Yreka Invitational

First race of Drew's senior year cross country was today.

The team ran at the Yreka Invitational.

Drew ran a great race, taking first in the varsity race. It was over 100 degrees and on tough course, so his 17 something time was not awesome, but a good race for the day!

While Drew won individually, the boys varsity also won and the team won the entire competition of all 5 races put together!

Congratulations North Medford Cross Country!!!

I would tell you his thoughts of the race, but we ran out after the race to David's cousin's wedding. We changed in the car on the way there (Drew and Erinn did not come).

So I have yet to see either of my older children tonight yet.

But we did see these two bucks off the side of the road on the way home. David was pretty excited, especially being that hunting season starts in a couple of weeks!

Sore Today!

Last night I got in an 18 mile walk!!! We finished the last 4 in the total darkness, not too fun. It is getting hard to get long walks in in the daylight, so I am glad it was the last one!! My feet are screaming today! My plantar facitis in my heels makes it feel as though you are walking on a nail!

So why am I doing this!!! I was hoping to raise some funds for Sarah's Covenant Houses. We have raised a little, but I am still praying for more. My feet would love to hear that more have joined up in this effort. You can read more here http://jdelightinginhim.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-adventure.html

Today we are off to Drew's first cross country race of the year in Yreka, California. Looking forward to seeing all the kids run, too bad it is supposed to be well over 100 degrees today on this course with very little shade. Don't expect to see fast times, but everyone has to deal with the heat.

Grandma will be heading out with David's cousin soon to head up early to her grandson's wedding. We will meet them there after the race. Hope no one notices that we are smelly and dirty after the race, as there will be no time to go home first. Drew will be missing the wedding altogether.

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to Delight in Him!!!

Victory Schooling!!!!

In a perfect world this would be the face I saw everyday at the end of school!!

At this point I will take it whenever I see it!!

Yep, Caleb had and awesome day at school. No tears. No pouting. Great handwriting. Great attitudes. Good results.

We are both very happy people today!! And we used lots of stickers and charts!!!

And you can't leave out my little miss. Isn't she so cute doing her reading all by herself!! She did find that it is very hard to color on the floor though!!

I would post pictures of my other student, but lets just say he would be less than happy to have me do that to him. So we will just say his first week has gone well too and he is learning to juggle work, home school, public school, running, eating (which is very important to a 17 year old) and just having a life.

Another Seizure

Update on Grandma--she is doing much better and we were able to get her appointment with the neurologist moved to next Tuesday!!! Guess my intensity with the doctor's office worked this morning.


Grandma Mae had another seizure this morning. It was longer and involved some breathing issues this time. I am waiting for a call back from the doctors. Praying they can move her appointment up with the neurologist. Praying for healing!!!!

It is good to be able to have her here. I would worry if this had happened and she were alone, she would have fallen.

It was fun watching Great Grandma Mae (90) and Hannah (6) playing outside yesterday. Hannah was 'cooking' dirt, grass and cardboard--Oops, I guess it was tacos!!! And Grandma was praising her cooking abilities and 'tasting' everything!!!

Oh the joys of the generations playing and praying together!!!

Today's Happenings

Today Grandma Mae moved in for a while.

Since her seizure two weeks ago she has had a few more and they still do not want her by herself till we can see the neurologist, but they can not get us in till mid-October. So she will be sharing time between our home and her daughter's home.

Hannah was very excited to have her come and immediately was up on her lap showing off her Polly Pockets. To bad Hannah's speech is still so hard to understand and Grandma's hearing is so bad. Don't think they understand each other much, but they enjoy the time one way or the other.

We are all looking forward to the time. Guess it will make us slow down for a while! We will see if it works. This what my youngest son decided to do when I ran to the grocery store and to Grandma's apartment this morning!! I gave him a very specific, detailed agenda to do while I was gone, I had him to repeat it so I knew he had it. Then I merrily went on my way believing that he would do me proud and happily stay on task! HA HA!

So I come home 1 1/2 hours later with less than 1/3 of what I gave him done and this wonderful little note on the white board.

For those of you who are not familiar with Caleb Phonics (LOL), it says:

Andrew is scared of bugs! He is a girl!!

Now just for clarification, this was not on his very detailed agenda!

No, Drew just came downstairs to get a snack and this was Caleb's way to get big brother time!

Not sure I will ever understand boys--think I have said that before!

So of course Drew helped Caleb out by wrestling with him and letting him know who was the "man" in the house!

So here we sit at 2:45 still working on that school that should have been done this morning! Oh well, I guess brother time is more important!!

And lastly, here is that French door we finally got installed.

I love it!! You can go in and out only using one hand!!

Passports!

Since this blog is also a log of memories for our family, I wanted to make sure I got in the picture of the kids with their American passports!!

It was a lot of work to get them and I wanted to remember it!!!

You really have to love the fact that even though they are American passports, the kids look a lot like the Liberians they are in this picture!! Think they had just come in out of the pool when Hannah's passport had come in the mail and I was so excited I took the picture without thinking about what they were wearing. I especially like the yarn headbands!

School Thoughts

Definitely underway with our school year!

Caleb is doing much better with the stress of it, but not totally where I would like to see our days yet. So I have decided to pursue some occupational therapy with him to see if they can help to address the sensory integration issues. I am hoping they can help with exercises we can do at home to keep him from going into panic at the mention of school and help with listening and concentration.

We have added much more movement time in the day, along with frequent high protein snacks and that has help tremendously.

We are also using a large white board to reinforce concepts. I will write and talk through concepts and reading we have done, then will have him come to the board and re walk me through it. It does seem to be helping with comprehension issues.

But he is still going into overload in about 40 minutes. I am usually catching it too late and have a hard time giving him a break when he is acting out, though it is what he needs. So we are doing redo's at breakdown points and trying to end on a victory before a break. Not wanting him to think that acting out gets him a break.

I guess he never went to the bathroom when he got up this morning and about 10:30 after we had just done some board work and I set him to finish his worksheet, he came and asked if he could use the bathroom!!! I have no idea what that was about, he never asks. After the emergency trip to pee for a VERY long time, we discussed using words to express needs before they became extreme emergencies. I also made a new CHART (you know how I mentioned I love those!!) with all his morning chores, and actually put "go to the bathroom" on it, because I guess he needs reminding!

Finally the last big change I made was to put most of our curriculum away for now. We are only using Rod and Staff Bible/Reading curriculum (which is pretty intense) and Abeka science for the most part. We discovered this year that he loves science, so this was a big plus as far as education. So I am using these two books to work on reading, spelling, writing, grammar, science, and comprehension. Lots easier on his mind than lots of books.

So our day for Caleb looks like:
Bible reading with mom
basketball
Rod and Staff reading
jumping on the huge tube out back
Sequential Spelling
Review 2nd grade math
lunch
play time with Hannah
Abeka Science
Abeka Readers with comprehension questions
Critical Thinking (Think a Minutes)

I will post some about Hannah's school tomorrow if I get time.
Grandma Jordan will be moving in with us tomorrow for a time, till we can get her into the neurologist and figure out some meds for her seizures.

And just for fun, and since I figured out how to download them!!

Here are some pictures of Hannah's new hair style!

They are cornrowed to the middle of the head, then a bead is attached and finished the rest of the way down with snap on clips at the bottom. The back is all box braided with snap on clips. She loves the clicky sound of beads and clips!!

Church Picnic

We are on our way to the annual church picnic.

Hoping we do not find our older son in this type of predicament when we get there!!

This picture was taken at the church camp out 3 weeks ago.

Yes that is a sleeping air mattress and yes it does float and yes they are all wearing street clothes and NO they did not all stay DRY!!!

Knowing Drew it will not take long before he comes up with something to raise eyebrows!

Tree Hugging

For those of you who asked. Here is the picture of Erinn hugging a tree!!

I don't know what happened with Mike's picture. Probably took it on his phone since we are having such a time with our computer downloading pictures.

So there you have it my tree-hugger daughter in tie-dye.

Tale of Two Sons

Just love those times with fellow believers where the fellowship is sweet, the teaching is truthful and the joy abounds.

Tonight in our home group we studied "Tale of Two Sons" by John MacArthur. We have been watching the short video series with it and it brings in a whole new look at a parable we can look right over because of it's familiarity.

It is so easy to look and say "bad" younger brother, "righteous" older brother, though you know that is not what is being taught. If you really trust your first thought there is a part that really feels this way. Yep, the sinful self-righteous part. But as you dig and see the sin, aren't we all that younger brother, rotten to the core, thinking of no one but ourselves, deserving exactly what we reap.

But then the father steps in and offers forgiveness. He offers it freely with no strings attached. Isn't it good to know we are love with nothing needing to happen on our part. Then he goes above and beyond and restores him to his place as son, he heaps bountiful blessings upon him. And he throws a party for him. Think of the angels in heaven rejoicing when we turn to our saviour! His blessings go on and on.

Tonight we took a look at the older brother, the Pharisees. He is not spoken of after the first verse, for 14 more verses. This shows he did, nor said anything. He was silent. The self-righteousness, telling him he is better. And the anger at the unfairness, no joy. I can see myself in this at times. That self-righteous heart thinking I have it better together than someone else.

Taking a new look at this parable is a good process to refocus our hearts. Lord may I be the child You want me to be. May I trust only in your grace and mercy. May I live my life to bring honor and glory to you alone.

Today

I got Hannah's hair done yesterday. I am really missing not having a camera that will work with the computer right now. I would love to post a picture. Think it turned out cute.

Hannah is excited to be going to her very first all girl, big girl birthday party this afternoon. She just made her card and wrapped her present.

Caleb and David are having a great time watching a live golf tounament together.

Drew is at a last day of summer break party.

Erinn and Danielle are touring San Francisco.

And I am getting ready to head out on a long walk.

We had a wonderful message this morning. Looking at what the words "but now" are showing in Romans. The continutall comparison of what we were to what we are now "in" Christ. Good reminder of our insufficiancy.

Our pastor has just returned from South Africa and shared on his trip and how he shared this message with churches all over the area.

Erinn and Mike

As you can guess Erinn had a wonderful visit with Mike last week!

He had just had surgery on his eyes, so was allowed a leave, as he could not do much anyways while recovering. Here they are dressed in tie-dye because all the guys on base in Texas tease him about being a hippie/tree hugger from Oregon.
So they found the biggest trees they could and took pictures hugging trees in tie-dye.
You have to love the Redwoods, they are so majestic!!

They also spent some time on the coast, where they caught this great picture.

The camera is on a timer on the roof of the car here.

It was a cold day on the coast, but I do not think it deterred them from having a good time.

Hannah and Caleb loved having someone to play with too. Must say I think Mike liked getting down on the floor and having an excuse to play with Lego's again!

We want to thank Mike and all the men serving in our armed forces to keep our nation free!!

Mike has been transferred to a new job. Not one he asked for, nor one he was real excited about, but that is how the army works. I am sure he would love your prayers as he settles into a new routine.

Done with Week One

Yes, we officially are done with week one of school!!! I may have just figured out some things that actually work for Caleb. I will go into more detail later, but suffice it to say it includes a big white board sitting in the middle of my dining room!!!

Hannah is doing well too, though we may have to make some changes with her also. She is very attached to her speech therapist, which may be causing a problem. I have been watching and trying to keep a handle on things, but I may pull her from therapy for a while or go to once a month. It is hard to compete as a teacher when you also have to be the mom.

Drew will actually start next week, but he did get a little done this week. With his video curriculum he is on a set schedule to have things done, so getting a little ahead will help when all those away x-c meets come and the college visits (he has one planned to Boise at this point). He is off today enjoying the last of his freedom!!!

Erinn does not start till later in the month.

And we have another student this year!!!!! David will be starting his master's program this fall!! Guess he did not think he had enough on his plate! This is something he has been wanting to do for a while. Interestingly he will only miss one x-c meet it looks like. Not sure what he will do for winter term when there is long traveling for some of the national meets. Then he thought he would take extra in the spring, till I reminded him that his daughter would be getting married during 'dead' week and I would not appreciate him being that busy at that time!!!

So that just leaves me out of the learning game. Guess you would have to say that I never really leave the learning game, especially with my two new ones!

Traveling

Praying Erinn and Devon safely down to SF this weekend and Danielle safely up to SF! They are planning an adventurous girls long weekend away and some catch up time for the sisters!!

Picture Overload

Bend Family Vacation Picture Overload!!!!!

My wonderful man who took an entire 24 hours to realize we did not have to be moving every minute of 'vacation'!!!

The only way for these two guys to start a 'vacation' is with a 10 mile run straight up Mt. Theilson, to loop back on the Pacific Crest Trail, at 12 o'clock in the afternoon!!

I love this picture of Drew's arm gripping the rock wall hand holds.

And yes he did try the second hardest wall first time up!!

And did it!!

Daddy time!

Caleb in for his Daddy time!

Drew would not have appreciated me putting in his Daddy time picture!

David at the top of the wall. He had no trouble starting with the easier walls.

My handsome young man after he just took his dad out racing him to the bottom of the 10 foot end of the pool to get the little purple bomb thing in his hand! Yes, he actually grabbed him by the head and pushed him back!! Don't feel too bad for David, I think I heard something about Drew's shorts being tugged down in the second race! BOYS!!!

Guess who really likes Daddy time!

Remember the big scary tunnel I posted about? Here we are only in about 400 feet or so, but it was pitch black. Notice Caleb's pasted on smile!

The sign explaining the lava tube was found directly under HWY 97 in the total darkness!

Caleb happy to be out of the dark! Hannah happy to be out of the cold! Drew happy to be on his way to food! Erinn happy to be done hiking around! And David just happy to be with most of his kids! Missed you Danielle!!

Jacuzzi time! Actually if you ask Hannah it is "canoe" time! I have no idea where she came up with calling it a "canoe", but we could never get her to call it the right thing. It was actually very funny when she came up to you and asked to go in the "canoe"!!

Hannah going 'frog style' up the rock wall.

Do you think she enjoyed it?

OK, just one more! But isn't she just adorable?!?

Caleb and Erinn--of course in true family style, Caleb wanted to make it a race!!

David on the wall. I like how the reflector on his hat caught the flash.

Drew showing us all how easy the wall is.

Caleb a the top with a grin!

Caleb posing for us at the top of the Newberry Crater at an elevation of 7,984 feet.

A more distant picture with the lava flow visable to the right of the picture. You can actually see it from the top of the mountain all the way to the bottom.

And of course the Three Sisters in the distance.

Can you tell David loves to take scenery pictures?

Must say it is beautiful!!

Drew trying to catch crawdads without a trap! He actually caught one and the all enjoyed about one bite for dinner!!

Caleb is loving learning how to fish! He actually made a practice pole in the back yard today with a plastic bat, some yarn and a rock!!!

And here was the only keeper after all their efforts! But I think he tasted good!

So we are now done with picture overload!! At least till I download the pictures from Erinn's time with Mike!!

A Promotion!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Ryan has been promoted to Specialist while serving with the National Guard in Kosovo!!

We are proud of your accomplishments Ryan.

This picture was taken during his break home in California with Danielle last month.

They are patiently waiting for his return stateside late this fall and their wedding is scheduled for June.

Lots of Errands Ahead!

Writing that title reminded me of Danielle's comment about errands when she was 3. Indulge me a little as I walk down memory lane a moment! LOL!

One day when Danielle was 3 and Erinn was just a baby, we had been out running errands all morning, then we were to stop at a friends house for lunch and a play date. When we got there they were not home. I told Danielle they were probably on their way home from somewhere and we would wait for them. Then out of the mouth of babes comes---

"Are they out running Rachels?"

I stare at her it total wonder, trying to figure out what she is talking about!!! So I asked what she was talking about---her answer---

"Well our baby is Erinn and we run 'errands', and their baby is Rachel so they are out running Rachels!"

Makes perfect sense don't you think!?! And isn't that picture great!!!

Anyways this post was actually about the errand day we have ahead of us. So I was up early to get in a 4 mile run, water the garden and order spikes for Drew. Now we have finished breakfast, all but Hannah who believes in making breakfast take forever, we have gotten basketball in too. Trying to get some school done before speech and the abundance of errands to be done this afternoon--

-speech

-bank

-pharmacy

-pay grandma's rent

-get the rest of grandma's bill to pay

-library

-pick up a wedding gift for David's cousin from David's whole family

-get pictures on a disk as we are having trouble with the computer

-get passport photos of myself to renew passport

-call about grandma coming to stay at our house for a while

-wash the car

-pick up stuff for the black and red challenge tonight

I am tired already and that is not even trying to get school in since yesterday was our first day of school and we are working on consistency with the kids!!! Well life moves on. Thankful for the energy to keep on.

New School Year

We are off on the official start of the 2009-2010 school year!!

David had a long talk with Caleb last night about choices, and making the right ones and not causing mom a lot of grief with school. Must say it worked wonders---Ha Ha---actually he woke up this morning in a mood that said 'I do not want to do school and this is going to be a bad day!' Great way for him to start! And then I was praying for patience with the school day before I even got him up---we all know that praying for patience is like asking for trials!! So by 7:30 he had gotten my goat and I only woke him up at 7:00!!

Through prayer and trial we got through breakfast!!!

Then using an idea from The Connected Child we headed outside for 10 minutes of basketball. They were shocked to say the least. But it did work well. When we came in he was ready to go and we jumped into our new reading/Bible curriculum. He did great with only one near slip towards the end. We did stickers in the book and the chart (another idea from my reading--I am not good with charts--in fact I am terrible at follow through) Caleb got 1 sticker instead of two for the crying when I asked a question. Hoping he will still see it as victory with room to improve.

I then gave them another 10 minute scooter break and a snack (another idea from the book).

Then we got in math, spelling and science before lunch! And more stickers and I already forgot the chart, guess we will do that when they come in from lunch!! LOL!

Hannah did do school also, but the issues this morning were enough to put her in freeze mode (lots of staring at mom--it does drive one crazy). So we did do school and stickers and charts, but we mostly worked on filling the trust tank (another idea from the book--are you getting the idea yet!!) so we did lots of praise, full hand touch, eye contact and smiles.

This is such a learning experience for me as well as for them. Thankful for all the wonderful resources that I have had the opportunity to research this summer.

After lunch I think we will do some reading and some review stuff before I head off to Costco and back home to do bills.