All In A Day's Work

REALLY BIG NEWS!

2009-03-11T14:03:00.000-04:00

No, I'm not pregnant.

But....after 3 years of homeschooling, Levi will be going to 5th grade at our local public school in September.

I have been struggling with homeschooling for quite some time now. As Levi is getting older and the academics are getting more demanding, I am worrying everyday how I am going to continue.

I worry if I'm doing the right thing by homeschooling. I worry if I'm going about it the right way. I worry if I am presenting him with the information that he needs. I worry if I am adequately preparing him for college and the real world by keeping him at home.

And on top of all the worry there is all the reading, researching, studying and relearning. Then the lessons plans and daily routines and trying to balance homeschooling and household demands. Not to mention figuring out how to present all the information in an interesting way, and in a way that will stick with him.

So, I have been very stressed. I have been considering making the change for quite some time, but just wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing. I brought it up to Audie and he was all for it. Then we brought it up to Levi. I was nervous about how he'd take it, but to my surprise, he was very accepting of it. He asked a few questions, we answered them, and he said, “Okay.”

I will miss him greatly. If I could keep him home with me and we could just live our lives, learning from life, and not worry about academics, that would be the best. But I just can't do that. His education is too important.

Of course, I worry a bit about the negative influences he may encounter, but it won't do him any good to shelter him. He needs to learn to live in this world, and make good decisions in the midst of negative choices. I think staying attentive and active in his life will help. Maintaining a good relationship with him, staying open-minded and keeping the lines of communication open.

So that is that. After 3 years of homeschooling, our journey is almost over. I am very glad for the time we had. I think it was great for Levi and it made us very close. I know I did a good job and he learned a lot, but now it's time to move ahead.

I am at peace.

Jake and Truman Becoming Friends

2009-02-16T12:16:00.000-05:00

After one week of having Jake around, Truman is more than just tolerating him, he's actually enjoying him.

How It Happened With Luke

2009-02-07T10:16:00.005-05:00

I've been thinking for quite some time now that I wanted another dog, but I had kind of put the notion aside for a while. I spent MONTHS researching dog breeds before I got Truman, and I didn't feel like doing that again. Despite all my research, and as much as I love Truman, I don't think he was the BEST choice. So I was feeling a bit nervous about choosing a dog again.

But then yesterday one kind of happened into our lives. I took Truman to the groomers and the lady there asked when I was going to get a second dog. I told her actually I've been considering it. She said, "Come see my puppies." There was a whole pen full of cute and fuzzy 7-week old Australian Shepherd puppies. As cute as they were, I was not tempted. I told her I never want to do that helpless puppy stage again. She told me she actually have a 15 week-old boy that no one had purchased yet, and she brought him out to show us. He was cute but I was afraid Aussies were too much like border collies (high-strung, nervous and intense). I had had a border collie before and wasn't sure I was up to that. She described their tempermant and assured me they were a lot more mellow than border collies. She said we could take him home and see if he would fit into our family. I went home and thought about it, talked to Audie, did some research and decided to give it a try. So when we picked Truman up yesterday evening, we brought the puppy home. I was very nervous, as I don't usually make such snap decisions.

But so far it's working out nicely. He's a great dog with a great personality - loving, sweet, happy, alert, active but not crazy and really smart. He slept from 10pm to 4:30am, which is better than I thought he'd do on his first night, with no accidents in his crate. He has peed several times on the floor, but he's just a puppy and I know he'll learn. Truman has learned so much in the two years we've had him. And dogs make me so happy and give me so much joy, I know it will be worth it.

So today I learned that sometimes what 'happens' into our lives is better than what we strove for.

We Got A New Puppy...Probably....

2009-02-06T20:56:00.000-05:00

Luke in his first hours at our house. He's a 15 week old Australian Shepherd. He is adorable and smart and lively. We already taught him his name and "Come." We are keeping him over the weekend to see if we want to buy him. So far so good...

Levi sure loves him and keeps asking, "So do you think we'll keep him?"

Some 'let's get to know you' butt sniffing. Truman is a little stand offish right now, but he seems to be warming up.

Some family bonding time.

Tag, I'm It

2009-01-31T22:52:00.001-05:00

I was tagged on Facebook, and asked to write 25 random things about myself. Here they are...

1. I was born in Sidney NY and have always lived less than an hour from there.

2. I've been married for 11 ½ years. We've had our ups and downs, but I love being married to Audie. He's the best friend I've ever had.

3. I was a dairy farmer for 4 years.

4. My son Levi was given a 15% chance of being born without spina bifida or downsyndrome. He's perfectly healthy.

5. I had 30 hours of labor.

6. I've been homeschooling Levi for 2 ½ years now. It was completely his idea and I strongly resisted at first. It is difficult at times, but I love all the time I get to spend with him.

7. I am the happiest I've ever been. I really love my life.

8. I'm a little bit saucy. I like sarcasm, joking and teasing. I LOVE to laugh and have fun.

9. I also have a serious side, and carry a deep sadness that I don't quite understand.

10. I wish it didn't bother me so much that my dad isn't someone I can look up to and have a good relationship with. Maybe that's part of my sadness....

11. I spent years struggling with my faith. I questioned and came close to rejecting everything I'd ever believed. But now it all seems so simple and my faith is stronger than ever.

12. I love interesting conversation and connecting with people, but I don't like crowds or lots of noise. I need plenty of solitude to recharge.

13. Music moves me, motivates me, inspires me, connects me, sooothes me, and heals me. I can't imagine life without music, many different kinds.... even country.

14. I don't have much rhythm, but I really love to dance. I love to crank the music and dance my heart out. I do this often.

15. I really want to learn to play the drums. When the worship band plays at church, I watch the drummer. When I'm alone I crank the music and drum my heart out on any available surface.

16. Writing, music and exercise help me to think, to pray and to make sense of my life.

17. I wear an Ace knee brace every day. I have dislocated my knee several times over the years over the years. The last time (almost a year ago) was the worst. It was out for over 30 minutes and I had to have an EMT help me get it back in. Having a bum knee slows me down a bit, but I don't let it stop me.

18. I love dogs.

19. I have a lot of allergies and intolerances.

20. I LOVE nature. I hike in our woods everyday, in all kinds of weather. I feel closer to God outside than any other place.

21. I would love to live in a little cabin in the woods, off-grid, with just the bare necessities.

22. I have a 4-year old niece from Guatemala who is the sassiest little girl I've ever met. I had no idea I'd love her as much as I do. She's my best girl.

23. I honestly believe that the Bible is the Word of God.

24. The most important things in my life are seeking God, taking care of my family, being a good friend and living simply.

25. Sometimes my dreams are more than just dreams.

Christmas Day at Audie's Parents

2009-01-07T21:43:00.000-05:00

It has become tradition to take a group shot every year at Christmas. Back row from left to right...Bob(Audie's dad), Bonnie(Audie's mom), Aryn(niece-Amy's daughter), April(Audie's sister), Ava(niece-April's daughter). Next row...Cary(Amy's husband), Amy(Audie's sister), Shane(nephew-Amy's son), Me holding Truman, Audie and Bill(April's husband). And smiling pretty in the front is the one and only....Levi.

Christmas Pictures Part 2

2009-01-06T19:25:00.000-05:00

Levi's reaction to getting his Wii.

Levi when he opened his Zelda Wii game.

Another 'thank you' hug.

It was a Merr-Wii Christmas.

Christmas Pictures Part 1

2009-01-06T19:18:00.000-05:00

Truman found the festivities rather boring.

The Subway gift card Levi picked out f0r Audie.

Our laughter has nothing to do with that great wolf plague Levi got me from Howe's Caves. He had some gas and found it rather amusing.

Levi passing out presents.

Attached

2009-01-04T10:49:00.000-05:00

My dog is very attached to me. He stays in my room until I wake up. He won't go to bed until I do. If I go to the basement to do laundry, he comes with me. He isn't underfoot, tracking my every step like he was when he was a puppy - but he doesn't like to be away from me for too long.

The other night Audie was going to take him for his walk because I had to get dinner in the oven, but Truman wouldn't go without me.

Audie mentioned that he is just so attached to me. I laughed and said, "All the boys are." Then Levi said very enthusiastically, "Including me. I'm attached to you."

I just had to record that. In a few years he'll be a teenager, and I might need to remember this day.

Christmas Photo Shoot With Levi

2008-12-14T19:38:00.001-05:00

Snowy Photo Shoot With Levi

2008-12-14T19:29:00.008-05:00

(Taken yesterday)

Snow and Ice Storm

2008-12-14T19:14:00.011-05:00

While Audie was gone for a couple days and nights restoring people's power, Levi and I were wandering through the woods enjoying the beauty of it all.

A Thankful Heart

2008-11-27T19:52:00.011-05:00

This week's Homeschool Memoirs calls for 27 things we're thankful for (since Thanksgiving was on the 27th this year). Here they are as they come to me....

1. That God is in control.
2. For Jesus and His saving sacrifice.
3. For being married to the best friend I've EVER had.
4. That Levi is such a sweet, sensitive and caring kid.
5. For family to spend Thanksgiving with.
6. That Audie has a great job.
7. For my little house in the country.
8. For the beauty of God's creation that I enjoy everyday.
9. For music. What would life be without music?
10. For imagination.
11. For journaling to make sense of my thoughts.
12. For the Bible, truly an inspired book.
13. That I really like that new church we've been going to. I am actually excited about going to church, and haven't felt that way in years.
14. For Saturday planning sessions, where I get organized for the upcoming week.
15. For my plastic set of drawers on wheels that serves as my command center, and keeps me organized.
16. That I get to stay at home.
17. That I get to spend everyday with Levi.
18. That Levi has gotten SO MUCH more independent with his school work this year.
19. For a household that is filled with love, laughter, jokes, wit, sarcasm, and fun.
20. For the people I love. For the people who love me. For the ones who make me laugh. And especially those who fit into all three categories!
21. For the Little House on the Praire books and TV show.
22. For homecooked meals, especially beef stew and dumplings, chicken and biscuits, scalloped potatoes and ham, turkey or pot roast with mashed potatoes and gravy. For cake! And homemade chocolate chip muffins. For Dove chocolate with almonds. For vanilla soy ice cream. And for lots and lots of hot green tea. I do love food.
23. That Audie loves me so much and takes such good care of me.
24. For Truman, my little dog.
25. For walking on the treadmill while listening to music. For hiking in the woods.
26. For cuddling on the couch and watching movies with Audie and Levi.
27. For wood heat on a cold winter's day.

Manly Stuff

2008-11-24T12:27:00.001-05:00

We bought Levi a bookcase to display some of his favorite Legos.

He enjoyed helping Audie put it together.

When he's done setting his Legos up on it, I'll take some pictures of the finished product.

Ice on the Pond

2008-11-19T19:27:00.002-05:00

Today was the first day that there was ice on the pond. There have been a few mornings with an icy crust, but by noon it was gone.

This ice stayed the whole day.

The water is still moving though. This is the pond's outlet.

Winter is on its way....

Lewis and Clark Notebook Pages

2008-11-18T18:25:00.007-05:00

Levi and I both enjoyed our Lewis and Clark study and learned a lot. We read several books, watched three great documentaries and used many websites. We have about 20 pages in our notebook. Here are a few...

One of many pages of a timeline.

Some basic facts about the trip.

About Clark...

About Lewis...

Now we're doing a mini unit on Thanksgiving, and then one on Christmas. After that it's onto Pioneers and Indians.

One More From Winter Fun

2008-11-18T14:40:00.002-05:00

I love this picture! Paul is using Levi as a shield, knowing Audie wouldn't whip a hard-packed ball of snow at his young son. That was a fun day.

Winter Fun at McCardel's

2008-11-17T20:51:00.007-05:00

I believe the year was 2004, and Levi was 5 years old. We were kid and house sitting at the McCardel's. There was a huge snowstorm and we decided to go outside and play in it.

Here Levi watches as Audie prepares to launch a snowball at Paul.

Paul, me, Melinda and Emily sliding down the hill and getting our faces full of snow.

Paul effortlessly pulling the sled back up the hill, and Levi struggling to walk through the snow.

Paul, Levi, Melinda and Emily on their way down.

More Old Pictures

2008-11-16T15:23:00.010-05:00

Levi at age three, I think. Look at those big ears! I think he's grown into them a little bit. They don't seem that big anymore.

Looking thrilled at his preschool graduation. He was almost 5.

There's a little smile...Graduating from preschool is not much fun.

Levi, at age 5, with his spiky hair and frosted tips. My sister Shannon just got a job at a salon and loved experimenting with our hair.

Me in the Smoky Mountains in 2003. My hair was short and bleachy.

Going Through Old Pictures...

2008-11-15T18:01:00.001-05:00

Levi at age 3.

Levi (age 3) and his cousin Shane (age 11).

At McDonalds playground.

Levi and his cousin Aryn, both age 3.

I'm Driving Levi up the Wall

2008-11-15T12:09:00.003-05:00

Morning After Election Blues

2008-11-06T05:50:00.008-05:00

Yesterday was a sad day. I spent a good part of it grieving. What a lot of people see as a day of positive change, I see as scary.

I was surprised at how bummed Levi was about it. We had spent a lot of time talking about the issues, what each candidate stood for and why we agreed or disagreed with him. All morning he kept saying, "I just can't believe Obama won." I think it was one of Levi's first lessons that in the real world truth and justice are not always the American way.

The other day he said, "I bet Uncle Bruce (a pastor) is going to vote for Obama." I stifled a chuckle and asked, "Why would you say that?" He answered, "Because Obama wants to pull the troops out of Iraq immediately, and that way Paul (Uncle Bruce's son who is now in boot camp) won't have to go to war." I told him that that was a very insightful deduction but Uncle Bruce would NEVER vote for Obama. He asked why and we discussed the issues some more. We also discussed why pulling the troops out immediately would not be the wisest idea.

Yesterday Levi said, "Since Obama voted against making English the official language, does that mean we have to stop talking English?" I tried not to laugh as I assured him that we will not have to stop speaking English!

Levi was also unhappy that a few people we know didn't vote. "Why would they not vote? If I could vote, I would! Maybe if they had voted, Obama wouldn't have won!" he said.

By late afternoon yesterday I was done grieving. I reminded myself, and Levi, that God is in control. He has a plan and Barak Obama is part of it. Just as Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith, he is also author and perfecter of the entire world, and we need to keep our eyes on Him.

Bloggy Break

2008-10-26T20:01:00.002-04:00

I'm taking a bloggy break.

For one week, starting tomorrow.

No new blog posts.

No Facebook.

Computer time once a day, with a timer set for 45 minutes.

That includes school research.

I'll check email and respond to what I can in that time.

Maybe read a post from one of my favorite blogs.

I spend too much time online.

I need to step back and refocus.

See you next week! :-)

Thank You, Aunt Pat and Uncle Tim

2008-10-25T11:35:00.006-04:00

Thank you for driving us to Niagara Falls, for buying our day passes, and for dinner. Thank you for letting us stay at your house, for the leaf jumping, tractor driving, wagon riding, and chicken on the grill. Thanks for the conversation, the laughs and the memories.

But most of all, thank you for being God-honoring, hardworking and stable. It means more than I can say.

God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children. Proverbs 20:7 (The Message)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Random Niagara Falls Pictures

2008-10-21T21:52:00.016-04:00

Grandma making a funny face as Aunt Pat tries to fix her Maid of the Mist rain slicker thingy.

No, Levi didn't fall over the edge. There was a rock (away from the falls) that people could climb up and get their picture taken.

Over the weekend the men were greatly outnumbered (5 to 2) so Levi spent a lot of time with Uncle Tim. I love this picture. Levi probably won't be wanting to hold hands much longer, so this is a keeper. Uncle Tim
was so great with him.

Levi and Genna taking a rest.

The rapids before the falls.

On the trolly. I think Levi looks so handsome in this picture. It's scary though, I can almost picture what he's going to look like as a teenager/young man. There's very little "little boy" look left in his face.

Mine (and Levi's) favorite thing at the Aquarium was Julie the sea lion. She was amazing and as smart (or smarter) than any dog I've ever met.

Amie, Uncle Tim, Genna, Levi, Grandma and Aunt Pat - tired out at the end of the day, waiting for the trolley.