My Aching Heart

I sit here in my kitchen on a hard chair working on lots of different things- music, e-mails, cake orders, etc. Each of my kids has a cold. A few are on the mend. A few are in the worst stage of the cold. I hear them coughing, coughing, COUGHING all night long. Every now and then someone moans. My poor babies. I do my best to make them comfortable.

As I am finishing up the last of my work for the night I hear someone shout out, "MOM!!!" I put the laptop on the counter and I jump to my feet so I can make it to the bedroom of whoever is awake and crying out BEFORE Mike wakes up and gets there... and realizes I'm still up at this late hour. (1:40am)

I find Chase sitting up in his little toddler bed. His eyes are half open. His body feels sweaty as his pjs are a little too warm and he's under too many blankets. I tell him I'm there and he leans his head forward onto my chest. I pet his back and tell him he's okay and to lay back down. He doesn't want to so I stay knelt beside his bed a few more seconds.

Immediately my heart started aching- thinking of my friend who has gone to live with Jesus. She has three little children. When they cry out "MOM" in the night she won't be there to hold them and kiss them and comfort them. Her husband will be the one to jump up and get to their bedside. Those precious children will not have their Mom to tuck them in, put bandaids on their ouchies, read them stories, fix their hair.

Praying this evening that the Lord will help them know He is near to them. Praying that their Dad will have the strength to go on. Praying that their Aunts can visit often and help them remember their Mom- and perhaps give them the woman touch they need.

Also praying that I don't forget to pray for them and that I appreciate every moment I have with my own children. It is a comfort to know that we are His and that he can meet every need we have.

School 2011

 
We started school this week. I wasn't motivated AT ALL but it had to be done. So far so good. Blake asked me if he could do school yesterday (Saturday) and Abigail wanted to do some today. The teacher is on weekend break. :)

I already posted these on FB but for my friends who aren't on there, here are a few pics:

 

 

 

After we took the pics we got down to business. I always start the school day with a brief meeting- telling them what I expect, what will be different this year, looking at the new books, etc.

 

The School Shelf

My planner- always think I'm gonna get a cuter one for the next year but this one is durable, CHEAP, and it works.

I think the kids worked hard. They were excited and wanted to get done quickly.

 Alison reading.

 Ethan doing cursive handwriting.

 Abigail had to go to her room to do her reading comprehension. Was a little too distracting at the table.

 Blake doing reading comprehension.

Chase wataching Ali watch her math video. He wants to be in school. Thankfully I still have 3 more years til I add him into the mix. My schedule is crazy enough with four kids.

 I stamp their work once I've checked it and marked it off in my planner.

 Everyone (except Chase) chooses a gumball when they complete all their work for that day.

Here is the rundown on what books I'm using for each kid:

Group Subjects:
Science: Answers in Genesis- God's Design for Life- Animals (finishing from last year) and the Body
History: The Story of the World- book 2 (continuing from 2 years ago- last year we did Ohio History the entire year.)
Speech: Putting together a speech class that I am opening up to no more than 10 other kids (homeschooled or public school) where kids will be able to write speeches and stand in front of others and give their brief presentation. At the end of the course? we will invite friends/family and make it a formal thing where kids stand up on a stage and give their speech- snacks and all.

Abigail
Math: Math U See Zeta
Reading: Spectrum Reading 6
Language: A beka Language C

Ethan
Math: Math U See Delta
Reading: Spectrum Reading 4
Language: A beka Language A
Handwriting: Abeka Penmanship A

Blake
Math: Math U See Gamma
Reading: Spectrum Reading 3
Language: A beka Language 3
Handwriting: A beka Writing with Phonics Cursvie 1

Alison

Math: Math U See Alpha

Reading: Scholastic Phonics Ready Readers

Language: A beka Language 1, A beka Letters & Sounds 1

Handwriting: A beka Writing with Phonics Manuscript 1

That's it for now. One week down, 35 to go. :) I think it will be a great year. Only one session of co-op and then we are not participating in the spring. I stepped down as leader and although we don't have a replacement yet, I'm confident that I will not be guilted into staying on.

Low-Cal Tasty Lunch

Today when I made my lunch I decided to video myself and share it with you. Here are the ingredients you will need if you want to make one for yourself:

1 sun-dried tomato basil wrap
1 tsp honey mustard
1 tbsp miracle whip
lettuce
3 slices Honey Ham
Cheese (optional)