A Wet Day at the Lake

Yesterday, after mass, Mike and I packed a cooler, a couple chairs, sand toys, towels and the girls and headed off to Sherando Lake .

We put on sunscreen and settled into our chairs. (Haley being goofy in the background. Love that chick!)

Faith did some sand castle building with a little help from Haley.

The girls got in a little swimming, and continued to swim through a passing shower.

Mike and kept looking at the sky and the moving clouds, but were holding out hope that it would all keep rolling past without any thunder or lighting.

Then a shower turned into a torrential downpour!  (no photos available too busy running for cover)  With everything in tow and our arms full we carefully made our way to the parking lot, through puddles up to our shins in some places. We were parked a good 1/3 of a mile away, because it was a lovely day for the beach.  Needless to say by the time we got to the car pretty much NOTHING was dry, except.... the 2 extra beach towels that were tucked away inside this lovely felted bag.

I made this felted bag about 7 years ago with excess wool I had.  It was my first ever felted project.  It now works as our beach bag and the beauty of felted material has now proven its' value.

Those 2 towels were much needed and did the trick in giving us a fairly dryer ride home than what could have been.

We didn't get to stay more than 90 minutes, but what an awesome memory the 4 of us have.

Comments on Home Schooling

The most common reply I get when telling people we home school our kids is, "I could never do that I don't have the patience."

If they only knew how little patience I have, is all I can think. I'm not one of those wonderful home schooling moms who can leave the laundry until later, or can have a sink with dirty dishes in it and know I can get to it at some point. I've said it before, I'm an A-type personality and I like things to be "just so".

This is our 7th year home schooling and I still pray for patience (and blinders) EVERY day. I try to look at it as my way of learning and growing within myself. And although I still have a lot to learn, "I've come a long way baby!"

Today we started school. Yeah, yeah, I know it is October!! Figured it was time. Jacob (15 yo) told me this morning, he hates some of the reactions he gets when he tells other kids he's home schooled. Especially, "I could never do that! I'd miss out on so much." Jacob can't understand what he's missing out on. He has plenty of friends and a pretty active social life.

Haley's comment to this was, "You mean they don't want to be with their parents all day most likely." My kids agreed that was something they liked most about home schooling. I was so pleased!! I guess even when I'm having a "bad" day they don't mind me so much.

What are some of the worst comments you hear? Other than the usual: "What about socialization?"

It's That Time of Year!

Yesterday we took our annual trip to the apple orchard.

This year we ventured out to another county and a different orchard. We were able to chat with the wife of the son of the owner. (Did you follow that?) They are the 7th generation on the farm and she was telling us how her mother-in-law has the original deed for the property and it was signed over from King George. LOVE that kind of genealogical history!!

No I didn't have a 4th child, Jake brought a friend.

We were able to pick red and golden delicious off the trees, and some were over a lb. each!! They were huge!

I made a pie using only 3 of the apples.

After apple picking we went to the Devil's Backbone Brewery, had a small bite to eat and a drink.

Then we went to the grocery store, bought some ice cream and found a place to sit and enjoy that!!

It was a simple day, but we all had a great day!

Visit with Family

Although it was a short a visit, it was a wonderful visit with cousin Larry, his wife Diane and their two sons, Zeb and Eli.

Our 3+ hours of travel (each way) went just swimmingly. In other words, Faith didn't get car sick thanks to anti motion sickness pills.

Here are a few photos of our trip.

The kids enjoying the pool.

The beautiful water fall and pond Zeb put in a few years ago.

Cousin Larry

Faith enjoying some dessert after a swim in the pool.

All the men enjoying some dessert while watching VT football.

Some of the many trees growing on the farm. It is really cool to look out at all the rows of trees.

A scenic lookout on the ride home.

Are you kidding? Never in my life have I seen this!

We're Hitting the Road

Mike has been working a lot of overtime! Add to that his regular schedule is really lousy Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 7a -7p. Thursday night he made the comment, "Tomorrow begins my 3 day sentence to Hell." It is really hard to see the man you love in such a state! Especially when you know what he's doing is to provide for the family.

So when he mentioned he wanted to take a trip to visit cousin Larry and his family, how could I refuse?

My cousin lives in south western Virginia on a lovely 90+ acre tree farm, about 3 hours from us. Mike and him are like 2 peas in a pod and because Larry is in his late 50's he is like a big brother to Mike. Mike does have 2 older brothers, but the relationships aren't like that.

I'm packing the kids and the dog up, loading the truck, picking Mike up at work and we're off to visit overnight with Larry. Mike's one day off will be tomorrow and we had nothing planned I had to agree!

I'm a home body, there I admit it. I love to be at home! Which works out really well for my carrier of being a SAHM!! It's really funny too because my oldest sister is a go, go, go, kind of gal and has even made the comment, "Poor Michelle." Like being at home was some kind of punishment for me!! It's really funny!

But, I'm breaking the mold this week and I'm headed out! All in the name of love for my husband and okay I'll admit this too, I enjoy spending time with Larry and his wife Diane. It will be well worth it for all of us!

Oh What a Day!

Have I ever mentioned Mike works for Frito Lay? Well he does! Although there are a lot of things I'm sure he would change about the day to day operations of the place he works, there are some really good things they do for the employees.

Like: Every summer they give the employees tickets for their entire family to go to King's Dominion here in Virginia. Plus "food coupons"! Our family received $60 in food vouchers.

Because we home school we opted to take our kids yesterday, after most everyone was back in school. It was a hot 90 degree day and it was perfect! The best part being the longest we waited to do any ride was 10 minutes (maybe). When at the prime of the season there can be 1 or 2 hour wait for the most popular rides!

The place is HUGE! I don't think we walked that much when we took the kids to Disney World! There is sooo much to do!

We spent a few hours in the water park where we all got wet and laughed until we cried! Sorry no photos the camera stayed tucked safely away in the locker.

After drying off we headed to the "dry" rides!! Faith enjoyed the slower paced stuff, Jake was the thrill seeker and Haley just watched it all go down (she's the safe one, the merry go round is her favorite).

Here is the ride Jacob sought out: The Intimidator 305

Faith dreaming about getting to go on the intimidator:

And Haley content to watch Jacob on the intimidator:

All I could think to myself, "Where is that little boy that used to want to ride the fire engine around in a circle?" Gone are the days I guess.

Although this morning there are a few of us doctoring blisters, and all of us have sore feet, we are already talking about next year's trip!!

The Summons

As I mentioned in previous posts, my niece got married yesterday. She lives in Massachusetts, and although we were all invited to attend we just couldn't make the trip. But, for the past few days it is all I've been able to think about. All my family together to celebrate, and I couldn't be part of it. Yesterday was especially difficult and they were all I thought of most of the day.

While sitting in church last night and having my thoughts once again drift to my niece and my family the choir sang the song "The Summons". Some of the lyrics: Will you come and follow me If I just call your name?... The song really struck a chord for me.

When Mike and I offered up in prayer the opportunity for God to take a hand in our decision to move away He did. He sold our house, gave Mike a job and provided us with a new home. It all happened so quickly, and in a declining economy, there was no doubt God had control. We weren't sure why at that time, but I do know now it was to be here for my father to live and die in peace last year. I am confident still that our lives here are for a reason no matter how great or small.

God asks us to follow a path sometimes that pull us away from the ones we love. Much like when he asked the disciples, "Put down your nets and come follow me." He wasn't just talking about leaving their possessions He wanted them to leave their families too.

Although I don't believe I have a huge purpose like that of the disciples, I find solace in knowing that although I can't always be with my family I'm here in Virginia because that is where God needs me to be.

At Least Another Year

A few months ago I briefly mentioned that our son Jacob (15) was seriously considering going to the public high school. He will be starting 10th grade and has made a lot friends that go there. The high school covers the entire county and has over 1400 students. They have plenty of extracurricular activities for the students which includes an incredible performing arts program. This was the biggest draw for Jacob. The opportunity to showcase his musical talents and expand those horizons.

Mike and I have always told the kids that if they ever wanted to go back to school and stop home schooling we would support them. So when Jacob told us this was his desire we did what we could to support his decision. Even if my support came reluctantly and with lots of prayers in the process.

School started yesterday in the county and Jacob has been sleeping late each of the last 2 days. Guess he decided he had it better at home? I can tell he is lonely for the friends he had available to him all day every day this past summer that are now off to school, but I'm confident he made the right choice.

Being a home schooling mom I sometimes feel like I'm also a cruise ship director. I'm required to always keep everyone entertained or on time for the next port of call. Most every day I get asked, "What are we doing today?" And if I fall short in this job there may be a mutiny. Was that the reason for him wanting to go to public school? I fell short? Am I the only one who sometimes feels this way?

For now I'll just cherish another year of homeschooling with my son, and pray that what may come next school year will be the best choice for him and his future.

But just look at the mascot differences!!! Oh Lord, I've got my work cut out for me!! LOL

VS.

Too Confident in My Child's Faith?

In Virginia the largest religious denomination is Baptist at 14% compared to the 7% of Catholics living in Virginia. We knew these number when we moved here and it really didn't weigh on our decision. Why should it?

With this difference in numbers it would be obvious that our children would and will be making friends with lots of children and families that aren't Catholic. Again, we are okay with that. Why wouldn't we be?

We are giving our children a completely Catholic education with them being completely enrolled in Seton Home Study School. Plus Mike and I work really hard to keep a devote Catholic home. We think they are getting the foundation of their Catholic faith and if when they grow up to make their own decisions on their faith they will stay firmly based in it. Time will tell I won't make any assumptions I'll just be confident I've done all I could.

Our Jacob has made a lot of friends who are active in a local Baptist church. He often goes with his friends on a Wednesday night to "hang" out and socialize at the church's youth social hall. The church provides snacks, drinks, a pool table, ping-pong table and other wholesome activities. In order to participate in the fun the kids are required to sit through a little bit of preaching. Jacob feels this is a small sacrifice for getting to "hang" with some good kids.

Mike and I have thought and talked this over several times and we still don't see a problem with it. So, this morning when Jacob called from a friends house to ask if he could go to services with a friend at the same church before coming home, I said okay if he really wanted to. His answer was, "I just want to see all my friends one last time before they start school tomorrow."

I'm still not seeing any problem with any of this. Am I being blind? Am I too confident in my child's faith in his own church? He went to mass with us at our church last night if he really wants to sit through some more preaching, does it really matter? Any thoughts or input is welcomed...

I Have Succeeded

For as long as I can remember my parents always had people over their house to visit. Friday nights, especially during lent, my parents would cook fish'n chips, and Sunday afternoon would be steaks on the grill.

There would be entertainment too! My father even had his own little group for a while. He would sing, there were a couple of guitarist, and my mom and aunt were the back up singers. And everyone was allowed to bring their talents and join in the fun and do their own performance. It was kind of like an open mic night in the back yard or basement. Sometimes I think my husband fell more in love with all that before he even fell for me!!

My parents didn't have a huge home, and they weren't overly wealthy, but they ALWAYS shared everything they had and did it with gusto!!

Maybe that is why I've always felt the need to be a good hostess? We don't have gatherings the way my parents did, but when we do have people over the house I try to give it my all. Even when it is just my kids friends, I try to make sure everyone feels comfortable and welcomed!

Yesterday my nephew called out of the blue. Him and friend were in the area and he asked, "If we stop in would you be able to hook us up with some home cooked food?" This phone call and visit has made my entire week!!

I feel like my entire existence has been justified and I've succeeded in making my loved ones feel welcome!! Not only did my nephew know he could call me unexpectadly, and bring a friend to my home, but he also knew I would have "home cooked" food!!

Catching Up!

In The Knitting Bag

Finished knitting the socks I had been working on for over a MONTH! Can't believe it took me that long to finish a pair of socks. But... here they are:

I made them really loose fitting, and I like them.

The knitting still isn't going full force, but I did cast on another pair of socks in the Hedera pattern.

And I've casted on a sweater, the Neck Down Scoop Neck Cardigan by Diane Soucy.

I'll post photos of the actual projects when there is more to show. Both of these patterns I've made before and I think I just needed to do a couple of familiar patterns.

On the Home Front

Jake and I drove to bring Adam back to his parents on Saturday. We all really miss having him, but his parents insisted that 2 weeks was enough.

Mike got his staples out today, just short of 3 weeks since his surgery. He is doing really well and should be returning to work this week some time. This has me a little blue... I LOVE having my husband around and being with him... can't get sick of that!! But, someone has support my sorry behind!!

We took the kids to the movies last week. Gotta LOVE having a $1.00 theater near by!! Movies that are no longer in the big theaters, but still not on DVD. What a cheap way to spend the afternoon!!

Mike took Faith to see How to Train Your Dragon. He said there were a few scary parts for a 6 year old, but she LOVED it and wanted to know yesterday if she could go see it again. Mike said this is one that we should consider owning when it does come out on DVD. High praise!

Haley and I went to see Letters to Juliet. Definitely a "chick" flick, but it was awesome! Very endearing, romantic and adventurous with a very happy ending. Everything I LOVE about a movie. Haley enjoyed it too, although my tough exterior daughter would not admit it in front of her father. Now I am dreaming about a day that I can travel to Italy and explore the countryside. Why is it that movies do that to me? Please tell me I'm not alone and this a "chick" thing!

Still No Knitting, but a Very Good Day

Last summer we really didn't have any opportunities to go out and learn fun things to do in the area.

Yesterday, we were able to venture out and discover a great place to go for the day to swim, fish and picnic, Sherando Lake Park.

The kids played in the sand and water. Haley did some fishing. Mike met up with another friend (reconnected through facebook) that he used to be in the Navy with who happened to be vacationing near by. I still didn't get any knitting done, but it was a lovely day!

We took the long way home and drove some of the Blue Ridge Parkway, another adventure we had been wanting to take.

A Very Big Day!

Thank you everyone for all the prayers on a speedy recovery. Started feeling much better Thursday evening! The only thing that is bothering me now is the side effects of the strong antibiotics, but at least the fatigue is over.

I'm especially thankful I was feeling better before Friday. It was Faith's 6th birthday! We had a great day planned for her and I so didn't want to miss out on it.

We all went for breakfast to IHOP. We haven't been to an IHOP in probably 20 years!! It was AWESOME! Mike and Haley both have birthdays in August and it is most likely IHOP will be on the agenda to celebrate.

Then we went to Toys R Us, to do a little shopping for the birthday girl. She got a great play dough set, a piggy bank and a butterfly net.

Because you have to be six to do rock climbing, that was what she wanted to do. She did really well, and enjoyed it very much. If we do another home schooling rock climbing camp this fall it will be great that she can join us.

Then spaghetti for dinner, Faith's favorite, and Haley made her a birthday cake. It was truly a wonderful 6th birthday... for EVERYONE!

How Far We've Come!

We were young and inexperienced, and I believe people thought we would never make it this far.

23 years ago today Mike and I go married, in the church, with our friends and family looking on. Mike still had more than 6 years left to serve in the Navy and the world was our oyster!

We've come a long way since that day, and I wouldn't change any of it. We've grown in our love and our faith in God. Some of the things we've been through:

1. We have 3 beautiful, really great kids.
2. We have buried both our fathers and losses of other loved ones.
3. We managed to get through our middle child needing surgery at birth and hospitalization, with follow up surgeries until she was 6.
4. Several moves! (But I think we are finally settled.)
5. Job changes for both of us and sometimes wondering how we would ever pay the bills.

We've come a long way baby! I'm truly blessed to have you as my life partner and I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else. Looking forward to the next 23+

How do I spend my time?

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, we live out in the middle of no where. This was, I realize by choice, so I can't complain.

A disadvantage to living so rural is there isn't high speed internet readily available, nor scheduled to be in the near future, through the phone lines. As a result we have to get it through satellite and pay handsomely for it. Even more of a hassle the internet satellite company has structured their plans so the less you pay the less you are allowed to download in a 24 hour period!! (I'm not giving you the name of the company, because if I do I may really go off on a rant. Have never been happy with them.) To top it all off they get you into a contract for 2 years!!!

When we moved here, almost 2 years ago, we found the expense justifiable. The kids need it for school. We can continue to do our home banking. The adjustment to living in the boonies won't be as drastic. The cost of gas to drive all the way to town for free wi-fi wasn't really an option.

As a result we have settled in quite nicely to our routine. Using the internet and paying the bill. However, recently Mike and I have realized we are ALL spending too much time "staying connected". Both computers stay on the kitchen table all day connected to the internet. My computer even gives a little alert signal when email comes into my box!! I'm quick to sit and send off a reply.

We have 4 months left on our contract with the satellite company, but I've reduced our plan significantly. Download amount has been cut drastically. But, this is all for the best! We have set up an hour limit per day for each of us. 30 minutes at a time or however you want to break up your time. The hour rule is more to get us realizing the time we spend using the internet, and hopefully break our poor habits. We have also started shutting the computers down in between, so the temptation isn't there.

It is amazing how after just a couple days of this new routine to realize what a BIG part of MY day I spent just reading and replying to email or reading things on Facebook! I'm disgusted with myself!

This is a positive for all of us, and I'm pleased that Mike and I are setting the example for our kids and correcting the problem. Will keep you posted.... well if I allow enough time for it...

My Father

This is my first Father's Day with my dad in heaven. Allow me to share a few thoughts I had of him today and what I would say to him if given the chance.

Dad,

• thank you for your faith in God and sharing it with your children and grandchildren,
• I loved the way you could make just about anyone your friend,
• I will always think about the way you'd smiled at mom (with a glint in your eye) when you thought no one was looking,
• your talent for emceeing and singing were unprecedented,
• you were strict when I was growing up, but now I know how right you were,
• I'm thankful for the way you always provided for us as a family without ever once letting anyone know how difficult it could be some times,
• I still have the memories of your big hands and the feeling they gave me when you would reprimand me when necessary or stroke my head or my arm when I needed reassurance,
• there are too many things to tell you that I miss about you, but let me tell you one of silly things, your beautiful handwriting in the annual birthday and Christmas cards.

So dad, last Father's Day you began to share with us the pain you were in with the cancer taking over your body, that memory is slowly beginning to fade for me. Instead I have the 41 years of my life, with you in it, to focus on and to thank God for.

Rest in peace daddy!

9/13/32 - 6/28/09

Small Successes

I realize I don't participate in Small Successes every week, but I try to when I feel I've actually been successful at something. Some weeks I don't feel I've done anything of importance to even mention, maybe this week I will try to be more attentive to the everyday and see if I can participate 2 weeks in a row.

1. School is essentially finished for this year. Jacob and Haley still need to do math, but that was only because we took them both back to redo some lessons they were each struggling with. In a crazy way that is a definite success!!

2. Finished the afghan I was making for my nieces wedding gift. Well except for figuring out how I want to do the border. It is crocheted the way the pattern says, but I'm not happy with it and will most likely rip it out and redo it.

3. The exhaust system on my 11 yo car was getting really noisy and that is now fixed. AND the true success here is that I didn't lose my mind through the process!! I don't always handle life's every day hurdles such as this with grace, but I did. Mostly because my wonderful husband held my hand the entire time.

Great Weekend

Great weekend was had with our visitor, tough to let him go this morning, but the world must keep turning.

Here is some of the food I prepared this weekend, because every good visit with friends or family has to include good food!