesn't "work" for us, something different next year.  I have to say home schooling for me has been a key factor in a lot of my growth in faith in a lot of areas.  It has put some things in perspective that I needed changed - and I am grateful.  Not always easy, but it really has worked out for our family!

Mike is on week 6 of 8 this week.  I can not believe how fast this semester seems to be going!  The next few weeks will be rough weeks with papers and tests pretty much from here on out.  That is OK.  We only have 21 days left.

Michael Ben is gong to Youth Camp.  I cannot believe that.  We have the privilege of doing Youth - Parent this coming year.  We are looking forward to it.  I can't believe my "baby" boy is entering his teen years.  I am looking forward to what God has for him in his future.  He is becoming quite the little man.  After Youth Camp he will be getting braces.   He is 94 pounds and 5' .  I am ____ pounds and 5'4.  It won't be long until I am looking up at him at this rate.....

Katie is also 5'.  She just outgrew her shoes AGAIN.....  She is already a 7.  I am a 9 1/2.  She is starting that whole tripping over her feet thing that indicates she will also be growing taller soon..... (which I can not imagine!).  Where does the time go?

The twins.....  Ahh the twins......

Chris is going to be doing his last surgery sooner rather than later.  He needs an expander and head gear ASAP. This hit me pretty hard, to be honest.  Having gone through the last 6 year with no surgeries, and, of course, knowing this was coming, I am surprised at my reaction.  I REALLY don't want to do this again.  Handing him over for surgery as an infant was one of the harder things I have had to do.  Doing it again doesn't thrill me.  So, in classic Kristy style, I am dragging my feet as much as possible.  Other than that and a lip and nose revision, Chris is doing fantastic!!  He is really leading out in a lot of areas.  We are enjoying him.

Stephen is rolling along.  It is easy to overlook him, to be honest.  He has always been willing to kind of go with the flow all things considered.  He is sensitive, though, and I am learning to be more careful with him.  He is worried about Chris, worried about Michel leaving us for 4 WHOLE days!!!  He is at a good age though, and will tell me exactly what's on his mind.  That helps.  I almost feel like I am just getting to know him.  In a way it's that way with all our kids!

Me, well, I am head down, eyes forward.  Not necessarily good, but not a bad thing either I guess.  I am finding myself weepy and then full of joy - sometimes at the same time.  Things feel like they are moving REALLY fast right now and I am having a hard time keeping up - to be honest.  Feels a bit like rafting - just holding on, but feeling like the raft is moving a little faster than my grip.  Resting in the fact that I am not holding on, but being held....

~K

Wow - really set this aside....

Well - apparently it has been 5 months since I posted!  That's OK - it has been really crazy around here.  I am sitting in my back room since I have been banished from MY room.  We moved the tower into there - long story, and most of the time it works out, but......

This is going to be just some random thoughts and an update....

Mike is in week 6 of 8.  Then one week off, one more 8 week semester, then he is DONE (July 3rd)!!!  Assuming he passes everything (and we have no reason to believe that he won't),  he will have his BA.  I am wondering what life may look like school-less.  At least for a little while - wait - does that sound vaguely familiar?????  And we already went from THIS IS IT to "for now".  We're not even done yet!  His degree will be in Biblical and Religious Studies - which is a spring board degree to be honest (that's what they always called my attempted English degree).  In other words there is no "field" for that degree - without seminary.......  For now we are just focused on getting through the BA and seeing what God may have for us in the future.  Which means..... more change.  NOT my favorite!!  If only life were predictable!!

We have 5 weeks left of homeschool.  We have next week off, so that puts us "out" Memorial Day weekend.  YES!! The kids (and the teacher - especially the teacher) are DONE!  So we are trying to encourage each other to be faithful for 20 more days!!  We do have some really great books coming up so that helps.  The kids are getting big - Katie is in a size 7 WOMENS shoe!!  I feel like one of the kids in the row right now during church.  Especially when I have Michael and Katie on either side.  At least the twins are below my shoulder for now....  :)

We were recently blessed with a car.  Mike's van went down permanently a little while ago, and a second car got put on our list of things to hopefully be able to do after he is done school and working hopefully full time again.  We had been sharing the van which was slowly, we believe, going down hill. A family at church gave us their car, and another family fixed it up for us, and Mike now has a car.  Not only that, but should the van actually decide it is done, we can all fit into the car and still get where we need to go.  I didn't realize how much that was weighing on me until last week when both vehicles were on the road.  The traveling I have to do is winding down for the year - which is great - no more trips to Allentown!!  But our distant and very dear church family is not exactly local - and I realize more and more that I was starting to fear a break in fellowship because of transportation.  With this added vehicle I am breathing a little easier.  Not that I can put my faith in the fact that we have 2 cars, but I think you know what I mean.  The van goes into the mechanic for a thorough check up on Monday.  We are thinking transmission - hoping we are very wrong.  If it isn't we can gradually start to fix up the things we know are wrong with it.

On the topic of fixing things up - Michael Ben starts orthodontia in a few weeks.  I know it's not the same, but it kind of feels the same....  :)  Katie will also have to have 2 teeth pulled, and Chris is seeing his plastic surgeon in a couple of weeks for a consultation - we will be gearing up to start his last surgery soon.  Wow - those years went fast!!  Stephen is sitting tight and pulling out his own teeth - and loving the dullness of that - I don't think he is hurting for excitement :) .  I know I'm not.

Lots of thoughts about contentment again.   As I read over the blog I wonder at times if I have made ANY progress!!  Seems very circular.  I know God is good and He won't give up on me until He has made me into the image of Christ - even if we have to keep covering the same ground OVER and OVER again.  I just wish I was a faster learner.  Hopefully I will continue to update, but I think I am going to go storm my room now.....  :)

On transitions and the grace of God....

Hi all!!  We have gotten to that day.  That day that ends our 15 month transition.  Mike went back to work last Monday.

He is working in a  tire warehouse.  Funny thing is - he actually likes it.   Don't get me wrong - it isn't his ideal career.  It isn't what he wants to be doing.  But it is the opportunity God has given him at this time to provide for our family, and isn't it kind of God to have his heart in a place where he is enjoying the provision God has granted!!  There are details to be worked out schedule wise, money wise (this was a drastic reduction in pay), and goal wise (he is still in school - 2 classes a semester and he will have his BA in Biblical Studies by next May if we figured right), but as we look over the ways God has ordered our steps over the last season (who are we kidding!!  over our LIVES!!) we have full confidence in the God of our salvation!  So - we are still in adjusting as we have just finished week 1 (training), and as of tomorrow his "real" schedule starts.  He is really enjoying school as well (and so far doing really well!  He is on week 4 of 8 starting this week).  He is tired, but in a lot of ways it is amazing how happy he is to be working again.

As for the rest of us, we are hanging on tight.  On Thursday, we got home from the store and when we walked in, Chris loudly announced "Dad!  We're home!" - to an empty house.  He doesn't see Mike leave in the morning since he has to be in by 7 AM, and thought he was "in the tower" (our attic)  working on school.  We are getting used to not being able to get to daddy whenever we want - he can't have his cell at all in the warehouse, so it's breaks and lunch only.  We are not used to that - me included!  I didn't realize how used to him being around we had gotten!  Last week was a challenge for me since once he gets home he really can't do too much - it is manual labor, and he has been up since 5 - so he isn't really anxious to be taking on anything extra after that - nor should he be.  I have to get my A game going for sure from now on.  I kept repeating to myself last week - "It's week 1.  It's week 1.  This is an adjustment period.  It's week 1."  By Friday I was feeling it - and didn't have half the stuff done that needed doing.  But - that was week 1 :) !

We sat down today and attempted to get some semblance of a schedule planned.  Here is where you guys come in.  Like I mentioned, this is a pretty severe adjustment for our family.  We are going from Mike being busy, but around, to Mike being busy and working 55 + hours a week.  My brain is reeling from that number, and that is without the time he needs to get his school done, or the commute time.  We already have needs that we would love to have you lift up to our Father (a post on that coming - we had an EXCELLENT sermon today!!) as we step out in faith believing that this is what God has for us in this season.  We have desires that may have to be set aside during this time.  We have what is looking like a REALLY tight schedule for the forseeable future.

 Would you pray that Mike's schedule would allow us to attend our Care Group (first and foremost)?  The way it looks now, he may not be able to be out of work in time for that to happen.  This is a precious means of grace to us, and we are rather unwilling to let it go.  He is approaching the scheduler tomorrow about making arrangements that will allow that.  Please pray that he would be shown favor in his request.  We actually have 6 dates in April that we had already scheduled on the calendar that would necessitate him getting out on time (6 PM) in order for us to keep those commitments.  That is his end time, but apparently they don't really follow those end times.  Would you pray for strength and endurance for Mike to finish his education as he also works all these hours?  Would you pray for protection for our family as our time together will be lessened during this time - that we would enjoy and make good use of the times we are together?  Would you pray that we would be strengthened as a couple through this busy season as well - that it would only serve to bring us closer, not make us too busy to remember we are married :) ?  Would you pray that I would be faithful in my service to my family - not overwhelmed, but serving with joy and gladness - serving the Lord, my family, having the discernment to take on only what He has for me?  That I would be able to prioritize my time as unto Him, and that I wouldn't be lazy?  I have a tendency to find things to "fill" my time - they are such good things - and I neglect the things I know I am called to for the sake of those things.  It's a "righteous" way of mismanaging my time.  My family cannot afford that kind of behavior right now!  I also desire joy in this season.  All in all, it's a pretty tall order.  But I serve a mighty God, and I believe that I am seeking to walk in obedience to Him.  He promises the power to do what He has called us to - and I am clinging to that.  I want it to be a reality in my life.  Would you pray?

Update

Well - I figure it is time for a general family update....

Let's see.

We have 9 weeks and counting of school left.  I am not sure who is more excited - them or me.  Love school, but looking forward to an extended break.  It will be 6 weeks.  Plus I look forward every year to "portfolio approval" time - once it's turned in, it's turned in.  We have also managed to pack out the last few weeks activity wise.  The kids now have swimming and Push the Rock each week.  This means trips to Allentown twice a week in the afternoons.   We really need to move west!!!

Mike has started another semester of school.  He is going for his BA in biblical studies from Regent University online.  When you do their online program, it runs 8 weeks per semester.  He is going part time, and if we can stick to it, he should graduate next year.  On top of that he is working for a temp agency (for now) and his first job assignment is going to be for 50 hours per week.  The start date keeps getting moved back, and, to be honest I am grateful in a way.  His first day of school was this past Monday, his first day of work was supposed to be the same day, and Push the Rock started Tuesday.  That meant an increase in my stress levels all at once.  As it  turned out, he started school, and we did Push the Rock, but it is looking like work won't start until Monday.  He has been working ahead as much as possible on school, especially reading so when he starts work he will be a little ahead.  I prefer this easing in instead of jumping "in the deep end" right away.  He is liking school so far.

Michael Ben is doing really well - lots of energy that kid.  His swimming is really improving - they started endurance last week.  It is tough on him with his asthma, but he did really well.  He always enjoys Push the Rock - and this spring weather is really making all of us a little stir crazy.  We are coming up on our bad season asthma and allergy wise, so that is a prayer item.  On the flip side, he has had his best year yet with his asthma - praise God!  He is also building up a storm Lego wise.....

Kate was given acrylics for Christmas and she is painting up a storm!!  She also is loving swimming and Push the Rock.  She loves to be busy, and has loved the new schedule for this week.

Chris and Stephen are trying to make it across the pool.  I have never seen two kids kick with all their might, heads under the water.......... and not move.  It's like running in place - but in a pool.  It makes me laugh.  No one can say they aren't trying!  They have gotten a lot better since the beginning of the year.  Push the Rock is great for them too - they aren't babies anymore.  They get the rules and fundamentals of games and sports - and are very, very set on mastery.  Both are reading (although strangely on two different levels - Stephen excels here), and so driving while they read out loud all the signs is really annoying cute.

Me - I'm learning to flex again.  I can not stand transitions.  It amazes me how many we are flying through - and how fast.  God has been doing a great work in me in this area.  I still don't "have it down", but He has been so faithful - it gives me great hope for the future transitions as I look back on His work so far.  And He is a Good Shepherd.  Still looking forward to seeing how "things all work out"......  :)

Another song post.... :)

Ok - Can't help it.  Here is another song that struck a cord with me this week!  We have had a lot of interesting things happen over the last few days.  Here is a snap shot....

  My dad had surgery last Thursday, we went to pick him and my mom up on Friday.  After getting them settled in at their home, our van's brakes went out all at once - thankfully in a a parking lot next door to their house where it was parked.  Praise God it did not happen on route 78 on the way back from Hackensack.  Praise God we own not one, but 2 mini vans, and were able to switch over the vans (yes - we were crazy enough to drive the other one home - hey - it's only 10 minutes...) , and pick up our kids.
We got it back yesterday - turns out the brake lines ruptured - they had to be custom made (whole other story - our mechanic couldn't get them from the local GM dealership because there is some anger over there right now as next week they are closing), so it took 3 days.  Van is running wonderfully now.  Given the miles we put on that thing each week at this point - we are grateful for God's timing.  Another praise in the dad and surgery area is that my dad was spared some major complications because he had robotic and went to Hackensack instead of staying local (as I had mentioned - our family has some physical quirks - apparently on both sides!!).  He would have suffered permanent damage if he would have gone traditional.  Praise God for His hand in ordering my parents steps as they walked through all of the treatment options!!

Got said van back yesterday - my brother's truck seized up on 78 last night (back wheels locked - he was able to get off the road safely!!  Praise God!!!).  Mike's van out on loan today to him for work travel.  Mike is off until Tuesday from working at his dad's - so we were able to "lend out" so my brother doesn't have to worry about missing work while he comes up with the money to have his truck repaired. In the meantime my washing machine shut itself down.  At least I had been able to get half of the wash done before it rebelled.  Typing next to washing machine parts strewn all over my kitchen floor - glad my husband is "handy" - but what a mess!! And my laundry is sitting in little piles around the border.  Planning a trip to mom's in the next 48 hours if we can't get this thing fixed.  Praise God for local relatives who don't mind lending out their washers!!!

So we have one car (better than none), and lots of laundry to catch up on - but only half of what was here before!!  I want to go back to sleep for a long time (plus I am running a fever - that could explain some of it - but most of it is an effort to get away :)  ).  This morning I needed some music that would help me keep focused as I cleaned up the kitchen and tried to get some things in order.  Decided on Keith and Kristin Getty.  Truth to music that also has that "marching as to war" feel.  At least some of it - and that was what I was after.  Needed a steady rhythm and gaze lifting lyrics.  Here is the one that was brought home this morning :

"Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer"
Music by Keith Getty; Words by Margaret Becker
Copyright © 2002 Thankyou Music

Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labour through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
and I'll follow, though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.

Let the treasures of the trial                                
Form within me as I go -
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.

Love the lyrics of this song!!  This mix of dependency and walking really speak to me - and it is my prayer that as I walk through all of life's journeys that at the end I might wake more in the likeness of Christ, and cast any treasures I might gain at the throne of Christ at the end.  What a picture!!!  It is a wonderful and reflective song (not one of the "Marching as to War" ones :) - told you I have a music thing.... ).  

I know that God will finish His work in us as we continue in Him.  To borrow one of my husband's favorite phrases "May Christ receive the glory in all things"  !!

Box Day Part 2!

Well - we got all messed up last week! The 2nd box came early, then the week went crazy..... But - here are the promised pictures!

The new curriculum has been great in a lot of ways - but a whole lot more involved than we were used to. That has made for some adjusting. We haven't fully recast our day yet, but I am finding less time for things around here for sure. It has become quite busy all of a sudden - which I guess is good.

We had a chance to attend a parenting seminar at church that served to help as I try to figure out how to best serve our family with this schedule (again.... will I ever get this right?) - and, while convicting at times - "He gives more grace"!!!! It is wonderful to be reminded of our task as parents - with the gospel right behind it. It was a great seminar - I know they recorded it, so I will post the link when it becomes available.

We had a sermon at church that really encouraged my heart on Sunday - here is the link :

http://www.gcchurch.org/index.php?pID=37

It was on the perfection of God, and how His perfection comforts us in all of life (that is the very brief synopsis - Aron explains it much more thoroughly - sports illustrations aside :) ). Hope to be posting a little more regularly!!

An Update?

I realize I haven't posted in 2 months. We have had a crazy summer. Mike is finishing up his finals this week, and we have both been counting down the days this semester. It has been an unusually tough time for us time wise.

Last week we had the opportunity to go to Worship God '09 (the SGM Worship conference). Mike had been able to attend last year ('08), and really wanted me to come along with him. I can't express how grateful I am that he pushed me to go. It was an amazing time, and God used so many things over the course of the 4 days we were there to re-center my focus on Him. It was time well spent, and we are tremendously grateful to have been able to go (and grateful to my parents for watching the kids!!).

Mike is really looking forward to finishing his semester. One more semester, and he is done. I have no idea what the next few months will hold as we move forward, and that can be a bit unnerving. I think we are both feeling that. These past few months have been a mixture of fear, hope, confusion, peace, and a wonderful exercise in faith. I am feeling as if the next few months will bring about a whole new level of exercise. I know that He will be faithful to complete the work He has started in us - I am really praying for peace in the transition.

The kids have been great. I truly do not deserve to be blessed with the gift of my kids! They continue to grow and encourage me in so many ways!! We are getting ready to shift back into school mode. They are eager (especially the younger 2), and are looking forward to starting back up again. I need to bathe that in prayer - I am not there yet. I keep putting our start date off. It is time to get organized and going....

My heart has been heavy as of late. God is faithful. I know He is. It just feels like a free fall right now. I feel like we have been given such a great gift in this time. I am not sure if we have used it effectively. God has been bountiful in His provision to us. He has been gracious to our family. As I look back on all He has done over the last 8 months (WOW!!) that Mike has been home, I am nothing but grateful. I am starting to wonder what comes next now. I am not sure if that is helpful. And yet, as this season winds down in the next few months, I find myself asking my husband more and more often "What's going to happen to us? Are we going to be OK? We're going to be OK right?"

Even as I ask I know that I should know better. Mike is not my saviour. He loves me, and God uses him to provide for our family (in ways we could never have imagined). But he doesn't know, nor does he control the future. And I know who does. And I know He is faithful. And He has walked us through in ways I could never have anticipated. Please pray for a more profound focus. Please pray that I would not be "like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." (James 1:23-24). But that I would be about doing the word - and that my trust would be planted firmly in God who NEVER changes.

Family Tooth Saga

Well - it finally happened. One of the twins lost a tooth. Before I declare a winner, there is some back story (as usual)....

Last visit to the dentist we were told that the twins adult teeth were "on the move". This was a surprise to us - not because we didn't know that teeth fell out eventually, but because at a previous dental visit we had been told that Chris had no adult teeth. He had them on the bottom, but not on the top. We had also been told they don't "grow in later". He simply wouldn't have them (dental implants would be used - which we already knew would be necessary for some of them). It was a bit of a surprise (Praise GOD!!) that he even had adult teeth to be "on the move". Some friends of ours had prayed through this time with us, so this was huge news for us. That was last December.

So, we wiggled those teeth. In the meantime, Michael has been losing some of his "bigger" baby teeth (and won't have fillings anymore once he looses them all....), and that has been a bit traumatic. Katie has had teeth growing in over teeth, so we have been working on those as well. All in all, there has been a whole lot of wiggling, fear, competition, and fatherly extractions going on. Mike is our "OK - let's do this!" tooth puller extraordinaire (and the kids have learned early to stay away from him unless they are desperate....).

The twins, since birth, have always had this competitive nature about who does what first. So far....

Stephen walked first, crawled first, and read first.

Christopher wrote first, is a better speller, and did math first.

Stephen wins for having the first adult tooth come in (behind his baby tooth), but the winner (with a little help from dad) of the first tooth out twin contest is....................

Christopher!!!

Congratulations buddy!

Family Update

Well - we have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that Mike will not be able to drop down to part time come July. It turns out that he is enrolled on the 10 week program (to start on June 8th), not Summer 1. He will still graduate in December, but will have to continue full time until then. This is good news because we will be able to be a little more realistic with our schedule - and that is going to be so much better for our family!!

Michael B. is doing well. He is building LEGO cities now. School is over, and we are starting to get bored more and more easily. It is tough because it is his allergy season, so we have to be careful with his outdoor time. He has had no issues so far this year praise God!!

Kate is growing taller and taller. She is reading everything she can get her hands on and is currently working on the Narnia Series. We have them in one bound book, so she says she is on book three chapter 6. She is a fast reader!!

Chris and Stephen are crazy! They are really starting to come into their own as far as personality. They are so different from each other! And.... THEY BOTH HAVE LOOSE TEETH. They are so excited!

I am starting to collect my thoughts toward next year's schooling. I would like to start up again in July. We also need to get our portfolios submitted for this year. I would have liked for it to be a bit different than it turned out, but we try again next year for the "perfect" year. :) They all love to learn, and for that I am grateful. If that is all we accomplish, that would be a good foundation!

All in all, normal stuff..... :)

April Finally!

My plants are sprouting!! This is one of my favorite times of year. I have a window that I plant my seeds in every spring - and they are sprouting!! It's kind of amusing actually. Every morning I run downstairs like a kid at Christmas to see how many are there. I have 12 Shasta Daisy sprouts and 7 Portulaca sprouts. This is my first year starting flowers indoors. The tomato and pepper seeds I just started, so I should have more in a week. I also have seeds for outside, but we aren't quite ready for that. My gardener has been MIA for a week or two, so we have a yard that looks like a dog kennel, because, well, essentially all winter it has been a dog kennel. Plus the weather hasn't been able to decide if it wants to be spring yet or not.

This week has been busy. Next week promises to be as busy. It is good busy.

The twins continue to astound us with their thoughts. Chris looked up at my me and Mike the other day and said, "Mom, can we burn Stephen so he can try the Aloe?" Chris had touched a pan of food I had put on the table last week, and we put Aloe from our Aloe plant on it. He wanted Stephen to try it, but knew we used it for burns. I tried to explain that we could let Stephen try it without burning him, but it just didn't fly. He wanted him to have the entire experience, I guess. What a nice brother.

They are adding on their own. I tried schooling all 4 of them at the beginning of the year, but honestly couldn't handle it. Michael and Katie are done the end of next week, and the plan is to start the twins back up then. Then they found the Flashmaster, and decided they would learn math with matchbox cars. Stephen is really able to do it quite quickly now. It's funny. One thing - it only works when you use matchbox cars. As in "If you had 4 cars, and Chris gave you 3 more, how many would you have?" If you use anything else, or anyone but Chris for that matter - he is lost. Real world math only. After all, who else gives and takes away his matchbox cars. This is his world.

Kate is reading all of her read alouds in one day instead of spreading them out. She reads constantly. It can be tough to keep up with her. It's great. Math is still challenging, but she is really trying, and her patience is starting to pay off.

Michael does not do his read alouds. We have to make him. He has to be moving all the time. He did finish his math for the year early again, though. Between the two of them they can really encourage one another, and that has been developing more and more. It was a good week. They are looking forward to ending - 10 days left!!!

Mike is busier than all of us. He is working side work, and trying to finish his semester. Midterms were this week, and he had to have a work project done by the end of the week as well. He worked all kinds of crazy hours fitting everything in. I am glad we are able to flex around him during this time. It has been good for us. Last night we had a "celebration" that he got through the week and completed all he had to do by last night. We had dinner (at 8!!) with our "nice" dishes, sparkling raspberry and peach juice, and finished up with homemade CHEESECAKE ( a family favorite - as alluded to in previous posts!). It was after 9 when we finished dinner, but I looked around the table and forgot the time. It was a really neat time. And the kids went straight to bed after dinner with no complaints. I didn't make it much longer than that. And Mike - well - he is getting used to working "from can see to can't see", then doing his schoolwork by monitor light. I am so proud.