A bonfire with the family

What a beautiful night! We are burning down our giant pile of brush and junk. No really it is giant. Our chicken, Brownie is still out bug hunting; but the rest of the girls and Gordon have gone to bed. I am sitting by the fire typing on my computer, oh the joys of modern technology. What a nice evening to just be home with the family.

It was a busy Friday and Saturday though. Yesterday, for my long run 17 miles it was 75 degrees wish I could have enjoyed the 55 degrees. Was not well hydrated and got dehydrated around mile 7. That did not make for a very fun run. It was warmer than I expected and sunny. I went home to see some of the signs of dehydration. 1. Thristy feeling (knew that one) 2. not sweating as much, noticed that too. 3. Stomach cramps and a few other symptoms. Funny thing is I am always preaching to people about heat and humidity being a problem with this. I guess I should listen to my own speech.

I managed to finish 17 of the 18 scheduled but would not want to do that again. Knee did good that was the one of the pluses of the run. Also, Rod came along but we didn't hook up until mile 4 cause he had a flat tire and he went a different way than me.

The van battery died and I had a root canal. I managed to get a jump from someone and snuck in just in time.

Saturday: Andrew and Josh had morning football games and that was fun. We all had our sweats and sweatshirts on cheering on the Knights. Hard to believe it was 20 degrees cooler from yesterday. Andrew did well; but their team lost 14-24. Joshua team spanked the other team 36-6. Then we came out to a dead battery on the car. Off to Walmart for a new battery. Then we ran a few errand and came home for a great afternoon and evening.

Tomorrow is Jerod's first Hoop Mountain Basketball game. So we are off and running again. So I will enjoy sitting here doing a little school prep with my family by the fire. I will try to get some pictures posted of football and basketball when I actually take them.

Hope your weekend is wonderful.

Happy Anniversary!

It is hard to believe that Rod and I have been married for 21 years. I don't always do a good job of telling him how much I appreciate him as a husband, father and friend. He has been an amazing blessing in my life that God brought to me not long before I lost my dad and when I was even in rebellion to my Savior. I look back and reflect on the road that we have walked and say Thank you Jesus for giving me a man that would "hug the porcupine", laugh with me and at me, cry with me and for me and love me whereever I happened to be in life.

I love you Rod Martin. Thanks for a wonderful marriage.

Hands of a Child Specials

This is for my homeschooling or lapbooking friends. I have purchased many of Hands of a Child Lapbooks. They have a huge variety to pick from.
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My Oldest's Gift

I never cease to be amazed by what a blessing my children can be. Even in all the craziness of life God reminds me of how blessed I am as a wife and mother. He does it in so many unique ways dishes washed, laundry done, funny jokes, hugs and kisses; but today I received something extra special from my oldest son.

He made me a very special card. Seeing these words upon the page was amazing.

"Mom, I'm talking to the Lord today asking Him to bless you in every way.
Your birthday is a heart felt day for me, because you'll own my heart eternally.
Lord, please care for my sweet loving mother, who gives us so much she's unlike any other.
Lord, please give her happiness and more; love her; my mother, whom I adore.

Love you lots,
Happy Birthday,
Jerod"

May God bless each of you in a special way like He did for me today.

Birthday Blessings

My birthday was so full of wonderful things. I had great cinnamon rolls, being spoiled while shopping with my mom-in-law, yummy lunch with my hubby and mom-in-law. Great birthday greetings from each of my children. Being sung Happy Birthday by a great 9-10 year old baseball team. Tons of facebook wishes and texts from my friends and family. A special phone call from my sister. It was just a great day. Thanks to everyone who made me feel so special.

Back in Time

Joshua is taking a 20th Century class in our coop group. His teacher asked each student to pick a decade and interview someone who lived during that time and write a report and create a board to share what they learned.

This Sunday we called Calfornia and talked with Joshua's Great Grandparents on Rod's side of the family. It was so wonderful listening to them share stories with us about all that happened during this time of their lives. Joshua and I will be putting together the report and board this week and he will share it with his class. We love our great-grandparents. All of the kids gathered around the phone and listened and learned a little more about 2 special people in our lives. The only thing that would have been better is to do it face to face.

Thanks Great Granddad and Grandma. We love you!