C-pap for J

Several weeks ago, J went for a sleep study at our hospital. Since she was allergic to metal, she was unable to go through with the study; where they glue all of the electrodes everywhere. Apparently they have not been able to find any adequate "metal free" electrodes for her to use.

So, the Dr. sent her home with a C-pap machine. Her actual machine looks like this...and has a built in humidifier:












Here is what her mask looks like:



She will wear it during sleep for 2 weeks. There is a memory card inserted into the back of the machine, where her number of episodes of "not breathing" will be recorded. What happens is this: The machine is set to "5" for the amount of oxygenated air that blows in for her to breathe. When she holds her breath, the machine can sense this and blow more forcefully to "force" her response to breathe...up to a "12". The machine will record in this way every episode where she holds her breath.

J was initially excited about her new "fun" machine. She played with it most of the afternoon. The "in home" therapist said she could play with it...to get used to how it works, and feels on her face. She wore it while doing her school work...Bubb also checked it out for fun!

However...the novelty wore off about 1 hour into actual sleep time.


She woke up several times complaining that she felt she was suffocating. She pulled it off several times. Since J and Bubb share a room (only for a few more months while husband is completing his residency) Bubb was like a daddy rooster fussing at her for pulling the mask off.

David heard them once, and made J put it on again. I must have been in a deep sleep...Bubb said he screamed at her...we never heard that! Of course...to ADHD, their idea of a scream is much more exaggerated than an actually scream.

We've got to come up with a way to bribe this girl into keeping that mask on!! lol! She won't have to wear it forever, like in the case of an adult who would. The Pediatric physician explained that if her airway is obstructed during her sleep, she is losing vital oxygen to her heart. In children they can usually correct this by removing the tonsils and adenoids. This will open up the airway to keep it from closing off during sleep.

More Edits of J with Gimp

J Goes "Top Model" on Me

Since J got her work done early this morning, we go to play a little.  She actually wanted to be a model.  The face in hand is because she was trying to blow a big bubble for me to take a photo of.  

At one point she broke out with fierce looks like she was on Top Model or something.  hahaha   Believe me, there are more.  Some were so blurry b/c I was laughing so hard!  Wish I had that on video!

We put Bubb to sleep...

Tuesday Field Trip to Lowes w/ Home-school Group

Tuesday we went on a short morning field trip at Lowes Food.  We had a group of about 10-12 kids.  Everyone had a wonderful time learning about good nutrition, and sampling tasty fruits, vegetables and lean meats.  

The children got to meet "Larry the Lobster"

Each child received a treat bag at the end of the tour.  One thing in the bag was a grocery list to challenge families to put at least 10 "healthy" items in their basket.  It really motivated the children to think about the foods they eat.  It reinforced what our family has already been challenging ourselves to do.

Oh, I failed to mention that at the beginning of the tour, all of the children were given a Lowes hat to wear, and take home with them.  

After we returned home, J and J worked on completing their lessons.  Bubb is all the time hearing me tell him to put on his "thinking cap".   So he came up with this all on his own: He decided to use his Lowe's cap as his thinking cap, and offered to use it in the future during times when he has trouble with focusing.  I thought that was a great idea! :)  I need one of these thinking caps as well!!!  ;)

Bubb completing Math with his thinking cap on

Ok, here's the deal.  I had wanted to take lots of new pics of J, but every time I would try to take a photo, she would fuss at me to stop taking photos of her! Now...today...she is fussing at me, "MOM, why aren't you taking as many photos of me as you are Bubb????????"   :S   So....she is my new subject.  Stay tuned!  :)))

My Willing Subject

He is such a good sport about some things.  Such as allowing me to practice photography with him.  

He allowed me to take many photos inside and outside utilizing natural light.  I wasn't thrilled with the outside shots.  Too many shadows on his face.  It wasn't the right time of day really.  The sun was 1:30 pm...not a good time.  It would have been better earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.

However, the inside photos (such as these below) where I just opened my front door, turned out much better IMO.

All of these were done with the camera set to manual and the 50mm lens set to MF (manual focus)

Praise Band

Recently I was accepted into our church's praise band.  It has been such a blessing thus far.  Also, it is very much growing and challenging me vocally/musically.  

Here is a photo taken by our friend from church.  Her husband preached last Sunday, and she took a few photos of the band while we were warming up before the service.   

I'm the "old lady" of the group!  lol!!  Seriously, I'm twice the age of every member!  Yet, I love being a part of serving in this area, and within such dynamic Christ loving group!  :)  Most all of the songs are completely new to me, and everyone has been so great (patient) and supportive as I am learning.  

The female vocalist that I sing with is such an awesome singer, and so gracious and a joy to be around.   Our worship leader is fun and full of energy!  Every band member truly loves the Lord, and gives their all for the Glory of God.  Even during practices, the heart of Christ can be seen so evident in and through their lives.   I love that! 

On Adhd-Breaking Myths; What is True Success?

Imagine living in a home where all of the members have variations of ADHD; get's touchy to say the least!  I'm sure many out there know what I mean.

Counseling is a vital part of treatment for ADHD challenges.  It is so important that parents are participants of the counseling, and nurturing through these challenges.  Yes my husband is a wonderful counselor!!  One thing he learned, is that family cannot counsel family with certain issues.   It does not work.  A counselor needs to be a "non" anxious presence.   Sometimes a counselor needs counseling too!

I remember video games being mentioned as a help, and I've had people that I know kind of shoot that idea down.  Whatever works is what a parent needs to go with in my opinion.   It isn't just any video game that serves as "therapy" with ADHD, but seems to be certain monitored video games.  

I found this video interesting.  

Terry Matlen, ACSW

Monday, March 23, 2009

View All of Terry Matlen, ACSW's Posts

In my 15 years working to support, educate and counsel those touched by ADHD, we in the field have made some ground in de-bunking ADHD myths. But we still have a long way to go.

 

Below are common ADHD myths that I and many others, work hard to debunk:

 

1. Myth: ADHD is not a real disorder.

Fact:  The American Psychiatric Society recognized AD/HD as a medical diagnosis in

1980. It is listed in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) which is the official mental health "bible" used by psychologists and psychiatrists to diagnose psychiatric and other brain disorders.

 

2. Myth: Children outgrow their ADHD.

Fact: The great majority of children with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms of ADHD into adulthood. More than 70% continue to have symptoms of ADHD into adolescence and at least 50% will continue to have it as adults, though many clinicians feel this estimate is low.

 

3. Myth: All people with ADHD are hyperactive and/or impulsive.

Fact: There are three subtypes of ADHD: a) hyperactivity/impulsivity

b) inattentive c) combined.

 The inattentive subtype typically does not include hyperactivity/impulsivity.

 

4. Myth: Medications used for ADHD (stimulants) are highly addictive.

Fact: When used as directed, stimulants are very safe to use in both children and adults. In fact, studies are finding that those diagnosed with ADHD who are not being appropriately treated with medications, often self-medicate using substances that can be addicting.

 

5. Myth: ADHD is caused by poor or inconsistent parenting.

Fact:  ADHD is a neurobiological condition, often inherited. Parenting children with ADHD can be very challenging, causing much guilt for parents who are unsure how to best handle children who are hyperactive and impulsive. But parenting styles do not cause ADHD.

 

6. Myth: Sugar causes hyperactivity.

Fact: Earlier studies have debunked that myth, showing that children who seem to become more hyperactive while consuming a lot of sugar are often at parties and at other activities that stimulate them and their activity level. However, there is a small sub-set of children, approximately 1-3% that do seem to have food additive sensitivities.

 

7. Myth: Children and adults with ADHD have lower IQs.

Fact: People with ADHD do not have lower (or higher) IQs than the general public.

 

8. Myth: Children with ADHD are over-medicated.

Fact: Though more children are taking stimulants for ADHD than before, researchers believe this is due to clinicians identifying more children with ADHD who have been missed in previous years. In addition, it's only been in recent years that more girls have been identified as having ADHD and thus receiving treatment for it.

 

9. Myth: There are fewer girls with ADHD and they are less impaired than boys with ADHD.

Fact: It's believed that there are as many girls with ADHD as boys, but that they are less frequently identified and treated. Studies show that in some areas, girls with ADHD are more impaired than their male counterparts, in that in addition to their ADHD, they also more likely to struggle with substance abuse, anxiety and panic. Compared to non-ADHD girls, they have an increase in mood and conduct disorders and are more impaired in family, social and school functioning.

10. Myth: ADHD can be cured.

Fact: At this time, there is no cure for ADHD, but it can be well managed through a combination of medication and therapy.

taken from: www.healthcentral.com/adhd/

Some claim ADHD is mainly a spiritual condition of the heart.  The folks who say it is solely a spiritual condition (or dietary condition), have never had a child with ADHD, or an adult spouse with it...or even themselves had to deal with it.   

When someone begins to tell me what "they think they know" about ADHD (whether they are educated in the field or not...or have a child with it, or not) or tell me that ADHD is a made up condition or only a heart/spiritual condition, it falls on deaf ears as far as I am concerned.  They have never walked in the shoes of someone who deals with it daily.  If they are walking in it, and not admitting there is a problem, they are not doing themselves or their child any good.   Also, every case is different.  I cannot proceed to tell someone what they are doing right or wrong for their ADHD.  I can offer suggestions.  (which means... you suggest...not ram it down their throat or assume you have the right answer for their situation...or assume that person hasn't already tried this or that advise you offer)

It is important to find a psychologist or psychiatrist who is "real", and I believe it is important that they are a christian too.  Someone who has a healthy balance of reality and spirituality.  Someone who listens and aids with finding the right solutions for each individual case.  

I'm not into "labeling" children or adults.  Yet, admission to having ADHD or any condition is not "labeling".  To me, Labeling is the mindset toward the condition.  Eventually one's issues have to be dealt with...it is always best to get the help sooner than later.   Staying in the land of denial only keeps one there, and hurts others around them in the process.  We all need help, counsel, and encouragement in different ways.  That is why God put us on this earth in the plural.  We need HIM and we need one another! 

When it comes down to it, we are all different and unique.  We all have strengths, and challenges that are unique to each individual.  We can't play the comparison game with one another, or with each other's children.  A straight A student may have serious issues in many other areas of their lives.  A student who struggles for B's or C's...may have great strengths in many other areas of their lives.  

A person does not have to be financially or academically successful to be a success in the eyes of God.  After all, it is HIM that we are to please.  Not man, and not the world's standards.  :)  

True success is doing the will of God for our lives.  What is that?  Well, I believe it is loving God with all of our hearts, and loving others as ourselves... as the Bible teaches.  Jesus said, these were the most important of the commandments.  Also, to be a witness; go and tell the world about Christ's love for them; not only in words, but in our actions.  Actions speak the loudest.  Work with our hands, and do everything as unto the Lord.  It doesn't mean we all have to be Doctors or Lawyers, or have big money making jobs to be a success.  It means, whatever we do, do it as unto the Lord.  Period!  

I believe the bottom line; to Serve.  I don't mean just in the church for all to see, beating ones head against the wall "doing" everything...bragging about all you do...or wearing oneself down so you are no good to you or your family.  I mean...in everything we put our hands to in our daily lives...throughout the day, in our homes, with our children, in our relationships with others...serve as unto God. 

My friend Michelle said it so well in a blog comment to me not long ago...this is not verbatim, but basically she said when we do laundry, thank God we have laundry to do because we have loved ones.  Everything we do, find a way to be thankful for our service (not only in the things others see, but especially in those places others do not see).  

I've not got all of this figured out or worked out within myself either.  Personally, it is a daily challenge for me. 

Being kind and compassionate toward others who seem different.  That is a good start too.

^{Ephesians 6}

⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, ⁸ because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

She's Growing Fast

Well dear family and friends miles away, I told you I'd get a photo posted of J.  Here is one we took while walking on the waterfront while our family was visiting with us.   Since I got my 10d, I'm trying to learn it.  Therefore I hope to have many more (better and improved) shots soon!  

J at the waterfront

She has so grown! The surgery has really matured her fast.  Seriously, going through something like this certainly would.  

For those of you who really know J, you know she has had this "love-y" kitten since she was like 2 yrs old.  It is a TY beany cat that her Aunt Beth back home gave her.  Well, it isn't the "original".  She had one, called Spice that was given when she was younger than 2.  Within a few yrs had worn it to a frazzle, so we found her a new one exactly like it, which she named "New Spice".

Well, New Spice has been with us for yrs.  She has been left at stores and recovered by caring workers, lost and found numerous times, etc...etc.  

I think I had taken the paci away from J at 2 yrs...a little too early for her because she went to the Thumb and New Spice for comfort instead.  She has been a thumb sucker ever since!  

It has always been New Spice and Thumb.  When she was tired and ready for bed, she had to have both!  Since I took the paci away too soon for her, I decided I would allow her to have these at bedtime, and not make an issue.  (Occasionally she would sneak in the afternoon when she was sleepy)  Also, she seemed to cling to it more the closer her surgery time drew near.  (When I would talk to her about giving it up, she would remind me that Mandisa sucked her thumb until age 24yrs)

Here are photos taken before her surgery:

sneaking a nap with new spice

This was taken a few days before her surgery. If you look close, you can see New Spice's ear poking out.  lol!  

taken prior to her surgery

Bubb never used a paci or sucked his thumb.  However, he does have a baby blanket that he still likes. A baby blanket from Gymboree; A gift from his Aunt K when he was born.  I'll post about that on another day. :)

J has put New Spice and her Thumb to rest on her own.  After her surgery she didn't want either; Never asked for it them once and never put her thumb in her mouth since!

 

Family Visit

This weekend our family from back home came for a visit.  Our time went by so fast! We had a wonderful visit though.

Also, David and I got to spend Fri night AND Sat afternoon...kid-less! I can't say when the last time was that we had so much time alone.  It was much needed, and we are so thankful.  J and J so enjoyed being with their Nana and Aunt!

Here are a few snapshots that I took with my 10d.  Several of the photos turned out hideous IMO!!! Below are the better ones...and they still have so many things wrong...too many to name. Not the subjects, but the photography!!! lol!   I'm learning this 10d, and realizing I have a lot to learn!  

However, I was beginning to get the hang of using the MF on the nifty 50, rather than the AF.  :)

Here is a photo of husband where I was practicing close up MF with the 50mm. I love the reflection in his sunglasses.

Question...

What does a "True Friend" look like to you?

I'd love to know what you all think.  From a Biblical standpoint or otherwise.  

Personally, I'm not always seeing the true friend within the body of Christ, or even within myself at times.  

Yes, Our first concern should be sharing the message of Christ.  Yet, if Christians can't even be a friend toward one another...show they care for one another...why would anyone outside want to accept Christ and become a part of the body of Christ? Why would Christians even want to continue being a part of a fellowship that does not have sweet fellowship among the people?    

Something I am pondering these days.

Here are some Bible verses about friendship that jumped out at me.  

Job 6:14-15 (New International Version)

 ¹⁴ "A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, 
       even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

 ¹⁵ But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams,
       as the streams that overflow

Proverbs 17:17 (New International Version)

 ¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, 
       and a brother is born for adversity.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; 12 (New International Version)

 ⁹ Two are better than one, 
       because they have a good return for their work:

 ¹⁰ If one falls down, 
       his friend can help him up. 
       But pity the man who falls 
       and has no one to help him up!

¹² Though one may be overpowered, 
       two can defend themselves. 
       A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

John 15:12-14 (New International Version)

¹²My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.¹³Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command.

1 John 4:6-7 (New International Version)

 ⁷Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.⁸Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:10-12 (New International Version)

¹⁰This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹²No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

I love this one...it is just so very sweet...

3 John 1:13-14 (New International Version)

 ¹³I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. ¹⁴I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 
      Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.

So often the church, or whomever is being addressed in the scriptures...will begin; "Dear Friends".   

It seems that society and even the churches of today have lost this sweet kind of fellowship of brother and sisterly love; the Holy kind of love that is patient and kind, caring and compassionate toward one another.  I don't know, I'm just not seeing it evident.  It is more surface-y and more about numbers or becoming a "mega church".  

I'm just as guilty, so don't think that I don't have my 5 fingers pointing back at me...

What are your thoughts?

More 10d play

I love this first one of J, but for some reason she hates it...she says she looks kind of pale.  The truth is...she IS pale...it is the end of winter and she has very fair skin.  :-D

 However, I did not do much edit to these at all, except for a little curves adjustment, contrast, and a little unsharp mask on the eyes.  :)  Well, that sounds like a lot, huh?  It rly isn't tho.

I did notice that the un-natural ceiling light coming in from the left facing casts a yellow tone on J's face, while the natural light coming thru the right facing is much more...well, natural!  

You even notice on the last photo...Bubb's face has the natural light, and J's face has light from the ceiling...the side of J's face and hair do not look as true as Bubb's.  :)  

I did have awb turned on the camera...yet, even still,  I had to use my awb fix in gimp.  So much for the camera awb! I could have spent a lot of time fixing the skin, but I just didn't.  :) Next time I will remember to turn off the kitchen ceiling light!

Warning: Photog-Maniac in the Making!!!

Canon 10d is FINALLY HERE!!!

my Canon 10d and me!

my very first photo with the 10d - ik, i have a lot to learn about the exposure on this thing! lol!!

2nd shot with the 10d

Ok...I've not said too much about this...because I didn't want to be a whiner.  ;)

Remember when I told you all that David had spoiled me for Valentines??? The jewelry...and also he wanted to by me a DSLR Camera (used older model via ebay mind you...we can't afford the newer ones right now)?  

We found a used older 2003 Canon "semi-pro mid range" model on ebay.  Got a PHENOMENAL deal!!! We won it, and waited and waited.  (keep in mind I have never had any issues with buying on ebay...yet I know there is always a first time for everything)

Since winning it, there has been a serious of bad communications on the part of the seller.  He finally got me a tracking info (I had to keep asking weeks after the win).  

I waited and watched by tracking...watched it go RIGHT BACK to the west coast!!!  It was shipped from a Cali warehouse.  The seller failed to put our street "name" on the address (which was clearly on our ebay account!).  Therefore it went BACK to his vacation home address.... in OREGON of all places!  

Are ya following me still?? HAHA  Well, that's good, because I was LOST as to why it went there!!!

Ok, he went to his vaca home on Thurs (I had to wait an additional wk for him to get to his vaca home from Cali to OR)  He did finally mail it back this past Thurs...and I watched another track no.

...I watched and watched online...it was supposed to deliver Sat.  I kept checking USPS.  They did not update it as delivered until Sat at 5pm!!!...AFTER our front office was closed.  :(  

No offense to the postal service folks out there.  Normally, the postman attempts to deliver to our apt.  Which they did not!  THEN if the mailman can't get us at the apt, they are supposed to put a slip in our po box saying where they left the package...which they didn't!!  :S

Sooooo, today (which was rly yesterday...Sun) we happened to drive by the office, and there WAS actually someone working in the office...on a Sun!!  So guess what...David went in, and got my 10d...YIPEE!! I'm a maniac now!! HAHA 

Seriously...I have 4 photo shoots scheduled in the near future, and I am so thankful to God to finally get it in! I've got a lot of studying up on this particular camera before then.  :) 

I'm so thankful for waiting it out, instead of just buying the first new camera on sale just to get a DSLR.  I had some good friends suggest that I wait and keep using what I have.  (which by the way - The photo shoots I have scheduled are based on the photos I took with my Kodak NON slr digital)  I also had some friends suggest I start with a Rebel...but those new are still around $400 bucks (even used models)...by the time David and I got the lens needed for portraits, we were looking at $500 to $600 bucks!  Even with a used rebel! 

I had taken months and months and researched and shopped and prayed...

When we got our tax money, it was more important for us to tithe, get caught up on bills, and bless some others who were in need first.  

Afterwards, David splurged on me for Valentine's (which I had no idea about the jewelry or that he planned to buy me a camera!!)...which is very rare for him...seriously the only "real" jewelry he has bought for me is a bracelet and my wedding rings!  Personally, I like the fun cheapo $1 jewelry.  We just don't spend a lot on that kind of stuff.  The clothes I wear were either given to me as hand me downs from my sister in law, or I buy from Goodwill...Walmart sale rack $5 and under! Most of what I wear... I've had for like 10 yrs or older!  That is why I wear black a lot...you can change up the jewelry and still look ok. lol!

Anywhooo, David and I (together) found this camera (with the battery grip) for $250!  I couldn't even buy a Kodak or really nice point and shoot for much less!!!  :))) I'm stoked, can ya tell???

Last night during Jordan's Bible study, we talked about using our money wisely.  Jordan looked back and smiled at me.  I think some thought she did this to insinuate that I spend lavishly.  However, she knows that we give most all we can to help others, and that I say NO all the time, and the rare occasions when I do say Yes...I am a BIG TIME bargain shopper!  We don't buy it unless we need it! (I'm more of the tightwad)  

We also have learned to invest in items that are going to further our kingdom work long term.  

This camera is going to allow me to bless online music ministries, and to bless other families and ministries in their kingdom work.  

Once I am proficient with this camera, and more established as a photographer, I would very much like to volunteer my time to a local non profit organization called NILMDTS.  I have a special heart for those who have lost their children, because I too lost my first child.  It does not matter at what stage a child is lost, it is never easy.   No one can feel that pain each person feels about it either, even if the other person has lost a child too.  Each feeling about it is unique to that person.  

Also, I want to focus on maternity, and newborn photography.  Yet, I won't limit myself if someone asks for something different.

These are my main goals, but I'm open to whatever door God wants me to walk through.  :)  This is just what He has been speaking to my heart to do as I have prayed many months about it.  I'm excited! :)

Here are a few more photos of my "1st's" with the 10d

3rd photo taken with my 10d

4th photo taken with my 10d

Fun With St Patty Textures!

Photo taken by: My niece Kaylen (who is in the photo)

Photo edited by: Me

Photo St Patty Texture by:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohjoy1/2283289497/

Photo taken and edited by: Me

Photo St Patty Texture by:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohjoy1/2283289497/

It's a Monday!

Our family is trying to get back on our routine of getting up an extra hour early, and walking together.   So we were up at 6 am.  The children are feeling so sleepy, and sluggish today.  It is amazing what losing 1 hr of sleep does to children.  (I'm not sure they have recovered from the time change either.) I was hoping the walk would pep them up.  Nope, didn't work today. lol! Tonight they will be going to bed earlier.  :)

Once I got them through the first hour or so, they picked up momentum.  We've gotten quite a bit accomplished.  

I had to be a little extra patient with both children this morning until they kicked in.  Their tolerance levels were very low from feeling sleepy.  I had to especially be mindful of my adhd child.  If I push him too hard, then the whole day will be shot out of the water.  We worked through his frustrations...patiently (sometimes not so patiently).  I allowed him to work 15-30 mins at a time, and take small breaks in between.  This gave him motivation to see the progress, and to realize that it didn't take as long as he thought it would! ;)

We got through Bible, Math, Vocabulary, Science...then moving on to Reading after I finish my lunch break.  They are both taking a break upstairs with music.  

I've been doing laundry all morning in between getting them on lessons.  It had piled up BIG time!!! If you miss it a couple of days around here, it will really pile up! 

Today I plan to begin some spring cleaning.  Starting with the children's rooms!  I'm going to sift through items again...ie, children's toys, clothes, whatever they don't use anymore...hoping they will let go of some more items that they haven't even picked up in the last year!  

We have got to continue with simplifying!  David finishes up his residency in Aug. 09, and this may mean another move for us.  That is, unless God opens a door for our family here.  As it stands, there are no chaplain jobs available at the hospital where he is doing his residency.  Therefore we need to be flexible, and ready to move if God moves us.  :) The life of ministry...

I'm so ready for spring/summer!  I was getting to the point where I was almost feeling depressed or something.  Does anyone get that way?  By the time end of winter is upon us, and spring is approaching...I am SO ready for the sunshine!  It is like a lifting for me!  I guess the creative side of me just longs to see color...green trees, and pretty flowers! 

The past couple of days have been absolutely beautiful here! The sun is shining, and right now I show the temperature as being 77 degrees.  ☼   ☺

  

Change of Plans

We had a change of plans, and did not end up going to the planetarium.  As it turns out, the drive was going to be much longer than we had thought once we mapped it out on google.  

So we decided to visit a closer option for this weekend...a nearby "mini-zoo".  I have photos to post, but the day and evening got away from us.  I'll post a few tomorrow.    

It was fun, and such a beautiful sunny day.  We enjoyed walking outside, seeing the animals, and being together as a family.  :)

There was hardly anyone there, which was good for J.  She still has restrictions from her back surgery.  She is doing so well that people tend to forget that she is still very delicate in the spinal area.  We certainly do not want to be in surgery again for something careless happening! 

We are already receiving bills from J's surgery...for the surgery alone it was $23,400.  That was just for the surgeons hands! Not to mention the hospital bill of $139,000.  Yes...six figures!  This does not include other tests...MRI, X-rays, other bills that will come in from whomever stepped in her room to check on her...

Thankfully we do have insurance.  We still have to pay $2000.00 out of pocket (which is big money for our little family ;).  So we certainly do not want to revisit this again any time soon if we can do things to prevent it!

This evening J had a get together with the youth group.  They had a Bible study, and then watched a movie afterwards.  We appreciate them being considerate of her restrictions, and not making her feel different for it.  She is so self conscious about it all...hates to ever be a bother, and it is nice that she can get together with christian brothers and sisters in Christ, and feel comfortable, and uplifted.   :-D Thanks Shannon for inviting her!!!

Tomorrow (which is today)  my bubb and I are going on a breakfast date together.  This is the "one on one" time I had promised him. :)  We are very much looking forward to this time of sharing. 

Afterwards...after lunch...I am meeting up with a dear friend of mine who is a Pastor AND Worship Pastor.  Her name is Treva Tankard.  I got to know her through a mutual friend, and I so enjoy times we have shared together worshipping in song, and talking together about our wonderful Lord.  What a precious sister in Christ, and great encourager for the kingdom!

Days with Hubby

Today husband surprised us by being home from work.  He took today off, and also took tomorrow as vacation days.  He had vacation days that he had not used, and was "encouraged" to take some of them this week.  This apparently is a slow week with his classes, and a good time for the residents to take some of their vacation.  

Tomorrow David and I are taking the children on a "field trip" to a local planetarium.  This will be so fun to do a field trip together as a family, and the children will get a science lesson too! 

It will be a nice, short road trip for J.  We will be able to see how well she travels for future "longer" road trips to visit family and friends. :)

I wanted to say concerning home-school.  We gave the online "Time4learning" a try during J's surgery recovery.  While I do love the idea of online schooling, for a full curriculum it just did not work for us.  So, I was glad when our Singapore Math, and Vocabulary Workshop books I had ordered came in.  IMO the online did not teach as in depth or explain as thoroughly as I had hoped.  

However, when J and J get into the upper grade levels of Jr High math, I'll probably switch them to Teaching Textbooks Math.  It is a CD rom that runs off of the computer, but I really like that they work out every problem for you.  There are also corresponding workbooks and textbooks that they will use with the CD rom.

What else...well, not much else I suppose.  My nocturnal tendencies are about to get the best of me...been very tired lately, and fighting a sinus/sore throat thing.  I've been drinking lots of green tea with honey, and it seems to be helping some.  :)  Lots of friends have been praying too! (Thank you)  I do need better rest at night, but having a hard time sleeping at night...then I'm so tired during the day...  

This too shall pass!

I'm Singing by Kari Jobe

This is a beautiful new song that Kari Jobe put testimonies together with.  (you may recognize someone in the video that you know ;)  

New Rules...Sassy = Extra Chores

Lately I've had a time with the kids sassing me...rolling eyes, being disrespectful to me, to each other...etc, etc the list goes on.  

I'm thinking this could be that they are entering the pre-teen/teen yrs.  I'm even getting it from J, who is so often my more compliant child!  Spine surgery or no spine surgery, no back talk is going to be allowed.  

Is it just the change in weather, or is anyone else getting the bad attitudes from their kids???  

I've decided to put mine to some extra work/chores.  The more they mouth me, the more chores they are getting added on to their lists! (Although I do kinda feel like Ms. Hannigan in Annie Lol! Only not quite as mean.)   

I've got Josh sweeping, vacuuming, mopping...scrubbing toilets.  A little man-u-al labor does the attitude some good!  J can't bend, so she was wiping the sinks, cleaning the mirrors as far as she can reach.  (I sound like a slave driver don't I? Don't worry...she was standing in one place, and not overdoing...but she did have to take her punishment just like Bubb did!)

It has worked too! They are both being kinder to each other, working together (Josh was even doing some of her work to help her) and very respectful of me.  I didn't just put them to work, but we had some heart to heart talks prior.  Not "preachy", but just reminders of God's principles for living...things I too need reminding of as well...

On being kind...choosing to cooperate rather than tear each other down (or YELL each other down!).   It sure makes a huge difference in the harmony of our home.  

It is amazing how small negative attitudes and comments can rub of on each other, and soon escalate to HUGE yelling matches.  This is just something I will not tolerate.  It unnerves me to hear a lot of yelling and bickering.  I like peace and quiet.

A little work, goes a long way!  :)  A lot of work, goes a longer way...