Books ordered!

Because I have my hands in so many pots next year I need to be organized. Well...............drumroll please...........I finished ALL my grades for ALL of my children BEFORE they were due. Thank you, thank you, thank you. :-)

Then to top THAT off, I have ordered ALL the schoolwork I need for all seven children next year. Glory be to God.

My VBS crafts are figured out, ordered, in and just about ready to go.

I've decided I'm taking on Cubbies again, so I'm working on that and have three leaders lined up. Yes! Thank you, Lord!

Now I need to lesson plan and figure out our co-op classes. There are forty-six students signed up for the games class and eleven and thirteen for the living books classes. The living books classes are actually what are stressing me out.

Praise God He has allowed my brain to work when it needs to and my organizational skills to kick in. "Please Lord keep me on track. Help me to serve You and these little ones. Give me the strength and the wisdom when I need it. When I'm tired You'll have to pull me through. When I'm weary You';; will have to make me strong. I'm yours, Lord. Use me."

Jesse's graduation party

Well the temperature was about 105 or so last Saturday. Ai yi yi. We had seventy plus people here. Most of them were jammed in our house because the a/c was on. Some brave souls ventured out to our covered patio area.

We bbq'd and had quite the spread. Steve bbq'd London Broil, Teriyaki chicken, hamburgers (my "new" secret recipe), and hot dogs. I made potato salad (not worth the time & effort), pasta salad (everyone loved), Tom Ramen slaw (most loved), and homemade baked beans. (Again NOT worth the time and effort to make. I'll just open a can next time.)

We also had nachos, mushrooms sauteed in butter and garlic, chips, pineapple and strawberries and some veggies, complete with a graduation cake.

We are so blessed with wonderful friends and family. Thank you all!

The guest of honor-he sure looks grumpy-he wasn't though.
Jordan & Mom (Our nephew & Steve's mom)
Gene, Jr. (Steve's older brother)
Our family. The first time we have had EVERYONE in one spot.
Well done, Jesse!
The queen bee
Uncle Al (our brother-in-law)
Addis
Carli (our niece)

Jesse's graduation

Taylor pinning Jesse's graduation cap on. Jesse, Sarah and Adah
Jesse walking down the aisle with the other graduates.
The graduates came down from the stage and presented their families (moms) with a yellow rose. This is Jesse giving me mine.
Vikki, Steve & Jesse
Jesse & Sarah
Our family-we're missing Joe & Adah because he had taken her out for me. She was quite noisy and we were in the second row from the front, right in the middle.
Jesse receiving his diploma.
Jesse giving his speech.
Jesse's graduation speech. Each of the graduates were able to give a 1-1/2 minute speech if they wanted to.

"Over the past few years I have felt God's calling in my life to pursue studies in philosophy, science and religious studies so that I may be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks me for the hope that is in me, with all gentleness and respect. This fall, I will be attending San Diego Christian College to pursue this calling. I believe God is calling me to do this because He wants me to defend His Word from those who would oppose it. I have grown greatly in my walk with God through my high school years and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me to achieve this and everyone who has helped prepare me for college.

I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Stormoen and Mrs. Nelson for being awesome teachers at class day, preparing me for college, and teaching me to think intelligently while applying the Bible.

I would like to thank Shad Oakes, my Youth Pastor, for being an amazing role model, helping me to have a deeper relationship with God, challenging me everyday to live for God and to be like Christ.

I would like to thank my friends an family for always being there if I needed them, for loving me whole heartedly, and for always keeping a smile on my face even if I was down.

I would like to thank my Mom for helping me to be prepared for life, her tireless effort at getting me through school, her self-sacrificing attitude, her love for me, and for being my Mom.

I would like to thank my Dad for providing me with a knowledge of the Bible that is beyond value, for making me a soldier of Christ, and showing me how to be a man and one day a father.

Lastly I would like to thank God for everything. To Him be all the Glory.
Thank you."

Washing Windows and Having Fun

Yesterday I washed the windows throughout the house, inside and out. I climb out the windows and onto the roof. My boys all want to "help" mom who can't possibly know what she is doing and besides it is dangerous to be on the roof. Yeah, okay, but who's going to clean the windows?

The kids washed the van while I cleaned. Joel and John washed screens for me. There is a technique for cleaning windows that is very easy. You need some basic supplies and you're good to go. Google Don Aslett and you'll have a great resource. I think Home Depot now sells Etore supplies. (I think that's how you spell the name-I'm too tired to get up and look.)

Anyways as I worked my way around the house there was apparently much fun to be had on the side I wasn't working on. This is what I found.

My goofy kids-Who knew water and a patio could be so much fun?

Quirky Vikki

I've been tagged. My friend Dawn (http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/plaidhearts )tagged me to spell out 6 quirks that I have. Here are the rules:

Link the person who tagged you.
Mention the rules in your blog.
Tell about six unspectacular quirks of yours.
Tag a new set of six bloggers by linking them
Six quirks about me....

1. I bite my nails.
2. I pick my toenails when they're too buggy.
3. I will eat chocolate chips if there isn't any chocolate in the house.
4. I rarely wear pants.
5. I drink Diet Coke constantly, but am not on a diet.
6. I'm never bored. I can always find SOMETHING to do.

I now tag:

1. Rachel
2. Marcia
3. Sharon
4. Lenore
5. Jen
6. Nicole

Mom's 75th Birthday

Steve's mom celebrated her 75th birthday in Las Vegas. We didn't go, but Jared & Jacob did.

Jesse Pic

Here's a picture of Jesse when he was really little.

Hair

The girls had their hair done today. A lady that my hairdresser met said she would help me. She was such a blessing. A sweet Christian single mom with three children.

Addis's hair took HOURS
Mulu-Looks like little buttons all around
Anna & Adah-both fell asleep while having their hair done. Jake said that Adah looked like Coolio. Who?

Jesse blessed us today

Today Jesse sang and played a song on the piano during the worship service that he wrote. I was overcome with emotion, humility, pride, and joyfulness all at the same time. I broke down and sobbed. I couldn't control myself. I was so humbled by the young man that was behind the microphone at the piano playing a song that he wrote the lyrics and the music to. Could this be the same boy who turned to the side, crossed his arms and wouldn't look at the congregation when he was singing with the children's choir for the first time? Is this the boy who doesn't say but two words every single day? I don't have the lyrics to his song, but if he gives me permsission I'll post them.

Thank you, Jesse, or today you have blessed us.

1930's Wife

I found this test on my friend Dawn's site. I do feel like I'm in a time warp at times.

126 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior Take the test!

Try this link, Paula- http://www.magatsu.net/maritaltest/

Jesse's out!

This is Jesse's last "official" day of high school! Woo Hoo! One down and nine to go. :) Our ceremony will be held next week at College Ave. Baptist Church in San Diego with our ISP Heritage Christian School. Today he's at San Diego Christian College for orientation. Congrats Jess!

Support Foster Care Adoption just by buying a Frosty!

A Good Treat for a Good Cause

This weekend, you can help support Foster Care Adoption just by buying a Frosty!

Participating Wendy's will donate 50 cents from every Frosty purchased on June 14 and 15 to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Their goal is to raise $1.3 million to support the Foundation and Wendy's Wonderful Kids, which funds full-time adoption recruiters to match parents with waiting children.Since 2004, Wendy's Wonderful Kids has helped 3,500 children in Foster Care, and more than 500 of those children now have finalized adoptions.So share a delicious treat with your family, and help children in the U.S. Foster Care system find their own forever families!

Uh Yeah......I questioned the dentist about this years ago!

The answer I got back THEN was no. Sure...........

US drug agency issues precautionary note on silver dental fillings

WASHINGTON - Silver dental fillings contain mercury, and the U.S. government for the first time is warning that they may pose a safety concern for pregnant women and young children.

Appts and Sickness

James has been sick since last week. I was at Kaiser with him until 9pm or so on Saturday night. We thought he had strep. I wasn't sure it wasn't his mono recurring. I called yesterday to get the results of his strep test and it was negative. That's after two different antibiotics. One chewable that he didn't like and the other the liquid form. He doesn't need either one now.

Turns out he has hand, foot, and mouth disease, but only has the sores in his mouth. The dr. prescribed him a "magic mouthwash" with three different meds in it to help with the pain and management. I think the jello I made was better for him in his mind. He ate that and didn't try the mouthwash. He did have to switch to Advil instead of Tylenol for the inflammation and I think it REALLY helped. Hopefully he's better soon and NO ONE ELSE GETS THIS HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS DISEASE.

Addis had her last dental appt yesterday. She had three fillings and came out shaking and dazed. Poor thing. Hopefully her teeth will NEVER be this bad again. She maxed out her dental benefits for the year.

Joel had his cavity filled on Tuesday afternoon. Turns out he also has cavities between his two front teeth. He has an extra tooth in his mouth so I think his teeth are squished causing more dental decay. I also think he has his dad's teeth which aren't very strong because he's always getting dental work done. Now we have to be extra diligent for the next year brushing and flossing that area since his teeth aren't loose at all.

Maybe this is one reason why I'm so tired?

Jesse's been accepted!

Jesse received his acceptance letter to San Diego Christian College! He'll start in August. He goes to some orientation on Friday and then Saturday the soccer coach wants him to come out for some kind of training. I guess he called too late as the team has been put together for a while. Hopefully he'll get on. He's a REALLY good player. One time at one of his games a boy from the other Lakeside team came up to him after the game and told him the only thing he was dreading that day was playing against Jesse. Wow! That was something as a mom to see and hear.

We're still looking at scholarships. He's received four differnt scholarships totaling $5250 for each semester his first year. We're still short so he needs to keep looking!

Good job, Jesse and Congratulations!

Exhaustion

We are exhausted. We're tired. We're worn out.

As I was stating that I was tired at forty-seven with lots of children my twelve year old son replied, "You didn't have to adopt you know. Then you wouldn't be so tired." True. That's human wisdom talking.

God has called us. God will equip us. He never says the road will be smooth, easy, or carefree.

We just know that we're willing to be used however He wants to use us. Apparently this is how He's using us now. We just put one foot in front of the other, one meal at a time, one shower/bath at a time, one dental/dr appt at a time.

We've only been home about six weeks with our new daughters. I've heard it's normal from moms on our adoption board. It won't always be like this. That we're this tired. Can't wait!

Hunger in Ethiopia now spreading to adults

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080609/ap_on_re_af/ethiopia_hunger

"But in Ethiopia, food production is hampered by drought, meaning the country has been hit with a double blow. Drought is especially disastrous in Ethiopia because more than 80 percent of people live off the land. Agriculture drives the economy, accounting for half of all domestic production and 85 percent of exports."

Land's End Free Shipping & Sale on Girl's Dresses

I recently bought the girls some dresses and they're now on sale plus free shipping. If you like modest dresses these would be perfect for your little girl!

Baby Girls' Ruffle Pattern Knit Jersey Dress $7.99
Girls' Long Sleeve Pattern Jersey Dress $14.99
Girls' Sleeveless Jersey Dress $14.99
Girls' Cap-sleeve Jersey Dress $14.99

How to get FREE SHIPPING & HANDLING:

At checkout, on the Billing Information page, go to the section labeled “Promotion Code” (below the credit card payment box) and manually enter the Promotion Code and PIN.
Enter the Promotion Code PICNIC and the PIN 530953095 in the space provided.

Or if you have a Lands’ End “Personal Shopping Account”...1) Make your selections 2) On the Order Review page, click “Promotion Code” in the section labeled “Apply another payment method” 3) Enter your "Promotion Code" and PIN (shown above). That’s it!
Or call 1-800-800-5800 and give your "Promotion Code" and PIN to the customer service representative.

Limited Time Offer - Receive FREE Shipping* and handling on up to two orders to U.S. addresses (includes U.S. territories, APO/FPO) when you supply a valid Promotion Code and PIN at the time of order. *3-7 day delivery to most addresses. Please allow 1-2 business days for order processing, plus 1-2 additional business days for items with monogramming, engraving, hemming or inseaming requests. Drop shipments and items requiring Specialty Shipping excluded. This offer has no cash value and is not redeemable for cash. Applies only to merchandise purchased from landsend.com and Lands’ End consumer catalogs. Not redeemable at Lands’ End®, Sears® and Kmart® retail stores; at Sears.com and Kmart.com; or for Lands’ End Business Outfitters purchases. Employees of Lands' End, Kmart and Sears Holding Corporation are not eligible to receive this offer. Consumer is responsible for applicable taxes. Offer valid through 11:59 p.m. CDT June 12, 2008.

Friday through John's eyes

Adah showing us how old she's going to be in September.
Lizard peeking in our window.
Himself Mom mowing

Joel on the patio
Addis, Joe, Adah, Anna & Abi Mulu (Addis, Abi, Adah & John sat in a trailer behind the mower (like a hayride) while I mowed. That's why they're so dirty. :-)

Used Curriculum Sales

Today our ISP had a used curriculum sale. Sellers included moms who have students graduating, books that didn't quite work out for a family, or students that have grown older with no littles after them in the family gave many shoppers an opportunity for some great deals. I was one of the fortunate shoppers who found some great steals deals.

I shopped one ladies area who had lots and lots of A Beka books, many of them for younger and upper elementary. I stacked and stacked and asked for a total. $40 I was told. $40?!!! Are you kidding me?! I totaled up what I would have spent if I had bought them new and I would have spent $213.00. I saved $173.00.

I walked on and visited when I came to a friend I hadn't seen in a while. When you've been home schooling for nineteen years you come across ALOT of old acquaintances at these types of events.


I found a current Chalk Dust Basic Math set in Video Cassette from for $30. The textbook itself sells for $65. The solutions manual is $35.00. Then she threw in a Pre-Algebra set for free because the textbook is missing some pages. It's not current, but maybe I'll run across someone who has the book fully in tact.


My heart just couldn't take any more great deals, but I came across more. I'm teaching a Learning with Games class at our ISP next school year and my friend was selling thirteen learning games for $1.00 each. There were Bingo games of various kinds, phonics games, rhyming words games, and a puzzle of the USA.


This was only the first sale of the year. I can't imagine what other great deals I'm going to come across. Get out there and shop and visit and you'll find some great deals too!

Pictures from the week

These first six are for Aunt Paula and Grandma Trude!
Sisters!

What sweeties!

Joe couldn't get them to look at him
They're such hams
My Little House on the Prairie girls

Jared's 25th birthday
Jared
Me & Cubbie Bear (my son-Joe)Sarah & Thomas
Shelbie, Jenn, Sarah & Vikki