Grandmas D... June 14, 1921- December 9, 2009

My beautiful Grandmas D passed away this morning.

As a young girl, I ADORED my Grandfather! He was the world to me! I loved my Grandma but it was Grandfather that captured my heart!

As I have gone from a little girl to a grown woman I have gained so much appreciation for this amazing, strong, caring woman whom I adore. She lived a life full of love, grace, forgiveness and understanding. She endured much in her life, but always had a smile on her face!

In the last six months she has COMPLETELY planned her funeral. She has chosen her casket, picked her dress, given photos to the funeral director and written the obituary. She even had it written to say "This is approved by Dorothy Olson" at the bottom. At first I thought this was a control issue but I have recently realized that she did this in order to prevent any disputes during this fragile time for our family! Yes, that is a true picture of my Grandmother, always looking out for everyone else! What a wise woman she was!!

Her worst fear was that she would die in December and the funeral would be in a blizzard. She couldn't stand the thought of all of us standing by her graveside in the snow! Well, it is December and there is a blizzard right now in South Dakota! But you know what?? Not one of us will complain and we will stand proudly in the snow and wind to pay tribute to this amazing woman!

My Momma and her Momma

My Helpful Little Man

We went to South Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with our dear friends, the Reasoners. There is a little boy from the neighborhood that came to play every day. After the third day Levi told me the following...

"Momma, I like Leon but no one in his family likes him. His mom hates him. His dad hates him. His brother hates him. His sisters hate him. Everyone hates him. He wants to kill himself... I was gonna give him my pocket knife."

After the shock wore off, and I was able to stop giggling, I had to sit down and have a talk with Levi about when it is OK to help others and when it is not.

December all ready??

Am I the only one that believes each year goes by faster and faster??

Exclamations!

Normally the author of this blog is Alecia but today I'm jumping in to point something out! You may be asking, "Why did he use an "!" at the end of that sentence?" Let me explain! I noticed that my beloved uses an exclamation mark or two, or three, or four, or more! You are still asking yourself, "Why is he still using all these "!" Let me continue, you'll understand! Two definitions of an exclamation mark are appropriate to this discourse: 1. the sign (!) used in writing after an exclamation.2. this mark sometimes used in writing two or more times in succession to indicate intensity of emotion, loudness, etc.: Long live the Queen!!

Therefore, I asked Alecia why she uses so many exclamation points! She chuckled as she admitted, "I do use lots of exclamation points!" As I began to tease her she exclaimed, "I am an exciting person, that's why!" Our exceptionally good laugh continued when I hit "Ctrl F" while viewing our blog and discovered that in just two months time Alecia used over 90 exclamation points! That's a lot of excitement for one person! In fact, God filled Alecia to the brim with excitement and I am so grateful that she skillfully articulates our wonderful experiences with you. I love the fact that she is exciting and fun, in addition to many other wonderful traits!

So I offer now that we include a third definition in the dictionary:
3. Alecia's way of articulating her energy through our blog!

Alecia you go girl! Exclaim away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(With all those exclamation points, I just went to the extreme in intensity!)

We NEED a new family picture!!

I know this picture is old but it is one of my favorite!

But today as I was looking at it, I realized just how old it is! Hayden's long hair is GONE and Gage is growing his out! Levi isn't so little anymore and he now has contacts!

Yes, it is time (past time) for a new Family Picture!!

So excited for Brian!!

As many of you know Brian spent several years leading a Worship Team in the UK! He loved his amazing team and was blessed by them! This is one of the things he misses most about the UK! Yes, he jams with his guitar every once in a while but he misses worshipping through jamming with others!

Brian was asked to play lead guitar for our Saturday Night service and tonight is his first time! He is so excited for this opportunity! I pray he is blessed tonight!

Sanitizers...

I did some research on Sanitizer as I had heard some debate over them. Obviously washing with soap and water for 20-30 seconds is the best option but sanitizing is next best! I did learn through my research that we are NOT using enough sanitizer!

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers — which don't require water — are an excellent alternative to soap and water. If you choose to use a commercially prepared hand sanitizer, make sure the product contains at least 60 percent alcohol. (Mayo Clinic) Also, avoid "scented" sanitizers as they tend to have lower levels of alcohol.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends using a generous amount of hand sanitizer. If your hands are dry within 20 seconds, you have not used enough.

If your hands are visibly dirty, sanitizers offer very little effect. If your hands are dirty you should wash with soap and water. Antimicrobial wipes or towelettes are another option, but you will want to follow with alcohol-based sanitizers.

Flu Stats...

In the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu every year and about 36,000 people die from complications.

As I wrote early, it is estimated that 60% of people will get the H1N1 virus THIS season! This is a drastic jump !! I tried to find the number of deaths so far this season but couldn't. All the stats were from September. Please make sure you are taking precautions to avoid this virus!

This awareness has certainly changed some of our habits! We now have sanitizer bottles everywhere! We sanitize after leaving a public place and we wash our hands every time we walk in our house door! This week during church I got a chuckle, after the "Greeting time" I heard several people opening up their sanitizer bottles! One can never be too safe. Remember Grocery carts have more bacteria then public toilets!! I carry a mini bottle of Lysol in my purse but I am too impatient to spray the cart and wait for it to dry, so I sanitize instead. We all Listerine at least twice a day!

I also read today that some of the worst and mostly deadly cases of H1N1 are for those who smoke. H1N1 quickly leads to pneumonia! If you are a smoker, maybe now is a good time to make some changes!

Brian thinks I am paranoid about H1N1 but I consider myself just cautious. If I can help prevent our family from getting sick, I WILL!!

Stay healthy loved ones!

Levi's big day!

A few weeks back Levi had an eye DR's appointment for his annual check! His vision has improved slightly, we are thankful! Levi has been asking for contacts for a while so during the appointment we asked the DR. We didn't tell Levi before hand, because he is only 8, but Levi's little eyes lit up! The DR said he had NO problem prescribing kids with contacts! We had to wait a week for the contact to come in. At the appointment Levi panicked and I thought the "contact Lady" would give up on him. But she didn't! She was SO patient with him and spent almost an hour with him.

Levi immediately wanted a pair of sunglasses, something he has never gotten to wear! Well, Daddy told him that he has to be able to put in and take out his contacts all by himself to earn sunglasses! Levi can take them out with NO problem. He is still working to put them in by himself but on Sunday he did it! I was so proud of him.

He LOVES having his contacts and can't wait to put them in every morning! He is still getting used to not being able to rub his eyes so occasionally one pops out. We have lost one this way but so far so good!

It was certainly Levi's BIG DAY!!

Levi getting his training from the "contact Lady"

First one in!

Working on the second with Daddy's help.

Chilly Mornings...

So we are in the season of Chilly Mornings and Gorgeous Warm Afternoons. Since the afternoons are so nice and warm I have really resisted turning on the heat. This means the kids are quite cold in the mornings! Today is only 64 and the kids fingers feel as though they have been in an ice chest.

Levi has found a solution to this dilemma. He throws his sweatshirt in the dryer for 5 minutes to warm it up before putting it on. He is one creative kid! This morning Levi asked if he could put his sweatshirt in the dryer and I told him yes. Immediately Gage asks "Can I throw myself in the dryer?"

We have a propane Fireplace that doesn't have a tank yet. Last year we said we really wanted to have it ready to use for the winter but it never happened. But now I am thinking, it sure would be nice to be able to turn it on every morning just to take the chill off! I guess I am making some phone calls today!

Super Heroes...

This morning I woke with a sleeping congested little boy in my bed! I have no idea when he snuck in but there he was, all snuggled in.

Let me tell you, when Little Levi is sick his big Brothers become Super Heroes! Hayden immediately started making Levi breakfast consisting of eggs, ham and toast. Gage made Little Lee some Hot Eggnog Tea because he just knew it would help. The Super Heroes have made sure Levi is very comfortable and snuggled in on the couch with a movie of his choice!

I don't know about you, but I might actually enjoy being sick if I had the same kind of treatment!

5 Weeks...

Well, we ended another 5 week cycle and we didn't get as much done as we had hoped. We had several setbacks which complicated matters.
Plus we had soccer on Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri and 1/2 of our Saturdays! Our Wednesday's are spent at church. We didn't realize how much of our time would be consumed by soccer. The soccer season is over but a new college class has started.
Brian is taking a few days of leave next week in hopes to finish painting so we can press on, QUICKLY is the hope! I will keep you updated.

Should I take this personally??

OK I admit, when Brian and I first got married I was a horrible cook! But I KNOW I have grown lots in the last 16 years. I enjoy searching for yummy healthy meals and I enjoy cooking them.

I have this chalk board in my kitchen and I write my menu on it. The boys told me that they were going to help with the menu this week, no surprise. But as they chuckled and giggled writing on the board I knew they were up to something. This is what I found...

McDonalds, Arby's Chick-filet, IHOP, Andy's, Zaxby's, Taco Bell, (the forbidden word in our house), Sonic, Wendy's, KFC and Long John Silvers.

WHAT???

They told me that they thought I needed a break from all the cooking I do so they wanted to go out to dinner every night for the next 2 weeks. And because IHOP just opened we will eat there THREE times!

I am not completely convinced they are speaking truth!! Should I take this personally??

Did you know that 60% of American's are likely to get H1N1?

I wasn't too worried about this flu until I heard that statistic the other day. I also came across a few tips to help thwart off the virus and I wanted to share. Some are obvious but worth the reminder! Numbers 3 & 4 are new to me and we are certainly using them.

The only portals of entry of H1N1 are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, follow these very simple steps.

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face.

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt)... *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at the drug store and20relatively inexpensive….under $15.

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

I hope you all stay healthy this Flu Season!!

Guess what Brian came home with this week??

Just "ONE MORE" 50 pound bucket of mud!!

We had a minor (major in Brian's eyes) set back last weekend. We are so excited to be able to start painting but when we walked into the room we realized that there were several cracks! They weather had dropped below freezing so I guess that had something to do with it. But thankfully we were able to repair it before we painted!!

But now the room is all ready! We bought primer last night and we have a spray gun ready! Now hopefully we will be actually be able to find the time to start painting. It is gonna be a busy weekend!

One More...

When we started the Bonus Room project we bought 5- 50 pound buckets of mud and we thought that would be more then enough. Well, we have bought "One More" bucket of mud 4 times now! Last night, when Brian was done mudding for the night he informed me that we need "One More" but he was certain this was going to really be the last one. In fact he said that we don't even need the big 50 pound bucket! Hopefully the mudding will be complete by tomorrow night!

On Wednesday night Brian came home with a paint sprayer! It was very exciting to realize that we are about to embark on the painting phase!

We bought the wood flooring several weeks ago and the 22 boxes of wood have been residing in the office.

We are starting to get really excited for this room to be done. I did realize this week that Brian only has a 4 week break between classes this term. That was a little discouraging as we need the extra time, but we will do the best we can.

The "IF... THEN..." chart

A few years ago our friend showed us her "If... Then... Chart" and we thought it was a great idea. The chart names a bad behavior like stealing or hitting, then it shares a bible verse based on that offense. Then there is a section that you fill in your choice of consequences or discipline.

Though Brian and I agree to discipline our boys, we often don't discipline in the same way. This chart offers us the ability to be unified in our parenting and disciplining of our children. I bought the chart in May, the week after my head injury, but I couldn't be bothered to fill it out.

Well, last Friday I did fill it out the consequences. I also added a few extras to the list like..."If you don't clean up after yourself... then you will get an extra chore".

This morning as Hayden was walking upstairs to get dressed and brush his teeth he stopped to straighten up the couch pillows and fold up the blanket he had used. I asked him what he was doing and he quickly replied "I am cleaning up after myself so I don't have to have an extra chore today". I was very pleased with him! I guess he has all ready done enough extra chores to learn the value and importance of cleaning up after himself.

Homeschool Fun

We studied Archimedes this week. He invented a series of mirrors that reflected and directed sun beams at warships. As the Roman ships were sailing towards the city where Archimedes lived, he lined up 70 mirrors and they all were aimed at the coming ships. Both ships burned before being able to land on shore. Victory because of Archimedes.

So, our science project was to use a magnifying glass and burn our initials into a piece of wood. I had heard of this but never tried. So yesterday as the sun was shining bright, we pulled out our supplies and started. I was amazed at how quickly the wood started to burn.

Levi burning his initials while Hayden guides him.


Can you see the concentration?? It is hard to keep that little beam in one spot!

As Hayden was starting his "B" he saw a little bug walk past the wood plank. So, Hayden wanted to know how long it would take to fry a bug, it didn't take but a few seconds. Can you see the smoke.

The completed project. Well, maybe not complete, Dad needs to burn his initials too.

Gage decided to drink from our fire extinguisher.

Slithery Sneaky Snakes

I LOVE living in a home with woods all around us. I LOVE most of the creatures who dwell near us like the deer, fox, lizards, frogs and turtles. But there are a few that I HATE! Slithery Sneaky Snakes would be one of them!

This summer, as our dear friends were visiting, I opened the door leading into the garage. Right by the steps was a black thing, I wondered why we had a big bicycle tube in the garage. As the "Tube" moved behind the shelves and I realized it was a snake. I gasped as I slammed the door shut. I told Brian there was a snake in the garage. He giggled and asked how big, I told him it was at least 4 feet long. He then laughed out loud declaring that I over exaggerate everything by at least twice and it was probably only 12 inches long.

So out to the garage went Brian and Ken. Brian couldn't find it and then started to tease me that I must have imagined this "HUGE" snake. Then he heard the hiss of the snake. The snake eventually made his way out from behind the shelves and kept rattling it's tail like a rattlesnake but we knew it wasn't a rattler. Brian took pictures so we could search for online while Ken was holding the snake back with the garage broom. All the while I am trying to hold back the 5 boys who are desperate to see the snake.

After a quick search online we discovered that the snake was a Black Racer. They are not poisonous, but they can leave a painful bite. They eat rodents so I decided to let him live. After several minutes he slithered away into the woods and we discovered exactly why he is named a Racer. Though none of us actually got out the tape measure to measure the guy, we all agreed that he was AT LEAST 4 feet long. So much for my over exaggeration.

This weekend the boys were playing in the woods and discovered a 6 foot long snake skin. YIKES!! Thankfully it was just the skin. The boys thought it was the coolest discovery ever. They slid it onto a long skinny stick and they are taking their treasure to Royal Rangers tonight.

Yes, I do live with Slithery Sneaky Snakes and I don't like it!

5 weeks...

It seems as though lately our life are on 5 weeks cycles.

5 weeks ago Brian started a college class. (it ended Sunday)

In 5 weeks Brian starts another college class.

So, right now we have 5 weeks to work on our Bonus Room.

Give a Blessing

This is a thought I try to instill in my children. Yesterday at Walmart there was an elderly lady who had just checked out and stood there trying to figure out what to do with her now empty cart. Gage walked over to her and told the lady he would take care of it. She smiled and went on her way.

Then on the way to our car Levi stopped to help an elderly man with his cart. The man had a few bags left so Levi just stood next to him and waited. Levi then told him that he would love to take care of the cart. The man gave him the cart and then said "I would love to give you a little something, son". With that, he shoved his hand in his pocket and pulled out two shiny quarters. Levi returned the cart and skipped the rest of the way to our car.

Isn't it funny that when we try to bless someone, we get blessed in return!

The Skate Park

The boys are all involved in Royal Rangers and they are LOVING it. Brian is co-commanding Hayden's club which is 6-8th grade boys. There is one boy in particular who is a challenge EVERY week, totally disrespectful and of course other boys follow his lead. I am going to call him Bill. Bill comes with a neighbor every week and we have never seen his parents involved in club.

Well, last night I checked in with Brian after club and he told me it was a rough night and Bill actually walked out of club. Call me cold, but I do not have patience for that kind of behavior. Since we had driven separately, I told Brian I was going to gather our boys and head home.

As I walked into the church skate park Bill shoved a MUCH smaller boy to the ground, who happens to be Hayden's Best Buddy. I told him to knock it off and that he can't behave that way. Well, the smaller boy had brought a skate board and a scooter to the skate park. Bill then asked the smaller boy if he could ride his scooter. The small boy said "NO". I thought to myself "GOOD for you for standing up that bully, he doesn't deserve to ride your scooter."

I ended up staying at the skate park for another 30 minutes, partly because I was afraid to leave the little guy alone with Bill. Later, as I was talking to one of the kids I noticed that Bill was riding a skate board, shocked I was trying to figure exactly who it belonged to. Then I noticed Hayden just standing around. My son had given his own skate board to Bill.

On our drive home I asked Hayden how Bill ended up with his skateboard. He quickly said "Momma, I learned off Veggie Tales that sometimes the only way to stop a bully is to love them so I shared."

It was quite a slap in the face for me as I was harboring resentful feelings towards this young boy, who probably doesn't know any better. And next to me is my son who is wise beyond is 11 years, showing God's love and mercy!

The Woods

Our house is completely surrounded by woods, every boys dream. For the last 12 months I have encouraged my kids to go explore the woods but they have been afraid. Maybe it is because of all the critters we have seen walk across our yard. They are quite brave and will walk for hours IF Daddy is with them. I know houses will soon replace the woods so I try to encourage them to explore while they can.

It seems that over the last two weeks they have overcome their fear of the woods and now they get lost in them daily. I never see them anymore when I walk outside to check on them. I yell their names and I hear them respond from the woods! I LOVE IT!!! Of course, every time they go in the woods it adds three more sets of clothes to the laundry pile, but I am totally OK with it.

They spent all day yesterday building bows and arrows from the young bamboo in the backyard. Through much trial and error they have each built a working bow.

I pray that they will explore and enjoy these sweet days of childhood as all too soon they will be grown up.

Coaches needed...

Of course this is what is announced EVERY time a sports season has started. Of course, Brian usually helps out. But this season we talked and decided there was just no way Brian could coach soccer. He is in an intense college class, we have construction in the house and he is commanding Hayden's Royal Rangers Club. I remember when the season started I didn't want him to go to practise alone, as I knew he would volunteer to coach. He assured me it wouldn't happen, his plate is too full.

So last night Hayden had practise. Gage and Levi are both sick so I decided to keep them home and let Brian take Hayden. Upon their return Hayden came in the house first, offering a McFlurry. I thought, how sweet! He proudly showed me his new jersey and was very excited. Then walked in Brian wearing a COACH'S JERSEY!!! He said with a HUGE smile "I am at every practise and game so I may as well help out". Thankfully his college class is over on Sunday and he will have a 5 week break, by then the short soccer season will be over. So was the McFlurry a Peace Offering??

My dear has never been one to watch from the sidelines, that is what I LOVE about him!!

Meeting Mrs. North Carolina

On Saturday our church hosted a Fundraiser for the Special Olympics. The boys club, Royal Rangers, was asked to come out and serve. I am not sure how much trash collecting they did, but the boys sure had a blast playing.

There were many activities to include several concerts, jump ropers and dancers. But the highlight for Levi was meeting the beautiful Mrs, North Carolina. He followed her around for a little while before asking for a picture. She also signed a book for him. She just kept saying "Levi, you are just so cute". Of course Levi was eating it all up!

Did I just talk to my Grandma for the last time?

This is a thought I have every single time I talk to her! She is terminal and was giving 12-18 months to live, that was about 21 months ago. My Mom spends more and more time staying with my Grandmother and each time Mom says that Grandma is getting worse. She is now getting Hospice Care, something she vowed never to do. We also know that her body has started to shut down and she has started to separate herself from everyone she loves.

This weekend my mom planned a huge family reunion for my Grandmother. Everyone made it home but Chaya and I. My grandma made sure she called both of us tonight. I was OK not being there, until that call. As she was saying good-bye she said to be sure to tell the boys she will see them again. Now, my heart is so saddened with the thought that she may not be with us tomorrow! I do believe that my Grandma knows the Lord, so when she does leave us she will be dancing at the feet of Jesus. But, why does it have to hurt so bad??

Feeling SUPER encouraged today!!

Now that we are living in the states, we have to follow the state laws on Homeschooling. NC requires that all children have annual testing. We did our testing about 6 weeks ago and I have been quite nervous to get the results. I knew that Hayden was VERY behind when I pulled him out of British School. So far behind that he got 0/20 on his end of the year test in Math, and was graduated to the next grade. This was the reason I chose to Homeschool. No one could care about my child's education more then me.

Today I received Hayden's results and I have to admit I got sick to my stomach as I was opening the test. But as I opened the package my fear quickly changed to delight as I read his scores! When he tested he was 5.9 grade but his overall Battery Test Total was 6.1 grade. He scored 7.0 grade on one of his MATH tests!! Remember that is the subject he FAILED 3 years ago! Which by the way, is now is favorite subject.

We started school this week and just like the last 3 years I have struggled with doubt! Am I doing the right thing? Can I teach the kids all they need to know? But every year the Lord reminds me that this is what he called me to do and he will provide. Today he used these Test Results to remind me that I am doing the right thing!

Summer Splash

Well, since Gage passed his swim test he was so anxious to show Daddy he could jump off the diving board. He begged to go swimming today! Despite the cloudy gloomy day we decided to journey to the pool. As we got there it started to rain, but Gage didn't care, informing me that we were going to be wet anyway. The temp today was only 75, which is the coldest day we have gone to the pool and because it was so gloomy, if felt even colder.
We were the only ones at the Pool. Brian said we were there to pass the "Polar Bear Test" because it was so cold. The life guards were even bundled up. Gage of course went straight for the diving boards. As I was chatting with the lifeguard Hayden asked if he could dive off the diving board. I told him it wouldn't be a good idea that his first attempt to dive be on a diving board. The Lifeguard jumped up and told the boys she would teach them! Hayden entered the water beautifully but at the last second he would tuck his legs into his chest and do a froggy looking belly flop. They practised for about 30 minutes and then decided jumping in was much more fun and less painful.
Despite the cold weather, we had such a wonderful time. It was as though we had a "Private Party" at the pool along with a diving class. Can't end the summer any better then that!

Isn't it Ironic

On Saturday Brian and Hayden went on a trip to Fantasy Lake. Gage and Levi begged me to take them swimming. I couldn't understand why Gage insisted on going to go to the pool, until we got there. He was bound and determined to take the swim test so he could jump off the diving board. He swam the lap just find but he thought that treading water was stupid. He passed the test and was thrilled. He continued to go off the diving board for 30 minutes straight. He got tired of plugging his nose so he decided to swap his goggles for his snorkel mask. As he jumped off the diving board his mask slid up his face and the bottom was gouging his eyes making it impossible to see. He didn't know which way to swim so he yelled "Help". I saw him start to panic and he went under. I talked to him and told him to relax and he would be fine. He started to calmly tread water but still didn't know what direction to swim so he yelled "Help" again. The life guard jumped in and saved him! As soon as we filled out the "Incident Report" Gage swapped his mask for his goggles and went straight for the diving board. He certainly wasn't' going to let a little thing like having to be rescued rob his fun!! He later told me that he now understands why he had to learn how to tread water.
Isn't it ironic that one can pass a swim test and then 30 minutes later have to be rescued! What a determined young man he is!

Update

I guess I have not updated in a while so here is the latest...

As I showed you in an earlier post, we had sheet rock delivered through the window! This was wonderful!! I didn't really appreciate how wonderful it was until we needed MORE sheet rock! We went to Lowe's and bought 9 4X8 sheets. Through sweat and tears I helped Brian carry all 9 sheets upstairs. That night when my elbows ached, I was very thankful that we had the other 27 4X12 sheets delivered so I didn't have to carry them up the stairs too!

The Sheetrock is complete and we have the second layer of mud on. We need to sand and then put on the final layer of mud. We let the boys help with the first layer of mud! Oh my, that was interesting. Brian has done an amazing job with the mudding so hopefully it will be seamless when it is all done.

Big Bad Bill passed us with nothing more then a few thunderstorms. Danny is now headed our way but he should only be a Cat 1 when he passes us this weekend.

Sheet Rocking COMPLETE!!!!

Big Bad Bill

Hurricane Bill became a dangerous Category 4 storm Wednesday as it rumbled across the Atlantic with winds near 135 mph — and forecasters say it could get even stronger. Hurricane Bill became a dangerous Category 4 storm Wednesday as it rumbled across the Atlantic with winds near 135 mph — and forecasters say it could get even stronger. (From Foxnews.com)

We have been watching Bill for a few days now as he continues to grow in size and strength. Yesterday they said that Bill was more then 300 miles wide. The forecasters believe it should come within 400 miles of the NC. I guess we will continue to keep our eyes on the weather channel!

Photos for Bob

Here are the corner photos that you asked about! Brian was pretty proud of the way it turned out. Do you want to come back and help?? It is MUCH cooler in the room now that the AC is on.







Brian is taking leave the next three days and I believe plans to conquer as much as possible!

Bonus Room Update

On Tuesday we got the sheet rock delivered. Brian immediately wanted to get started, so put up the ceiling in the closet before he had to be back at work. That evening we continued to finish the walls in the closet.

Wednesday we had Royal Rangers and Bible Study so we didn't get much done.

On Thursday we started working on the ceiling. I am (slightly) vertically challenged so when Jonathon showed up to help, I was greatly blessed and relieved. He stayed for a few hours and then another friend showed up to help! What a blessing! Greg brought his family so the kids got to stay up late, they loved it!

On Friday Greg came back over to help Brian and those two boys worked well into the night!

Unfortunately Brian has to work this weekend but he started as soon as he got home from work on Saturday. We worked as a family and it was so fun! UNTIL, Levi leaned against the sheet rock and it almost fell over on him. He took off running out of the room and didn't come back! Poor guy. We put up 120 square feet and I got to put in a share of the screws! A girl with power tools, beware!! I hope Brian doesn't have to fix too many of my mistakes.

Today is Sunday and Brian is again at work. We will meet him at the Base for a Kids Fishing Event this evening so I guess he will get a break from the bonus room work today.

It has been a very productive week! I would guess we are 75% done with the sheet rock! Then the fun will begin, mudding and sanding.

Yes, we did make it to the Pool!

How could I resist?? (See previous post) I did take the boys to the pool! They had so much fun! AND they got out of the pool within 10 seconds of me telling them it was time to leave. IMPRESSIVE!! But I didn't swim and I was SO hot! I was really wishing I had brought my suit.

Levi has come SO far! Last summer he wouldn't even get in the water! This year he is always jumping in and going underwater. He is also working to perfect his somersault.

Gage is lovin the water too! He is trying to perfect his TRIPLE somersault.

Hayden could LIVE in the water! He loves to swim and go down the water slide.

I LOVE watching these guys play together! They are truly best friends!

My Three Amigos

Not three minutes after I posted my last post, the boys came running into the office and said in unison "CAN WE PLEASE GO SWIMMING? We are all ready, ready!!

I had to capture the moment!

They promised they will get out as soon as I tell them to. Ya, we will see. So, I guess it is swimming AND groceries today.

Busy Day

Today we had our first Inspection for the Bonus Room AKA Chillaxin Room.
The inspector spent all of two minutes upstairs and we passed! He will have to inspect one more time once all the sheet rock is installed.

AND...
Brian was able to order sheet rock that will be delivered tomorrow morning. We found a store that has a Boom Truck and they will be able to put the sheet rock through the upstairs window. This means we can use larger pieces of sheet rock AND we don't have to carry it upstairs!

AND...
The contractor we hired to fix the hole in our bathroom ceiling started the project today. Hopefully the job will be done by the end of the week.

Busy day at the Bowers! Now the kids want to go swimming. But we NEED groceries.

DIY!!

We have an unfinished bonus room upstairs that will add 420 square feet to our house! (Remember our little house in England was only 800 square feet, so this space is extra nice!) The boys have all ready named this room The "Chillaxin Room". Too funny! We plan to put a TV, a couch and bean bags in the room. We are also going to put a Game Table up so the boys have a place to play games. There is also a good size closet that we will put shelves in to store games and toys. I think "Chillaxin Room" is a perfect name!

This room had become the "Shove it in the Bonus Room and I will deal with it later" room.


We were not sure when we would ever actually finish the "Chillaxin Room" but Brian's parents visited last week and Brian and his Dad started! After a couple hours of planning and several trips to town, they built 3 door ways, finished the floor (so we don't have any more kids fall through!!) and added AC vents and returns.

Bob, Brian and Gage making plans...

After Brain's parents left Saturday morning, Brian, Hayden and I started the insulation. We worked for several hours in the miserably hot room. Just when my allergies were becoming unbearable, a friend called and said he would be right over and take my place! I have never been more thankful for a shower! Those boys continued well into the night and finished ALL the insulation.

After insulation...

Tomorrow we will have the insulation inspected and then we can begin the sheet rocking. Too bad Brian has to work this weekend!

Our AC is on ALL the time now to keep the room cool, this concerns us. But hopefully after the room is sheet rocked that will help insulate it. The weather is quite hot right now too, I think we are supposed to hit 100 degrees today and tomorrow.

There is an additional small room that will be my scrapbook room! I am very excited about having a space all my own. Brian is excited to have all my Scrap Crap out of the Coat closet downstairs.

My little Scrap Room...

OOPS!!!!

Recently we had a friend over and her son wondered into our unfinished bonus room on the second floor. Well, I am not exactly sure what he was doing other then walking on the rafters but apparently he lost his balance. He slipped off the rafter and his leg went through the floor... and through our master bathroom on the first floor! UGH!! Thankfully the boy was OK and he immediately told Brian. Hopefully we can get it fixed soon!

Living Life

Hayden and I were having a discussion in the car today about how long we will live in NC...

Mom "Hayden, maybe you will live here in NC all your life".
Hayden "No Mom, I have to move away"
Mom "But I need you!" (We have this running joke that he will live next door!)
Hayden "No Mom!! The tribes in Africa need to hear about Jesus, more then you need me".

I guess I can't argue with that!!

Independence Celebration

Last night the base hosted an Independence Celebration. There were a couple live concerts so you KNOW Brian wanted to go. As we were walking around I heard the MC and thought "He has a Great Public speaking voice". We finally decided to get some corndogs and get settled in front of the stage. All the while the MC carried on, wonderfully.

As we sat in front of the stage I realized that the MC had pretty extensive scarring and wondered if it was from a burn. At one point later in the show the MC said "I can say for ALL the other actors in "All my Children" that we are thankful for those who serve our country and keep us safe. Then he started signing autographs. I knew there had to be an amazing story behind this man, and I knew I could find out his name.

We enjoyed a concert from Stephan Cochran. Though we are not country music fans, we really did enjoy his music! And his Bass player was something else!! He shared his story and it was pretty amazing. He was in the Marines and served one tour in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. During his second tour he was injured and his back was broken from L1-L6. His diagnosis, GRIM, he would never walk again. Two years later he signed his first record deal. I promise you, he was on stage DANCING last night! No signs that he had ever broke his back. I love it when God is bigger then a Medical Diagnosis.

When we got home I was eager to find out who the MC was. I knew the story behind him was amazing!! JR Martinez was serving in Iraq and in April of 2004 the Humvee he was driving hit a landmine. He suffered burns over 40% of his body. He spent 34 months in the hospital and has endured 32 operations.

As for that great Public Speaking voice, yes he does use it. He is the National Spokesman for Coalition to Salute American Heros. With all that this man has endured, he is still out in the public eye to open awareness for the Injured Veterans who don't have a voice. JR is also an Actor on All My Children.

This is his quote form his website... "While JR's experience is certainly life changing, amazingly he claims a change for the better. He discovered it is what is inside a person that matters most and he devotes himself to showing other the true value of making the most of every situation." I hope that each of us can learn this lesson.

As I crawled in bed last night I became very aware that these two men who have sacrificed so much for our nation, for this I am thankful. But then they gave up their time and talent to provide a boost of confidence for our troops, for this I am very thankful!

It's All in a Name...

Almost every morning Levi crawls in bed with me to snuggle. This always leads to some sort of silly conversation. This morning Levi asked "Mommy, when do I get to change my name??" I asked him what he meant. He said "When I get to be a grown up, do I get to change my name to a BIG name instead of a Little name like Levi?" He thought you get a longer name when you become a man.
This kid cracks me up daily!

Happy (Late) Birthday Little Levi

I have so many pet names for you, and you answer to them all!

Little Lee

Wee One
Pooh

Boo

My Toothless Wonder

My Little Prince

You are such a little clown and you keep your Momma and Daddy laughing daily! The picture is from when you called me into the bathroom while you were showering.

You are also SO gentle and compassionate. Just the other day one of your friends gave you a brand new Bak-u-gon. I asked you why he gave you that. You told me that the week before you had given him 2 of yours. You didn't even think twice about giving away something that was precious to you! I am so proud of you!

But, you are also so strong willed and stubborned! Just the other day I sent all three of you boys to your rooms to read for 10 minutes. You got to the top of the steps and said "I want to stay for 20 minutes". FINE!!! Then you said " I will stay in my room for 60 minutes" FINE!! So, an hour later I let you out of your room and asked you how your time was. I was SHOCKED by your response... "It was great, I loved being all alone. I think I will spend an hour a day in my room so I can get some peace." Well, that didn't work! I was so frustrated that it didn't even phase you. Then you remembered that your brothers had gotten 2 Lemon Heads while you were in your room so you asked for some. I knew at that moment that not getting two Lemon Heads would be much more painful to you then spending an hour by yourself. So, I didn't give you any. Just as I expected, you were devastated. Son, I want you to understand that there are consequences for our words and our actions.

I think the highlight of your year was when we went shopping to get some new gym shorts. You tried on a size 4 and you literally had to hold them up. You told me you had seen a pair and you knew they would fit. You took off towards the Toddler section and returned with a pair of 4T shorts! Of course they fit perfect and you thought it was hilarious that you were almost 8 and you could still shop in the baby section. Yep, there is a reason I call you Little Lee.

Happy Birthday my little Prince.

Welcome Kaydra Ann!!!

My baby sister delivered her first baby on June 5th!! Kaydra is such a beautiful little girl!! She weighed in at 6.6 and is 20 inches long!

Congrats Christina!!

Little Levi...

is always looking to make someone smile!

Well today I had to stop at Michael's to pick up a few items. Of course Levi talked to the cashier as we were checking out, here is the conversation. Susan has a broken arm and is in a cast...

Levi "Miss Susan, I have been praying for you and your broken arm!"
Susan "Why thank you I appreciate that."
Levi "Your welcome"
Susan "Last time you were in here, you were working on a project, what are you working on now?"
Levi "Math, Science, Language Arts, Phonic a little of everything"
Susan "Do you homeschool?
Levi "Yes we do and my Daddy goes to college too"
Susan "Where does your Daddy go to school?"
Levi "He homeschools with us!"

It was the funniest thing I had ever heard Levi say! Susan laughed SO hard!!

Quality Conversations...

This weekend Brian, Hayden and Gage have gone to SC to stay aboard the USS Yorktown for three days! How cool is that??!!

Levi and I decided to take a trip into town today. Levi had my phone and called my Mom, as he often does. As I listened to the one sided conversation, this is what I heard...

"Oh Grandma, I am feeling better but I still have lots of burgers in my nose".
"NO GRANDMA, I don't have burgers in my nose, I have buggers in my nose".
"That is NOT right grandma, snot is NOT better then buggers!"
Then Levi busts our laughing.

I giggled the rest of the way to town!

What quality conversations between a Grandma and a Grandson.

Ya'll ain't from 'round here, are ya?

On Sunday afternoon we went to a little ice cream shop for a special treat. We had such a great time sitting around the tables just enjoying being a family.

As we were leaving a gentleman stopped Brian and asked, "Ya'll ain't from 'round here, are ya?" He and Brian chatted for a few minutes and then the man was gone.

On the way home, Brian asked me "How is that people always know we are not from here?"
With a chuckle I said "It is quite obvious, as we do not have a southern accent".
Brian's reply was "Where do I get me one of those?"

I laughed all the way home!

For the last 13 years we have lived as strangers in a foreign land. During our 5 years in Japan it was very obvious that we were "Not from 'round here". Especially when we had our bald babies with us! It was a little easier to blend in during our 7 years living in the UK. But we still knew!
Now that we are back in our "Home Country" we still feel as though we are strangers, not quite able to fit in.

This reminds me of when Peter (1 Peter) called Christians strangers who live in a foreign land. Someday, I will be in my eternal home and I know I will fit right in and no one will say to me "Ya'll ain't from 'round here, are ya?"

Are you ever too old for Veggie Tales?

In all honesty we have not listened to Veggie Tales for a couple years now. The boys LOVE the High School Musical Soundtracks so that is the music of choice in the car.

Last week I decided to Listen to Veggie Tales "Jonah" and I fully expected the boys to tell me to turn it off. To my surprise they were ALL three singing along. When the first CD was done they begged for another!

I guess you are never too old for Veggie Tales! Oh by the way, there is a new Worship CD available!

Scrapbook Doodle's Birthday Bash

This is for all my Scrappy Friends!! Please join us for a month of fun!

http://scrapbookdoodles.com/forum/index.php

Great Classics for Children...

Several months ago I shared my desire to read "The Classics" to the boys. We are still pursing this desire and we just started "Wizard of Oz" tonight. So far we have read "Black Beauty" and "the Call of the Wild".

The boys and I are so amazed at how different the books are verses the movies we watch. The kids are picking up on lots of the differences, especially in "OZ".

The boys are taking turns picking the next book to read and they each have their next 2 picked out all ready.

I Will Never...

After washing my bed sheets this week I realized that they were just way to wrinkled to put back on my bed. There are some permanent wrinkles that get worse with every wash. So, I pulled out my iron and ironing board and decided to tackle the wrinkles immediately.

As I was ironing my sheets my thoughts went back to years ago. When my 3 kids were all under the age of 4, a friend told me that she washes her bed sheets weekly AND irons them with Lavender Water! I was floored. I said I would NEVER iron my sheets. At that time I couldn't even wash my sheets regularly, let alone find time to iron them. Shoot I was lucky to get a shower every other day. Ironing sheets was just not even on the "To Do List".

But yet here I was ironing my sheets. I was giggling at myself and thinking about all the other things that I swore I would never do. I wonder if God just chuckles at me when I say that! As with almost everything I say I will never do, I usually end up doing it and completely enjoying it. I swore I would never breastfeed my babies and God softened my heart and it was such an amazing experience! I swore I would never homeschool my children and yet I find my self teaching them daily. It is truly the most precious time I have with my boys.

I am sure the "I Will Never" list could go on and on but the beauty is that God is so good and so patient with me when I am so stubborned.

As for my sheets, it was dreamy to climb into them that night! And what I wouldn't give for some Vanilla Water to put in my iron!

Wrong... Just WRONG!!

Ok, so Brian left yesterday for a few days in England for work. I am so excited for him to be able to spend 2 days with our precious friends but at the same time I am SO jealous!! I SO wish I was there too.

Anyway, a bunch of our freinds got together and went out for dinner at MY favorite restraunt. (Happy Birthday Debbie!!)

Then they posted this picture...






along with this comment..."The empty space is Alecia's seat, and if you look close enough, we put a plate of food there for you. We miss you and wish you were here but thanks for letting Brian come out to play! *smile*"

I think it is just WRONG to tease me like that!!!!!

First Week in Review

Well, I can truly say we had an amazing first week with Brian being home with us!! Everything is going very smoothly and we are all enjoying it! We are also going to the Gym 3 times a week! YA!! I even went grocery shopping without the boys, that NEVER happens!! We do miss Brian at dinner time and bed time. The kids are still upset about that, but they do enjoy all the time they do get with him now.


I have been trying to take advantage of my alone time at night and work on some scrapbooking. I am so far behind so it is nice to get some time to scrap without feeling like I am taking time away from the family.

Saturday morning Brian told us that we were leaving the house and to get ready. He took us to an Outlet Mall to shop for the day! I was thrilled and the kids were mad, two of them were sick. But we treated them to some really yummy ice cream and they seemed to make the day better. This was extra special to me as Brian does not enjoy shopping so I knew this trip was just for me.

Our day ended with a trip to Cracker Barrel for dinner. Brian always teases me because I always get chicken. So just despite him I ordered Chicken Fried steak, I wish I would have ordered Chicken. On our way out, Levi and Gage stopped at some of the rocking chairs and started a game of Checkers. Since we were in no hurry to get home we decided to let them play a game and we each got comfy in a rocking chair. As tthe boys started to play, an old man walked up and started chatting with them. At first I was uncomfortable and was trying to figure out who he was supposed to be with. He ended up joining us and we rocked and chatted for probably 45 minutes. We had a great time telling jokes and listening to him. He called the boys "The Three Stooges", of course the boys don't know what that means but it had them rolling on the floor laughing. As he left we asked him his name. I doubt we will ever see Mr. Wiggs again but we did enjoy the time we had with him. Sometimes after experiences like that I think about the bible verse Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Did we (especially the boys) entertain an angel??

Everything changes...

As if the last 6 months have not been full of enough change, life for our family is about to change again.

Brian came home Thursday and told me that he is considering going to Swing Shift (3 pm-midnight). He said that he wanted to be able to help out with schooling the kids. On Friday he came home and told us that he starts swings on Monday! That was fast.

Please pray for our transition. I am excited that Brian will be able to spend more time with the boys and I know it will be good for our family. But at the same time, I have been the "teacher" for a year and half and now I have to share.

My most important prayer is for Brian's safety! If you have spent anytime with Brian you know he can fall asleep in an instant, literally! He is always asleep before 9 pm (but usually by 8) so I am VERY worried about him driving the 20 minute drive home at Midnight!

Happy 9th Birthday Gage!!

Gage celebrated his birthday earlier this month! I can't believe this is his last year in single digits. Where does the time go??

Gage scored BIG in the electronics department this birthday. He got an Alarm Clock that docks his Ipod and he also got 3 DS games.

A quick recap of Gage's eighth year of life.

In February we finally give Gage his birthday present. We took him to see the Lion King show in London! It was amazing! Our dear friends joined us and we went out for Chinese after the show.

In April, Gage severely broke his collar bone with an inch displacement, this was the third collar bone break! We saw three DR's in the ER because the break was so bad. When we saw the specialist the next morning, he told me they never do surgery in children but we were looking at a 16 week recovery! Yikes! We were to be seen and Xrayed every two weeks until his recovery. At our two week appointment the DR then told me that there was no new bone growth and that surgery was now a great possibility. He said he would give it another month to see if Gage could heal on his own. Of course we hit our knees begging the Lord to heal him, especially since the surgery time would have been the same time of our move back to the US. To our amazement Gage was declared "Clinically Healed" at just 7 weeks and was giving the "GO ahead" to resume normal activity. I protested the DR but he told me to quit being "Overprotective". Gage's shoulders will permanently be different heights but other then that, the DR said there should be no further complications. And he won't rebreak it, at least in that spot as the bone is more the double the original diameter due to the displacement in the break.

A few days after Gage's break we left for a week long journey through Greece. He spent the week in a Jogging Stroller and was an amazing trooper despite being in so much pain! The teens in the group sure took good care of him and they spoiled him with special goodies. One kid in particular spent so much time with Gage and always sat with him on the bus! Gage just loves "K" and totally looks up to him. It was so sweet to see such a cool bond between a teenager and a little kid.

A few weeks later we went to Scotland for a week. He did great there too, but I know he wanted to run and play with the rest of the the children.

Gage is doing great in school and loves everything but reading. So, of course reading has become our focus. He does great when he tries but getting him to try is the challenge.

Gage is still such a sweetie and surprises me with special acts of kindness often. For example, just this morning he asked me to go snuggle in my bed. When I walked into my room I discovered he had made my bed for me!

Happy Birthday my precious Son!! I look forward to spending this 9th year with you!

Have I told you I LOVE tupperware??

I used to think the stuff was ridiculously overpriced and not worth my time. Well, that was before I met my friend "S" who puts EVERYTHING in Tupperware Modular Mates. I used to laugh at her when she would come home from the Grocery Store as she put everything in Tupperware! I thought it was too time consuming and a waste.

Well, that all changed last January when I went to a Tupperware party that "S" was hosting! For a couple weeks I had been thinking about all the stuff I could store in Tupperware. So, at the party I ordered almost $300 worth of goodies, that was the total after the 40% off. I don't make that kinds of purchases without talking to Brian but I knew he would think I was crazy for spending that much on organizing the kitchen. As soon as my Tupperware came in the mail I filled them. I quickly realized that I needed more. Unfortunately the 40% off sale was over so I paid full price! But I was so pleased with my kitchen, and Brian LOVES it.

Over the last year I have been making a list of the last few Modular Mates I need and alas it is finally January and they are on sale again! Hopefully my shipment will be here soon!!

FYI...I did a little test to see how well Tupperware keeps chips fresh. When we packed out to move I left chips in a Tupperware, three months later when we moved into our house the chips were as fresh as the day I opened the bag.

yes, I LOVE my Tupperware!