My goodness! I didn't realize it had been so long since my last entry. I guess I should put "blog time" on my schedule to make sure it gets updated regularly.
Well, a new school year began for The Learners' School on August 31. We are using My Father's World Curriculum. It is wonderful. I can see us sticking with this curriculum for a while. It is heavy on Scripture, reading and history. I love the science books that are used...most of them are Usborne Books. From a teaching standpoint, everything is laid out nicely and it is easy to prepare for and follow the lessons. This year we are doing 2 different grade levels for Ryan and Zachary. Next year I will be able to teach one curriculum to them, minus math and grammar. They will do math and grammar on their own level.
Ryan is doing the 1st grade curriculum, which is probably a little easy for him. It is heavy on phonics and beginning reading while Ryan is a wonderful reader. I chose not to move him to another grade or curriculum because I really like the Bible content. Not only is he learning Scripture, he will learn Bible history, as well. The Science is wonderful for him - very hands on! Right now we are using a math workbook with him but he is zooming right through. We'll have to think of something else. I am teaching him the same history and science that Zachary learns. He gets double science but he is OK with that.
Zachary is doing the 2nd/3rd grade curriculum. It is for students who don't have an older sibling and who haven't done any other My Father's World lessons. He loves it. He is having a great time learning how our country was started. He enjoys the science classes. He is learning Scripture, too, and is making a poster with The Names of Jesus. He is finishing up his 2nd grade Singapore Math and Bob Jones English. He should be on to 3rd grade in both of those by January. He just started spelling and thinks it is great. He learns Bible and Science from Ryan's curriculum. I want to make sure both are learning as much as they can.
School has been hard for me this year. I have come close to quitting more than once - and we are only on week 5!! In fact, I got so frustrated that I sorted out all of our homeschool stuff in preparation to sell it or give it away. Some days it just seems as if the boys are working so hard against me that it just isn't worth the heartache. Then I remember why I homeschool and how much I love to see my boys learn. We set our curriculum aside for a couple of days and worked only on our basics. We had a fresh start last week. Things are better.
This leads me to: Why does the Parrott family homeschool? I may have posted about this before but I think it needs repeating. Although the curriculum and the circumstances may change, the real reason does not. It comes down to this: The Parrott family homeschools because we believe God is calling us to homeschool. We believe (we=myself and my husband) the best place to educate children is in the home. We can teach the values we believe. We can weave God into our lessons. We can cater to our boys' different learning styles. We don't have to worry about an agenda that we don't believe in being pushed onto our children.
Homeschooling started for us when Zachary was denied services for his sensory/autism issues in the public school district where we lived when he was 4. We were told to put him into kindergarten and once he *failed* there, steps would be taken to get him the appropriate help. Zachary had barely mastered using the toilet at this time. He could not stand loud noises, changes in routine or socks. He could not dress himeslf without help. He had no coordination, could not use scissors or eating utensils. Although he was a bright and curious child, I knew something was "off" with his development. I went home in tears, vowing not to send my child to public school. Fortunately, God had led our family to a church that was full of homeschooling families. I learned from them what homeschooling could look like and decided to try it for Zachary. We started in kindergarten and haven't had any (many? LOL) regrets.
We have been met with much opposition regarding homeschooling. Zachary has Asperger's Syndrome. I have had doctors, therapists and other parents tell me I am doing him a disservice by educating him at school. Why? Lack of opportunity for SOCIALIZATION. People mistakenly believe that the only place a child can get SOCIALIZATION is at school. People also believe that homeschoolers are locked into their houses, 24/7. No. Our children have plenty of opportunities for social activities with other children - sometimes we have to pick and choose or we would never get school done. And here is something else...google SOCIALIZATION and see what comes up. If you don't want that for your country, why on earth would you want that for your child?
Some people have asked why not private Christian school. Well, two reasons. First of all, we don't feel that God is leading us to place our children in private Christian school. The second, we can't afford private Christian school. Yes, Ryan (and now Joshua) attended a private Christian kindergarten. However, there is a big difference between $300/mo and over $15,000/yr. If we feel we need to put our children into a school setting, we will do what we can to make sure they are in the best environment possible. That may be Christian school. We would do what we needed to do to put them there.
No, I am not anti-public school nor anti-public school teacher. I don't like the limits placed upon teachers in regard to their teaching. I don't like the "requirements" necessary for Zachary to receive help in public school. I don't like the hoops that a parent would have to go through to make sure the school district is providing all of the services they are required to provide BY LAW. I realize that public school is not perfect. Neither is homeschooling. However, for our family it is certainly the better alternative.
I am not sure if we will be able to homeschool forever. I am hoping that all 3 of our boys will graduate from The Learners' School and go on to college. I don't know what the future holds; only God knows that. We will continue to listen to Him and His guidance. We know that He holds us closely and wants good things for us. We know that in ALL things He is there, even when it means we are not comfortable.
Micah 6:8
Jeremaiah 29:11
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
I'm Still Learning, Too
This past weekend I had the privilege of attending a conference for parents and caregivers who have chosen to homeschool their special needs children. It was a wonderful experience. Not only did I learn a lot about adapting curriculum and school rooms, I met parents who were on this journey with me. I know the information I received will help me (and Chris, too) better help Zachary with his education and with his life in general. Just a few of the things I learned:
It is that time of year again in the Parrott household - curriculum choosing time!! It happens about this time every year, although each time I swear I will start earlier. For the 4th time in as many years I think I will change curriculum again. I don't think there were major problems with what we did last year but I wasn't happy with some aspects of certain subjects. Also, I like using one curriculum over bits and pieces. I have also decided that I really like the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education and I feel it meets the needs of my boys. I am leaning toward "My Father's World." I am hoping I wasn't dreaming when I saw it in the Mardel a couple of weeks ago because I'd love to look at it more closely. Plus, they are having a sale on Thursday.
I will keep you all updated on our journey of homeschooling Zachary. If you have a child with special needs and are interested in homeschooling OR if you already homeschool, please get in touch with me. I would love to chat with you about our journey and walk with you on yours.
I think this will be the verse for our school, The Learners' School:
"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." Isaiah 54:13 (KJV)
- Children on the autism spectrum, even those like Zachary who are verbal, communicate better with pictures. Instead of using word lists I should make picture lists.
- Allow extra time for movement and incorporate movement into academics.
- I learned how to evaluate and modify curriculum to meet Zachary's specific needs. That was a HUGE help.
- I learned ways to set up the school room so that Zachary would be able to concentrate and have his sensory needs met.
- and the biggest "Well, duh. I should have known that!" moment was when they said it didn't matter what I liked about certain curriculum - it is all about the child. Yep, should have known that!
- I learned that making time for my marriage and alone time for myself are extremely important.
It is that time of year again in the Parrott household - curriculum choosing time!! It happens about this time every year, although each time I swear I will start earlier. For the 4th time in as many years I think I will change curriculum again. I don't think there were major problems with what we did last year but I wasn't happy with some aspects of certain subjects. Also, I like using one curriculum over bits and pieces. I have also decided that I really like the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education and I feel it meets the needs of my boys. I am leaning toward "My Father's World." I am hoping I wasn't dreaming when I saw it in the Mardel a couple of weeks ago because I'd love to look at it more closely. Plus, they are having a sale on Thursday.
I will keep you all updated on our journey of homeschooling Zachary. If you have a child with special needs and are interested in homeschooling OR if you already homeschool, please get in touch with me. I would love to chat with you about our journey and walk with you on yours.
I think this will be the verse for our school, The Learners' School:
"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." Isaiah 54:13 (KJV)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Happy Belated 4th of July
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!! All praise and glory to God for the wonderful country in which I and my family live. I am so thankful for the freedoms I enjoy.
OK, so I am a few days late. Sorry. I've been doing a lot of thinking and praying. I imagine the reason I am not making much progress with anything is because I have those in the wrong order; I should be praying first (and longest and hardest) and thinking after (or not at all). I am trying to figure out why some things are the way they are and what needs to be done to change them. I am trying to figure out what *I* need to do to get to where I think I need to be. Then again, maybe that is the problem. There I go again trying to "think" when I should be listening to where God wants me to be. I just don't think that "here" is where he wants me to be. Here - spiritually and emotionally. There is not a lot I can do about here-physically right now.
Back to the 4th of July: We spent the 4th as a family, doing some great family things. We saw "Monsters vs. Aliens" at the $1 theater in the afternoon. Nothing beats a family trip to the movies for $15 - and that includes the soda and popcorn!! After the movie we had dinner at Fuddrucker's and were entertained by the balloon guy. We didn't want to go home before the fireworks so we drove across town to the Bass Pro Shop. What a cool place for the boys. It is on Lake Ray Hubbard and that just makes it neater. We ended our day in the grass of the FUMC in Plano, watching the boys run around and watching wonderful fireworks. Everyone had a great day.
I was hoping we would get to church today. I am kind of lost and lonely without a church home. However, Chris and I are having a difficult time deciding on which church to attend or which churches to visit. This really hurts me deeply. I have always wanted a Christian home but how can we raise our children in that way without making church a priority? Part of the problem is that my way of thinking about church and my faith has changed since we were married. I really want a more conservative church where the Bible is preached as fact and where I learn what to do with the information in the Bible. I want a church where *faith* in the words of the Bible are more important than *human intellect* in determining the meaning. I want a church that emphasizes that faith is a *relationship* with Christ. I want a church where worship is exciting and brings me into the presence of God. I want a church with a realtional children's ministry, where the boys are in small group settings. I want the boys to learn scripture, share their feelings and grow in their faith with a group of students and adults that share this same goal. Most of all, I want a church that uses the Bible as their guide, that does not try to change or water down the Bible, and knows that God's word is the same yesterday, today and forever. Guess I want a lot, huh? I know I will have to compromise. I will, as long as my boys are getting what they need from the church.
On to other things...
The boys have all decided what they want to be when they grow up. They haven't changed their minds about these things, either. Most kids go throw a stage where they want to be something different every week - not my guys. Zachary wants to be a webmaster or "computer guy like Daddy." Ryan wants to be a paleontologist and discover a new dinosaur. Joshua wants to be an "airplane driver." Not a pilot, mind you, an airplane driver. I want them to be happy in their choices and do their very best at what ever they decide.
I have some more praying and thinking to do and this time I plan to do it in the right order. I know my job right now is to be mom to my boys and wife to my husband. The only person I can change is myself and I feel I have some changing I need to do for the benefit of my family. I believe that there are things I need to change in the life of my family, as well. We are not living as a family grounded in faith and centered on Christ and that HAS TO CHANGE. I WANT and NEED for this to change. All the things on earth shall pass away - only God will remain. How can our family neglect the most important thing? Our eternity.
Off to pray and think...
OK, so I am a few days late. Sorry. I've been doing a lot of thinking and praying. I imagine the reason I am not making much progress with anything is because I have those in the wrong order; I should be praying first (and longest and hardest) and thinking after (or not at all). I am trying to figure out why some things are the way they are and what needs to be done to change them. I am trying to figure out what *I* need to do to get to where I think I need to be. Then again, maybe that is the problem. There I go again trying to "think" when I should be listening to where God wants me to be. I just don't think that "here" is where he wants me to be. Here - spiritually and emotionally. There is not a lot I can do about here-physically right now.
Back to the 4th of July: We spent the 4th as a family, doing some great family things. We saw "Monsters vs. Aliens" at the $1 theater in the afternoon. Nothing beats a family trip to the movies for $15 - and that includes the soda and popcorn!! After the movie we had dinner at Fuddrucker's and were entertained by the balloon guy. We didn't want to go home before the fireworks so we drove across town to the Bass Pro Shop. What a cool place for the boys. It is on Lake Ray Hubbard and that just makes it neater. We ended our day in the grass of the FUMC in Plano, watching the boys run around and watching wonderful fireworks. Everyone had a great day.
I was hoping we would get to church today. I am kind of lost and lonely without a church home. However, Chris and I are having a difficult time deciding on which church to attend or which churches to visit. This really hurts me deeply. I have always wanted a Christian home but how can we raise our children in that way without making church a priority? Part of the problem is that my way of thinking about church and my faith has changed since we were married. I really want a more conservative church where the Bible is preached as fact and where I learn what to do with the information in the Bible. I want a church where *faith* in the words of the Bible are more important than *human intellect* in determining the meaning. I want a church that emphasizes that faith is a *relationship* with Christ. I want a church where worship is exciting and brings me into the presence of God. I want a church with a realtional children's ministry, where the boys are in small group settings. I want the boys to learn scripture, share their feelings and grow in their faith with a group of students and adults that share this same goal. Most of all, I want a church that uses the Bible as their guide, that does not try to change or water down the Bible, and knows that God's word is the same yesterday, today and forever. Guess I want a lot, huh? I know I will have to compromise. I will, as long as my boys are getting what they need from the church.
On to other things...
The boys have all decided what they want to be when they grow up. They haven't changed their minds about these things, either. Most kids go throw a stage where they want to be something different every week - not my guys. Zachary wants to be a webmaster or "computer guy like Daddy." Ryan wants to be a paleontologist and discover a new dinosaur. Joshua wants to be an "airplane driver." Not a pilot, mind you, an airplane driver. I want them to be happy in their choices and do their very best at what ever they decide.
I have some more praying and thinking to do and this time I plan to do it in the right order. I know my job right now is to be mom to my boys and wife to my husband. The only person I can change is myself and I feel I have some changing I need to do for the benefit of my family. I believe that there are things I need to change in the life of my family, as well. We are not living as a family grounded in faith and centered on Christ and that HAS TO CHANGE. I WANT and NEED for this to change. All the things on earth shall pass away - only God will remain. How can our family neglect the most important thing? Our eternity.
Off to pray and think...
Thursday, June 25, 2009
HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY, JOSHUA!!
Today is my youngest son's 5th birthday. He is growing up so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was waiting to meet him. Has it really been 5 years since he was born with his cord wrapped around his neck twice? It seems like only a moment has passed since he was whisked away to the nursery because he had turned blue. It blows my mind that it has been 5 years.
He was up early, excited to see his presents in my room. He climbed into bed with me for his morning snuggle and, thankfully, fell asleep for a while longer. When he woke up again he wasn't going to wait any longer to open his gifts. He played with his new toys all day long, especially the Mack Hauler (from the movie Cars) with Lightening McQueen.
This weekend we are taking a trip to Moody Gardens in Galveston to celebrate Joshua's birthday. Because we have just moved again and he doesn't have any friends here we needed a special way to celebrate. Moody Gardens has a wonderful aquarium and Joshua just loves "swimmies." I really like taking the boys to a special place for their birthdays instead of buying big, expensive gifts. I think the memories of fun times together will be remembered long after the latest and greatest toy has been thrown away and forgotten.
Joshua has told me that since he is 5 he won't suck on his fingers anymore. I will be very happy if this is the case but I am not holding my breath. He has sucked on the middle two fingers of his right hand since birth and I am not optimistic that he will be able to give it up cold turkey. I did tell him I was proud of him for making this decision. I certainly won't let him think that I think he won't give up his finger-sucking so easily.
I am so thankful that God has given me the precious gift of Joshua. I am thankful for all three of the gifts which God has given to me. There are days when I have to remind myself that they are gifts and not chores, especially when they "want" this and "need" that every 10 minutes. I love my children very, very much. I feel guilty when I feel frustrated, tired or unhappy with my boys; but I know most moms have similar feelings. I take some quiet time to pray and God gently reminds me that it is OK. The boys are hard work and I am only human with human feelings. I have to remember to trust in God and lean on Him. With His strength, ALL things are possible.
Happy Birthday, my precious Joshua!!
He was up early, excited to see his presents in my room. He climbed into bed with me for his morning snuggle and, thankfully, fell asleep for a while longer. When he woke up again he wasn't going to wait any longer to open his gifts. He played with his new toys all day long, especially the Mack Hauler (from the movie Cars) with Lightening McQueen.
This weekend we are taking a trip to Moody Gardens in Galveston to celebrate Joshua's birthday. Because we have just moved again and he doesn't have any friends here we needed a special way to celebrate. Moody Gardens has a wonderful aquarium and Joshua just loves "swimmies." I really like taking the boys to a special place for their birthdays instead of buying big, expensive gifts. I think the memories of fun times together will be remembered long after the latest and greatest toy has been thrown away and forgotten.
Joshua has told me that since he is 5 he won't suck on his fingers anymore. I will be very happy if this is the case but I am not holding my breath. He has sucked on the middle two fingers of his right hand since birth and I am not optimistic that he will be able to give it up cold turkey. I did tell him I was proud of him for making this decision. I certainly won't let him think that I think he won't give up his finger-sucking so easily.
I am so thankful that God has given me the precious gift of Joshua. I am thankful for all three of the gifts which God has given to me. There are days when I have to remind myself that they are gifts and not chores, especially when they "want" this and "need" that every 10 minutes. I love my children very, very much. I feel guilty when I feel frustrated, tired or unhappy with my boys; but I know most moms have similar feelings. I take some quiet time to pray and God gently reminds me that it is OK. The boys are hard work and I am only human with human feelings. I have to remember to trust in God and lean on Him. With His strength, ALL things are possible.
Happy Birthday, my precious Joshua!!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Anniversary Trip?
I tend to have better "Mommy Moments" when I have had some time to relax and unwind without my boys. Don't get me wrong - I love them dearly. However, I need time away from them and I believe they need some time away from me. Right now most of my away time consists of short shopping trips and the occasional family trip with my parents (football games, my cousin's wedding last September). Chris and I are trying to change this but it is hard to do.
This year Chris and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary. For the past couple years we have been dreaming of a trip to Hawaii. When we moved to Portland last year we thought our dream vacation was within reach. There are a few airlines with direct flights to Maui, our Hawaiian destination of choice. Most were relatively inexpensive, which would make for a relatively inexpensive trip. Remember: Relatively inexpensive - not inexpensive!! Well, I guess it wasn't meant to be. Our dream of a trip to Hawaii was pushed aside when Chris was laid off in January. We held on to our dream trip until Chris could not find work for 3 months. We visited the trip again, recently, only to discover it is more expensive when flying from Texas. Ah, maybe another time.
Chris and I would like to go somewhere nice - and new - for our anniversary. We have found several trips that are within our reach but probably not in time for our anniversary. We don't use credit cards so we have to have the money up front. It isn't hard to save but it takes a while. So I have put out a plea for frequent flier miles, just to see if anyone can help us.
I would really like to go on a relaxing trip with Chris, especially in August before we start school. I love homeschooling my boys and truly believe it is the way God wants for our children to be educated but it is hard work and draining. A nice trip would help me get revved up for the year. Too bad homeschoolers don't get any kind of education credit. I'm sure a pre-school year trip would count, really!!
I'll keep you updated on our plans. We may have to tone down our plans or put them off for a few months. That's OK. It is not the date that is important but the vows we made on that date. We should celebrate each other and our vows every day, although we don't. We should be excited that, with God's help and strength, we have made it for 10 years. Marriage is very hard work and we are doing it; some days better than others.
I know that a trip for Chris and me would make us better parents - and better spouses. I know the time away from us would be very good for the boys. They need some snuggle and spoil time with the grandparents. We all need a break from the stress of the year.
This year Chris and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary. For the past couple years we have been dreaming of a trip to Hawaii. When we moved to Portland last year we thought our dream vacation was within reach. There are a few airlines with direct flights to Maui, our Hawaiian destination of choice. Most were relatively inexpensive, which would make for a relatively inexpensive trip. Remember: Relatively inexpensive - not inexpensive!! Well, I guess it wasn't meant to be. Our dream of a trip to Hawaii was pushed aside when Chris was laid off in January. We held on to our dream trip until Chris could not find work for 3 months. We visited the trip again, recently, only to discover it is more expensive when flying from Texas. Ah, maybe another time.
Chris and I would like to go somewhere nice - and new - for our anniversary. We have found several trips that are within our reach but probably not in time for our anniversary. We don't use credit cards so we have to have the money up front. It isn't hard to save but it takes a while. So I have put out a plea for frequent flier miles, just to see if anyone can help us.
I would really like to go on a relaxing trip with Chris, especially in August before we start school. I love homeschooling my boys and truly believe it is the way God wants for our children to be educated but it is hard work and draining. A nice trip would help me get revved up for the year. Too bad homeschoolers don't get any kind of education credit. I'm sure a pre-school year trip would count, really!!
I'll keep you updated on our plans. We may have to tone down our plans or put them off for a few months. That's OK. It is not the date that is important but the vows we made on that date. We should celebrate each other and our vows every day, although we don't. We should be excited that, with God's help and strength, we have made it for 10 years. Marriage is very hard work and we are doing it; some days better than others.
I know that a trip for Chris and me would make us better parents - and better spouses. I know the time away from us would be very good for the boys. They need some snuggle and spoil time with the grandparents. We all need a break from the stress of the year.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
I Didn't Really...
I didn't really...
Zachary has discovered "popular" music. I blame it on the Kidz Bop cds from McDonald's. I don't mind the clean version of the popular songs found on those cds, but the Youtube versions aren't so nice. Zachary has discovered how to find songs on Youtube and he will listen to them while he makes Pokemon fusions. He doesn't watch the videos but just listens to the music. I have to be careful to listen to what he decides to play. Some of the songs are Ok, some are not. Then there are times like today where he asks me to listen to a new song - and I wish I could have that 4 minutes of my life back. Zachary and I don't always agree on music. As long as it is clean and I don't have to hear it, then it is OK. I just didn't think I would have to worry about his music choices at 8.
Our house has a problem. We thought it was the washing machine's problem but it seems to be a problem with the house. Water has been pooling around the washing machine when I would do the wash. Chris pulled it out and tightened the connections. I tried it again yesterday but stopped washing when I noticed the water again. I haven't washed since yesterday but there is still water coming from under the machine. Tonight Chris pointed out a puddle in the garage. Great. He has a note in to the landlord to see what we need to do. I am hopeful for a quick, easy fix but nothing in the Parrott household seems to work that way.
- let my kids wear pajamas all day!
- buy Hotel for Dogs through On Demand to keep Joshua occupied while I worked on the house and then watch most of the movie with him!
- step over the puddle of water coming from under the washing machine more than once!
- waste time at Target tonight (not me, never)!
- keep the channel on iCarly...and watch the show...when the boys left the room!
- let my kids have candy before bed!
Zachary has discovered "popular" music. I blame it on the Kidz Bop cds from McDonald's. I don't mind the clean version of the popular songs found on those cds, but the Youtube versions aren't so nice. Zachary has discovered how to find songs on Youtube and he will listen to them while he makes Pokemon fusions. He doesn't watch the videos but just listens to the music. I have to be careful to listen to what he decides to play. Some of the songs are Ok, some are not. Then there are times like today where he asks me to listen to a new song - and I wish I could have that 4 minutes of my life back. Zachary and I don't always agree on music. As long as it is clean and I don't have to hear it, then it is OK. I just didn't think I would have to worry about his music choices at 8.
Our house has a problem. We thought it was the washing machine's problem but it seems to be a problem with the house. Water has been pooling around the washing machine when I would do the wash. Chris pulled it out and tightened the connections. I tried it again yesterday but stopped washing when I noticed the water again. I haven't washed since yesterday but there is still water coming from under the machine. Tonight Chris pointed out a puddle in the garage. Great. He has a note in to the landlord to see what we need to do. I am hopeful for a quick, easy fix but nothing in the Parrott household seems to work that way.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Movies
We went to the movie "theatern" today to see Pixar's Up. It was a good movie but probably geared toward the older two. Joshua told me on more than one occasion that he was "freaked out" and climbed into my lap. It was a good movie for grown-ups, as well. Chris seemed to like the film and if I cry in a movie, then it is definitely a winner. The "short" before the feature was OK but I wasn't as impressed as I have been with past Pixar shorts. The kids thought it was hilarious and that is what matters to me.
After the movie we went to Costco. ALL of us went to Costco. I really like to do my shopping by myself but Chris wanted to go so he could sample the goodies. I was pleasantly surprised at the behavior of the boys. Usually they run wild. I guess there is something about the wide aisles, the tall ceilings and the concrete floor that makes them go nuts and lose their ability to listen. Today they did very well. I didn't even get any, "Please, pleeeeeaaaasseeee, can I have that?" or any random items thrown into the cart. They didn't get upset when they asked for something and I said no, either. I guess they are growing up!!
I feel bad for my boys tonight. They are covered in mosquito bites. Why I didn't have any repellent on hand before tonight I'll never know. I guess I just repressed the memory of mosqitoes being most prominent flying animal out this time of year in Texas. I don't remember having been bitten by any mosquitoes in Oregon but in the past two weeks I feel like I have been one walking mosquito chew toy. The boys will still play outside but they are miserable afterwards. I did buy repellent and some anti-itch medicine tonight. Bad, forgetful Mommy!
My wonderful husband made dinner tonight. He grilled steak and corn on the cob. He fixed baked potatoes. Yum. Chris loves to grill and I certainly don't mind eating what he prepares. I think meat always tastes better grilled. My Dad grilled a lot when I was growing up so I know that is why I like grilled food so much. While Chris is a very good griller, I still think my Dad is the "Grill Master."
Mama needs to go to bed. We are meeting my parents and sister for brunch tomorrow morning across town. I am hoping to get a little more unpacking done...no, I'm not done yet...and maybe some laundry. However, the laundry is dependent on whether or not the washing machine will cooperate. It has been leaking water. I am hopeful it is because it is not level and that fixing the short "foot" will fix the problem. If not, I guess I'll find a nice river with some rocks.
My verse for the day: Jeremiah 29:11
After the movie we went to Costco. ALL of us went to Costco. I really like to do my shopping by myself but Chris wanted to go so he could sample the goodies. I was pleasantly surprised at the behavior of the boys. Usually they run wild. I guess there is something about the wide aisles, the tall ceilings and the concrete floor that makes them go nuts and lose their ability to listen. Today they did very well. I didn't even get any, "Please, pleeeeeaaaasseeee, can I have that?" or any random items thrown into the cart. They didn't get upset when they asked for something and I said no, either. I guess they are growing up!!
I feel bad for my boys tonight. They are covered in mosquito bites. Why I didn't have any repellent on hand before tonight I'll never know. I guess I just repressed the memory of mosqitoes being most prominent flying animal out this time of year in Texas. I don't remember having been bitten by any mosquitoes in Oregon but in the past two weeks I feel like I have been one walking mosquito chew toy. The boys will still play outside but they are miserable afterwards. I did buy repellent and some anti-itch medicine tonight. Bad, forgetful Mommy!
My wonderful husband made dinner tonight. He grilled steak and corn on the cob. He fixed baked potatoes. Yum. Chris loves to grill and I certainly don't mind eating what he prepares. I think meat always tastes better grilled. My Dad grilled a lot when I was growing up so I know that is why I like grilled food so much. While Chris is a very good griller, I still think my Dad is the "Grill Master."
Mama needs to go to bed. We are meeting my parents and sister for brunch tomorrow morning across town. I am hoping to get a little more unpacking done...no, I'm not done yet...and maybe some laundry. However, the laundry is dependent on whether or not the washing machine will cooperate. It has been leaking water. I am hopeful it is because it is not level and that fixing the short "foot" will fix the problem. If not, I guess I'll find a nice river with some rocks.
My verse for the day: Jeremiah 29:11
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