tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67888917938523529802023-11-16T08:56:32.880-05:00Raising Mikah: Our Journey with a 14q DeletionThis blog is dedicated to our family's journey with a 14q deletion. Join us as we take one of the roads less traveled...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-53132605836746472172011-09-02T08:30:00.005-04:002011-09-02T08:56:11.815-04:00New Home Program<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWtgdCibn4HyBrF07ypQ-VSwV1bByH6OMvln6jFqTEgsk_XEvWvx-OmeCwd8Wpfv77G3Hp0oBxMAO7Sy3_0XxvXJRrYOHI_2l9HfYS2CkK0tj24-z5Js4Nj6ZKRl1AoqHzo7pedFS3MZp/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWtgdCibn4HyBrF07ypQ-VSwV1bByH6OMvln6jFqTEgsk_XEvWvx-OmeCwd8Wpfv77G3Hp0oBxMAO7Sy3_0XxvXJRrYOHI_2l9HfYS2CkK0tj24-z5Js4Nj6ZKRl1AoqHzo7pedFS3MZp/s400/011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647744636083031986" /></a>
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<br />So I had wanted to send in a new home study application for Mikah when Natalie was about 6 months...it wasn't accomplished until she was 18 months. Once I got past, err...started getting past the extreme mommy guilt for it taking a whole year longer than my plan, I started to get excited. Wondering what they would say, what would we be doing? Well, we talked with the Institutes last week and have a simple program planned to get back in the swing of things and to find out more specifically where Mikah is developmentally. We are going to be tackling the handstand activity, the not wanting to lift up his head while crawling and the butt scooting for locomotion. It will be getting loud in the Starner house! He is NOT going to like it and I am sure the rest of us won't either for a while. We are going to go back to the beginning for the most part for 6-8 weeks. After which we will take a video of Mikah, fill out new paperwork and send it all back in to the Institutes. After reviewing we will get an even more detailed program which will be in place for 3-6 months and then reviewed and we will most likely be given the opportunity to head off to Philly with our young man.
<br />Now to figure out where to set up the inclined floor and patterning table :)
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVY6JeGBD7I_bDxzXXiyJ89VQF8f9WzHBGN84h1kmjKeP0fJzz8NMGEgE3wzKiEk1syNsKZNR3qLEl8D-CwP3f05yqVhCaFoKF-vziYhGcwhVtZhl3b3OwIpo2zjMpYl8tTmiV5OsVeH0V/s1600/091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVY6JeGBD7I_bDxzXXiyJ89VQF8f9WzHBGN84h1kmjKeP0fJzz8NMGEgE3wzKiEk1syNsKZNR3qLEl8D-CwP3f05yqVhCaFoKF-vziYhGcwhVtZhl3b3OwIpo2zjMpYl8tTmiV5OsVeH0V/s400/091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647744624105934946" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-83394554405435248992011-08-18T10:10:00.004-04:002011-08-18T11:07:08.921-04:00332. Poop Messes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02TKkzMgL3wud3VA5KbzWkPe2KbO8wtokbhpRsIeWfXwL5zQIkQW-qJsRqYGkS6UsOxsquRgjoq5uP04k9jDh8wwzCB-FkDTRn_Ggph8NHRqIC07-EmwrZFTkdkX1C6L0gQdWR48RW3sM/s1600/Summer2011+090.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02TKkzMgL3wud3VA5KbzWkPe2KbO8wtokbhpRsIeWfXwL5zQIkQW-qJsRqYGkS6UsOxsquRgjoq5uP04k9jDh8wwzCB-FkDTRn_Ggph8NHRqIC07-EmwrZFTkdkX1C6L0gQdWR48RW3sM/s320/Summer2011+090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642212369375221794" /></a>
<br />What a great heading for my first post...for two years? Almost two years? I guess I was pregnant with our little red headed fireball the last time I put my fingers to the keys and typed. Let the words flow out. But poop is a happening thing in the Starner house. Especially the size and quanitity of a certain young man's poop. My fingers are not enough to count the number of explosive poops that have happened recently. All requiring a dunk in the tub which is no small thing since a certain young man does not take to the water by himself. How messy! and stinky! But I love him. I can think of no other reason that I haven't really lost my cookies. Some know that at point I couldn't even wipe a snotty nose or think about changing a peed in diaper without gagging. I will admit to still having this problem with other people's children but God in his divine mercy has bestowed upon me the ability to help my own children out with these needs.
<br />So poop happens. And this mom is struck with guilt and sadness. Both conveniently aligned to rob me of joy. Of peace. Of my sound mind. Guilt because was I not paying attention? Was I being lazy, not being a diligent and observant mom? Mikah is for the most part content. Content to do his thing. Zoom around the house, or should I say scoot, playing with this toy or that. His contentment reaches far beyond my own and is at times too much. When the red head calls or Ellie needs, or dishes are piling up...errr...falling out of the sink...well you get it, right? Those who aren't screaming and are happy and content may get left to their own. I have made it a point to not let this happen since I became aware that time was zipping away and Mikah was being left in its wake. But still the guilt monster does its little dance on my shoulder whenever there is a mess. Were you present? Were you not?
<br />And then there is the sadness. I am not sure which monster stings the most. Which will leave more marks. The sadness because maybe I was paying attention. Maybe I was completely in the moment and it just happened. And Mikah couldn't tell me. He couldn't say, "Hey mom, I need to poop." Which is worse? I really can't say. They both have the ability to steal my joy that I fight to grasp.
<br />So I make <a href="http://mstarner.blogspot.com/p/1000-gifts.html">my list</a>...of gifts. I am on my way to 1000. 332 and counting. Some are hard, like number 332, poop messes. Some are easy, like number 1, the still of mornings and number 2, God's words and number 3, Jesus offering thanks...The counting cleanses the air of the stench. It wipes the dirt from my eyes. It frees my thoughts from guilt or sadness and the joy seeps in. It soaks up the day's clutter and peace enters my soul.
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<br />#310-332...of counting gifts...more of the One Thousand Gifts that never end...
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<br />310. Family zoo day
<br />311. School planning
<br />312. Visits with old friends
<br />313. 4 year molars
<br />314. Innocent as doves
<br />315. Camping memories
<br />316. Ellie rising early
<br />317. Reading the Word aloud to my once little girl
<br />318. Parables in Matthew
<br />319. Dinner in the slow cooker
<br />320. Quiche crust
<br />321. Chocolate milk filled circus cups
<br />322. Gold finches crowding for a spot
<br />323. Squirrels tumbling
<br />324. Seeds blowing in the wind
<br />325. A single leaf making its way to the earth
<br />326. Butterflies laying eggs
<br />327. Hummingbirds searching
<br />328. Little girls waiting
<br />329. Finding coupons
<br />330. The little blessings on hard days
<br />331. Tot school
<br />332. Poop messes
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<br />Today, if you’d like to share your own marking towards One Thousand Gifts of thanks, of making your life about thanks to God — (please, jump in!) — just go here.
<br /><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" ></a>
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<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-61555001294976470732009-10-13T14:42:00.002-04:002009-10-13T15:01:16.082-04:00Just some thoughts. I know it has been a while since my last post. Just haven't felt like getting sucked into that much time on the computer and I guess no news is good news :)<br />I think most of you know by now that I am pregnant and our newest little one will be here sometime late January or early February. I love being pregnant! I love giving birth! I love all of it! Some of you might think I am crazy and that is okay. I still love it. For those who knew me many years ago, you might be laughing hysterically as I was the one who vehemently declared to everyone that might be listening that I would NEVER have kids. Let's just say God does have a sense of humor. A big one! This pregnancy has been so different from my pregnancy with Mikah. I am in a different place and it just feels normal. I can't really express it in words. You know if you have been there what I mean. I think subconciously I knew there was something wrong with Mikah. I think my 'knowing' was overshadowed by the giant fog in my brain created by the death of my brother and sister-in-law's baby, Alastair. That is a whole 'nother post which may never get written. I'll just sum it up by saying that it is different, in a marvelous, wonderful, miraculous way. God is healing my broken heart through this pregnancy. We are so excited for so many reasons. For Mikah to have a little brother or sister to grow up and compete with. For Ellie to have another sibling to love. For us to experience another perfect miracle and gift. We are also excited because there was a brief moment when there was a possibility, from the doctor's perspective, that I may not be able to get pregnant again. Now, who knows, God was probably laughing hysterically at them. Children are such a gift. How anyone could not want more, is beyond me. God desires for us to be blessed in amazing ways and one of those ways is through the arrows He plants in our quivers, if we allow Him the opportunity. Again, another post worth of discussion and thoughts.<br />I guess I just wanted to say Hi. We are still here and kicking (some of us quite literally and mommy's bladder is protesting). We are just taking a slower pace to life right now. One that doesn't include a lot of blogging time :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-37391178775847328682009-05-24T14:14:00.004-04:002009-05-24T14:33:11.405-04:00The Big 'Coon Hunt<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25vXkW90Snx80RZItGya03z12gLNB8LxwpCQrPCSCAHGsiiZEmxbU25ijRiY1y2QlEnaTWbf5LLFtGoLMGK8NdlkQAyc4xVA1BygUIjYueJ22XWvvCfkFh43dW2tEjbm7dMIUdq3r-FzL/s1600-h/DSCN2493.JPG"></a> The mornings of trash pick-up Dave has been having to go out and put all our trash back into our trashcan even though we have a "locking" lid. Thus the Big 'Coon Hunt started. The first night he and Ellie very carefully placed a small plate of dog food in the live trap...in the morning there was no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">raccoon</span> and there was no dog food and the trap remained <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unsprung</span>. After consulting the "picture box" (i.e. computer) he found that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">raccoons</span> love marshmallows and peanut butter. Ellie and I made a trip to the dollar store for marshmallows and peanut butter and the results are in...<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtkfm2SIrEsb6ZvENl7atbwcm1r0fdQAyN2jp44OCK5FrsjfJOv9g7Vq8iDloa8FpMsNvKSAhxen8Q2OV7Q9GtuVCZT0s3D7hS5SwFN7ZGxEjGbdzvWFJaKpRa9Z9qHqm5JLO_-8TdGF1/s1600-h/DSCN2495.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339457274657253298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtkfm2SIrEsb6ZvENl7atbwcm1r0fdQAyN2jp44OCK5FrsjfJOv9g7Vq8iDloa8FpMsNvKSAhxen8Q2OV7Q9GtuVCZT0s3D7hS5SwFN7ZGxEjGbdzvWFJaKpRa9Z9qHqm5JLO_-8TdGF1/s320/DSCN2495.JPG" border="0" /></a> The little white things are marshmallows.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-JPHIEuAgv50I498YFgl6J6-BSdwEFz8uH6r-W1qxUBDiv7iywpuD-UgG1KXLb3aoSV99D4A4j-WwpOldm7wlohjat6M83eWZqmC02O8x1RDj_m6oy6McOW8asj_tLS4Lc-Et1xhZ_kL/s1600-h/DSCN2496.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339457273758662258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-JPHIEuAgv50I498YFgl6J6-BSdwEFz8uH6r-W1qxUBDiv7iywpuD-UgG1KXLb3aoSV99D4A4j-WwpOldm7wlohjat6M83eWZqmC02O8x1RDj_m6oy6McOW8asj_tLS4Lc-Et1xhZ_kL/s320/DSCN2496.JPG" border="0" /></a>That drainage pipe in where our culprit has been residing. The little grassy area besides the stones is where we place our trashcans...good place to hide out if you are a scavenger.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKE-KtV7FBaQwpFWrgrrGHX39OwaOfazwKGGlLnslXUM4RwLM58J-A-wYuSQJxiSn2IlanWFHlQLQKq1jCz71WhoudCio6QNoTlEa2b1c25OXIToYlVOiFhylVIpZF12He0G1jOc4jY_2/s1600-h/DSCN2497.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339457269464648178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKE-KtV7FBaQwpFWrgrrGHX39OwaOfazwKGGlLnslXUM4RwLM58J-A-wYuSQJxiSn2IlanWFHlQLQKq1jCz71WhoudCio6QNoTlEa2b1c25OXIToYlVOiFhylVIpZF12He0G1jOc4jY_2/s320/DSCN2497.JPG" border="0" /></a> Bait of choice...marshmallow and peanut butter.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK1jEnC3SCkMS6fQxFo28lmRVA9EWskIBq9DQ1HGUq_5ph7LKqb8IdDYQi7lq5ENlIHHAPQvJJ_W5ooX-aC3xQ8oqTgO7nQk11zbkE-TVihI8WwE8VsRRbGX8e30qde7TiScKpOeGTZLe/s1600-h/DSCN2498.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339456431092463970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK1jEnC3SCkMS6fQxFo28lmRVA9EWskIBq9DQ1HGUq_5ph7LKqb8IdDYQi7lq5ENlIHHAPQvJJ_W5ooX-aC3xQ8oqTgO7nQk11zbkE-TVihI8WwE8VsRRbGX8e30qde7TiScKpOeGTZLe/s320/DSCN2498.JPG" border="0" /></a> The next morning...They caught themselves a 'Coon!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrEH2HA8Q72PQjupMm458ZjCxHDEYvJNbTfim4sigTpGNRfO0pY5Na7QjO8Q7ZyGkpiKe7U2XYbskZkb-NYLynEsqhnAIIRZWU2sUrMchzZUUl5yVtKDPnJhdw2rkpjoVApTor8QdZVYd/s1600-h/DSCN2499.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339456424859017986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrEH2HA8Q72PQjupMm458ZjCxHDEYvJNbTfim4sigTpGNRfO0pY5Na7QjO8Q7ZyGkpiKe7U2XYbskZkb-NYLynEsqhnAIIRZWU2sUrMchzZUUl5yVtKDPnJhdw2rkpjoVApTor8QdZVYd/s320/DSCN2499.JPG" border="0" /></a>He really was cute and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">definitely</span> young. We have seen many bigger <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">raccoons</span> in our yard.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOuu_9t7twyP6y1uTONjRD0-M6rAECck2b73Ufz4Hv0mfw7QpKKzZjdXFsqohXkCzLfHeUg-sx-Mti_-ZAILrJ_VcIqJ8sHtG8S1b_qNHqu37Plop6H9If1uB8kr-pzgl8k1RuPZ6vvru/s1600-h/DSCN2500.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339456419973088850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOuu_9t7twyP6y1uTONjRD0-M6rAECck2b73Ufz4Hv0mfw7QpKKzZjdXFsqohXkCzLfHeUg-sx-Mti_-ZAILrJ_VcIqJ8sHtG8S1b_qNHqu37Plop6H9If1uB8kr-pzgl8k1RuPZ6vvru/s320/DSCN2500.JPG" border="0" /></a> The hunters and the hunted.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-hcA8cXlCo08u2J4YgFh19iBumscfok8T3xZqy6MZ1gIJlII60dzGTSK306LJho4SwIpM3Pb3cW9VMNloeIBZ7a3PI1lnMpKHFZR7Jnn_qpMd_HOg_MmtAD4t0avDiHOuf6GDCcPED-x/s1600-h/DSCN2501.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339456423197447298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-hcA8cXlCo08u2J4YgFh19iBumscfok8T3xZqy6MZ1gIJlII60dzGTSK306LJho4SwIpM3Pb3cW9VMNloeIBZ7a3PI1lnMpKHFZR7Jnn_qpMd_HOg_MmtAD4t0avDiHOuf6GDCcPED-x/s320/DSCN2501.JPG" border="0" /></a> The hole he dug it our yard trying to get out of the live trap. You can't tell in the picture but it was a couple inches deep.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOTX3RtHsuFMndNDFOBvcv7cLxI9ZXxdsMttzBlThyphenhyphenTLr3cvb69P0qz0ljslHqsIey993HpLWwKKDI0FXe4AthItLEVeUOVT0nSVPoa-VYdzRifZcwdXGTrklbLjgSKJQzeWjhyphenhyphenzWHCAq/s1600-h/DSCN2502.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339456418933877090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOTX3RtHsuFMndNDFOBvcv7cLxI9ZXxdsMttzBlThyphenhyphenTLr3cvb69P0qz0ljslHqsIey993HpLWwKKDI0FXe4AthItLEVeUOVT0nSVPoa-VYdzRifZcwdXGTrklbLjgSKJQzeWjhyphenhyphenzWHCAq/s320/DSCN2502.JPG" border="0" /></a> Off to his new home.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-67765559124171469242009-05-20T15:16:00.004-04:002009-05-20T15:27:19.543-04:00Ice Cream...I mean Dream, Anyone?!<a href="http://img.timeinc.net/recipes/i/recipes/su/05/08/ice-cream-su-682737-x.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 420px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 420px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.timeinc.net/recipes/i/recipes/su/05/08/ice-cream-su-682737-x.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I found <a href="http://www.nourishingdays.com/?p=1447&cpage=1#comment-2203">this</a> lovely blog a few weeks ago and I am so glad I did. She has blogged about a what looks like a wonderful new book coming out, The Ice Dream Cookbook by Rachel Albert-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Matesz</span>. <a href="http://www.nourishingdays.com/?p=1447&cpage=1#comment-2203">Nourishing Days </a>says this about the book, "The great thing about this book is that not only are the recipes dairy and gluten free, they are also low in sugar. All of the recipes are sweetened only with honey or agave and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">stevia</span>. So, for anyone who can not tolerate cane sugar, or tries to stay away from too many sweeteners - you can enjoy ice cream (dream) again!". I am sold!<br /><br />She is also holding a giveaway for a copy of the book! All you have to do is leave her a comment. Check it out!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-3835678833408595782009-05-19T15:02:00.004-04:002009-05-19T16:01:59.096-04:00A 'DUH" MomentI found myself in the midst of a major "Duh!" moment yesterday. I was reading a beautiful post by Lady of Virtue on her blog <a href="http://ladyofvirtue.blogspot.com/2009/04/anti-mothering-propaganda.html">Large Family Mothering</a>. At some point during this post something in my brain clicked and I realized that somewhere along the way, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">amidst</span> all the different 'therapies' and 'specialists' and appointments and procedures and surgeries and...okay I will stop. But somewhere along this journey I forgot to just 'mother' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mikah</span></span>. I forgot to do what comes naturally. I forgot that at the core of his being, he is still a baby. He still needs to be nurtured. No amount of 'therapy' or 'specialists' can replace my nurturing and caring for him. He needs me to do with him what came so naturally with Ellie. His chromosome deletion doesn't negate his need for me to follow my instincts. It doesn't mean that he needs me to change they way we naturally progress on the road to being an independent human being.<br /><br />Where am I going with this?? All these thoughts were swirling around in my little brain in relation to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mikah</span></span> eating. He doesn't eat. Yes, he has his tube and for some people this is how they eat, how they must eat. Many people, young and old, have physical problems, they lack anatomical features needed to eat, they swallow their food into their lungs, medically speaking they aspirate. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mikah</span></span> does NOT have these problems. He just doesn't eat. He used to eat. He loved sweet potatoes and would eat 4-6 ounces at a sitting. The problem was the "sitting" would be an hour. He never had time to not eat and for a little fellow with a little mouth and little muscles and tone that was just too much work. His body just couldn't do it. This is one thing that likes to start replaying in my mind over and over again. What could I have done differently? If I hadn't been so adamant about nursing him would things have been different? Where did I go wrong in feeding my son? These of course are useless, mind numbing, depression boosting questions that must be squelched as soon as they start and so I tell myself to stop. It doesn't matter now. We cannot change the past and God knew what was going to happen.<br /><br />So back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mikah</span></span> not eating and not having any of the aforementioned eating/swallowing problems. He actually had a swallow study done a week before he had his g-tube placed and he <strong>doesn't</strong> have a problem swallowing. In fact, they usually have the kids come back a month or two later for a repeat test and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mikah</span></span> was so good at swallowing they didn't want to see him.<br /><br />So <strong>why</strong> doesn't he eat? After he had his surgery for his g-tube he stopped eating. I hear this from other moms. There are a multiple of guesses and perfectly reasonable explanations but really no one knows. Over the past several months this is one issue in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mikah's</span></span> life and yes, I think it deserves the rating 'issue', that has been surfacing more and more in my little talks with myself. Um, did I just write that? Now you all know, I talk to myself. Not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">out loud</span>. Then someone else might be able to jump in with their two cents and where would the fun be in that?<br /><br />Okay, so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mikah</span></span> eating. Little things have come up, comments made to me, posts on blogs like the one mentioned above and this one by Jennifer at <a href="http://trisacharm.blogspot.com/2009/05/breakfast-of-champions.html">Three's A Charm</a>. There was a possibility recently, which I still haven't brought myself to blog about, that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Mikah</span></span> was going to have surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids and that afterward he would need ICU care. One reason being that he would need suctioning because he has swallowing difficulty. I very adamantly proclaimed that he most certainly does NOT have a problem swallowing! And this person said, well he doesn't eat of course he has swallowing problems. But he doesn't! So we are back to this question of why doesn't he eat.<br /><br />Something in the post on <a href="http://ladyofvirtue.blogspot.com/2009/04/anti-mothering-propaganda.html">Large Family Mothering </a>and <a href="http://trisacharm.blogspot.com/2009/05/breakfast-of-champions.html">Three's A Charm </a>awoke a sleeping neuron in my brain and it just seemed to click. (I am hoping it doesn't <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">un</span></span>-click) Why on earth don't I just do what I do naturally? All the suggestions from therapists and specialists have not worked. When Ellie was learning to eat did I use a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Jiggler</span></span> or a Z-Vibe on her mouth for 5 minutes before eating, did I swing her around and stimulate her arms and legs, did I 'massage' her cheeks and stick my fingers in her mouth and brush her teeth and gums and try to get her to bite down?? No! I am positive I would have remembered that and that she would have been severely out of sorts by the time we actually got to the eating part. Which is exactly what happens with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Mikah</span></span>. By the time the food is on the spoon and being flown to his closed mouth and through his flailing arms, well, by then there is no food on the spoon...hopefully you get the picture.<br /><br />With Ellie it was much simpler. When it was time to eat I sat her in her highchair. Put some warmed food on a spoon and put the spoon and the food in her mouth. She either spit it out or she swallowed it. When we had done this for what seemed like a sufficient amount of time I nursed her. We then repeated the process for all the other mealtimes during that day and started over the next day and the next day until one day she ate a whole meal off a spoon and then we started working with a fork and different kinds of foods.<br /><br />This is my simple plan with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Mikah</span></span>. He is not nursing anymore, something that I am sad about at times especially when the questions about how this all happened begin. Again something I cannot change. Since he is not nursing I will sit him in his highchair when it is time to eat and before his tube feeding and for what seems like a sufficient amount of time I will put food on the spoon and airplane the spoon into his mouth. Some will come out and I will swish it up with the spoon, some will stay in and this he will swallow.<br /><br />And someday, he will eat all 4 ounces from the organic applesauce container and I will cry tears of joy. Similar to the tears I cried when I realized that Ellie just didn't need or want to nurse anymore only these tears will not hold any regret because I will know how hard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Mikah</span></span> and I have worked for them. I will know the journey that has led to them. I will know that I have found my way back to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">truly</span> mothering my son.<br /><br />Did you make it through my ramblings? If you did you will be excited to know that I started to put this simple plan into action this morning. Here is the email I sent Dave after lunch: I just fed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Mikah</span> some more applesauce. I think he really wants to learn how to eat. He didn't scream. He did turn his head away but willingly opened his mouth several times. He even grabbed the spoon, I thought he was trying to shove it away but one time he grabbed it before I could move and he took it to his mouth and licked some applesauce off. So far today he has eaten half of a little applesauce container. I warmed it and sprinkled cinnamon over it. I will try again before his 4:30pm "meal".Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-17193261194148894912009-05-18T13:53:00.006-04:002009-05-18T14:45:17.901-04:00The Simple Woman's Daybook~ May 18, 2009<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufU6HMie5zlj1Kci-zBciXmUPcW2_CXVTLxkIbTRVFoO2xkYo3NgatFHdH4lkUWOk83Joz6d2WVh6zdPRiAMMXCbdYaNf3Na0FGv6NO_LA7THrNGARS25cN639Wq_En6mGn9LVIQOgI3i/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337223858400799778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufU6HMie5zlj1Kci-zBciXmUPcW2_CXVTLxkIbTRVFoO2xkYo3NgatFHdH4lkUWOk83Joz6d2WVh6zdPRiAMMXCbdYaNf3Na0FGv6NO_LA7THrNGARS25cN639Wq_En6mGn9LVIQOgI3i/s320/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">For Today...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Outside my window... the sounds of birds singing, sunshine and beautiful green.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am thinking... how I love the sun and the green of spring!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">From the learning rooms... we learned the consonant H today. I love Ellie's excitement at discovering new things!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am thankful for... my husband's first paycheck since he was laid off in January.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">From the kitchen... beef stroganoff, steamed veggies and a simple salad.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am wearing... jeans, t-shirt and socks.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am reading... The Body Ecology Diet...gleaning many ideas for Mikah as well as myself.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am hoping... to enjoy a walk with my family this evening.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am creating... cleanliness in our Florida room and a scrapbook for my little man...I figured I should finish it since he is almost 2 1/2 y.o. :)<a href="http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/2009/05/good-read-exchangeinterested.html"> </a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am praying... for wisdom and discipline in using my time...there are so many things to be done...just trying to figure out what I <strong>should</strong> be doing...especially with Mikah's program.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Around the house... spring cleaning in the Florida room, plants to get in the ground and seeds to plant...oh yeah...I guess I should clean the kitchen :P</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">One of my favorite things... Mikah playing with my hair.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">A few plans for the rest of the week... we checked Wal-Mart off the list today, other grocery shopping later in the week, the plants we bought yesterday need planted, general chores, last night of AWANA on Wednesday night and lunch with daddy at his new job on Friday!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337234367935660274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrwpP1Fu0uqRZGH9sgxi_XlheP05b5WEqV9IIXKj318DXr-ZvmPEL15Wv2dWQ0Ne5muLqxXj7VNGtv6owG6ItA5_NNz9Df8_-jcs_xOUiaOOFYTc0rI7iRzPDYP4JNIQL3HfU4muJ8RUg/s320/Picture_019-1(rev+0).jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center">So sweet!! Mikah is 24 hours young!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Read more Daybooks </span><a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-57068824387910685582009-05-12T15:17:00.014-04:002009-05-12T16:20:56.765-04:00From Seeds to Harvest<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OqaBg2JyvkKXBACdjwDyFTgK4VST0jgYfrguMcwvUHaFer991lys5X6hf7RD3Z1TnQdkB09abwH53taeitoET1-00DP0To5lP7gb-hLWQEJvR5xEIBCauvF9Y18fWyooOZEhMYGlGfnR/s1600-h/seeds(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335024163150906450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 158px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OqaBg2JyvkKXBACdjwDyFTgK4VST0jgYfrguMcwvUHaFer991lys5X6hf7RD3Z1TnQdkB09abwH53taeitoET1-00DP0To5lP7gb-hLWQEJvR5xEIBCauvF9Y18fWyooOZEhMYGlGfnR/s320/seeds(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">Garden update...<br /><br /><div align="left">I guess I really don't have much to post about. We have had a whirlwind week or two since Daddy started his new job...There will be a post about all the drama later...<br /></div><div align="left">We did get all of our Mel's mix ingredients. We had been waiting for a wind/rain free day to mix everything together and put in the boxes. Well, that day never came so we mixed it in the garage and one wheelbarrow load at a time deposited it in the boxes. Daddy did most of this as mommy wasn't feeling good :) </div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335020752995745730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6aCegZ_ajpi3dSUA9ToLEnY15Xsp84SqRXxnxaB8d9iNBPeCq3Wk4eREuIjfHGjkcspLPUzpkwsGBW_ilI_ufNwFVzy2CgPxOpEbRC8qw59Ne6bE9OI9_HDVWi-9ZE5roel03Gmo31K5/s320/DSCN2482.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">One of the boxes with the Mel's mix.</span></div></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335022616357605858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1mySiTw4dXfbNFj2YUD4wIgzav0j8tw1tP9iWZTJywrdWYfTGDlW-HdqGM_UOiIo4OZw5NoTLAf6U0WyLCh61oXqLx-dt0LXIJQWcuEVeyNPquGoTOqY0nLDbw-I2CWJvtz27yOjr6Ia/s320/DSCN2485.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335021820693182034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66HqoSSGtrD7Qya5WEN_naconRIBLOc35BCXF1N7T95tR5JBfMHCg2f8u986y0XODnl5rEsSoDDa-OCRfJQ0akioHGDNmf5x9O4CC2aqG_bTVIIB7EKGWWI7_0g0N1-Yh_2Rnjah7EWv-/s320/DSCN2477.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335021824365929282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvrczf1eLrtRsRB-xbARp_Vlo4zM6o84jnBz3XvHwm4u9d6Pr8GcmMFlCUK8cVjWbodsdS1AMuKiRU5l6JnOX8xwnDuFGLVSUc1XQh1KG7XYoFUJz8fCKxU__M7ctEs_jbLUY_-sKn9x6/s320/DSCN2479.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">Ellie and I painted and nailed the grids into place today.</span></div></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The couple that we bought our house from obviously loved gardening, flower and vegetable. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">By the</span> time we bought the house from them they were past their gardening prime though and if you have been here you can tell that all the beds went wild. We have been fighting thistles and many other weeds since the summer we moved in. Seriously, we could have a thistle farm! Those things just don't die. So, one of our "favorite" pastimes this time of year is weeding :)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335025206044385442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jJzqnTvaV5KJIBbWYt6nWv3b5PIN7Xv0RcyyTIulsFp1P21fypQNFd37fmeHmRRaaeLch94xR9hsANepHfGuvQT6OK3-EsoHbccyWu20jZUUH0VVSt9t5r6n0vt74MIFXARjIJtHy9E1/s320/DSCN2475.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335025201540722002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OvlFU3INjCf6K2XLu-dpKhxupyvTOS5HjMqS6ghhAa3ODSMEiQVyVpXUCj7paCaWaIiIWZ3nun2FuKgdvLsacQULyj3bpeogzGznM9bcyKmLH9jwOctCB2RL60Wrmgqa-MWx4sZZmIV7/s320/DSCN2474.JPG" border="0" /></div><p><span style="font-size:85%;">And every lady needs a good hat...errr...visor while working in the garden. This is the first outdoor, sunny time of year since forever ago that I am using my glasses instead of contacts so my eyes <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">desperately</span> needed some protection. Ellie thought I got one for me and one for her :)</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335027066629306098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yKJg6Mq7bx8B02eK2ZR6Mj3YyVjdPy7vnLG0qoVCWLlJv7LmkScT-ZU766UrdsnAQPSEVgLJ66lFxPes1ULGYfWfcu7551objEoZMCWukKxo_KhZf-wuG9dIPag7VrNR_hAO1ZZfdl0y/s320/DSCN2481.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335027066126630722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgI7QUamhVq5P17BZelpSmJS2jvEcsxsU55kia9aaKNE3G1YlCKLBnMXK_8Q454UowsR8qaxDf9OaXuOsSgzfQCYew_2sqzM0RVJIONYfdU1-bprjJOTip8MWk4URA1w_Ie3yxtRC6tVdk/s320/DSCN2480.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">The clematis that wouldn't die. Any plant that is still living after the beating this one took <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">definitely</span> deserves a spot in the Mel's mix!</span><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335029260296056818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XBrJdoX_k5tm9pC9Ml-Ny9FyrkAlVzwNOsZz7uD8WCQLznqtt-dNDi-UzajMV10TC-hZZlYFmxZA-KZMpoaDQJR37IUeC8mzz-CQla5tDQAf2Ct2Kt7j0FBueYu2PMfOEW-De97Rw5rz/s320/DSCN2484.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335029253308891970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgjDjYDBoVrgoCEfV6iWDACUYT4xtAhrlGLxrvq6wHE1XeUqYzBZPvsnThjE1kymn9Rr_cnGi2REDSuiiPgSOpO_AeomVlBuXYY3GfRWAO9ahFO3Z14ll4Enm33ePN0krNHbri5_MXrsA/s320/DSCN2483.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Honeysuckle anyone?? This started as a very small shoot from my grandparent's vine. It was transplanted three times as an infant and I really wasn't sure it would make it after the third transplant. Now it is taking over the south side of our deck!! Let me know if you need a starter!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335029497675574658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNejzNpe0JWL_9tKBselx5vp4KHLV3GREoQ1J6YTXoIGSFo9b_dlBfYgotWt5QjML_TOMovIYjBuZjeu1PpLjXAWKfBmq_8s9Hy6AvtFcYnZhvPJQIP5IyM5HOKVJdTKMq73RFkKv9c32D/s320/DSCN2487.JPG" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Ellie with one those previously mentioned weeds.</span></p><p align="left">More gardening to be done later. I received a gift card for flower/plant shopping for Mother's Day. I will post what ends up in the cart later!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-35140281484811978492009-05-07T09:28:00.003-04:002009-05-07T09:33:16.636-04:00Battlefield of the Mind Giveaway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4Mvkm4c0b_8XhvH6ZsoaU8hyphenhyphen-RshQlqMHYZY0y6mUJNSmIfnYCntdBdi5cU3K6VlxNDw5bpFAqMQlWp9wD0ALp2TDJonsND5LRva19C5k24qkLi7SRVbtPi29w-0dLWCOO6Jnl76jwC1/s1600-h/battlefield_of_the_mind.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333073788663046162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4Mvkm4c0b_8XhvH6ZsoaU8hyphenhyphen-RshQlqMHYZY0y6mUJNSmIfnYCntdBdi5cU3K6VlxNDw5bpFAqMQlWp9wD0ALp2TDJonsND5LRva19C5k24qkLi7SRVbtPi29w-0dLWCOO6Jnl76jwC1/s320/battlefield_of_the_mind.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>There is a giveaway going on at <a href="http://www.momsbyheart.net/">Moms By Heart </a>for Joyce Meyer's new DVD Battlefield of the Mind Series. Just go <a href="http://www.momsbyheart.net/2009/05/battlefield-of-mind.html">here</a> to enter.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>If you win you have to let me know :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-55192784794691214362009-05-06T16:04:00.001-04:002009-05-06T16:06:57.185-04:00Psalm 71:5-8Psalm 71:5-8<br /><br />"O Lord, you alone are my hope.<br />I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.<br />Yes, you have been with me from birth;<br />from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.<br />No wonder I am always praising you!<br />My life is an example to many,<br />because you have been my strength and protection.<br />That is why I can never stop praising you;<br />I declare your glory all day long."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-36497207930389117082009-05-06T14:18:00.001-04:002009-05-06T14:20:35.848-04:00Some PeacePsalm 40:1-2<br /><br />“I waited patiently for the Lord;<br />He turned to me and heard my cry.<br />He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire;<br />He set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (NIV)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-45221478354959113372009-05-06T12:35:00.003-04:002009-05-06T12:41:34.549-04:00You Remain<div align="center"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPrnjx1nkfQ">You Remain</a></div><div align="center">by The Wrecking</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I watched you fall</div><div align="center">Like I didn't care at all</div><div align="center">Thinking myself great thinking you so small</div><div align="center">A window to my soul reveals a breaking wall</div><div align="center">As the pieces of it fall</div><div align="center">I'm hearing you call</div><div align="center">Broken down and you never made a sound</div><div align="center">I'm reaching out</div><div align="center">Will you pull me from the ground</div><div align="center">You loved me before I knew your name</div><div align="center">Sometimes this world just seems so strange</div><div align="center">No matter how things seem to change</div><div align="center">You Remain You Remain</div><div align="center">Minutes tic tock by and hours pass</div><div align="center">And a peaceful smile has found my lips at last</div><div align="center">No matter if this world is spinning slow or fast</div><div align="center">I'm safe in this shadow you cast</div><div align="center">Broken down can I give you back your crown</div><div align="center">I'm reaching out</div><div align="center">Will you pull me from the ground</div><div align="center">You loved me before I knew your name</div><div align="center">Sometimes this world just seems so strange</div><div align="center">No matter how things seem to change</div><div align="center">You Remain You Remain</div><div align="center">Jesus You Remain</div><div align="center">Jesus You Remain</div><div align="center">Jesus You Remain </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-69738085374308888552009-05-05T06:54:00.003-04:002009-05-05T07:39:06.870-04:00The Simple Woman's Daybook~ May 5, 2009<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugQt6X3DJUMdKS-x0MKVSnydYysKV6IVC4vLxZunStYRNI1BgjL0jLRXd-jYdcR5i56e5fXwGoXdpTdkU3GtFkTyyqQNNBhk8JKcUYXvqObhwl3jV7Yb5mMDkQjR1WM6OoxEdY0Un0oyd/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332291597057580850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugQt6X3DJUMdKS-x0MKVSnydYysKV6IVC4vLxZunStYRNI1BgjL0jLRXd-jYdcR5i56e5fXwGoXdpTdkU3GtFkTyyqQNNBhk8JKcUYXvqObhwl3jV7Yb5mMDkQjR1WM6OoxEdY0Un0oyd/s320/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg" border="0" /></a> For Today May 5, 2009...</div><div align="center"><br />Outside my window the sun is starting to peak over the trees, I wonder if it will be a sunshiney day...</div><div align="center"><br />I am thinking it is good I didn't do this yesterday; there would have been many angry words...</div><div align="center"><br />From the learning rooms Ellie is loving the reading program; I really need to re-group and get on the ball with Mikah's program; need to find more patterning helpers...</div><div align="center"><br />I am thankful for God's peace and for beautiful songs put together by some of God's followers; one that has been special to me recently is By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North...</div><div align="center"><br />From the kitchen vegan burgers, homemade fries, salad and chocolate chip cookies...</div><div align="center"><br />I am wearing my pjs...</div><div align="center"><br />I am reading several books and just finished The Year My Son and I Were Born; it is one of the best books I have read recently...</div><div align="center"><br />I am hoping for a peaceful week...</div><div align="center"><br />I am creating... honestly, I don't know what I am creating right now; I am just trying to get by...</div><div align="center"><br />I am praying for God's peace that surpasseth all understanding...</div><div align="center"><br />Around the house regular chores, a grocery list to make, garden boxes to be filled...</div><div align="center"><br />One of my favorite things watching Mikah and Ellie play together...</div><div align="center"><br />A few plans for the rest of the week a doctor's appointment Thursday, praying that the doctor's appointment is nothing, Ped appointment Saturday to talk about Mikah's "sleep" study, trying to get back into a new groove and schedule...</div><div align="center"><br />Here is a picture...err...video thought I am sharing with you...<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J95rAr0gOFU">By Your Side</a></div><div align="center"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J95rAr0gOFU&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J95rAr0gOFU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ourquiverfull">Our Quiverfull</a> shared this video a while ago. It came at a time that I really needed it and it has resurfaced again over this past weekend.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">For more Simple Woman Daybooks visit </span><a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-26918491972820990532009-04-29T14:54:00.004-04:002009-04-29T15:44:05.934-04:00From Seeds to HarvestThis looks like a fun blogging world challenge and one I have already started. Check it out here, <a href="http://teachinggoodthings.com/blog/from-seeds-to-harvest/">From Seeds to Harvest</a>.<br /><br />As I mentioned <a href="http://raisingmikah.blogspot.com/2009/04/simple-womans-daybook-april-27-2009.html">Monday</a>, I am trying the <a href="http://http//www.squarefootgardening.com/">Square Foot Gardening </a>this year. My wonderful and handy husband built me a couple 4x4 boxes already. We are waiting for the vermiculite, one of the <a href="http://www.squarefootgardening.com/index.php/Latest-Improvements/3-mels-mix.html">Square Foot Garden ingredients </a>and then we will be ready to fill the boxes and plant away.<br /><br />I am still not 100% sure what we are planting. I am thinking of flowers, herbs and vegetables though. I thought I might start with some of what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mikah</span> gets in his "blends" everyday and expand from there. Carrots, tomatoes, kale, broccoli, chard, other lettuces. Maybe some basic herbs, basil, thyme, parsley, sage. Some marigolds, I love how they smell and they remind of when I was a little girl and my mom and dad had a fairly large (it seemed large anyway) vegetable garden. Zinnias and sunflowers. I guess just a mix.<br /><br />I am planning on trying the Square Foot Gardening method of growing any vine plants, cucumbers, squash, melons, tomatoes, vertically instead of horizontally by putting a trellis in at least one of the beds. I also have a Clematis vine that we tried to kill last year and guess what! It didn't die! I will transplant it and put it in a corner of one of the boxes next to our deck.<br /><br />Ellie seems to be excited and she has already asked what she can grow. She wants to grow marigolds and she has helped me start a compost pile. She loves running food scraps, napkins and toilet paper rolls to the compost pile. Actually, she found it quite amusing that toilet paper rolls could be added to the compost pile :) Now I just need a little compost bin or bucket for adding scraps to throughout the day in the house so we aren't making a trip outback every 5 minutes.<br /><br />This year we are following the directions for <a href="http://www.squarefootgardening.com/index.php/Latest-Improvements/3-mels-mix.html">Mel's Mix</a> for ease of getting started. Next year though I would like to try the <a href="http://www.oprah.com/article/home/outdoorspaces/20090220_orig_lasagnagarden101">Lasagna Gardening </a>method of layering with stuff found in our backyard. These authors both wrote wonderful books on their methods which will be some of my next purchases for my own personal library.<br /><br />I also read in the <a href="http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/">No Greater Joy </a>magazine recently that Mama Pearl has her own Heirloom Seed collection through the <a href="http://www.bulkherbstore.com/MPVG">Bulk Herb Store</a>. Something I have yet to look into but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">definitely</span> peeked my interest for seeds to buy.<br /><br />Happy gardening!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-71776581966510535382009-04-29T09:26:00.005-04:002009-04-29T11:09:16.997-04:00A Sense of UrgencyHow to instill a sense of urgency in my 4 y.o. ???<br /><br />I am frustrated...She has a <a href="http://www.chorepacks.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">chorepack</span></a>. We have been using it for several months now. Simple things I know she knows how to do and is very capable of doing. I have witnessed her accomplish them in a timely and efficient manner on several <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">occasions</span> without my help, except maybe to brush her hair and teeth. She is to put her pajamas away, get dressed, brush her hair and teeth, make her bed, pick up her room and feed the dogs. Like I said, she has done all of these things <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">independently</span> multiple times and very joyfully.<br /><br />This morning, and this is not an isolated occurrence, I was finishing feeding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mikah</span> and then feeding myself and cleaning up breakfast, changing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mikah's</span> diaper and a couple other odds and ends. All of which took about 20 minutes. Ellie was to go and start her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">chorepack</span>, the first thing being to put her pajamas away and get dressed. So, 20 minutes later when I finished all my breakfast stuff I went down the hallway to start on my after breakfast chores and walked past Ellie's room to see her NAKED body dancing around her room! Naked! Nothing even close to being on her body. How long does it take to get dressed?<br /><br />So how do I instill in her a do it now and dance around the room after I am clothed attitude? If I am not right there with her every second, which I can't possibly be, she seems to become distracted so easily. I know some may say she is so young. My response is that she CAN do it. I have been witness to this.<br /><br />Is it an obedience issue?<br /><br />Just some Wednesday morning musings...Any thoughts?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-63019693507591191482009-04-27T14:38:00.006-04:002009-05-05T12:14:51.251-04:00The Simple Woman's Daybook~ April 27, 2009<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JkKnlpM0IJFH19Fsu6OrqofdIVko-qvvX7qCROmIPI5Br8mf-z3hsqbymtqWWhoVF_D-xopJo4ov8yKjWCjNL2uWVNAgoBP92XnAMjG-30rfAOVzzwvuBPSKlefBSm_Yk_b5CEyS5hj3/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329442589662157426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JkKnlpM0IJFH19Fsu6OrqofdIVko-qvvX7qCROmIPI5Br8mf-z3hsqbymtqWWhoVF_D-xopJo4ov8yKjWCjNL2uWVNAgoBP92XnAMjG-30rfAOVzzwvuBPSKlefBSm_Yk_b5CEyS5hj3/s320/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg" border="0" /></a>For Today April 27, 2009...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Outside my window beautiful green grass, flowering trees, daffodils drooping to make way for more of God's amazing flowers, breezy and sunny...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am thinking what a peaceful day so far and how good it is to hear from friends... </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">From the learning rooms we started The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading..Ellie is loving it and now she wants to know when we are going to start learning how to write...now that daddy has a new job maybe we can buy the program we want...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am thankful for God's providence...for His grace He has bestowed on us with the blessing of my husband's new job that he started today...he was only laid off for 12 weeks, we know of many who have been laid off for 6 months and longer...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">From the kitchen tomato basil chicken breasts, little red potatoes, broccoli and maybe some brownies...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am wearing a pink shirt, capris and barefeet...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am reading a couple juicing and fasting books, also Created To Be His Helpmeet...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am hoping to create a peaceful and relaxing enviroment for my husband to come home to this evening/next several weeks...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am creating organization with my digital pictures on my computer...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am praying for a peaceful transition as daddy starts working again...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Around the house laundry to hang up outside and children resting quietly... </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">One of my favorite things was having my husband home for 12 weeks...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">A few plans for the rest of the week buying vermiculite, compost and peat moss, Mikah has an eye test/appointment tomorrow and the sleep clinic will be calling to set-up a time for his sleep study, cleaning out the kid's old clothes, just trying to get back into a new groove and schedule... </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329449989030492514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMUlL_f-sln0UExxQzNPqi7NRJdIZjQXxZRdMs5CxuWwwLJDnkblPILKXbBz0aXWVAZTdGP8_It6UHo48QbvZowNCPNd_SvBRKpSc0DtDwlTETeRRQXu6SA3kxaSx2HSKDNgROhvTriJJ/s320/misc+331.jpg" border="0" /></div><p align="center">My first <a href="http://www.squarefootgardening.com/">Square Foot Gardening </a>box. I will post more pictures as it comes along...</p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">For more Simple Woman Daybooks visit </span><a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/</span></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-85320407740108128422009-04-18T15:22:00.002-04:002009-04-18T15:27:52.579-04:00Beautiful WordsPhilippians 3:7-16<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">7</span>But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. <span style="font-size:78%;">8</span>What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to <em>the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things</em>. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ <span style="font-size:78%;">9</span>and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. <span style="font-size:78%;">10</span>I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, <span style="font-size:78%;">11</span>and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. <span style="font-size:78%;">12</span><em><strong>Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.</strong></em> <span style="font-size:78%;">13</span>Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But <em><strong>one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, <span style="font-size:78%;">14</span>I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.</strong></em> <span style="font-size:78%;">15</span>All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. <span style="font-size:78%;">16</span>Only let us live up to what we have already attained.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-66112631051015304562009-04-17T15:56:00.005-04:002009-04-17T17:14:16.227-04:00Ear tubes, Sleep & NosesFirst I have to comment on the Oh So Gorgeous Day!! Isn't God so fabulous to allow us a little sunshine :)<br /><br />Today <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mikah</span> had a follow-up to a follow-up to a follow-up to his ear tube/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ptosis</span> surgery from January of 2008. Each time we meet with his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ENT</span> doctor I like him more. He came off really bad the first time I met him and the second time. Maybe it is the location...we have been seeing him in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Westerville</span> now instead of the main Children's campus. It is a much calmer, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">quieter</span> atmosphere. But I digress...<br /><br />Ear Tubes: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mikah's</span> right ear tube is still tucked neatly in his eardrum working it's little magic of draining junk. His left ear tube is (or was at 11:30am) laying comfortably inside <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mikah's</span> ear canal waiting to fall out without anyone noticing and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">disappearing</span> into the vacuum cleaner the next it is in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">operation</span>. His ear canals have grown to the point though that the doctor did not need to use his ultra fancy high powered microscope to look in Little Man's ears. This is a good thing.<br /><br />What do you do about that?? We wondered the same thing. I guess we just wait and see if it matters. If we start to think he is having trouble hearing or if it becomes infected (he has to date never had an ear infection, the tubes were because he couldn't pass a hearing test) than we will explore the possibility of replacing the ear tube. For now we wait.<br /><br />Sleep: Or should I say lack?... Okay, I am joking...sort of... Most of you know <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mikah</span> has never slept well, except when he was first born and we had trouble waking him. I guess then he slept well, a little too well. (Digressing again...) His <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ENT</span> took one look in his throat this morning and immediately asked us how his sleeping was. We both mumbled and stumbled and basically came up with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ehhh</span>...not too good. Actually it is better than it was which isn't saying much. Some nights you have to listen really close to hear him breathing and other nights you have to put the pillow over your head or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">just give</span> up and get up (and the credit at this point should go to my wonderful husband, I love you sweetie :) ). The doc said they "grade" tonsils on a scale of 1-4(maybe 5) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Mikah's</span> are a high 3. In a normal relaxed awake state they touch his uvula, the thing that hangs down in the back of your throat. How annoying! He is pretty sure that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Mikah</span> must have obstructive sleep apnea and has ordered a sleep study. If he does, the doc may want to remove his tonsils and adenoids to see if it helps...This is something that was brought up last year and was the last worry or test on the long growing list. SO it is not exactly a new idea just not one we could "deal" with at the time. Now is the time and I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">surprisingly</span> at peace with the whole thing. Last year I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">definitely</span> was not peaceful when thinking about it.<br /><br />Noses: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Mikah's</span> is gifting us with LOTS of thick nasty, yellowish-greenish junk. Speaking of sleep, that is not something he did last night. Please pray he is able to fight it and it doesn't become nastier, like chest nasty.<br /><br />That's all for now. I am going to wake our Little Man now and we are going to enjoy a nice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Starner</span> Style walk!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-78673418119233881612009-04-08T14:49:00.004-04:002009-04-08T15:59:47.685-04:00Mikah...<strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;">CRAWLED!!!!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:180%;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">We are so excited!!! It was beautiful to see. I wish everyone one of you could have been witness to this miracle! He did 5 perfect, patterning like swipes with his hands and feet on his belly, on the carpeted living room floor, head not all the way up but not all the way down like normal :) All this to get his drum. I was laying on the floor, on my belly right beside him (with Ellie sitting on my back, it appeared to be a team effort) and I just kept inching his drum away little bits at a time and he went after it. He was a little man on a mission and he succeeded!! He won!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">That is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">definitely</span> what we call a <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">VICTORY!!!</span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mikah</span> is really doing fabulous. He was "sick" twice this winter and conquered both colds without having to see his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ped</span> and receive antibiotics. He did take a little longer than Ellie would have to get over them but HE GOT OVER THEM ALL BY HIMSELF.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">He has been on a totally blended vegan almost all raw diet since September and seems to be doing wonderfully. He is not doing much of anything with oral eating but we are happy nonetheless. Compared to last year he is thriving! I never understood that word until <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mikah</span> was born. There is a huge difference between living and thriving. And he is thriving.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Since Dave lost his job our whole daily schedule and home program have kind of flown out the window, odd since I thought that daddy being home would help and make it easier to accomplish all of our scheduled tasks...however we are enjoying the time we have all had together. It is fun having breakfast together in the mornings and daddy has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">definitely</span> had more playtime with both Ellie and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mikah</span> individually. We have slowly been able to tackle little jobs around the house that have been hanging around and we have had more time together just to talk about life.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The week Dave lost his job we had actually been planning on submitting our paperwork to the Institutes for a Home Consultation with tentative plans to return to the Institutes in March or April and take <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mikah</span> with us to begin their Aspirant Program. When Dave lost his job all spending was immediately put on hold <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">indefinitely</span>, including <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mikah's</span> program. Since then we have received a couple miracles from God, financially, a generous gift from friends and other financial blessings that can only be attributed to the Handiwork of God. Because of these blessings it looks like we will be able to proceed with working with the Institutes more closely on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mikah's</span> program and not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">necessarily</span> have to wait until God opens the door to a new job.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">On the topic of a new job...to help your prayers be more specific, Dave has several leads right now. He has actually had an interview <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">every other</span> week that he has been laid off which is huge in his field of work. Many others he knows have been laid off longer and have not had one interview. He has four different companies that could make an offer any day. He has an interview the end of this week and is scheduling a second interview with a firm for this week or next. Please pray for God's leading and wisdom. That He would direct our paths and make it abundantly clear where Dave is supposed to go for that next position.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I will try to get video of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Mikah</span> crawling to post for all his friends to watch :)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Have a blessed day!!! And thank you to all of our wonderful helpers and friends and prayer warriors!! Without your servant hands and hearts we would have had to wait a lot longer to see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Mikah</span> move so beautifully.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-76795769772205324982009-04-07T23:56:00.002-04:002009-04-07T23:58:46.309-04:00Praying for Stellan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL0fa4T9xX8KVgznTq2SGExZKwREWzZj81zC6ly9IuPKOHW-A4uDlkAa7eSB5HMu5UdAbOtTKfZoQ1mb-uNch2mYsuju_shKF4CPUI5x40PRfowICBYhj5N4OdzYrwU-quB1bakgdSQzS/s1600-h/stellanprayers.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322164734363746082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL0fa4T9xX8KVgznTq2SGExZKwREWzZj81zC6ly9IuPKOHW-A4uDlkAa7eSB5HMu5UdAbOtTKfZoQ1mb-uNch2mYsuju_shKF4CPUI5x40PRfowICBYhj5N4OdzYrwU-quB1bakgdSQzS/s320/stellanprayers.png" border="0" /></a> A fellow blogger friend told me about this family and their 5 month baby. I have been following their story and thought some of you might be interested in praying for Stellan too.<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-40404856380205677952009-04-07T23:44:00.001-04:002009-04-07T23:47:45.738-04:00Longaberger Wednesday Only Sale!<div align="center"><br />YOU HAVE CLUTTER? YOU NEED THIS ONE !<br />ONE DAY SALE WILL SAVE YOU $33! </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322161844133381074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 279px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissAqcR1IJGjiZGFF99bTjP9uynfO2Tgw-iEYJcxSmNMvm3oNKOLm7VUuxCkYm77zplYxzJz-lyqUN0COFcG1eY3SyAvKEcE8BMtkGQU7OlHYJuHZmNGt2djYWubd7dNrWinKLVY8h4LEZ/s320/lgdesktop.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />You can order by going to <a href="http://www.longaberger.com/michellestarner">www.longaberger.com/michellestarner</a><br />I am happy to order for you so you do not forget!<br /><a href="mailto:mstarner@marykay.com">mstarner@marykay.com</a><br />Have a blessed week!<br />Michelle<br /><br />Receive New Wish List on request!<br />New American Home Pottery...Made in America Matters!<br />Gorgeous Khaki Stripe Baskets...APRIL ONLY!!<br />April Woven Traditions Pottery SALE....20% OFF!<br />Spring Dollars Coupons...Order $50, Get $10 coupon for June!<br /><br />FACTORY STORE ON LINE 24/7Retired & Great Sales<a href="http://www.longaberger.com/michellestarner">www.longaberger.com/michellestarner</a><br />Have $150 in orders? Contact Michelle to receive hostess benefits.<br />No benefits when ordering on line.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-57107564354165829932009-04-06T08:03:00.005-04:002009-04-06T09:15:40.589-04:00The Simple Woman's Daybook~ April 6, 2009<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZD20BCEWuMr7tUXkt4d2_-nuML7RFa8AjNON8J0__mVT_gio4itcu7lDHqGWFUOXDZCvAsx89PMKJjRxjMWL2oD6kRwHHBx6rhHC4AWgvHlaxj49qJ60QZB11sictM1lS47N85555jPk/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321548237468685154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZD20BCEWuMr7tUXkt4d2_-nuML7RFa8AjNON8J0__mVT_gio4itcu7lDHqGWFUOXDZCvAsx89PMKJjRxjMWL2oD6kRwHHBx6rhHC4AWgvHlaxj49qJ60QZB11sictM1lS47N85555jPk/s320/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg" border="0" /></a>FOR TODAY April 6, 2009...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Outside my window God's creation is dripping with the fresh rain from last night, the grass seems to be greener <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">every time</span> I glance outside...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I am thinking that today will be a blessing...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I am thankful for God's peace that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">surpasseth</span> all understanding, that guards my heart and mind...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">From the learning rooms we are in need of a makeover, a do-over...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">From the kitchen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hmmm</span>, I don't know, I forgot to look at the menu on my way in to the office...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I am wearing my pajamas...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I am creating a life that trusts God in all ways...or at least that is my goal...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I am going to stay home today...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I am reading Created to be His <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Helpmeet</span>, the book of 1 Samuel and Luke in my Life Application Study Bible...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I am hoping to finish <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">decluttering</span> the office this week...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Around the house all is still quiet...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">One of my favorite things spending quiet time with my husband...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">A few plans for the rest of the week: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mikah's</span> early intervention teacher is supposed to come, I would like to find a pattern for a simple jean skirt, creating a new menu, a couple interviews for my husband :) ...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Here is picture thought I am sharing...</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321565559715900322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrUR9nOAVplYY-JVe3J8Oyme7RrRefKJL0CZNRs3aOqu8cJvmM0jxnl_4GHCh4_CoXlcUaa84Pb-527SWFKyBIdm3J2aCBG0HOEGnyTDw3HmHg2c6s5OKraVrkHdW1MYeIgfeqjha7962/s320/misc+303.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">We made a wonderful discovery during Ellie's birthday party...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mikah</span> LOVES balloons!!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">For more Simple Woman <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Daybooks</span> visit </span><a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/</span></a><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-17152304320030129832009-04-05T21:46:00.003-04:002009-04-05T22:02:47.238-04:00Maple Syrup RecipeWe have a problem in our house every Saturday and Sunday morning...Pancakes!! Daddy and Ellie make a stack of Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes every weekend and the extras go in the freezer for a lazy morning when mommy can't get her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">body</span> to cooperate with her head and get up on time :)<br /><br />Along with these pancakes we of course need syrup. Has anyone priced decent yummy maple syrup recently?!? I know prices overall are going up and this is reflected in the syrup aisle. Again in my effort to maintain a frugal household I thought, "Why can't I make the syrup?". I think this thought first took root in my brain as I was watching our maple tree drip sap. It was running with so much sap that the branches had sap "icicles". It was amazing and I am kicking myself for not getting a picture. The squirrels and birds would just sit on the branches and nibble away. I joked with a friend about tapping the tree and setting up a big pot over a fire in the front yard to boil down our own maple syrup...Watch out, I just might <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">try it</span> next year :)<br /><br />Second best to tapping the tree is the recipe I found for Maple Syrup. It is super easy, takes all of 5 minutes to make and has passed the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Starner</span> taste test. Let me know what you think.<br /><br /><strong>Maple Syrup</strong><br /><br />Combine in saucepan:<br />1 3/4 cup white sugar<br />1/4 cup brown sugar<br />1 cup water<br />Slowly bring to a boil over medium heat stirring often, cover and cook 1 minute. (I have found you need to play around with how long to cook it, this depends on how thick or thin you prefer you syrup)Cool slightly.<br />Add:<br />1/2 t vanilla<br />1/2 t maple flavoring<br />Cover saucepan for a few minutes as syrup cooks to melt down crystals; helps prevent syrup from crystallizing later in storage. Allow to cool and store in covered container in refrigerator.<br /><br />From the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Starner</span> house to yours. Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788891793852352980.post-18764586144862609282009-04-05T21:25:00.005-04:002009-04-05T21:40:29.905-04:00SoupI have come to really enjoy and appreciate the many <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">varieties</span> of soup during this time of Dave transitioning to a new job. We have found it to be an extremely healthful and frugal way to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">stretch</span> our food supply and our balance in the checking account.<br /><br />Here is one we sampled recently that all of us thoroughly enjoyed. Even the other non-soup loving individuals in the house :)<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Lentil Soup with Sausage and Kale</span></strong><br /><br />1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil<br />1 lb bulk sausage (I actually bought a smoked sausage and diced it, it was delicious)<br />1 cup lentils<br />1 medium onion<br />3-4 cloves of garlic, grated<br />1/2 lb <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cremini</span> mushrooms, thinly sliced<br />1 potato (we were out of white potatoes so I used a sweet potato, highly recommended)<br />2 sprigs rosemary, chopped<br />3-4 sprigs thyme<br />salt & pepper to taste<br />1/4 cup tomato paste<br />4 cups chicken stock<br />1 bunch kale, thick stems removed, leaves shredded<br /><br />Place a large soup pot over medium-high heat with one turn of the pot of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">EVOO</span>. Once hot, add the sausage and saute for 3-4 minutes, breaking into small pieces as it cooks and browns.<br />While sausage is browning, pour lentils out and sift <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">thru</span> for small stones.<br />To the browned sausage, add onion, garlic, potato, mushrooms, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper and tomato paste. Cook, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes.<br />Add the stock and 2 cups of water, turn the heat up to high and bring to a bubble. Add the lentils and the kale. Stir until the kale wilts in then turn heat down to medium and simmer 30-45 minutes until lentils are tender.<br /><br />Next time we have this soup I am going to try it as a vegan dish. I think it will be just as lovely and filling.<br /><br />Post your comments and let me know if you and your family enjoy this for a meal. Let me know any of your personal alterations.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0