I found this Googling pictures of motherhood. I love it! It's the cover of a book. Don't know anything about the book, but loved the cover!
Oh Vermont, and Other Musings
5 hours ago
I found this Googling pictures of motherhood. I love it! It's the cover of a book. Don't know anything about the book, but loved the cover!
Yesterday the kids and I trekked out to the store to get some food items we needed. While we were in the check out, our cashier said to my kids:
"You didn't go to school today?"
I looked at her and told her we homeschool.
"You teach them at home?"
"Yes." She looks at me incredulously.
All this time, my kids are actually not paying attention to her. They were talking and helping me put the groceries in the cart.
The cashier says to me:
"Were you a teacher?"
"No."
"Then how do you teach them?"
I looked at her trying to understand what she was getting at.
"You mean what do I use to teach them?"
"Yes."
"Textbooks, workbooks, all the same stuff used in public school."
"And you don't have a degree to teach?"
"No." By this time I getting irritated. I know she's just curious, but I don't like having my intelligence challenged. I have a college degree (which is probably more than she has) and I am very capable of educating my kids. I'm not stupid. But I smiled anyway at her and continued to watch the item totals.
And then she says:
"So you just have a high opinion of yourself? Like 'I can do it!' and you do?"
I just looked at her.
She turns to Rebecca and says, "Do you like having school at home?" She tells her yes. And then she says this: "Don't you miss having friends? People to get into trouble with? Do stuff behind your mom's back?" My daughter just stares at her.
What? What planet are you from? I'm thinking. So I decide to put an end to this and thankfully, our groceries were ending on the belt.
"We are very active in church and our friendships are there."
"Oh...I see." she says and hands me the receipt.
Oh....I see. Oooookay. It's apparent that this women has no real concept of homeschool and she caught me on a day where I wasn't feeling well and wasn't in the mood to have my choices under fire. To tell me that because I wasn't a teacher I can't possibly have the intelligence to teach my children was insulting. I was a solid B student in high school. AND I GRADUATED. I made straight A's in Nursing school when I attended for a while. That's straight A's IN SCIENCE and MATH. Four point O. I excelled in the language arts all through school and college and am very proficient in grammar, literature and writing. I am capable of running and managing a home, frugally managing our finances, preparing made-from-scratch meals, garden and can, I am very educated in the holistic and herbal healing arts, I am musical, I used to be a professional bookkeeper for my husband's company, and I am creative. I created and built websites for a couple years and was pulling in $50 a hour designing websites for people. Couple that with the fact that my husband was a physics engineering major in college. He runs and owns a VERY successful construction company. Is a math and science genius. He's extremely good with physics, calculus, trig and learns foreign languages easily. Between the two of us, we have enough "intelligence" to teach our kids all the way through high school. I don't need a piece of paper to prove that I'm capable of educating my children. They are strong, self sufficient, independently thinking children. They get along well with others. They have manners. They don't eat junk food and play endless video games. They know how to communicate intelligently with adults. They are learning how to be good people who can survive in this world beyond television and text messaging. They are learning how to earn and manage money. They are learning how to manage a home. They are learning to be productive humans. They get significant one on one time with each parent. They know that they are important and all their needs are being met. We take the time to teach them Biblical truths and model them ourselves. Homeschooling is more than just reading, writing and arithmetic....it's a way of life.
...and I don't need a degree to do all that.
"You didn't go to school today?"
I looked at her and told her we homeschool.
"You teach them at home?"
"Yes." She looks at me incredulously.
All this time, my kids are actually not paying attention to her. They were talking and helping me put the groceries in the cart.
The cashier says to me:
"Were you a teacher?"
"No."
"Then how do you teach them?"
I looked at her trying to understand what she was getting at.
"You mean what do I use to teach them?"
"Yes."
"Textbooks, workbooks, all the same stuff used in public school."
"And you don't have a degree to teach?"
"No." By this time I getting irritated. I know she's just curious, but I don't like having my intelligence challenged. I have a college degree (which is probably more than she has) and I am very capable of educating my kids. I'm not stupid. But I smiled anyway at her and continued to watch the item totals.
And then she says:
"So you just have a high opinion of yourself? Like 'I can do it!' and you do?"
I just looked at her.
She turns to Rebecca and says, "Do you like having school at home?" She tells her yes. And then she says this: "Don't you miss having friends? People to get into trouble with? Do stuff behind your mom's back?" My daughter just stares at her.
What? What planet are you from? I'm thinking. So I decide to put an end to this and thankfully, our groceries were ending on the belt.
"We are very active in church and our friendships are there."
"Oh...I see." she says and hands me the receipt.
Oh....I see. Oooookay. It's apparent that this women has no real concept of homeschool and she caught me on a day where I wasn't feeling well and wasn't in the mood to have my choices under fire. To tell me that because I wasn't a teacher I can't possibly have the intelligence to teach my children was insulting. I was a solid B student in high school. AND I GRADUATED. I made straight A's in Nursing school when I attended for a while. That's straight A's IN SCIENCE and MATH. Four point O. I excelled in the language arts all through school and college and am very proficient in grammar, literature and writing. I am capable of running and managing a home, frugally managing our finances, preparing made-from-scratch meals, garden and can, I am very educated in the holistic and herbal healing arts, I am musical, I used to be a professional bookkeeper for my husband's company, and I am creative. I created and built websites for a couple years and was pulling in $50 a hour designing websites for people. Couple that with the fact that my husband was a physics engineering major in college. He runs and owns a VERY successful construction company. Is a math and science genius. He's extremely good with physics, calculus, trig and learns foreign languages easily. Between the two of us, we have enough "intelligence" to teach our kids all the way through high school. I don't need a piece of paper to prove that I'm capable of educating my children. They are strong, self sufficient, independently thinking children. They get along well with others. They have manners. They don't eat junk food and play endless video games. They know how to communicate intelligently with adults. They are learning how to be good people who can survive in this world beyond television and text messaging. They are learning how to earn and manage money. They are learning how to manage a home. They are learning to be productive humans. They get significant one on one time with each parent. They know that they are important and all their needs are being met. We take the time to teach them Biblical truths and model them ourselves. Homeschooling is more than just reading, writing and arithmetic....it's a way of life.
...and I don't need a degree to do all that.
After being sick most of the morning, I finally caved and took some Advil Cold and Sinus. Wow did that make all the difference. Headache cleared, sinus issues pushed away for a while, I felt well enough to get the sewing done I had wanted to do on my birthday.
Here is the doll so far. I was just about to sew on the pink felt cheeks. Let me say that the clothing is giving me FITS. The dress ended up being too small because apparently I stuffed the doll too much. The instructions didn't say how much and I thought a sweet chubby doll would be cuddly. This must be wrong. The dress is pretty snug and instead of having it snap closed in the back, I sewed on ties. I was so mad at it I had to put it away for another day.
I got all 4 kids' pajama pants done. I have enough flannel left over I am thinking about making matching American Girl doll pajama pants for my girls. The doll pj pants will match their pj pants. So cute. However, I am saving those for when I'm ALL done with the intentional Christmas projects. I have the doll to finish, handmade ornaments for my parents and my sister, Mr. Green Thumb's pajama pants and possibly mine. I think mine can wait though.
My girls are making handmade Christmas gifts like crazy too. I love seeing them get so excited to make something special for a family member. One of my girls has already finished a gift for their new baby cousin who's due in April! :)
I love Christmas time! I love feeling better.
By 3 pm on Friday, I was full on coming down with the very crud my precious Susanne had been suffering with for 2 days. All I wanted to do was go to bed. Jonah's parents arrived at 5:30-ish to pick all the kids up. They laughed and smiled and reminded me that this is my night to be alone and get sewing done! Mr. Green Thumb has to leave you alone! More smiles and laughter. All the while smiling was hurting my head and achiness I felt in my body was screaming to just go lie down. Thanking them for the bajillienth time for doing this, we shut the door as they walked out and I drooped. The happy look on Mr. GT's face that he was going to get to take me to dinner all by ourselves forced me, yet again, to look happy and not sick. Driving on the super slick roads to get to the restaurant on the opposite side of town made my nerves on high alert, and tense...which made my body hurt even worse. I was thankful that I had an appetite. I was so hungry. I was looking forward to the food at this restaurant. Hungriness made my head hurt and the pounding in my sinuses forced me to close my eyes as we turned into the parking lot.
As we walked into the restaurant, I look up and see my ENTIRE family there. Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother-in-law and 2 of their kids. As well as some friends of my parents. I smiled and tried very hard not to look like I was going to pass out. Please God, please let this be a coincidence. As much as I love my family, please don't let this be part of the plan Mr. GT has contrived. I didn't have the energy to force out clever conversation for the next 2 hours. I felt so guilty even thinking those words and when I found out we were all there by coincidence, I felt even guiltier for being relieved. The elevated sounds of the restaurant were hurting my ears, and my muscles groaned with pain with no place to sit while we waited for our pager to go off. I made conversation with my family talking about a variety of things. I knelt down to little girl size and talked with my niece about the fact that she's about to have a sister. The radiant glow on her face at the thought of finally having a baby sister was precious. She told me how she's helping Mommy look for all things pink. She's going to be a big helper. I hugged this little girl a bit too tight because I loved her and I couldn't kiss her. Didn't want her to get sick. My family sweetly offered to let us join them, but I turned them down. Just wanted to be alone with my sweetie. They understood. We were seated and shortly our food came. I downed my ravioli in under 10 minutes. Had good conversation with my husband. Was feeling amazingly better with food in me and I perked up quite a bit.
After dinner, we went home, I changed into some cozies and I began another set of pajama pants. But around the time I was hemming them, I began to feel the droopiness of sickness coming on again. Thankful I had at least finished 1 pair and only had 2 pairs to go, I cleaned up my sewing stuff and crawled into bed. Mr. GT brought in the movie we had rented and we watched it on his laptop in bed. It was cozy and warm. I fell asleep shortly after the movie was over. In the morning, I woke up to a VERY sore throat, one eye completely gunked up and sealed shut, and a headache to beat all headaches.
I've literally spent this entire weekend on the couch. Between nursing Susanne (who is still sick), sleeping, and watching endless crap on t.v., I am OVER being sick. Emotionally over it, that is. I woke up this morning with the same sore throat, TWO gunky eyes, a stuffed up nose, and body aches. My husband has been a gem all weekend tending to the needs of all who are sick, making sure the kitchen is always cleaned up (a BIG pet peeve of mine when it's not), taking kids to where they need to be, coming each and every time Susanne calls him from her bed, and doing it all with a sweet attitude.
The snow outside is now nearing 6 inches and we are not going to make it for church. Rebecca has come down with this yuck now. So lovely. She's not a very gracious patient unlike her little sister. My attitude is pissy today. I don't want to be sick. I had a million and one things to do this weekend and not one single thing has gotten done.
I hate....I repeat HATE..being sick.
Loathe it with all the fires of Hades.
Yep. I said Hades. H.E. double hockey sticks, Hades. :)
As we walked into the restaurant, I look up and see my ENTIRE family there. Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother-in-law and 2 of their kids. As well as some friends of my parents. I smiled and tried very hard not to look like I was going to pass out. Please God, please let this be a coincidence. As much as I love my family, please don't let this be part of the plan Mr. GT has contrived. I didn't have the energy to force out clever conversation for the next 2 hours. I felt so guilty even thinking those words and when I found out we were all there by coincidence, I felt even guiltier for being relieved. The elevated sounds of the restaurant were hurting my ears, and my muscles groaned with pain with no place to sit while we waited for our pager to go off. I made conversation with my family talking about a variety of things. I knelt down to little girl size and talked with my niece about the fact that she's about to have a sister. The radiant glow on her face at the thought of finally having a baby sister was precious. She told me how she's helping Mommy look for all things pink. She's going to be a big helper. I hugged this little girl a bit too tight because I loved her and I couldn't kiss her. Didn't want her to get sick. My family sweetly offered to let us join them, but I turned them down. Just wanted to be alone with my sweetie. They understood. We were seated and shortly our food came. I downed my ravioli in under 10 minutes. Had good conversation with my husband. Was feeling amazingly better with food in me and I perked up quite a bit.
After dinner, we went home, I changed into some cozies and I began another set of pajama pants. But around the time I was hemming them, I began to feel the droopiness of sickness coming on again. Thankful I had at least finished 1 pair and only had 2 pairs to go, I cleaned up my sewing stuff and crawled into bed. Mr. GT brought in the movie we had rented and we watched it on his laptop in bed. It was cozy and warm. I fell asleep shortly after the movie was over. In the morning, I woke up to a VERY sore throat, one eye completely gunked up and sealed shut, and a headache to beat all headaches.
I've literally spent this entire weekend on the couch. Between nursing Susanne (who is still sick), sleeping, and watching endless crap on t.v., I am OVER being sick. Emotionally over it, that is. I woke up this morning with the same sore throat, TWO gunky eyes, a stuffed up nose, and body aches. My husband has been a gem all weekend tending to the needs of all who are sick, making sure the kitchen is always cleaned up (a BIG pet peeve of mine when it's not), taking kids to where they need to be, coming each and every time Susanne calls him from her bed, and doing it all with a sweet attitude.
The snow outside is now nearing 6 inches and we are not going to make it for church. Rebecca has come down with this yuck now. So lovely. She's not a very gracious patient unlike her little sister. My attitude is pissy today. I don't want to be sick. I had a million and one things to do this weekend and not one single thing has gotten done.
I hate....I repeat HATE..being sick.
Loathe it with all the fires of Hades.
Yep. I said Hades. H.E. double hockey sticks, Hades. :)
So....halfway through the day the achiness began. The foggy brain. I sat down on the couch after lunch and fell asleep for an hour and a half.
I feel like crap. My sinuses are screaming at me.
I can't concentrate on anything. I doubt I'm going to be able to sew either since I can hardly think.
I am glad my kids will be gone this evening so I can rest. I decided to let Mr. Green Thumb take me out to dinner. And then I think I will go to bed.
I am sick on my birthday....((sob))
I feel like crap. My sinuses are screaming at me.
I can't concentrate on anything. I doubt I'm going to be able to sew either since I can hardly think.
I am glad my kids will be gone this evening so I can rest. I decided to let Mr. Green Thumb take me out to dinner. And then I think I will go to bed.
I am sick on my birthday....((sob))
**Had to change the title of this post....it was bringing certain people to my blog.....**
Don't wish me a happy birthday today. I prefer anniversaries now. This year, I am celebrating the anniversary of my 25th birthday. The 12th anniversary of my 25th birthday. Do your math boys and girls and you will realize that Green Thumb Mama is pushing 40 now. On the down slope.
In other birthday news, I asked my husband to give me time alone for my birthday. No him. No kids. No dogs. No stupid cats (one continues to poop everywhere). Just me, chick movies, and sewing. He still doesn't think that is a worthwhile gift. Which frustrates me because apparently he got me a gift with WHAT money...I have no idea. He's so sweet. But I just wanted time alone. Not money we don't have, spent on something. Sigh.
Jonah's mom is having all 3 of my kids (including Jonah because it's his weekend visitation) over to spend the night tonight. My girls and her youngest daughter (she's 10) are buddies of the constantly hugging variety. She tried to find a way to get my husband out of the house too, but he's decided to work on Boy Scout things. She jumped at the chance to help me have "time" alone. I guess only a mother truly understands the once-in-a-while need for time so you're nothing to no one. Time to just do something pleasing for yourself.
In sewing news, I have finished the body of one of the rag dolls - the girl. I found myself giggling all the way through it. It is SO cute. I don't think I will be sewing much on it tonight, though. I have 3 more pairs of pajama pants to get cut and sewn and so I'm thinking I'll work on those for most of this evening.
It's Friday which means that even though it's my "anniversary", I will be cleaning bathrooms and mopping floors. Yippee. Scrubbing toilets on my "anniversary". Can you hear the excitement in my voice? Yeah. The glamorous life of a housewife.
Don't wish me a happy birthday today. I prefer anniversaries now. This year, I am celebrating the anniversary of my 25th birthday. The 12th anniversary of my 25th birthday. Do your math boys and girls and you will realize that Green Thumb Mama is pushing 40 now. On the down slope.
In other birthday news, I asked my husband to give me time alone for my birthday. No him. No kids. No dogs. No stupid cats (one continues to poop everywhere). Just me, chick movies, and sewing. He still doesn't think that is a worthwhile gift. Which frustrates me because apparently he got me a gift with WHAT money...I have no idea. He's so sweet. But I just wanted time alone. Not money we don't have, spent on something. Sigh.
Jonah's mom is having all 3 of my kids (including Jonah because it's his weekend visitation) over to spend the night tonight. My girls and her youngest daughter (she's 10) are buddies of the constantly hugging variety. She tried to find a way to get my husband out of the house too, but he's decided to work on Boy Scout things. She jumped at the chance to help me have "time" alone. I guess only a mother truly understands the once-in-a-while need for time so you're nothing to no one. Time to just do something pleasing for yourself.
In sewing news, I have finished the body of one of the rag dolls - the girl. I found myself giggling all the way through it. It is SO cute. I don't think I will be sewing much on it tonight, though. I have 3 more pairs of pajama pants to get cut and sewn and so I'm thinking I'll work on those for most of this evening.
It's Friday which means that even though it's my "anniversary", I will be cleaning bathrooms and mopping floors. Yippee. Scrubbing toilets on my "anniversary". Can you hear the excitement in my voice? Yeah. The glamorous life of a housewife.
During the years I was blessed to be able to conceive and give birth to my 3 precious children, pregnancy was a very spiritual thing for me. The very idea that this little person, already planned out by God, was inside me growing confounded me every single time. Ultrasounds brought the mystery of life even closer by being able to see my children before they had ever breathed a breath.
My sister had her ultrasound yesterday. She's carrying her 4th little blessing and we were all anxious to hear whether the baby would be a boy, or a girl. It's indeed a girl!!
Then this morning, my sister sent me the photos from the ultrasound of this precious little girl . I got weepy as I looked upon my little niece. She looks very much like her oldest brother. I sat here and stared at her for the longest time praising God for yet another miracle, another new life and I was reminded of David's words in the Psalms:
Indeed how marvelous the miracle of conception and pregnancy....and then to birth. I can't wait to meet my precious little niece in April!
My sister had her ultrasound yesterday. She's carrying her 4th little blessing and we were all anxious to hear whether the baby would be a boy, or a girl. It's indeed a girl!!
Then this morning, my sister sent me the photos from the ultrasound of this precious little girl . I got weepy as I looked upon my little niece. She looks very much like her oldest brother. I sat here and stared at her for the longest time praising God for yet another miracle, another new life and I was reminded of David's words in the Psalms:
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
~Psalm 139:14-16 NLT
Indeed how marvelous the miracle of conception and pregnancy....and then to birth. I can't wait to meet my precious little niece in April!
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