More Pictures---cuz that's what you want!

Friend David Wisner's 4th bday..train theme!


Chase on the front porch..a very fun time for him!



Today we had P.E., which is for an hour and a half on Tuesdays. So, this is the real therm. outside in the shade..
Skye did an o.k. job at kicking..sort of got intimidated by the big boys, but I like this action shot. He's hard to spot a little, with a hat on in a brown shirt, and khaki shorts.

Chase eating his lunch.

Skye completed the soccer portion..next week it's flag football. They received popsicles and a little award.

Nothing describes our life better than pictures, eh?

Say Hi and Bathtub time

40 Days For Life

Pray for the abortion rate in America to drop all together..

• Dramatically reduce abortions in your community...
• Mobilize hundreds of new pro-life volunteers...
• Help post-abortive women find healing...
• Generate prominent pro-life news coverage...
• Make LIFE the most important issue in 2008...

Will you pray and/or fast with me for the next 40 days for this cause? For more info..go to

www.40daysforlife.com

No Go

We didn't feel right about the company this afternoon..so after some frustration with Alan taking some time off work and me having to get a bbsitter, no go. I'm so at peace..thank you for praying.

Also, Alan's mom was released from the hospital this afternoon. She is doing a little better. Praise the Lord...and thank you for praying.

Little Prayer Request

We've been asked to come back (second time) to work with a production company for the entertainment industry (including still shots, commercials, t.v. etc.) with Skye. He's going for a 2 hour thing with them this afternoon. A portion of it, is listening to the company's vision and opportunities and then he will do some work. They are a huge company and my hopes is that he'll be given something that will give us some extra income to stash away for college? We'll see. Anyways, we're in the very beginning stages. They approached us originally and it's just cool to see that I had nothing to do with it (o.k. a good haircut and some discipline doesn't hurt--heee!) but just how it came to be..that's how I want it to stay..God takes us where he wants us and we just ride.

Random Thoughts of Sadness/Joy

I originally started this blog before the birth of Chase, as I wanted to remember the whole experience as looking back, those details can get fuzzy.
I don't want to get depressed or bring anyone down, but as Chase and Skye get older I cannot help but think what a great addition Abbott would have been to our sweet family. Not saying that I could have handled it any different or that I would have wanted a baby with all the possible problems, but just in thought.
At different times, in different thoughts, and often in more quiet times than not, I think about all my miscarriages (3 to be exact) and mourn. I don't want anything different, it's just a passing human thought.
And even though I know that people don't mean it, whenever someone says to me, "Just two boys?" I still have to hold back the tears. Yes, just two boys. Two very miraculous and life saving/changing/giving boys. That's what God wanted for me and knows (especially on this very crazy hard day I've had!) that Skye and Chase are what I need for right now.

Skye-isms..promised

O.k. so here are some things that made me laugh.

In Costco today and after we pay, Skye says "next time I can pay because I have a lot of quarters, nickels and diarrhea in my wallet momma" ..I almost burst out and then said, "you mean, dimes?" and he nonchalantly says, "oh yah, dimes"..oh my.

After several days of Skye struggling and us talking about how we have to choose obedience, Skye says today, "my mind tells me not to obey God and my brain and me, we're just gonna kill it"...

Skye's toe accidentally got squished in the door while the three of us were playing, open/close door. Well, since Chase was the one opening and closing the door and we were the ones saying hi and bye and knocking, it was really Chase's fault (after Skye's reasoning). So, now Chase is the big meanie and Skye says, "that hurt so much, like 10 'means' all in one"!

All sorts of great praises

First we must talk about Chase's eating...lots of vegies are o.k. Feet up on the table while eating and sometimes puts the head back into recline position, is o.k. and even tho no teeth in the back, gnawing at something back and forth is also good and o.k.



Ealson's over to play and sneak in a popsicle (they all thought it was real sugar, but nope..none!) I also filled them full of peanuts and apple juice..don't tell mom! We love these boys!!
Skye loves to pose for me..just thought he looked especially big boy today..

No time to go into detail, perhaps in my next posts..
1. Great refreshing and God inspiring time this morning at the park, with a person that is becoming more dear to me. Was definitely a shared love for the Lord and so much of a wellspring, I just don't know how else to put it.
2. Feeling a bit better..you know what I feel like? I feel pregnant. I can't be because I had that nasty snip/sew (should I be saying this to you ladies? oh yes, this is a private blog) but that's how lethargic and spin-eey and my innards feeling weird and all that. I know it's just healing from this nasty gastro thing, but it's awful. If you ever thought I was a clean and neat person, just come on over right now. And why is it, JUST WHY IS IT, that when you are throwing up, having your period, vomitting or something (worse), THAT YOU RUN OUT OF DETERGENT. Oh why????
3. Skye had a very "non" sensory day today and it was just refreshing. So, I'm going to end with some Skye-isms and some pics of our recent activities.

Before I do, I must put in some prayer requests:
1.For my family again (still battling some very hard spiritual and physical matters with outside--our 4--family)
2.Alan's mom who is still in bad shape in the hospital
3. Just today they had this big announcement about Alan's job--not good, so we're not sure where we are at.. just got potentially tossed in the air? BUT has a meet with the recruiter again tomorrow and there's a position open in Rancho Bernardo (way too far for him to do both jobs, so it would have to pay quite a bit)
4. HOA stuff, as always..please just keep our safety and ministry affectiveness always in your prayers

O.k. back to the pics--


science project..look at that look on his face of sheer delight in the nastiness..it was compared to yes, a bowel movement..what else?


Chase just does not snuggle, so this is a shot of something he loves to do, snuggle for a second, after a nap, with Skye (not me!)
So here are my brown shoes, clogs, whatever you want to call them. I was saying in some past posts how I knew they wouldn't be up to par with the local style, but I decided it was a step in the right direction for me!
I didn't realize that Skye had the camera the last few days and there are shots of me doing things I would not like to be recognized in (sorting laundry only wearing my p.j. top and undies--how and when did he take that picture?) I partly think it's hilarious and part sort of annoyed or something..is it disrespectful of my stuff? not sure..anyways---so when this one came up (and by the way, they're always of him doing stuff or me/Alan working) he says to me, "I was working on my cool moves mom!" funny boy.

Chase is pretty easily walking! phew for momma!
And below, Yogurtland is a mommas paradise (self serve yogurt). They get their own bowl, serve their own flavor (or flavors, whatever type of kid you have!), add the toppings themselves and then they eat. All you have to do is pay and watch. It's really magic. I'm thinking about opening one and then offering beds for moms (or private rooms) because the whole process could take about 15 minutes, if timed right! Just teasing! I actually love to do it with him and watch..so cute. Oh, and Chase loves NO TOPPINGS and green tea and mango. Skye loves MOSTLY toppings and pbutter, butterfinger, all those kinds.

Alan's Momma!!

Has gone in the hospital with bacterial pneumonia. She has suffered with lung issues for about 30 years now. She is slowly losing her lung function, so pneumonia does not help. Each time she's had to go in to the hospital, a drug will make her "lose" it for about 3-4 months, then it will even out and she'll be o.k. again. Each time we "almost" lose her completely, so it's really scary to have her being admitted. She also hates (yes, mom, I am using that word strongly here) the hospital and will tell that to just about each person who sees her (in her defense, she's had some really unnecessary treatments performed on her and gotten very allergic to drugs she should never have been given)

Will you pray for her tonight and in the coming days? Earl is "Lolo" and he is a mess when mom's not around, well, he's just a cute little mess all around, no matter who is around (just teasing dad!) He works part time (sometimes full time) at Walmart and has a very active life, so this puts a big kink in things for him.

That Your Faith May Grow

I'm feeling a lot better...ya know why? Cuz you pray. Thanks.

LIttle Lisa Update

Well, I must say that I'm grateful for not being in the ER. Phew. I hate it there..too many reminders of miscarriages and yucky treatments, all of which the satff have seem to forgotten, but with every question, brings me back in a heartbeat. I was thinking while sitting waiting for one of the treatments, that my sister Noelle has been to the ER (or at least she told me that) so many times alone, that made me sad for her.
Anyways, I'm about 40% better. I still have a fever, and a bad headache and diah. still. Ick. Alan went back to work today, so altho I'm glad for him, I'm not glad for me. I'm still in the "barely out of bed" stage.
Just pray for me today that things will be calm and that Piercy won't try and tricks. I'm so in the simple, selfish mode right now. I am glad the kids slept well, that helped a lot, as did I, for the most part.
I really covet your prayers..

Hospital time again

I'm glad that I have heaven to think about as this body isn't much worth getting excited over. I have been in the hospital..just for a day, but I got really dehydrated. I have this gastroentimitis, or something like that. I feel like I have had the flu really bad, except the insides of my body don't feel good. Yesterday I got morphine (the only drug that I'm literally NOT allergic to) and some other milder concoctions. We got home this morning and I'm just barely here. Alan has helped a lot and my adopted Aunt Carolyn took the kids over night last night and then Alan went to pick them up this morning at 6 so she could get ready for work. He had all of about 1 1/2 hours of sleep last night. He did school with Skye, cleaned all the clothes that I burned through (probably 2 loads worth) and all the linens and rugs that I pooped/threw up over...it's a mess.

Please pray that I'll feel better soon. With this schedule we have going, I just can't afford to be sick and I just don't have the local help I need to step in to be momma. My girlfriend Jess who I switch kids with a lot is out of town this week. O.k. no more typing, more sleeping, just thought I'd ask for prayer.

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

Someone had this on their blog and I thought it was funny/cool so I tried it. First of all, don't try it because it took me like 10 minutes and I think it's a waist of time. But it is funny who they think I look like. Hmm.. I don't really agree with any of their choices. My nose is really short and small and they have me paired with folks with long slender noses..plus my smile isn't 8 miles wide like Gwenyths. Anyways..

Don't forget about this power

I wonder how it must have felt
When David stood to face Goliath on a hill
I imagine that he shook with all his might
Until you took his hand and held on tight.

'Cuz you were there you were there
in the midst of danger's snare.
You were there, You were there always
You were there when the hardest fight--seemed so out of reach
Oh you were there, you were always there

So there he stood upon that hill
Abraham with knife in hand was poised to kill
But God in all His sovereignty had bigger plans
and just in time you brought a lamb.

You were there you were there--in the midst of the unclear
You were there, you were there always
You were there when obedience seemed to not make sense
You were there, you were always there, you were always there!

How can I learn that my ways aren't as high as yours are
And you alone keep the universe from crumbling into dust
You are God and though we would not have understood you
There you were.

Hanging blameless on a cross
You would rather die than leave us in the dark
Every moment, every plan just don't make sense
with your last breath

You were there, during history's darkest hour
You were there, always
You are the victor and the king
You were the power in David's swing
You were the calm in Abraham
You are the God who understands
You are the strength when we have none
You are the living, HOLY one
You were, you are and YOU will always be,

the risen lamb of God!

YOU WERE, YOU ARE AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE.

by Avalon

Prayer

I'd like to request prayer for my family: my sisters and parents. I can't say all that's going on, because it would get into some slanderous situations, but members of my family have lost their way. Some are sowing to seeds of unrighteousness, selfishness and anger. The affects will last for a long time. Please pray for those of us, not in the direct path of the mess, to know how to pray, know how to be truly hospitable, know how to be gentle, loving and safe. Please pray for all the children in our families...some of them have been neglected in more ways than one. Please pray that we will all act out of godly leading instead of selfish bitterness.
Thanks.

School shots

I've included some school pics. We have 2 classes per week at Julian and then we have 2 p.e. classes that equals 4 classes per week. Just thought I'd give you a glimpse at the school so you could see where we go. It's very challenging for Skye to sit still, so you can pray that the teachers won't get frustrated with him, as that's the only thing so far that they've commented on. I pray that he won't get to frustrated too that he won't be able to learn. I'm ultimately responsible for his testing, but I want the classes to be a good experience for him.
Here he is doing the pledge..did I already post this? Sorry..


O.k. now here's part 2...a little less bouncy and more accurately recited.

Our week

We had to go overnight to a hotel because the exterminator (why are they called "ex"..doesn't "terminator" mean to get rid of?) was coming and our place needed to dry for 24 hours..so we picked a hotwire 4 star but didn't know which one it was until we payed for it..have you done that before? It was a little scary, but we ended up getting this cheap hotel right by Mission Bay. O.k. so, here are some pics of our week and of our time at the hotel.

Proof

Here's proof...even though I wish I was sitting at the pool eating cream puffs, I'm not!! Hee! Here are some pics of us doing school projects and learning about the parts of the body..more specifically...sternum, crown, thigh...so we got in the tub and painted.

O.k., my favorite part is when he says, "trustice" for all...instead of "justice"..

Forgiveness and more grace

I find that I really want to hold onto things. People are just plain sinful a lot of times. They think of their schedules first, they think of their desires and what's convenient for them.

I'm not sure if it's that I build an expectation into things that if they don't look this way or that and if they don't fall in my category of "good enough" that I just want to be done, or what...I'm really not good at maintaining "not deep" relationshps where the other person isn't interested in sharing all things with me. Well, o.k. not all things, but you know what I mean...I like deep. I don't like surface. I like people to be humble towards me and that really spurs me on to be humble back. I don't like burning any bridges and feel that if I come up against someone who doesn't believe that way I do, I slowly move away and start to try and eliminate that person from my circle. I wonder what God thinks about this?

I was thinking this morning that I'm too involved with too many people I think. I really like to talk with people and find out what God is doing for them and really want to know. I watch movies like "REIGN OVER ME" and see how people just take others for where they are at and don't judge...I can't do that.. I'm just like, "if you aren't moving forward, you're moving backward and I don't need that". I'm not good at just sitting in something for a while and not moving forward. I feel like I can identify sin really fast and I just really want to tell the other person how they can change. It's not like I'm thinking I don't have anything to change, I just want to help them. I don't even want to be the hero, I don't think, I just want to see how God can move in them. I don't know..I just know I end up feeling really stuck sometimes...like MOST of the people I meet really don't need/want me (or my way of doing things) and so that brings me to the next thought----

How can I change? Do I need to change? Is this normal to have 5-10 people that you just LOVE, and then the rest of the population where you just wave hi to and talk about kid's and their chicken pox and how you are trying to lose weight and how you think that neighbor's grass is looking greener and what company they used... and that's it.

And how does passion fit into this? I just find that I'm ALWAYS saying things I'd rather not have said...or at least I'm feeling that my 'AUDIENCE' out here is not interested..like they want to see how big the boys are and how cute their outfits are and how's Alan's job and how do I like teaching school...but then that's about it. I want to talk about miracles and change and what's God doing for you and how did I not handle that situation correctly etc., etc., etc....

I really want to be the church lady that everyone loves and thinks is so gracious..but I just keep finding that I have this LOUD and very rebellious streak...like I really do want to say to people..."let's take care of this sin, toss it into the sea forever and move forward to freedom"...but I"m finding that 1. people don't want that and 2. people don't want me to do that for them in my awkward and perhaps not gentle way. and 3. what I want to be good at, I'm not.

And I run into so many new people allthe time and I think what I'm partly tasting in my mouth is just a chance for "old" and "used to" and "home"...some of those people that are used to me, that love me despite, that I don't have to prove anything to, that are o.k. that I'm not a size 7, 1 year after having my baby, that I am awkward and a little annoying and sort of judgemental, but that they see Christ in me and see that I really want to change and I don't want to be this sin. That can overlook my wrongs, because they hopefully see more Christ-like "rights".

Oh Lord, please forgive me for being so stubborn and so judgemental. Forgive me for wanting someplace different and not wanting to be in this place. I want to be gracious and I'm just not. I want to stand up for you in a humble, life changing way and I think sometimes I get in the way. I'm confused and don't know how to do this well. Please bring a little bit of "home" to me soon. And please help me with my tongue when I'm at home so I don't bring the negative of this to my children. I'm homesick a little. You can fill those places in me that no one else can. You know what I can handle and you ask me to handle more so that I must lean on you. Thank you for giving me the self discipline to wake up this mornign and for letting my boys sleep so that I can type here and pray and process. YOU ARE MY ONLY HOPE LORD AND I TRUST YOU TO MOVE 'ME' ASIDE AND REPLACE IT WITH YOU. Amen.

Our Schedule

So here is what our school/day schedule looks like:

If I'm being disciplined and get to bed early--
Rise at 5:30---devos and coffee and prayer for YOU
Skye awake at 6:30/7---start school, math and science textbook if Chase isn't awake, otherwise wait till he goes back down and then do school. Bfast and clean up a littleThen do a journal, calendar, 1-100 #'s, weather, pledge of allegiance, and reading, science, social studies and any experiments, projects or hands on stuff.

then...
Monday--Language Arts Class at 12-1:30 at school
Tues-- P.E. with other homeschoolers through a vendor at San Carlos Park 12-:30-1:30
Wed.--Science class at school 9-10:30
Thurs.-private swim lessons at our pool integrated P.E. curriculum

Then I meet with my EF (education facilitator) every 20 days and turn in stuff.

Fun Story from GirlTalk

An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard; I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of.

He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head;he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep.

An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.

The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour. This continued off and on for several weeks.

Curious I pinned a note to his collar: 'I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.'

The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar: 'He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3 - he's trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?'