Beyond Bringing Up Boys

Shannon is hosting a backwards edition of what-works-for-me Wednesday , where you can ask for advice/ or suggestions instead of giving them. Yeah! I need some advice. David and I are really praying and considering homeschooling our boys, K4 and grades 2 and 6 —beginning this fall. Can anybody recommend a curriculum, either as a whole or as a subject, that you are crazy about that doesn’t make you crazy? Secondly, if you could give one tip for “survival” what would that be?

Most of our summer was spent working inside our home while the beautifully lanscaped flower garden grew into a jungle--even without rain. So, I took advantage of a beautiful 65+ degree day and began the arduous process of clearing the mess. My boys are still on vacation until Wednesday and they helped out too. A few more hours on the front and then we can move around the house...yep, around the house too. I thought this was an adorable picture of Seth helping me out...too bad the neighbors had to see me in a similar pose. Eeek. I'm too tired to walk across the deck to the hot tub tonight. Pathetic.

David and I lived in Florida when my niece, Amy Kate, was born. I was excited when David decided to attend graduate school in Indiana, PA just over an hour from where my sister and her family lived. Amy stayed with us alot while my sister was in nursing school--I spoiled her rotten--and then sent her back home. It was so much fun reminiscing while I was home at Christmas time about Brandon and Amy's childhood. David and I were crazy about them! Amy is 14 years old today has outgrown me by at least 6 inches! She loves music and is very artistically creative. Amy is wonderful with our boys and she still holds a very special place in our hearts! Dear Amy, The first time I held you, Those brilliant blue eyes Looked up at me. Your hands. One clutching your blanket, One firmly wrapped around my heart. Happy Birthday, “Katie” --with much love from Aunt Amy

My mother-in law was given a preliminary diagnosis of ovarian cancer at Thanksgiving time. I have taken care to protect my mother-in-law's privacy--since it is her story--after all. But since she doesn't have a blog and many of you have written or called to inquire of her, David thought that it would be okay to give you an update. Glenda had surgery on December 20th. The tumor, which was malignant, was removed and many biopsies were taken. She was able to go home the day after Christmas. She has been weak but improving day by day. She returned to the doctor's office with some trepidition yesterday while all of us waited for a call to hear the outcome of those biopsies. We were elated to hear that she had no positive biopsies! She was given a stage of 1C, meaning that she will be treated with chemotherapy as though positive cancer cells were found in the abdominal fluid. We were already expecting this because the tumor size necessitated the surgeons' opening and dra...

I love my sister-in-law, Lisa, for many reasons. But today, I love her even more. Two nights ago, David grabbed a brownie out of my hand since, "you are on a diet...and you would be sorry tomorrow." Am I holding a grudge? You be the judge. Lisa evidently read my blog where I grumbled because I had to share my beloved Reese Peanut Butter Cups . Today in the mail, I received this beautiful box of jewelry with this note at the top (click on the pic to enlarge). Since I was alone, I opened and ta-da! My favorite treat!! And no one was here to remind me that I should be dieting... Chocolate craving satisfied, I have now forgiven David. And the diet...there's always tomorrow.

Where do you find friends who are willing to drive 6 hours with three kids to come HELP us paint our new house? This summer our friends from Louisville, Erick and Junia Hall, came to Georgia and helped us add trim boards and paint! What a blessing they were to us! Our kids got along beautifully. So well, in fact, that their youngest daughter has decided that she should come live with us since she and Samuel do not fight (evidently she was having a bad day with her brothers). We would consider an arranged marriage but after dicussing their strong personalities--we think that it might not be a match to last--but aren't they too cute? Thanks for being such great friends! For another great picture of Jericka and Samuel see Junia's blog .

I began writing in 2007 to “be real.” Not the “keepin’ it real, dawg” of our current culture but in an effort to openly share where-the-rubber-meets-the-road faith. I opened my days to you. I shared my fears and openly celebrated our successes. And you were kind. What began, as an avenue to share my life as a believer, has also become a lifeline through my lonely days of our move to Georgia. I have to say how grateful I am to you-- thank-you, friends, old and new who have come along beside me this year. I am amazed that you stop by and read my meager thoughts (and many are brave enough to say so!). The New Year arrived "quietly" in our home this morning. As quietly as possible when a two-year-old is sleeping nearby and 2 older brothers are outside on the deck with sparklers, despite freezing temperatures and gusty winds. (Kentucky freezing temperatures that is, 45 degrees) The boys were settled and we climbed into bed. David's eyes held mine and said, ‘It’s been a tou...