So for the next 16 days my husband is at annual training. So the four children and I are on our own with my mom. I will be doing as little driving as possible so our sick vehicles will hopefully make it until he gets home. We have a 12 passenger van that needs a transmission and has needed it for several months now. Plus my Venture van needs brake work done in a major way. We are still waiting on our income tax return and it will be Monday before I can call back and hopefully get some answers and find out an actual date we should receive our refund. I am just really frustrated at this moment.
We are still winding down the school year. Yesterday I basically finished updating our online planner for all the work completed so far. It was sure a struggle. We are required to turn in a log made "concurrently" (basically what the law says). Well I typically do mine on paper and then put it in a computer program a little at a time. But it does not always work the way I want it to - things like programs or computers crashing add an element of unknowns to the process.
Plus we have to turn in samples of the children's work. So a week from this Saturday I plan on us assembling the portfolios. That way when Dad gets back from annual training, all we have to do is take the portfolios to the school district office. This is when I can truly say, I miss the Greensburg-Salem school district. Those ladies were fantastic!!!!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Winding Up the School Year
So we are in the process of winding down our school year according to the state of Pennsylvania. We are taking care of all those last minute details - such as getting evaluations done, gathering and assembling the portfolios and making sure our logs are up to date and correct. Of course all of these things fall on my shoulders.
Right now I have no expectations of us taking a family vacation this year, so we will spend most of the summer doing schoolwork. The children are going to Music Camp through the Salvation Army. It will be our WeeBits first time at a summer camp. The good news is that she will be with all of her brothers. Even though they won't be bunking together (obviously), they will still get to see one another. I know they are going to have a great time and be blessed by the experience.
Then on Labor Day weekend, the whole family will be heading to Camp Ladore for the Salvation Army Family Weekend event there (almost a perfect anniversary present for my husband and me).
As we finish with this school year, I will begin to earnestly plan for our new school year. I need to make sure about the curriculum, our schedules, and everything else that goes with the new year.
Right now I have no expectations of us taking a family vacation this year, so we will spend most of the summer doing schoolwork. The children are going to Music Camp through the Salvation Army. It will be our WeeBits first time at a summer camp. The good news is that she will be with all of her brothers. Even though they won't be bunking together (obviously), they will still get to see one another. I know they are going to have a great time and be blessed by the experience.
Then on Labor Day weekend, the whole family will be heading to Camp Ladore for the Salvation Army Family Weekend event there (almost a perfect anniversary present for my husband and me).
As we finish with this school year, I will begin to earnestly plan for our new school year. I need to make sure about the curriculum, our schedules, and everything else that goes with the new year.
Progress with my online Bible Study of Stressed-Less Living
So we are in week 8 of the online Bible Study for Stressed-Less Living. This week, I wish to blog about where I am in the Bible Study. For the first six weeks everything went along like it was supposed to. However, for the last three weeks, I have had more challenges in trying to keep up. Yet, I am not stressed out over it. I know that as long as I do the reading and the Bible study portion at my convenience everything will be fine. It is more important for me to stay in God's Word than to be concerned with when I do it.
I know for the next two and a half weeks, I will probably have no time to do anything with my husband at annual training during the day. However, I know I will have long evenings with no outside obligations to distract me. So I plan on using that time to catch up on everything. I have to say I really am enjoying this study. Jeremiah 29:11-13 are verses I can really claim as my own during this chaotic time. Between Dennis being gone, winding up our homeschool year, praying and considering going into the Salvation Army as officers; life has its uphill and downhill moments. One of the low points was finding out last week that Boy Scouts of America chose to walk about from its Biblical foundation in order to be politically correct. As a result, we had the heartbreaking experience of telling our sons our family needed to leave Scouts. Yet it is not causing me stress. I have an inward peace of knowing that we are staying in God's will. This study has helped to provide that peace. Plus having previously completed the Let It Go Study helped as well.
While this is only my second online Bible Study through Proverbs 31 ministries, I know it won't be my last. My participation with my online small group through Facebook has been a wonderful experience. I have gotten to know these ladies and had the privilege to pray for them and to have them pray for my family and me. All in all this has definitely been a blessing.
I know for the next two and a half weeks, I will probably have no time to do anything with my husband at annual training during the day. However, I know I will have long evenings with no outside obligations to distract me. So I plan on using that time to catch up on everything. I have to say I really am enjoying this study. Jeremiah 29:11-13 are verses I can really claim as my own during this chaotic time. Between Dennis being gone, winding up our homeschool year, praying and considering going into the Salvation Army as officers; life has its uphill and downhill moments. One of the low points was finding out last week that Boy Scouts of America chose to walk about from its Biblical foundation in order to be politically correct. As a result, we had the heartbreaking experience of telling our sons our family needed to leave Scouts. Yet it is not causing me stress. I have an inward peace of knowing that we are staying in God's will. This study has helped to provide that peace. Plus having previously completed the Let It Go Study helped as well.
While this is only my second online Bible Study through Proverbs 31 ministries, I know it won't be my last. My participation with my online small group through Facebook has been a wonderful experience. I have gotten to know these ladies and had the privilege to pray for them and to have them pray for my family and me. All in all this has definitely been a blessing.
Facing My Giants
We just completed week 7 of my online Bible Study of Stressed-Less Living. Right now we are facing some real giants in our lives. First, in April we received a diagnosis of Lactose-intolerance for our oldest son. It is proving to be quite challenging to figure out all the things that have milk hidden in them. Of course, the size of the print for the list of ingredients doesn't really help. We expected with the diagnosis to have more good days rather than bad. But it doesn't seem to be working out that way.
I have two vans rights now that need work done to them. One (of course it has to be our 12 passenger van) needs a new transmission, which is going to cost around $3000 (it may be more if they need to replace the radiator). Then our Chevrolet Venture needs brake work done. I am not sure exactly what the problem was. A couple of years ago we had some brake work done on this same van. Ever since then, we have had trouble with our anti-lock brake system. We tried to get the shop that did the work originally to fix their mistake. However, they refused to do anything - stating everything was fine with the vehicle. Recently, the van's brakes are really not working right. So something has to be done.
Then my husband is getting ready to leave for his annual training (which he and his unit was supposed to have satisfied when they went to New York in November to help with the Hurricane Sandy relief effort. So I get two and half weeks of being a single mom while trying to make sure everything is ready with our portfolios for the state of Pennsylvania. When we moved from the Greensburg-Salem School district, I was devastated. The people in that office were wonderful. They made life easy - as long as you met the requirements of the law. They actually believed and trusted when your children had their evaluations the person doing those evaluations knew what they were doing and accepted their proof. However, we are now in a new school district that is going to be more challenging to deal with this year.
On top of everything, we have yet to get our income tax refund. This is the money we use to buy our homeschool curriculum for the next year, take vacations and do necessary repairs (in the case of this year - getting the work done on our vehicles). So we sit here with no money to do the repairs - meaning we have no safe vehicle that everyone can fit in. So it is a really challenging time.
Yet I have turned all these over to God and have a certain peace about everything. Because I know God is in control. Even though everything may not be done in my time or the way I want I still can have peace. Plus the Bible states in Jeremiah 29:11-13: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
I have two vans rights now that need work done to them. One (of course it has to be our 12 passenger van) needs a new transmission, which is going to cost around $3000 (it may be more if they need to replace the radiator). Then our Chevrolet Venture needs brake work done. I am not sure exactly what the problem was. A couple of years ago we had some brake work done on this same van. Ever since then, we have had trouble with our anti-lock brake system. We tried to get the shop that did the work originally to fix their mistake. However, they refused to do anything - stating everything was fine with the vehicle. Recently, the van's brakes are really not working right. So something has to be done.
Then my husband is getting ready to leave for his annual training (which he and his unit was supposed to have satisfied when they went to New York in November to help with the Hurricane Sandy relief effort. So I get two and half weeks of being a single mom while trying to make sure everything is ready with our portfolios for the state of Pennsylvania. When we moved from the Greensburg-Salem School district, I was devastated. The people in that office were wonderful. They made life easy - as long as you met the requirements of the law. They actually believed and trusted when your children had their evaluations the person doing those evaluations knew what they were doing and accepted their proof. However, we are now in a new school district that is going to be more challenging to deal with this year.
On top of everything, we have yet to get our income tax refund. This is the money we use to buy our homeschool curriculum for the next year, take vacations and do necessary repairs (in the case of this year - getting the work done on our vehicles). So we sit here with no money to do the repairs - meaning we have no safe vehicle that everyone can fit in. So it is a really challenging time.
Yet I have turned all these over to God and have a certain peace about everything. Because I know God is in control. Even though everything may not be done in my time or the way I want I still can have peace. Plus the Bible states in Jeremiah 29:11-13: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
#BLESSED Continued for Stress Less Living Bible Study
So I am in the 6th week of my Proverbs 31 Ministries online Bible study with Melissa Taylor for Stressed-Less Living. Today I want to add on to my blessed posts. We are truly blessed.
Here are the blessings I have previously listed:
Today I want to make a list of things I am thankful for:
1) that Jesus was willing to die for my sins
2) My husband who is also my best friend
3) Our four wonderful children and my mother who lives with us and provides help and support
4) That my husband has a job
5) That we serve a God for whom nothing is impossible
6) That we are free to read our Bibles and attend church services along with homeschooling our children
7) Our family and friends who support us
Now today I want to add to our list:
8) That we have health insurance
9) That my children and I are able to go with my husband to work and complete our homeschooling there
10) All four of our children have now accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior
11) That we found a house to live in when we moved last August and have our home rented out currently
12) That 6 of us are participating in a Beginner Band at our church
13) That my children will be able to attend Music Camp through the Salvation Army this summer - three will be going on their new to them Brass instruments while my oldest goes for guitar.
14) That my daughter and I are learning Timbrels together
15) That we are able go to the YMCA as a family to work out and take care of our bodies that God blessed us with
Today I want to add on:
17) We finally have some answers regarding my oldest son's health issues - lactose-intolerant
18) We were blessed with a beautiful day today for grocery shopping
19) That we were able to go buy groceries today
20) That we are able to volunteer for our Salvation Army's Soup Kitchen.
21) That we have friends and family that love and support us
22) That I am able to participate in this online Bible Study
23) That I have both physical and online friends to support us in everything we do.
24) That God blessed me with a love of music.
25) That my children have definite ideas of who they are and what they want to do
26) That about 7 years ago, I was blessed to become part of a homeschooling group that help guide me through those first years and helped me figure things out - including leading to me to Cathy Duffy's Top 100 Picks (one of the most helpful homeschooling books I have found)
27) That I have the ability to help other homeschooling moms now.
Well I hope you have enjoyed reading about how we are blessed. Now how about sharing some of the ways God has blessed you and your family.
Here are the blessings I have previously listed:
Today I want to make a list of things I am thankful for:
1) that Jesus was willing to die for my sins
2) My husband who is also my best friend
3) Our four wonderful children and my mother who lives with us and provides help and support
4) That my husband has a job
5) That we serve a God for whom nothing is impossible
6) That we are free to read our Bibles and attend church services along with homeschooling our children
7) Our family and friends who support us
Now today I want to add to our list:
8) That we have health insurance
9) That my children and I are able to go with my husband to work and complete our homeschooling there
10) All four of our children have now accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior
11) That we found a house to live in when we moved last August and have our home rented out currently
12) That 6 of us are participating in a Beginner Band at our church
13) That my children will be able to attend Music Camp through the Salvation Army this summer - three will be going on their new to them Brass instruments while my oldest goes for guitar.
14) That my daughter and I are learning Timbrels together
15) That we are able go to the YMCA as a family to work out and take care of our bodies that God blessed us with
Today I want to add on:
17) We finally have some answers regarding my oldest son's health issues - lactose-intolerant
18) We were blessed with a beautiful day today for grocery shopping
19) That we were able to go buy groceries today
20) That we are able to volunteer for our Salvation Army's Soup Kitchen.
21) That we have friends and family that love and support us
22) That I am able to participate in this online Bible Study
23) That I have both physical and online friends to support us in everything we do.
24) That God blessed me with a love of music.
25) That my children have definite ideas of who they are and what they want to do
26) That about 7 years ago, I was blessed to become part of a homeschooling group that help guide me through those first years and helped me figure things out - including leading to me to Cathy Duffy's Top 100 Picks (one of the most helpful homeschooling books I have found)
27) That I have the ability to help other homeschooling moms now.
Well I hope you have enjoyed reading about how we are blessed. Now how about sharing some of the ways God has blessed you and your family.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Take Back Your Life - Chapter 5
So we are now in Week 5 of the Proverbs 31 ministries online Bible Study on Stressed-Less Living by Tracie Miles. I have to say I am really enjoying this study. I enjoy reading the book, interacting on Melissa Taylor's site and also participating in my small group on Facebook. Right now could not be a better time for me to be participating in this particular study. We have so much going on with Dennis' work, our children, homeschooling, outside commitments and other things.
So in many ways, I would love to take back my life and get back to a time when life was simpler. As I was reading this chapter some sentences jumped off the page at me. On page 93, Tracie writes, "God could change our circumstances at any time, if he chooses to do so, but he is always more interested in changing us through our circumstances than changing our circumstances themselves. Everything is possible with God, because he said so."
This time last year, we were living in a different part of Pennsylvania preparing for a move we had no idea would become so chaotic. First, we had extreme difficulty locating a home to rent. Then the paperwork for our move was lost. We were delayed moving, and the move ended up costing way way more than we ever we expected. Finally we were moved and things looked they were settling down. But we were wrong. Dennis' unit ended up being activated and we had no support system here at all - there was no Family Readiness Group, no church, no close friends to rely on or anything. Communication while he was gone was sketchy at best - a difficult thing to fathom since he was still in the United States. Nobody really seemed to know what was going on or when they would get to come home. This was the first time Army Reserve units were ever activated for a natural disaster.
On top of everything, my chronic blood pressure began to spiral out of control. For a person who can find it normal to have a blood pressure reading in the 150s over 100s, it is scary when those numbers are reading in the 200s over 120s. Mind you I have had the diagnosis since I was in my mid 20s and I am in my mid 40s now. My body was screaming out in stress. But God was the only one who could provide the perfect peace for me.
Life was definitely out of control and my stress level was through the roof. It was hard to find God during that time. But He had me right where I needed to be. I had to rely on Him and find the peace that only He can bring. He brought me closer to Him and closer to my family. He brought me to my knees in prayer.
Out of these circumstances came some blessings. My husband was home in time for Thanksgiving. We were able to rent out our prior home that we actually owned. We found a church. Then my husband got his 20 year letter for the Reserves, meaning he could retire but we couldn't draw any retirement pay for roughly 10 years. But God provided a possible job we could do together that would involve serving God right here in our country. As a result we found a second church family. So while I wouldn't mind being back where we were before the move, life is looking brighter. We have a stronger commitment to God and to each other. I know that even when things look the darkest, God can bring beautiful wonderful bright light to shine on us.
So in many ways, I would love to take back my life and get back to a time when life was simpler. As I was reading this chapter some sentences jumped off the page at me. On page 93, Tracie writes, "God could change our circumstances at any time, if he chooses to do so, but he is always more interested in changing us through our circumstances than changing our circumstances themselves. Everything is possible with God, because he said so."
This time last year, we were living in a different part of Pennsylvania preparing for a move we had no idea would become so chaotic. First, we had extreme difficulty locating a home to rent. Then the paperwork for our move was lost. We were delayed moving, and the move ended up costing way way more than we ever we expected. Finally we were moved and things looked they were settling down. But we were wrong. Dennis' unit ended up being activated and we had no support system here at all - there was no Family Readiness Group, no church, no close friends to rely on or anything. Communication while he was gone was sketchy at best - a difficult thing to fathom since he was still in the United States. Nobody really seemed to know what was going on or when they would get to come home. This was the first time Army Reserve units were ever activated for a natural disaster.
On top of everything, my chronic blood pressure began to spiral out of control. For a person who can find it normal to have a blood pressure reading in the 150s over 100s, it is scary when those numbers are reading in the 200s over 120s. Mind you I have had the diagnosis since I was in my mid 20s and I am in my mid 40s now. My body was screaming out in stress. But God was the only one who could provide the perfect peace for me.
Life was definitely out of control and my stress level was through the roof. It was hard to find God during that time. But He had me right where I needed to be. I had to rely on Him and find the peace that only He can bring. He brought me closer to Him and closer to my family. He brought me to my knees in prayer.
Out of these circumstances came some blessings. My husband was home in time for Thanksgiving. We were able to rent out our prior home that we actually owned. We found a church. Then my husband got his 20 year letter for the Reserves, meaning he could retire but we couldn't draw any retirement pay for roughly 10 years. But God provided a possible job we could do together that would involve serving God right here in our country. As a result we found a second church family. So while I wouldn't mind being back where we were before the move, life is looking brighter. We have a stronger commitment to God and to each other. I know that even when things look the darkest, God can bring beautiful wonderful bright light to shine on us.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Counting the Days til turning in homeschool paperwork and Dennis being done with Annual training.
This is the time of year, I start counting down the days to figure out exactly how long I have until we have to turn in our paperwork for the end of the school year. We have to have everything turned in by June 30th. Now for our family - this does not mean we will be through with all our school books or anything like that. Because we basically homeschool year round. I take breaks where it naturally seems like the right time for one (due to holidays and such) or when everyone seems to be burnt out on school.
For the last couple of weeks the entire family (minus our oldest some days - because of being sick) loaded up in our van and went to work with Dad. It is so nice doing school there. We all have plenty of "room" as well as acutal rooms to spread out. The lighting is good! We have desks and everything, plus it allows Dad to play an integral role in our every day activities.
There is an up and down side as well. We are not home to mess up the house, but we are also not home to clean and do laundry and such. So I am trying to figure out routines for that. We also are able to take the books and such there at the beginning of the week and just bring home what we absolutely need. All in all it is working out really well.
Plus we get to practice our instruments without anyone around our home having to hear any of us practicing. So this has been just a little update on us.
Well I guess I should just add one more thing. This week we found out Jacob is lactose intolerant, so we have seen some improvement in him this week. He has been close to his normal self. Unfortunately, he is not happy with the idea of no ice cream and cheese. So I am having to work on solutions for these things. We will see where we go from here.
For the last couple of weeks the entire family (minus our oldest some days - because of being sick) loaded up in our van and went to work with Dad. It is so nice doing school there. We all have plenty of "room" as well as acutal rooms to spread out. The lighting is good! We have desks and everything, plus it allows Dad to play an integral role in our every day activities.
There is an up and down side as well. We are not home to mess up the house, but we are also not home to clean and do laundry and such. So I am trying to figure out routines for that. We also are able to take the books and such there at the beginning of the week and just bring home what we absolutely need. All in all it is working out really well.
Plus we get to practice our instruments without anyone around our home having to hear any of us practicing. So this has been just a little update on us.
Well I guess I should just add one more thing. This week we found out Jacob is lactose intolerant, so we have seen some improvement in him this week. He has been close to his normal self. Unfortunately, he is not happy with the idea of no ice cream and cheese. So I am having to work on solutions for these things. We will see where we go from here.
Big Dream, Wee Step - Blog Hop
So this week I am back with another Blog hop post for my Stressed Less Living Online Bible Study. It is amazing to look at where our family was last year and where we are today. This time last year, we knew we had orders to move from the western part of PA to the central Northern part of PA. But it seems as though everything associated with this move has been difficult. We encountered problems at every turn of one form or another. But God has used those problems in an amazing way.
Since the end of October life has been challenging. To begin with Dennis' unit was activated to help with the Hurricane Sandy relief effort in New York City. It was our very first activation and it was the very first time Army Reserve Soldiers and other full-time regular military forces were used for a national disaster (usually these are handled by National Guard units). He was gone for over two weeks. At the time we did not have a church or a support network in place yet.
When he came back we were able to rent our home in Greensburg. Then he received his 20 year letter, which technically allows him to retire (but most of the time is reserve time - not full-time). So we could not draw benefits immediately. This means God would need to provide us with some kind of income. But we serve a mighty God who works in His own way and time.
Dennis went to his battalion and was talking to someone there about his twenty year letter. This person knowing that Dennis is an ordained minister and has been for around 19 1/2 years mentioned the Salvation Army. Now we knew the Salvation Army was an organization that helped people and the Salvation Army does the signature red kettles at Christmas. In fact as part of our Scout troop back in Greensburg, we rang the bells several times (our whole family went). But beyond that, we didn't know a lot. However, we discovered they actually have a church and they have corp officers that run the corps on a daily basis.
So we took the step and started attending the services at our local corps. Then we took another step and started attending soldier classes. Then we took another step and we attended a Marriage retreat. Dennis and I have since become soldiers (members of the Salvation Army church - also known as Salvationists). Now we are prayerfully considering if God may be calling us to become Corp officers sometime in the future. So our several small steps have taken us into a world previously unknown to us, but that has provided many blessings to our family.
These blessings include us all participating in a Beginner Band at the corp, learning timbrels (for Rebecca and me), teaching a Sunday School class for Dennis and me), participating in a Youth Group for the three boys. And who knows where the journey will end. Some time in the future we may find ourselves serving as corp officers. As Jeremiah 29:11-13 says,
Since the end of October life has been challenging. To begin with Dennis' unit was activated to help with the Hurricane Sandy relief effort in New York City. It was our very first activation and it was the very first time Army Reserve Soldiers and other full-time regular military forces were used for a national disaster (usually these are handled by National Guard units). He was gone for over two weeks. At the time we did not have a church or a support network in place yet.
When he came back we were able to rent our home in Greensburg. Then he received his 20 year letter, which technically allows him to retire (but most of the time is reserve time - not full-time). So we could not draw benefits immediately. This means God would need to provide us with some kind of income. But we serve a mighty God who works in His own way and time.
Dennis went to his battalion and was talking to someone there about his twenty year letter. This person knowing that Dennis is an ordained minister and has been for around 19 1/2 years mentioned the Salvation Army. Now we knew the Salvation Army was an organization that helped people and the Salvation Army does the signature red kettles at Christmas. In fact as part of our Scout troop back in Greensburg, we rang the bells several times (our whole family went). But beyond that, we didn't know a lot. However, we discovered they actually have a church and they have corp officers that run the corps on a daily basis.
So we took the step and started attending the services at our local corps. Then we took another step and started attending soldier classes. Then we took another step and we attended a Marriage retreat. Dennis and I have since become soldiers (members of the Salvation Army church - also known as Salvationists). Now we are prayerfully considering if God may be calling us to become Corp officers sometime in the future. So our several small steps have taken us into a world previously unknown to us, but that has provided many blessings to our family.
These blessings include us all participating in a Beginner Band at the corp, learning timbrels (for Rebecca and me), teaching a Sunday School class for Dennis and me), participating in a Youth Group for the three boys. And who knows where the journey will end. Some time in the future we may find ourselves serving as corp officers. As Jeremiah 29:11-13 says,
Jeremiah 29:11-13
King James Version (KJV)
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
So that is what we are doing. We have stepped out in faith and are waiting to see where God leads. We have been praying and calling out to God to show us what he would have us to do. We also are waiting on Him to answer in His time. For we know that God's ways are not our own.
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
So that is what we are doing. We have stepped out in faith and are waiting to see where God leads. We have been praying and calling out to God to show us what he would have us to do. We also are waiting on Him to answer in His time. For we know that God's ways are not our own.
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