We have never celebrated Halloween. It's just not a holiday for us since it conflicts with our beliefs as Christians.
The house is decorated for Thanksgiving early this year since we are all eager for the holidays to arrive. I will put it away and bring out the Christmas decorations Thanksgiving weekend. I typically put down the Christmas decor the day or two after Christmas so we can gear up for school again. It is so much easier to just get it done with than to wait.
Clint is on call this week, so that makes this week busy already. He is on call every other week while his friend and co-worker Marshall recovers from foot surgery.
Wendy's friend Teresa is having back surgery today. Please keep her in your prayers.
We plan to buy the stovepipe we need for the woodstove and install that this weekend. We have been blessed with around 5 cords of FREE wood. All we had to do was pick it up. The woodstove was also free. It was given to us by a family that had it sitting on their backporch unused. It was fairly rusted. After some sanding and $15 worth of paint, it came out looking like brand new. PTL for His provision!
Here is a recipe that we love:
Oatmeal Candy
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons cocoa
1 stick of butter or margarine
dash of salt
1 cup of oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix together first 5 ingredients; heat to boiling. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add oatmeal, peanut butter and vanilla. Pour into dish and refrigerate.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Friday, October 28, 2005
Nice Relaxing Day
Clint took off from work and we got some much needed down time together as a couple and as a family. It was a day full of peace and relaxation. We took a nap together in the afternoon while Bethany napped. We got to spend quality time with all of the children, watch movies, cook, and just enjoy life together. If you haven't had a day like this in a while, I urge you take one asap. Make time. Put your family first. Life is too short!
I have been contemplating trust verses faith lately. Trust is based on a relationship. Faith is blind trust. I am not very good at having faith in people, but after I develop a relationship with them, I am able to put a small measure of trust in them.
I have been a Christian for 30 years now. I rededicated my life to seriously serving Christ about 15 years ago. I have found that while I have faith in God, I have also developed a trust relationship with Him. I have seen His work in my life and know what He can do. I know what I can expect of Him from reading His Word. He can't go back on His Word or He is a liar...and not truly God. So, with Him, you either have to believe all He put in His Word or nothing at all.
Having trust or faith in Him does not mean He will do everything as I think He should. He may even do things that seem contrary to my good...like letting me birth 3 dead children or witness a horrible accident or lose my parents. But, His word tells me that ALL things work together for good to those that love Him. He also tells us that He thinks and operates on a level that we can not comprehend...so I can't possibly figure out what He's doing although sometimes I might get a small glimpse of it so I can thank, praise and glorify Him. When something bad happens in my life, I ask Him to let good come out of it. I also pray that whatever lesson He has for me in it will take root in my heart and not be wasted. I can be thick-headed sometimes and I don't want to miss out on something wonderful God has for me.
Clint and I are praying that whatever good God has in Mark's death (see about accident in an earlier post) will be multiplied. We also are asking Him that whatever lesson He has in it for us will not be wasted.
I have been contemplating trust verses faith lately. Trust is based on a relationship. Faith is blind trust. I am not very good at having faith in people, but after I develop a relationship with them, I am able to put a small measure of trust in them.
I have been a Christian for 30 years now. I rededicated my life to seriously serving Christ about 15 years ago. I have found that while I have faith in God, I have also developed a trust relationship with Him. I have seen His work in my life and know what He can do. I know what I can expect of Him from reading His Word. He can't go back on His Word or He is a liar...and not truly God. So, with Him, you either have to believe all He put in His Word or nothing at all.
Having trust or faith in Him does not mean He will do everything as I think He should. He may even do things that seem contrary to my good...like letting me birth 3 dead children or witness a horrible accident or lose my parents. But, His word tells me that ALL things work together for good to those that love Him. He also tells us that He thinks and operates on a level that we can not comprehend...so I can't possibly figure out what He's doing although sometimes I might get a small glimpse of it so I can thank, praise and glorify Him. When something bad happens in my life, I ask Him to let good come out of it. I also pray that whatever lesson He has for me in it will take root in my heart and not be wasted. I can be thick-headed sometimes and I don't want to miss out on something wonderful God has for me.
Clint and I are praying that whatever good God has in Mark's death (see about accident in an earlier post) will be multiplied. We also are asking Him that whatever lesson He has in it for us will not be wasted.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Our Teacup Chihuahuas & Collie & other animals
A few weeks ago, we were given 2 teacup Chihuahua's. The female is bred, so we should have little babies before too long. Her name was Cleo, but since she did not respond to it, we call her Shysie, which is Native American for "quiet little one." The male knew his name well, so we left it at Sox. We are pretty excited about them having babies.
Shysie is a sweetheart. She follows me around all day and sleeps with me at night. I am often awaken by her wiggling to get under the covers where it is warmer.
Sox will not stay home, so we had to put him in a pen to keep him out of the road. He may be little, but he can make fast tracks down my driveway. I got tired of chasing him all over the neighborhood.
Our Collie, Chloe, is bred too. She is due the beginning of December. We already have homes for some of the pups.
Chloe's and Shysie's puppies will buy feed for the rest of the animals for winter. That will be a big blessing.
Our lop eared rabbit buck died mysteriously a couple of days ago. We are not sure what got to him. I am sad to see him go. Our bunny sales buy food and medicines for the other animals too. As long as the animals support themselves, Clint will let us keep whatever we want.
We called the Drs office for the bloodwork results. They did not know what we were talking about and nothing about it had been written down in my charts. I sure hope they find it. They told us they would call back in 20 minutes, but it's been over 24 hours since we heard from them.
That's all for today...something short and simple.
Shysie is a sweetheart. She follows me around all day and sleeps with me at night. I am often awaken by her wiggling to get under the covers where it is warmer.
Sox will not stay home, so we had to put him in a pen to keep him out of the road. He may be little, but he can make fast tracks down my driveway. I got tired of chasing him all over the neighborhood.
Our Collie, Chloe, is bred too. She is due the beginning of December. We already have homes for some of the pups.
Chloe's and Shysie's puppies will buy feed for the rest of the animals for winter. That will be a big blessing.
Our lop eared rabbit buck died mysteriously a couple of days ago. We are not sure what got to him. I am sad to see him go. Our bunny sales buy food and medicines for the other animals too. As long as the animals support themselves, Clint will let us keep whatever we want.
We called the Drs office for the bloodwork results. They did not know what we were talking about and nothing about it had been written down in my charts. I sure hope they find it. They told us they would call back in 20 minutes, but it's been over 24 hours since we heard from them.
That's all for today...something short and simple.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
All things work together for good to those that love the Lord. Romans 8:28
While we were sitting in the funeral, I had a thought come to me out of the blue. If I had not lost Rebecca, my daughter, I could not have conceived Josiah, my son. If Josiah had not died April 10, I would not be having the blood work up done. We would not have been help up 6 hours at the Drs office making us late for supper last Thursday. If Josiah had lived, he would be 2 months old now. We would not have been out that late because we do not take our newborns out. So, we can see where possibly, maybe, part of the reason things worked out like they did was so we could be at that place at that exact time to help the people in the truck crash.
The girl's mother called today to thank us for a lavender care basket we sent and to give us the addresses for the boy's family.
I am not resting well. When I do fall asleep, I dream that I am back at the scene of the accident. I see certain scenes of it over and over. I don't know what is wrong with me. I know it all turned out well. The blood and stuff didn't bother me...we see enough of that living on a farm. The pain for everyone bothered me quite a bit. Suffering gets to me.
Clint sleeps like a rock. He fell asleep as soon as we were able. Literally, he laid down to sleep and 15 minutes later was snoring away. I envy him his sleep sometimes.
Family Watchdog lets you check for sex offenders in your neighborhood. I found 2 living within 1.5 miles of our home. It gives their picture, address, offense, distance from you and lets you know if that is their work or home address. It also lists schools in the area.
The girl's mother called today to thank us for a lavender care basket we sent and to give us the addresses for the boy's family.
I am not resting well. When I do fall asleep, I dream that I am back at the scene of the accident. I see certain scenes of it over and over. I don't know what is wrong with me. I know it all turned out well. The blood and stuff didn't bother me...we see enough of that living on a farm. The pain for everyone bothered me quite a bit. Suffering gets to me.
Clint sleeps like a rock. He fell asleep as soon as we were able. Literally, he laid down to sleep and 15 minutes later was snoring away. I envy him his sleep sometimes.
Family Watchdog lets you check for sex offenders in your neighborhood. I found 2 living within 1.5 miles of our home. It gives their picture, address, offense, distance from you and lets you know if that is their work or home address. It also lists schools in the area.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Hooky from Homeschool!!
Today I am doing something I do not normally do. We are playing hooky from homeschool. With everything that has happened to us since last April, we need some down time. Our trip to Kings Dominion this weekend has been cancelled due to weather. But on Friday, the day we planned to go, we are going to have a campfire in our yard and cook our supper and dessert over it.
I am taking today to spend with my children doing things they want to do.
Amanda wants to cook and sew.
Brandon wants to build with his K'nex and Legos.
Joshua and Caleb want to play with their G.I. Joes.
Bethany wants to crawl all over me, play with the other's toys and get all of the attention she can.
I just want to rest and enjoy life. I am still feeling strung out from last Thursday.
I am taking today to spend with my children doing things they want to do.
Amanda wants to cook and sew.
Brandon wants to build with his K'nex and Legos.
Joshua and Caleb want to play with their G.I. Joes.
Bethany wants to crawl all over me, play with the other's toys and get all of the attention she can.
I just want to rest and enjoy life. I am still feeling strung out from last Thursday.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Closure
We went to the funeral today. It was nice and they had a good service. Right as we were about to leave, there was a car accident in font of the funeral home. It happened right where the parents in the limo could see it. I know that must have made it harder for the families.
The graveside was a bit uncomfortable because it was cold, windy and raining. You could tell the young man was well loved and will be missed. He seemed to be a hardworking person with a lot of respect.
We were able to see the young girl and she was holding up well. She hugged and thanked us both. Her mother also hugged and thanked us both, especially Clint for pulling her out of the car.
The young man's mother was hurting deeply but composed. You could see her intense pain.
Clint doesn't get why everyone is making such a big deal over it. He believes he did what everyone else would have done. I told him that there were other people around..and they did NOTHING! It was only him helping her. He's a hero. He risked his life for another and Scripture says there is no love greater than that.
Our prayers will be with them for a long time coming. We sent a care package to the girl and plan to send a card to his family as soon as we get an address. Pray with us that God will use both to bring healing and comfort. We want so badly to ease their suffering and there is so little anyone can do during a time like this.
The graveside was a bit uncomfortable because it was cold, windy and raining. You could tell the young man was well loved and will be missed. He seemed to be a hardworking person with a lot of respect.
We were able to see the young girl and she was holding up well. She hugged and thanked us both. Her mother also hugged and thanked us both, especially Clint for pulling her out of the car.
The young man's mother was hurting deeply but composed. You could see her intense pain.
Clint doesn't get why everyone is making such a big deal over it. He believes he did what everyone else would have done. I told him that there were other people around..and they did NOTHING! It was only him helping her. He's a hero. He risked his life for another and Scripture says there is no love greater than that.
Our prayers will be with them for a long time coming. We sent a care package to the girl and plan to send a card to his family as soon as we get an address. Pray with us that God will use both to bring healing and comfort. We want so badly to ease their suffering and there is so little anyone can do during a time like this.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
We got home from the Dr at 2:15. We left at 8:11 a.m. The OB's office was 3 people short, so they had a long backup there. We waited over an hour past my appt time just to be seen.
Then they told me that they goofed and that I wasn't suppose to be there, but at another place.
Then, they were about to test for hCG levels until I questioned them as to why. They had the wrong type of test written down. I had to tell them what I needed and have the orders rewritten. (PTL for the internet or I would not have known what to tell them!)
I told them I really did not want to reschedule the visit for the labwork to the other place because we have to drive so far, work around homeschool and Clint takes off work to go with me. So, they were accommodating. She called and got me scheduled for the lab. We did some grocery shopping in between office visits. PTL for the bargains I found though the couponmom.com site. We bought $125 worth of groceries for $36.
The lab was also several people short and the office staff was in a bad mood. One lady was just nasty. It spilled over into the waiting area and wow, were people grouchy. We waited over an hour there as well, but we waited outside in the garden by the waterfall to get out of the negative atmosphere. That was really nice. I finally got seen and told the lady how the situation in the waiting room was and suggested she make an announcement to let everyone know there was a reason they were so behind. She did and it made a big difference by time we left.
I had the blood drawn (7 vials) and it only took 3 minutes....all that fuss and bother for only 3 minutes. It will cost well over $1,000.
It was a fun day though because Clint and I got to spend it together. We sat and talked the whole time and got to witness, help several people with parenting, pregnancy and homeschooling. God is incredible. We got to play with 4 adorable children and I also gave one young girl my card for HG counseling and support. I hope she calls because I believe I can help her. Clint took me out to eat after it was all done. We got to meet a man from Amsterdam and hear his views on the American education system.
God really blessed us. I was afraid we'd have to go all into the m/c's and go over everything that happened. God has provided healing, but my heart is still tender for Josiah. I think of him several times a day. As it worked out with all of the hold-ups, I only had to give the blood and be out of there. I need to call the dr's office to get the results, but they did not tell me when or if I need to make an appt or what. I call in a few days and see. Crazy day, but I know God used it all for His glory.
Ok, here's what they tested me for:
prothrombin muttation G-20210A
antiphosolipid syndrome profile (includes anticardiolipin antibodies I66 (or that last 6 is a G), I6M & Lupus Anticoagluant)
ANA (antinuclear antibiodies)
Factor V Leiden Mutation Analysis
Antithrombin III
Protien C Deficiency
Protien S Deficiency
I got a cool Garfield sticker. I picked my own. They were going to give me a boring, plain one since I am an adult, but my inner child cried out for something colorful and fun. :-)
All of these are clotting disorders. For some reason they did not test me for progesterone, but I'll have that checked if these come back all OK. If there is a clotting disorder the solution may be as easy as taking a baby aspirin 1x a day.
Clint just left for work. He wanted to put in an appearance at least. He will work for a few hours and then come home. Hopefully he will not have any call ins tonight.
That's the events that kept us tied up all day. I am off to find food for everyone and then will check on the animals before bedtime. I am glad to be home and surrounded by all of our critters.
Then they told me that they goofed and that I wasn't suppose to be there, but at another place.
Then, they were about to test for hCG levels until I questioned them as to why. They had the wrong type of test written down. I had to tell them what I needed and have the orders rewritten. (PTL for the internet or I would not have known what to tell them!)
I told them I really did not want to reschedule the visit for the labwork to the other place because we have to drive so far, work around homeschool and Clint takes off work to go with me. So, they were accommodating. She called and got me scheduled for the lab. We did some grocery shopping in between office visits. PTL for the bargains I found though the couponmom.com site. We bought $125 worth of groceries for $36.
The lab was also several people short and the office staff was in a bad mood. One lady was just nasty. It spilled over into the waiting area and wow, were people grouchy. We waited over an hour there as well, but we waited outside in the garden by the waterfall to get out of the negative atmosphere. That was really nice. I finally got seen and told the lady how the situation in the waiting room was and suggested she make an announcement to let everyone know there was a reason they were so behind. She did and it made a big difference by time we left.
I had the blood drawn (7 vials) and it only took 3 minutes....all that fuss and bother for only 3 minutes. It will cost well over $1,000.
It was a fun day though because Clint and I got to spend it together. We sat and talked the whole time and got to witness, help several people with parenting, pregnancy and homeschooling. God is incredible. We got to play with 4 adorable children and I also gave one young girl my card for HG counseling and support. I hope she calls because I believe I can help her. Clint took me out to eat after it was all done. We got to meet a man from Amsterdam and hear his views on the American education system.
God really blessed us. I was afraid we'd have to go all into the m/c's and go over everything that happened. God has provided healing, but my heart is still tender for Josiah. I think of him several times a day. As it worked out with all of the hold-ups, I only had to give the blood and be out of there. I need to call the dr's office to get the results, but they did not tell me when or if I need to make an appt or what. I call in a few days and see. Crazy day, but I know God used it all for His glory.
Ok, here's what they tested me for:
prothrombin muttation G-20210A
antiphosolipid syndrome profile (includes anticardiolipin antibodies I66 (or that last 6 is a G), I6M & Lupus Anticoagluant)
ANA (antinuclear antibiodies)
Factor V Leiden Mutation Analysis
Antithrombin III
Protien C Deficiency
Protien S Deficiency
I got a cool Garfield sticker. I picked my own. They were going to give me a boring, plain one since I am an adult, but my inner child cried out for something colorful and fun. :-)
All of these are clotting disorders. For some reason they did not test me for progesterone, but I'll have that checked if these come back all OK. If there is a clotting disorder the solution may be as easy as taking a baby aspirin 1x a day.
Clint just left for work. He wanted to put in an appearance at least. He will work for a few hours and then come home. Hopefully he will not have any call ins tonight.
That's the events that kept us tied up all day. I am off to find food for everyone and then will check on the animals before bedtime. I am glad to be home and surrounded by all of our critters.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
In case you're wondering...
..except for unusual situations, Wendy is the person updating the blog. Don't grade her too harshly. She is a very busy woman who usually gets on the computer when she is too tired to do anything else. :-)
We have added a lot of content to our webpage in the past couple of days. Be sure to stop by and check it out. We put the story of our Pesky 'Possum up and moved Joshua's Mouse from our old home on the web to our new one. We also moved Raven was an Ugly Horse to our new page.
I head to the Dr. tomorrow to see why we have had the miscarriages in the past year. Please keep us in your prayers if you think of us tomorrow. It is our desire to have more children, if it is God's will for our family. Most women (over 50%) never find a definite cause. It is our prayer that whatever was wrong has now been healed and that there will be many more children in our future.
The house and front porch are decorated for fall. Bethany had a wonderful time unwrapping and handing the pieces to me yesterday evening.
Bethany and I also planted some bulbs to force indoors this winter. We made a huge mess, but had a grand time doing it.
Amanda's cat somehow got her collar on too tight. We are not sure how this happened since it was a safety cat collar. Clint and Amanda found Peace making choking sounds this morning. Clint could not get a knife under her collar without cutting her, so he had to pull the collar tighter to loosen the clasp. Peace seems fine and is eating up all of the extra attention.
On Wednesday nights, we study the Bible together as a family from 7-8 p.m. We are working on Proverbs. When we complete it, we will buy something to commemorate our study and will have an ice cream party with all of the fixings. This will be our second time working through Proverbs as a family.
After that is Lost, a show we enjoy watching with our older children. It keeps us guessing as to what is going on and what will happen next. If you haven't played it, check out the Lost Mission.
Many people are looking for the extra-ordinary in their lives when they take for granted the many, many seemingly ordinary things God has used to bless their lives.
Do you have clothes on your back, food in your belly, a roof over your head? Do you have access to a computer and the ability to use it? A mind than can think, a mouth that can speak, an ear that can hear? Do you have more clothes than you can wear at one time? Shoes? Coats? Do you have a house to clean? dishes to wash (from a meal God provided)? Do you have loved ones to clean up after and care for? Do you have a husband to leave dirty clothes on the floor? Have you ever known love? Do you have a family that gets on your nerves...rejoice-you have been blessed with a family! Did the dog who got fur all over your pants do so to attract your attention because he thinks you are the greatest? Rejoice, he loves you and offers his companionship 24/7.
I often get dragged down by the amount of work involved with raising 5 children on a hobby farm with over 100 animals. Selling on eBay, milking goats, making my own soaps and herbal products, trying to read and continue my education, repair this flood damaged home of ours and so much more wears on me if I do not keep a right attitude. I try to remember that God has blessed me beyond measure.
Stop complaining about your blessings being a burden and realize how much you have to be thankful for. It will change your outlook and make your tasks so much easier. And, God will bring down more blessings to reward you for your right (righteous) mindset.
We have added a lot of content to our webpage in the past couple of days. Be sure to stop by and check it out. We put the story of our Pesky 'Possum up and moved Joshua's Mouse from our old home on the web to our new one. We also moved Raven was an Ugly Horse to our new page.
I head to the Dr. tomorrow to see why we have had the miscarriages in the past year. Please keep us in your prayers if you think of us tomorrow. It is our desire to have more children, if it is God's will for our family. Most women (over 50%) never find a definite cause. It is our prayer that whatever was wrong has now been healed and that there will be many more children in our future.
The house and front porch are decorated for fall. Bethany had a wonderful time unwrapping and handing the pieces to me yesterday evening.
Bethany and I also planted some bulbs to force indoors this winter. We made a huge mess, but had a grand time doing it.
Amanda's cat somehow got her collar on too tight. We are not sure how this happened since it was a safety cat collar. Clint and Amanda found Peace making choking sounds this morning. Clint could not get a knife under her collar without cutting her, so he had to pull the collar tighter to loosen the clasp. Peace seems fine and is eating up all of the extra attention.
On Wednesday nights, we study the Bible together as a family from 7-8 p.m. We are working on Proverbs. When we complete it, we will buy something to commemorate our study and will have an ice cream party with all of the fixings. This will be our second time working through Proverbs as a family.
After that is Lost, a show we enjoy watching with our older children. It keeps us guessing as to what is going on and what will happen next. If you haven't played it, check out the Lost Mission.
Many people are looking for the extra-ordinary in their lives when they take for granted the many, many seemingly ordinary things God has used to bless their lives.
Do you have clothes on your back, food in your belly, a roof over your head? Do you have access to a computer and the ability to use it? A mind than can think, a mouth that can speak, an ear that can hear? Do you have more clothes than you can wear at one time? Shoes? Coats? Do you have a house to clean? dishes to wash (from a meal God provided)? Do you have loved ones to clean up after and care for? Do you have a husband to leave dirty clothes on the floor? Have you ever known love? Do you have a family that gets on your nerves...rejoice-you have been blessed with a family! Did the dog who got fur all over your pants do so to attract your attention because he thinks you are the greatest? Rejoice, he loves you and offers his companionship 24/7.
I often get dragged down by the amount of work involved with raising 5 children on a hobby farm with over 100 animals. Selling on eBay, milking goats, making my own soaps and herbal products, trying to read and continue my education, repair this flood damaged home of ours and so much more wears on me if I do not keep a right attitude. I try to remember that God has blessed me beyond measure.
Stop complaining about your blessings being a burden and realize how much you have to be thankful for. It will change your outlook and make your tasks so much easier. And, God will bring down more blessings to reward you for your right (righteous) mindset.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Welcome to Contentment Acres Farm
We hope to be able to do this regularly to keep everyone updated as to what is happening on the farm.
We have just bred Chloe, our collie, to a lab. Last year, we were very successful in placing healthy, well socialized mixed puppies into many homes. We had 40 calls for them before it was all said and done. The sale of Chloe's puppies bought health supplies for our animals for the next 2 yeas as well as some winter feed.
We have just added 2 mini rex female rabbits. We have bred one doe and will breed the next in the coming weeks to our lop-eared buck.
We were gifted with 2 Chihuahuas. We think the female is bred already so we will be having TeaCup Chihuahuas in 7-8 weeks.
We are in curtailing some of our plans for the farm repairs while we wait to see if our FEMA grant for home elevation goes through. If that goes through, we will need money for the work to be done to the house as well as living expenses. Keep us in prayer as we continue to recover from Hurricane Isabel.
We have just bred Chloe, our collie, to a lab. Last year, we were very successful in placing healthy, well socialized mixed puppies into many homes. We had 40 calls for them before it was all said and done. The sale of Chloe's puppies bought health supplies for our animals for the next 2 yeas as well as some winter feed.
We have just added 2 mini rex female rabbits. We have bred one doe and will breed the next in the coming weeks to our lop-eared buck.
We were gifted with 2 Chihuahuas. We think the female is bred already so we will be having TeaCup Chihuahuas in 7-8 weeks.
We are in curtailing some of our plans for the farm repairs while we wait to see if our FEMA grant for home elevation goes through. If that goes through, we will need money for the work to be done to the house as well as living expenses. Keep us in prayer as we continue to recover from Hurricane Isabel.
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