My friend asked where's a blog update. I said the standard, "I'm so busy." I went on to say what's been going on and realized I haven't been busy; my husband has.
So the last entry was about friends coming over to help with plumbing in our front bathroom, right? Well, Greg has finished the plumbing and put in the new tub. He hung an electrical line so the whirlpool could be plugged in. He put the apron on in front of the tub. It feels like he's about half way through at this point. Then I get back from a trip with my folks.
He starts the backerboard process, measuring and buying, etc. This was last Friday. While he's doing that, the kitchen sink springs a leak and when the water is turned on, the water sprays the space under the kitchen sink. Now, we go to the store on Saturday and try to find the part for that. The guy says, those are covered under warranty and you need to call this number and they'll ship it to you. HA,, We can't wait until Monday and then hope it doesn't take long to mail a part to us. Can you imagine the pile of dirty dishes that would look like?
So we buy a new kitchen faucet. I actually really like it. We didn't know if it would match and it does (beautifully). That was Saturday night that Greg used up to fix that issue. Now he can go back to working on the backerboard/drywall stuff, right? Well, Sunday night begins wash day (which is actually mostly on Monday, but b/c of a family of 6 I need to start Sunday night).
You won't believe this: but then maybe you will. Maybe you've already guessed.
That's right, the washer has its final load. It won't go anymore. Now, you must understand we knew of this washer and its issues. We had it fixed under warranty a few years ago. The last time I had trouble with it, we called the appliance-fixer and he looked at it and said "Keep the service call money and go buy a new one." That was about 3 months ago and I had hoped to keep this washer going for as long as I could. True, I had to babysit it. I had to stand over it and get it going everytime it entered the spin cycle. Well, last Sunday, it would aggitate or spin and water came out all over the laundry room floor.
So in the middle of trying to hang drywall, Greg stops and does the research for the best washer/dryer on consumer reports. We end up getting an LG. I hope that was the best choice. We prayed about it, but we never felt confident that that was what we should get.
UNTIL today. Greg says to me when he gets back from work today, "guess how much my bonus was?" "Exactly the amount we paid for the washer/dryer." "Yep." That's how our conversation went. No kidding. Another odd thing, bonuses were supposed to be lower this year b/c of the economy and all that.
It doesn't always make sense. After reading "The Hiding Place", I'm happy I have a warm coat, food, cough syrup. I don't know why God took care of Corrie Ten Boom in that way and I don't know why He's blessed us now as He has. I'm extremely grateful, but I also want to remember that in times of little He's still taking care of us.
December 18, 2008
November 22, 2008
Progress
Well, today was a day of progress.
Greg returned from his 3-day trip and I survived ok.
This morning, I left and went grocery shopping. Two friends (the two he went on that trip with actually) came over and helped him. They did copper pipe stuff and flux stuff. Then when they had to leave, another friend came over. They continued doing all the pipe things that needed to be done.
I took the kids to Torah club and after that was over, 4 of the guys in that group headed over to our house to help. Now the bathtub is sitting up ready to be put into place. It is very humbling to see friends helping us. These dads have 4 or 5 children each and the moms had to put them to bed tonight by themselves. It makes me very thankful to them all.
Now I'm wondering when this all worked out, how we might thank them....
I guess it would be a bad idea to give them all gift cards since I've been hearing about how all these business are folding after the holidays. I wonder what we can do????
Greg returned from his 3-day trip and I survived ok.
This morning, I left and went grocery shopping. Two friends (the two he went on that trip with actually) came over and helped him. They did copper pipe stuff and flux stuff. Then when they had to leave, another friend came over. They continued doing all the pipe things that needed to be done.
I took the kids to Torah club and after that was over, 4 of the guys in that group headed over to our house to help. Now the bathtub is sitting up ready to be put into place. It is very humbling to see friends helping us. These dads have 4 or 5 children each and the moms had to put them to bed tonight by themselves. It makes me very thankful to them all.
Now I'm wondering when this all worked out, how we might thank them....
I guess it would be a bad idea to give them all gift cards since I've been hearing about how all these business are folding after the holidays. I wonder what we can do????
November 15, 2008
so much going on
Things can sure pile up.
We finally got a guy to come and look at our shower and estimate a price to tile it for us. We went to buy the tile and materials for that. They are sitting out in my folk's Suburban right now.
Why do we have my folk's Suburban? Our van's transmission doesn't seem to be working right. We have been looking at getting a new vehicle that will hold our family. Why do we want a new one? Well, my sister in California is getting married and we need to get out there and see her. So, here's the price run-up so far: New tiling and materials about $1200 (give or take a few dollars); a new vehicle that sits at least 6 and has room for a 3 week trip to CA about $25,000 (give or take a few dollars); and a trip to CA and all that involves for 3 weeks about $4,000 (give or take a few dollars).
Well, then guess what just happens to happen to me? The faucet in the tub comes off. No big-gy, right? Well, Greg was going to fix it when he saw that the problem might be too big for the tools he has and so he called the plumber. The plumber said that the pipe is loose in the wall and we'll need to get back in there to fix it. He quoted us $1300. Nevermind the fact that we'll have to destroy the tub to get to it. So now we have to get a tub. Here's the great part: tub's are only about $399 (give or take a few dollars). That's the cheapest thing we'll have to get. All this has to be done right away though b/c the kids can't take a bath. We can't have our shower getting worked on now b/c then we'll not have anywhere to take a bath.
This is absolutely crazy. Oh, and Greg goes on a trip tomorrow night for 3 days. Lovely.
We finally got a guy to come and look at our shower and estimate a price to tile it for us. We went to buy the tile and materials for that. They are sitting out in my folk's Suburban right now.
Why do we have my folk's Suburban? Our van's transmission doesn't seem to be working right. We have been looking at getting a new vehicle that will hold our family. Why do we want a new one? Well, my sister in California is getting married and we need to get out there and see her. So, here's the price run-up so far: New tiling and materials about $1200 (give or take a few dollars); a new vehicle that sits at least 6 and has room for a 3 week trip to CA about $25,000 (give or take a few dollars); and a trip to CA and all that involves for 3 weeks about $4,000 (give or take a few dollars).
Well, then guess what just happens to happen to me? The faucet in the tub comes off. No big-gy, right? Well, Greg was going to fix it when he saw that the problem might be too big for the tools he has and so he called the plumber. The plumber said that the pipe is loose in the wall and we'll need to get back in there to fix it. He quoted us $1300. Nevermind the fact that we'll have to destroy the tub to get to it. So now we have to get a tub. Here's the great part: tub's are only about $399 (give or take a few dollars). That's the cheapest thing we'll have to get. All this has to be done right away though b/c the kids can't take a bath. We can't have our shower getting worked on now b/c then we'll not have anywhere to take a bath.
This is absolutely crazy. Oh, and Greg goes on a trip tomorrow night for 3 days. Lovely.
November 1, 2008
October 28, 2008
Tuesday recess
Doing a bunch of school this week. We got behind b/c last week we were camping. When I made my schedule back in July, I hadn't thought that we'd be out for a week.
We must keep up b/c we have some situations where we might get behind this coming spring.
We should be alright. There are a number of subjects in which we can take with us, but there are a few that are so kinesthetic or otherwise uses so much random material we'd have to bring with us that it would not be worth it. Specifically in mind is math. I do plan to bring spelling, reading, grammar, science, and history. These can be done on the road. The handwriting book doesn't have to be accomplished by the end of the school year and it's hard to write neatly in a moving vehicle. Perhaps we'll take a break from our regularly planned reading and work on some classic stories and just have discussion. I got a catalog from Progeny Press--perhaps I'll order one of those study guides and go through a fun book with them. I also have a study guide for Pippi Longstocking. We might also do that.
My daughter is in 2nd and is having a hard time with spelling, so I want to continue doing spelling even on the road. A lot of the grammar assignments are outloud or can be done outloud, so we may do that.
I'm not sure about science b/c of the projects that go along with the reading assignments. We could read the book, but we couldn't take the materials for the activities. Maybe we could do them when we get back or just put a hold on the science subject for now. Currently we're set to finish the book, but it wouldn't be so if we have 2 or 3 weeks we don't do our lessons.
History should be ok. Some of the history activity assignments are a little wack anyway. We'll have to bring the coloring pages and map work, but I might skip the corresponding reading and activities. I'm behind in history about a year and half anyway.
Well, need to get back to school.
We must keep up b/c we have some situations where we might get behind this coming spring.
We should be alright. There are a number of subjects in which we can take with us, but there are a few that are so kinesthetic or otherwise uses so much random material we'd have to bring with us that it would not be worth it. Specifically in mind is math. I do plan to bring spelling, reading, grammar, science, and history. These can be done on the road. The handwriting book doesn't have to be accomplished by the end of the school year and it's hard to write neatly in a moving vehicle. Perhaps we'll take a break from our regularly planned reading and work on some classic stories and just have discussion. I got a catalog from Progeny Press--perhaps I'll order one of those study guides and go through a fun book with them. I also have a study guide for Pippi Longstocking. We might also do that.
My daughter is in 2nd and is having a hard time with spelling, so I want to continue doing spelling even on the road. A lot of the grammar assignments are outloud or can be done outloud, so we may do that.
I'm not sure about science b/c of the projects that go along with the reading assignments. We could read the book, but we couldn't take the materials for the activities. Maybe we could do them when we get back or just put a hold on the science subject for now. Currently we're set to finish the book, but it wouldn't be so if we have 2 or 3 weeks we don't do our lessons.
History should be ok. Some of the history activity assignments are a little wack anyway. We'll have to bring the coloring pages and map work, but I might skip the corresponding reading and activities. I'm behind in history about a year and half anyway.
Well, need to get back to school.
October 23, 2008
Grand Prix video
Jasp won his first race, but not anymore after that.
If you watch the yellow line, you can see his car win that first race.
Em won her third race, but no more after that.
We all had fun and that's what it's all about really.
Sunday's game
While camping, my dad and I went to the soccer park on Sunday afternoon for a "pick up" game.
These are scheduled adult soccer games, but no specific teams. Anyone can play.
We got to be on the same team. We had a lot of fun.
There's a picture of us playing. We just happened to be both wearing red.
These are scheduled adult soccer games, but no specific teams. Anyone can play.
We got to be on the same team. We had a lot of fun.
There's a picture of us playing. We just happened to be both wearing red.
October 22, 2008
Camping with friends
We've been camping this weekend. We first went to Toad Suck Campground for a few days with my folks and their RV, and some friends. Then we camped at Petit Jean with our friends for a night. It took all day Friday and Saturday to settle down and be able to relax. We had a pleasant day Sunday. Then Monday we hopped up and ran off to Petit Jean hardly having time to look in the rear view mirror. We got up on top of Petit Jean and at the Visitor Center's Parking lot. We checked in and got back in my folks Suburban and it wouldn't start. So we spent all day Monday moving our junk around and getting it to the campsite (b/c of friends) and trying to figure out what was wrong with the Sub. We tried relaxing and visiting with our friends at our campsite even though the Suburban was still at the Visitor Center. In the middle of the night, my oldest boy got sick (the *bla* kind). But of course, we can't go home.
In the morning, my husband borrows some tools from our friends and takes the starter off. Another friend takes him to town and gets the starter tested. It's fine. Ok, now what? Well, he puts it back on and it works now. Great. He comes back to the campsite where the kids and I and our friends have stayed to wait with me. We pack up and get home as quick as we can.
I'm very thankful for friends right about now--trying to be thankful for mechanical issues, but I have issues with that.
In the morning, my husband borrows some tools from our friends and takes the starter off. Another friend takes him to town and gets the starter tested. It's fine. Ok, now what? Well, he puts it back on and it works now. Great. He comes back to the campsite where the kids and I and our friends have stayed to wait with me. We pack up and get home as quick as we can.
I'm very thankful for friends right about now--trying to be thankful for mechanical issues, but I have issues with that.
October 15, 2008
quote day
Today was "Favorite Quotes" from the TOS HS Minute:
“The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation is the philosophy of government in the next.” ~Abraham Lincoln
I am much afraid that the schools will prove the very gates of hell, unless they diligently labour in explaining the Holy Scriptures, and engraving them in the hearts of youth. I advise no one to place his child where the scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which means are not unceasingly occupied with the Word of God must be corrupt. - Martin Luther
“My schooling not only failed to teach me what it professed to be teaching, but prevented me from being educated to an extent which infuriates me when I think of all I might have learned at home by myself.” ~George Bernard Shaw
I must give you at least three of my favorite homeschool scriptures which beat any and all human quotes: From "Home where I belong,~Deborah"
Jeremiah 10:2 "Learn not the way of the heathen."
Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
Proverbs 13:20 "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
Mine, too.
“The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation is the philosophy of government in the next.” ~Abraham Lincoln
I am much afraid that the schools will prove the very gates of hell, unless they diligently labour in explaining the Holy Scriptures, and engraving them in the hearts of youth. I advise no one to place his child where the scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which means are not unceasingly occupied with the Word of God must be corrupt. - Martin Luther
“My schooling not only failed to teach me what it professed to be teaching, but prevented me from being educated to an extent which infuriates me when I think of all I might have learned at home by myself.” ~George Bernard Shaw
I must give you at least three of my favorite homeschool scriptures which beat any and all human quotes: From "Home where I belong,~Deborah"
Jeremiah 10:2 "Learn not the way of the heathen."
Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
Proverbs 13:20 "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
Mine, too.
October 14, 2008
CornMaze
I have not been able to have recess for a few days.
The older two have been sick, and we've started late in the day and take it easy.
Tonight I asked to go out with some girlfriends. We ate a bite at dinner, then got in my jeep and drove the back road to this Corn Maze. One of my friends met another of her friends there. So then the four of us by the full moon (and flashlights) we found our way through the maze. It was cut in the shape of the Statue of Liberty. We found our way to the top star and only got turned around in the crown. I had never done anything like that before and it was quite fun. There were a ton of bugs but it wasn't so bad if you didn't have a flashlight shining on your face. There was a bridge that went up over the cornstalks and you could look out over the field and see a fog settling over the maze. The moon was full and if we kept our map lined up with the moon we could figure out where we were.
After a day of hanging out with sick or screaming children, this was a nice reprieve. Even though they were not always sick or screaming today, it was nice to get away.
The older two have been sick, and we've started late in the day and take it easy.
Tonight I asked to go out with some girlfriends. We ate a bite at dinner, then got in my jeep and drove the back road to this Corn Maze. One of my friends met another of her friends there. So then the four of us by the full moon (and flashlights) we found our way through the maze. It was cut in the shape of the Statue of Liberty. We found our way to the top star and only got turned around in the crown. I had never done anything like that before and it was quite fun. There were a ton of bugs but it wasn't so bad if you didn't have a flashlight shining on your face. There was a bridge that went up over the cornstalks and you could look out over the field and see a fog settling over the maze. The moon was full and if we kept our map lined up with the moon we could figure out where we were.
After a day of hanging out with sick or screaming children, this was a nice reprieve. Even though they were not always sick or screaming today, it was nice to get away.
October 11, 2008
Anniversary State
Trying to visit all 50 states on each anniversary:
'97, Honeymoon--Tennessee
'98, 1st--Arkansas (Eureka Springs)
'99, 2nd--California
'00, 3rd--Arkansas (Siloam Springs)
'01, 4th--Texas
'02, 5th--Texas
'03, 6th--Oklahoma
'04, 7th--Illinois
'05, 8th--Louisiana
'06, 9th--Arizona**
'07, 10th--Ohio
'08, 11th--Kentucky
Had not technically decided to visit a different state for the first 5 anniversaries.
After we liked the idea, some years we could be gone on the exact date (June 14th). Other years we might have already been on an out-of-state trip during that year and used that state as one for the record, but as for the actual date, we probably went to Jade China and got a movie.
'97, Honeymoon--Tennessee
'98, 1st--Arkansas (Eureka Springs)
'99, 2nd--California
'00, 3rd--Arkansas (Siloam Springs)
'01, 4th--Texas
'02, 5th--Texas
'03, 6th--Oklahoma
'04, 7th--Illinois
'05, 8th--Louisiana
'06, 9th--Arizona**
'07, 10th--Ohio
'08, 11th--Kentucky
Had not technically decided to visit a different state for the first 5 anniversaries.
After we liked the idea, some years we could be gone on the exact date (June 14th). Other years we might have already been on an out-of-state trip during that year and used that state as one for the record, but as for the actual date, we probably went to Jade China and got a movie.
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