Good Health and Blue Birds

#2 woke up without a fever for the first time in a week! What a wonderful thing. I am sure it will take him a few days to completely recover, but having no fever is fabulous. Hubby and I are carrying low-grade fevers, nothing to scare you into bed for a week, but enough to make you slow down a bit. So far #1 is hanging on to good health with his fingernails.

As I lay on the couch a day or so ago, with my head feeling ten times its size and unable to breathe easily, I just wanted to feel better. I started to complain and then caught myself. The topic for the Ladies Retreat in March is whining, and I was about to whine! I guess God was getting me ready for the retreat a little early.

I saw two bluebirds this morning. They are fat and bright blue, a refreshing sight for tired, sick eyes. I also saw a robin a day or so ago, so I guess the birds are in agreement- Spring is HERE!

Spring Fever

Wednesday, #2 slept all day. And I mean ALL DAY!! He didn't appear to be sick, other than the extreme fatigue, but I left him alone to sleep since that is so unusual. Thursday he woke fevered and has been fighting it ever since. I don't think it is the flu since there aren't really any stomach issues, but the poor guy is knocked flat with this fever.
Thursday afternoon I also started feeling fatigued and fevered, and though my fever hasn't been as extreme as #2's, it is still there. So classes for me are cancelled tomorrow, first time ever! I imagine the students are crying.
In the meantime, the dog still needs to go out, fever or not. After lunch today I took him out for a few minutes, and was shocked to see that spring arrived at that moment. The sky had cleared, the birds were singing, rainbows were bouncing off of puddles, it was so uplifting my fever spiked. Spring fever!

4-H Blues

Imagine my surprise when I opened an email a couple of days ago and discovered cumulative records are due today. I thought they were due next month! I am certain they have always been due in March.

So we have frantically put together records in order to get the boys' projects in. Cumulative records cover the last three years of your 4-H projects in detail. They have come in very handy as we apply for scholarships and awards, but they are certainly trouble to put together.

Honestly, I am tired of 4-H. We have been in it for eight years now, and we have worked very hard at it. The boys have had great experiences and should have super memories when they are older. But right now, in the midst of school, teenagers, book writing, and all the other "shtuff", I just feel like quitting.

God knew what he was doing when he only gave me 2 kids.

 These are pictures from Achievement Night a few weeks ago. Both boys had a book chosen to go on to District where it will be judged against books by kids from many other counties. Believe it or not, #2's book was his cooking project. #1's book was on Personal Development and Leadership.

I Remember Teenhood

I really do remember a lot about my teen years. I remember the trouble I got into, the control issues I had, and the frustration at not being independent. What I do not remember is school. I remember very few of my high school classes and teachers. I guess social life was much more important. Go figure.

Anyway, I try to raise my children based on my memories, but if I don't have any memories, it makes it kind of hard. One of my children is not a studier. I also do not remember being a studier, but I know I graduated high in my class, so I must have done alright. My non-studying child does what he considers to be alright, but not what I consider acceptable.

Therein lies the dilemma. I could tell him until he gets certain grades his life is over, but I know (remember) how I would have responded to that when I was his age. But if I don't tell him that, then he will not get the scholarships needed to get him through school without a BUNCH of debt.

So I told him. It didn't go well. Now I wait until he calms down- and I calm down- to broach the subject again. God grant me wisdom with words.

Habakkuk

I have a lot of writing to get done in the next several weeks. I am working on a play for the youth group to perform at Family Night in two weeks. TWO WEEKS! Yikes!! Also the Ladies' Retreat is in a month, and I need to make a couple talks for that.
The topic the ladies chose is "Whine and Cheese". We will be talking about why life is not all easy cheesy after you become a Christian and why you shouldn't complain and whine about that. This morning I think God told me to use Habakkuk 3 for the scripture.
I missed some of my devotional readings last week because of chaperoning a youth trip. Today when I was catching up, in two separate books, Habakkuk 3 showed up. So I am guessing that is what God wants me to share. Just in case you don't know that particular scripture:
Though the cherry trees don’t blossom
and the strawberries don’t ripen,
Though the apples are worm-eaten
and the wheat fields stunted,
Though the sheep pens are sheepless
and the cattle barns empty,
I’m singing joyful praise to God.
I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Counting on God’s Rule to prevail,
I take heart and gain strength.
I run like a deer.
I feel like I’m king of the mountain! (Habakkuk 3:17-19 The Message)

Even though things look really bad, even ARE really bad, we still have reason to rejoice. The Lord of all, my Father and Savior, is in charge of everything. And that is reason enough to sing, dance, and shout.

Captain Is Still Here

 These two pictures were taken on #1's birthday. As you can see the dog was still with us at that point, and he remains to this day. He is still a wild child, and he sends me over the edge at times, but mostly I can handle him.
He is goofy and curious, and that leads us to lots of laughter. He chases butterflies, bites his own feet while trying to walk, and runs into doors and walls because he can't stop once he gets going. He likes to eat ice, MUST be with people, and acts just like #2. No wonder they are in love with each other.

SIXTEEN

I did not intentionally ignore #1's birthday a couple of weeks ago; I was having trouble getting Blogger to accept my pictures. So here are the few pictures I have of his birthday.

 New clothes from Grandma, and money from all of the grandparents, which always seems to fit just right.

 Momma got it right with the Van's shoes. They are flat skate boarding shoes that he seems to have a passion for.

And that is all of the pictures. We had a surprise party for him at a coffee house local to our town, but of course I am not allowed to take pictures of that! We rented the back room for a couple of hours, and he had a good time visiting with friends and enjoying a little coffee. He did ask how long Dad and I were staying, and I told him the whole time. BUT we would stay out in the main room and leave him and his friends alone. I know how it works by now.

#1 is an enigma of sorts to me. I think I have him figured out, and then he shifts everything on me, but overall I enjoy being with him. He is witty and a deep thinker. He is kind to kids that aren't his brother. He surprises me with hugs and words of love every now and then. He even told me a few weeks ago thanks for making him read the Bible so that he knows what is really in it instead of just what people say is in it.

He is having some struggles with growing up. He isn't sure what he believes about God and Jesus just yet, but he is thinking and processing, so I am not going to get scared just yet. He doesn't seem motivated by grades or money or cars, so I can't quite get him moving in the direction I would like. I do think he is very responsible though, and I am VERY proud of him and what he has accomplished in 16 years. He is a good young man.

He only has one year left at home- officially- though we may stretch it into 2 years. He will mostly be at the community college next year for school, and I am hoping that will let him have the independence that he is longing for while still allowing us to offer some guidance. We will likely be looking at colleges next month to get an idea of what he likes and desires. Sixteen will soon be eighteen.

Can You See?

I decided in January that for my birthday I would like to try contacts again. I have worn the same glasses for 5-6 years, and I haven't worn contacts all that time. I had been giving my eyes a break. When we moved here I developed some allergy that would make my eyes burn and water in the evenings. Wearing contacts became very difficult, but in the last year or so the allergy has diminished, and I thought it might be time to try contacts again.
At the same time, my eyes have been changing, or else my arms have been shrinking. So I thought I would need bifocals. I actually had been given a prescription for bifocals the last two years, but the doc said it was such a low prescription he didn't think it was actually necessary. So being the miserly person that I am, I didn't change the glasses.
Move ahead to January 2013. I am now 43 years old. It is certainly time, or so I thought. The doc tried me with contacts, and we are still trying out prescriptions! It seems that I do not need bifocals, but need to lessen the strength of my prescription. I was overcorrected and that was why I couldn't see. It wasn't the doctor's fault that I was overcorrected; my eyesight has improved in the last year or so.
So here I am on the third contact prescription, and I think we might finally have it right. I can see to read, cook, clean, etc. without reading glasses, so I am excited to be able to see again.
Funny that this should happen as I am feeling a new insight into God and what He is doing in my life. I feel like the guy that asked Jesus for sight and it took two tries to get full sight. Just as my doctor is slowly pulling my eyes into alignment with my brain so that all looks clear, God is pulling my spiritual eyes into alignment with His will, and it is becoming clearer week by week. Perhaps in 43 more years I will be able to see clearly without any help!

He Told Me Off!

A few days ago the boys and I had to go somewhere, so we put Captain in the kennel outside. Hubby was already gone somewhere else. Hubby returned home before we did, and wouldn't you know it, Captain was OUT of the kennel. It seems he pushed back the fencing on the kennel and crawled out.
So now Captain has to be crated when we leave the house. This morning was one of those times. Hubby had to go to work and the boys and I had Geography Club. Captain went in the crate fairly easily, and I rewarded him with a couple treats. He cried when we left, but that is normal.
#1and I returned an hour and a half later and let Captain out right away. He started crying and whimpering, then suddenly turned to angry barking, then back again to the crying. It was as if he was saying, "You left me. I'm so HURT. HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!? Why do you hate me so? WHAT?! Am I not good enough for you and your fancy car?" He was like a woman on emotional steroids. It was funny.
You may be wondering why #2 didn't return with us. Yesterday in PE he hurt his wrist. He seldom lets anything get to him, but the look on his face was one of pain, so I was a little concerned. This morning it was still swollena nd he said it hurt, so I scheduled a doctor visit for an Xray.
Thankfully, nothing is broken. It is just a bad sprain and he has to wear a brace. His dad said #2 really wanted the brace (looks cool for the girls I guess), but now he is regretting it. Those things are hot! So the brace often comes off and I am not sure how much good it is going to do. Glad he is ok, though.

January Spring Peepers?

The weather has been so crazy here lately that the spring peepers have made an extra early appearance. I have often heard them about mid-February, but I don't think I have ever heard them in January!! Now that I am out in the evenings walking the dog, I have noticed the loud chirrups of the tiny frogs calling to one another. The dog doesn't seem to notice. He is much more concerned about the rabbits he scents.
Then, have you heard?, Punxatawney Phil did not see his shadow yesterday. So it seems the frogs are right. Spring will be early this year. I know that if you base spring's arrival on the ability of students and teachers to concentrate, it is definitely spring around here already.
I started counting down the days about a week ago. I do enjoy school and being with my boys and even their friends, but I am sooo ready for it to be over. I have heard of moms burning out on home schooling and I am wondering if that is my problem. I certainly feel drained.
Anyway, I finished my book for good last Wednesday. I have sent it to two people to read, and I will be looking for agents this week. Pray for a quick agent search and speedy sale to a publisher. #2's teeth are in need of repair!
Some of you are probably wondering about the dog. Thursday a week ago I had a very serious talk with the family about Captain. He was on my very last centimeter of a nerve, and I needed him to go away. The weather was changing and perhaps it can be accredited to that, but he has been fairly well-behaved since. Perhaps he was just having some spring fever himself. Anyway, I am pretty sure he is with us to stay. I asked God to remind me of all of the bad things Kelly did and all of the joy she also brought us. I am sure Captain will do the same. I know #2 is definitely in love with the little guy. I think Captain will be the friend that he needs to get him through the next year or so of forgetful teenagerhood.
So it seems we are all still here, though wishing spring were farther along so we could take a break. Maybe I will just walk the dog more often; it will be good for all of us.

ALARMING

A couple of days ago I made egg rolls in the oven. They were homemade and delicious, but they set off the smoke detectors. At least we thought that must be what happened. I didn't notice any smoke, but Hubby thought he did, so we fanned out the house with really cold air, and reset the alarms.
Last night we discovered it was not my cooking that set off the alarms. At 3:00 a.m. the alarms sounded again. We looked through the attic, the rooms, sniffed and searched, and found nothing. At about 5:00 we finally started to drift off, and blaring alarms sounded again. We flipped off the breaker and decided to think about it later. At 6:30 I flipped the breaker back on so I could shower, and while I was in the shower, BEEP BEEP BEEP!!!
So this morning I vacuumed out all of the alarms and so far so good. I am glad that we have alarms to keep us safe, but do they HAVE to go off all night long?
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And speaking of cold air. . . It seems a cold front is coming through and bringing with it some ice and maybe snow. That means that with the possibility of bad roads, everything has already started shutting down. Life in the South; )

It's My Birthday

Today is my 43 birthday. Wow it doesn't sound as bad as it looks! It has been a good weekend of celebrating with my family, and I know that I am loved and adored by them.
Today Preacherman was talking about who we are. We are children of God. John 1 tells us we have the right to become children of God if we will accept the position. It seems awfully silly not to accept it, but still it is difficult to accept.
Am I really adored, loved, treated as a child? Yes, and more. God doesn't treat me as a spoiled child but one that needs discipline. To truly believe that God owns me as His own daughter I must accept that he will discipline me with the same love that he used on his legitimate son. What a tough thought. I don't want to die on a cross!
Whatever my death must entail, I should gladly accept it since I know the life that exists for God's children as well.
Happy birthday to me, Angel, a child of God.

Stress: Puppy Lesson #1

Puppies cause stress. I had forgotten how much stress until last week. I was feeling overwhelmed and in need of a good cry, but couldn't figure out why. I wasn't behind in grading papers, the house wasn't a complete wreck, I wasn't hormonal, so what could the problem be? Then the mail came, and I started crying. The electric fence for the pup had arrived. Suddenly I knew why I was so emotional; the dog was causing me stress.
I would like to say that it got better instantly, but, alas, I cannot. The fence still didn't work correctly. I called the company again and this time they said it must be the receiver instead of the transmitter, and I would have to wait longer. Well it came this week- I paid extra to have it sent two day shipping!- and still it does not work right. I don't know if it is the metal barn next to us, the metal roof on the house, or the large water tower next to us on the other side, but whenever the dog has the collar on he may or may not get zapped, and it may or may not turn off. Poor dog. Poor Angel!!
So I guess the dog will have to live on a leash. He has escaped a few times in the last several days, and he is getting better at it. He chewed through one leash and is working hard on the metal chain. He has destroyed many things here in the house, and especially he has destroyed my peaceful way of life.
But through it all I keep telling myself he is only doing what God made him to do. He is energetic, ferociously alert to odors, and very hard headed and stubborn. All of those things make a great hunting dog, not so much a house dog. But he keeps on doing what he was made to do.
I could take a lesson from that pup. God made me to care for others, be a bright spot in a dark world, and to share the love of Christ. But sometimes I am an old dog instead of a young pup, and I don't do my job with much enthusiasm. I will try to re-energize myself this week.
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I am not the only one in our congregation feeling stress, and mine is minor compared to my friends'. We have had three families touched by death in less than a week, and now one is facing tests on a mass on her liver. At times like this I truly need to focus on my inner puppy and be the energetic servant that God made me to be.

Devotions of a Gerbil

As I said yesterday, I believe I have finished my book about Kelly. You may find it odd that I have entitled it Devotions of a Gerbil, but when you read it you will understand. It is a devotional book intended to be read alone or in small groups. I reread some parts yesterday and surprised myself because I had forgotten some of what I wrote, and I found help in my own writings!
So now starts the agent search in earnest. Most agents need the book to be finished before they will even look at it or me. I have looked at a few agents, but now I need to start writing letters and sending the book manuscript out.
The real purpose behind this post though is not to tell you I finished the book, but to confess what a lousy person I am. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to write one day a week for two hours. I know it doesn't sound like much, but with the schedule I keep it is a lot of time. But how am I to make sure I keep the resolution? I need accountability.
So I told Hubby what I wanted and that he has to provide a punishment for me if I do not write. That, however, caused me some apprehension because how would he punish me and what if I wouldn't go along with it? So we discussed the punishment and decided that it will be that I have to believe what he tells me.
Sounds easy, huh? No way!! We were driving around town when we discussed this, and I made a comment about the old Circuit City sign being yellow. He told me it was red. I didn't believe him and continued to say yellow, until a memory flashed in my mind and I had to admit it MIGHT have been red.
Saturday when the guy took out our mailboxes, the state trooper came by to make a report of the accident. He said the guy's tires were bald and measured them with a guage. It just didn't sound right to me, not that I didn't believe him, but it just didn't seem to match up with what I was feeling with my fingers.
Long story short, the officer took offense at my disbelief and need to measure the tires myself. My need to know for myself and not take someone's word for it nearly got me a ticket!
So it seems that believing Hubby is a harsh punishment after all. I guess I will be getting a lot of writng done this year--- I can't have him being right all the time!

Fog Creeps in on Huge Lion Paws

Carl Sandburg didn't understand Eastern NC fog when he wrote his little poem. The fog has been drifting in for many nights now, and last night it decided to stay. The fog came in about 7 pm and is still here nearly 24 hours later.
A friend was telling me last Sunday that she had driven in the fog to her boyfriend's house. There is a four way stop on the way, and she completely missed it. She was at his house and still looking for the stop signs! Thank goodness she wasn't injured.
I was lying in bed about 7:00 a.m. Saturday, and Hubby was out walking the dog when I heard a familiar crashing sound. A guy slid across the curve in front of our house and took out 3 mailboxes and a newspaper box. The fog certainly had something to do with the crash, but he also needed new tires.
Fog is mysterious, floating in and drifting out unexpectedly. What you know is there, like mailboxes and stop signs, may or may not be seen depending how the fog is moving. You can see a bit into the distance, but the big picture is not there.
I feel like I have been in a fog for many, many years, and it has suddenly lifted. I have been a Christian for nearly 25 years, and yet I am just learning and discovering something. I have been praying for over 20 years that Hubby will get a teaching position at a Christian college or university. I feel like I have been patient in that prayer, and I know I have been diligent to pray it often and bring my petition before the Lord. I asked this because I know that Hubby would really enjoy teaching and conversing with others who are interested in God's Word. I never thought about it being a selfish request because it wasn't really a request for me. Suddenly I have changed my perspective. I should instead be thinking of all of the people who will be affected by Hubby's ability to teach. It is for Christ that I should want Hubby to be able to teach, not for Hubby's sake.
This morning I was writing the last of my book about Kelly; yes, I think it is finished! But as I began to write I stopped to pray, and instead of praying for me to write the right words, or for me to find a great agent, or even for the book to make enough money for #2 to get braces (which has been my goal), I suddenly thought about the people who will read the book. They are the ones I should be praying for. I should realize that people will be brought closer to Christ for reading the book. What a dunce I have been.
Now the fog is lifting and I am seeing so much more of the big picture. I shouldn't be praying for my children to get to Heaven but that through their lives even more than my kids will praise Jesus. I shouldn't be praying for our country to turn to God and do better, but that our country will lift God to the world. I shouldn't be praying for the safety and good health of D1, but that through our letters and emails to her she will praise Christ.
Christ is the stop sign that I have driven past in the fog. But now the fog is drifting, slowly pulling away from the ground and lifting itself to where I should have been looking all along- up.

A Man At Last!!!

Here he is Ladies, the latest Man on the Rise. It seems that Hubby is finally turning into a man, at least according to his secretary. He now has a truck AND a beagle. He's almost a real man she told him. I think the missing part is a gun, but we are probably going for a fishing pole instead. A pacifist man.

Ready to tailgate
Hubby hasn't had a new car since #1 was in Kindergarten, so it was time. The old car, sitting next to the truck there, will be handed down to our Junior in High School when he gets his license in a couple of months. I remember getting that car like it was last week. How could it have been over ten years ago?
Anyway, Hubby is enjoying his truck, and I am enjoying the seat warmer. On chilly Sunday nights, when we head out on a date, I get a little extra warmth sitting next to my MAN.

My Birthday Boy

I think I managed good presents for this birthday boy. He likes Converse shoes, and he seems to especially like these red ones. You just never know with teens. The other present was one he chose himself and I ordered online. It is the Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty song from The Big Bang Theory on tv. 

I can't believe he is going to take Driver's Ed this summer!! Oh how the time has flown.

We are looking at college tours this spring for #1. That's just a few short months away! Oh My Goodness!!!!!!! College seems to be going fine for him so far with the dual enrollment classes. He is still tired from mono, so I am not expecting too much from him, not that he is ever resplendant with joy, but I think he is liking it well enough. Time will tell.

More Christmas

Here is some more picture fun for you. Hopefully the descriptions work better today. I don't know what was going on with yesterday's post, but I couldn't fix it no matter what. Anyway, aren't these little elves the cutest!? My cousin makes some pretty kids, that's for sure. 

Christmas at my parents' house is fairly laid back. We do an exchange game based on numbers. We eat and visit, usually sing for a while, and then eat and visit some more. 

We were thrown a curve ball while in WV and received an ice storm one day. We had a couple days of snowstorms as well. We had hoped that #1 could practice driving on snow, but this was no beginning driver weather. He will just have to wait for another time.

 

Crazy Cousin Christmas

 Here they are, the Crazy Cousins. Handsome group of kids, huh? Yeah, they all look like their grandmother, at least that's what she thinks.

#1 is nearly 16, #2 is 14, and the others right to left are 10, 6, and nearly 5.











Here is everyone else, ages unmentioned, but boy do we all look good for what we are!











And then we had to add some silliness. I bought moustaches through Oriental Trading and we had a little fun. Notice Hubby's 'stache is tilted. I guess he can only wear a natural one! He has had a beard and moustache so long I can't remember what he looks like without one.












Then came our family picture. Handsome group of hairy people aren't we?



















This one is a card. This pose was his idea and he hopes to put it on FaceBook!! What a nut!












This was my favorite gift of the season. Last summer this little guy stared at a picture of my two boys dressed as pirates when they were little ones. He thought it was a fabulous picture.

He told me he wanted to look like a pirate and he even wanted a beard. Well this aunt filed that away for several months and then went to work. I was able to get a bunch of moustaches so he can play with his buddies.









And then I was even able to find this fabulous beard!! He was the perfect pirate. We were able to find bunches of dress up stuff for his treasure box since we live in The Pirate Nation. Don't you just love the parrot on the shoulder?!


Hope everyone had a great Christmas.

Summer in January

We are having school outside part of the time these days. It seems that January is the new June. The weather has been lovely and so we have been enjoying one of my favorite Christmas presents: a picnic table! The slab of concrete was the floor of a shed when we moved here. Hubby and #2 tore it down several years ago, and I have been wanting a picnic area ever since. 

As you can see, Captain thinks it is an enjoyable spot as well. Though the weather seems spring/summerish, the landscape belies the real time of year. It isn't much to look at right now, but it is nice to be sitting outside anyway.

 In the right hand corner, near the wheelbarrow, you can see Hubby's and my anniversary gift to each other. We got a firepit so we can sit near the house and enjoy a little fire in the evenings. I have done it once, with no Hubby, but I am sure we will get to it sometime.

 Still waiting on the electric fence for this little guy. He is improving, and I really shouldn't complain, but truly I am too old for babies.

You may have noticed all of the tissues on the picnic table. #2 has a cold. #1 is still fighting mono and is worn out. Today the plan is to stay home and just get school and laundry done, to which #1 responded, "AWESOME!" Having college and other classes three days a week seem to be having their impact. Welcome to the new year!