Visit with the "B" Family

We arrived at the "B" families late morning. It was so nice to meet baby Jae and to visit with Jon, Felicity, Randy, Fern and Angeline. Jae wasn't too keen on visitors yet, but he was so sweet and adorable, that we didn't hold it against him.

Angeline has changed so much since we saw her last. She was talkative, so sparkly and a delight to us all.


Jae, keeping a watchful eye from across the room. Felicity was on the phone and was very curious of what was going on, but did not want to join in. I can't say I blame him....new family, new home, new language, new food...absolutely everything different and very strange from what he had known. I'm sure all of us would be a bit insecure with the situation.

The rest of the gang had no trouble interacting and enjoying the company. Poor Fern had been sick during the night, so she was being very careful to not get too close to us. We were glad she was feeling better and could join us.

We brought gifts for Jae and the other children. He enjoyed the wrapping paper, just like all babies.

Even not feeling well, Fern is gorgeous and has one of the most lively personalities of any child I know.

We ordered out for pizza and then left the Beedes. Felicity's sister and her two boys arrived shortly before we left...talk about us all overwhelming the little guy.

It was wonderful to see them all, even if for a short visit. We will most definitely be planning another trip soon. Welcome to America, baby Jae!

A Hotel in Maine

After we left the museum on Friday afternoon, we headed up the coast to Maine. We decided to incorporate our visit with our SHS friends with a visit to the "B" family in Maine. They had just returned home from Korea with their newest family member and we were eagerly awaiting meeting him.

As anyone with a larger family knows, a lot of hotels will not allow so many in one room, so we booked a suite in a hotel in Portland. It was very nice with plenty of room for everyone to spread out. We do not often stay in hotels with most of our traveling being done with our camper. It was a treat for us all, perhaps with the exception of Brian who spends way too much time staying in hotels. Trying to make this a mini-vacation, we made sure there was a pool.

After a quick stop for a fast-food dinner, we got to the hotel, changed and headed to the pool. It was great. I spent most of my time in the hot tub, but did enjoy a swim with the kids. Rachel also thought the hot tub was the place to be. Poor Rachel is almost always cold and truly enjoyed the warmth of the hot tub.

Dan checking out the view. We were on the 5th floor. As you can tell by the sheets, we needed all available bed space, including the pull-out sofa.

We were right next to the airport, but it was extremely quiet. I guess being late Friday into Saturday and a stormy weekend, there was not a lot of air traffic. I know many flights up and down the east coast were canceled or detailed due the weather.

Museum Butterfly Garden

We did not do any of the extra shows or special exhibits at the museum, except the Butterfly Garden. Nothing seemed nicer to me on a cold February day than spending time in a warm, humid room full of lovely plants and butterflies.

The Boston Museum of Science

Our trip the Boston Museum of Science on February 26th!

We had a wonderful visit at the museum. We arrived at 10am and left at 4:30pm. It was a full day, but so much fun.

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SHS Gals Meet at BMOS

We love acronyms in the family...military and all. Support4HomeSchool (SHS) is an online yahoo group that I have been a member of for 8+ years. It is a wonderful group that supports and encourages those of us that are homeschooling.

Cynthia, one of the group owners and her family were planning a trip to the east coast and wanted to know if some of us could meet and that was the start of a plan to get together at the Boston Museum of Science (BMOS).

So, on February 26th, Brian took the day off and we kept Rachel, Hannah and Dan out of school and made the trip to Boston. The weather was iffy at best, but decided to make the trip. The roads were marginal in places, but Brian did a great job. We made it to Boston without incident.

It was a great day of meeting old friends for the first time. We spent several hours exploring the museum, hooking back up with each other, chatting and trying to get in as much visiting as possible. It was all too short and I would really enjoy meeting these ladies again.

Here is most of the group, Laura from CT, Jeannine from NH, Jodi from NH, Lisa from ME (Lisa and I have met many times before and it was great to see her.), Me from NY, Rene from MA and Cynthia from MT.

Cynthia and her family (Minus Amanda, who had to head back home.) with our crew.

Lisa, her youngest son "J" and me.


We met up with Christy later on and took this picture. Me, Cynthia, Laura, Lisa and Christy.

I know I lot of people would never dream of meeting "strangers", but these ladies are so dear to me and have been a tremendous source of support and encouragement over the years through all the ups and downs of life.

Weekly Daybook

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For Today...March 1, 2010

Outside my window...it is just getting dark. What a wonderful feeling that it is 6:15 pm and there is still a bit of light on the horizon.

I am thinking....what a challenge one particular child is for me right now. I get so frustrated when I have no idea what to do. Days like today make me wonder about my parenting ability. I know God will be faithful, but the day to day work in the trenches is wearing me down.

I am thankful for....our Hannah. Today is her 9th birthday. What a joy Hannah is to our family. She is so cheerful and easy going and has a tremendous sense of humor. She makes my life happier and I love her very much.

From the learning rooms...continuing with our Olympic study. Bess is full into her Human Body text and loving it.

From the kitchen...tuna and pasta. Brian is working tonight so we are eating much simpler.

On my mind...what area of the house to tackle next. I am pleased with the progress we have made, but there is still a lot to do.

I am creating...a new cross-stitch block. Waiting for an order to come so I can start on knitting a pair of socks!

I am going...to enjoy a night out this week.

I am reading...still reading Dorothy Sayers and a new book on family Easter celebration.

I am hoping...that the weather might warm up and the snow will melt. I am ready for some spring.

I am hearing...Hannah playing with her new Poly Pockets, Rachel working on her homework, Gabe loading the woodstove, Bess raiding the frig and Dan playing with the blocks.

Around the house....Lots of children noises, playing, creating, laughing, talking...the usual post dinner activity.

I am Pondering...
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Are the meditations of my heart acceptable to the Lord? Too often my heart is full of complaints and discontent. How can I replace these thoughts with thoughts and words that will indeed be acceptable to the Lord?

I am wearing...a red shirt, black fleece vest and sweat pants and of course my wonderful moccasin slippers.

One of my favorite things....the ocean. There is something so wonderful about spending time at the shore.

Here is a picture I'd like to share

Boston from the Museum of Science

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Rachel's 11th Birthday

Rachel had her 11th birthday on the 8th. Our kids just love birthdays, even when it isn't their own, but especially when it is their turn. They talk about whose turn is going to next and then count the days, weeks or months until the special day. Ever since Christmas, Rachel has known that her birthday comes next and has been eagerly awaiting the day.

I surprised Rachel by bringing her lunch from McDonald's and staying and having lunch with her at school . We then went back to her class and shared cupcakes. It was such fun seeing her face when she say me and realized what was up. Her teacher is very sweet and everyone sang happy birthday and then she put up a large board and everyone take turns saying some nice about Rachel.

Mom and Dad came over later in the day to have dinner with us and celebrate. We had one of our favorites, Shepherd's Pie, and Rachel requested ice cream cake for dessert.

I had given Mom and Dad some suggestions for gifts, one being a sewing box. Mom was able to find a nice one and stocked it with some supplies and pieces of fabric. Rachel loves working with her hands and I am teaching her some simple sewing techniques. She was so thrilled with the gift.


Happy Birthday, Rachel. We love you! :-)

Weekly Daybook

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For Today...February 8, 2010

Outside my window...dark and cold. I can't really even see out the window, as the ice on the outside storm window is pretty much blocking all views, even it was daylight out, which it isn't.

I am thinking....what a very busy, full day it was, but what a fun day. Today was Rachel's 11th birthday and I surprised her at school by bringing her lunch from McDs and cupcakes to share with her class. She did not know I was coming and she was so surprised and pleased.

I am thankful for....Rachel. Some days I know I get frustrated, but when I think how far she has come in the four years since coming home, it really amazes me. She is a terrific person and has so many talents and gifts.

From the learning rooms...Gabe and Bess managed their school work independently today as I spend many hours driving here and there, running errands that needed doing for Rachel's birthday and attending a meeting and bringing Rachel to Girls Club.

From the kitchen...a family favorite...Shepherd's Pie, made with hamburger, cream corn and mashed potatoes. Also, ice cream cake to celebrate Rachel's special day.

On my mind...how I can continue in the direction I'm going, which feels quite good right now. I need to stay focused on the important things and leave the rest.

I am creating...a gift for a friend and working up embroidery projects for Bessie's girl's club in March.

I am going...to work on my garden plan. Nothing like getting down on paper some plans for the spring time to help ease the blues of this cold winter weather.

I am reading...a mystery by Dorothy Sayers. I just love Lord Peter Wimsey.

I am hoping...that Brian's back feels better tomorrow. I know how uncomfortable it is to have a sore back and still try to function.

I am hearing....the soft whoosh of the vaporizer and a few soft snores. All is quiet for the most part.

Around the house...wrapping paper and gifts from Rachel's birthday.

I am Pondering...what is our main objective in schooling our children? What will be the best course of action to help them utilize their gifts and talents to best advantage for them in adulthood.

I am wearing...comfy, warm clothes on a chilly night.

One of my favorite things....pulling off a surprise for one of the children. Nothing beats the look on their faces when you have totally surprised them with something.

Here is a picture I'd like to share

Our birthday girl.

Weekly Daybook

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For Today...February 1, 2010

Outside my window...bright blue sky and plenty of sunshine, but oh, so cold and very windy! The Maine wind chime has been clanging all day. There seems to be a lot more Goldfinches at the feeders today.

I am thinking....that if I'm going to be able to be of better service to God and to those around me, I need to start thinking about taking better care of this humble vessel of a body. As each year passes it becomes less and less forgiving of the neglect I heap upon it.

I am thankful for....feeling better. What a joy it is to be able to breath through my nose without snuffling, inhale without coughing and walk without pain. I am so thankful that we are all on the mend.

From the learning rooms...the basics today...math and LA. We are easing back into our full schedule after many days of sickness in the home.

From the kitchen...Brian is bringing home dinner...mystery.

On my mind...planning for a camping trip this summer out west. It is fun to plan and dream of new places to see and explore.

I am creating...still somewhat in a slump, but starting a new cross-stitch block for my group. I missed the deadline on the last block and Sandra came to my rescue. Thanks, Sandra. You ladies rock. I need to reorganize my sewing area again so I can start working on a new quilt. I also need to set aside a little bit of time each day to work on my projects. Even 15-30 minutes adds up to a finished project.

I am going...to make sure everyone gets into bed early tonight. We had some pretty drooping kidlins' getting off the bus today. I think everyone is still a bit low from their colds last week.

I am reading...my Bible. I would like to start reading more again. Need to set up some type of schedule to fit everything in.

I am hoping...to find more things to sell on Craigslist. What a fun feeling that is...to get rid of things and have someone pay you for them.

I am hearing....the children running through the house being very loud. Dan always has so much energy when he gets home from school. Rachel telling me about her day. She loves to sit with me and chat. It is one of the few times we get to spend one on one time together.

Around the house...backpacks, boots, hats, mittens and jackets...all the detritus of the kids home from school. Baskets of laundry waiting to be folded and put away.

I am Pondering...Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:27-28

Service...translating that into action, daily showing my family love and care beyond just "my duty" to a heart felt devotion...making them feel cared for and cherished.

I am wearing...black windpants, black and gray long-sleeved shirt and black fleece vest.

One of my favorite things....Columbian Coffee ice cream from Stewart's with hot fudge sauce and chopped peanuts.

Here is a picture I'd like to share