I did not realize that it had been so long since I have been on here. Right now I have a few minutes because Sam in in AWANA. We have started going to a different church and we LOVE it!! I was not really liking where we had been attending, and I wanted to look for a new home church, but I wanted something with AWANA. So, I Googled AWANA and our home town, and we found the church that we go to now. Sam really loves AWANA here compared to where we were going. Our old church is the largest in town with around 3000 listed members. But, they were always giving the little kids out of date patches and the kids didn't really get taught that much. Well, here it is totally different! They regave him the correct patches that he earned, and they really have a great set of teachers. (For those of you who are not familiar with AWANA, it is like Boy/Girl scouts at church.)
So, Sam has been spending time with his Big Brother Corey, and they have been getting along great! They went to go see Hotel For Dogs last Tuesday, and then they went to Burger King. Sam has really warmed right up to him. Corey calls Sam just to see how things are going and Sam calls him when something interesting happens that he wants to tell someone about. Sam has tried calling his dad to talk, but always get the voicemail. That would be fine if his dad would return the call since Sam leaves a message each time. Since we separated in November of '04, his dad has NEVER called to talk to Sam! Even when Sam would be sick!! UGH!
I am still trying to get all my things in order to start at Baker in March. There is a mandatory class that lasts 3 weeks, then the regular classes start the next day. I think I just have one last paper to mail them tomorrow and then I will be all set.
I don't want to offend anyone, but I sometimes get scared for my loved ones that are not ready to face eternity. Sam asks quite often if this person or that one loves Jesus yet. It breaks my heart when I see the confusion on his face when being told that "No, they haven't made that choice yet." I love my family very much, but sometimes I am scared to talk to them about their soul. That is something I definitely have to work on. Please pray that I can have the courage I need to do this.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Quick Update
Well, things are going pretty good around here. Its been a hectic week, but that's ok. Sam's best friend Megan stayed with us last weekend and they were really well behaved! They played almost the whole time. They watched very little tv, and we made play-doh. I had found a play-doh recipe online that only used flour, water, and salt. I didn't have any cream of tarter so I couldn't use my mom's recipe for the stove top version. Well, I will NEVER use that recipe again! It was sticky, and then if I tried to add a little extra flour it got too dry. I tried mixing in a little oil, and that helped a little. The kids had fun with it, but they couldn't use the cut-outs on it. So, when I go to Walmart, I will be BUYING Play-Doh! I don't even think I want to try to make anymore. I will spend the $2!
Well, last Thursday Sam was supposed to meet with his new Big Brother, Corey. The we were supposed to be at our meeting spot at 6, but I had to run some errands first. So, at about 3:30 we were on our way up town, and 5 minutes into our trip I hear Sam talking to me in a really muffled voice. I turned to look what he needed, and he had blood all over!! His nose was bleeding bad and it was on his face, hands, coat, pants, car seat, and the floor! He has had problems with his sinuses, but never like this! I had him pinch his nose and relax while I drove to Urgent Care (about 10 minutes away). I was worried that they would think I was crazy to bring him in, but they were glad that I had brought him in. There are some issues that can have the same symptoms and appearances as a nosebleed, and I was thankful anything serious was ruled out. Thank God! They didn't have to cauterize it, but after pinching his nose, and sitting at Urgent Care for an hour and a half, he was not up to going to a sports complex. He had a bad headache, and was tired. So, long story summed up: we are meeting with Corey tonight instead. He sounds like a really good guy and for those who are like me and really concerned about safety, these are the facts:
Well, last Thursday Sam was supposed to meet with his new Big Brother, Corey. The we were supposed to be at our meeting spot at 6, but I had to run some errands first. So, at about 3:30 we were on our way up town, and 5 minutes into our trip I hear Sam talking to me in a really muffled voice. I turned to look what he needed, and he had blood all over!! His nose was bleeding bad and it was on his face, hands, coat, pants, car seat, and the floor! He has had problems with his sinuses, but never like this! I had him pinch his nose and relax while I drove to Urgent Care (about 10 minutes away). I was worried that they would think I was crazy to bring him in, but they were glad that I had brought him in. There are some issues that can have the same symptoms and appearances as a nosebleed, and I was thankful anything serious was ruled out. Thank God! They didn't have to cauterize it, but after pinching his nose, and sitting at Urgent Care for an hour and a half, he was not up to going to a sports complex. He had a bad headache, and was tired. So, long story summed up: we are meeting with Corey tonight instead. He sounds like a really good guy and for those who are like me and really concerned about safety, these are the facts:
- His background check was completed in November
- He is from a well known family
- His reason for becoming a Big Brother is based on the fact that he has recently beat a bad cancer and wants to give back.
- He goes to a church that I have been associated with for about 10 years.
- I have talked to his pastor (whom I also have known since I was a teen) who vouched for him on both safety and spirituality.
- This same pastor is his neighbor.
- He has been married for almost 10 years and has 2 children
- Is involved in charity work in the community and I believe this is the first to involve children directly.
- Has a great relationship with his family.
I am the type of person who figures all strangers are guilty of something and they must earn my trust and respect. Sam is a very aware child and knows what he should do in the event of some kind of mistreatment. With all we have been through, he and I have a very open relationship. He feels free to tell me anything that bothers him. He knows what people are and aren't allowed to do. He also knows what he should do if anyone tried to make him do something he doesn't want to. We have a rule around our house: If anyone tries anything in private, BITE! It will be very difficult for a grown up to deny an accusation with a bite mark exactly were there shouldn't be!! But, I will still covet your prayers for his continued safety! Thank you again for all of you who do add us to your prayers! We appreciate it very much!!
Well, its pushing 2:30 and I need to get around to go up town. I hope and pray that all you who read this and post your comments are having a safe and blessed week :)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sorry This is so Long!
I did not realize that it had been a few weeks since I have been on here! I logged in tonight, and saw that 2 babies were born last week! Heather, a friend from the olden days, and her husband added a third cutie to their group. Her brother Chad and his wife added their fourth!! Congratulations guys! I was happy to hear all went well. I am sure though that Grandma and Grandpa are almost as tired as you! Thank God for safe travel :)
So, things around here have been going well. Sam is doing AWESOME with his new PACES! He likes to do his schoolwork in the evening, but that is working out fine. It really helps to have him a little more worn out! He doesn't fidget so much and actually concentrates much better. He is doing 2 pages a day in his 5 subjects, and he likes to do the hardest (the one with the most writing) first. I was worried when we started because he doesn't like to write, but the PACES really keep it balanced. He has not complained once! Thank you Jesus!!
Things are moving along with his dad. We canceled his visit two Saturdays ago due to the weather, so that has changed our schedule a bit. He was supposed to go for 6 hours this past Saturday, but Russell needed it to be from 9-1:30 instead. Sam got to go to Walmart, Discount Tire, and McD's for lunch. He is staying home this weekend since Megan is staying the weekend, and then I think Russell is planning to have him for some 'dark time' the following weekend. I am not sure when he is planning on us setting up a schedule. The counselor told him one was needed two weeks ago, but nothing has come of it yet. I just wish Sam spent more 'normal-quiet-time-at-home-with-dad'. He usually just wants to go to his dad's and play with his step sister, Katie, but they tend to run errands though. He did take Sam to see Bolt, which he loved! I just wish he saw that Sam wants to be able to lay on the living room floor playing with toys and make some good memories. I want my son to have that opportunity.
Sam is really just a homebody and really, really, really misses Katie! In the last 2 years, he has spent only a few minutes at a time with her. Mostly in passing. He loves her dearly, and worried about her following the abuse and the trial. He asked about her multiple times a day for the last 2 years!
I appreciate the prayers that people are offering up on our behalf! Thank you all!! We sometimes get lost when we don't know what we should ask for, so we rely on begging God's will be done, and for Him to prepare our hearts for what is coming. I have almost gone crazy at times; trying to figure out how to fix it all. I still have not (and don't plan on) thinking about the details of what Sam went through. He has worked through most of his issues, but every now and then, he just snaps and has a total meltdown. I can usually look back and find the trigger, and then we talk through it and follow up with his counselor. But enough about that :)
Well, I missed my deadline for signing up for my classes at KCC. I had a delay getting my paperwork and transcripts delivered on time. But maybe there was a reason for that, cause I got to talking to Samantha, my niece, and she talked me into looking into Baker College. I have looked into them in the past, but I am actually thinking that it might be my best choice. Price wise its between Davenport and KCC. Please pray for these decisions I am needing to make.
I don't mean to have only a 'complaining/negative' type blog. There are lots of good things I can talk about too! We found a recipe for homemade laundry soap on a friend of a friends blog, and it works great! It uses: 1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap, 1/2 Cup Washing Soda, 1/2 Cup Borax. For light load, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons. (http://www.thefrugalshopper.com/articles/detergent.html) I read afterwords that the Fels Naptha soap can actually have some serious health risks with 'prolonged' contact, but you are able to use Castille soap instead. I am not sure if the difference between the two is more environmental in nature or if there is truly a heath risk. I am thinking that the same thing would happen if you were not using gloves while stirring and messing with traditional soaps like Tide and Cheer. My arms itch if I have to adjust the clothes in the soapy water and don't rise my skin good enough. So, I am just planning on being careful when mixing and using this homemade soap. It does work wonderful though! We were able to find the ingredients at our Meijer. If you call the number for Arm and Hammer, they will tell you where to find the Washing Soda. It is not the same as baking soda!!! Borax is sold at any Walmart, Meijers, and Target to name a few. Try it. You'll save a lot of money!
I don't re-read my post to check for errors. I know that sounds really dumb, but I would end up deleting almost everything I wrote. So, please excuse the errors :)
So, things around here have been going well. Sam is doing AWESOME with his new PACES! He likes to do his schoolwork in the evening, but that is working out fine. It really helps to have him a little more worn out! He doesn't fidget so much and actually concentrates much better. He is doing 2 pages a day in his 5 subjects, and he likes to do the hardest (the one with the most writing) first. I was worried when we started because he doesn't like to write, but the PACES really keep it balanced. He has not complained once! Thank you Jesus!!
Things are moving along with his dad. We canceled his visit two Saturdays ago due to the weather, so that has changed our schedule a bit. He was supposed to go for 6 hours this past Saturday, but Russell needed it to be from 9-1:30 instead. Sam got to go to Walmart, Discount Tire, and McD's for lunch. He is staying home this weekend since Megan is staying the weekend, and then I think Russell is planning to have him for some 'dark time' the following weekend. I am not sure when he is planning on us setting up a schedule. The counselor told him one was needed two weeks ago, but nothing has come of it yet. I just wish Sam spent more 'normal-quiet-time-at-home-with-dad'. He usually just wants to go to his dad's and play with his step sister, Katie, but they tend to run errands though. He did take Sam to see Bolt, which he loved! I just wish he saw that Sam wants to be able to lay on the living room floor playing with toys and make some good memories. I want my son to have that opportunity.
Sam is really just a homebody and really, really, really misses Katie! In the last 2 years, he has spent only a few minutes at a time with her. Mostly in passing. He loves her dearly, and worried about her following the abuse and the trial. He asked about her multiple times a day for the last 2 years!
I appreciate the prayers that people are offering up on our behalf! Thank you all!! We sometimes get lost when we don't know what we should ask for, so we rely on begging God's will be done, and for Him to prepare our hearts for what is coming. I have almost gone crazy at times; trying to figure out how to fix it all. I still have not (and don't plan on) thinking about the details of what Sam went through. He has worked through most of his issues, but every now and then, he just snaps and has a total meltdown. I can usually look back and find the trigger, and then we talk through it and follow up with his counselor. But enough about that :)
Well, I missed my deadline for signing up for my classes at KCC. I had a delay getting my paperwork and transcripts delivered on time. But maybe there was a reason for that, cause I got to talking to Samantha, my niece, and she talked me into looking into Baker College. I have looked into them in the past, but I am actually thinking that it might be my best choice. Price wise its between Davenport and KCC. Please pray for these decisions I am needing to make.
I don't mean to have only a 'complaining/negative' type blog. There are lots of good things I can talk about too! We found a recipe for homemade laundry soap on a friend of a friends blog, and it works great! It uses: 1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap, 1/2 Cup Washing Soda, 1/2 Cup Borax. For light load, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons. (http://www.thefrugalshopper.com/articles/detergent.html) I read afterwords that the Fels Naptha soap can actually have some serious health risks with 'prolonged' contact, but you are able to use Castille soap instead. I am not sure if the difference between the two is more environmental in nature or if there is truly a heath risk. I am thinking that the same thing would happen if you were not using gloves while stirring and messing with traditional soaps like Tide and Cheer. My arms itch if I have to adjust the clothes in the soapy water and don't rise my skin good enough. So, I am just planning on being careful when mixing and using this homemade soap. It does work wonderful though! We were able to find the ingredients at our Meijer. If you call the number for Arm and Hammer, they will tell you where to find the Washing Soda. It is not the same as baking soda!!! Borax is sold at any Walmart, Meijers, and Target to name a few. Try it. You'll save a lot of money!
Other good things around here are...
- Our roof is handling the weight of the ice and snow
- Our puppy actually prefers to potty in the snow drifts! Less shoveling :)
- Our furnace is warm and toasty.
- I got my taxes done.
- My before the holidays jeans still fit.
- My hair is long enough to French braid. (First time in years!)
- Family is safe.
I have lots to be thankful for, but most of all, I am excited about Jesus' soon return! The signs are happening so fast! Sam asks me to list them off to him sometimes! He sometimes will start crying because its not happening fast enough. My sweet angel is wanting to be with Jesus and all his family enjoying a true and eternal Peace.
God bless!
P.S.I don't re-read my post to check for errors. I know that sounds really dumb, but I would end up deleting almost everything I wrote. So, please excuse the errors :)
Monday, January 5, 2009
First Post of 2009
I can't believe that the first week of January 2009 is almost over! Time is going way too fast for my liking. But, time can be cruel when you need it to move fast, because then it moves way toooo slowww. Like this past Saturday when Sam went to see his dad. Well, he left at 12:30 and was not home until 6:30. The clock in the living room chimes every 15 minutes and that was torture!
I know most people would think I am crazy for wanting Sam home all the time, but with his situation with his dad, I only feel safe when he is home. For those who don't know, Sam was abused by his dad in August 2007, and has just recently started to have contact again. His dad has a Very confrontational attitude and likes to do or not do the complete opposite of whatever Sam's counselor or I have to say would be good or bad for Sam's emotional well-being. This is becoming more stressful each day as I try to figure out what I should say and how to say it. This past week, he made a very rude comment about Sam's counselor, but since it was on the phone, I have no proof. I think I am going to actually have to take him to court in order to have it be that we only use email and texting to communicate. I keep telling him that I want/need to use email, but he says the phone is more "grown-up". Incidentally, this was after he said his rude remark! I have tried to explain to him that emails leave a paper-trail that will be cover both our butts. There wouldn't be all the he-said-she-said.
But let me move on to some things that are not so depressing! I am waiting for Sam's PACES to arrive in the mail. Last semester, his curriculum was a hodge-podge of books from Sam's Club, Dollar Tree, WalMart, and print-out from the internet. We also used the Time 4 Learning website. But, I don't have the patience to keep having to put it all together. I figured that with the PACES, there will be less time spent on figuring out what we need to work on each week. He is supposed to be in first grade, but when I did the diagnostic tests, he tested in the middle of second grade! I was so happy for him! I am starting him 2 PACES behind what they called for so that he will have a chance to learn the style of their teaching. Please pray for us as we make the change :0)
Well, right now Sam is watching Rita Rocks (Lifetime TV), and since its almost 9, I need to start getting the house ready for bedtime. Lexie (our 7 month old Springer) is already out cold :0)
I hope you all have the patience to follow along with the things that I babble on about. I will try not to be a complainer, but we all need to vent sometimes!
I hope you all have a great week, and I will try to put some more pictures up this weekend. Sam will be gone on Saturday from 1:30 - 7:30 so please pray that he will be safe and that his dad will comply with what Sam's counselor says is best. We have an appointment tomorrow at 10:00, so I will know what she thinks the next step should be. We just need lots and lots of prayer!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for the prayers that I trust will be sent heavenward on Sam's behalf :o)
I know most people would think I am crazy for wanting Sam home all the time, but with his situation with his dad, I only feel safe when he is home. For those who don't know, Sam was abused by his dad in August 2007, and has just recently started to have contact again. His dad has a Very confrontational attitude and likes to do or not do the complete opposite of whatever Sam's counselor or I have to say would be good or bad for Sam's emotional well-being. This is becoming more stressful each day as I try to figure out what I should say and how to say it. This past week, he made a very rude comment about Sam's counselor, but since it was on the phone, I have no proof. I think I am going to actually have to take him to court in order to have it be that we only use email and texting to communicate. I keep telling him that I want/need to use email, but he says the phone is more "grown-up". Incidentally, this was after he said his rude remark! I have tried to explain to him that emails leave a paper-trail that will be cover both our butts. There wouldn't be all the he-said-she-said.
But let me move on to some things that are not so depressing! I am waiting for Sam's PACES to arrive in the mail. Last semester, his curriculum was a hodge-podge of books from Sam's Club, Dollar Tree, WalMart, and print-out from the internet. We also used the Time 4 Learning website. But, I don't have the patience to keep having to put it all together. I figured that with the PACES, there will be less time spent on figuring out what we need to work on each week. He is supposed to be in first grade, but when I did the diagnostic tests, he tested in the middle of second grade! I was so happy for him! I am starting him 2 PACES behind what they called for so that he will have a chance to learn the style of their teaching. Please pray for us as we make the change :0)
Well, right now Sam is watching Rita Rocks (Lifetime TV), and since its almost 9, I need to start getting the house ready for bedtime. Lexie (our 7 month old Springer) is already out cold :0)
I hope you all have the patience to follow along with the things that I babble on about. I will try not to be a complainer, but we all need to vent sometimes!
I hope you all have a great week, and I will try to put some more pictures up this weekend. Sam will be gone on Saturday from 1:30 - 7:30 so please pray that he will be safe and that his dad will comply with what Sam's counselor says is best. We have an appointment tomorrow at 10:00, so I will know what she thinks the next step should be. We just need lots and lots of prayer!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for the prayers that I trust will be sent heavenward on Sam's behalf :o)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Christmas Day Surprise
On Christmas day, we usually go to Tommy and Cheryl's. (My brother and sister-in-law) Well...this year we had a nice surprise: My sister Sandy and her family came to surprise us. Sabine and Tom, my other sister and her husband, knew about it but did a great job of keeping the secret. I think Cheryl did a great job of hosting the 20 people when she had only counted on 15. Sabine and Sandy brought some extra food to help out and since Tommy and Cheryl now have their basement finished, there was plenty of room. Well, here are some of the pictures that we have here at the moment. Sabine is supposed to be sending me the one's from her new camera, but that might take a while :) Sam took some of these and Tish's boyfriend Ryan was kind enough to take a few also. Thanks Ryan!
Sam took this one of Aunt Cheryl's Christmas tree. At first I thought it looked too blurry, but after I thought about it, I kind of like how it turned out. Good Job Sam!
This is my sister Sandy. We don't get to see each other as often as I like, so I was HAPPY that she got to come for Christmas! I think that the last time I saw her on Christmas was like 10 years ago when we all met in Ohio. So, this was a nice treat! Also, remember her family in prayer since Tom (her husband) is currently looking for a job. He got downsized about two months ago, but we are trusting God!
This is Shawna, Tom and Sabine's daughter. She is growing up so fast!
This is Shawna with her brother David.
These are Sandy's three girls. Rochelle is sitting, Amber is laughing, and Alycia is looking oh so serious!
Sam loves his Aunt Cheryl! He is never scared to talk to her and keep her company! When we go there for dinner, he is right in the kitchen helping her and talking non-stop. He likes to set the table and help her clean up. Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Tommy always want Sam to stay the night, but he is too nervous. He wants me to stay there with him, but he says I have to sleep in the basement! 
Sam with his "Ohio Cousins"
Duke and Samantha
I had to crop this picture of Tish because the other one was very blurry.
Christmas Morning
Sam was with me when I bought this Power Rangers truck, but I told him that I had to return it. He was ok with that, but informed me that he wanted to get it eventually! So... he was surprised after all :)
Is it just me or does he seem apprehensive about this one?
This was the Iron Man (very large sized) that he has wanted for two months. We had an interesting trip to Walmart the day they decided to put up the display for them. Of course they had the huge stack of them right where we had to pass by!!My First Post
This is the first blog I have ever created, so please be patient! I will also warn you that I like to go on and on when I start talking :) We will see how this goes.
I have not gotten the pictures from Christmas put on this computer yet, but I will try to get them posted tonight after Sam is in bed.
I hope everyone has a safe New Year's Eve. We will be staying home and watching Knight Rider and CSI NY on our new TV!
Happy New Year!
I have not gotten the pictures from Christmas put on this computer yet, but I will try to get them posted tonight after Sam is in bed.
I hope everyone has a safe New Year's Eve. We will be staying home and watching Knight Rider and CSI NY on our new TV!
Happy New Year!
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