God's Blessings

Better Late then Never!!!

2012-02-15T19:57:00.000-05:00

Its been a while since I have sat down and focused on my blog. I have missed some great things to blog about, but I try and get them on here.

Number 1: Last July we got us a little dog! He name is Smoke, yes, he is named after my favorite NASCAR driver. He is a 9 month old Shuh Zhu and very crazy. He has been a great addition to our family and we really do enjoy having him.

We got him in order to try and help Samantha get over her fear of dogs. The thought was that if she was around a puppy and got use to it as it grew she wouldn't have such a strong fear. Well, it worked!!! She was a little timid at first, but warmed up to him quickly.

He is a blessing to our family even if that's hard to remember when he pees on EVERYTHING!!!

Jackson Lynn is a Child of God!!!

2011-12-20T23:39:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday Steve had the privilege to baptize Jack in our Lord!! What a wonderful blessing this holiday season. We are rejoicing with the heavens!!!

2011-01-16T18:20:00.000-05:00

So, it's been a LONG while since I have blogged. We, like everyone else have been pretty busy. We had a great December and even better Christmas. I always feel blessed to be able to celebrate our Lord and
Savior's Birth!! We have ushered in 2011 with a vengeance.

We have celebrated two of our boys getting a year older (well, Tyler will be 15 tomorrow). Evan, the baby and Coolest Kid Ever turned 5 and Tyler is about to turn 15, Wow where does the time go????

We are starting our third month with Jack's diabetes. He has done so good. I can't believe actually how well he is doing. How can a 7 year old decline a cooking, that he loves by the way, because he is told it isn't good for him; but a grown women can't stop eating all the crap she eats. He is a true example for me and I am finally figuring that out. His blood sugars have been pretty good with just the diet. That's right he hasn't had to have any insulin!!!!

He and I are getting ready to start a clinical trial. It is studying the genetics of the disease, its called the Natural History study. It is for people who have a family member with Type 1 diabetes. They will check our blood for antibodies (they are what attacks the Islet Cells in the pancreas that causes it to stop working) to "predict" how likely we are to get the disease. Because Jack hasn't tested positive for them yet this is the only study we could get him in right now.

Wish us luck!!!

I am Thankful for.....

2010-11-25T07:51:00.000-05:00

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17

What am I thankful for…..
I know a God who loves me no matter what I do!!! I find myself so far from Him right now that I am thankful that he still loves me!! I pray that I get closer and find joy in Him always.
“Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!” Psalms 66:20

My children know that same God!! I have to strengthen my relationship with Him in order to help my children see it. They need to be closer too.
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19:14

For Steve, his love and his desire to provided. Steve is an example of the blessings that God has given me. I think every day that Steve was an answered prayer from a 12 year old girl.

For Tyler, his love and his funny personality. I am getting so old, my kids are growing up way to fast. Tyler is old enough to decide when and if he gets his hair cut.

For Samantha, her “not at all like me” attitude and her mothering instincts. She can so be a challenge, but I have to remind myself that she is JUST LIKE ME!! She is so good with the little kids; we call her Evan’s mommy #2!

For Caroline, her sweet spirit and her “just like Daddy” personality. She is a lot like her dad, but she has gotten some of my qualities too. She has some issues that I had at her age and I pray that she can overcome them. I am so sad she has to deal with these things, but at least I can help her through them.

For Jack, his ability to cope when things get hard and his “I love my mom” kiss. Wow, what a sad month it has been. Jack being diagnost with diabetes what not something I ever would have expected. We do know that of all the kids he is probably the one who will handle it the best!! He is doing so well; I just can’t believe that this has happened…

PRAY FOR A CURE!!!! “Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.” Psalms 54:2

For Evan, his I want it now (and you should give it to me) attitude and that he wants to be my baby forever. Why is he so darn cute??? That really causes us trouble. He is very demanding, but he has been able to train his “pet monkey” Tyler well!!  We found out today that he needs his tonsils out (REALLY)!!! I am thankful for reaching our deductable before Jack’s diagnosis and Evan’s operation!!!! (Insurance company may not feel that way)

For parents that are ALWAYS there whenever I need them. It’s true that you worry about your kids even when they are adults, but it is also true that you worry about your parents even when you grow up. Both of my parents have diabetes and I am praying for them to get theirs under control now that Jack is dealing with it. Wish we had done more as a family to help cure diabetes all the years!!

For In-Laws who always want to help out, with time or advice. So thankful that when God blessed me with Steve he also blessed me with in-laws that love my children. I know they do and I know that they only want what is best for them.

For a brother and sister who love me even though I’m not always loveable and for marrying well!! I may not talk to either of them as often as I should, but they both mean the world to me.

For God making me come out of my “cave” and make friends.
“This is what the LORD says— you’re Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go”. Isaiah 48:17

I am thankful for the co-op (sort of), but that is where I have made all my friends (so have the kids). There is nothing like two weekends a year away with your friends!! Thankful that I can pray for my friends that are hurting and many of them are.
“A psalm of David. LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.” Psalm 143:1

For allowing a disease in our family that we already know a lot about. Honestly, if one of my children had to be diagnosis with a disease diabetes is a good one. IT IS LIFE AULTERING NOT LIFE THREATING!!! We do already know A LOT about it, since my family has been dealing with it for 32 years, but now it is up-close and personal. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2

For the researchers who are trying to make the lives of those with diabetes better and longer. Thankful that there are clinical trials out there that we can get involved in so that they can learn more about the disease and try to improve the lives of those affected. Jack and I are each trying to get into two different trials.

I am thankful that God has allowed all of these people in my life. I am so richly blessed and often forget that I am.

Diabetes has now Hit Home!! Praying for a Cure!!!

2010-11-13T12:36:00.002-05:00

My focus in life has gotten a little tweaked the last couple of weeks. I will start at the beginning for the future’s sake:

Over the last month or so I had noticed Jack seeming more thirsty than normal. When your “sugar lovin’” 7 year old wants water instead of Gatorade you know something is wrong!! His thirst wasn’t excessive just different, but knowing all the true symptoms of diabetes and having it running through mine and Steve’s families I pay close attention. Well, I had been meaning to take him to my mom’s to check his blood sugar and just hadn’t done it, till Halloween. Not the best day to check a kids blood sugar, but if everything with him is normal his blood sugar should be normal. Well, we checked it and it was so high it didn’t register on the meter, it just read HI. Which means over 500mg? I didn’t think a whole lot about it sense he had lots of sweets that day. The next morning Steve took him to his parents and checked it again and it was 72mg, which is low, but the high scared me more. I thought all was fine. So my mom called that afternoon and had talked to her endocrinologist’s office and they thought that we needed to see our pediatrician. So I called them that afternoon and they had me checking his blood sugar the rest of that day. When I checked it after his “dinner” 8 pieces of bread with cinnamon butter, it was 473mg they doctor told us to go to the ER if it got that high again. So off Jack and I go to the Children’s Hospital Emergency Room. Steve and my Mom meet us there. They take us right back check his blood sugar and it was 179 (which was about 2 hours after he had eaten). They ran other test, not sure what, but long story short the doctor came in and said “Good News, everything looks fine! Get a fasting glucose done and follow up with the Endocrinology Clinic.” I had lots of questions, but didn’t feel like the doctor had time for any. We already had the fasting glucose scheduled for the next morning with the pediatrician so we went home (10:30 pm) and went to bed. The next day we went to the pediatrician’s office and did the blood sugar check it was 92mg. But Dr. Rash was really concerned about the high numbers and wanted him seen by the Pediatric Endocrinologist that day. Her office called they told them they were 4 months out on appointments!! What are you kidding me??? The doctor then looked at Jack’s numbers and had the pediatrician write orders for a Glucose tolerance test and anti-body blood tests. When I asked Dr. Rash her opinion of what is going on she said she felt like it was VERY EARLY STAGES OF DIABETES!

Symptoms

Type 1 Diabetes

•Frequent urination

•Unusual thirst

•Extreme hunger

•Unusual weight loss

•Extreme fatigue and Irritability

Type 2 Diabetes*

•Any of the type 1 symptoms

•Frequent infections

•Blurred vision

•Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal

•Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet

•Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Diabetes Symptoms

The next day we went to St. Mary’s (big mistake, they just don’t treat children) early to get the blood test run. When arriving they drew blood and we waited for his glucose level so he could drive the “cola.”

It took so long that he started to have a low blood sugar; lethargic, shakes, cold-sweats, nausea and vomiting. I checked his blood sugar and it was 62mg, very low. When we shared our concerns they thought he was sick and didn’t want to give him the drink. Long story short, they got a hold of Dr. Rash, I got to talk to her and told her he was having a low blood sugar and if he could drink the stuff he would feel better, so they FINALLY gave him the drink. He threw up a little but we didn’t think that would affect anything. Then about 40 minutes after drinking it he threw it all up, he continued to be lethargic, sleepy, nauseated. I then checked his blood sugar and it was 212mg. So we called Dr. Rash’s office and told them our concerns and she told us to take him over to the ER (Kosair) and they would call in Dr. Foster (Pediatric Endocrinologist) and he would be seen. DIDN’T HAPPEN!!!

We go to the ER and they checked his blood sugar once, I don’t remember what it was, I’m thinking it was 132mg. By the time we got to the ER hadn’t eaten in about 15 hours. When we asked if he could eat and I was told they would find out, well an hour later Steve finally asked and was told yes. He scarfed down a hamburger and fries (he doesn’t really even like fries). We really didn’t get any information the whole time we were there. We arrived around 11:45am and left around 4:15pm. They drew blood again, third time that day, for an A1C which measures your high blood sugars over a 30 to 60 day time frame. His was normal 5.4 and the ER doctor came in and said, “It isn’t diabetes, but follow up with the endocrinologist. REALLY!!!! So the next day I called the University Pediatric Endocrinologist of Louisville and spoke with their Nutritionist/ Diabetic Educator. We were to continue to check his blood sugars throughout the day, checking it twice, and cut out all the sugars and watch his diet. Well, we did that (Thursday- Monday). On Monday I called back to give her the numbers and see what we should do next. She said the levels looked great, the diet is working and she would show the doctor the levels and he or she would call me back if we needed to do anything else. Well they never called back, as far as I’m concerned the completely dropped the ball!!! He obviously wasn’t sick enough for them to see. I was still very concerned and call Dr. Rash to express my concern and she said let’s call the other Pediatric Endocrinologist, Dr. Raghavan (there are only two in the city) and see what she says. So the office called and faxed her all of Jack’s paperwork. They told me it would take two weeks once I got Jack’s forms in before they would see him. Just 15 minutes after they faxed his paperwork to them they called me back and wanted to see him right away.

So Thursday we went to see her and she was very concerned with his numbers and scheduled him for the Glucose tolerance test the next morning in her office. She is an awesome doctor who seems to be very pro-active!!!

DIAGNONSIS:
We went in on Friday and they gave Jack an IV which he handled like a trooper, drew blood through the IV, gave him some medicine through the IV so he wouldn’t get sick again and then gave him the “cola” to drink. He only had to drink 45g instead of the 75g St. Mary’s had given him. Then they checked his blood (through the IV) just about every half hour. After about an hour, the whole test took three hours, she knew he was diabetic. His blood sugar went up to over 200mg and stayed there. Something no one else would or could diagnose in a reasonable amount of time she did in an hour.

I cannot even explain how relieved I was that someone would finally look and see what I was seeing. I truly believe that God’s plan was for us to see Dr. Raghavan. This is going to be a long relationship and she seems very interested in helping Jack overcome the cards he has been dealt.

Jack is handling things pretty good. He loves his sugar and it will take awhile for him to get use to eating better. He doesn’t mind getting his blood sugars checked, but he isn’t too sure about getting the shots. Hopefully we won’t have to start doing them for some time. We are in the “honeymoon” stage right now; this is when the pancreas is still producing the insulin he needs as long as he is eating right.

Please just continue to pray that we all learn to live with this life long disease and always try to make things easier for Jack and not harder. We also ask that you pray for a cure…they are closer now then they very have been.

Juvenile Diabetes Association

American Diabetes Association

The Britt's last year of Preschool ever~!

2010-10-30T17:09:00.000-04:00

Evan is in the Four Year old preschool class this year and it will be our last year at Kenwood Heights Christian Preschool. We have been there on and off since 2002 or so. The other day his teacher told me we either need to have another baby or send a puppy to them. They can't imagine not having a Britt there. So sweet, but I think we can put this behind us like we have sleepless nights, diapers, highchairs, etc.

This was there first field trip....

Slow Poke Farms

Evan, Jack and Steve got to go to this one!!!

Big brother trying to help Evan with his tractor ride.

Love me some Pumpkin!!!

Our Family Closet

2010-09-30T22:30:00.000-04:00

We started a couple of weeks ago the transformation of our "junk room" into our family closet. I am so excited and thankful my husband wanted to do this. He has drywalled the room (well still in the process) and will later lay carpet, hang shelves and clothing bars.

Here is our plan:

put "all" the hanging clothes in the closet. You can imagine the amount of clothes we have with seven people.

This is the wall that will have the hanging bars. Two, one at top and then one at bottom. LOTS OF HANGING SPACE!!!

2. We will put shelves on the other walls for baskets and totes of clothes. Will use tote for shoes.

This wall will have shelves on the left and under the window. On the right will be the hanging clothes. At the bottom will be totes under the shelves.

This wall will be shelves too and totes at the bottom. We will be putting dressers or a table in the middle of the room for more storage and /or an area to fold clothes.

3. We will be laying cheap carpet.

4. Because of the emptying of my closet we are going to make it a linen closet. We will be putting shelves in. My closet is huge, but not built really well.

5. Then the linen closet will then be turned into a new and improved food pantry!! I am so excited!!

With taking the clothes out of the kids closets they can use them for their toys, crafts and junk. Their dressers are out of their room too, giving them more room for whatever.

I will post more once we get more done. Steve can only work on it when he is off work, so it will take a little longer then we want. It will be awesome when done.

The 30 Day Mark

2010-09-30T19:10:00.000-04:00

We have had 30days of school and it has gone pretty well. Everyone is getting through their stuff and learning something too! Honestly, by this time in the school year, yes just 30 days in, I have usually lost my joy. Things just seem to get hard, I can't seem to keep up with grading papers and doing lesson plans, or we just aren't motivated. Whatever the reason has been I am really working hard and changing that cycle.

I have stopped doing lesson plans for a long period of time. If you don't get everything accomplished you usually feel like a failure. So, I only do lesson plans for about a week at a time maybe two. It has worked really well. As for grading, the kids are grading most of their own work which they seem to like to do and their math is graded on the computer. We are staying very motivated and I can contribute that to God. Batheing our school and family in prayer every night, morning and through out the day has helped us all stay on the right track!

With things going pretty good right now I need to be armed with the things that will help me stay motivated once we get to day 40, 60, 80.....mark. So last Thursday I went to the HFHG LIVE meeting and listened to Todd Wilson, The Familyman speak about homeschooling, marriage, family, and life. It was inspiring. I left with such a renewed sense of excitement and three new books. Two for me and one for Steve.

I have started reading both of my and they are great...I am getting so much out of them. Steve is reading his and really seems to like it too. It is really nice working to get us both on the same page and not running over him when he tries to help out with school.

Then last Monday night I went to my monthly homschool mom's "meeting" and we enjoyed the teachings of Voddie Baucham He is awesome I suggest that if you have never heard him you get his DVD on educationing your children. Children of Caesar You can watch some of it on Youtube. He is so passionate about home educating our children and taking them out of the hands of the government. I ordered two books today that he has written or recommends. I will update you on those once I have read them.

I am just thankful that we are able to have a great school year so far. Praying for continued productivity.

Innocents of a Four Year Old!!!

2010-09-17T21:13:00.000-04:00

It is amazing how some people take things so literally!! I know someone who does that ALL THE TIME!! Maybe we are to blame, when I say we I mean my family. We always act like everything he says is exactly what he means.

Who is this literal person? None other than my four year old son, Evan Samuel Britt, aka The Coolest Kid Ever!!!! Have you ever looked up the word literally?? Literally--used to show that a statement is actually true and not exaggerated.

Everything we say to him he believes to be TRUE, nothing exaggerated. I wonder how long that will last. Should I take advantage of this? I’m sure I could find a way.

He loves to brush his teeth and will do it twenty times a day if we will tell him his teeth are really shiny. Not just shiny but “blinding”. You know, “Oh Evan close your mouth your teeth are blinding me.” We all have to do this. Each time he brushes his teeth he will go around to everyone in the house and smile at us. If we don’t flinch when he grins his teeth at us he will chase you around the house. So that one time I said “Oh your teeth are so shiny” and shaded my eyes. He took that literally, that his teeth are blinding me!!! This will help with those dental bills we just paid for the last three fillings he had done!!!

At co-op this week the teacher was teaching about Fairy Tales and this week it was “Jack and The Beanstalk.” Once the story was over she procedded to have each of the preschooler plant two seeds in a jar in order to grow “beanstalks.” Well Evan didn’t want any of that!!! He wanted no part of having a beanstalk in his jar that will result in a giant!!! He was very afraid of the giant. I wonder when she read the story if his eyes were as big as quarters. She had to remind him that Jack killed the giant so he will not come back. Fear isn’t far from a literal kid like Evan!!!

We jokingly call him, “The Coolest Kid Ever” and he believes that he is. Now I believe that he is pretty cool, but he, for some reason believes that when he turns 5 next January his name will change to “The Coolest Kid Ever.”

Boy, gotta love the innocents of a four year old!!! I hope this last a long time!!!!

The Adventure Begins.....

2010-09-05T19:28:00.002-04:00

Our school year has gotten underway and is going pretty well. I think everyone is in the groove and working really hard!! I will admit I am STILL a little stressed out about Tyler being a freshman.

Tyler is working pretty hard, but he is only doing three classes right now: English PACE's School of Tomorrow, Saxon Algebra 1 with, DIVE CD and Biology, Apologia Biology at CEC . He begins Notgrass World History and Literature , ABEKA Spanish 1 and Apologetics Who Is God and Can I Really Know Him? Biblical Worldview of God and Truth in a week at co-op. He seems to be doing really well, just not always following my directions. Unfortunately he has some of my qualities and the worst one is; laziness. He only wants to do the minimum amount of work. This year will show him how hard he needs to work.

Samantha is in 7th grade and is a hard worker. I just have to give her a list of what she needs to do and she will sit down and gets it done! She is doing English PACE'S School of Tomorrow , 7th Grade Math and Science PACES School of Tomorrow right now. We start Literature reading: Island of the Blue Dolphins next week and she will start Mystery of History Volume 1 , Intro to Spanish and Apologetics at co-op.

Caroline is in 4th grade and is struggling a little bit with her self-esteem. She usually doubts her abilities so she struggles more then she really needs to. She is working on English PACES School of Tomorrow, Creative Writing and Literature PACES School of Tomorrow, 4th grade math , Sequential Spelling, and Critical Thinking Activities . She will start History, Apologia Swimming Creatures Science and Art Appreciation at Co-op. We will be doing Galloping the Globe Geography with friends in the next couple of weeks too. We will have to work really hard this year building up her self-esteem.

Jack is 2nd grade and doing really well. We have only done a couple weeks of school so far and he isn’t whining too much!! I do take silly bands for whining, I do have a few of his in my jar!! He is working on Phonics Explode the Code , Sequential Spelling , Rod and Staff reading , Rod and Staff English , 3rd Grade Math and his reading and math boxes. He will be doing some science, history, geography and BASIC SEWING (yep, sewing) at co-op. He will be following along with Caroline in her science book and working with Geography.

Looking forward to getting going even more then we already have.....

Homeschoolblogger: National Geographic Map Giveway

2010-09-01T10:37:00.000-04:00

Check it out!!!!

Homeschoolblogger National Geographic Map giveaway!!!!!

Joshua Schoolhouse!!!!

2010-08-22T22:23:00.001-04:00

Joshua’s Schoolhouse has officially started the 2010-2011 school year.

We have no buses, so no one gets lost
you can read your Bible whenever you want, we actually encourage it
Praying is exactly what we want you to do, first thing in the morning
uniform days are pajamas, actual clothes are optional
you are required to tell the teacher you love her!!!

This is the 7th year of homeschooling. We are moving slowly, just a few subjects a day for the first week then adding more. This year we have a freshmen, 7th grader, 4th grader, 2nd grader and a preschooler. This will make me a little busy! Everyone says they are going to work really hard this year….

This is my most enthusiastic student!!!

He loves "homeschool" too, but doesn't like to wait!!!

Baseball + Baseball + Dance = June 2010

2010-07-09T22:38:00.002-04:00

It was so crazy busy in June running the kids to baseball games, practices, dance classes, dress rehearsals and two nights of recital!!! With Steve's new work schedule, which we love, I have to do some crazy maneuvers to get everyone where they need to be. Some nights I had four different kids who needed to be in three different places.

Tyler was playing baseball games three nights a week. Most games were in Southern Indiana. He was also practicing once a week. He is a member of a homeschool baseball team, there are only 6 players. They have been playing with players from Jeffersonville High School in order to get to play some games. We really hope that this team is able to take off, we just need more ball players.

Jack was playing at Beechmont Youth Sports on a 7-8 year old machine pitch team. He really enjoyed playing. Just can't say he learned a lot since the coach never had a practice and he never taught Jack how to play any positions, but outfield. Big mistake on my part we will not be playing at Beechmont again anytime soon. Heading back to Southeast Christian Baseball next summer. Even though it wasn't the idea situation his team did win the tournament. Yeah Jack, you are a Champion!!!!

Samantha and Caroline danced all year again and had their recital in June plus five make up classes and two regular class a week. They have really done well this year. They did a duet to Mighty to Save by Laura Story, it was a beautiful dance!!!! I was so proud of them!! They work really hard. The dedicated the dance to their Daddy!!!

Video "Mighty To Save by Laura Story"

Evan was mommy's sidekick!!! It will really get crazy when he is playing a sport too, but for now he just loves hangin' with me!!!

Preschool for the Britt's is almost over!!!

2010-05-27T13:48:00.000-04:00

God puts many things in our lives that sometimes we take for granted. Eight years ago He gave our family Kenwood Heights Christian Preschool!!! It has been such a blessing to our family. All of the kids, but Tyler have gone through preschool there and they loved it. We are finishing Evan's three year old class tonight at the graduation and it makes me sad. He will go back in the fall for the four year olds, but after that we will be done. I can't believe it!!!
I will try and explain what a huge blessing they are in our lives.
#1  They make homeschooling the rest easier. Not having to entertain a preschooler during the school day.
#2   They help make it easier for the youngest to feel apart of something that no one else gets to have. That is important when there are five kids in a family.
#3   He has learned so much from them: standing in line, making friends, respect, how to push in a chair, cutting, painting, leaning what "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit!" means, and many other things. Most of which he would never have gotten to do at home.
#4 Most of all he has learned just how much Jesus loves him!!! They don't just teach them ABC's and 123"s but the love of Jesus. Through stories, pictures and their love of the children.

So, I just say thanks to all those special people at Kenwood for loving my children over the years.

http://www.kenwoodheights.com/

See ya next year!!!

Changes for the 2010-2011 School Year

2010-04-30T20:50:00.000-04:00

I have decided to start early on our next school year! I have gotten most of the curriculum or at least know what I want. We will be educating a Ninth grader (yikes!!), Seventh Grader, Fourth Grader, Second Grader and off and on a Preschooler. We will be utilizing the WorkBoxes this year in different versions: The drawers for Caroline, Jack and Evan and the file folders for Sam and Tyler. I am looking forward to having a plan every day.

I think we are going to start this through the summer. They need to work on something during the summer or their brains turn to muss! Our summer work will be: They won't be working all day, but hoping they can get something done everyday and reading EVERY day.

Tyler-working on Algrea-through worksheets, a unit study of his choice and reading at least three different books.
Sam-math (7th grade), a unit study of her choice and reading at least three different books.
Caroline-English; fun math-money, clocks, measure; her state notebook (covers all 50 states) and reading LOTS of books.
Jack-fun math-money, clocks, measure; lapbooks of his choice and 1st grade Rod and Staff Reading with workbooks.
Evan-his letter books, number books and some fun preschool lapbooks.

All of this will go in their Workboxes (I will post more about this once we get them set up). Hoping to go buy them tomorrow.

"Happy Jack" turns 7

2010-04-30T15:30:00.001-04:00

Jackson Lynn Britt was born Thursday, May 1, 2003. He was our fourth child and second boy. We were so excited to have another boy!!! He like most of the others was induced, a couple days early, I have a hard time waiting and I think that Dr. Link gets tired of me complaining! Jack was a bit hard to get out. Trying to come out with his head sideways didn't quite work well. He had a huge head!!! I watched in a mirror with him and was quite caught off guard by the size of everything. He was our biggest baby 8lbs 8.5 ozs. He was so fat. He was so big that I had to have surgery 6 weeks after he was born; I'll let you try and figure out why. Hint: I couldn't sit.

He was a really good baby. He loved to snuggle!!! That is one thing that has changed about him. At almost seven he will wipe off just about every kiss I give him. Sometime I will kiss him when he is asleep just to make sure one or two will "stick." He does love me he just isn't the lovey dovey type. I haven't quite figured out his personality yet. I am not too sure who he asks like, but he does look like my uncle. He has the prettiest blue eyes. One day a girl will get lost in those, I did his daddy's. He will be a lady killer.
Right now isn't the best time for Jack. He is a sort of wiener. He doesn't like school much at all and we have to do alot of yelling to get things done. We are working on the one time obedience thing too. Or according to him three or four time obedience.

He is sort of in a hard spot since he has a brother that is 8 years older than him and he wants to do everything like him. He did start basketball this winter and really improved!! By the end of the season he was playing really well. He has just started baseball, machine pitch. He does need some improvement there, but I know he can. He really does like playing. This is what I hear a couple at every game, “Mom how many outs till my game is over?" or "Can I buy some food after the game?" He does have one track mind, food. He will be starting football this summer. We will see how that goes!

I have surely been blessed with wonderful children!!! This is the simple story of baby #4.

Kentucky Derby Festavil 2010

2010-04-30T13:22:00.000-04:00

The Kentucky Derby Festival has been in full swing this week!! We have attended a few events, but not many. It all began two weeks ago with Thunder over Louisville, which is the biggest Air Show and fireworks show in the nation this year. I have a cousin who is learning right now to fly the KC-10. It is the air craft that refuels other air craft over head. He was supposed to be in the KC-10 when it flew in the show, but was bumped. Next year we are hoping that he is the one who flies it over head. We did not go to Thunder this year, Steve was working, but we were able to watch it on TV.

The one event that we always attend is the Mini Marathon/Marathon, we attend it not participate in it. It always runs past our street, so we do down (with Krispy Kreme Donuts) and watch all the runners. This year the start line was only about 1/4 mile from the end of our street. Since we had rain we did leave the donuts at home, but it was fun to watch all the people. The Hot Air Balloon Race usually runs the same morning as the Mini, but because of the rain they didn’t go off till the next day.

We attended the Pegasus Parade Preview. I had mixed emotions about it. I thought it was ok, but not very festive. We went with about 40 other people from our co-op and got to view all of the floats (which are very small) and balloons for the parade. All it cost was the $4 for the Pegasus Pin; I remember when they were a dollar!!! We did have a run in with the "Gay Pride" float, really. They need a float...I am thinking next year we should have a Christian float or Homeschooler float. Anyone want to help???? Steve and I made a trip to the Chow Wagon, not quite the same as when we were young.

The Great Steamboat Race ran Wednesday, which was a beautiful day. The Belle of Louisville races the Belle of Cincinnati up the Ohio River and back. They changed the format this year to include points...what is this NASCAR???

"Utilizing a point system format for determining the winner, the Belle of Cincinnati racked up 99 points to 60 for the Belle of Louisville to win tonight’s Derby Festival Great Steamboat Race presented by Turner Construction Company. Instead of the event winner being determined by the first boat to cross the finish line at the Clark Memorial Bridge, the winner was the vessel which accumulated the most points from performing a series of six tasks assigned to each competitor throughout the day and during the race." From the Kentucky Derby Festival Press Release

Thursday was the Pegasus Parade beautiful day again, about 80 degrees. More than 225,000 people filed downtown to sit along the parade route to watch. We did consider going, but decided better of it!! The kids don't really know what they are missing. We did participate in a Derby Party at Evan's Preschool. So we got to see a parade, a horse race, and a hat contest!!!

Friday is the running of the Oak's, Louisville's day at the Downs. I have never been, but hope to go one day. It is a race for the Fillies, Run for the Lilies.

Then of course tomorrow is The Derby. We will be relaxing at home and watching it on TV. We did take advantage of this tradition and do a Derby Lapbook that was a lot of fun and will help us understand some of the things they do at Derby. Better go pick my horse.....

Co-op Spring 2010 has Come to an End

2010-04-29T17:07:00.001-04:00

Co-op has finally come to an end!! We had an awesome session and the kids learned lots of new stuff.

Evan learned about the Oceans and Solar System, had Playtime and then talked "All About Me." He really loves co-op. Here is a look at all the things he made:

Jack learned about Kentucky History, Magic School Bus, Flying Creatures and the Solar System. He loves to learn about all kinds of new things and hangin' with his friends.

Caroline learned about Kentucky History, Apologia Science-Flying Creatures, Critical Thinking and American Girl-Kirsten. She really enjoyed all her classes. Looked forward to everything!!! She has really enjoyed being with her friends.

Samantha and Tyler had US Geography with cooking, Yearbook, and Literature. They didn't want to take the Literature, but their mean mommy made them. They ended up loving it and they each read The Outsiders and Big Red.

I was the director of the co-op again this session and it went very smoothly. I do enjoy directing, it is a joy to see all the kids and MOMS get so much out of co-op. I believe we all start co-op for our children, but continue it for ourselves!!!

Tyler's Mission Trip

2010-04-13T21:33:00.001-04:00

Last week Tyler went on a Mission trip with the Southeast Christian Middle schooler, CRASH WEEK. This was their slogan:

bee's are called a swarm

sheep are called a flock

fish are called a school

rhino's are called a crash

WE ARE CALLED TO BE RHINO'S

Tyler came home pumped up....he had such a great time. I am really proud of all the things he did. The place they went that meant the most to him was Exceptional Teens and Adults. The helped mostly teens with autism, he said it was really hard to see kids his age and older, even adults, acting younger then him. Looking forward to see what God does with him as he grows up!!!

Here is the letter he sent out to everyone who sent money to help sponser him:

Dear Family and Friends,

I had a great time on Crash Week; I met a lot of people, and made even more friends. We went to four different places Edge Outreach, Exceptional Teens and Adults, Necole’s Place, and Wayside. At Edge we carried water four and a half miles MAN THAT WAS HARD, but a good experience. At Exceptional Teens and Adults we played basketball with them on a goal made of a crate. It was really sad to see people older and the same age as me act younger. At Necole’s Place we played games and made crafts with little kids who did not have dads. At Wayside we played with homeless kids, we played kickball and board games. The morning before we went home we went to the abortion clinic to pray I hated that part because little babies were dying. I should be thankful, fourteen girls went in and three came out without getting an abortion.

At Exceptional Teens and Adults I asked the lady that was the director if they were going to get a real basketball goal. She said maybe in the spring. I then asked if we could raise money for a basketball goal for them and she said that would be great. We ended up getting them one before the week was over and everyone participated in Crash Week signed a ball and my team and the team who put it up signed the backboard. I am planning on volunteering at Exceptional Teens and Adults this summer.

I want to thank you for your generosity!!! Had it not been for you and your kindness I a lot of this would not have happened. Because of all the money I received I was able to help others go on this trip. Also, thank you for lifting me and the Crash Team up in prayer last week.

“Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6

Samantha Rhea

2010-04-10T20:52:00.000-04:00

On April 9, 1998 God blessed me with our beautiful baby girl, Samantha Rhea. I tell her she was the easiest to delivery, but the hardest to raise. She was due on the 7th, so was induced on the 9th. We started induction sometime in the morning and she was born at 3:33 pm. She was beautiful a head full of dark hair. She was an easy baby: ate good, slept great, never took a passy, and hardly cried. She was born on Easter weekend, a beautiful Easter I might add.

She went from an easy baby, toddler and preschooler to a very difficult student. We had, well I should say I had a hard time dealing with her. We should have named her ATTITUDE!!! I really struggled to deal with her. I felt she was so disrespectful and frustrating. Everything was an argument. But now she has grown into a sweet, helpful and even sometimes delightful. She is so helpful. I can really count on her to do anything I need: laundry, dishes, watching the little ones, you name it she will and can do it. I give her a really hard time most of the time. I think I figured it out. I forget she is just a kid. She does get attitude now and then, but so did I. I am going to work on how I treat her and make sure I tell her I love her more than I yell at her!!!

We just celebrated her 12 birthday and I can't believe that she is so grown up. We went and bought her makeup the other day and some new clothes (girl after my heart).

"Sixteen Candles"

2010-03-27T18:14:00.001-04:00

I absolutely love the movie "Sixteen Candles." It is amazing how watching one movie can take me back 21 years!!! I can so relate to Sam's feelings for Jake. I was "in love" with Steve since I was 12 years old (he was 17). I remember the feeling I got the day he came over and asked me out for the first time (I was 17, he was 21). It was March 17, 1989, I truly never believed that would happen. My favorite since of the movie is at the end when Jake is standing across the street from the church waiting for Sam!!!! Makes me want to go back in time about 21 years ago........

Hoarder??? Who Me???

2010-03-17T17:59:00.000-04:00

We have spent the better part of today cleaning out a room in our basement that seems to catch all the junk. Why is it so hard to throw stuff away? I did pretty good getting rid of stuff. We filled the van up with stuff: clothes, books, shoes, dishes, toys, and baby stuff and took it to the Goodwill. Great place to take whatever you don't need or want.

Funny story. We had a Christmas tree stand that we used the first year we were here, nine years ago and Steve said, "we don't need that tree stand." I said, "No, but don't get rid of it." Then realized that it is a tree stand and I don't NEED it. So it went to the Goodwill. I am so thankful to the show HOARDERS on A&E. If it wasn't for it, I would never clean out this stuff.

I will post pictures once we have finished!!! Happy Cleaning!!!

Random....

2010-03-10T17:18:00.000-05:00

Found this on a friends blog ands wanted to try it too. Why not, Steve's at work and the kids are playing Wii.

1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet? The shoes I wore in a friends wedding, navy blue dyed heels (the dress is still there too). They are about 12 years old. Yikes.

2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety? Four boxes: two Samoyas, my fav; one Tagalongs, Steve's fav; and one Trefolds.

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to? No, on both points. My life partner doesn't like to dance. I would NEVER put him through this.

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager? Not always, now that I have teenagers I see how irresponsible I was. God was truly faithful to me!!!

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see? No, we never go to the movies, well unless they are for the kids.

6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself? None, of those things bother me. After having five kids you almost get use to it.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why? Well, it use to be Wednesday, because that was Steve's day off. He started a new schedule: will work 7 days then off 7 days. So my favorite day of the week would be Sunday. I love to see how excited my kids get about going to church and I love coming home and resting while watching NASCAR.

8. Do you miss anyone right now? I miss Steve, he is at work. But I really miss my Grandma!

9. Do hospitals make you queasy?No, they make me want to have another baby. I always want another one when ever I do Baptist East.

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you. I don't have a credit card!!! I would love to go to Target and spend all I could on whatever I want.

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items? Some; Cherrios, Heinz ketchup, Jif peanut butter, Snuggle fabric softener and Dry Idea deoderant...to name a few.

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels?
It depends on the person. I love to look into Steve's eyes either way. I would love to hear how he feels about me...on a good day that is. LOL

Britt Family Quarantine

2010-03-10T15:33:00.002-05:00

Nothing can frustrate me more than spending time on lesson plans to only have something "throw" a kink in them. I had spent the better part of last night (since Steve was working till 2 AM) working on lesson plans for the next couple of week. I was ready to have a productive school day and get lots of work done, only to be woken to the sounds of satan trying to be exorcised out of my 14 year old son at 12:30 AM through his mouth. I can describe it no other way. He sounds awful when he vomits; he HATES to do it anyways. So because of this we spent the day avoiding him, he was quarantined in one room and the rest of the kids have been outside all day. No school day of us!!! We will have to double up another to make up for the "sick day."

As of now, 3:30 PM, Tyler is feeling better. He has slept just about all day. Evan is running a 102 fever, not complaining of his stomach though. Evey one else seems fine. Saying many prayers and hoping we are a family of only one puker!!

Caroline has Succeeded!!!!!

2010-03-04T14:51:00.001-05:00

Caroline finished up her time at Langsford this week. All I can say is WOW!!! In a matter of four months she has gone from a reluctant reader to a lover of reading. She would never have picked up a book to read before now she reads all day long!!

Below is the letter I wrote for Langsford describing our experience:

“When I start reading I don’t want to stop, I LOVE TO READ!!!”

This is what I always wanted to hear Caroline say, now that she has come to Langsford I hear that all the time.
Being a home school mom I was really concerned about Caroline’s reading and spelling for a very long time. One thing that you usually hear from other homeschooling moms is, “Kids learn at their own pace. Don’t push her she’ll get it.” That is true for some, but once your child is nine she should be reading. We had tried different programs for her, but those take so long to get through it could have taken us years. We didn’t have years. She was already so far behind.
The situation had begun to affect Caroline in the other areas of her academics: math, science, etc.; socially she was having trouble socializing with girls her own age in a group; and she had developed a facial tic. That was it. Once it started to affect just everyday life for her something had to be done. I have a nephew and niece who had both come to Langsford years before and decided it was time to admit I couldn’t do it myself so I contacted them. Stephen called one evening and answered all my questions and helped me see that things could get better!!! I set up her evaluation right away and we got started.
She was diagnosed with Nonverbal Learning Disability. We decided, with the recommendations of Langsford staff that she need to come for 110 hours, five days a week for two hours a day. We started the end of November and by the middle of December her facial tic was gone and she was a little more comfortable socializing with other girls. Honestly that meant more to me at the time because that was where I saw her saddest. Now she is at the end of her 110 hours and she is doing great. She started at a low 2nd grade reading level and I think she is now a high third grade. She will read on her own. Today she can read an American Girl book by herself and she has no trouble reading it and comprehending it. That was my goal for her; thanks to all of Caroline’s hard work and the techniques at Langsford she has met it!!! She has succeeded!!!!
I would recommend Langsford to anyone. Everyone is so helpful, understanding and special. Caroline fell in love with everyone and will miss them greatly. She is excited to work harder and continue to improve. I have never seen her so enthusiastic about learning before. This is a new beginning for us and we are excited to get started.

You cannot imagine how happy I am with the experience we have had at Langsford. I can only say it was an answer to prayer!!!
On my desktop I had a note that said, “Lift up Caroline." Well, I did and God has graciously answered our prayers. BTW the note is gone, yes I continue to lift up Caroline and the other Children, but not seeing the note is a reminder that God answers prayers!!!

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)

She LOVES to READ!!!

2010-02-12T11:50:00.001-05:00

As you know Caroline has been going to Langsford for reading help since November. Well she has really improved. She started at a low 2nd grade level and now I would as we are a middle or even high 3rd grade level.

TODAY WAS A WONDERFUL DAY:
As we sat together reading she said; "Whenever I read I don't want to stop!!! I just want to keep reading!!" Music to my ears!!!

THANKS TO ALL THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE AT LANGSFORD!!!

http://www.weteachreading.com/

Snow Day 1/30/2010

2010-01-31T08:13:00.002-05:00

I am not a fan of snow...well I am not a fan of getting the kids dressed to go out in the snow. It can take an hour to get everyone ready and then they only stay out five minutes!

Snow is fine, the only time I like snow is when it snows us in. When the roads are bad and the snow is to deep to go anywhere. I love to be snowed in or iced in (like last year) with my family!!! Well we got the snow, but I believe that the brine worked because we could get out.

Off to the park we go.....

And they are off!!!

Daddy: Kid number one

Tyler: The actual #1 kid

Samantha

Caroline

Jackson

Evan driving the race car sled, it actually worked

Morning snack!!!

"On the Day That YOU Were Born...."

2010-01-05T13:23:00.001-05:00

Well this month is when we celebrate the birth of our oldest son and youngest son. They are 12 day apart...if I would stop taking control away from God (ok, he was still in control) they may have been born on the same day. Evan was due on January 15 and Tyler's birthday is January 17. This year Tyler will be 14 (yikes) and Evan 4, where does the time go???

Evan's birthday is today, he was born about 6:30pm. I have to say his delivery was about the same as all the rest. The one major difference was that he only weighted in at 6lbs. 13 ozs. being the smallest of all five (only took three pushes!!!). It was lots of fun having a tiny baby after all the bigger ones (Jack being the biggest at 8lbs. 8ozs.). We spent the usually two days in the hospital, when he was sent home he was jaundice that meant the light bed; it was a weird little thing. Jack was in a "light suitcase" when he came home. Evan was an easy baby!!! He was completely breastfed until about 6 months when we started cereal. He never took a bottle. I was so proud; I didn't breastfeed the others that long.

He has become the typical "BABY" in the family!!! Gets whatever he wants and if he doesn't you will hear about it. What is to be expected of a kid who has four older siblings???

Now Tyler was the first of five...done two days before his due date (what a good boy.). I say I was in labor for 48 hours, the dr. said no. What does he know? My contractions started on MONDAY January 15 and he was born WEDNESDAY January 17, I wasn't admitted to the hospital till Wednesday morning around 10:30. Tyler then was born at 5:56 pm, with the assistance of the vacuum extractor. I was home from the hospital 23 hours after he was born; no insurance. I'm not quite sure why we didn't have insurance, Steve was a pharmacist with a job. Guess I will have to ask him about that. Tyler was a very good baby other than a case of reflux. I held him all the time, my mom complains that she hardly got to hold him at all.

I don't have a baby picture of Tyler on this computer, guess I need to learn to scan..This is when he was almost 10.

Tyler has grown into the young man I thought he would. You would think that a kid who is 13 and has four siblings, all younger, would not like to hang out with them. Not Tyler. There are times that I will find him playing GeoTrax with Evan, or Playstation with Jack. God has blessed our family with a very special boy.

God has truely blessed us with all five of our children...OUR QUIVER IS FULL!!!!

Dedecorating 2010

2010-01-01T15:17:00.000-05:00

We have started to take down ALL our decorations today...what a job. We have bought each kid an ornament every year since they were born and so do my parents so you can imagine how many they have especially Tyler (13x2). I started this so that when they left home and got married they would have LOTS of ornaments for their first Christmas tree. Do you think it will work? We have decided that we have too many ornaments, so we separated all the kids ornaments and have let them pick out the ones they still want on the tree (next year). They each got to pick out 9 ornaments.

Tyler's

Samantha

Caroline

Jack

Evan

This is one of my favorite family traditions.

My Word of the Year~~RELAX

2010-01-01T09:54:00.000-05:00

The word of the year is.....RELAX!!! Oh, I so need to do that ALL THE TIME. I can get so overwhelmed with whatever I am involved in that I don't enjoy anything. When I add something new to my life I can become consumed by it and forget about what is most important. I did this when with every new baby, when I started to homeschool, when I became a teacher at the co-op, and then again when I became the co-op director. It seems as if I get so worked up with doing things perfectly that I will obsess over them and forget that I am suppose to be RELAXING!!!!

It is ok to obsess a little when you have a new baby, but when you are supposed to be homeschooling too you can't quit that. Of course that isn't possible of happening again. THANK GOD!!!! So when we started homeschooling I became obsessed with curriculum, our school room, and making it like "real school" to the point that the actual part of learning was lost. We have recovered and we now have homeschool fun instead of "real school" boredom. Then we started the co-op, I was teaching a class on American Government and I became obsessed with how I was doing. This led to me not working as hard as I should have been here at home for MY kids!!! I want to do right by the families who put their children in my classes, but come on I am teaching my own kids EVERYTHING. They disserve my 100%. Now the biggest area where I don't RELAX is the co-op director thing. Our school here at home has really taken a back seat to the co-op and that isn't fair!!!
So for this NEW YEAR I am going to make sure that my kids and their "home"school come first. So I have decided to RELAX, I have wonderful people who help me lead the co-op and they are willing to help as much as possible. It doesn't all have to be done by me!!! In years to come no one will care how the co-op turned out, but how my children turn out will be the most important thing.

"I, Jude, am a slave to Jesus Christ and brother to James, writing to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ. Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!" Jude 1:1-3

"Give in to God, come to terms with him and everything will turn out just fine. Let him tell you what to do; take his words to heart. Come back to God Almighty and he'll rebuild your life. Clean house of everything evil. Relax your grip on your money and abandon your gold-plated luxury. God Almighty will be your treasure, more wealth than you can imagine. Job 22:20-22

So remember RELAX, breathe, and pray!!!!!!

A Little About the Kids....one by one: Evan

2009-12-25T05:36:00.002-05:00

Evan is your typical youngest of five, spoiled!!! At three years old, he thinks the world revolves around him!!! He is a very sweet boy who still loves to snuggle with mommy and wrap his arms around my neck. I hope that last for awhile. He does have a temper as do all the kids (that is from me) and he doesn’t like it when he doesn’t get what he wants. He has been known to show himself in the most inappropriate places!! We are working on that, I have to help the older kids remember that just because Evan wants something doesn’t mean he should get it!!!

He started preschool at Kenwood Heights this fall, he is our fourth kid to go there, we love it. We are the “old” parents too by the way. Surprisingly he goes without crying, Caroline and Jack had so much trouble going to preschool, but Evan goes without any fuss. I look forward to seeing how his personality develops, so far is very different then the other ones.

He is a great kid and has defiantly completed our family. It is really funny how God knows just how to make things perfect. That is what our family is PERFECT.

A few words to describe Evan:

About to be FOUR

Boy

Cuddly

Demanding

Emotional

Funny

Good for the ego, mine.

Hot headed

Innocent, yeah right

Jack’s “bef friend”

Killer smile

Loving

Mommy’s baby

Neurotic

OCD, aren’t they all

Precious

Quite demanding

Remarkable

Sponge Bob loven’

Television addict

Under the table

Volatile

Wants to learn

eXcited

Youngest

Zinger

A Little About the Kids....one by one: Jackson

2009-12-23T08:47:00.000-05:00

Jack is the firecracker!!! He is a boy who doesn’t really care about school, but loves the Wii, tv, Playstation and computer. I am afraid that he may turn into a robot!! I beginning to think we need to start a 12 step program for video game addicts. If I could find curriculum that you do on the Playstation or Wii we would be doing great. He is a fun kid and loves to make people laugh and he usually does. He wants to be with Tyler as much as possible and to Ty’s credit he enjoys it too sometimes. He has made some friends this year too and does enjoy hanging out with them, but doesn’t like staying the night at any ones house. We didn’t do t-ball this year (yes, we had a whole year without baseball), but he will be playing in the spring. He starts basketball after the first of the year. When he was a baby people called him happy Jack and I have to say he still is “Happy Jack.” I realized here lately that I may not give him enough attention. He doesn’t ask for it, but he deserves it and needs it. So one of my changes for the new year is to make sure that I give him the attention that he deserves. He is such a blessing to me!!!!!

A few words to describe Jack:

Adorable

Bouncy

Clown

Doesn’t like to clean

Energetic

Fun-loving

Good at video games

Homebody

Inquisitive

Jesus loving

Moldable

Need behavior adjustments sometimes

Outstanding in Math

Precious

Quick

Roller skater

Star Wars lover

Tenderhearted

Unique

Vocal

WONDERFUL

eXcited

Young

Zealous

A Little About the Kids....one by one: Caroline

2009-12-22T21:09:00.002-05:00

Caroline is between 3rd and 4th grades. She has had a year of struggles and now successes!!! We had her tested about two months ago, thinking we were looking at dyslexia. They diagnosed her with Nonverbal Learning Disorder, what is that you ask, it is a reading disability. We took her to Langsford Learning Acceleration Centers and they have done amazing things for her!!! She has gone for about 45 hours and there is already a major improvement!!! She is going two hours a day five days a week for a total of 110 hours. It does make doing school for everyone else a little harder, but it is so worth it. Because of her reading struggles she struggles in many other areas as you can imagine. Making friends is really hard for her and knowing how to socialize in a group setting as well. All of these things we are working on.

One thing I have realized about Caroline just in the last few months is she is the female version of Steve. She is very attached to Steve and me to the point she had to come home from Homeschool Church camp early even though Steve was there. Since she wasn’t with him 24/7 she was too upset to stay! That was hard, but not unexpected.

Caroline like Sam is dancing, this is her 6th year, I think of the two Caroline likes it the best. She does have a little trouble with direction, but that goes back to the disorder.

She is the helper of the family; she loves to help out. Sometimes she will start cleaning anything she thinks needs to be cleaned (that comes from Steve too). We are looking forward to reading lots of Chapter books come the spring.

A few words to describe Caroline

Attentive

Baptized this year!!!!

Caring

Daddy’s Girl

Exhausting

Fearful

Gifted

Homebody

Innocent

Joined at the hip

Kind

Learning lots of new things

Merciful

Needy

Orderly

Priceless

Quiet

Reading a lot better

Silent

Talented

Unique

Vulnerable

Willing

eXtreme

Yearning for as much attention from Daddy as possible

Zippy

A Little About the Kids....one by one: Samantha

2009-12-22T01:25:00.000-05:00

Samantha is in 6th grade, WOW. She has made some awesome changes in how she works for me during school. When we start the adventure of homeschooling she and I didn’t work well together, like the North and South poles of a magnet, we didn’t connect. I don’t know what has happened, but she works so hard!! I only have to tell her what needs to be done and she does it. That certainly makes things easier for me to work with the other.

She is still dancing, and getting really good!!! Her and Caroline are doing their duet to “Mighty to Save” by Laura Story, it is going to be a beautiful dance (it’s on my blogs playlist).

Sam is the most outgoing of all the kids. She really seems to blossom the more friends she has. Four of her friends moved away this year, but luckily she has lots of others.

She started to babysit this year and in the summer she will do the babysitting class through the Red Cross. She has babysat a couple of times for the same family, they have two little boys and they seem to enjoy having her. She is the second mother in our house anyways. I can’t tell you how many times I have to tell her to stop babying Evan. If she wasn’t so little I would believe that she would carry him around until he is 12. She has become a young woman and that scares me just a little!!!

A few words to describe Samantha

Affectionate

Bold

Confrontational

Demanding

Easy

Friendly

Growing

Humorous

Independent

Joyful

Kind

Loving

Mothering

Nurturing

Open-minded

Popular

Quarter-sized

Restless

Studious

Teachable

Undecided

Victorious

Wonderful

eXtra special

Young

Zealous

A Little About the Kids....one by one: Tyler

2009-12-21T08:37:00.001-05:00

Tyler is in the 8th grade, can’t believe high school is right around the corner!!! Didn’t I just graduate???? I are trying to get prepared, we will continue to homeschool through high school so I have to figure out what I am going to teach. I do know that is taking some classes at CEC again. He is working really hard this year, I do still have remind him that school comes first, but for the most part it is going well. He is going to the Consortium again this year and he really enjoys it. He is a great help; he has become the family babysitter. It is really hard to not take advantage of having a teenager at home, I try not to make him miss out on anything because of babysitting. He is hoping to start volunteering at either the Louisville Zoo or Louisville Nature Center this spring and I am hoping he starts playing baseball again too.

I thank God daily for blessing me with five children and I try to thank Him for one quality He has blessed or cursed the kids with. When your family seems to be put together divinely that because God is in control. Tyler is a great “oldest of five.” He is a very responsible son who wants to please his parents and God. Could I ask for more????

Just a few words to describe Tyler:

Affectionate (sometimes)
Brotherly (doesn’t have a choice)
Cool
Dependable most of the time
Energetic all the time
Faithful to our Heavenly Father
Generous
Helpful even if he doesn’t want to be
Intriguing
Just plain sweet
Kind to others
Loving
Manly, he is working on that.
Noisy
Outstanding
Popular
Quiet just like his dad
Respectful
Super sibling
Teachable
Unique
Victorious in Christ
Wishful
Xbox wanting
Young
Zealous

Free Wii and Wii Fit

2009-12-14T15:46:00.000-05:00

Check out this free give away!!! Free Wii and Wii fit, from Thrifty Mama.

http://www.thethriftymama.com/2009/12/giveaway-extravaganza-wii-wii-fit.html/comment-page-3/#comment-23463

Christmas Clean 2009

2009-12-10T16:32:00.000-05:00

Let the cleaning begin!!! Pictures of the cleanup crew and before....after pictures of the classroom!

Caroline Cleaning the walls

Tyler and Sam working on the walls.

Whistle while you work!!!

*notice the trees in the corner, my husband did that for us.

Black Friday Veteran

2009-11-28T21:35:00.002-05:00

I am a Black Friday veteran, this was my 14th year. We have been Black Friday shopping before it was called "Black Friday" and before it was fashionable. When we go shopping there are usually nine of us, when I started (1995) my Grandmother, Great Aunt, and older cousin use to go, but for about three years my mom has been the oldest. Three years ago my Grandmother died on Black Friday and my mom was in the hospital recovering from Quadrupial By-pass surgery. That was a weird year. We were buying clothes for a funeral instead of Christmas. I have gone from buying for a baby on the way (was preggers with Tyler, born 1/17/96) to buying for 5 kids. Boy, has my budget increased!!
We started yesterday at 5:00 am and I got home around 9:30 pm. That wasn't the longest day one year I was home after Midnight. We started going to a movie a few years ago, last year we saw "Four Christmases" and this year they did a movie again, but my sister and I didn't go. They went to the 4 o'clock show and I had to much shopping to do.
I did get alot done, but nowhere near what I wanted. Trying not to go overboard on the kids, but that is very hard.
We had matching t-shirts this year (Mom, my sis, aunt, cousin, and I). They said Black Friday Team--Official Bargin Hunter; my mom's said, Offical Cart Guard. They were surely a topic of conversation. I became a little self-conscious about my chest with everyone staring at it.
All in all it was as fun as always!!! Will say "I can wait till next year."

A Light at the End of Her Tunnel

2009-11-16T20:30:00.001-05:00

Caroline started instruction at Langsford Learning Center today!!! We have been struggling for about a year and a half with her reading. I noticed a couple months ago that her math skills (which she excels in) had started to fall, her self-confidence was nonexistent, she was very self-conscious of everything about herself, and other things start to change. I knew that I had to do something to help her. We had her tested last year and I had tried the things suggested, but I had to admit that I was not capable of helping her here at home.

So last month we had her evaluated at Langsford and they are capable of helping her!!!! She will go everyday (even through Christmas) for two hours a day. It will be an adjustment for us, but it is worth it. I will be doing vocab., math, reading (to her), literature pockets, history, and fun lapbooks with her here at home and she will be doing all her reading with them. I actually have to read everything to her for right now. It does make it easier for me to know exactly what I can do for her here.

It is not the cheapest thing, but as I told her, "it doesn't matter what it costs!!!"

Caroline has set goals for the process and she wants to be able to read on her reading level (4th grade, right now she is maybe a 2nd grade level), be able to read all her school work and read chapter books. They sound like good goals. Our goals are the same, but I want to see her become less self-conscious. They told me today that she will probably exceed her goals and I will feel like I have gotten my daughter back. Her self-confidence will improve almost overnight. They did tell her that she will be reading chapter books by the end and that really made her happy.

I ask that if you feel lead to lift her up in prayer during this time we would appreciate it. We do see a light at the end of this very long, dark tunnel.

Moving on Up

2009-11-13T23:10:00.000-05:00

I have had a really fun week. We moved Evan upstairs to share a room with Jack. It has gone fairly smoothly. So with his room empty we made it a TV room, Evan thinks we just took his bed and gave him a giant tv. With the Living room empty we are making it a Living Room (for company only LOL). I am just hoping that I have one clean room in the house most of the time. So far so good, two days. Steve bought me a new couch and loveseat, end table, two new lamps and pillows. I really like it. I am so lucky.

How Co-op has Changed Us

2009-11-10T12:55:00.004-05:00

As many of you know we have been going to a homeschool co-op for the last year and a half. This fall session was a little unique, I was asked to be on leadership and them somehow became the director. I really don't have any leadership experience, but with the team that I have "no experience required." We have the best leaders and our co-op was a wonderful success!!!

Last night was our Fall Dinner and Display and it went off without a hitch. I think all the families were there except two. That is a great turn out. At a Dinner and display we have tables that teachers decorate, they all looked great! On the tables they put all the things that their classes did the whole semester. Wow, did our kids learn some great things. It is a blessing to have other moms and dads (yes we have two dads that come every week and help teach our children) come beside you and help educate your children.

We also have dinner and that was Chili, everyone brought their own chili, I didn't realize there were so many different kinds of chili. I only tasted one other than my own and it was Black Bean Chili, yummy!!!!

After dinner we had a short presentation where some of the classes presented something. We had a drama by only four students, was suppose to be five but one was out sick, and it was great. They did such a great job. We had two students do presentations from their Communicators for Christ class, one was my daughter Samantha. She did such a good job, as did the other student Steven Lee. We then had lots of songs sung, the end of the day music class lead by Mrs. Askew was great!!! We had some preschooler, Evan was in those, sing about good manners, ABC's, Peanut Butter and Jelly and Being in the Lord's Army. What a successful evening.

I am so thankful that the Lord "forced" me to start going to a co-op!!! I have seen all of the kids blossom this last year and I really believe that it is from getting to spend time with their friends. Tyler happens to be the oldest student at our co-op, a fact his is very proud of even though he had nothing to do with it. LOL I get complements weekly on what a great kid he is. Samantha actually has had the best school year, I see that the interaction she is getting from co-op spills over into her school here at home. She is willing to work much harder here. Caroline has really struggled with school the last couple of years, we are getting ready to start intense tutoring at the Langsford Learning Center which should help her and me. We are working on getting her to be more outgoing and talkative, but let's face it she is just like her father. This could be a life time of work. Jack what can I say he just wants to hang out with who ever will hang out with him. He loves co-op for no particular reason. Evan did not like co-op at all when we started last fall, he didn't like being away from me. But this year as a preschooler he has done great. He loves co-op and loves going. He has learned so many new things.

But, I think I have loved it most of all. I too have made many new friends, I didn't realize how much I needed to be around other moms doing the same things I was until I started co-op. This has been a hard year, I have spent countless hours working on "co-op stuff." I believe that now that we have gotten through the first session with new leadership it will be much easier from here.

If you have ever considered homeschooling a few things you have to remember are:
1. You are not in this alone, there is great community out there to help support you.
2. It is the best experience, yes some days I wish they were getting on a school bus. I not only get to watch them grow, but I get to watch them learn and teach them all the things I believe that should know.
3. Homeschooling is fun!!!
4. "A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher." Luke 6:40

I thank God and Steve everyday for the blessing of homeschooling!!!! Do you want to join me in this wonderful journey? If so, "come on down" we are waiting for you.

Crash after the Sugar High Day 1

2009-10-31T10:41:00.003-04:00

Evan's Halloween Party at Preschool

Sugar-high--CRASH

Slow Pokes Farm Preschool Field Trip # 2

2009-10-31T10:11:00.003-04:00

Evan and Daddy went on the second Preschool field trip Thursday and had a great time. Of course when they left the house Evan didn't want to ride the school bus or go to a farm. I think he did fine, he rode in the back of the bus with a mom and Daddy had to ride in the front of the bus.

Evan on the hayride.

Evan trying to decide which chicken he wants to take home!!!

They did lots of fun stuff: hay ride, corn maze, feed cows and goats, got to pick a pumpkin, shucked corn, and feed chickens. He wanted no part of the cows or goats, can't say as I blame him!!! He did love the chickens, he really wanted to hold one. When it was time to go Evan wasn't very happy. He started one of his screaming attacks, "I want an egg!!!" Well, the farmer told him to go in, hen house, and get you an egg. So Evan got to come home with a farm fresh egg.

What a fitting picture to wrap up the day, he was exhausted from all the fun.

Louisville Nature Center

2009-10-28T22:00:00.005-04:00

The HFHG South co-op took a field trip to the Louisville Nature Center Wednesday and it was awesome. I wish that all the kids taking my class could have gone, they learned so much.

First we split up into two groups, younger students and older ones. We then took a hike, I was with the younger in order to be with Evan and Jack of course. The hike was about an hour which was a bit muddy, but lots of fun. All the kids did really good.

Once we finished out hike we then went to the classroom to learn about birds of prey. We saw a hawk and an owl. It was really neat. I was so glad to hear them answer lots of questions, right. We had just learned about the owl and they know lots of things about them.This is our family "bird of prey"--Evan looking like a eagle.

After the classroom we went into the bird blind, which is where we got to see lots of birds up close. It is just a little room with big windows. Golden Finch, male and female Cardinals, Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker, and a Blue Jay. We also saw a groundhog.

It was lots of fun and it free to go look around on your own http://www.louisvillenaturecenter.org/

Dissection of Owl Pellets

2009-10-20T15:24:00.005-04:00

I am teaching two classes at co-op about birds. When we went on vacation to our friends farm I found out the they had an owl in the barn and where there is an owl there are owl pellets. What are owl pellets you ask, check out this link

http://www.kidwings.com/owlpellets/flash/v4/index.htm

Well, they went down to the barn and got me 12 pellets for my

co-op class to dissect. Yesterday I was very excited out getting to dissect them, the kids, not so much. That was surprising to me, I thought they would like it was awesome.We did it and they were really neat and a little nasty , we had some surprises when we opened them. The younger kids had a fully intact mouse skull in theirs not to mentions some visitors.

Our surprises were maggots!!! YUCK!!!

It was awesome!!! I love homeschooling!!!!

Birtt Homeschool Fall Break, White Pine TN @ the Welch Bed and Breakfast

2009-10-20T15:07:00.004-04:00

We went on our fall break last week and spent the weekend at our very good friends house. A wonderful house big enough for our family and theirs. We had such a great time!!! They live in East Tennessee the view out the back windows is beautiful (I was just to dumb to take a picture of it).

We went to Dollywood on Friday along with lots of Senior Citizens.

It was really cold and rainy off and on all day, but we still had fun.

Our kids and theirs get along so good. God has truly blessed us with such awesome friends!!!!! A special thanks to Lisa's parents for the tickets to Dollywood and the Hersey Chocolate cake.

On Saturday we went to see the Toy Story double feature. Boy it

was $$$$$, it cost us $110. Yes, we paid that much money to go see two movies we had seen hundreds of times. The kids enjoyed it very much.

Follow-up to Johnny Appleseed

2009-10-20T14:38:00.003-04:00

The follow up to our Johnny Appleseed lapbook, we visited our favorite orchard.

Huber's Orchard and Winery

The "Wheels on the bus." We had so much fun.

It took Jack FOREVER to pick his pumpkin!

She didn't have much trouble.

Learning about the apples.

Free Math Worksheets

2009-10-07T09:18:00.001-04:00

Free Math Worksheets

Shared via AddThis

Preschool Field Trip #1--Iroquois Park

2009-10-06T12:32:00.003-04:00

Last Thursday was Evan's first Preschool Field Trip. The original date was rained out, this was perfect morning to go to the park.

We met up at Iroquois Park @ 10:00 so that he could play with his friends, but Evan doesn't play at the park all he wants to do is SWING!!!!! So he did alot of that.

The older three weren't to interested in going, but it was good for them. We stayed about an hour, we had to get home and finish school so we could meet friend @ the park after lunch.

The girls on the pyramid, happy.

Jack kept the "little" kids entertained with his car.

What can I say? "Mr. Adorable"

Evan will have a field trip almost every month, this month is to Slow Poke Farm in Shepherdsville. Daddy is going on that one, they get to ride the bus!!!!! Pictures to come, if Daddy take some.

John Chapman aka. Johnny Appleseed

2009-10-06T12:09:00.006-04:00

What better time to do a Johnny Appleseed study than fall. Jack and Caroline took part in a Johnny Appleseed lapbook this month in preparation for our trip to Huber's next week. He was a very interesting man, not quite sure why he wore a pot on his head. Maybe it made it easier to carry???

I found a free Johnny Appleseed lapbook on Homeschool Share http://www.homeschoolshare.com/johnny_appleseed.php

They got to take five different varities of apple, tasted each one them picked out their favorite. That was a rather expensive experiment, five apples with only three or four bits out of them went into the trash. We are going to make homemade applesauce next week after we buy our favorite apples from Huber's.

Nothing better then a little history and cooking lesson to go together!!!!

Creation Club~~We finally made it!!!!

2009-09-25T17:17:00.006-04:00

We have been having school for about three weeks and it is going really well. Monday was our first day at co-op for this session. I felt a little stressed out. Teaching usually stresses me out, but being the Director is my stress point now, teaching is actually relaxing. I think the kids are all going to enjoy their classes!!!

Today was the second HFHG Creation Club @ Bernheim Forest http://www.bernheim.org/m .org/ . It was raining this morning and I was hoping it would be raining at noon, but it wasn't. It was kind of like being in a rain forest, so humid. I had never been there before, it was really nice. We had a really sweet teen come and talk about bug (insects).

Audrey Bolin, a 16 yr. old homeschool student, has studied forestry for 7 years with a focus on entomology for the past two. A week this summer she attended the Forestry and Entomology leadership program through UK. She loves sharing what she had learned these past few years with others... posted on HFHG yahoo group.

We then wondered around and "looked" for bugs. No one wanted to pick up a rock or anything so all they did was chase butterflies. We ended up coming home with four and they are now in my freezer (they are in ziplock bags). Why, You ask? That helps preserve them better. Now we can pin them to a board and I can use them to teach insects at co-op next session. That was Jack's idea. Really neat.

I sure am enjoying this school year so far!!!! It is nice to do different things, instead of sitting at home all the time. Jack was excited that the Creation Club was all he had to do for school today!!! What an awesome treat.

I have to remember to thank God for all of my blessings, but especially being able to stay home and go outside and look for bugs with my kids!!!!

Britt School

2009-09-11T18:49:00.003-04:00

She was working really hard
She is coloring the animal she created (Mystery of History).

It only took him an hour to do three pages in his math book.

Our first day of school!! Well, we actually started the day before the pictures Tuesday, but I forgot to take pictures.

We had a really good day!!!

8:00 a.m. Started school w/prayer, pledges (American Flag and Christian Flag), and our first Bible verse copy work. (Proverbs 1:7)

Explode the Code-Jack and Caroline

Math u See-Jack

Beyond the Code-Caroline

Multiplication table-Caroline

Wordly Wise-Samantha, Tyler, and Jack

Reading-book of your choice

Easy Grammar-Samantha, Tyler, and Caroline

Botany-Samantha

Mystery of History-Samantha and Caroline

Teaching Textbooks-Samantha and Tyler

I'm exhausted just typing that. If you think that Tyler's load seemed light he was at the Consortium Tuesday so he had plenty of work to do!!!

Everyone worked really hard and I was so proud of them. We only had one with tears and it wasn't me.

What is in a Theme? A lot.

2009-09-01T19:04:00.004-04:00

OK, so I want to have a theme for our school year. We have a "theme" for our school, "Train a child in the way he should go and he when he is old he will not turn away from it." Pro. 22:6, but now I want to have one for our year.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Pro. 1:7 NIV

"Start with God-the first step to learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning." Pro. 1:7 The Message

So we must start our year and days bowing down before God.

"Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life (John 17:3) and therefore lay Christ in the bottom, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning."
.....how the founders of Harvard University stated the purpose of school.
.....BTW Harvard was created by the Puritans in 1636 to help young men prepare for the ministry.

So we should make Christ the foundation of our education, WOW.

The Puritan Work Ethic...an important part of our heritage.
"1. man is called to work
2. all work has a sense of nobility
3. a Christian serves God best by working diligently and faithfully in his calling"

This is what I want to instill in my children this year, if they learn nothing else I want them to learn that...their calling is school and the best way to serve God is to "work diligently and faithfully". Put Christ first in all that we do, but to lay Him on the bottom as the foundation of our education is wonderful. How better to teach children that Christ is the "firm foundation" then to help them see that their true calling by God it best built upon that foundation.

First Day of Preschool

2009-08-25T16:14:00.002-04:00

Evan's First Day Of PreschoolNo, he isn't crying, this is his smile.

Outside of Preschool--I have the same picture of Jack.

Putting up his crayons

It went really good. He had a really good morning. He didn't even cry (either did I). I just hope that tomorrow is as good as today was.

Creation Club~~~maybe.

2009-08-21T16:40:00.004-04:00

What a fun day!!!! Wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Not to bad. What do you think?

Jack just lookin' at the water and wishing he brought his fishin' pole.

Lookin' Good!!!

Today Jack, Caroline and I were going to participate in our Creation Club meeting, but we couldn't find the park. I don't exactly what happened, but we had to improvise...we went to Waverly Lake. Quite pretty, the kids loved it.

They were kind of surprised that I just didn't take them home, but I am still turning over that leaf. I could hear satan the whole time, " this is why you don't do these thing. Its to much trouble, turn around and go home." Well he is just trying to keep me from loving my adventure of homeschooling. He will not be teaching my children anything I don't want them to learn.

We looked around and discovered lots of nature...yes, I WAS OUT IN NATURE!!!!!

First Day of School~~Britt Homeschool

2009-08-20T16:03:00.004-04:00

Well, we started school today. I made all of them go to bed at their school bedtime: Evan, Jack, and Caroline 9:00; Samantha 9:30 and Tyler 10:00. That went ok except I heard a few of them at 11:00. I didn't tell any of them we were starting school, but said "I want us all to get use to going to bed early again."
I was planning on getting them up at 7:30, but something kept me from it (maybe my eyelids were closed). At 8:30 all were awake and eating their breakfast,fighting over who would get the computer and tv. Then I come in with my plan, "We are going to have school."

Jack says, "But I need to watch GI Joe."

Samantha says, "Like real school, actually sitting down and doing school." Doesn't that sound like a middle schooler response?

Tyler and Caroline really didn't say anything.

Caroline and Jack were the first ones down, organizing the chairs. We started sometime after 9:00 and it went really well.

Evan did so good. He colored in this "handwriting book" then decided to work on about four puzzles. I have never seen such a young kid work so long on a puzzle. He won't even stop until it is done and usually does them all by himself.

All in all it went really well. I only had one problem, had to buy another book only cost me $80.00 (ouch).

Looking forward to the rest of the year. Hope they are too.

HAPPY SCHOOLING!!!!

HFHG 2nd Annual Swim Party

2009-08-14T22:50:00.003-04:00

We attended the 2nd annual swim party at Tom Sawyer park. What a nice pool, its huge. I was afraid it was going to be really crowded with all the homeschool families. We probably average 5 kids per family. It wasn't crowded at all. The kids had so much fun, and Evan even got in. Why do people worry about socialization of homeschooler? If they could see all the activities my kids participate in they would be surprised. Lots of fun on a great night.

Documenting School year 2009-2010

2009-08-13T22:51:00.002-04:00

I am going to document our school year here on the blog. We haven't officially started school yet, but the county schools did, today. We celebrated a "NOT back to school party" at the park with lots of our homeschool friends.

Happy 17th to my BETTER HALF

2009-08-09T21:23:00.004-04:00

Steve went to Homeschool Church Camp this week with three of our children. They left Thursday night and will not return home until Tuesday evening, except for Caroline. I had to go and pick her up Friday night. She was the whole reason that Steve even went to camp because of her separation anxiety and now she's here with me and he isn't. I keep saying it is in God's plan.

I believe that God truly ordained out marriage! When we were married two became one, because I can't function without him. It is like I am missing an arm, leg, and half my brain too.

Nothing is getting done. It is unbelievable just how little I can get done when Steve isn't home.

Thank goodness we have only been apart like this twice in 17 years. It's amazing that I lived without him for 17 years and have now been with him for more than 20(Yes, I will be 38 this year). No wonder I feel so complete with him. I can only imagine how this will feel in 17 more years.

"HE COMPLETES ME."

"Thank you God for giving me my soul mate 20 years ago, You are truly the Lord of my life!!!"

The Wrath of God!!!!

2009-08-04T12:58:00.003-04:00

OK, I am thinking that God is trying to get His point accross!!!!!! Someone isn't listening (hope it isn't me). First a HURRICANE (yes in KY), next an Ice storm, crazy, and now a Urban Flood (6 inches in one hour.

My Beloved

2009-07-17T22:04:00.002-04:00

I didn't think that it was possible to fall in love over and over again, but I do. Have you ever discovered what you love language is? Well I always thought that mine was, Receiving gifts, but as I get older I see that it is Quality time. Every time that Steve spends time with us it makes me love him so much. I am so blessed that he has every Wednesday off and that he is willing to spend time with us instead of doing things around the house. We were so blessed to get to go to Holiday World this week, the kids had a ball. Every time I saw Steve riding a ride, playing with one of the kids, smiling while riding the Voyager, smiling after riding the Voyager, and the silly little looks he gives me when he wants to go ride something; it made we so happy. I will admit a little turned on too!!! I always knew he would bless me as my husband I just didn't know I would be so happy.

Today we celebrated his 42nd Birthday (he was 21 when we started dating, I was 17) and I counted my many blessings. I loved cooking Potato cakes (never made them before and had to get the recipe from my MIL) and Peanut Butter pie because it made him feel special. The potato cakes were pretty good, my MIL said that they were as good as hers.

I thank God everyday for each day that I get to spend married to the man of my dreams (dreams I have had since I was 12). I just pray that my children will feel this way one day.

My Heart is Breaking for Caroline

2009-07-13T10:53:00.002-04:00

I have one of the most tender-hearted little girls, who just can't seem to make friends. At this point she really just tries to hard and turns girls off. She has always felt more comfortable with adults. Lately at church she has cried and not wanted to go, she even wants us to go in and introduce her to the teachers so they can introduce her to some kids.

This breaks my heart....I know how she feels. I had trouble making friends as a little girl.

She has now developed some separation anxiety. When she spend the weekend at the lake with my parents and sister (and all my other kids) she cried every night for us. We the kids and I went to the lake a couple of weeks ago without Steve she wanted to stay home with him, because he would be alone. Now we are just about four weeks away from church camp and she doesn't want to go. Steve signed up to be a counselor and that helps, but I don't think that it helps the over all problem.

I am at a loss, any suggestions? Yes, I am talking about this girl, Caroline Grace. She has so much confidence in dance especially recital. Can you tell? She does have dyslexia and they say that interacting socially can be harder for them. LOOKING FOR INSIGHT, ANSWER AND ENCOURAGEMENT.

Our Classroom at Last!!!

2009-07-10T13:53:00.005-04:00

The classroom before:

OK here it is the big reveal….our updated, cleaned out, and ORGANIZED classroom!!!! Even Jack said, “I can’t wait for school to start.”
This shows Tyler's desk-we also uncovered the windows. Sunshine is nice.
I also got a grown up chair.. and the big dry erase board.

This shows my reference library and academic library.

Jack and Caroline sit at my desk with me or on it in Jack's case.

My new storage cabinet...it holds all my stuff I'm not using.

The black bookshelf that has all the kids reading books.

I now have so much free stuff to get rid of I should make a list, but I think I will just bring it to co-op in September. It feels so good to be done now for the rest of the house.....maybe later.

A Reluctant Beauty Queen

2009-07-06T11:36:00.002-04:00

He was saying,"OK, take it off."

He wasn't to happy with this.

When the girls and their friend asked Evan if he wanted them to put makeup on him I thought they were joking. I guess not. I believe these pictures will comeback to haunt him. Yes, I am that kind of mom.

Trying to Find the JOY

2009-06-12T11:26:00.003-04:00

A few days ago I wasn't having such a good day. Not quite sure what was going on...oh, I was cleaning and everyone else was...NOT. Well, I had been cleaning for two day and I'm sure doing it over and over again and I must have been snapping at everyone. Yes, I do snap when I am angry. I am assuming to make me FEEL better Steve handed me a book with a page opened and said "You need to work on this." WHAT I was so frustrated!!!! How dare he judge me. He gets to go to work and I have to stay home with HIS kids!!!! I was justified to be angry right? Well the book he handed me was by Malia Russell called From Chaos to Order: 25 Tools Bring Organization to Your Home. Now I bought this book to read it and implement everything it has to offer, which is a lot. But I guess Steve realized I hadn't done any of it yet.

That was Sunday night and I finally read what he "suggested" to me yesterday and I will say that the wisdom God has given him was right on, it was just his timing that I questioned. Anyway, The chapter was Tool 25: Practice Joyfulness, it is an awesome chapter. She helped me realize that I have chosen to stay home with my children. She translated Habakkuk 3:17-19, a modern day translation, "Though there is no food ready for dinner, and there is no money in the account, though the sickness gets worse, and the pain persists, though my children are out of control, and my spouse does not appreciate me, though I feel like I am buried in never ending work, and I cannot get through a single subject without someone interrupting, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Awesome job Malia!!!! She helped remind me that I am doing EVERYTHING for the Glory of God not mine. I have to rely on Him and give Him back my Joy.

I am going to work hard on remembering that I have chosen all that I am doing during this season of my life and if I can't find joy in it then maybe it isn't God's plan for me. I will take a moment and make sure that God is in all that I do. I will remember to give Him the Glory and Praise for all that I am doing!!!

From Chaos to Order: 25 Tools Bringing Organization to Your Home by: Malia Russell can be purchased from her website www.homemaking911.com

I Can't Believe How Old I Am!!!!!

2009-06-05T11:29:00.003-04:00

~My Bueatiful Family~

~Jack's work~

~Sam's school work, she worked so hard~

~Our display table~ hey, I'm the teacher!!!!

~Our Graduates~

Yesterday was a wonderful day for us...and many other families. Samantha and Jack each graduated. Of course this is just Kindergarten and 5th grade, but graduation none the less. We had a super year of school. We started a co-op this school year and it has taken our school in a whole new direction. I finally figured out, to the kids delight, how to make school fun. It isn't "regular" school and I have to remember that. We don't have to sit at our desks all day. We can have school outside, Jack can sit on my desk, we can play with bugs, and school is about FUN.

I think that the joy on Jack and Samantha's faces shows the fun that we have. This is the best decision I have ever made, Wow, I can't believe I just said that. Usually this time of year I am trying to decide it I should keep them at home. The doubt is gone. Homeschooling is the way to go!!!! If you have ever considered I suggest, "GO FOR IT." Check it out.

My Addictions

2009-05-23T22:36:00.003-04:00

I have a new addiction!!! I never dreamed, ever, that I would ever become addicted to something like this. I'm not quite sure just how to handle it...an intervention? My kids are even a little freaked out by it, Steve doesn't usually participate in this kind of activity, and it isn't something that I usually partake in myself, but maybe I should just see what kind of road it leads me down.
"Hi, I'm Dana and I'm addicted to making new friends and hanging out with them."
Do many of you have the same thing going on? I know that I am not the only one doing this.
I have always, or at least for the last 13 years, been the quiet,shy girl who never stepped out of my comfort zone. We have join our HFHG co-op this school year and it has really changed things up. The kids have made lots of friends, well Samantha and Tyler have, Caroline struggles to make friends. I guess she is some what like me.
Over the last few weeks I have gone to get coffee with a friend, to a friends house for a play date, Iroquois Park, Waterfront Park, and to a talent show with our new friends and it has been great! I can't wait to do more things with all of these awesome mom's who are trying to homeschool their kids too. What a difference it makes when you realize that you are not the only one going through this stuff. So I just want to give a shout out to the mom's who have befriended me over the last few months and say "God bless you." Thanks for coming to my rescue and the rescue of my kids.

not a fan

2009-05-17T13:21:00.001-04:00

not a fan

http.//www.notafan.com

Can you define the relationship you have with Jesus? Are you just a fan: an enthusiastic admirer? Or are you a follower? Someone who will and does surrender all, denies self?

I am trying to be a follower, COMPLETELY. COMMITTED. FOLLOWER.

This is my take from Kyle Idelman’s sermon this weekend. He is so awesome. How, he makes me see what it is that I need to do!

In John 6:2 it says that people where following Jesus because of the miracles. Is that what we are doing following after Jesus to see what he does next? Jesus draws a lline in the sand to separate His fans and follows. Are you ready to step over that line? To surrender all? After Jesus weeded out the fans from the followers in John 6, in verse 66 it says many of His followers turned back and no longer followed Him. They were not ready to surrender all, to give it all to Christ.

“Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

A decision to follow Jesus is to deny self above all else; family, money, freedom, and whatever else gets in the way of us following Jesus whole-heartedly.
Be apart of this movement….go to www.notafan.com and see what other people are doing to show that they are trying to be a follower not a fan.
I’m praying that we all try and find the area or areas in our lives where we are in need of following whole-heartedly.

My Personal Statement of Faith

2009-05-14T13:17:00.005-04:00

My personal statement of faith:
I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, born of a virgin, died on the cross and arose from the dead. I believe that the Bible is the Word of God and that it is all truth. I believe that my sins are forgiven and eternal life is given through the resurrection of Christ Jesus. I believe all things through faith in Jesus Christ.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
I believe I must raise my children the way God has ordained me: to honor their Father and Mother, teach them obedience, and teach them the Word of the Lord.
“Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord you God is giving you.” Exodus 20:20
“Children obey you parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1
“Train you child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverb 31:26-27

Do you have a personal statement of faith? I'm going to suggest you write one. I wrote mine this week and am so glad I did. It is very enlightening. I think next I am going to tackle the Family Mission Statement.

My Beloved Classroom!!!!

2009-05-12T18:39:00.003-04:00

This is the "kids" book shelf. So many of them are books they don't care anything about.

OK My desk is a mess. I don't always clean up the end of a Tuesday morning. The kids like to go down and "make" stuff on my desk too.

I am planning on taking down all the charts and calendar in order to put up a large dry erase board. I use Mighty Putty and it works.

This is "mine" bookshelf. I bet I don't use 1/4 of the stuff on there. I am moving that bookshelf to the other side of the room.

That is our computer. We do use it a lot. Then we have a very tiny dry erase board (put up with Mighty Putty). I will put all our charts, maps and calendar on this wall.

I am a pack rat. I kept so much stuff over the years and have bought stuff I never even used. Well its time to get things together. I want to end our awesome school year cleaned out and organizes so begins my newest project. I am on a mission the next few weeks to organize my classroom. I have way to much stuff filling up my bookshelves! My mom has given lots of stuff over the years (she was a 1st grade teacher once upon a time). I'm going to start this weekend (since we are going to have rain) and clean off book shelves, clean out desk drawers, and straighten up filing cabinets. I am hoping that I have alot of stuff to give away to someone who would love to have it.

Once I get all of that clean out I am going to rearrange the furniture to see if I can make thing more comfortable for the students.

So those are the before pics. Check back later for the afters. That my take me a few weeks as we are trying to wrap up the last three weeks of school.

College Fair at Christian Education Consortium

2009-05-11T11:34:00.002-04:00

A college fair at CEC next Tuesday night for ALL home educators.

Home Education COLLEGE FAIR at CEC
Tuesday, MAY 19, AT 7 PM, At BETHANY BAPIST CHURCH,
2319 TAYLORSVILLE ROAD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40205
ALL interested home educated students and their parents are welcome to attend.
Free Admission applies to both the workshops and the college representative hall with 13 regional colleges represented.
2009 CEC College Fair Workshops
1. Preparing for College Scholarships & Mission OpportunitiesState Representative Tom Riner and Claudia Riner
2. Financial Aid: Kim Dolan, KHEAA (the regional KY representative)
3. College Admissions Process: Josh Shoulta, Georgetown College
4. College Student Panel Discussion with CEC graduates
5. Moving to the College Years: Preparing for Independence: Malia Russell
6. Writing a High School Transcript: Anne Jones
7. Asbury College Honors Institute: Shawnee Fleenor( a new program specifically designed for college bound homeeducated students)
The following college representatives will be in attendance to talk to home schooled students and parents interested in up to date college information:Asbury College; Bellarmine College; Boyce College; Georgetown College; Hanover College; Indiana University SEast; Midway College; Sullivan University; Taylor University; Union University; University of the Cumberland; University of Kentucky; University of Louisville
Questions? Please contact Beverly Clark at HYPERLINK "mailto:clark895@insightbb.com" clark895@insightbb.com

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T08:23:00.002-04:00

Being a mother is no doubt the most fulfilling job, but the hardest too. We as mothers are the ones who set the attitude that will be in our homes. What kind of example are we setting? I will be the first to admit that my example isn’t always what I want it to be.

Our ministers, Kyle Idelman and Dave Stone, had an awesome sermon this weekend. When you go to church on Mother’s Day don’t you expect to be praised? Well, tonight I was convicted of just how much I’m not doing right. I thank them for always reminding me of just what it is that I need to be doing like; expecting obedience-Ephesians 6:1, requiring respect-Ephesians 6:2-3, to love thoughtfully-Ephesians, and spiritually influence Ephesians 6:4.

Expecting obedience, I don’t think that is to awful hard to expect, but it is hard to teach. When they learn to obey you they are also learning to obey their Heavenly Father. What a challenge for us as moms. To teach obedience in our home we have to help them understand that our authority comes from God. That way they see that by learning to obey us is the same as them obeying God.

Requiring respect, that is the one that I feel I am all over. My kids know that I expect respect. By showing obedience they are showing the action of respect and by honoring thy mother and father they are showing the attitude of respect. What a “light bulb moment” for me. I love this explanation of respect. Respecting their earthly father is an essential part of what we as moms should be showing at home. Wow, that is convicting. I want to work really hard from now on to make sure that my children respect their dad!!!! Respect goes both ways: we should respect our children too. We should not frustrate our children. We should always make sure that we encourage them. Our children need to hear on a daily basis that we are proud of them. Dave and Kyle interviewed their mothers as part of the sermon. Dave’s mom said she gave both of her children 30 minutes of time with her to do whatever they wanted. What a great idea!!! Of course I have five children that would be a lot of time if they wanted theirs on the same day. I guess if it is a God think then the timing will be perfect.

Dave Stone said, “It won’t matter 50 years from now where your child went to college, but it will matter if they have a relationship with Christ.” Your Spiritual influence as a mother should be primary not secondary. Spiritual influence should be intentional and unintentional. We should take all the opportunities we are given to teach our children about the Lord. I home school my children, but I fall short on this. I put every “important” subjects first. We should take those small teachable moments and use them, intentionally sit down and read God’s Word to our children. Our lives should be showing our love for Christ at all times. Our own “quiet time” is essential to not only to us, but to our children. Let’s face it we can’t get through one day without God’s help. Think about the number of times though out the day that you call out to God for help, with praise, or frustration. If we aren’t building our relationships with Him will they? Are they going to see what we are doing or saying and question if a relationship with Christ is really important?

My prayer for you and myself is that we would harder than we do now on our job, Mom. There is no other job as fulfilling as being a mom even when you feel unappreciated. We have to remember that that God has ordained us in the role. We are what he wants us to be and he wants us to do the best job for our children. I am awed at the responsibility God has given me to raise five children up to know Him. Maybe they won’t completely know their multiplication tables by heart; they will completely have Him in their heart.
Hoping that you all have a very blessed Mothers Day!!

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

Notebooking Family Freebie

2009-05-07T15:41:00.002-04:00

I love freebies and I have found a couple really neat ones. Here is one I found that Caroline is going to work on. She is going to have to ask questions of her family members to fill in the information. She has a little trouble understanding everything people say so this will be a great activity for her. It's called My Family history.

http://notebookingnook.blogspot.com/search/label/freebies

What's up?

2009-05-06T22:21:00.002-04:00

Can anyone tell me just how to potty train a 40 month old? I am in utter confusion. I have four other children who do not wear diapers; I just wish I knew how to teach this one. We started about a month ago and he accidently went in his potty (and floor). He never really liked sitting on it. When I put him on it the last time he actually screamed. He wants to use toilet paper, put stickers on the potty chart, and doesn’t like me changing his diaper. I just don’t know what to do. I thought about going without diapers so he can pee all over himself, but I don’t think I want to do that. He starts preschool in the fall and so that is our deadline. I’m sure that his teacher will appreciate it if he can crap in the toilet. What do you think?
The challenges of parenting: I’m trying to teach my teenager how to be honest. That is a bunch of crap too. It is really sad when you think that they are trustworthy and then you find out that they have a long way to go. It has taught me that I am putting way too much pressure on him. He is only 13 and he is going to try and do things his way. I guess that if the worse thing he ever lies to me about is homework then I will be doing well.
I am considering that I may need to tie Samantha and Caroline together. I would love for them to learn to work together. I better make sure that if I do it no one is looking. I’m sure my neighbors are trying to figure out why my kids are always at home, but if two little girls go walking around duct taped together that could warrant a call. The girls took the fun out of it. They want me to do it so they can try and do things together. That took all the fun out of it.
Jack is a whole paragraph of his own….Jack, Jack Jumpin’ Jack Flash. What a crazy little boy he is. I don’t think I have ever seen such dirty fingernails before. Yuck. It is really nasty when he comes in for dinner and “forgets” to wash his hand. I think I could plant a tomato plant under each nail and have a wonderful harvest. I think tomorrow we will have a lesson on washing hands and I may want to purchase a nail brush.
Steve has been home sick for the last 2 days (feels like a week). Ok, I know that it is probably the same everywhere, but why is it when our husbands get sick they get to stay in bed for 48 hours? I talked to another mom today and she is going through the same thing. I don’t want to be sick at all, but if I was could I get two days of sleep (at once)? Probably not. I wish that employers would have sick days and spouse sick days. Maybe just four days a year, but that would really help out. It amazes me how much I can get done on my sick day; the kids get fed, taught, cleaned, disciplined, talked to, and tucked in bed. God made us that way for a reason. I think God created women because he knew that without us our men would never survive. One sick day and the world would fall apart around their ears. Of course to their defense if it hadn’t been for women we would all be naked and eating nothing but fruits and veggies in a beautiful garden. What do you think would have happened if Noah had been sick when building the Ark? His wife would have kept the work going. Boy, God is so good, maybe I should remember that.

23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her Ephesians 5:23-25

Ok, I have convicted myself. I know that Steve loves me as he loves Christ.

"Good and Perfect Gifts"

2009-05-02T09:58:00.003-04:00

It is such a joy celebrating one of the kids birthdays. We have already had four this year!!!! I love to think back to the day they were born. Honestly it makes me sad that I am not going to do it again. Jack and I sat and looked at his baby book talking about his birth day. He enjoys hearing just how hard I had to push to get him out because of his "giant" head. I have started to try and make their birthday special to them. We take school off, I fix their favorite dinner (with Jack that is tricky because he only eats cereal, poptarts, donuts, and pizza), they eat on a special plate (mommy's red one), we make the cake of their choice, and they get one gift. For Jack's we had school (we took off Wednesday since Steve was off), meatloaf for dinner (a new favorite of his, now I need to add extra veggies in it), had a yellow cake with chocolate icing and sprinkle, and he got a lemur webkin (he named Julian). I think it was a great sixth birthday. Every time we have a birthday the "un"birthday kids say, "_______ thinks today is all about them." Well guess what it is. It is the day that God choose (well, I choose every birthday expect for Ty and Sam)for them to enter our world.

Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:16-18

I thank God everyday for these "good and perfect gifts."

To Many Blessings to count....

2009-05-01T19:05:00.002-04:00

Enjoying many blessings. I am cleaning the house getting ready for Jack's 6th birthday party. He will actually be six in 2 minutes. Caroline has been very helpful, cleaning the kitchen without being asked. Samantha watched tv. Then while making dinner I burned my hand (HOT tomato sauce splashed on my hand) and boy did Samantha step up. She helped me finish fixing dinner very graciously. I forget on a day to day basis just how blessed I am, but I have two wonderful daughter. Isn't it funny when your 11 year old steaming cauliflower in the microwave can remind you of your blessings!!!!! God is so Good.
After dinner the idea of washing my good dishes in hot dish water sends shivers down my spine. So I say, "Girls can you two WASH the dishes." and they say, "sure." Wow....life is good and so are they. We just have to cover AGAIN what is included in washing dishes. Oh well. Great day...Jack is SIX. Blessings!!

Louisville Science Center

2009-04-30T13:47:00.003-04:00

We went yesterday and had a great time. When we got there I bit there was about 50 kids everywhere. High schooler and elementary field trips. I forget that schools schedule lots of field trips this time of year. We went into the Kids Zone which is actually for children through 7 years of age and their caregivers, so we all went in. Tyler, Samantha, and Caroline all help take care of Jack and Evan. They loved the water table, they have fixed it up and it is alot nicer. I love all the things that they have to offer for all ages. They all enjoyed every part of it.

We did go to a Imax, but I'm not sure I would do that again. It only lasted 30 minutes and cost us $37. If we are studying a certain topic and they offered one we would probably do that. We saw Animalpolis and Evan loved it,but it was for children 4-10.

Next time I will do some lesson plans and make it more educational. Check it out.

http://www.louisvillescience.org/

Day 4

2009-04-30T08:32:00.002-04:00

OK. I didn't walk this morning. Yesterday we went to the Science Center and my body was killing me. I thought exercise is suppose to give you energy and make you feel better. I felt old yesterday, well older than I am. My legs do feel better today and I got a great nights sleep. As for what I ate yesterday not so good. Wednesdays Steve is off and we always eat out. Well yesterday we ate Mc Donald's for breakfast (my favorite) and Gatti's for lunch. I did eat a salad that wasn't very good. I don't like Gatti's at all we go for the games. That was for Jack's birthday who has been asking to go for months. BTW he didn't even eat very much he says Little Ceasars is better. I am hoping to walk on the treadmill sometime today. I will would harder today with what I eat.

Day 3

2009-04-29T07:09:00.002-04:00

Not such a brisk walk as yesterday...22 minutes. I did walk a little farther. Steve went with me this morning since it is his day off. I really like walking alone, I guess he can go once a week if he can keep up. lol I did really well yesterday with what I ate (yes, I had the popcorn). I am off to a DR appointment (just laps)this morning and then we are all going to the Science Center and Gatti Land for lunch. We are celebrating Jack's birthday a couple days early. I better go I need to leave for the dr. in an hour and haven't even showered yet.

Insect Study

2009-04-28T11:53:00.004-04:00

This was the latest unit study I did with Jack and Caroline. It was so much fun. We did zoo animals first and ended with an awesome field trip to the zoo. This time we did insects. We got unit study activities from Learning Pages website (see Homeschool links) and also did a insect lapbook. The lapbooks turned out great. They are not set up for Kindergarteners so I have learned that Jack can learn the information without having to write all the words down. I will do more printing for him to glue in his info. That make things easier for me and him.

The unit study activities where by grade level so that was done at each of their levels. The had a fact sheet for 20 different insects and then did language, math, and science activity sheets. We have really enjoyed learning about the different insects even the scary ones like Dust Mites (yuck). At the end the spent the weekend at the lake taking pictures of all the bugs they could find and we are now waiting for our caterpillars turn into Painted Laby butterflies. This has been so fun....next Ocean animals.

Time to Live Life the way God has Intended

2009-04-28T08:00:00.003-04:00

God has blessed me with so many things and now is the time to stop taking them for granted. I cannot do anything on my own, but I can do it with God’s help!!!! He wants to help me live longer and healthier. It’s time to get it done!!!!! I am ready to lose some weight, lots of weight. This is a good way to do it, post it on my blog.
I have realized lately just how my weight has affected my life, not just physically, but other ways. I am not the most outgoing person, but I know my weight is holding me back. I am VERY self-conscious. It makes it hard to be myself when I constantly worrying about what I look like. My clothes don’t fit the way I want them to, I love clothes, but tend to wear baggy ones. Funny thing about that they aren’t as baggy as I want them to be and I refuse to go up a size.
I have never been a very active person. Now It’s time to become one, God isn’t going to change my personality, but He can give me the support I need to make the changes. I have to literally get up out of my comfort zone (my chair) and do something for myself.
So it began yesterday!!!! I have begun to change my lifestyle. My goal is long term: I want to be healthy, and active. I will change how we all eat and make sure that we are all active.

1. I will walk for at least 30 minutes a day; I want to do this outside, by myself, every
morning.
2. I will change how and what I eat; I will no longer justify what I am eating.
3. I will remember that it is God’s will that I am health, happy and loved.

So come back as often as you want and check out my progress. I will post pictures, how much I am walking, what I am eating and my weight loss.

Day 2

2009-04-28T07:34:00.002-04:00

I woke up at 6:45 and walked again....I am so surprise. I am so out of shape, my legs were hurting as soon as I started. It wasn't the same as yesterday. I was to in tune to my hurting legs to pay attention to everything around me like yesterday. Today I walked it in 17 minutes...I thought that you were suppose to do better every day? Oh well, I did it!!! When I have dieted before I have waited to exercise, this time I am starting with that.
I did pretty good eating yesterday. I did avoid the brownie (Tyler got to eat that). I only ate three stick pretzels for a snack during the day. However, I ate popcorn last night before bed. I think I have to take a diet from the tv in order to stop with the popcorn. Maybe I could move my popcorn to the afternoon? I'm sure that eating it at night is more an addiction than anything. I will work on that.

The Smash Diet

2009-04-27T08:51:00.000-04:00

Ok, this is the diet that I am GOING to start this week. http://www.diet.com/g/fat-smash-diet Its from the guy from Celeberty Fit Club. I tried it a couple months ago and I did lose weight. I just have to go to the grocery and buy the healthy food. I have done ok today. I ate oatmeal for breakfast and had a pb & j with three stick pretzels for lunch. I didn't even eat the extra brownie the kids have. I am going to have a hard time not eating popcorn at night. My favorite all time snack. The kids are going to start eating better too. I cannot continue to keep poptarts, donuts, sugar cereal, and all that great stuff at home. They eat pretty good when all that crap is gone. I wonder how they will behave if they aren't eating all that sugary foods??

Let's get this party started.

2009-04-27T06:31:00.001-04:00

Day 1---221 lbs.

Today is the day!!!!! It is time for me to get it together. I actually walked for about 14 minutes this morning, outside. It was beautiful. I listened to my ipod as I walked and had to listen to all the Toby Mac songs Tyler had put on it and that was great. It wasn't just a walk it was my quiet worship time with the Heavenly Father!!!! It was great and I can't wait till tomorrow morning. I hope I can feel this way every day.

I am going to begin a life style change, a gradual life style change. I want to feel good and yes, look good too. I am putting this on my blogg because I want to document just how I am doing for myself and I think that it will be help me keep to a diet. No I not pregnant in this picture..

What God has Given Me

2009-04-22T06:55:00.002-04:00

I learned a lesson last night. We had a situation with Tyler this week that caught me completely off guard. While Steve and I sat down with him last night to discuss things I think that I learned more than he did. With Tyler being the oldest we talk to him alot about setting the right example and during this discussion I made a point. I told Tyler that if he wants to see the man he can become, the one that God intends him to be, then he should only look to his Dad. We talked about, following God, being honest, doing the right thing, and being a good father and husband. I was completely caught off guard with my emotion, but it was at that moment that I realized that I married a Godly man. Someone who wants to do what God wants. He so sets the example that any mom could want set for her children. I had to take a moment and just thank God for what he has given to me. I find blessings in the small stuff.....

Check out my family

2009-04-22T00:49:00.001-04:00

These are the girls: Samantha Rhea 11 yrs. old and Caroline Grace 8 yrs. old. They are two very sweet little girls (can't say that for long). Samantha has grown to be a very mothering little girl. She loves to take care of Evan, she reminds me alot of myself as a child. I pray that God is preparing her for a life time role as a wife and mother. Caroline is so sweet, I forget sometimes that she is only 8. She does have a way of reminding me. She is a tender-hearted little girl, which can be really hard when you have so many siblings. She does get hurt really easy. We are trying to teach how the step out and make friends, she is very shy (that comes from me too). I am so blessed.

These are the boys: Tyler Day 13 yrs. old, Jackson Lynn (almost)6 yrs. old, and Evan Samuel 3 yrs. old. They are very adventurous. Tyler is a great big brother. He does lots of things with his little brothers and usually sets a great example. I have always told him the God put him in the role as big brother because He knew he would be a leader. Everyone who has dealt with Tyler has always commented on what a great kid he is. Jack, boy he is our energetic one. He is a crazy boy and loves to do whatever he can get away with. For the most part he is really trying to be a good boy and give me Peace. Peace is achieved by leaving Evan alone. Evan is the "baby." We have a hard time not treating him like one, but because we do I can't get him to use the potty. Evan is a very loving boy and I believe he will always be "my baby." He had definitely made our family complete.

Sometimes I forget just how much God has blessed me. Tonight He reminded me that I am so lucky.

What am I doing?

2009-04-21T19:30:00.000-04:00

I thought, "Everyone has a blog maybe I need one." Well here it is. I'm not quite sure just what my plan is for this blog, but I guess I am going to wing it. I would like to share any resources I have about homeschooling, parenting, and whatever else I think is worth sharing. Seems like a good idea, just something to do in my spare time. LOL
I have been homeschooling for about 5 years. I am now teaching 7th grade, 5th grade, 3rd grade, and Kindergarten. It has been a wonderful adventure that I never dreamed I would attempt, but God's will is not always our own. After listening to a mom speak about being a homemaker (which I was) she talked about homeschooling and I felt that God was speaking to me. Here I sit 5 years later total consumed with teaching my children. I believe that it has been a wonderful blessing to our family and the kids are doing really well.
I guess as I have things to post I will be back.....

God's Blessings

Better Late then Never!!!

Jackson Lynn is a Child of God!!!

I am Thankful for.....

Diabetes has now Hit Home!! Praying for a Cure!!!

The Britt's last year of Preschool ever~!

Our Family Closet

The 30 Day Mark

Innocents of a Four Year Old!!!

The Adventure Begins.....

Homeschoolblogger: National Geographic Map Giveway

Joshua Schoolhouse!!!!

Baseball + Baseball + Dance = June 2010

Preschool for the Britt's is almost over!!!

Changes for the 2010-2011 School Year

"Happy Jack" turns 7

Kentucky Derby Festavil 2010

Co-op Spring 2010 has Come to an End

Tyler's Mission Trip

Samantha Rhea

"Sixteen Candles"

Hoarder??? Who Me???

Random....

Britt Family Quarantine

Caroline has Succeeded!!!!!

She LOVES to READ!!!

Snow Day 1/30/2010

"On the Day That YOU Were Born...."

Dedecorating 2010

My Word of the Year~~RELAX

A Little About the Kids....one by one: Evan

A Little About the Kids....one by one: Jackson

A Little About the Kids....one by one: Caroline

A Little About the Kids....one by one: Samantha

A Little About the Kids....one by one: Tyler

Free Wii and Wii Fit

Christmas Clean 2009

Black Friday Veteran

A Light at the End of Her Tunnel

Moving on Up

How Co-op has Changed Us

Crash after the Sugar High Day 1

Slow Pokes Farm Preschool Field Trip # 2

Louisville Nature Center

Dissection of Owl Pellets

Birtt Homeschool Fall Break, White Pine TN @ the Welch Bed and Breakfast

Follow-up to Johnny Appleseed

Free Math Worksheets

Preschool Field Trip #1--Iroquois Park

John Chapman aka. Johnny Appleseed

Creation Club~~We finally made it!!!!

Britt School

What is in a Theme? A lot.

First Day of Preschool

Creation Club~~~maybe.

First Day of School~~Britt Homeschool

HFHG 2nd Annual Swim Party

Documenting School year 2009-2010

Happy 17th to my BETTER HALF

The Wrath of God!!!!

My Beloved

My Heart is Breaking for Caroline

Our Classroom at Last!!!

A Reluctant Beauty Queen

Trying to Find the JOY

I Can't Believe How Old I Am!!!!!

My Addictions

not a fan

*My Personal Statement of Faith*

My Beloved Classroom!!!!

College Fair at Christian Education Consortium

Happy Mother's Day

Notebooking Family Freebie

What's up?

"Good and Perfect Gifts"

To Many Blessings to count....

Louisville Science Center

Day 4

Day 3

Insect Study

My Personal Statement of Faith