A lot of photos & silly excuses

I miss blogging.

I have been sitting around this evening, catching up on blog posts that are months old, how very sad.  Where once my life was a struggle to NOT think about everything I could blog, these days blogging has fallen to the back burner, the back of my mind, the back of the line and I'm just sad about it.

I wonder if it's the new location of our computer.  We have it placed in a spot that makes it seriously uncomfortable for me to work.  I'm looking on Craig's List for a small table or desk that would better suffice.  But the truth is that I'm just out of hours, life is full and good.

I have made time to do other things lately;

mass quantity dinners, 

making warmth and keeping warm,

keeping my busy boys busy,

making crafty Christmas things with those busy boys,

sitting at a desk in a quiet room with my cat, God and a lot of thoughts and some good books,

keeping boys busy learning to crochet,

enjoying Winter,

mass producing warmth,

admiring this painting (from my in-laws house),

watching snowball fights,

loving my morning view,

spending Christmas with family,

e*hem.  Yes, lots of this,

staring into their sweet eyes,

keeping warm with my Mama whilst those boys skate on the ice,

how could I not stare into those eyes?

having a fun date night with my 7 year old boy,

enjoying our new Settler's expansion pack (Thank You, Sister!)

...and pictionary with the family, of course!

And now it's January 5 and January 7 is the beginning of school again.  Things are going well with school but I've found that I'm spending more time there this year (not unexpected, as the boys get older.)  I'm loving the Latin for Children curriculum we've started, and I'm loving that my oldest boy is doing more and more of his own work and scheduling for school.  

I'll be trying to stop around here more often, I really enjoy this quiet little corner of my world...and I do love to share photos, and I have gobbs of photos.  

December 5 Daily Book

Outside my window...It's still dark for now, but skies have been blue and clear, for that I'm thankful.  

I am thankful for... the quiet of the morning.   I seem to have a bit of an early internal clock.  But I really look forward to the early morning when I'm the only one sneaking around the house.  

Ralph got me a Kindle for a belated birthday gift.  I never thought I'd enjoy one, but I'm thankful to read Les Mis without squinting at my phone or hauling around a 10 lb book.

From the learning rooms... This is our first full week working through the new Latin curriculum, Latin for Children.  So far I really like it.  I think learning how to use a new curriculum can be a job within itself!  But we're at home (no CC for a few weeks) and I'm enjoying focusing on our Boys Noise School.

We take school to the library every week or so.  Very cozy. 

From the kitchen...This week I'm making mass batches of Tuna Casserole & Lemon-Poppyseed muffins for the freezer and our tummies.  

I am wearing...jammies, robe, long socks.  It's early here yet.  

This is an honest picture.  The boys gathered around our sweet little tree for a photo...Joey promptly stepped on Lijh's toes.  This is what I captured.  :)

I am creating...a new method of chores for our family.  It's working quite well.  Rather than each to their own several chores, we've been doing chores together.  We tackle things like de-sticking the kitchen table & chairs, detailing the car, cleaning all the bathrooms.  It's been really effective for me, and the boys all voted to work together.  I am also getting to teach better as we go to be sure that things get done correctly and well.  No sense in doing 1/2 chores.  I really like this system for this season.

I am going...to work again toward letting my children suffer their own consequences when they fail.  This is hard for me.  

I am reading...Les Miserables.  The boys and I began a new Advent book yesterday and I fell in love with it right away.  Jotham's Journey, it's called.  

Nate painted this sweet little elf.  It's not finished, he says.  But I love it anyway.

I am hoping...to go back to the doctor today, get some better drugs.  I still have this sinus infection...I'm really ready to be well.

I am hearing...clock tick. That's all.  Waiting to hear the coffee pot kick on.  

Around the house...been scrubbing.  

One of my favorite things...having the tree up in Advent, all the twinkle-sparkle lights around the house!

A few plans for the rest of the week: school, karate, a meeting or two, little this, little of that.  

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Autumn Day Book

Cleaning up the leaves of the Sycamores

Outside my window...It's still dark, and cold, cold, cold.  31' right now, and cooling off like Autumn rolls into Winter.  I haven't been working in the garden a bit, it's a bit spooky out there with giant frozen tomato plants and stalks of the Summer sunflower lying around.  The squirrels see it at a garden, yet though.  Think I'll save it for another day.  

I am thankful for... my husband.  Ralph and I have been doing some of the really, good hard work that a marriage takes (see MORE than maintenance here).  The last few months have been devoted on both our parts to spending a lot of time together, fine tuning, all that stuff.  The work has been so very hard, but last night I sat in the family room while he took the boys up to bed.  I listened to his deep voice, so tender with his little men, loving and reassuring and I'm so, so thankful for a dedicated, determined husband.  It's a good thing to appreciate your spouse, and I'm doing so with new eyes.  Man, I love that man.  

Following that, but not too closely, I'm thankful for my fabulous Naturopath.  Yesterday I snuck into her office suspecting that my cold has been lingering far too long.  I am so grateful for such a sweet little staff at her office, so grateful that they squeezed me in to get me set up to treat this sinus infection.  So thankful for all the help our family has gotten from her in the last 6 months.

Finally I'm thankful for Classical Conversations, again.  All of the wonderful community that has come from this group, all of the fun my boys have with their friends.  It's fantastic.  I'm thankful, however, that today is our last day of in-class for the year, we'll be hunkering down and focusing on Boys Noise School and Christmas-December activity now.  For a December break, I am so thankful!!

Headed to the library.  Seriously?  

From the learning rooms... we're just getting back into business.  We took the week of Thanksgiving off.  We have, for the year, however, gotten into our groove.  Into our 12th week of school, first Trimester is done!!  Our days this year consist of Bible, Scripture Memory, Prayer (please!), CC Memory Work, Geography, Story of the World: Ancient History, (my favorite!!)  Math, reading and Language Arts.  Over Christmas break I'm determined to begin the 'Latin for Children' curriculum I bought. I'm always tweaking and challenging too, and find that a bump in our life (break) is usually conducive to inspiration and good change...so I'm expectant.  I'm also working up a new Math game.  I'll tell you about it when it's ready.  

From the kitchen...Ooo!  This is a fun one to tell you about!  I'm seeing success in my scheme to both save time and money on dinner meals.  One day I'll sit down and spell it out for you, for now here's what's happening:  each week I've been buying enough food to prepare 5 of one meal.  The first week I made 5 lasagne.  Of course we ate one that night and then I tucked the rest in the freezer.  Every three weeks I'll pull out a lasagne and I'll have a night of no cooking.  It's frugal because I was able to shop sales and buy food in bulk.  I've been doing this with different meals for three weeks.  In about 10 more weeks, we'll have FIVE nights of already prepared dinners a week, and one day a week of cooking five meals (all the same).  My goal is to reduce our grocery budget by $50-75 a week, and eventually get some lunches and breakfast in there too!!

Snuggled up and playing with Lijh in his morning-bed.

I am wearing...jammies.  It's early here yet.  And I'm thinking I need to go hit my local thrift stores for some color.  I tend to wear black, black, black in the Winter.  Trying to fight this.  Maybe I just need a scarf.  Green?  :

I am creating...a crochet blanket.  For no one in particular.  Thanks to inspiration from a friend I'm also trying to create a more detailed, homey environment around here.  I'd like more things hanging on walls.  More thrift shopping...

Boys Noise School Geography

I am going...to 1. read my Bible and pray 2. Get ready for the day 3. Go to school 4.  Come home and rest for a month.

I am reading...Les Miserables.  Yes, I'm tackling it.  I'm 1/3 of the way through and hope to finish it before I see the movie after Christmas.  

Settlers with My Dad:  A favorite game around here lately.  

I am hoping...to begin semi-scheduled blogging again.  ;)  Also to start excersizing ...find something that works for me.  

I am hearing...heater humm, coffee click maker and a boy upstairs, playing quietly in his room.

Around the house...been scrubbing.  

One of my favorite things...Date night with Ralph.  Wednesdays are AWANA for the boys which provides an instant date night for us.  We usually try and go for a little dinner or coffee.  I always, always look forward to it.  And then Survivor.  I know, silly TV but I love having something to look forward to.  

A few plans for the rest of the week: school, karate, a playdate Friday, and hanging out with my husband.  Oh, and I plan to get rid of this sinus infection and be well.  

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

My Four Boys....look at all of those feet.  :)  

Rain

The rain is fitting today.  It comes, slow and steady and keeps me tucked into the warmth of the house.  But still I watch is trail down the windows and trees, slow and steady.

My mom always said grief was an ocean.  The waves wash over you and then let up for awhile.  After these heart-torn years it seems I know grief well, an acquaintance, not so much a friend.  Sometimes an ocean, sometimes a slow and steady rain.

Either way it doesn't let me choose when it comes.  It washes over me this morning, a rhythmic pat at my heart as I sweep the bunnies and dust people & pets have tracked around my home.

Raindrops and teardrops...

 for the losses of my extended family,

for a sweet friend who is fighting cancer,

for her family who fight with her,

for the excruciating, good work I'm pushing through with the love of my life,

for the slow farm work of growing boys and hopeful prayers,

for the years of pain piled up in my heart; the process of learning to let God have that burden in exchange for His always lighter load. 

So rain on, this morning, skies.  My heart may need the water to stay alive, stay supple under God's careful hand.

-    -     -

1 Peter 5:7

Cast your cares on the Lord, for he cares for you.

Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

You're invited to join me on my journey...

I am defective.

That's what the tests read...which is really probably no surprise to you in that a) you know me and it's easy to see I'm not quite normal and b) most people are.

This summer I went searching for some answers for my health.  I have been sleeping very poorly for a couple of years, and have experienced increased exhaustion, flat, at times down moods.  I knew from experience that my family physician would be happy to slap an anti-depression med on me.  In truth I was ready for that if that's what my true diagnosis was, but I was in search for a deeper diagnosis so I went to see a highly recommended Naturopathic Doctor.

After forms, questions about family history, health history, diet, excersize, etc I gave 11 vials of blood for testing.

The results were that I have a genetic mutation.  The neat name for this mutation is MTHFR.  I have two copies of the 1298 gene.  This means that I got one copy from each parent, meaning both of my parents, of course, also have MTHFR.

If you are related to me at all, there is a good chance that you have at least one MTHFR gene.

Studies show about 40% of people have at least one gene, and interestingly, 90% of children with Autism have MTHFR.


MTHFR, in short, prevents a persons' body from methylating (or processing) vitamin B.  This break down causes a body to hold onto toxins, can block seratonin from releasing into the brain, amongst other things.   Of course vitamin B is the energy vitamin, so I am also greatly lacking energy.

Other symptoms of MTHFR (and not limited to):

Anxiety
Depression
Hair Loss
Fibromyalgia
Memory Loss
Miscarriages
Stroke/Heart Attack
Bipolar
Cleft Lip
Spina Bifita
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A teeny bit of history for you, MTHFR was discovered through the Human Genome project in the early 90's. If you haven't heard of this diagnosis, you're probably in the majority. I recently went to a seminar on MTHFR and there were many physicians in attendance who are just learning about it and how to treat it.

 A certain Dr. Rawlins (OB) in the area has taken on the study and educating others about MTHFR, as treatment for MTHFR saved his son's life a few years back.   It seems to me that locally there is a lot of educating and information on MTHFR available, but not so much in other regions.

So now I've plunged into the simple treatment for this defect, I take methylfolate (Deplin and Metanx are prescribed supplements, often covered by insurance) and methylated B vitamins (not 'regular' B) and I'm feeling like a new person. I don't need to nap every day! I'm not dragging anymore and best of all I don't feel like I'm fighting off a little raincloud over my mind and heart anymore! Thanks to these and another supplement that has helped to regulate my cortisole levels I'm sleeping all night...for nearly a month.

I wanted to share this information with you in the event that you may be struggling in one or more of these areas. Anti depressants are very helpful, but if you can take a supplement that will alleviate the first problem, rather than just fixing it, it may help you. I know a few of you out there with fybromyalgia, and oh, that some of you might feel better, even a little. (If you have fibromyalgia, please listen to this woman's story) Again, your physician may not be familiar with MTHFR, you may need to research it and bring information to them and ask for testing and treatment.  I would love to share more with you, please comment or email me at puddlestomper@gmail.com to discuss what I'm learning more. This has been a pivotal discovery for me. I'm feeling so much better. I hope this could help you, too. To learn more, look at these :

 http://www.methyl-life.com
or 

Boys' Noise School: A Day in the Life

My Summer Challenges have ceased, and my time has been spent bustling around, planning (and enjoying each moment) for the coming school year.

It never fails that while in June I'm pining away for a bit of summer fun, mid-August I'm begging for routine and 'normal' life.  Don't worry, just as usual come February I'll be wishing for a little less normal-routine, just like always.

Just like always...it feels good to say that.  This year begins my 7th year of homeschool.  In case you're wondering, yes, I count preschool!  Preschool was the year of great adjustment, learning for mom and son, and school at home.  I'm starting to feel like something of an experienced homeschool mama.

Just for fun I thought I'd join in the fun and share a *typical day in the life at the Boys' Noise School.

6 (or 6:30) a. - I get out of bed & head down for a cup of coffee.   Comfy and bundled I find a favorite spot and sit down and work on my coffee while reading the Bible and praying for awhile.  Every.day.I.pray.for.Wisdom. (James 1:5)

7a. -My boys begin trickling downstairs.  They're supposed to stay in their rooms until 7 so I can get a little jump on the day quietly.  There is almost always snuggling with each of them.  They hang out with me a few minutes, then fall off to get breakfast or play.  These few minutes being close and talking to each boy are so important to me.

7:15 ish -Time to hit the shower, start laundry, grab a bite and get the day moving.

8:00 -This is my sacred hustle-bustle time.  I run down my chore items from my MotivatedMoms Calendar.  Laundry, vacuum, windows, dust a room.  Unload the dishwasher and sweep a porch.  The boys, in turn, are running through their lists.  Rooms, pets fed, cleaning up zones.

I do chores in the a.m. because I'm a morning-energy gal, because my boys play well together then, and because I can focus on school better with these things underway.  I LOVE this part of our day.

9:20ish -I give the boys' fair warning..."Meet you at the school table in 10 minutes!"  They scramble to finish their play or get a snack

9:30ish  -We pull out Bibles and "Long Story Short" and read through a day or two of stories.  There is usually a nice, socratic discussion that follows.  We pray for our day and use prayer sticks (shown on right) to pray for friends & family.  Yellow sticks have people we are praying for, blue has a topic.

Then using the Scripture Memorization system, we run through our scriptures and take some time to learn the new ones.

Then we tuck our books away but we're on a roll with recitation and memorization so we'll run through our Classical Conversations memory work for the week.  This usually only takes 15 or 20 minutes.  This year we will work longer on our mapping/ Geography.

10:15ish  I eat a handful of almonds, lest I turn into a monster.  The boys munch too, usually an apple or nuts.  Then we'll start in on our Math.  The boys all have different books, of course.  Joe usually has no trouble working through and correcting his own math.  I follow up with him on it later on.  I alternate between Nate and Eli working with them.  When they each finish up their work they'll head out for a little recess on the trampoline or LEGO play.

Then we'll move into our Language Arts Section.  Joe has an assignment sheet I've put together for IEW and Essentials from Classical Conversations.  Again, he frequently works on his own, and I read to Nate and Eli together from First Language Lessons and Writing With Ease.  We take time to work on Spelling Plus, I hop around from boy to boy helping whomever needs it at the moment.

After LA I'll work on Story of the World for a bit with the boys, reading while they color or work on maps.  This year I'll add Latin for Children to that mix, as well.

We usually quit for a break for lunch.  After lunch I'll gather them in to assess what needs to be done yet.  Each boy has time to finish up any lingering work.  Then they have assigned reading to work on for a bit.  I am off putzing around to more laundry, catch up on emails and other things.

Many afternoons they're at Karate or we're running errands.  Other days we lay low and hang about the house.  More LEGOS.  More trampoline, occasional park dates or river walks.  Some days (not enough) I read to them awhile.  I'll follow them to their LEGO spot to read aloud.  Some days they'll listen to their memory work while they play.

Ralph gets home about 4 or 5, we usually eat dinner right away.  He'll have a little house project to work on and I'll play a game with the kids, watch some TV, fold a last load of laundry or hang out in the yard visiting neighbors.

By 9 we usually get the kids tucked in and Ralph and I head to bed or the living room with reading.
I might make it to 9:30, sometimes 10....

*most days aren't typical, varying in schedule is ok by me.

Messy Floors

Ralph snickered at me when he was unloading our camping car, finding my on hands and knees scrubbing the baseboards and cupboards in the kitchen.  I know he was thinking that after nearly 6 days of camping I couldn't stand the sight of dirt in my home for another minute, and he's right.  But I'm also scrubbing away because I'm working through a realization about myself.

All this time, I maybe was thinking that forgiveness was about the rules.  That I'm supposed to forgive, I should, I will- eventually.

But today I'm thinking that maybe forgiveness isn't about playing by the rules, but how God wants us to forgive so we'll live in freedom.


Going back a little, I've noticed I'm wandering a lot.  Wandering away from the family & friends to do some important thing...wandering my way to a quiet spot with a book, wandering my way to the screen-o' distraction to peruse Pinterest or whatever.  I was wondering about my wanderings, asking God why I'm so withdrawn and why little interactions seem like work lately. Faithfully He whispered it to me, the answer:  I'm storing up hurt.

Holding it up in my heart and quietly building a wall around myself so that it won't happen again.  I won't get hurt without seeing it coming.

Here enters God's good plan for us regarding forgiveness:

At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, "Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?"

Jesus replied, "Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21&22)

Jesus told Peter to forgive over, and over, and over....even if that same person hurt him over and over and over.  Biblically we are able to forgive because God forgave us, and still forgives us for every sin.  We can give because we were forgiven.  

But God wants us to forgive, not only because he forgave us, but so we can live in freedom. 

Unforgiveness doesn't:

• protect me

• make me right

• make me better

• make me stronger

• heal me

• save me

• hurt the person that hurt me

But forgiveness does give us freedom.

Freedom to be in that relationship and love and laugh and live.  Freedom to embrace that friend and all their stuff and love them anyhow.  

Lord knows I understand it's not always so simple.  It took me years to fully forgive my first husband who left me and betrayed me so badly.  Even longer before I addressed my anger toward his family.  When I did fully forgive him it didn't mean I was back in any sort of relationship with him.  Sometimes the relationship requires severing, but forgiveness is always freeing.

So I'm mumbling for help and healing in this area as I go back to my floors.  It doesn't do any good for me to stay mad at the mess people-I-live left on the floor.  I'm going to clean it up and move forward, knowing that my floors will get dirty again tomorrow and I'll be cleaning it up again soon enough.  I want to invite people in my kitchen.  I want to engage my heart and mind again in freedom knowing  nothing will protect me from getting hurt but I trust and know a God who can usher me through the hurt and will help heal me again and again,

seventy times seven.  

A Cool Little Dig

This is a revisited summer project for us. The boys were able to do a lot of it alone this year. First we filled up a tub & a cake Pam with water. Then the boys ran off in search of little trinkets & toys. Meanwhile, for fun I dug out some treasure... Coins. We dumped all our booty into the water & put the pans in the freezer.
While I had my coffee on the front porch first thing next morning, the boys ran in to get their ice-treasure. The ice cubes quickly slipped out I the bowls and the boys went at the ice cubes. I let them use table knives. I think we have used spoons in the past.
This year, of course, the boys got the treasure out & spent the rest of the time tossed the ice up & watched it shatter on the concrete. ☺